ESOL Foundation

Student Handbook ESOL Foundation

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Student Handbook Full-time ESOL and ESOL Numeracy Contents Page Welcome and College Dates

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My details

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What will I study?

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Student Activities and Speakers

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Assessment and Examinations

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What do I need to bring?

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What do I do if I’m late?

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What do I do if I can’t come to college?

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About Grahame Park: College Facilities

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About Grahame Park: First Aid & Fire Exits

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Using the Barnet College Computer Network

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Barnet College E-learning

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How to use your E-ILP

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ESOL Student Code of Conduct

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ESOL Learning Agreement

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Safeguarding

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Appendix

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Full-time ESOL and ESOL Numeracy 2011 – 2012 GRAHAME PARK Welcome to Barnet College!

The Full-time ESOL and ESOL Numeracy team welcomes you to Grahame Park.

We want to make sure you get the most from your course of studies. You will meet students from many other countries and there is a wealth of cultures to share: this makes the Full-time ESOL and ESOL Numeracy course a very special course indeed.

Enjoy your course at Grahame Park!

Full-time ESOL and ESOL Numeracy course dates Autumn Term

12th September – 16th December 2011 (Half term 24th – 28th October 2011)

Spring Term

3rd January – 30th March 2012 (Half term 13th February –17th February 2012) 16th April – 6th July 2012 (Half term 4th – 8th June 2012

Summer Term

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We wish you success at Barnet College and hope you enjoy your course!

Dear Student,

Congratulations on enrolling on to your ESOL course at Barnet College. The teachers on your course will deliver their best to ensure you succeed in your studies.

However success actually depends on your commitment to your studies. Attendance and punctuality are key to your success. Please note that if attendance levels drop below the accepted college target, you will be withdrawn and not allowed to take your examination. Progression and re-enrolment at the college will also be affected.

Please remember we are here to support you in your studies and wish you luck this year.

Yours sincerely

Shahin Khan Head – School of Skills for Life

E-mail

Shahin.khan@barnet.ac.uk

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Full-time ESOL and ESOL Numeracy Name Membership Number Class Tutor My teachers are: General English Tutorial Reading & Writing Listening & Speaking Life in the UK/Topics CALL Numeracy PSD

___________________________

If I cannot come to class I must tell my tutor or phone the college.

My tutor’s number is

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What will I study?

General English You will learn grammar and new vocabulary. Your lessons are designed to give you thorough practice in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Individual Tutorial You will see your tutor one-to-one once a term to discuss your progress and performance. You will discuss your progress on the course and together you will discuss an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). You will also be given work to do, which will help you study on your own. If you have a problem, please make an appointment to talk to your tutor who can refer you to the college specialist advice, counselling and guidance services.

Speaking & Listening You will practise and improve your listening and speaking skills in useful everyday situations and for a variety of purposes. Debating, negotiating, giving presentations, conversation practice and improving your pronunciation are an important part of this session.

Reading and Writing You will practise the skills of reading, and writing in a communicative and academic context. You will practise planning and writing, for example, letters, emails, notes, lists, reports and you may describe graphs and charts. There will be a wide range of reading materials and you will work on handwriting and spelling, as necessary.

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Life in UK/Topics You will experience language through the study of current issues in Britain and the world today. You will read about, debate, discuss and write about important topics and issues in the news and in our lives. You will have the opportunity to explore these issues and say what you think. This is useful for:    

your Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life Speaking & Listening, Reading and Writing examinations improving you communication skills in college and at work living and working in Britain citizenship in the UK

Food, health, politics, fashion, crime, living in Britain, citizenship and the environment are examples of the kind of topics that may be included.

In this module you will:  read extracts from articles, books and magazines 

expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension skills



express your own opinions and listen and respond to those of your colleagues

Your personal contribution: You can bring in newspaper cuttings, interesting websites or just bring up issues that interest you.

Group Tutorial/ Personal and Social Development Each class has a personal tutor who is there to give you the support, advice and encouragement you need to make the most of your course. You meet as a group every week and any administrative matters will be dealt with at this time. You will find out about important dates, student meetings, activities at the college, work experience and examination arrangements. The group tutorial sessions will cover a range of activities, such as study skills, careers education, equal opportunities and health and social issues.

You will also study topics like health, money management, looking for work, etc, which will be part of the Personal and Social Development module.

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CALL (Computer Assisted Language Learning) In these lessons you will use the computer to further develop your language skills, particularly reading and writing. You will be given the opportunity to use the computer to carry out a range of useful and common tasks required for everyday life, work and study. A variety of computer features and programmes will be used to help you efficiently look for information, and effectively edit, proofread and present your work.

Numeracy

The course will cover the following areas: 

mathematics and the language of maths:

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numbers, measures, shapes and handling data.



division, multiplication, fractions and percentages.

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solving problems using mathematics and the language of maths.

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analysis of numerical information e.g. tables, charts, graphs and diagrams.

This course will help you in your future studies and work. You will work towards a Numeracy qualification at Entry level, Level 1 or 2.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES & SPEAKERS TRIPS Students will have the opportunity to go on many trips during the year, such as:  The British Museum  The Victoria &Albert Museum  The Natural History Museum  St Albans  Kew Gardens  Houses of Parliament  And many more….

SPEAKERS Speakers will be invited to help you with life in the UK, such as:  Local member of parliament  CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau)  Barnet Recycling  Voluntary Work  Police (safety talk)  Barnet Refugee Service  Recycling and the environment

EVENTS There will also be many events during the year, where you can have a lot of fun, as well as learn English!  Black History month… Story teller, African Drumming, and more…  End of term parties  Careers Fair to help you think about next year.  International Day  Your suggestions are also welcome! 

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Assessment

You will be assessed in all subjects at the end of the first and second term and take exams during the course and at the end of the year.

ESOL Skills for Life

How will I be assessed?

You will take Cambridge ESOL Skills for Life at ESOL Curriculum levels Entry 1, 2, 3 or level 1.

There are three examinations: 

Reading



Writing



Listening & Speaking

You will also take a City & Guilds Numeracy exam.

You may be assessed in the Personal and Social Development module You will develop an ICT portfolio  During the year you will have tasks and tests to check your learning and progress.  You must organise and file your work to show your learning and progress.  Students who do not attend classes regularly or who are often late for class may lose their place on the course.

You will discuss your progress with your tutor who will advise which level exam you will take.

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What do I need to bring to college?

You need:     

a ring binder file dividers A4 paper pens, pencils and a rubber a notebook

You must organise your work.

File your work in a ring binder and use the dividers to organise it.

Your folder of work will be used to check your progress.

If you would like to buy a grammar book or a dictionary, your tutor will advise which one is most suitable. You can borrow course books, grammar books and readers from the Learning Centre.

You must concentrate in your lesson.

Please switch your mobile phone off before you go into your classroom and put it in your bag or pocket.

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What do I do if I am late?

It is important to come to class regularly and on time but if you are late go into the class quietly and tell the teacher why you are late at the end of the lesson. Any lateness will be recorded by the tutor.

What do I do if I cannot come to college?

You must tell your tutor if you cannot come to college.

You may lose your place if you do not tell your tutor. It is important that you obtain permission from your teacher and tutor in advance if you have an appointment or other reason for not attending. Fill in the absence slip and give it to your teacher.

You must phone your tutor

My tutor’s number is:  ………………………..

If you do not attend regularly and punctually and complete all homework on time, you may be asked to leave the course.

Your tutor will help and support you with any problems you might have that stops you from coming to college, but if you are absent for more than 2 weeks, you may be withdrawn from the course.

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About Grahame Park .........

Barnet College, Grahame Park, is easy to reach by train, underground or bus. There is also a large car park for students who drive, but please arrive early to make sure you can find a place.

There are also many other facilities and services, such as:

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The Learning Centre which has excellent ESOL learning materials, including a large number of computers for the use of students.

A Gym and Sports Hall – there are a number of sporting

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activities throughout the year.

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Good offers for haircuts and other treatments in the Hairdressing and Beauty Section.

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If you’re hungry, you can go to the Refectory for a hot meal or get a quick coffee and snack at the shop in the Students’ Common Area. Also, the Pavilion restaurant serves excellent food at set times during the term.

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Students can get help and advice about many different things like childcare and benefits at the Student Services Office. In addition, they can get guidance for their future study plans from the Careers Advisors.

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There is a crèche for young children but you must book early to get a place for your child.

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Look at the notice board for student activities organised for Grahame Park students. Your teacher will also give you details throughout the year.

FIRST AID & FIRE

First Aid Ask your teacher what to do and who can help in an emergency at college.

Fire Exits

Make sure you know where all fire exits are in the building. These are signposted around the building. If you hear the fire alarm, go with your class to the nearest fire exit.

Wait together with the other students from your class and make sure your teacher can find you.

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Barnet College centres 

Grahame Park Centre, Colindale, NW9 5RA

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Wood Street Centre, Graseby House, High Street, Barnet, EN5 5UJ

There are Learning Centres at Grahame Park and Wood Street where you can borrow books and cassettes, use computers and find resources to help you study.

Maps to all centres are on the notice board or at Reception.

Your college ID card will allow you to use facilities at any centre

Using the computer to improve your English There are computers in the Learning Centre and many classrooms. We have special software for learning English and a list of many websites that will also help you to learn.

To use a computer you must have a User ID (your student number) and a password. Speak to your teacher or Learning Centre staff to get a password. You will also be given 250 credits. When you have finished your credits you must pay for printing.

Keep your password safe and make sure you can remember it. You will need to change your password every term. Your teacher may ask your class to use computers in a lesson and you will need to know your password.

Speak to the Learning Centre staff to book a computer there.

You can also use the Barnet College website to practise your English at home. Go to: www.barnet.ac.uk You will need to enter your User ID (this is your student number) and password.

Then you can use the practice materials on the ESOL WEST website.

There are many websites to help you with your English including: www.english-grammar-lessons.com www.englishbanana.com www.esolcourses.com www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise 14

Barnet College E-Learning

The College IT Network gives you new opportunities to learn online, anytime, anyplace.

You must use the college network for learning and study only.  Be responsible and professional.  Respect the privacy of everyone else using the college system  Do not post material that might upset others online.

Remember to stay safe

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Moodle - Your course page Moodle is an area on the college network where students can find important information about their course and extra practice for reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary. You will find out more about Moodle during the first weeks of your course.

Finding your course on Moodle

Open the Barnet college Moodle site http://moodle.barnet.ac.uk/ or via the MLE. After entering this address Moodle will appear with a Login box on the top left that looks like this:

Enter your Username and your password here then click the Login icon and you will then be logged on to the Barnet College Moodle network.

After logging on, you will be directed to a new page listing the courses you are enrolled on: Click the course you wish to enter.

Mahara is a student’s personal learning space. It should show all the hard work that you do in college.

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To access Mahara click the Mahara icon on you Moodle course page: You will then see your Mahara homepage, showing you the different sections of your personal account:

On Mahara you can write about yourself, list your skills/your goals, write blogs and upload assignments set by your lecturers, and so build an e-portfolio.

You can submit work for your teachers on Mahara, to do this, upload the necessary file and place it in a ‘View’ – a page that can be shared with teachers/lecturers etc.

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How to see your e-ILP

On Moodle you will find your Individual Learning Plan.

Click on the ‘My ILP’ link and you will be taken to your ILP page.

From here, you can: 

Enter your courses, qualifications and goals on ‘My Information’

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Set targets for yourself on ‘My Targets’

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Discuss progress with your lecturer on Progress Reviews

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Keep a record of your progress on Celebrations and Concerns

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Summarise your achievements in Progression

Using the e-ILP gives you a new way to show your progress through your time in Barnet College.

At the start of the year your teacher will show you how to use Moodle, Mahara and your eILP.

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Student Code of Conduct These rules will make sure the College is a safe and enjoyable place to work and learn in.

You should: -

be kind and polite to all people and respect others and their possessions

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look after the College buildings and the equipment you use

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wear your ID card and never give it to anyone else

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show your face to security staff if you are asked to

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never do things which upset other people; do not be unkind to people about the way they look, their sex, their age, their beliefs

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not smoke in the College buildings

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not bring drugs and alcohol into the College

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keep the College clean and tidy

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only eat and drink at break time

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never cheat when you are doing tests or exams

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be careful and safe at College so you do not hurt yourself or others

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come to every class and arrive on time

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never use mobile phones where it might disturb other people

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use computers only to help you learn; do not use the Internet in a way which breaks the College IT rules.

If you break any of these rules you will be disciplined, you might have to leave the College.

Signed by Student ……………………………………

Signed by Tutor ……………………………………

Print name ……………………………………

Print Name ……………………………………

Date..................

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Full-time ESOL and ESOL Numeracy Learning Agreement

What we expect from you:  Come to class every lesson  Come to class on time  Go to all your classes  Bring a file with you  Bring paper, pen and pencil  Take an active part in the class  Switch off your mobile phone  Do your homework  Respect other students and your teacher  Tell your tutor if you cannot come to class  Speak to your tutor if you are unhappy about any of your classes  Look at your e-ILP and try to achieve the targets from your tutor.

How we will help you:  We will help you improve your English  We will make your lessons useful and interesting  We will speak to you one-to-one about your English

We want you to feel happy learning English at Grahame Park We want you to tell us if you are not happy!

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Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of another student, or you do not feel safe yourself, there are staff in the college to help you.

You can call  020 8266 4077 or click on the link below for more information. http://www.barnet.ac.uk/The-College/services-for-students/the-safeguardingteam

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Appendix

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College Policies

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Conduct for External assessments/tests

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Absence & Punctuality

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Disciplinary Procedures

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Student Appeals Against the Assessment of Performance

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The Role of the Personal Tutor and Tutorials

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The Role of the Student Representative

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Complaints Procedures

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Additional Support

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The Role of the Attendance Liaison Officer

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UCAS Application Support

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Fire Procedures

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First Aid Procedures

All college student information can be accessed via this link

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