PARENTS’ GUIDEWhy choose LMC?

Hello,

I’m delighted to introduce our new Parents’ Guide, which is designed to provide you with a snapshot of what our college has to offer. We recognise that deciding what to do after school is a big challenge, especially as the number of opportunities available today can be confusing.

It may seem simpler to take the easy option and stay on at school and, for some young people that is the right one, especially when they want to study A-Levels and follow an academic route.

At LMC, however, we’re focused on preparing our students for a new future with a set of skills and experience that sets them apart from the competition, making them more employable. The College’s work-related vocational expertise and well-established links with over 700 employers means our curriculum is closely aligned with the needs of businesses, ensuring our students are well prepared for their future careers or continuing to study at university.

I’m proud to say that 9 out of 10 of our students achieve a positive career destination, with an increasing number choosing to stay at LMC to study Higher Education and professional courses, many of which lead directly to a full university degree. In addition, due to our £14m capital investment over the last three years, we are providing a campus-style state-of-the art learning environment that is unmatched locally.

We would like to extend a warm invitation to you to attend any of our Open Evenings, to tour our amazing facilities, speak to our industry trained tutors and, above all, to find out what it’s really like to study at a college whose mission is to inspire the people and businesses it serves through quality work-related education and training.

David David Wood, Principal

A warm welcome from David Wood, College Principal

For every 20 LMC students, 13 go on to further study and 5 take up employment.

Why Choose Us?

As a parent or guardian, you can trust Lancaster & Morecambe College to provide an excellent learning environment.

There are lots of reasons you should choose LMC, from our facilities to our teaching and support - we can guarantee your son/daughter will have everything they need to progress on their chosen career path.

OUR STUDENTS GO ON TO GREAT THINGS

We are ranked ‘GOOD’ by Ofsted and are proud that 9 out of 10 of our students go on to employment or further study. 48% of our Level 3 students progressed to a higher education course last year.

OUR COURSES OFFER A GREAT CHOICE OF OPTIONS

We offer established vocational courses equivalent to A-level qualifications. On completion, students can go onto university or straight into employment - here at LMC, we keep the options open.

WE SUPPORT OUR LEARNERS

We offer a wide range of support including help with travel and finance, as well as counsellors, learning support, programme mentors and a personal tutor for every one of our students.

OUR FANTASTIC FACILITIES PROVIDE INDUSTRY LEADING REAL WORK ENVIRONMENTS

We have spent over £14 million redeveloping our campus to include new innovative learning and social spaces for our students.

WE OFFER MORE THAN JUST A COURSE

At LMC we focus on developing enterprise skills, maths and English, health and wellbeing and a sense of community. College is more than just a course, it is an experience.

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The College is very proud to be rated as a ‘Good’ college by Ofsted. We are committed to providing our students with an excellent learning experience and are delighted that this was recognised in the Ofsted Report.

Our vocational courses prepare students for careers. 24% of our students went into employment after completing their course and 65% progressed to further and higher education.

1. Our students go on to great things

“Teachers give generously of their time outside lessons to provide

extra support that helps learners to achieve.”

“The College is characterised by a culture of valuing and supporting all

learners equally.”

Source: Ofsted, 2013

Lancaster & Morecambe College is a GOOD College - Ofsted, 2013

Vocational Qualifications versus A-Levels?One question we get asked a lot is ‘what is the difference between doing A-Levels and doing a vocational qualification at college?’

A vocational qualification, which is what we offer at LMC, is great if you prefer ‘hands-on’ learning and coursework rather than exams; that’s not to say there won’t be exams, but there will be a mix of practical and written assessments.

All the courses at LMC are led by qualified teaching professionals, with industry experience, ensuring that a balance of academic theory and practical work is achieved.

In contrast, A-Levels are theory-based and feature more exams; quite often, this is considered a traditional route to take through your school’s sixth form. Whilst most believe you need to have A-Levels to gain a university education, this is not the case.

Both types of qualification are highly respected by employers and universities and equate to the relevant UCAS points required to apply to university.

Some of the employers we work with: EDF, SR Brown, BAE, Siemens, Save Start, Lancaster University, Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce.

2. Our courses offer a great choice of options

“Because of the fantastic progress made at College,

my son received offers from all 5 of his UCAS

applications, 3 of them Russell Group universities. He’s off to the University of

York next month. Thank you.”

Parents’ Survey, 2015

Coming to College is an exciting time; your son/daughter will meet lots of new people as well as study a course that they are really interested in.

We do realise that it can be a big step, and that college is very different to school. You don’t need to worry though; we have a dedicated team of people on hand to help support your son/daughter through their time at college so you only have to ask and we’ll do what we can to help.

Whatever your son/daughter needs, from finding their way around, impartial advice and guidance, information or planning for their future, the Student and Learning Services team at LMC is here for you.

The Student and Learning Services team is dedicated to helping our students make the most of their time at College. We can help you find out more about courses, travelling to College, enrolment, applications and careers guidance. The Student Money Team is also based in Student and Learning Services.

Personal TutorsEvery student in College gets a Personal Tutor; they will meet with your son/daughter once a week to ensure they are on track with their studies and are happy at College. As a parent, you can contact their

personal tutor at any point during the academic year to discuss issues that arise personally, or in relation to their course. Their Personal Tutor will also provide regular progress reports to you and your son/daughter as well as arranging parents’ evenings where you can discuss their progress and future plans.

LMC provides an extensive tutorial programme covering issues such as equality and diversity awareness, sustainability and healthy living. We also provide careers guidance, including UCAS applications, CV writing, personal finance and budgeting, plus a number of interactive workshops exploring university, employment and further training opportunities.

MoodleThis year, we are pleased to be able to offer parents of current students access to Moodle, our online virtual learning environment. If you choose

LMC, you can be confident of your son/daughter’s progress by viewing College resources online as often as you would like.

Programme MentorsWe want your son/daughter to have a great time at College but if they do have any problems, the Programme Mentors are here to offer information, advice and support. Students contact us for a number of reasons, usually if something is affecting their time at College. Sometimes students just want a listening ear or maybe more practical help; whatever the reason, we’ll do our best to support them so that they can continue with their studies.

CounsellorsThere are times when you just need to get things off your chest, so we offer a free confidential counselling service

3. We support our learners

Contact Student and Learning ServicesIn Person Pop in to The Hexagon

Course Enquiries 0800 306 306 or 01524 521385

Money Enquiries 0800 306 306 or 01524 521469 studentmoney@lmc.ac.uk

General Enquiries 01524 521237

E-mail info@lmc.ac.uk

with qualified counsellors. Counselling offers a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about any issues.

Learning ResourcesWe have a fantastic Student and Learning Centre where our students can get advice and guidance on a huge range of College issues. Your son/daughter will have access to a range of resources to help with assignments and knowledgeable staff to help them get the best results. Right at the heart of the campus, ‘The Hex’ has all the usual IT you’d expect; laptops, PCs, Macs and Mac Notebooks, iPads and Wi-Fi, which is available across College. Books, newspapers,

journals, magazines and DVDs are also available to use or borrow. There are also digital cameras, digital video cameras and e-pens. We work closely with the Students’ Union, providing a space where students can work and relax.

Learning SupportIf your son/daughter currently receive support, would like additional support with their learning, have a particular learning difficulty or need specialist assistance, you can let the team know before they start College. That way, they can arrange to meet your son/daughter’s needs from day one. We have a wide range of

specialist equipment available for students including: large screen monitors, laptop computers, PCs with speech recognition software, Brailler, radio aids, portable loops, hand held tape recorders, one handed keyboards and ergonomic chairs.

TransportWe offer a free bus service to students from Barrow, Ulverston, Kendal, Windermere, Kirkby Lonsdale, Milnthorpe, Grange over Sands, Garstang and many others. See page 16 for more details.

“The support my son received from the College has been exemplary. The tutors on his course have been, without exception, helpful, caring and supportive whilst encouraging him to continue with his studies. Thank you.”

Parents’ Survey, 2015

Lancaster & Morecambe College worked with Ellis Williams Architects to put together a Master Plan to redevelop the entire site, continuing the investment in new facilities for students, staff and the community. Our brand new campus boasts fantastic, industry leading facilities, built with sustainability and innovation in mind.

The Hexagon – Student & Learning Centre‘The Hex’, as nicknamed by our students, is at the heart of LMC. Completely renovated and extended in 2013, it has been designed to offer a hub of activity and is home to the College learning resource centre and Student Services. At College, we offer a whole range of learning equipment and resources from Apple Macs to tablets, PCs and laptops – we have it all. Of course, a learning resource centre wouldn’t be complete without books, newspapers, journals and magazines.

LMC Construction & Engineering2013 also saw the launch of our new £7 million Construction Centre and a regeneration of our engineering facilities. The Construction building offers new classroom and workshop space enabling even more disciplines to be taught through the department. Our Engineering department works in partnership with EDF Energy, which has ensured the new facilities have been developed following the very latest industry specification requirements.

LMC Business & Conference Centre The College has developed a state-of-the-art Business & Conference Centre, accessed from Torrisholme Road, which provides a fantastic training and conference facility for local businesses. Complete with a modern business lounge and plasma screen presentation facilities, the centre also offers three suites which can be hired for training courses and seminars. The Conference Centre is also a key College facility and is used regularly for events throughout the academic year.

The LoungeThe Lounge is our new student social area and catering facility, which opened in 2014. A great selection of high freshly cooked quality food is on offer every day with a focus on local suppliers. We also offer a FREE breakfast for all students. Offering a bright open space for students to eat or simply meet and relax between lessons, the Lounge also incorporates the Students’ Union social space.

The SalonOur brand new hair and beauty salon opened in 2015. Now in the heart of the campus for easy access by clients, The Salon offers a full range of hairdressing and beauty therapy services and treatments by our enthusiastic students. We also stock a selection of professional retail products such as Wella and Dermalogica to purchase.

The beauty salon also offers relaxing pamper days incorporating a delicious lunch in Coulson’s Restaurant.

4. Our fantastic facilities provide industry leading real work environments...

We are proud to offer a great selection of healthy food every

day at College, including a FREE breakfast for all our

students.

The Lounge (above) and LMC Business & Conference Centre (below).

5. We offer more than just a course

Be healthy, be happy!

Here at LMC, wellbeing is very important to us, which is why we have a range of support available. Our College counsellors, sexual

health advice and a range of resources will ensure you’ll be well looked after. We also have lots of sports teams and facilities to keep

you active!

Great courses, expert knowledge…

Your course will be led by qualified tutors with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience. Our

teaching programme will ensure that you leave College with a nationally recognised qualification and all the skills you need to enter the world of

work! The skills to succeed…

It is important to effectively plan and manage your timetable to

attend lessons, meet deadlines and to accommodate research. Our

Hexagon student and learning centre and excellent IT facilities will allow

you to work independently and advance your personal management

skills in a supportive, welcoming environment.

We ensure that all LMC students follow our ‘Curriculum Model’, which outlines how the College provides more than just a course; we believe that our students should develop skills to complement their programme of study and prepare them to enter the world of work or further training fully equipped to follow their chosen career path. The hexagons above show the elements which we have embedded into our teaching and learning experience.

Business matters!

Our partnerships with local employers mean you’ll gain real life

understanding and experience in your chosen industry. If that’s not enough…the College’s very own

‘Start-up Factory’ will even allow you to pitch your own business ideas to a

panel of experts!

Welcome to the LMC community

The local community is vital to us and we want you to know how

important your role is in keeping the College at the heart of Lancaster and Morecambe and the many partnerships we have with local

employers and community groups.

It’s all about maths and English

If you didn’t manage to gain maths and English at grades A-C at school, don’t worry. Alongside your course

at LMC, you can work towards achieving these; ensuring that on

completion of your qualification you have the necessary grades to get you

further.

We are currently working with carefully selected international host partners that offer a wide range of student work experience opportunities abroad as part of the Erasmus+ Programme.

Erasmus+ is the new European Union programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport running from 2014 to 2020; with organisations invited to develop exchanges and apply for funding each year to undertake creative projects and training activities.

Erasmus+ aims to modernise education, training and youth work across Europe. The College has a dedicated team to secure and support international opportunities for students to: study, work, volunteer, train and even teach abroad.

Recent Student Work Experience PlacementsWe have been running student exchange programmes at LMC for over ten years. Projects in 2014/15 included:

• Animal Care students shadowing experts at the largest zoo in Poland.

• Health and Social Care students working in The Netherlands at a residential care centre.

• IT /Media & Games Design students working with start-up IT businesses in The Czech Republic.

• Hair & Beauty students learning and working at a vocational school in Germany.

• Sports and Public Services students leading children’s activities in Bulgaria.

• Sports and Public Services students coaching outdoor pursuits in Slovakia.

These placements not only offer a unique work experience to enable the students to put into practice what they have learnt in the classroom, they also offer an enriching cultural experience and are an excellent addition to a young person’s CV in an increasingly competitive labour market.

Some of the opportunities coming up in 2015/16 for international placements are:

• I.T. placements in The Czech Republic

• Sports and Public Services placements in Slovakia

• Sports and Public Services placements in Bulgaria

• Sports and Coaching placements in The Netherlands

• Hospitality, Health and Social Care and Animal Care placements in Italy

• Engineering and Construction placements in Denmark

Taking our students further…

“This exchange is the best thing I’ve ever done and it has opened so many doors, as well as opening my eyes to just how different life is in other countries. It is a real experience that I

would not hesitate doing again.” Coaching and Outdoor Pursuits Exchange, Slovakia

Student Hosting and Reciprocal PlacementsIn April we played host to Dutch Football and Coaching students from CIOS Heerenveen and Leeuwarden in Friesland, in the Netherlands. The CIOS group will be involved in hosting LMC students in 2016.

Research ProjectsAs well as the numerous student projects and exchanges, we are currently working on a variety of academic research and pilot projects with international partners from across Europe. These projects enable the College to take an active part in both the local and international community, on exciting and innovative initiatives, and further embed the spirit of European cooperation. You can read more about our European projects at www.lmc.ac.uk/europe

CIOS Heerenveen and Leeuwarden with Lancaster & Morecambe

College students - 2015

“I have gained more confidence. The

mobility gave me a better chance of being

accepted into the university I have applied

for. It has also given me a better chance of getting a job abroad in

the future.” Zoo Keeper Work

Shadowing, Poland

Scott Fairweather – Head Chef, Punch Bowl at Crosthwaite‘I successfully completed a Hospitality and Catering Apprenticeship at Lancaster & Morecambe College. The best part of the course was meeting new people who have different experiences and backgrounds, also the chance to test your knowledge or ideas alongside other students. The course was great because it taught me the basics and knowledge that I feel is essential to any chef’s career. The tutors really helped me to develop my own style of presentation, flavour & cooking techniques that I still refer back to today.’

Scott has gone from strength to strength in his career which includes regular events & demonstrations across the country, working with celebrities, a weekly column in his local paper and winning many awards including, ‘Cumbria Young Chef of the Year 2014’ and ‘Apprentice of the Year’ whilst still a student at LMC.

Student profiles...

Hayley Robinson – British Airways Flight Attendant, Worldwide‘I completed the Preparation for Air Cabin Crew Diploma Level 2 course in order to kick-start my career in the air. The best thing about the course was the opportunities it gave me; there was so much I learnt about the travel industry and I got to go on some fantastic trips. I think the aircraft simulation trip was my favourite.

I chose Preparation for Air Cabin Crew because it was the right course to start me on my chosen career path and it I knew it would provide me valuable experience that would aid my progression.’

Mark Jenkins – Director of Production, The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, USA‘Following completion of the Art & Design Level 3 Diploma, I used my artistic and design skills in theatre to pursue jobs across the world. This eventually led me to a theatre career that then expanded into movie and television and back to theatre again. Rather than stay on at 6th form, I felt the need to attend a more artistic class and LMC offered that for me. I believe attending College helped further my natural artistic abilities which I still use today.

I have travelled the world as a Technical Director on Cruise Ships. I then moved to Los Angeles and worked on movies, music videos and theatre. Following that, I relocated to Las Vegas and worked with Cirque du Soleil for 10 years. I then moved again to Los Angeles in 2010 and have been here ever since. I am currently the Director of Production for The Dolby Theatre; home of The Oscars!’

Hayley Martin – Beauty Salon Manager, Boss Hair Studio in Barrow‘I loved completing my apprenticeship through College, the practical side of the qualification has been key in getting to where I am today. I had always wanted to be a beauty therapist but wasn’t sure where to start. The Beauty Therapy Apprenticeship meant I could gain all the theory I needed whilst putting the skills I learnt into use in a real work environment. The tutors, as well as the staff at the salon, were so supportive throughout my course and they made it possible for me to learn so much and gain a huge and varied set of skills.’

FREE college bus services

People travel from all over the region to study at Lancaster & Morecambe College so, to make your life easier, we offer full-time students daily return transport during term time on the routes shown below. Details of routes, bus stops and timetables are available at: www.lmc.ac.uk/bus

Garstang BusIf you will be travelling from Garstang and surrounding areas you may be eligible to receive a bus pass for use on scheduled services.

Student destinations

9 out of 10 students go on to HE, employment or further study on completion of their course

Higher Education Destinations On completion of a course at LMC, many of our students continue their studies at various universities across the UK. We are also proud to have links with Lancaster University, UCLan and University of Cumbria. See our

HE guide for more details about our partner universities.

Study towards a DEGREE right here at College

Did you know that Lancaster & Morecambe College offer HNC/HND vocational courses in a wide range of subjects? Your son/daughter can study here for two years with the option to top up to a full degree at university. The College have partnered with Lancaster University, UCLan and University of Cumbria to ensure LMC students are able to continue their education locally or nationally, depending on their choice.

Why choose HE at LMC?Lower cost – Higher Education

With costs of a university education on the increase, there has never been a better time to consider studying locally to save money on transport, living costs and tuition fees. Our fees are just £5,000 per year, which means you will save £4,000 on most university fees.

Fast track to employment

LMC works with over 7,00 businesses locally and nationally. Studying here will ensure your son/daughter benefits from the latest industry specific learning requirements and techniques in readiness for employment.

Unique campus with first class facilities

Many of our students liken our campus to the feel of a university. We have invested over £14 million upgrading our facilities. Real work environments and innovative learning spaces ensure our students have a great experience and excel in their studies.

Find out more…

Our Higher Education prospectus details the many courses available at LMC and looks at career routes and destinations on completion of an HNC/HND at College. Visit our website to download your copy today – www.lmc.ac.uk or call us for details on 0800 306 306.

My son/daughter is looking to achieve straight As at GCSE; is there anything for them at College?

Yes, if your son/daughter knows what career path they want to follow or what subject they would like to study at university, College can offer them a work-based, career-led route to achieving their ambition.

Extended Diploma courses at LMC are equivalent to three A-Levels and provide all the theory and understanding required to get to university, as well as all the practical skills and experience needed to gain employment.

With opportunities for work experience in Europe and in the UK, additional qualifications and support for independent learning, full-time programmes at LMC provide a mature, responsible route to higher education or employment.

What happens if my son/daughter requires some additional learning support?

We provide a range of support for students and make every effort to meet their specific requirements. Support may include one-to-one support in the classroom, access to specialist equipment or learning

materials provided in Braille, large print or audio files. It may also include help getting around or a sign language communicator.

You can let us know about any particular needs before your son/daughter starts College or at any time during their studies.

If you are able to make us aware of your son/daughter’s needs before they start at College, we can arrange for any support or specialist equipment to be available from their first day with us.

If my son/daughter completes a vocational qualification, can they still go to university?

Yes! Extended Diploma courses at LMC are equivalent to three A-Levels and provide all the theory and understanding required to get to university, as well as all the practical skills and experience needed to get into work. Around 200 of our Extended Diploma students choose to progress onto university locally, nationally and internationally.

The College is so big – won’t my son/daughter get lost in the crowd?

Although the College campus is large in comparison to many schools, your son/daughter won’t be lost in the crowd. Each individual

student has access to more help and support than in a traditional school environment.

We offer a range of support outside the classroom, as well as in lessons.

I’ve heard that students take control of their own learning at College. How can I be sure my son/daughter is doing enough work to pass?

Each student has a personal tutor who meets with them every week to discuss their progress and any issues. Tutors will also stay in touch with you via regular progress reports and parents’ evenings. If you would like to speak to a tutor, you can also contact them at any time during the year – contact details will be provided when your son/daughter starts at College.

Each faculty is assigned a Programme Mentor who will get in touch if your son/daughter is regularly absent, misses coursework deadlines or their tutor has any concerns about their commitment to the course. The Programme Mentors are available to help out with any difficulties your son/daughter may have with attendance, accommodation, their course and their achievements.

Frequently asked questions...

Does the practical emphasis of College courses limit my son/daughter’s future options?

Courses at LMC are designed to offer our students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to begin a career in the area of their choice. Universities and employers often welcome the additional capability and skills gained on vocational courses, where students gain practical experience of the industry and workplace, not just an ‘academic’ understanding.

If your son/daughter has a clear idea of what they would like to achieve, be it university study, employment or learning particular skills, LMC can offer the course that’s right for them.

All our students also have the opportunity to study Functional Skills; which includes English, maths and IT.

How much does a College course cost?

Students aged 16-18 can study a full time programme at College FREE of charge. Students aged 19 and over may also be eligible in some cases to study for FREE; please contact our Student Services team for more information on 0800 306 306 or info@lmc.ac.uk

Every year, we ask you, as parents, what you think of Lancaster & Morecambe College and publish the results in our Parents’ Survey. We know our students love College, but it is important to us that parents are just as impressed; we want to make sure we offer all the information and support you need during your son/daughter’s progression through College.

In our last Parents’ Survey (August 2015) you told us:

93% would recommend the College to a friend

97% fully supported their son/daughter’s decision to attend

94% have found staff friendly and welcoming

92% thought their son/daughter is making good progress at College

94% are satisfied that they chose this College

93% would recommend the College to a friend

Your opinion matters...

“My son had an exceptional two years at

LMC, more than made up for a poor secondary

school education, and put him on a fabulous path to university and his chosen

career.” Parents’ Survey, 2015

www.lmc.ac.uk

info@lmc.ac.uk

0800 306 306 (Course Enquiries)

01524 66215 (General Enquiries)

Lancaster & Morecambe College,Morecambe Road, Lancaster LA1 2TY

Disclaimer

Lancaster & Morecambe College has published all information about the courses it intends to offer in good faith and warrants that classes will be delivered with reasonable care and skill. The College reserves the right to cancel any class and vary the time, location, direction and content of any class it provides and the associated fees. Lancaster & Morecambe College hereby expressly excludes liability for any indirect or consequential loss arising from its actions and limits compensation to a maximum of a full refund of any fees paid or the offer of a class of equivalent value.

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