Worthing College
A step by step guide to
applying to Worthing College for September 2017
What you
need to know about
applying for your place
We understand that in Year 11 you have important decisions to make regarding your education and future career. This leaflet is designed to guide you through the process so that together we can help you make the right choices.
What is a Further Education College?
A Further Education College covers a wide range of subjects and qualifications which go beyond what you have learned by Year 11, but which is not yet at degree level (Higher Education). Further Education (FE) at Worthing College includes: A Levels, AS Levels, BTECs and Apprenticeships.
College Entry Requirements
The entry guidelines for our programmes of study are detailed in a separate document called Worthing College Study Programme Guidelines. When you apply to the College you will be applying for individual subject courses within a Study Programme, any offers made to you will be dependent on both sets of entry requirements being met.
Stunning 18 acre campus Excellent teaching and learning facilities
Normal entry guidelines for 16+ applicants for Advanced (Level 3) Programmes There has been significant A Level reform in the last couple of years resulting in the reduction of AS qualifications which means that most A Level courses are of two years duration. Study programmes and courses may therefore be subject to change. Please check our website www.worthing.ac.uk for further updates. Therefore three A Levels or equivalent (such as a combination of BTECs and A Levels) is the normal requirement for entry to higher education. As a result most of the students enrolling at Worthing College from September 2017 will have achieved the minimum requirement for a three A Level programme and will enrol on such a study programme. Students who have not already achieved grade C or grade 4 in English and/ or Maths GCSE will have to continue to study these alongside other subjects. Specific grades may be required for certain subjects. See Propspectus for individual subject requirements. There are lots of qualifications to choose from and our friendly, professional admissions and curriculum teams are able to help support you make the right future choices and talk about progression.
Step by step guide to applying Step 1. Complete an Application Form •
The easiest way is to apply on-line at: www.worthing.ac.uk
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Alternatively print off a paper copy which can be found on our website and send it to us. Apply before the 16th December 2016 to be sure of a place on your chosen subject courses. Applications will be accepted after this date but it might mean that some courses may be full.
Step 2. Attend a Course Guidance Meeting •
Once we receive your application we will invite you to organise a meeting on a date and time convenient to you from a selection of sessions which will be made available to you via our website.
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This meeting allows us to make sure that you have chosen the right subjects to enable us to make you an offer of a place. It also allows you the opportunity to find out about the courses or overall study programmes and ask any questions you have.
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Parents and Carers are very welcome to attend the meeting.
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Should you require additional support at college this is the best time to talk to us so we can plan the right level of support for you.
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In order to progress your application you will need to bring the following to this meeting: Personal ID - The original of ONE of the following (which Worthing College will photocopy): • Birth Certificate • In-date Passport • Letter from the Home Office describing your status in the UK
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School Report/Predicted Grades • Your most recent school or college report including details of your attendance • If you have already completed qualifications, please bring your certificates or printed confirmation of your results
Things you should consider before the meeting. Your meeting is designed to be a helpful discussion with an experienced curriculum tutor. Our aim is to help you identify what is best for you so that we can make you an offer to match your needs. • Do you have specific career aims or do you want to keep your options open at the moment? • Do you want to continue to study subjects you have already started or do you want to try something new?
• What are your strongest school or college subjects? • What are your greatest strengths in studying? Do you perform best in exams or coursework? IT? Are you strong in creative subjects? How about sport? • What are your predicted grades (or actual grades) in GCSEs and other qualifications? How do these compare to the entry guidelines for subjects/courses in the College prospectus? • Do you want to know more about the College academies, further details of which are in our prospectus or online at; www.worthing.ac.uk. • What are your interests outside school? • Do you need to discuss any extra support you might require when you come to College? • Have you had a good look at all the courses available at Worthing College? The College Prospectus 2017 can be viewed at www.worthing.ac.uk. • Think about whether you want your parent/carer to come to your meeting. This decision is up to you but we would really encourage you to discuss all of the above with those who know you best, including your teachers at school, prior to your meeting.
At the end of the meeting we will normally make you a provisional offer.
Step 3. Accept the Offer of a Place •
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When we make an offer it will have conditions attached, such as GCSE grades that you will need to achieve at school. We will confirm your offer via email and the date of your enrolment. You will be asked to accept the offer made to you within 14 days to secure your place either on-line using the Application Tracker with your unique PIN number, by telephoning the admissions team on 01903 275751 or email admissions@worthing.ac.uk If you have been offered a provisional place in one of our Sports Academies this will be subject to a reference from your PE teacher or coach and a trial. See page 7 for details.
Step 4. Attend Introductory Day on Tuesday 4 July 2017 •
This is your opportunity to visit the college and attend classes in the subjects you have chosen. This is a very important day and you should make every effort to attend. Full details will be sent to you nearer the time.
Step 5. Confirm your GCSE/BTEC Results on Thursday 24 August 2017 •
Obtain your results from your school and then enter them onto the Application Tracker using your unique PIN number.
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If you need to change your plans in light of your actual results call us on our GCSE hotline 01903 275755 and let us have all your GCSE results so we can offer you further advice prior to enrolment.
Step 6. Attend College Enrolment between Friday 1 and Tuesday 5 September 2017 •
This is where you officially sign up as a college student so it is essential that you attend the date and time highlighted in your Offer Letter (Step 3). If you are unable to attend please advise the admissions team as soon as possible so we can rearrange, on 01903 275751 or email admissions@worthing.ac.uk
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You will have the opportunity to further review your course selection based on your results with the guidance of our expert curriculum advisors.
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A refundable deposit of £60 is required to be paid at enrolment by all students to cover loss or damage to college property for the duration of your time as a student.
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Fees for academies, trips and materials will also be payable at enrolment. Full details will have been outlined to you in your Offer email (Step 3).
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For the Health and Social Care Level 3 Extended Diploma a DBS check will be required together with a payment of £44, again payable at enrolment.
Step 7. Attend Induction Day (w/c 11 September 2017) •
Induction Day is all about ensuring you have all the information you need to be an effective student at the college. You will be introduced to the student intranet, college policies and procedures, have the opportunity to meet teachers and personal tutors. Your timetable will also be issued at this time.
Step 8. Teaching starts (w/c 11 September 2017) •
This is the first day of term from a teaching and learning perspective where you will be required to attend classes as outlined in your timetable.
Open Events & Key Dates
To find out what Worthing College has to offer, come to one of our Open Events throughout the year. The dates are as follows: Saturday 5 November 2016
10.30am – 2.00pm
Open Event
Monday 7 November 2016
4.30pm – 7.30pm
Open Event
Thursday 13 February 2017
5.00pm – 7.00pm
Open Event
Tuesday 6 June 2017
4.00pm – 6.00pm
Open Event
Once you’ve applied the following dates are key events we expect all students to attend. Tuesday 4 July 2017
8.30am - 2.00pm
Introductory Day
Friday 1 September 2017 Monday 4 & Tuesday 5 September 2017
Enrolment. Your offer email (step 3) will give you details about your exact enrolment date and time.
Other useful dates to remember Tuesday 24 January 2017
6.00pm – 7.30pm
April, May (Dates tbc)
Academy of Sport Trials
Aspire Evening
June (Date tbc)
6.30pm – 8.00pm
Academy of Sport Introduction to new students and their parents/cares
Gym Two cafĂŠs
Library
BEST RESULTS second year in a row
Personal tutors
Supportive teaching and learning
#101ReasonsToApply Stunning campus Student Voice
Great spaces for independent study
Your local college
Unr sp su
Focus on STEM
www.worthing.ac.uk 01903 275755 info@worthing.ac.uk
Admissions: 01903 275751 admissions@worthing.ac.uk
All information correct at time of going to press, October 2016.