Middlesbrough College and TTE
Student Welcome Pack www.mbro.ac.uk
Millie Jackson Level 3 Media Technical Diploma (Film & Media Production) Previous school: Hurworth School “The College offers an amazing range of student perks. I’ve received free travel to College which has been a huge bonus as I live in Hurworth near Darlington. I’ve been able to use the buses for free and travel on the train for free too! “The College also offers a free laptop scheme - MC Click. I’ve taken advantage of this and have had a brand new laptop throughout the year to support me with my studies. The device is up-todate with the latest software and has allowed me to develop my digital skills, plus I’ve been able to work on the train when I’ve been commuting into College!”
Millie
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Thank you for choosing to study with us! We want to make sure that transitioning from school to College or TTE is as easy as possible, so that’s why we have prepared this booklet for you. The digital guide includes lots of important information that you may need to know before you start at College or TTE. We want you to enjoy your studies here and make the most of every opportunity! We believe your College or TTE experience is more than just gaining a qualification, so that’s why we offer a range of extracurricular activities outside the classroom. This includes our fantastic Sports Academies and Thrive sessions, giving you skills for life, University and an employment edge. If you need any support during your time at College or TTE, our Student Services Team offer a range of services, so no matter what problems may arise, we have a team on hand to help! We’ve also included information on all of our amazing student perks, including
free travel arrangements, MC Click, our free laptop loan device scheme, student bursaries and access to our fantastic facilities! We are proud of our amazing facilities and campus. This includes our STEM training centre, University centre, digital centre, construction skills centre, our Sixth-form centre and campus heart. To stay updated with the College or TTE before you join us, follow us on social media where you can find out all about our latest news, updates and events! I look forward to welcoming you to Middlesbrough College or TTE! Good luck in your last year of school and with your GCSE exams.
Zoe Lewis Principal and Chief Executive
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Choose your pathway A Levels
Choose 3 A Levels to make up your study programme. A Levels are a great option if you are looking to progress to University. They allow you to keep your options open with focused study of three or four subjects across two years. A Levels are assessed through examinations.
A Level Mix it up programme
Choose either 2 A Levels and 1 BTEC or applied subject or 2 BTEC or applied subjects and 1 A Level. Our Mix It Up programme allows you to combine A Levels with an A Level equivalent to create a solid foundation for further academic study.
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Vocational / Technical Courses
Choose 1 vocational programme in a sector that you are interested in. Vocational courses are more practical and hands on and will equip you with skills in a specific sector area which can lead to a job or to University. Vocational courses are assessed through a series of assignments, presentations, practical observations, projects and examinations. You will study 1 vocational course that will make up your full study programme.
T Levels
Apprenticeships
Every T Level student will take an industry placement that lasts at least 45 days, helping you to gain valuable experience in the workplace and allowing employers to meet the new talent in their industry.
Choose 1 apprenticeship vacancy. Apprenticeships allow you to earn whilst you learn! You will come to College alongside your job. An apprenticeship is a great choice if you are eager to earn money straight away and build your skills alongside experienced staff. Apprenticeships are assessed through workplace observations, exams and professional discussions.
Choose 1 T Level programme. T Levels are a new qualification which are an alternative to A Levels. This 2 year qualification will help you to build the future that you want. You’ll spend 80% of your time in the classroom and 20% of your time in the workplace, putting the skills you’ve learnt into action.
T Levels provide the skills, knowledge and experience you need to open the door to highly skilled employment, University or an apprenticeship. T Levels are assessed through practical employer-set projects, assignments and examinations. You’ll choose 1 T Level that will make up your full study programme.
Let's get social Check out our social media by following Middlesbrough College and TTE to stay up to date with all the latest news, events, photos, videos and competitions!
We are on TikTok! Take a look at our videos:
@MiddlesbroughCollege @tte_technical
@MiddlesbroughCollege @TTETechnical
@MbroCollege
@MiddlesbroughCollege
@MbroCollege @TTE_Technical
We are on WhatsApp! 07979 111 313
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What grades do I need? Course Levels and Entry Requirements Not sure what level is right for you? Take a look at our levels guide to see what you need!
Levels Guide Entry Level: These courses will help you build up skills, experience and gain confidence to progress to Level 1. No formal qualifications are needed. Level 1: You must have achieved an appropriate Entry Level vocational qualification and/or GCSEs at grade 2-1 (E-F) or above. Level 2: You must have achieved an appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification and/or GCSEs at mostly grade 3 (D) or above. 6
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Level 3: These include A Levels, vocational qualifications (including Extended Diplomas, Diplomas, Certificates) and apprenticeships. You must have achieved an appropriate Level 2 vocational qualification and/or four GCSEs at grade 4/5 (C) or above. T Levels: You must have achieved 5 GCSEs grade 5 or above (including English and maths). Please note for some courses you will be required to start at Level 1 to gain the technical skills required.
GCSE Grades 9 - A* 8 - A* 7 - A 6 - B 5 - B/C 4 - C 3 - D 2 - E 1 - F/G U - U
We are proud to offer all our students on a full-time study programme the opportunity to loan a laptop for FREE! MC Click will help to develop your digital skills, allow you to complete your work and showcase your skills. You can capture activities on video, create and share, record group discussions and tutor feedback, all with the click of a button!
Find out more about the scheme!
All students will use Microsoft Teams for their work! Microsoft Teams is a fantastic tool and will help you to manage your College work, ask tutors questions, safely store your documents and prepare you for the world of work.
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Additional Learning Support If you have additional needs, we offer a range of support services to help you. We are proud to have a large team of experienced and trained staff who can support you with your studies and we are committed to providing a learning environment in which there is equality for all members of our community. The Additional Learning Support (ALS) Team are experienced and trained staff who can offer a wide range of support services. We will work closely with you to ensure you are provided with an individual support package. We are proud to have the Bullying Intervention Group (BIG) Award which recognises excellent antibullying practice and shows that College takes bullying very seriously and works hard to promote a culture of respect, tolerance and diversity.
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Specialist services we offer include: •
Dyslexia Support Tutors
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Dyscalculia Support Tutors
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Additional maths and English support
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Communication Support Workers for the deaf and notetakers
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IT trainers for the visually impaired
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Specialist LSAs who can provide support for students with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties or an Autistic Spectrum Disorder
The Additional Learning Support Hub is located on the ground floor of the College and provides you with access to our experienced staff and facilities across the day, including quiet study spaces and a relaxing social space. Find out more about our support packages
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LSAs who provide classroom and/or personal care and physical assistance
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A range of assistive technology and software on resources to enable access and inclusion
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Special exam arrangements
If you would like to have a chat in a confidential manner, please contact the ALS Team on 01642 333727.
Student Services Located on the ground floor in the Central Pod and the Wellbeing Centre, our Student Services Team are on hand to provide a range of services to support you throughout your studies. Our services include:
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Safeguarding & welfare Counselling Careers Financial support Travel information Work experience Volunteering Enrichment programme Personal development online sessions 1:1 tutorials Maths & English support
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Student Services Team Your health and wellbeing should be your number one priority, so we’ve made it ours too! Our Student Services Team are on hand to provide a range of services to support you throughout your studies. This includes dedicated safeguarding and welfare officers and our counselling team, which is free and confidential for all students. Support is also available to help you with travel and finance.
If you would like more info on our support packages, visit our website. 10
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We are the only education provider in Middlesbrough to be awarded the Young Carers in Schools Bronze Award! Nicola Jones is our dedicated Student Services & Safeguarding Team Member at TTE! Nicola can provide support to all students during their studies.
Meet Mel, our Senior Safeguarding & Welfare Officer! Mel and the team can offer advice and guidance to you throughout your studies
Counselling & Wellbeing We want you to know that Middlesbrough College and TTE are here for you. We understand that things can happen in life that can make you worried, upset or anxious, but we can support you. Middlesbrough College is a safe and friendly space where you’ll make friends and memories for life! Our trained team are here to listen and help. You can make us aware of any support requirements before you start with us. If you would like to speak to us confidentially, please contact a member of our Wellbeing Team on 01642 333689 or email: swo@mbro.ac.uk
We offer free and confidential counselling to all students!
Denisa
Denisa Sandu A Levels “Coming to the College was quite scary at first because it was a big change for me. I felt a little uncomfortable in such a new environment to begin with, but the staff and teachers at the College were so supportive and really helped me to settle in.”
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Our student perks
Studying can be expensive, so that’s why we give our students the best student perks! Travel
FREE* Bus Travel to College or TTE from across the Tees Valley. Reimbursed Train Travel from designated stations with a 16-17 saver card. *There is a £5 termly admin fee for your bus travel sticker.
Financial help
Students receive help whilst they study with: • • • •
Bursaries of £350 or £1200 per year Support with equipment, costs, and residentials Support with childcare Other course related costs
Financial help and bursaries are all subject to status and means testing. 12
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Head to our website for full details of our student perks!
Laptop Scheme
MC Click All full-time students will be given the opportunity to loan a laptop for free at enrolment which includes the full Microsoft Office suite. This will support your learning, equip you with the tools to succeed and help you to develop and showcase your digital skills.
£15 printing credit and subsidised stationery costs
10% discount on great food
FREE Wi-Fi
20% discount on hair and beauty treatments, plus a free haircut in your first term!
Subsidised childcare costs
FREE College meals*
Access to exciting enrichment activities
(If you currently receive free school meals, this could continue at College) Please see our website for more details.
College gym membership for just a one-off £10 fee!
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Our £20m campus investment We have recently invested in some fantastic facilities for our students.
M
E ID EG DL E SBROUGH COLL
The Campus Heart is a great social space for our students to relax, featuring Costa Coffee, a giant TV screen and our very own Street Eats!
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M
E ID EG DL E SBROUGH COLL
MC Digital Centre We are proud of our industry standard digital school! The centre is home to industry leading programming suites, cyber labs, video editing suites, a games design suite, a full TV and film studio, raspberry Pi's, 3D printer, VR headsets, 360 cameras, motion capture suits, projection mapping, and live streaming tricaster.
Our new Construction Centre
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Engineering & Welding
STEM specialist College We can take your skills higher and get you ready for industry.
Our £20m STEM Engineering Centre is a unique and inspirational space, allowing you to learn new skills in a simulated industrial site!
The STEM Centre embeds industrial competencies and behaviours into your engineering training, allowing you to experience a real work environment and become job ready when you leave us. If you study an engineering, manufacturing or welding course with us you will have access to this facility to learn practical skills such as health and safety, which will complement your theoretical study. You will be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and act professionally when working onsite, just like you would in industry.
The centre will provide additional training to your studies, giving you the advantage when you leave College! You can enhance and improve your CV by undergoing training in:
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Health and Safety Risk Assessments Work Permits Working at Height
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Working in Confined Spaces Manual Handling First Aid at Work
Welding
Electrical Engineering
Inside STEM Centre
Inside TTE Centre
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Aim higher with our Sports Academies
Netball
New for 23/24
You can join a sporting academy alongside your studies! We are proud to be a top performing College and our sporting academies play in the top leagues nationally.
Gymnastics
Cricket 18
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Volleyball
Golf
Football
Table Tennis
Basketball
Swimming
Each sporting academy offers specialist top level coaching to develop excellence and nurture your talent. You’ll take part in competitions and league matches, we offer elite scholarships for students who excel in their field. This includes a free tablet and specialist training.
You don’t need to be doing a sports course to take part in one of our sports academies!
Life beyond lectures
with MC Extra
College isn’t just about study, there are lots of fun things to do in-between lessons! Our enrichment programme, MC Extra, provides you with the opportunity to try something new and expand your skills and talents. We offer everything from Harry Potter club, drama, football, basketball, chess, Lego, book club, board games, magic club, environmental society, netball to Dungeons & Dragons and more! Our enrichment activities are available every day of the College week, so you will always be able to access an activity around your timetable, at a time, location and activity to suit you.
Brengle the therapy dog visits the College!
Understand this, Harry, 'cause it's very important - not all wizards can join Middlesbrough college lego club!
Vladimir Polikarpov - stock.adobe.com
Head to our website to see all the activities on offer! We always welcome new ideas and you can even start your own club, so feel free to pop in and see us at The Wellbeing Centre.
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Our student voice The Student Voice was set-up to make sure you have the best experience possible at College! We listen to your suggestions and concerns and ask the College Management Team to make changes. We would love for you to be involved with our Student Voice- it’s a great way to meet new friends and leave college with an impressive CV!
Become a Class Rep If elected, you are able to become a class and directorate representative. These students attend cross-College meetings and share the views of their peers with senior management.
Student Ambassadors We’re looking for students who want to go above and beyond and support College events and activities such as open evenings and award ceremonies. It's the perfect opportunity to gain new skills, develop your confidence and represent the College.
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Student Union Executive Team Student Union Executive officers are current students who are keen to have specific roles and responsibilities within our Student Voice and take the lead on specific events and activities. These include: • Equality & Diversity Officer • Equality & Diversity Ambassadors • Mental Health & Wellbeing Officer • Anti-bullying Officer • News & Events Officer • Peer Mentors
Student Governors Our Student Governors attend meetings with governors and senior leaders at the College to represent the student community here at the College. You’ll run meetings and feedback to College management to help implement change. It’s a great achievement to add to your CV!
Visit our website to find out more!
University Centre Middlesbrough Choose to take your education higher with our range of University courses! You can stay and study at Middlesbrough College's University Centre. We can take your education higher with a degree and you can stay local and save money too. Our University Centre offers you a practical alternative to a traditional University, where you are able to study University Level qualifications right up to master's level whilst benefitting from our specialist teaching environments, 1:1 support, small class sizes and activities linked to employers and industry.
93% of students agreed that their course
at University Centre Middlesbrough provided them with excellent learning opportunities and developed their knowledge and skills for the future! -National Student Survey 2023
Head to our website for more information about our University Level Courses
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We offer courses in:
Study at TTE, the North East’s leading technical training provider to the oil & gas, process, manufacturing and engineering sectors! TTE is part of the Middlesbrough College Group and we deliver a range of hands-on, practical courses and have strong links with employers. We are proud to train students for industry, ensuring they have the skills employers need right now!
• • • • •
Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Instrumentation Engineering Process Operations Wind Turbine Technology
Why study with TTE? • • • • • • • •
We offer industry recognised technical qualifications Ability to have a ‘hands-on’ workshop experience Support with maths and English Focused life-skills sessions to enhance personal development and employment prospects Confidential pastoral support service An environment that encourages safe working, equal opportunities and inclusive support Successful progression opportunities onto apprenticeships in industry All TTE students have access to the same student perks as students at Middlesbrough Collegethe best in the region!
More than half of the school leavers who study at TTE secure an apprenticeship with the remainder progressing to University or employment.
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New TTE Centre coming September 2024!
We are so excited that our brand-new TTE Centre will be ready for September 2024! The new facility will be based at Middlesbrough College’s Middlehaven campus and will train over 300 full-time students, 300 apprentices and 500 adults each year, alongside a thriving cohort of international students. The state-of-the-art centre will include: • 7 Large multifunction/ multidiscipline workshops to provide for Instrumentation, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Process Engineering and Net Zero Low Carbon Technology Workspaces • 7 breakout classrooms and study spaces
You’ll be the first to study in our brand-new centre!
Luke Luke Summers Level 3 Electrical Engineering Previous school: Egglescliffe School Luke studied the Level 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering course at TTE and with the support of the staff at College, he has now progressed to a fantastic apprenticeship with Quorn Foods. “I have gained a lot of industry and life experience through TTE, and they have helped develop my skills. I wish to advance in my trade further and hopefully become a chartered electrical engineer.”
• Large Conference Room and staff workspaces • Student social and welfare areas The new centre is being built to sustainable design principles with features including a full photovoltaic solar roof. It also offers easy access to wider campus facilities and transport links.
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Apprenticeships – Earn whilst you learn ! Apprenticeships are practical, hands-on programmes designed to provide you with relevant training to kick-start your career. This is a practical route to employment and is a great way to gain what employers are looking for. Apprenticeships explained
Types of apprenticeships:
Northern Skills are the apprenticeship and training arm of Middlesbrough College, we work with a huge range of employers across the North East and beyond. Our Apprenticeships Team and experienced training advisers work together to deliver apprenticeship training and assessments at all levels and have helped thousands of young people secure an apprenticeship in their chosen career, putting them on the fast track to success.
Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship equivalent to five GCSEs at grade 4/5 (C)
Apprenticeships will enable you to work alongside experienced staff in addition to studying for an industry recognised qualification (usually one day a week) and earn a wage at the same time. Apprenticeship benefits: • • • • • • 24
You will work alongside your studies earning a wage Be treated with respect and gain hands-on experience Receive hands-on training Learn job specific skills A practical route to learning Avoid University loan debts www.mbro.ac.uk
Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship equivalent to two A Levels Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship equivalent to a degree level qualification
How to apply for your apprenticeship You can apply for your apprenticeship vacancy through Middlesbrough College! Our team can support you with your application.
Check out our current apprenticeship vacancies at northernskills.co.uk Make sure you have a Plan B! You must apply for a full-time course in your chosen industry with Middlesbrough College so if you can’t find the right apprenticeship you are still set to study in September!
Student profile
Apprenticeships are competitive so you will need to ace your application and prepare for your interview, so you stand out from other applicants!
Libby
You can register your interest by signing up to our apprenticeship bulletin - just visit the Northern Skills website to sign yourself up! www.northernskills.co.uk
Libby Palmer Level 3 Dental Nursing Libby is now the Assistant Practice Manager at Elliott McCarthy Dental and Implant Clinic
Alternatively email one of our apprenticeship experts for more information on: info@northernskills.co.uk
“The great thing about an apprenticeship is that as soon as you’ve got your qualification, you can begin to move in so many different directions – the career ladder is never ending.
❱❱ Check out Northern Skills online by scanning the QR code
Did you know? We are one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the North East and we are in the top 10% for apprentice outcomes in the country!
I hope to become a practice manager, and because of my apprenticeship, my potential routes to achieving that goal are amazing. My time at the practice and in College really co-ordinated well, I had a great dental tutor and assessor, whose support was always there if I needed it.”
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We did it!
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1. Over 50% of A Level students achieved high grades
2. 94% of full-time students secured a positive destination after completing their course
3. Outstanding 1:1 support for students
4. Over 1,000 students apply to University each year
5. Almost 80% of students successfully gained a place at their University of choice in August 2023
6. We are Ofsted rated Good
7. We train over 1500 apprentices
8. 99% overall T Level pass rate
9. In the top 10% for apprenticeships
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Celebrating our students
Logan Analise
Analise Williams earned a Distinction grade in her T Level Health qualification. She is heading to Teesside University to study for a degree in Paramedic Practice. “My favourite part of the T Levels course has definitely been the practical learning, especially the hands-on work in the second year, and of course the placement. I’m a practical person, which is why I chose T Levels, because I wanted to learn on the job.”
Aaron
Aaron Burton secured A*’s in mathematics and further mathematics and an A in his physics A Levels and progressed to Durham University to study for a degree in mathematics. “The support I’ve had from my tutors here at the College has been great, they’ve given me the guidance I needed to succeed in my A Levels and built my confidence when I was struggling. I’m so pleased with my results and can’t wait to get to Durham University and eventually launch a career in statistics.”
Logan Riley earned himself a Merit on his Design Surveying and Planning for Construction T Level course. He is now starting his apprenticeship at Rainham Industrial Services as a Quantity Surveyor and is looking at doing part time study at Northumbria University to further his qualifications. “If anyone is considering applying for a T Level at Middlesbrough College, I’d just say go for it. There’s nothing else like it that gives you the theory as well as that experience in the workplace.” 27
Our Institute of Technology status We are thrilled to be part of the North East Institute of Technologya leading provider of technical education! We are the only provider of IoT accredited courses in the Tees Valley. The prestigious IoT status ensures that the College delivers high-quality technical qualifications and bespoke training and provides routes for people of all ages and existing employees to gain industry specific skills. Some of our school leaver courses are IoT recognised - look out for the IoT badge in our course section!
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My Middlesbrough College App Our app will help you to get the most out of College life!
When you become a student with us, we will help you download the My Middlesbrough College app on your phone and laptop as this is our primary method of communication with you. You can find lots of information on the app about transport, support, LRC opening times, Café menus and what is happening in the College.
The app can be downloaded from Apple or Google Play and download instructions will be given to you during induction.
Only available to enrolled students
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Here's a list of useful contacts for your phone: Main College number 01642 333333
Wellbeing/counselling 01642 333868
Course information 01642 333700
Additional support hub 01642 333727
Financial assistance 01642 333613
Learning resource centre 01642 333226
Middlesbrough College Dock Street Middlesbrough TS2 1AD
Safeguarding 01642 333527
Careers team 01642 333477
Tel: 01642 333333 www.mbro.ac.uk
Student services 01642 333606
Admissions 01642 333601
TTE Edison House, Middlesbrough Rd E, Middlesbrough TS6 6TZ Tel: 01642 462266 www.tte.co.uk
ambition