Learner Information and Student Services Booklet

Adult Skills

at Ashton Sixth Form College Learner Information and Student Services Booklet for Adult Skills Learners.

Welcome to

Learning Agreement:

at Ashton Sixth Form College

This agreement explains what services we will provide and gives details of what you can expect from us. It also outlines what we expect from learners. We value the diversity of our learners and are committed to providing a high standard of provision and service for all.

Adult Skills Dear Learner, Welcome to Adult Skills at Ashton Sixth Form College. We offer a range of adult courses for learners. May I take this opportunity to wish you every success with your chosen course of study.

Jo Fletcher-Saxon Assistant Principal Higher Education, Skills and International

Our Commitments:

respectful way.

We will provide advice on courses taking account of your qualifications, interests and career choices.

You are expected to aim for 100% attendance and be punctual, and never less than 95% attendance.

We will provide the opportunity to study for an appropriate qualification and also to add breadth to your learning experience.

You will never take holidays during term time.

We will provide an induction to college.

We will provide thoroughly prepared and varied teaching and learning that supports individual achievement.

We will provide information at regular intervals on your progress.

We will provide access to additional learning support.

We will provide a range of pastoral support services.

We will provide the opportunity to evaluate college provision and pass on your views/suggestions.

We will provide a safe environment and access to resources.

We will provide an honest and fair reference for either Higher Education or employment.

Your Commitments: You will have high expectations and conduct yourself in a considerate and

You will be on time to all lessons and carry your student ID card at all times.

You are expected to have full attendance at all scheduled examination periods at the college.

You are exoected to report all absences to the College, ensuring they are genuine and authorised.

For students with learning difficulties or disabilities we will: Provide specialist assessment of your learning needs.

Provide a wide range of support and services according to individual need.

For the community we will: Promote Higher Education for all.

Provide new technology and a wide range of strategies to continue to improve access and widen participation.

What to do if things go wrong: Discuss the issue with your Tutor or Head of Department as soon as possible so that we can address the matter in a speedy and appropriate manner. If this approach does not resolve the problem to your satisfaction, you could consult your Tutor for advice on using the

Complaints Procedure.

All complaints are considered carefully and outcomes reviewed regularly by the Senior Leadership Team.

College Policies: College policies and other information are available from the Senior Admissions Officer. These include: • • • • • • • • • •

Academic Skills Policy Health, Safety and Welfare Policy College Prospectus Complaints Procedure Admissions Appeal Policy Learning Agreement Fees Policy Pastoral Policy Student Conduct Policy Induction Period Policy

To access any of this information, please contact the Higher Education Senior Admissions Officer or visit the College website at www.asfc.ac.uk.

Equal Opportunities: Ashton Sixth Form College values the diversity of its student population and all students and staff are requested to abide by its equal opportunities policy. This says that no one should be disadvantaged or discriminated against because of their skin colour, gender, cultural background, disability, class, sexuality or age.

Ashton Sixth Form College has an excellent track record for working with students with disabilities to help them to be successful on their courses. You may not choose to disclose or discuss your disability to us, however by letting us know of your needs before you enrol, we can put the necessary support in place.

Support and Facilities: Course & Finance Enquiries: Lisa Pagan (Senior Admissions Officer) and Lynette Grindley (Marketing Assistant) are the first point of contact for all course enquiries and can also provide information on funding, 24+ Advanced Learning Loans sources of financial assistance if you need help paying for your studies, and advice if you are studying whilst in receipt of benefits: Lisa Pagan Senior Admissions Officer 0161 666 8215 lisa.pagan@asfc.ac.uk Lynette Grindley Marketing Assistant 0161 666 8215 lynette.grindley@asfc.ac.uk Student Finance is now available for learners aged 24 and over who are studying a Level 3 course at the

College. On enrolment, you will be issued with a Learning and Funding Information Letter, which gives you essential information on the option of applying for a loan from Student Finance England. To find out more, log onto: www.gov.uk/advanced-learningloans/how-to-claim

Additional Learning Support:

Counselling Support:

The Additional Learning Support team has experienced, professional staff dedicated to providing support for students with additional needs. This can range from giving specialist tuition for students with specific learning difficulties, to making sure the college is accessible for learners with mobility impairments or medical conditions.

Our counsellor is available to talk through any confidential problems and issues with learners on a one-toone basis. If you feel you require this service, please make an appointment.

• Assessments and support for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, visual impairment, hearing impairment, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and physical medical conditions.

• Help with applying for the Disabled Students Allowance for students going on to higher education • Special exam arrangements • Study skills

Careers Education and Guidance:

If you feel you need extra support please contact your course tutor.

Nigel Rennison can be contacted by learners who require additional support: Nigel Rennison Inclusive Learning Manager 0161 330 2330 Chaplaincy: Our resident chaplain offers a friendly and welcoming service for students of all faiths: Jean Hurlston College Chaplain 0161 330 2330 (ext. 344)

Claire Shaw College Counsellor 0161 330 2330 (ext. 309)

Our Careers Department can be contacted for specialist advice on careers and progression into Higher Education or employment: Denise Walker Careers, Education and Guidance Manager 0161 330 2330 (ext. 217)

Library and Learning Resources Centre:

Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8:15am - 4:30pm

The LRC provides all students with a range of services and facilities to support and enhance their learning experience, offering a friendly and supportive working environment.

Wednesday and Thursday 8:15am - 8:00pm Student ID Cards:

These cards are issued when you start your course. All adult students should • Internet access carry this with them at all times when • Quiet work environment in College. This allows us to protect • Staff help including colour printing, everyone’s security and safety. You must scanning, access to college never use your card to let someone else catalogue of books, journals, in: if they haven’t got a card, it is possible videos, DVDs, stationery shops. they are not a member of the College Students must have their ID card to community. If you forget your card please take any item out of the centre and to report to reception. A replacement can access the computers. be requested for £5.

The LRC is on the top floor of the Geoff Higgins Building (room GH 2.5).The LRC is open:

Health & Safety: Emergencies:

Accidents and First Aid:

If you discover a fire, you must sound the alarm immediately using a standard red “Break-Glass” box. You will find these near every exit.

Luckily we have very few accidents at College, and most are very minor.

If you are unlucky enough to have an accident it is essential you do the following;

We have only 1 loud alarm – if you hear it you must evacuate quickly but calmly by following the green arrow signs. Assemble safely inside any car park gate.

If you need First Aid assistance, ask any member of staff to get help from a College First Aider by ringing extension 201 or using the 2-way radios.

Await instructions from the responsible As soon as it is safe to do so, help the member of staff – DO NOT re-enter member of staff responsible for you until they say it is safe. complete an Accident Report.

DO NOT fight the fire – we don’t expect If we need to do anything to prevent it you to put yourself in any danger. We happening again we will do so as soon call the Fire Service out to do that. as we can – your Accident Report helps us do just that.

Reporting Anything Dangerous: If you see anything that might be a risk to safety or security you must report it to the member of staff responsible for you AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The College will do anything it can to put the problem right and look after the safety and security of everyone at the College. Examples of things to report include suspicious looking people, damaged property/furniture/ equipment, potential fire hazards.

Please ensure that you have a copy of our Health & Safety Induction Booklet.

Contacts: Jo Fletcher-Saxon Assistant Principal: Higher Education, Skills and International 0161 666 8224 jo.fletcher-saxon@asfc.ac.uk

Lynette Grindley Marketing Assistant 0161 666 8215 lynette.grindley@asfc.ac.uk

Angela McGibbon Deputy Director of Higher Education and Adult Skills 0161 666 8248 angela.mcgibbon@asfc.ac.uk

Lisa Brogan Evening Administration 0161 666 8260 lisa.brogan@asfc.ac.uk

Lisa Pagan Senior Admissions Officer 0161 666 8215 lisa.pagan@asfc.ac.uk

Ashton Sixth Form College Darnton Road Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9RL W: www.asfc.ac.uk E: AdultEd@asfc.ac.uk T: 0161 666 8215