Parents Guide

A guide for

ain All our students galification...

MORE than a qu

Warwickshire College - inspiring a new generation Leamington | Rugby | Moreton Morrell | Pershore | Henley-in-Arden | Warwick

As an entrepreneurial college, we offer engaging, interesting and project-driven study programmes, where experience has clear relevance to progression and a successful career.

2

A guide for parents

We want all of our students to enjoy their time at college and be successful in their chosen course and future career. Our positive approach to learning is a result of a strong partnership between students, parents/carers and college staff; we call this the ‘college community of learning’.

Warwickshire College is an entrepreneurial Gazelle college which means our students are supported to develop the real skills needed to be successful in today’s workplace.

Gazelle colleges are moving away from the traditional classroom learning environment. We recognise that while academic knowledge and technical skills are important, we also need to develop young people who know how to be part of a team, are effective communicators and who can demonstrate leadership.

We develop their confidence, creativity and resilience, and support them by nurturing ambition, innovation and entrepreneurial mind-sets.

This guide provides parents with useful information about the educational experience at Warwickshire College and how we support our students. We hope you find it helpful.

A guide for parents

3

WE . . .

L L I W Our students will develop the qualities needed for university and/or the workplace.

nd aspirations a n io it b m a ir e th â encourage dent attitude fi n o c , e iv it s o p a develop â help them to dependent in re o m e m o c e b e their time and g a n a m to w o h â show them ork skills -w m a te ir e th p lo ortunities to deve p p o e id v ro p â unication skills m m o c ir e th e v ro â imp s usiness awarenes b ir e th e is ra â y and dynamism it v ti a re c e g ra u o â enc al experiences ri u e n re p e tr n e ess to â provide acc problem-solve to y it il b a ir e th re â nurtu The college is committed to developing ‘core entrepreneurial behaviours’ that include the personal qualities needed to succeed at university and in the workplace. Students will develop the knowledge and skills in vocational and academic areas, and an aptitude for creating or being part of successful enterprises.

4

A guide for parents

O

OUR TS N E D U T S .ARE... rprises

social ente d n a s e s s e in s u b ing new

â form

rprise board

ur ente â pitching to o

â â â â â

preneurs e tr n e h it w g in rk netwo nterprise society e t n e d tu s e th g developin l theme weeks a ri u e n re p e tr n e participating in sentatives re p re d n a rs o d a s e ambas working as colleg rise festivals rp te n e l a n o ti a rn attending inte nal finals

natio â competing in

eas

usiness id b e v ti a v o n in g in â develop

A guide for parents

5

L L I W T A H W G N I N R A LE ?

E K I EL 6

A guide for parents

L

Here at

WARWICKSHIRE COLLEGE students will gain:

â an educational experience tailored to their individual needs and aspirations, enabling them to reach their full potential â opportunities to develop entrepreneurial, employment and life skills â a learning community sensitive to social and economic needs and committed to the principles of equality and diversity â opportunities to enjoy the benefits of work-based learning, enterprise and volunteering experiences â opportunities to provide feedback and improve the nature and range of resources available for learning, such as libraries, computers and existing and emerging learning technologies â experience of new and emerging technologies for learning to equip them for further study or employment â access to new learning spaces that allow for creative thought and innovation They will learn in a number of ways, depending on their chosen study programme.

These could involve: â active classroom learning â real life projects â discussions and debates â practical demonstrations â using latest technologies and online resources â seminars from expert guest speakers â independent self-directed study â trips and visits â workshops

How many hours do students study per week?

This will depend on their course. On average each student will have a study programme comprising approximately 18 hours of lesson time, plus self-directed study and enrichment activities.

A guide for parents

7

E R A HOW TS N E D STU ED? S S E S AS Assessment methods depend on the type of course being studied and the awarding body criteria. For example: AS and A Level courses have exams in May and June with coursework deadlines throughout the year, depending on the subjects being studied.

BTEC courses have ‘continuous assessment’ through a variety of methods, including written assignments, presentations, individual work, group projects and/or practical projects.

City and Guilds courses are assessed via practical assessments, written assignments and online tests (usually multiple choice).

English, mathematics and functional skills From September 2013 any young person who does not achieve their GCSE in English language and mathematics at grade C or above will have to continue their studies at College. There are opportunities for students to re-sit their GCSEs in English language and maths or complete qualifications called functional skills; these are functional English and functional maths which apply literacy and number to practical scenarios. Functional skills may be taken at different levels of difficulty and all students who do not have the relevant GCSEs should work their way up to level 2 during their time at College.

English language and maths skills are vital for employment and for entry onto most university courses and we have a team of tutors who will work with your son/daughter to enable them to achieve these essential qualifications.

8

A guide for parents

S T N E D U T S E R A W O H ?

D E R O T I MON

eek and t their PLA every w ee m ill w ey Th ). and that Advisor (PLA tuality, attendance Personal Learning nc n pu k ow r ec ei ch th d so al ne ill sig reed and PLAs w Each student is as d. Targets will be ag re ito on m be ill w their progress itted on time. coursework is subm

e v recei I How will on feedback ? progress

their er’s progress with ht ug da n/ so ur yo ity to discuss hieved, g you the opportun progress, grades ac vin se gi ur , gs co in on en n ev io s’ at rent discuss their provides inform We hold regular pa llege at any time to nt to you and this se co e is th rt t po ac re nt n co te rit to u are welcome subject tutors. A w and attendance. Yo ng pi ee ek tim t, en skills developm her issues. progress or any ot

T U O B A T A WH ?

E C N A D N ATTE

lieve that if all students. We be r fo e nc rie pe ex l r ationa od pattern for late go and effective educ a ll es fu a ish g bl in ta id es ov d pr mitted to ance is crucial an The college is com mme, good attend ra og pr y ud st r ei ly addressed. from th identified and swift be ill they are to benefit w ce an nd te at that prevent full life. Any problems ks and co

home-college lin We establish strong . about attendance

e is concern ed whenever ther

ems that can be us mmunication syst

the main us know by calling t le se ea pl s, on as are studying unavoidable re r name, course they attend college for ei to th le e id ab ov un pr is se er ea ht the absence. Pl If your son/daug 45 600 47 prior to 00 03 on rd oa hb college switc r. student ID numbe and date of birth or A guide for parents

9

L A N O I T I D AD G N I N LEAR T R O SUPP Every student has the right to complete an initial assessment of any additional learning needs they may have. When a request is made, we will contact them so that an assessment interview can be arranged. At interview we will discuss their learning support needs and make an assessment of their specific support requirements.

There are many learning support needs we can help with, including: â dyslexia â deafness or hard of hearing â visual impairment or partially sighted â mobility problems â physical disabilities â health problems â learning difficulties â mental health problems We have counsellors at all six centres who offer a confidential and supportive service to help students cope with issues they may not want to discuss elsewhere.

The college also has a Student Health Awareness Co-ordinator who works at all centres to provide health and welfare information.

The college runs themed weeks and awareness days throughout the academic year to promote a healthy lifestyle.

There is also a college nurse based at the Moreton Morrell centre and sex and relationship clinics at all centres.

10

A guide for parents

L

STUDENT SERVICES TEAM Our Student Services team offers expert advice and information to all enrolled students. Students can drop in for a quick chat, make an appointment for one-to-one guidance, or use the well-resourced careers library to find out about: â career choices â university applications, including the preparation of personal statements â job-seeking skills â progression within the college â CV writing â interview preparation and techniques â visiting universities â employment and training opportunities Student safety The college is an environment where everybody is made to feel secure and we actively encourage students to let us know if they have any worries or concerns.

We ensure our students know that they will be heard and any issues dealt with appropriately.

All staff and volunteers are made aware of the important role the college has in safeguarding students and are trained in the appropriate referral process.

A guide for parents

11

How can students get ? to college sports students s network that tran

ive bu There is an extens e also provide ross the region. W ac m fro s re nt ce find to our six tween sites. You’ll be g lin el av tr ts en k/transport transport for stud w.warwickshire.ac.u w w e sit eb w r ou bus routes on . tly asked questions along with frequen ch means osed services’ whi ‘cl e ar es ut ro s bu Most of the n use the and from college ca to g lin el av tr ts en only stud buses. ll because we can please give us a ca e, ut ro a d fin t n’ llege.

If you ca st way to get to co sie ea d an st ke ic qu es to help help you find the t on special servic pu or s ur to de e We can arrang 47 for advice. . Call 0300 45 600 students get here h the be available throug ay m s st co t or sp Help with tran es on ask Student Servic se ea pl – nd Fu y ar 16-19 Burs c.uk. advice@warkscol.a 0300 45 600 48 or

ND A dates term S E M I T G N I N E P O

term dates, For general college s hire.ac.uk/termdate visit www.warwicks are t dates – students ar st nt re ffe di ve rm times.

Some courses ha tor for definitive te tu r ei th ith w k ec advised to ch

How can I contact the ? college Personal Learning ur son/daughter’s

oard on You can reach yo rough the switchb th er ad Le y em ad Advisor or Ac 0300 45 600 47.

First aid and emergencies are rs at all centres who

st aide The college has fir d respond to minister first aid an ad to ed ifi al qu lly fu al situations. emergency medic

Smoking oking, s students from sm

rage The college discou the tutorial y lifestyle through th al he a es ot om small, and pr owever, there is a H . ys da e em th d programme an and ted at each centre ca lo ea ar g in ok dedicated sm the college anywhere else on ed itt rm pe t no is smoking grounds.

12

A guide for parents

ID Cards ID card when they ued with a college

l times on Each student is iss wear this card at al to d ire qu re e ar enrol. They college premises.

How much will? cost studying there are no r 16 to 18 year olds

s fo For full-time course ial costs for be additional mater ay m e er Th . es fe financial course may be eligible for ts en ud st e m So studies, some courses. sts related to their co l ia nt se es ds ar support tow ing or travel. ent, childcare fund pm ui eq se ur co such as

IS THERE HELP TOWARDS the additional costs? eligible for financial support from

ay be Some students m is provided Bursary Fund. This -19 16 ry na tio re sc di the g the those who are havin lp he to t en m rn by the gove s of learning. g some of the cost tin ee m lty cu ffi di greatest

At Warwickshire pect x e e w ollege C to: s t n e d u t s r u o

r their for learning and fo sm ia us th en an p lo â deve subject munity of in the college com ge ga en y el tiv ac â learning haviours’ entrepreneurial be re ‘co e th p lo ve â de ng during their learni nce llege to gain experie co e th m fro ds ar â look outw ent ld, through placem or w l na sio es of pr of the ing activities urial and enterpris ne re ep tr en , ng ni lear and volunteering ring their sible manner, ensu â act in a respon ay be at of others who m th d an ty fe sa al person ur tions and behavio affected by their ac A guide for parents

13

N O I S S E R G PRO R E H G I H O T N O I T A C U D E higher go on to study a ts en ud st r ou of Many Warwickshire (degrees) here at se ur co n io at uc ed ersities such as: College or at univ ity â Aston Univers ighton â University of Br istol â University of Br ity â Cardiff Univers rsity â Coventry Unive rsity â Durham Unive eter â University of Ex eds â University of Le icester â University of Le anchester â University of M ottingham â University of N on , University of Lond â Royal Holloway arwick â University of W rk â University of Yo

S K N I L R OU WITH S R E Y O L P EM

14

A guide for parents

rships our strong partne om fr fit ne be ts Our studen mpanies are just a few co e er H s. er oy pl with em : with our students currently working e Service â Air Ambulanc â Alstom Power â Asda â Blitz Games undation â British Heart Fo â Codemasters ersion â GE Power Conv press â Holiday Inn Ex er â House of Fras ver â Jaguar Land Ro â NHS â Royal Mail are Company â Royal Shakespe â telent course â Warwick Race

A guide for parents

15

Six centres of excellence in education and training Leamington Warwick New Road Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5JE

Rugby Technology Drive Rugby Warwickshire CV21 1AR

Pershore Avonbank Pershore Worcestershire WR10 3JP

Moreton Morrell Moreton Morrell Warwick Warwickshire CV35 9BL

Henley-in-Arden Stratford Road Henley-in-Arden Warwickshire B95 6AB

Trident, Warwick Poseidon Way Warwick Warwickshire CV34 6SW

W: www.warwickshire.ac.uk | E: info@warkscol.ac.uk | T: 0300 45 600 49 Visiting the college? Please tell us if you have any special requirements.

Need help reading this guide? Call 0300 45 600 48

W13-10-178