Information for parents and carers 2020-22

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

2020-22

Rochdale Sixth Form College

TERM & HOLIDAY DATES

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Tuesday 1 September 2020

Year 12 Induction

Wednesday 2 September 2020

Year 12 Induction

Thursday 3 September

Year 13 Induction and teaching commences

Thursday 22 October 2020

College closes - half term

Monday 2 November 2020

College reopens

Friday 18 December 2020

College closes - end of term

Monday 4 January 2021

College reopens - start of term

Thursday 11 February 2021

College closes - half term

Monday 22 February 2021

College reopens

Thursday 1 April 2021

College closes - end of term

Monday 19 April 2021

College reopens - start of term

Monday 3 May 2021

College closure - bank holiday

Friday 28 May 2021

College closes - half term

Monday 7 June 2021

College reopens

Wednesday 7 July 2021

College closes - end of term

Information for Parents and Carers

From the Principal I am delighted that your son/daughter has chosen RSFC as the place to study for what I am sure will be a successful two years.

The transition from year 11 to sixth form is an exciting one. A new environment, new courses, new friends and the opportunity to be part of a real sixth form community. At RSFC we value each and every student who walks through our doors. We aim to get to know our students well and also have the highest of expectations. Our mantra is one of “compassionate rigour”; this means we aim to look after your son/daughter over the next two years so that they are able to make the right choices and reach their goals.

Our students consistently perform at the very highest level. As a result, RSFC is regularly at the top of the Department for Education’s progress tables and Ofsted judges the college as outstanding.

This success is a tribute to the hard work of our students and the commitment and support staff provide on a daily basis.

Once again welcome to RSFC and I wish your son/daughter every success as part of the RSFC community.

Best wishes RICHARD RONKSLEY

Principal/CEO

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Rochdale Sixth Form College

RSFC10 RSFC expects students to fulfil the terms of their student learning agreement, this incorporates the RSFC 10.

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Attend all lessons on time with the correct equipment

This means subject lessons, tutorials, enrichment activities and one-to-one interviews and appointments. Attendance will be closely monitored in college through ‘Cedar’ and this is available for parents/carers. It is simple – students who attend all lessons get the most out of college and maximise their potential. Below 95% attendance would be regarded as a serious concern. You should ensure absences are reported to the college by 8:45am on any day you may be absent.

Students signed their learning agreement at enrolment. Here they agreed to uphold all the values that underline everything we aim to do as a sixth form college.

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Have high expectations of yourself and your college

You are part of the RSFC community because you are a bright, capable young adult who can achieve great things. Don’t waste the opportunity - have high expectations of yourself and your college. Never settle for second best!

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Treat all fellow students and the staff with respect

RSFC is a working community where all people are respected and supported. We expect that other students, staff and the public be treated with respect and courtesy. We expect tolerance of other people’s views, that you comply with the college code of conduct and be aware that you are an ambassador of the college and represent RSFC at all times; not just on the college premises.

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Always complete classwork and homework to the best of your ability

Keep to the deadlines set by your teachers as it will ensure you stay organised and stress free! If you are having difficulty in meeting a deadline, then talk to your teacher and do not “bury your head in the sand” thinking it will go away – staff are here to help and will be understanding.

Information for Parents and Carers

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Be respectful of the college environment, complete work quietly and tidy away after yourself

The college environment is your responsibility!

RSFC has an excellent reputation for how the college is treated by all staff and students and it is your responsibility to maintain this. Always use the bins to clear up when you have used the study areas, Faraday’s and Forum and be respectful of others who will be sharing the space for their own study.

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Take responsibility for your own learning, use study periods wisely, attend revision sessions and seek help from the subject teachers when needed

In addition to your core programme of study, tutorials and enrichment you will have study periods – for the first time as you don’t have them at school! The Achievement Centre is available to you every day where you can get one- to-one help with study skills and personal organisation.

Also, teachers are available in the curriculum resource bases if you wish to go through work on a one-to-one basis. There are also study areas with IT facilities on each floor and Faraday’s on the 5th floor.

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Behave appropriately around college

We aim to develop confident young adults who feel safe at all times. We expect all students and staff to demonstrate social, cultural, spiritual and moral awareness at all times. RSFC students are expected to be thoughtful, caring and active at RSFC and in the wider community.

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Wear your Student I.D. card at all times and ensure it is visible

To make sure that the college is a safe environment for all, you should always wear your ID card and be prepared to show it to any member of staff if asked to do so.

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Book holidays outside of term time

You should not book holidays during term time; losing vital days and weeks of study through taking a holiday will impact on your achievement and performance in examinations. This is regarded as unacceptable at RSFC and will not be authorised.

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Do not let part-time work interfere with college work

You should have a balance; A levels require independent study.

We encourage you to obtain a part-time job as it is great experience, however, you should at no point let this interfere with college work – i.e. it should not be during college hours and we recommend no more than 8 hours per week.

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THE ‘RSFC 10’ IS YOUR STUDENT LEARNING AGREEMENT - YOUR CONTRACT WITH RSFC.

We want every single one of you to succeed and we will go the extra mile to get you to where you want to be.

It is a partnership and we will work as a team; please take very seriously the commitments you make when signing your student learning agreement.

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Rochdale Sixth Form College

Your Son/Daughter’s Journey at RSFC 2020

SEPTEMBER Students will enrol at RSFC. Students receive their minimum target grades (MTGs) and meet their SPDL and subject teachers.

Enrichment choices will be made in the first week of term.

2021 JANUARY/ FEBRUARY Students will sit synoptic assessments which will be followed by a results day and parents’/carers’ evening.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER Student progress monitoring – every student will discuss their progress with subject teachers and their SPDL on a one-to-one basis. Individual student action plans will be available for parents and carers to view on Cedar.

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MARCH Student progress monitoring will take place for a second time in a series of one-to-one discussions with their subject teachers and SPDLs. Individual student action plans will be available for parents and carers to view on Cedar.

JUNE/JULY Students will sit synoptic assessments which will be followed by a consultation day. Students will also receive their university predicted grades on this day. Two progression days take place where students will have a multitude of opportunities to assist them in the development of their plan for after they leave RSFC. Teaching ends on Wednesday 7 July.

Information for Parents and Carers

2022 SEPTEMBER Term begins week commencing 30 August.

Students will continue their A level studies.

OCTOBER Early entry university applications to be completed by mid October.

AUGUST A level and GCSE examination results are published.

DECEMBER University application internal deadline.

JANUARY Students will sit synoptic assessments. UCAS applications have been submitted and interviews for some courses will commence.

NOVEMBER Synoptic assessments followed by parents’/carers’ evening.

Student progress monitoring begins again – every student will discuss their progress with subject teachers and their SPDL on a one-to-one basis. Individual student action plans will be available for parents and carers to view on Cedar.

JUNE Examinations begin and continue through to July.

MARCH Student progress monitoring will take place for a second time in a series of one-to-one discussions with their subject teachers and SPDLs. Individual student action plans will be available for parents and carers to view on Cedar.

AUGUST Final A level examination results are published.

University places are confirmed.

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Rochdale Sixth Form College

WHAT IF MY SON/ DAUGHTER IS ABSENT? Your son or daughter has received information relating to our expectations for attendance and punctuality. Our expectations are summarised below for your information.

Excellent attendance is one of the key factors to a student’s success at the college. It is the students’ responsibility to have a high attendance rate and prompt start to all classes – this is a top priority.

Attendance is always required on references for universities and employers!

Your son or daughter’s SPDL will review their attendance on a daily basis and will discuss any difficulties or concerns relating to attendance or punctuality with them. Your son or daughter’s attendance record is available to view on Cedar and you will receive a text message each day an absence is recorded.

PERMITTED ABSENCE

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THE FOLLOWING ARE EXAMPLES OF PERMITTED ABSENCE: nH ospital or orthodontist appointments which cannot be arranged outside college hours, backed by evidence of an appointment card or letter from the health provider to student administration nA family bereavement nA ttendance at a family funeral, a letter/ phone call is required from your parent/ carer nR eligious festivals notified in advance (24 hours) by a letter/phone call from your parent/carer

Any absence from college will be recorded on a student’s attendance record. The college recognises that some absences are unavoidable and will authorise these.

nV isit to a university to attend an open day or interview; a career related interview or audition, production of a letter/email to your son/daughter’s SPDL is required beforehand

Routine medical and dental appointments are not permitted reasons to be absent and will be recorded as unauthorised. Evidence of absences should be taken to the student administration office situated on the fifth floor. Depending on the nature of the absence, it may be advisable for your son or daughter to speak to their SPDL.

nD riving test and theory test (not a driving lesson), and evidence is required

Information for Parents and Carers

MONITORING YOUR SON/ DAUGHTER’S ATTENDANCE Your son/daughter’s attendance data will be available to view on a live basis on Cedar; the college portal. If your son/daughter thinks that their attendance record is incorrect, they should discuss the issue with the teacher concerned.

Marks will not be changed where prior evidence was required but not produced in advance.

THE FOLLOWING ARE EXAMPLES OF UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE: n Illness (your son/daughter’s SPDL will discuss any specific support arrangements they require for longer term illnesses and any unique circumstances they may have)

UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE All other absences will be classed as unauthorised. These are absences where there are not adequate reasons to justify missing classes. As with all absences, a parent or carer will need to contact the college before 8:45am on each day of absence. The college has a commitment to notify the main contact students supplied on their application form about unauthorised absences. On each day of absence we will send a text message to the main contact even if they have phoned to notify the college of your absence. Your SPDL will discuss any unauthorised absences with you each week.

NOTE: If there is no alternative available and the reason is an acceptable one, the absence will be authorised (permitted absence).

nH olidays during term time nD octor/dentist appointments nP art-time or full-time work nL eisure activities nB irthdays or similar celebrations nR eligious festivals not notified at least 24 hours in advance nB abysitting for younger siblings/family members nA ccompanying family members to appointments nD riving lessons nE xclusion from lessons or the college site nA ny permitted absence where evidence is required but has not been provided

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Rochdale Sixth Form College

HOW TO ADVISE THE COLLEGE THAT YOUR SON/ DAUGHTER IS GOING TO BE ABSENT UNPLANNED ABSENCES A parent/carer should ring the attendance line on 01706 769819 before 8:45am on each day of absence.

You will need the following information: nY our son/daughter’s full name and date of birth n Reason for absence nF irst date of absence (and time, if less than a full day) nL ast date of absence, if known (and time, if less than a full day) ILLNESS DURING THE COLLEGE DAY If your son/daughter is at college and feel they have to go home early, they will need to see their SPDL. If the SPDL supports their absence, your son/daughter’s main contact will be informed that they are going home.

PLANNED ABSENCES Prior to the planned absence, your son/ daughter should visit the student administration office, taking any evidence they can provide. Your son/daughter will be advised whether their absence will be classed as a permitted absence or an unauthorised absence.

Religious holidays must be notified at least 24 hours in advance to be classed as a permitted absence.

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COLLEGE RELATED TRIPS AND VISITS If your son/daughter is going to be absent from any subject or enrichment classes because they have an activity planned in a different subject, their absence will be permitted. Students are asked to inform teachers of any lessons they will miss in advance.

ARRIVING LATE If a student arrives late they should go straight to class where they will be marked present, but late. Students are asked to speak to their teacher at the end of the class to explain the reason for their lateness and to check that they have not been marked as absent. If a student arrives late for class on a regular basis, their teacher will discuss this with them and may speak with their SPDL. Your son/daughter’s SPDL will speak with them about any patterns of unacceptable punctuality.

If a student has arrived so late that they have missed a class and they think the reason may be a permitted one, they should go to the student administration office when they have their next break. If your son/daughter knows they are going to miss a class due to lateness, they should inform the student administration office on the attendance line. Your son/ daughter’s main contact will receive a text message each day they miss one or more lessons due to lateness.

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10 THE RSFC 10

Information for Parents and Carers

The RSFC 10 is the Student Learning Agreement – their contract with RSFC. We want every single student to succeed and we will go the extra mile to get them to where they want to be. It is a partnership and we will work as a team; we don’t expect any RSFC student to be subject to the RSFC disciplinary system.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF MY SON/DAUGHTER’S STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT LEADER (SPDL)?

All students will have an SPDL who will closely monitor their academic progress, and encourage them to achieve their potential throughout their time at college. Their SPDL is the one person who will have an overview of their academic and personal development and ensure that they are on track.

The care they receive will ensure that they feel supported to face the challenges they experience in this critical time of their life. In many ways, the SPDL is like the head of year or achievement leader role in a school.

The role of the SPDL is central to everything students do.

Their SPDL will be there to guide them through their course and is the key person who will really get to know them whilst at college. In many ways, their SPDL will be the professional and critical friend who is their first line of support. They will have a range of informal and formal conversations with their SPDL, including weekly group tutorials and regular one-to-one sessions as part of the college progress monitoring process.

As part of the monitoring process, your son/daughter’s SPDL will create an action plan on Cedar including targets for your son/daughter to complete.

This will be available to view on Cedar. You will also be invited to attend a parents’/carers’ evening to discuss your son/ daughter’s progress. We will communicate with parents/ carers via email. Please log-in to Cedar to check your details are up-to-date.

THE STUDENT PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM Laura Ainscow-Gorst l.ainscow-gorst@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 869 Lee Crabtree l.crabtree@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 933 Helen Dainty h.dainty@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 838 Tom Earle t.earle@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 847 Gabriella Hill g.hill@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 941 Nicola Knott n.knott@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 830 Alan Miller a.miller@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 962 Chris Reddy c.reddy@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 941 Sarah Stroud s.stroud@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 898 Claire Tattersall c.tattersall@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 848 Sarah Turner s.turner@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 963 Nick Vile n.vile@rochdalesfc.ac.uk 01706 769 842

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Rochdale Sixth Form College

IS THERE A DISCIPLINARY CODE? At RSFC, we believe in entering into a partnership with every single student who walks through our doors – there is no ‘them and us’, staff and students work as a team.

We believe in some basic principles.

Everyone in the college has the responsibility to help create a happy learning environment. Put simply, we want everyone to feel as though they are treated as an individual, an exceptional and a valuable person.

We do not apologise for having high expectations and we expect all students to respond positively to the warm partnership existing between students and staff – that is the way it is at RSFC! On the rare occasion that we have concerns about progress or behaviour, students may be subject to the RSFC disciplinary system as outlined here: ACADEMIC UNDERPERFORMANCE Academic underperformance may be caused by issues such as poor attendance and punctuality, a lack of work, poor time management or too many outside commitments.

This type of problem will inevitably impact upon the outcomes for the student and the reaction to it by RSFC is to minimise the impact and to provide supportive systems to enable improvement in academic performance.

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INFORMAL STAGE If a teacher has concerns regarding a student’s progress in their subject, in the first instance they will discuss this with the student to identify where improvements can be made, where action can and needs to be taken, and offer immediate support/ interventions. This is normal practice and outside the scope of this policy.

However, should these concerns be prolonged, the informal stage will commence.

SPDL INVOLVEMENT In the event that such measures prove to be ineffective, the teacher, student and SPDL will devise an action plan to address the areas of concern.

STAGE 1 CONTRACT If these actions are not completed within the agreed timescale, a stage 1 contract may be put in place by the SPDL and the parent/carer will be informed.

STAGE 2 CONTRACT In exceptional circumstances, where it is deemed that the student is failing to respond positively to the support on offer and no progress is being made, the SPDL will consult with a member of the senior leadership team (SLT) and may decide to escalate this to a stage 2 contract. Before initiating a stage 2 contract, the member of SLT will normally call a meeting, to which the student, their subject teachers, SPDL and parents/carers will be invited.

BEHAVIOUR AND CONDUCT By signing the learning agreement (the RSFC 10) at enrolment, students are accepting the terms and conditions of this code, which aims to ensure that staff and students can work in a safe and considerate environment that supports learning.

SUMMARY The member of SLT will decide whether the formal disciplinary procedure needs to be followed. If not, the member of SLT will communicate with the SPDL and decide on an appropriate action.

faqs

Information for Parents and Carers

Frequently Asked Questions WHAT WILL MY SON/ DAUGHTER STUDY?

The government has reformed A level qualifications. From September 2017 all qualifications are linear, meaning all exams are taken at the end of year 13.

In year 12, all students will study 3 or 4 courses, alongside at least one hour of enrichment and a group tutorial. Students will also participate in a social development programme between January and April. Students will also be required to attend one-to-one sessions with their SPDL and any other additional sessions when required.

In year 13, students will continue to study the same 3 or 4 courses from year 12.

There is also the opportunity for students to complete the extended project qualification (EPQ). Students will continue to attend a group tutorial session each week.

IS THERE A STUDENT DRESS CODE? RSFC students are expected to dress in a manner appropriate to a purposeful, safe, secure and diverse sixth form college.

Whilst we recognise that self-expression is part of being an emerging adult, items of dress that may reasonably be expected to cause offence to any member of the college community, such as t-shirts bearing inappropriate language or images, or particularly revealing items of clothing, are not allowed to be worn.

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Rochdale Sixth Form College

CAN MY SON/DAUGHTER GO ON EXCURSIONS? n RSFC will offer a variety of excursions to students during their time at the college, as we believe it enhances their education n Participation on most excursions is optional n For any excursions that are a compulsory part of an external examination specification, it will be paid for by the college n For any optional excursions where students have difficulty in meeting the expense incurred, the student should consult their SPDL, as help might well be available n For all excursions out of college, parents carers are required to complete a consent form to confirm their agreement with, and their understanding of the arrangements

HOW DOES RSFC SAFEGUARD STUDENTS?

The care and wellbeing of all young people in the college is of paramount importance. The college takes seriously its legal responsibility with regard to the Children Act 2004. The college actively promotes health awareness amongst students, and each member of the college community has an individual responsibility for health and safety.

College staff cannot always offer absolute confidentiality to students. There are clear situations when it is essential that staff share information with their colleagues, for instance, when there is suspicion or evidence that a student is in danger of being harmed or abused.

Please contact Helen Dainty or Sarah Stroud, (designated safeguarding leads) if you have any suspicions that a student is in danger of harm or abuse. We have a legal obligation to refer any suspicions of harm or abuse to the Rochdale Borough Child Safeguarding Board.

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Information for Parents and Carers

WHAT IS THE BURSARY FUND?

The bursary fund is a payment made to eligible students to support those who may be at risk of leaving college due to financial hardship.

Support may be given on assessment in a variety of ways, including support with travel costs, equipment, books and other course related costs.

To receive regular support from the fund, students must have 100% attendance and punctuality. Unsatisfactory effort and behaviour can result in the support being withdrawn for a period of time. An information pack which outlines the application process and lists the eligibility criteria is available from the finance office.

WHY MIGHT THE COLLEGE CHARGE FOR ACTIVITIES? nT he college does have to make charges to students for certain additional activities. These are activities that are not compulsory parts of their course.

It might be a business trip to a local firm, or a geography trip to Iceland, for example. nW e believe that the education of our students is much enhanced by the many opportunities which are offered, such as activities and excursions out of the college, although they may not always be an essential part of any course and therefore, are not funded by the government.

HOW DO I MAKE A COMPLAINT?

The procedure for dealing with complaints about any aspect of college life is detailed in the complaints policy on the college website. Parents should address their complaints directly to the principal. Any complaints will be acknowledged within one working week.

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2020-22

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS Rochdale Sixth Form College College Road Rochdale OL12 6HY 01706 769800 info@rochdalesfc.ac.uk