Swindon College
STUDENT
GUIDE YOUR GUIDE TO YOUR COLLEGE
WELCOME
Welcome from the Principal This Guide is packed with information to help guide you through your first days at College. It is also useful to refer to throughout the year for contact numbers, key dates and opening times. Swindon College caters for a wide range of students with different backgrounds and abilities. This guide is for all students and if you have ideas for improvements we’d love to hear from you. We offer a friendly, supportive learning environment and we really want you to make the most of your time here to achieve your goals. Good luck with your studies.
Andrew Miller
Principal and CEO, Swindon College
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CONTENTS Student Voice 4 Dates for your Diary 5 Student Council 6 Star Student Awards 7 Student Agreement 8 Student Enrichment Centre 10 Course Reps 12 Safeguarding 12 Security 14 You and your Tutor 15 College Code of Conduct 16 Equality and Diversity 17 Student Services 18 Student Finance 19 Additional learning Support 20 Student Experience Team 21 Chaplaincy Team 22 Counselling 23 Learning Resource Centre 24 The Zone 25 HE Centre 26 Absence 27
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STUDENT VOICE
Meet Mike Titcombe ‘Student Voice Co-ordinator’ Mike will be introducing himself to you very soon. His main role will be to facilitate the Student Voice for further and higher education courses, take on the role as the lead student governor and to support and enhance the Students Voice across College via a range of actions including co-chairing the Student Council.
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College Calendar 2013/2014 TERM 1
Full-Time FE classes start (Yr 1) Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd September 2013 Freshers’ Fair & Yr 2 students in Wednesday 4th September 2013 HE first years start Monday 9th September 2013 HE others years start Monday 16th September 2013 Apprenticeship Awards evening Thursday 19th September 2013 Parents meet the tutor W/c 23rd September 2013 Moving on progression event Tuesday 24th September 2013 Community Challenge Ceremony Thursday 26th September 2013 HE Finance evening Wednesday 2rd October 2013 Graduation Ceremony Friday 11th October 2013 FE/HE Open Evening Thursday 17th October 2013 Learner Progress Review Day W/c Monday 2st October 2013 Term 1 ends Thursday 24th October 2013 BREAK Monday 28th October-Friday 1st November 2013
TERM 2
Term 2 starts Learner Progress Review Day Pre-16 Parents/Guardians Evening FE / HE Open Evening Term 2 ends BREAK (COLLEGE CLOSED)
TERM 3
Monday 4th November 2013 W/c Monday 18th November 2013 Tuesday 19th November 2013 Saturday 30th November 2013 Friday 20th December 2013 Monday 23rd December 2013 - Friday 3rd January 2014
Term 3 starts Monday 6th January 2014 Learner Progress Review Day W/c Monday 20th January 2014 FE / HE Open Evening Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Term 3 ends Friday 14th February 2014 BREAK Monday 17th February - Friday 21st February 2014
TERM 4
Term 4 starts HE Reading week Learner Progress Review Day Term 4 ends BREAK Good Friday (College closed) Easter Monday (College closed)
TERM 5
Monday 24th February 2014 W/c Monday 24th February 2014 W/c Monday 24th March 2014 Friday4th April 2014 Monday 7th April 2014– Tuesday 22nd April 2014 Friday 18th April 2014 Monday 21st April 2014
Term 5 starts Tuesday 22nd April 2014 HE Open Evening Thursday 24th April 2014 May Day (College Closed) Monday 5th May 2014 Term 5 ends Thursday 22rd May 2014 HE Term ends (Yr 1) Friday 23rd May 2014 Spring Bank Holiday (College Closed) Monday 26th May 2014 BREAK Tuesday 27th May – Friday 30th May 2014
TERM 6
Term 6 starts HE Term ends (Yr2 & 3) FE Awards Ceremony Induction Day for new starters
Term 6 ends (FE)
Monday 2rd June 2014 Friday 6th June 2014 Thursday 19th June 2014 Thursday 3rd July 2014
Friday 5th July 2013
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STUDENT COUNCIL
Here for you... The Student Council is an influential body made up of elected members of the student community who meet to serve the interests of students at College, by working with staff and student reps. The Student Council is there to serve your needs. Members of the Council are there to represent your views, help you find out information and, importantly, organise and support events. Apply for your Student Union card and receive exclusive offers at www.nus.org.uk
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STAR STUDENT
Star student AWARDS Made real progress? Done something extra? Attended well and worked hard? Each Term the College has the Star Students Awards and you could be awarded up to ÂŁ100 ! You need to be nominated for a Swindon College Star Award by your tutor. A judging panel makes the final decisions. Ask your tutor for details.
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STUDENT AGREEMENT You will be asked by your tutor to read and sign this document. It lists what you can expect of us as well as our expectations of you. We expect... Attendance No unauthorised absences. Punctuality To attend all lessons on time. Behaviour Appropriate behaviour which shows respect for others and supports learning. Commitment Completion of work and making positive contributions to the College.
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If you don’t meet these responsibilities you could be involved in disciplinary meetings. Minor breaches should be resolved quickly by your tutor. Serious misconduct will be dealt with in a formal hearing. If we get things wrong! We make every effort to get things right for you. We take all comments and feedback seriously. They help us to improve what we do.
If you have a complaint... ď‚&#x; ď‚&#x;
First talk to your tutor or lecturer If you need more help speak to Student Services or your Student Experience Manager/Mentor
If you prefer to write about your complaint, fill in a feedback card from Student Services or write to Darylin Francis, SLT Executive Officer.
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STUDENT ENRICHMENT CENTRE
‘The Hub of Student Life’ The Student Enrichment Centre is an exciting facility located in one of our new buildings, open to all students at lunchtimes and free periods during term time. The centre is the hub of student life at the College and is a place to get involved, socialise or just relax. The centre is staffed by the friendly and experienced Student Enrichment Team and Youth Workers - who are always available for an informal chat - and offers a wide range of activities to students including: l l l l l l l l
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Table Tennis Table Football Pool Tables Xbox/PS3/Wii- With Gaming Projectors Computers With Internet Access Live TV Music Ipads for use in tutorials
Microwave and free breakfast club Support and Group Sessions Workshops Fundraising Tutorials Someone to talk to Condom distribution point.
Opening Times (term-time only): Monday to Thursday 8:30am-5pm, Friday 8:30am-4:30pm For more information contact the Student Enrichment Team on Telephone: (01793) 498933 or email: enrichment@swindon-college.ac.uk
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COURSE REPS
‘Have Your Say’ This is your chance to be actively involved in influencing things going on in the College and ensure the quality of your course remains high and consistent. Talk Talk to to your your course course Tutor Tutor ifif you you would would like like to to get get involved! involved!
Staying Safe is everyone’s business... Are you worried about something that is happening to you or someone you know IN or OUT of College?
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SAFEGUARDING You can ask for help from: Mark Burton, Intensive Support and Safeguarding Manager
Room P127, LRC, Phoenix
Tel: 07709439601
Your Tutor Jo Kelly, Student Engagement Manager Room P023, The Avenue, Phoenix Tel: 07872423134
Student Experience Team : Jo Heaven, Claire Purnell, Kate Macdonald, Dean Parsons and Mike Wadley Room P023, The Avenue, Phoenix or e-mail
safe@swindon-college.ac.uk
Other places to get help: Security Guards via Reception: 498206 Police: 0845 408 7000 or 101 Samaritans: 537373 (local) 08457909090 College Counsellors: 498372 M: 07545423876 or reception 498206 Beat bullying: www.beatbullying.org Email: offmyback@swindon-college.ac.uk Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline .org.uk Youth Workers in Student Enrichment Centre: 498941 Internet Security: www.ceop.gov.uk Chaplaincy: 498233
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SECURITY
For
Swindon College
security reasons...
Full time students and staff must keep ID badges on their person at all times Swindon College STUDENT
Part time students must carry their receipt card with them at all times.
‘Let’s be secure and be safe!’ 14
YOU AND YOUR TUTOR Whilst you are at College your personal tutor monitors your progress and general welfare You will work with your tutor on a 1:1 basis, usually once each half term. The purpose of these 1:1’s will be to review your progress and to ensure that targets you have set through LEAP have either been achieved or that you are on track to achieve them. If you have been unable to achieve your targets then possible support will be discussed to help you with your course.
e-learning Alongside traditional methods of teaching the College provides e-learning for its students. At the centre of our strategy is Moodle http://moodle.swindon-college.ac.uk which allows students to access their course material online at any time.
LEAP (Learner Engagement and Progress) This is a vital tool for your everyday use at Swindon College. It allows you to take responsibility for your own learning through the setting of realistic targets that will support you throughout your course. You will have 1:1 meetings with your tutors at regular intervals where you will discuss your development and any support that needs to be put in place to enable you to succeed. Through LEAP you will also be able to view your reports which will enable you to reflect on your progress. You can also check your personal details, attendance and punctuality.
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COLLEGE CODE OF CONDUCT
In Brief... The College Code of Conduct requires that College members should treat everyone as of equal value and behave towards other people with responsibility, sensitivity, courtesy and compassion. Swindon College expects all its students to demonstrate appropriate behaviour: Commitment Punctuality Willingness to learn Ability to meet targets and deadlines Determination to gain success Sensible behaviour Consideration and courtesy Full payment of any fees charged.
You can find all the College’s policies and procedures in full that relate to students by looking on the Moodle Zone, http://moodleswindon-college.ac.uk
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EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Swindon College actively advances Equality of Opportunity (everyone should be treated fairly) and is committed to eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation in any form. The Equality Act 2010 is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society. The Act covers nine protected characteristics, which cannot be used as a reason to treat people unfairly. Swindon College
Every person has one or more of the protected characteristics, so the act protects everyone against unfair treatment. They protected characteristics are: • Age • Disability • Gender reassignment • Marriage and civil partnership • Pregnancy and maternity • Race • Religion or belief • Sex • Sexual orientation.
E Q UA L I T Y A N D D I V E R S I T Y
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STUDENT SERVICES
They are here to give you advice and guidance on: • Applications for courses • Financial information including course fees • Appointments for Career Advice. During College term time Student Services are open for enrolments or enquiries: Monday-Thursday 8.45am-7.15pm Friday 8.45am-4.30pm. During College holiday periods: Monday to Friday 8.45am-4.30pm. Alternatively you can call on Freephone: 0800 731 2250 or (01793) 491591 Monday-Thursday 8.45am-5.15pm and Friday 8.45am-4.30pm.
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STUDENT FINANCE
On a limited budget? You may be eligible for Bursary funding to help you continue with your learning. The Bursary means that eligible students who are following an academic or vocational course at College could receive a payment or support in kind. The payments are intended to help cover the day-to-day costs associated with studying at College, such as books, equipment and travel. More information will be provided when you come for an interview and financial application forms are available from the Student Finance Team in the Student Finance and Support office, The Avenue, Phoenix. For more information call (01793) 498228 or 498463 or visit the college website, www.swindon-college.ac.uk
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ALS Additional Learning Support Swindon College has an Additional Learning Support team that can provide advice and support for learners with learning difficulties/ disabilities during their transition into College and/or while they are at College, both in and out of the classroom. Support packages are planned with learners, meeting individual needs. Support is delivered by a variety of roles including: • Student Support workers • Academic Support tutors • Support Advisors/Mentors • Independent psychologists, • Communication Support workers • Teaching Assistants • Dyslexia specialists/Assessors • Medical professionals. If you require any further information about the Additional Learning Support Service please contact (01793) 498343
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STUDENT EXPERIENCE TEAM
Student Experience Headed up by Jo Kelly Student Engagement Manager, are in College to help support you to get the most out of your time with us. All are based in the Student Experience Office, The Avenue Phoenix. They have several roles including making sure that you have a personal tutor (who helps you action plan your work as well as working 1:1 with many students). The SEMs work closely s with other areas of student son Mike Wadley r a P an support such as Student Jo Heave De n Finance, Counselling and the Student Enrichment Centre. You can contact them via Tina the Student Experience Co-ordinator on 01793 498941 Or by visiting their office 023, ground floor, Phoenix Building.
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CHAPLAINCY The College Chaplaincy has a multi faith team of Chaplains who provide support and a listening ear to anyone of any faith or none at all. They are also happy to provide advocacy and signposting to other services and guidance. If you would like to include prayers for yourself, friends or family, there is a box in the Prayer and Peace room, ground floor Pegasus, where you can post your request or e-mail joheaven@swindon-college.ac.uk. Please be assured that requests for prayer are confidential and anonymous. The Prayer and Peace room is open to everyone and is a space where you can pray, reflect or just spend some quiet time. A Chaplain is in College or available most days of the week, however if you would like to make an appointment to speak to the Chaplain contact the coordinater or Jo Heaven on 498233.
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COUNSELLING Swindon College
Here for you...
Counselling for Students
Daily Drop-in Sessions
Tues -Fri 12.30-1pm (ground floor, Pegasus)
Alternatively see your Student Experience Manager/Mentor to book you an appointment Telephone: (01793) 498372 Text: 07545 423876 Email: counselling@swindon-college.ac.uk
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LRC The Learning Resource Centre The Learning Resource Centre is on the second floor of the Phoenix building. The LRC is open to all students at the College and is an impressive facility offering more than 32,000 books as well as DVDs and electronic resources to support learning in the classroom. Some of these are accessible from home. Your student ID card is also your library card. The LRC team are here to help you get the best out of the resources and to help you with your study skills. The Learning Resource Centre is open in the evening during term time and during the day throughout College holidays. Tel: (01793) 498381 or email lrc@swindon-college.ac.uk
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LRC Learning Resource Centre
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THE ZONE ‘Great space for studying’ You will find yourself in THE ZONE on level 3 in the Pegasus building.
What’s it all about ? THE ZONE is a social learning space which is available to ALL students and has space to use computers and your own laptops in a relaxed, fresh and modern environment . Space can be booked out for groups of students or you can just drop in on your own or with friends to catch up on studying, prepare presentations or researching. There will be staff on hand to help and offer support and regularly advertised ‘learning technology’ sessions to learn something new!
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HE CENTRE ‘Social area for HE students’ The centre offers facilities for our university-level students and is based in the Phoenix Building on the first floor near the Learning Resource Centre. Students have the use of a 42” plasma TV in the chill-out area with comfy sofas and chairs to relax, a seating area for food and drinks with kitchen facilities, an internet café-style bar plus an adjoining computer suite, which provides 12 PC workstations in total.
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ABSENCE absence hotline: 01793 491591 Students are required to attend every class unless they are ill or there is some other absolutely unavoidable reason. If you are unwell or unable to attend College, please let us know. You will be given a contact number for your curriculum area or use the absence hotline: 01793 491591 When calling please let us know you are reporting your absence and supply your name, ID number, tutor’s name, what classes you are missing and why. Students should not arrange routine doctor or dentist appointments or driving lessons when they should be attending classes, and holidays must not be taken in term time. As you would expect, there is a very strong link between full attendance and not only succeeding in terms of completing your course, but also the grade you are likely to achieve.
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