2015/16
Swindon College
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
CONTENTS Dates for your Diary 4 Vision and Values 5 Student Agreement 6 College Code of Conduct 7 You and your Tutor 8 Absence 9 Student Engagement Team 10 Student Reps 11 Safeguarding 12 Star Student Awards 13 ID Badges 14 The Zones 15 2
The Chill Zone 16 Learning Resource Centre 17 Duke of Edinburgh Award 18 Counselling 19 Get Active! 20 Hair, Beauty & The Restaurant 21 Student Services & Finance 22 Careers Centre 23 Additional learning Support 24 Equality and Diversity 25 Chaplaincy 25
Swindon College
INTRODUCTION Welcome to Swindon College. We are delighted you are joining us and we wish you every success on your course. The college is a great place to study with outstanding teachers and fantastic resources. This guide is packed with information to help you during your first days at College. It is also useful to refer to throughout the year for contact numbers, key dates and opening times. Coming to college is not just about qualifications, it is also about gaining confidence in yourself and developing a range of skills that will help you get the job you want, build a career, start your own business or progress to a higher level course.
Good luck with your studies! 3
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
COLLEGE CALENDAR 2015/16 TERM 1 Full-Time FE classes start (Yr. 1) Freshers’ Fair HE First Years start New Starters Parent’s Event Apprenticeship/Employer Awards evening HE Enrolment Day Moving On Progression Event HE Finance evening Graduation Ceremony FE/ HE Open Evening Term 1 ends BREAK
Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd September 2015 Wednesday 2nd September 2015 Monday 7th September 2015 Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th September 2015 Thursday 17th September 2015 Thursday 10th September 2015 Wednesday 23rd September 2015 Wednesday 30th September 2015 Friday 9th October 2015 Thursday 15th October 2015 Thursday 22nd October 2015 Monday 26th October-Friday 30th October 2015
TERM 2 Term 2 starts FE / HE Open Event Internal UCAS Applications Term 2 ends BREAK (COLLEGE CLOSED)
Monday 2nd November 2015 Saturday 28th November 2015 Tuesday 1st December 2015 Friday 18th December 2015 Monday 21st December 2015 - Friday 2nd January 2016
TERM 3 Term 3 starts FE/HE Open Evening What Next Progression Event Term 3 ends BREAK
Monday 4th January 2016 Wednesday 20thJanuary 2016 Wednesday 10th February 2016 Friday 12th February 2016 Monday 15th February - Friday 19th February 2016
4
TERM 4 Term 4 starts HE Reading Week Laying Foundations Progression Event Term 4 ends Good Friday (College closed) Easter Monday (College closed) BREAK
Monday 22nd February 2016 Monday 22nd February – Friday 26th February 2016 Wednesday 16th March 2016 Thursday 24th March 2016 Friday 25th March 2016 Monday 28th March 2016 Tuesday 29th March – 8th April 2016
TERM 5 Term 5 starts FE / HE Open Evening May Day (College Closed) Part Time Pre-16 (Year 10) Parents/Guardian Evening FE / HE Open Event Term 5 ends Staff Development Day HE Term ends (Year 1) Spring Bank Holiday (College Closed) BREAK
Monday 11th April 2016 Thursday 21st April 2016 Monday 2nd May 2016 Tuesday 10th May 2016 Saturday 14th May 2016 Thursday 26th May 2016 Friday 27th May 2016 Friday 27th May 2016 Monday 30th May 2016 Tuesday 31st May – Friday 3rd June 2016
TERM 6 Term 6 starts HE Term ends (Year 2 and 3) FE Awards Ceremony Term 6 ends (FE)
Monday 6th June 2016 Friday 10th June 2016 Thursday 16th June 2016 Friday 8th July 2016
Swindon College
OUR VISION
‘We will be ambitious for all our learners, inspiring and supporting them to achieve qualifications and skills for further study or employment. Outstanding teaching and learning is at the heart of what we do and we will be recognised for this’.
VALUES ● ● ● ● ●
Creating a learner-centred environment Exceeding expectations Valuing and respecting everyone Collaborating with our local community and employers Being flexible, innovative and forward thinking.
Ambitious for everyone! 5
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
STUDENT
AGREEMENT WE EXPECT... ATTENDANCE No unauthorised absences PUNCTUALITY To attend all lessons
BEHAVIOUR
Appropriate behaviour which shows respect for others and supports learning
COMMITMENT
Completion of work and making positive contributions to the College. 6
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. Sometimes we get it wrong and if we do, we will ensure to make every effort to get it right for you. We take all comments and feedback seriously. If you have a complaint... > First talk to your tutor or lecturer > If you need more help please speak to Student Services or the Student Engagement Team
Swindon College STUDENT
CODE OF CONDUCT WE EXPECT... ● No unauthorised absences ● Commitment ● Punctuality ● Willingness to learn ● Ability to meet targets and deadlines
As a Swindon College student, you should treat everyone equally and behave towards other people with responsibility, sensitivity, courtesy and compassion. You can find all the college policies and procedures on:
www.moodle.swindon-college.ac.uk
● Determination to gain success ● Sensible behaviour ● Consideration and courtesy ● Full payment of any fees charged. 7
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
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. The purpose of these 1:1’s is to review your progress and to ensure that targets you have set through My PDP have either been achieved or you are on track to achieve them. If you have been unable to achieve your targets, then extra support will be discussed with you.
My PDP
(Personal Development Plan) 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. Through My PDP you will be able to view your reports which will enable you to reflect on your progress. You can also check your timetable, personal details, attendance and punctuality. 8
Alongside traditional methods of teaching the college provides e-learning for its students. At the centre of our strategy is moodle www. moodle.swindon.ac.uk which allows students to access their course material online at any time.
Swindon College
ABSENCE
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.
LATE CARD You will need to collect a late card if you are late to college. This is located in the Student Support Office (in the Avenue, Phoenix building).
If you are calling the college main number, 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 appointments such as: doctor, dentist or driving lessons when attending classes and holidays must not be taken during term time. As you would expect, there is a very strong link between high attendance and succeeding in terms of completing your course and the grade you are likely to achieve. 9
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
THE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM
Headed up by Team leader Dean Parsons, the Student Engagement Team are here to help support you. 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).
Tanya
Dean
Jason
Mark
Jason
Bobby
They also work closely with other areas of student support such as: Student Finance, Careers, Counselling and the Chill Zone.
Vicky
The Student Engagement Team is based in the Student Support Office, in the Avenue, Phoenix building.
Swindon College STUDENT
REPS
...have your say!
This is your chance to be actively involved in influencing things going on in the college and to ensure the quality of your course remains high and consistent. Contact your Tutor for further information.
DON’T JUST WANT CHANGE... MAKE CHANGE! 11
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
SAFEGUARDING 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? You can ask for help from: Your Tutor/Lecturer or any other staff member. Other places to get help: Student Engagement Office, Chill Zone Centre, Security Guards via Reception and Student Services.
Together we are keeping Swindon College safe! 12
Police: 0845 408 7000 or 101 Samaritans: 537373 (local) 08457909090 Beat bullying: www.beatbullying.org Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline .org.uk Internet Security: www.ceop.gov.uk Victim Support Group: 01380 729476
Swindon College
STAR STUDENT AWARDS
Made real progress? Done something extra? Attended well and worked hard? Each term the College holds 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 and a judging panel will make the final decisions.
You could be awarded up to ÂŁ100! - ask your Tutor for further details!
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
FOR SAFETY REASONS... Full time students and staff must keep ID badges on their person at all times. Part time students must carry their receipt card with them at all times. ‘Let ’s be secure and be safe!’ 14
Swindon College
RELAXED FRESH MODERN ENVIRONMENT ‘Great space for studying’ THE ZONES 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 do some research. There will usually be staff on hand to help and offer support and regularly advertised ‘learning technology’ sessions will run throughout the year, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn something new.
Includes: Bookable computer & laptop stations Macs Pool Tables Group PC collaborative areas Relaxed seating area for a more comfortable working space.
Yellow Zone
Blue Zone
Visit www.moodle.swindon-college.ac.uk for more information.
Yellow Zone is located on Floor 3 in the Pegasus Building. Blue Zone is located in the Engineering/Corvus Building.
Swindon College
GET INVOLVED SOCIALISE RELAX Swindon College Chill Zone is a great place for you to meet with your friends and relax between lessons You will also be able to access a large variety of different activities that will help you to be more appealing to employers. Next time you are free why not come down and check out the Chill Zone. The centre is staffed by friendly and experienced youth workers, who are always available for an informal chat. Visit www.swindonunion.com/chill-zone/ for more information.
Activities include:
Table Tennis Table Football Pool Tables Xbox/PS3/Wii - with Gaming Projectors Computers with internet access Live TV Music Ipads for use in Tutorials Board Games Team Challenges.
The Chill Zone is located in the Orion building - open to all students at lunchtimes and free periods during term time
LRC
Learning Resource Centre
Swindon College SUPPORT QUIET STUDY SPACE RESOURCES
In the Learning Resource Centre we hold a variety of printed and electronic resources for all areas of study. Our mission is to enable all students to be confident and independent users of the LRC resources. We will support learning needs by providing access to appropriate information and services in order to prepare all learners to progress to a higher level or enter the workplace. Visit www.moodle.swindon-college.ac.uk for more information. 17
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is located on the first floor of the Phoenix building
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
Duke of Edinburgh Award Information Evening - for students and parents Wednesday 9th September 2015, 5-6pm Location: Swindon College Chill Zone The Duke of Edinburgh Award gives all young people aged 14-24 the chance to develop skills for life and work, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future.
For more information please contact the Chill Zone Team
Swindon College
PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING FOR STUDENTS Available Wednesdays and Thursdays Appointments can be made to suit you
Please complete a referral form which can be found on the ground floor in the Phoenix and Pegasus buildings.
Here for you... 19
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
Get Involved Be More Active! Contact the Student Engagement Team for more information or email josefthomas@swindon.ac.uk
Swindon College
To book an appointment call:
(01793) 498210
Unisex Treatments
To book an appointment call:
To make a booking call:
(01793) 498276
07943526068
21
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
STUDENT SERVICES & FINANCE They are here to give you advice and guidance on: • Applications for courses • Financial, child care and travel information • Support with all aspects of your welfare as a student • Appointments for Career Advice and Counselling. During College term time Student Services & Finance are open: Monday-Thursday 8.45am-7.15pm Friday 8.45am-4.30pm. During College holiday periods: Monday to Friday 8.45am-4.30pm.
The Student Service and Finance Office is based in the entrance of the Phoenix building. For more information telephone: (01793) 491591 or email studentservices@swindon.ac.uk 22
To receive ‘Financial Support Payments’ you need to maintain high levels of ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY and MOTIVATION!
Swindon College
CAREERS CENTRE If you would like to talk about your career options or going on to university-level study, you can make an appointment to see one of our Advisors through Reception or Student Services. We can help you with: Career Planning and options CVs Job Hunting Higher Education applications Employability Skills We are located opposite the Reception in the Phoenix building. For more information email careers@swindon.ac.uk or Tweet us on @sc_careers 23
STUDENT
GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE
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 • Communication Support workers • Dyslexia specialists/Assessors • Medical professionals. Please contact your tutor if you require further information about the Additional Learning Support Service. 24
Swindon College
CHAPLAINCY
The Prayer and Peace room is open to everyone and is a space where you can pray, reflect or just spend some quiet time. Located on the ground floor of the Pegasus Building. The Chaplaincy team are currently seeking others from different faiths to join their team. If you would like to join them or know of someone who would please get in touch with the Student Enagement Team.
EQUALITY & 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 Act covers nine protected characteristics, which cannot be used as a reason to treat people unfairly. The Equality Act 2010 is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society. They protected characteristics are: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage and civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Race Religion or belief Sex Sexual orientation
25