Parents Guide

All our students gain

MORE than a qualification...

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

A guide for

2 A guide for parents

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

3A 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 skillsneeded 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 supportthem by nurturing ambition, innovation and entrepreneurialmind-sets. This guide provides parents with useful information about theeducational experience at Warwickshire College and how wesupport our students. We hope you find it helpful.


WE WILL...STUDENTS

ARE...OUR

â encourage their ambition and aspirations

â improve their communication skills

â show them how to manage their time and become more independent

â encourage creativity and dynamism

â help them to develop a positive, confident attitude

â raise their business awareness

â provide opportunities to develop their team-work skills

â provide access to entrepreneurial experiences

â nurture their ability to problem-solve

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

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.

WE WILL...STUDENTS

ARE...OUR

â forming new businesses and social enterprises

â participating in entrepreneurial theme weeks

â networking with entrepreneursâ show them how to manage their time and become more independent

â attending international enterprise festivals

â pitching to our enterprise board

â working as college ambassadors and representatives

â developing the student enterprise society

â competing in national finals

â developing innovative business ideas



WHAT WILLLEARNING BE LIKE?

WHAT WILLLEARNING BE LIKE?

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 debatesâ practical demonstrationsâ using latest technologies and online resourcesâ seminars from expert guest speakersâ independent self-directed study â trips and visitsâ 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.



HOW ARESTUDENTSASSESSED?

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 skillsFrom 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.


HOW ARE STUDENTSMONITORED?

HOW WILL I RECEIvE

fEEDBACK ON pROGRESS?

WHAT ABOUTATTENDANCE?

Each student is assigned their own Personal Learning Advisor (PLA). They will meet their PLA every week and

their progress will be monitored. Targets will be agreed and PLAs will also check punctuality, attendance and that

coursework is submitted on time.

We hold regular parents’ evenings, giving you the opportunity to discuss your son/daughter’s progress with their

subject tutors. A written report is sent to you and this provides information on course progress, grades achieved,

skills development, timekeeping and attendance. You are welcome to contact the college at any time to discuss their

progress or any other issues.

The college is committed to providing a full and effective educational experience for all students. We believe that if

they are to benefit from their study programme, good attendance is crucial and establishes a good pattern for later

life. Any problems that prevent full attendance will be identified and swiftly addressed.

We establish strong home-college links and communication systems that can be used whenever there is concern

about attendance.

If your son/daughter is unable to attend college for unavoidable reasons, please let us know by calling the main

college switchboard on 0300 45 600 47 prior to the absence. Please provide their name, course they are studying

and date of birth or student ID number.


ADDITIONALLEARNINGSUppORT

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 hearingâ visual impairment or partially sightedâ mobility problemsâ physical disabilitiesâ health problemsâ learning difficultiesâ 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.


ADDITIONALLEARNINGSUppORT

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 choicesâ university applications, including the preparation of personal

statementsâ job-seeking skillsâ progression within the collegeâ CV writingâ interview preparation and techniquesâ visiting universitiesâ employment and training opportunities

Student safetyThe 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.

STUDENTSERvICESTEAM

HOW CAN STUDENTS GET

TO COLLEGE?There is an extensive bus network that transports students

to our six centres from across the region. We also provide

transport for students travelling between sites. You’ll find

bus routes on our website www.warwickshire.ac.uk/transport

along with frequently asked questions.

Most of the bus routes are ‘closed services’ which means

only students travelling to and from college can use the

buses.

If you can’t find a route, please give us a call because we can

help you find the quickest and easiest way to get to college.

We can arrange detours or put on special services to help

students get here. Call 0300 45 600 47 for advice.

Help with transport costs may be available through the

16-19 Bursary Fund – please ask Student Services on

0300 45 600 48 or [email protected].

TERM DATES AND

OpENING TIMESFor general college term dates,

visit www.warwickshire.ac.uk/termdates

Some courses have different start dates – students are

advised to check with their tutor for definitive term times.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE COLLEGE?You can reach your son/daughter’s Personal Learning

Advisor or Academy Leader through the switchboard on

0300 45 600 47.

fIRST AID AND EMERGENCIESThe college has first aiders at all centres who are

fully qualified to administer first aid and respond to

emergency medical situations.

SMOKINGThe college discourages students from smoking,

and promotes a healthy lifestyle through the tutorial

programme and theme days. However, there is a small,

dedicated smoking area located at each centre and

smoking is not permitted anywhere else on the college

grounds.


ID CARDSEach student is issued with a college ID card when they

enrol. They are required to wear this card at all times on

college premises.

HOW MUCH WILL

STUDyING COST?For full-time courses for 16 to 18 year olds there are no

course fees. There may be additional material costs for

some courses. Some students may be eligible for financial

support towards essential costs related to their studies,

such as course equipment, childcare funding or travel.

IS THERE HELp TOWARDS THE ADDITIONAL COSTS?Some students may be eligible for financial support from

the discretionary 16-19 Bursary Fund. This is provided

by the government to help those who are having the

greatest difficulty meeting some of the costs of learning.

At WARWICKSHIRE

COLLEGE we expect

our students to: â develop an enthusiasm for learning and for their

subject

â actively engage in the college community of

learning

â develop the ‘core entrepreneurial behaviours’

during their learning

â look outwards from the college to gain experience

of the professional world, through placement

learning, entrepreneurial and enterprising activities

and volunteering

â act in a responsible manner, ensuring their

personal safety and that of others who may be

affected by their actions and behaviour

A guide for parents 13

pROGRESSION TO HIGHEREDUCATION

OUR LINKSWITH EMpLOyERS

Many of our students go on to study a higher

education course (degrees) here at Warwickshire

College or at universities such as:

â Aston University

â University of Brighton

â University of Bristol

â Cardiff University

â Coventry University

â Durham University

â University of Exeter

â University of Leeds

â University of Leicester

â University of Manchester

â University of Nottingham

â Royal Holloway, University of London

â University of Warwick

â University of York

Our students benefit from our strong partnerships

with employers. Here are just a few companies

currently working with our students:

â Air Ambulance Service

â Alstom Power

â Asda

â Blitz Games

â British Heart Foundation

â Codemasters

â GE Power Conversion

â Holiday Inn Express

â House of Fraser

â Jaguar Land Rover

â NHS

â Royal Mail

â Royal Shakespeare Company

â telent

â Warwick Racecourse

A guide for parents14

pROGRESSION TO HIGHEREDUCATION

A guide for parents 15

Six centres of excellence in education and training

W: www.warwickshire.ac.uk | E: [email protected] | 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

Leamingtonwarwick new roadLeamington spawarwickshirecV32 5Je

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Moreton MorrellMoreton MorrellwarwickwarwickshirecV35 9BL

Henley-in-Ardenstratford roadHenley-in-ArdenwarwickshireB95 6AB

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Parents Guide