Wiltshire College & University Centre
14-19 School Links
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Contents
Principal’s Welcome
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Why choose Wiltshire College & University Centre?
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Ofsted
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Campus developments
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What can I study?
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Foundation Studies
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Bespoke programmes/carousel
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Sixth Form Partnerships
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Student Life
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Sports and Fitness
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Student Support
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School FAQs
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Parent and carer FAQs
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Student FAQs
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How to apply
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Welcome to the 14-19 School Links booklet I am delighted to introduce you to our 2019–20
This enables them to progress into successful
14-19 School Links booklet. Here at Wiltshire
employment and some onto further study at
College & University Centre we are very proud
university level.
of our School Links provision and the difference it makes to hundreds of students in our
There are so many opportunities for young
community each year.
people to learn, develop and succeed here at the College. This booklet aims to guide
Our programmes give young people at school
schools, pupils and parents/carers through
the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and
the process of applying, as well as offering the
experience in practical subjects, that prepare
opportunity to explore all of the options
them not only for future study, but also for
available. We can also provide specific advice
successful employment and life after college.
for individual learners.
Our vocational courses are hands-on and
We look forward to seeing you at one of our
practical and are delivered in industry standard
many Open Events throughout the year when
facilities, helping learners to prepare for their
you can get a real flavour of the courses and
future chosen career path. Students who
facilities on offer. Alternatively, you can make
successfully complete their School Links
an appointment to come in and visit us at the
programme often achieve places on full-time
College any time.
study programmes or apprenticeships at College once they finish school.
Amanda Burnside Principal
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Why choose Wiltshire College & University Centre? 1
We are a GOOD college! In 2018 we were rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
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Focused on you! Our smaller class sizes mean that you get more 1-to-1 support and personal attention.
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We are different to school! At College you can call some tutors by their first name, there are no bells and you are treated more like an adult.
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Professional facilities! Our campuses are home to a wide range of facilities including hair and beauty salons, state-of-the-art engineering, construction and motor vehicle workshops, student-run restaurants, four working farms and a domestic and exotic animal centre.
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Diverse curriculum! We have the space, resources, workshops and tutors to offer a wide range of subjects which your school may not be able to provide.
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Real life experience! You will be learning in realistic working environments, from tutors who have worked in the industry. Our facilities are home to tools, equipment and materials that you will find in the workplace, giving you the chance to learn the skills that you need for your future career.
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Progression! If you complete your course, you can progress to the next level in the same subject or move on to something different.
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Support! You will have dedicated support from tutors and a pre-16 learning mentor, who will liaise regularly with your school and home to keep up-todate with your progress.
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Ofsted 2018 “You and your staff have created a welcoming family atmosphere.”
“The achievement of adult students and apprentices has remained high.”
“The guidance for students in their tutorial programme complements the very good resources and extensive careers service for all students.”
“Safeguarding procedures and practices are comprehensive and thorough. Students feel safe at college.”
“Teachers’ careful monitoring of the progress of students motivates students, who work enthusiastically towards achieving their goals.”
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Campus developments The College was awarded £22million of government Local Growth Fund money via the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) in 2017 to invest in both its Salisbury and Lackham campuses. Work has begun to transform the Salisbury Campus, recladding exterior walls, in addition to internal conversion work and the development of a new building to introduce science and engineering workshops. At Lackham, where the College’s renowned land-based courses are offered, work is set to start on the construction of new state-of-the-art buildings which will further develop the site as a regional training centre of excellence. The developments include the building of a new Agricultural Technology Centre, the expansion of higher education facilities and the replacement of the existing dairy on the Lackham farm with a high-tech robotic milking parlour and new dairy training buildings.
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What can I study? Vocational Programmes Our range of vocational programmes provide the opportunity to study one course throughout the year, giving you knowledge, skills and experience in a subject that you have chosen. Chippenham Our Chippenham campus, which opened in 2015, is home to industry standard facilities including professional hairdressing and beauty salons, IT suites, workshops and studios. Courses you can study include: • Foundation Studies • Carousel • Building Craft Occupations • Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy • Vechicle Maintenance • Health and Social Care
Lackham Lackham is our land-based campus, home to four working farms, a countryside estate including woodlands and rivers and specialist agricultural engineering workshops. Lackham is where you will find our Animal Resource Centre, is home to a wide range of domestic and exotic animals such as lemurs, snakes and rabbits, a Blue Cross cat rehoming centre and a dog grooming parlour. Courses you can study include: • Foundation Studies • Agriculture • Animal Care • Land-based Engineering • Sport and Public Services • RHS Horticulture
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Trowbridge The Trowbridge campus is a large, friendly learning environment, with professional hair and beauty salons, a student run restaurant, dedicated vehicle maintenance workshops and much more. In 2014 a new Construction Skills Centre opened for all trade subjects. Courses you can study include: • Foundation Studies • Carousel • Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy • Health and Social Care • Sport and Public Services • Vechicle Maintenance
Salisbury Salisbury is our large, city centre campus, which features a wide variety of practical courses and facilities. There are professional hair and beauty salons, a student run restaurant, dedicated construction and vehicle maintenance workshops, IT suites and studios. Courses you can study include: • Foundation Studies • Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy • Carousel • Health and Social Care • Sport and Public Services • Vechicle Maintenance
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Foundation Studies Foundation Studies and Life Skills The school environment doesn’t suit every pupil. So, at Wiltshire College & University Centre, we offer programmes to help students work towards qualifications in Maths and English, as well as developing their skills in areas such as employability, resilience, communication, behaviour and enterprise. Students will attend college for either two or three days each week, working alonside their classmates to improve their knowledge and abilities in a range of areas including ICT, preparing for work and further education and building relationships with colleagues. Group sizes are smaller than in school and the College provides a mature environment for students to make a fresh start, develop positive behaviours and attitudes, make new friends and sample college life ready for when they leave school. Students can attend the Foundation Studies programme, or could combine it with an additional day in a vocational area within the College to suit their particular interests. All of the vocational options can be found in this booklet and will be discussed in more detail at the point of application or their interview.
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Bespoke programmes/carousel We develop bespoke programmes for Year 10 and 11 pupils (subject to minimum student numbers of 10). Each 14-19 programme will run for the academic year, with fees set at the point of pupil admission. The carousel is designed to allow students to experience different courses within vocational areas. Students come to College on a morning release to participate in practical sessions within their chosen carousel. Rather than achieving a qualification, they will receive a certificate to show that they successfully completed the course. We can offer flexible programmes to meet your pupils’ needs. If you have curriculum requirements with which you would like assistance, or would like to discuss, please get in touch with our 14-19 School Links Coordinator.
Term 1 Bricklaying
Construction & Vehicle Maintenance Carousel
Term 3 Vehicle Maintenance
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Term 2 Carpentry
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Sixth Form partnerships Here at Wiltshire College & University Centre we offer a number of post-16 Sixth Form partnership courses, which you can complete alongside your A Levels. The Subsidiary Diplomas are usually completed over two years, giving you one A Level in a vocational area. This will count not only towards your A Levels but also your UCAS points to help you progress onto university level study. BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Public Services This is an exciting offer based around the excellent provision with the Public Services at Wiltshire College & University Centre. If you want a career with the police, fire, armed forces or other uniformed services, this could be the course for you. Year 1 includes modules in Government & Policies, Leadership & Teamwork and Citizenship & Diversity. Following successful completion, you will progress to Year 2 which could include some of the following: International Institutions & Human Rights; Command & Control in the Uniformed Public Services; Police Powers; Land Navigation and Outdoor & Adventures Activities (subject to awarding body requirements). All units are delivered by a dynamic and inspiring team of staff who have excelled in their chosen backgrounds within Public Services.
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BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering This is a great introduction to both mechanical and electrical/electronic engineering. This would enhance your knowledge and opportunities to study engineering at a higher level. Year 1 includes Health & Safety in the Engineering Workplace; Mathematics for Engineering Technicians; and Mechanical Principles & Applications. Following successful completion, you will progress to Year 2 which could include: Electrical & Electronic Principles; Selecting & Using Programmable Controllers and Principles & Applications of Electronic Devices & Circuits (subject to awarding body requirements). You will benefit from experienced staff and the opportunity to develop practical skills in our industry standard engineering workshops. BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Vehicle Technology (Motorsport) This new course provides an exciting introduction to motorsport engineering and could be your first step to a career in the industry. Year 1 includes Vehicle Chassis Systems; Motorsport Workshop Practices; and Motorsport Vehicle Preparation. Successful completion will allow you to progress to Year 2, which could include: Engine Principles; Vehicle Electrical Systems; Vehicle Suspension; Steering & Braking Systems; and Motorsport Logistics. All units are delivered by experienced staff who have worked in the Engineering and Motorsport industries. Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE (A*-C) including Maths and English. Engineering/ Motorsport Engineering requires Maths at the higher tier level.
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Student life Your experience at Wiltshire College & University Centre is about much more than your course. Part of being a student here is having the opportunity to get involved in a range of activities, events and trips to make your time here fun and enjoyable. Each campus has its own common room where you can relax, catch up with friends and meet new people. The common rooms are also home to our College Activators who organise and run activities for you to take part in. Activities you could get involved in include: • Becoming a paid Student Ambassador • Freshers Fair • Have your say as part of Student Voice • Trips • Fundraising events • Health and Wellbeing • Gyms • Weekly sports and activities
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Sports and fitness On every campus there is an exciting range of sport and fitness activities to get involved in, giving you the chance to get active, meet new people, compete in a College team, become a sports leader and have fun! Activities include: Football, Basketball, Zumba, Yoga, Netball, Cricket, Dance, Hockey, Dodgeball, Self-Defence, Tennis, Badminton, Table Tennis, Rugby and much more!
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Student support Here at Wiltshire College & University Centre we are ambitious for all of our learners and committed to ensuring that every student gets the support that they need to succeed. Personal tutors Every student is allocated a personal tutor. Whether you need advice about your assignments and deadlines or just a chat about your course or life at college, your personal tutor is on hand to help. Free school lunches If you receive free school meals at school, we will work with you to ensure that you have free lunches while you are at College too. Additional Learning Support If you think you may need additional support during your course, let us know on your application form. You will have the opportunity to discuss your needs before you start.
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Staying safe At the College we are committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our students. Our staff are on hand to help if you have concerns about the safety of yourself or others. Your personal tutor is available to support you if you have any problems or concerns. You can also contact us by email using safe@wiltshire.ac.uk PPE and uniform While you are at College you will not need to wear school uniform. Some courses will require you to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as steel-toe capped boots or overalls. For some courses, you may not be allowed to wear jewellery or may need to tie back long hair due to health and safety rules. Other courses may require you to wear a specific uniform that is relevant to the industry, such as hairdressing, beauty therapy or animal care. You will have the opportunity to discuss your needs before you start.
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Schools FAQs What will they be doing during their time at College? Each course is made up of practical lessons carried out in our realistic working environments, and classroom-based theory lessons. This means that they spend less time sat at a desk and more time carrying out practical work to put their knowledge into practice. The courses on offer give students real experience in a range of different careers, giving them not only focus but also aspirations and knowledge for the future.
What can we do to support our pupils’ application? You can obtain an application form from the College or complete online; this will have sections which will need to be completed by the school and parents or carer. We ask that you provide full disclosure of any student applying for a course, including any additional learning needs or medical conditions, sending any copies of paperwork to the College to ensure that we can support the student fully. Please note that courses are dependent on minimum numbers of students to run.
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Can they attend an event to find out more about College? Please encourage your pupils to visit our open events and experience days to get a taste for College life, meet the tutors and have an opportunity to ask any questions. Dates and details of our open events can be found at www.wiltshire.ac.uk
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Parent and carer FAQs How will my child benefit from attending College? Being at school doesn’t always suit everyone; sometimes, the independence and atmosphere offered at the College can make all the difference to a student’s motivation and achievements. Class sizes here are small, usually between 10 and 18 students, meaning that each student receives more personal help and attention. All our staff have relevant industry experience and bring their knowledge and skills into the classroom. Spending time at one of our campuses enables students to get first-hand experience of College life, making it less daunting when they leave school at 16. What do I need to do to support my child’s application? If your child chooses to attend College, it is important that you complete and sign the consent of parent/carer and medical questionnaire sections of the application form. No student will be allowed to start their course without your consent. Once fully completed, the application form should be returned to school before being forwarded to the College. What support will my child receive? Whilst we feel that giving students the freedom to be individuals is very important, we do offer a full range of support facilities to each and every one of our students. This includes personal tutors, a careers advice service, trained welfare officers, counsellors and pre-16 Learning Mentors. In addition, there is a wide range of activities that take place throughout the year, all designed to help students settle into and enjoy College life.
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Can we visit the College to have a look around for ourselves? You and your child are welcome to visit a campus if you would like to have a look around prior to starting a course. Your child may also be able to attend a taster day, depending which time of year you apply. Please organise this through your school. Will I receive reports? Students receive three progress reports during the year, detailing achievements, attendance and progression towards their targets. The report is delivered to the school or organisation for onward distribution. We work closely with school to monitor your child’s progress and make every effort to ensure that you are kept informed of your child’s progress. How do you monitor attendance? Registers are taken at the start of each class and the school will be notified if anyone is absent within an hour of the class starting. If your child becomes unwell while at College, someone will contact you to discuss this in more detail.
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Student FAQs Do I have to attend an interview? Yes, everyone who applies for a place on a 14-19 course will need to come into the College for a brief interview with a tutor. This is a friendly chat to find out more about you and why you want to do the course. It also gives you the chance to ask us any questions and find out more about the course. Do I need to wear a uniform while I am at College? You don’t have to wear school uniform while you are at the College. However, depending on your course, you may need to wear specific clothing or protective items such as boots, wellies, overalls or gloves. You will be advised before you start if there is anything you need to bring or wear. Will I be with my friends from school? Most of our classes are mixed, so you may be with pupils’ from your school as well as other schools. Sometimes we run courses just for specific school groups, and you will be told if this applies to your group.
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Will I still get free school lunches at College? Yes- if you are entitled, we will provide you with a free lunch when you are at college for the whole day. I have help in my lessons at school. Can I still have support at College? Your school will let us know if you require any specific help on your application form, so please do speak to us to make sure we have all the information we need. What if I am unwell or can’t come into College? Your parent or carer should get in touch with us to let us know that you will not be attending College. They can either ring on 01225 350035 or email us at schoolliaison@wiltshire.ac.uk. Please let us know as early as possible if you are not going to be in and keep us updated if you are going to be away for more than one day.
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How to apply
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It’s good to talk! Speak to our 14-19 Schools Link Co-ordinator to ensure the courses available are suitable for your students.
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Apply! An application form is sent to school, parent or carer (online application coming soon). Our 14-19 School Link Co-ordinator will require information such as EHCP and past reports in addition to the application form.
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Assessment! The admissions team will invite the student in to meet with our 14-19 Schools Link Co-ordinator and complete Maths and English assessments.
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Interview! Students are invited to attend an interview with curriculum staff.
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Offer! If accepted, an offer will be sent with an invitation to attend a taster day.
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Enrolment! Students will be invited to an enrolment day.
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Start! Your pupil will start and become an official Wiltshire College & University Centre student!
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