Parents’ Handbook 2018 - 19 · Parents’ Handbook 2018 - 19 Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LU Tel: 01432 355166 e-mail: [email protected] Design and print by IMPACT 01432 356965

Parents’ Handbook 2018 - 19

Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LU Tel: 01432 355166

e-mail: [email protected]

Design and print by IMPACT 01432 356965 Printed on stock from renewable sources, using vegetable based inks.

sowing the seeds for your future

Term and Holiday Dates

Please note, students on second year courses have lessons after the May examinations inJune and July. Attendance at all lessons is vital. Leave of absence for students is only grantedunder exceptional circumstances and holidays with family or friends should not be arrangedduring term time.

Autumn Term 2018

First Years Monday 3rd September - Friday 26th October 2018Second Years Monday 10th September - Friday 26th October 2018Half Term Monday 29th October - Friday 2nd November 2018 Monday 5th November - Friday 21st December 2018 Additional holiday: Friday 23rd November 2018

Spring Term 2019

Monday 7th January - Friday 15th February 2019Half Term Monday 18th February - Friday 22nd February 2019 Monday 25th February - Friday 12th April 2019

Summer Term 2019

Monday 29th April - Friday 24th May 2019Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2019Half Term Monday 27th May - Friday 31st May 2019 Monday 3rd June - Friday 12th July 2019

Publication of Results

AS/A level : Thursday 15th August 2019GCSE: Thursday 22nd August 2019

34264-Parents Handbook 2018-2019.qxp_College Charter 2003-#7B43A.qxd 07/08/2018 10:35 Page 2

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Term and Holiday Dates Inside frontcoverIntroduction 2Parent Portal 3ParentPay 4A-Z of Key Information4 Attendance/Punctuality 54 Bus/Rail Transport Passes 54 Careers and Options After Level 2/3

Programmes 54 Car Parking 54 Chaplaincy 64 College Property 64 Complaints Procedure 64 Contacting the College 64 Counselling 74 Course Changes 74 Disciplinary Procedures 74 Dress 74 Education for Life Programme 74 Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) 74 Equality & Diversity and Fundamental

British Values 84 Examinations 84 Exceptional Weather Conditions 94 Feedback from Parents 94 Fees and Expenses 94 Financial Assistance 104 First Aid/Health 104 Fitness to Study 104 Food 104 Health & Safety 104 Holidays in Term Time 114 Homework and Coursework 114 Impact Programme 11

4 Insurance 114 Internet and E-mail 114 IT Services 124 Laptop Loans 124 Learning Support 124 Mobile Telephones 124 Newsletter 124 Parent Governors 124 Parent Portal 124 Part-Time Employment 134 Plagiarism 134 Prevent 134 Progress Review Evenings and

Information Evenings 134 Progress Reports 134 Safeguarding/Child Protection 144 Site Security 144 Smoke-Free Campus 144 Staff Absence 144 Student Handbook & Academic Diary 154 Student Representation 154 Study and Social Space 154 Study Skills - How You Can Help 154 Term and Holiday Dates 154 Timetable 154 Transport 164 Tutorial Support 164 Value-Added 164 Visits out of College 164 Well-Being Adviser 174 Well-Being Centre 174 Work Experience 17Overview of Examination Year 18Guidelines to follow if you have aconcern 19Timetable 20

Contents


Introduction

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The College welcomes the involvement of allparents and we hope that we will have a

successful partnership with you, workingtogether in encouraging your son or daughterto achieve his/her potential.

We ask that parents read this handbook so thatyou know and understand what we expect ofstudents in terms of behaviour and approach towork, as well as what students themselves canexpect from the College. The College Prospectusand the website also provide much usefulinformation of a general nature.

The College expects that students will acceptresponsibility for their own learning andacademic progress. Nevertheless, there is acontinuing role for parents to play in thatprocess and the College will liaise with parentsaccordingly, taking into account the needs ofindividual students.

The College’s Commitment to Parents

You can expect the College to provide:

4 a personal link with the College via your son’s or daughter’s Personal Tutor and Director of Studies;

4 an opportunity to meet the Principal and Deputy Principal at the Information Evenings for Parents of New Students early in the autumn term;

4 Parents' Evenings with the opportunity to discuss your son’s or daughter’s progress with Subject Tutors and his/her Personal Tutor;

4 a prompt response to any query or concern;

4 contact from the College should we become concerned about your son’s or daughter’s attendance or progress;

4 an appointment with the Personal Tutor or

Director of Studies if either you or we need to discuss an aspect of your son’s or daughter’s progress;

4 representation on the College’s Governing Body through the Parent Governors;

4 a copy of the College's complaints procedure, on request (see summary on page 6).

Your Contribution to Your Son’s/Daughter’s Life at College

We ask parents to:

4 encourage your son or daughter to understand and meet the obligations outlined in this handbook;

4 inform us if you become concerned about any aspect of your son’s or daughter’s progress;

4 discuss reports with your son or daughter;

4 inform us of any changes in personal circumstances, for example change of address, telephone number or domestic situation;

4 telephone us when your son or daughter is too unwell to come to College;

4 avoid taking holidays in term-time, or to request leave of absence in writing from the Principal as far in advance as possible if such arrangements are absolutely unavoidable;

4 continue to support your son or daughter in the work he/she does outside lessons - this should be at least 15-20 hours of study per week;

4 provide, as far as possible, a suitable environment for studying at home.


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Parent Portal

The Parent Portal allows you to access information about your son or daughter whilst they are atCollege.

This screenshot shows the homepage, which provides a summary of your son’s/daughter’sattendance and progress, alongside information about their tutors, their timetable and theirexaminations. There are also specific pages on Attendance and Progress, recording more detailedinformation about each course. The Examinations page provides all of the information you needabout external examinations.

You will receive an e-mail with instructions for accessing the portal.


Pay online...for peace of mind

Pay online for� meals� trips� and more

www.parentpay.com

A convenient way to payParents can now book and pay securely onlinefor a range of items using a debit/credit card orthrough PayPoint. Paying online gives you thepeace of mind that comes with knowing that yourmoney has reached the College safely and isused for its intended purpose.

How to pay online...Step 1 - Have your activation letter readyStep 2 - Login at www.parentpay.comStep 3 - Follow instructions to activate accountStep 4 - Click on ‘Items due for payment’Step 5 - Click on ‘Alerts’ to set text/e-mail alerts

No more having to look for change or writing cheques. Itʼs so easy now.

“ “

�

�

ParentPay Parent


Attendance/Punctuality

Excellent attendance and punctuality areimportant factors in any student's success andwe are very anxious that no work is missed.Students are expected to aim for 100%attendance. If a student is unwell or hasanother valid reason for absence, parents areasked to telephone the College (01432 355166)as soon as possible. The College will not toleratecasual absence. Students should not makeroutine dental and medical appointments, orarrange for driving lessons or driving tests,during College time. Students with a poorrecord of unauthorised absence may be askedto pay for their examination fees or may not bepermitted to enter for examinations. As withprogress, the College will contact you if absencebecomes a cause for concern. Non-attendancecan result in loss of EMA or Bursary payments.

Bus/Rail Transport Passes

All students who live more than three milesfrom the College are eligible to apply for atransport pass. Applications should be made toHerefordshire Council. In all cases, there is acharge for a pass, which is set by HerefordshireCouncil, with concessions in financial hardshipsituations. In addition to this, financialassistance is available on a discretionary basisto students who reside in locations away frommain transport routes. Most students will beentitled to a bus pass and rail passes areavailable on some routes. Application forms areavailable from College Reception andHerefordshire Council or can be downloaded viawww.hereford.ac.uk/travelling-to-college/student-travel/. Students shouldcollect their passes from College at thebeginning of each term. For furtherinformation, the contact number atHerefordshire Council is 01432 383330.

Careers and Options After Level 2/3Programmes

The Careers Department’s main purpose is tosupport students with their option choicesincluding higher education, employment,apprenticeships and gap year.

A team of internal Careers Tutors ensures thatinformation and guidance is readily availablewhen students need it, either as a member of agroup or on an individual basis, through aprogramme of Careers education andguidance.

The Careers Department recognises the key roleparents play in the education and employmentdecisions of their daughters and sons. With thisin mind, evening meetings are held each yearto keep parents fully informed. The provisionaldates for parents of first year students is 9th May 2019 and for second year students24th January 2019.

Car Parking

Parking is available at Aylestone Park, at thebottom of Aylestone Hill as you enter Herefordfrom Worcester. Permits are available from theCollege Reception and these must be displayedwhen the vehicle is parked.

Owing to a shortage of car-parking space, there

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A-Z of Key Information

I have been veryimpressed with thesupport and guidancegiven by the CareersDepartment regardinguniversity applicationsand work experience.

“

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is no parking for students on the College site.Any cars parked improperly may receive aparking fine. The parking fine is strictlyenforced and is currently £80. Parents visitingthe College should park and report to Receptionfor a permit. Parking space is provided oncampus for students’ bicycles, mopeds andscooters.

Chaplaincy

Our Chaplain is readily available to all students,of all faiths and none, to offer help and advice,support and encouragement and to be asounding board and a “friendly-ear”. This maybe especially helpful for students who haveparticular problems and concerns and whowould welcome a confidential discussion withsomeone outside of their circle of family, friendsor staff.

College Property

Students are expected to treat all Collegeproperty with respect and will be asked to makegood, or pay for making good, wilful or carelessdamage. All litter should be placed in the binsprovided. If all students act in a responsiblemanner, the College remains a clean and tidycommunity for all. All books, equipment andother materials issued to students on loanbecome the responsibility of the student, who isexpected to return them in good condition.Loss or damage, other than reasonable wearand tear, will be charged for at the actual cost ofrepair or replacement.

Complaints Procedure

We hope that your son or daughter will behappy and successful and that you will also besatisfied with the way the College works withyou to achieve this. Nevertheless, we will listencarefully to any criticisms or complaints youmay have about the College and particularly in

relation to the commitments we make.

If you should be dissatisfied, an informalapproach to a tutor or to a Director of Studiesmay be sufficient to settle the matter. You canalso contact the Principal directly. If the matter isnot settled by such an informal approach, youmay pursue it through the formal complaintsprocedure. A copy of this can be obtained fromthe College Reception.

The Principal can exclude students, eithertemporarily or permanently, or preventstudents from completing a course for whichthey have enrolled. Except in cases of seriousbreaches of discipline, parents are always givenadequate warning of such a possibility so thatthe student has time to remedy matters. In theevent of disagreement with actions taken bythe Principal, there is a right of appeal to theGoverning Body.

Contacting the College

The address, telephone number, e-mail addressand website details for the College are given onthe reverse of the cover for this handbook. TheCollege Reception is open from 8.30am to4.45pm during term time - there is ananswerphone for telephone messages receivedoutside these hours. Please note that theswitchboard does not give an engaged signalwhen the line is busy, but the incoming call isdiverted to another phone in the CollegeReception and is answered as soon as someoneis free to do so. Reception hours are limited to9.00am to 4.00pm outside term time, but againthe answer phone is available for messages.

It is useful for parents to know the name oftheir son’s or daughter’s Personal Tutor in caseinformation needs to be passed to him/her. Itmay not be possible to speak to the tutorimmediately because of teaching or other

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commitments. However, a message can betaken asking the tutor to contact you. Pleasenote that a telephone message can only bedelivered to a student if the message is from aparent or guardian and is urgent. Tutors canalso be e-mailed.

Counselling

In most cases students are very happy atCollege, but in the event of personal difficulties,counselling support can be helpful. We havequalified and accredited counsellors availableat the College during term time offeringconfidential counselling to students who wishto make use of the service.

Course Changes

Whilst we hope that students will settle wellinto their chosen courses, if a student wishes tochange a course he/she should see his/herDirector of Studies. Changes are notrecommended after the first few weeks ofterm.

Disciplinary Procedures

The College has disciplinary procedures fordealing with students who break College rules.In some cases this involves a formal CollegeContract. The aim of such contracts is toprevent further problems by providingadditional supervision and support. The Collegewill treat any incidents involving alcohol ordrugs as serious breaches of discipline. If astudent is likely to fail courses through lack ofeffort, then he/she may not be entered forhis/her examinations (or may be required topay for them) or progression might not beallowed onto the second year of a programme;similarly, a student following a GCSEprogramme might not be offered a place on anadvanced programme for the following year.Parents are always involved in such cases and

sufficient warning is given so that the studenthas time to remedy matters. Serious breachesin discipline may be referred to in referencessupplied by the College.

Dress

There is no uniform. Students can choose whatto wear provided that it is suitable for work inCollege and that it is not dirty, distracting oroffensive. The Principal reserves the right todetermine whether or not a student's clothingis suitable. Appropriate kit is required forparticipation in physical education sessions.For certain team sports, for example footballand hockey, strip is provided by the College. Forindividual sports, it must be provided by thestudent. Students on work experienceplacements, community care placements orsimilar College-organised activities must besuitably dressed in accordance with theplacement requirements.

Education for Life Programme

Alongside their academic courses, your son/daughter will be required to follow theEducation for Life programme which istimetabled for one hour a week and is acompulsory part of their timetable.

The programme covers topics designed topromote their personal well-being including:Equality & Diversity; Internet Safety; SafeRelationships; Sexual Health; Mental Health;Drugs & Alcohol Awareness and Healthy Livingas well as careers education and somepreparation for tutorial work.

Education Maintenance Allowance(EMA)

Currently this is available to students whoseusual address is in Wales and whosehousehold income is £20,817 per annum or lessif there is one dependent child or £23,077 per




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annum or less if there are two or moredependent children. Payments of up to £30 perweek are paid fortnightly into the student’sbank account and are dependant onattendance at all lessons. Full details of how toapply can be found at:www.studentfinancewales.co.uk or a packmay be collected from the Student FinanceOffice, room A021.

The EMA scheme for students who live inEngland has now closed.

Equality & Diversity and FundamentalBritish Values

The College is a diverse community and we areproud of this. The College provides an inclusive,personalised learning and workingenvironment in which students, staff andvisitors are valued as individuals, according totheir merits, abilities and potential.

Protected Characteristics

There are a number of characteristics that areprotected by the law, through the Equality Act,2010. These are Race and ethnicity, Economicor social background, Gender, transgender,pregnancy, parenting, marital status, Age,Religion or belief, Disability and Sexualorientation. As detailed in the College’s EqualityObjectives (published on the College’s website),we are fully committed to ensuring equality ofopportunity for all. Two elected studentmembers from the Student RepresentativeCouncil (SRC), help to promote awareness ofequality of opportunity amongst students andto assist with monitoring the implementationof the Equality and Diversity Policy andProcedures.

Our aim is to advance equality, tacklediscrimination and foster good relations in thewider community. Our diverse, successful

community works so well because we allsupport the four fundamental British Values.

4 Democracy Once we are 18, we have the ability to vote for our political representatives.

4 Rule of Law We are all bound by democratic laws and no one is above the law.

4 Liberty We are free to do or say anything that doesn’t harm the liberty of others.

4 Tolerance We all need to help make good relationships between different groups in our community.

Examinations

All students have formal assessments inDecember, March and June to monitor progressand allow staff and students to targetimprovements and to prepare for the externalexaminations.

Most students starting an A Level programmewill take three subjects. Students on a one-yearGCSE programme normally take four or fivesubjects. All students will also follow theEducation for Life programme - see page 7.

Students will be entered by the College for allappropriate examinations and examinationfees will normally be paid by the College unlessstudents fail to meet coursework deadlines orwhere attendance or work has beenunsatisfactory. In such cases, the Collegereserves the right to refuse to enter studentsfor the examination.

A student may be asked to pay examinationfees if, through his/her own actions, it isimpossible for a grade to be awarded by the


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examination board – for example, by failing tocomplete coursework or by missing anexamination. The College can also require thepayment of fees where attendance or work hasbeen unsatisfactory. If a student resits anexamination, then the fees are normally paidby the student.

Students are responsible for completing andchecking examination entry forms asrequested and for familiarising themselveswith all examination regulations, proceduresand timings. See Overview of Examination Yearon page 18.

Cheating in any examination, internal orexternal, or in assessed coursework, isregarded by the College as a most seriousmatter. Students should be aware that cheatingin external examinations or assessedcoursework may result in prosecution by theexamination board concerned. Using the workof others with the intention to deceive willalways be pursued under the College'sdisciplinary procedures.

Exceptional Weather Conditions

The College will expect to be open save in themost extreme weather conditions orcircumstances. Up-to-date information will beposted on the College website and viaFacebook and Twitter. Every attempt will alsobe made to alert local radio.

Feedback from Parents

It is important that you have the opportunity togive us your views on all aspects of College life.You can do this by:

4 writing to or telephoning staff;

4 responding to any questionnaire which may be sent to you.

Surveys are sent to parents from time to time.The results are used to inform planning.

You should also feel free to contact thePrincipal by phone or in writing at any time.

Fees and Expenses

Tuition fees are not payable by studentsordinarily resident in the United Kingdom whoare under the age of 19 at the commencementof their course.

For the music scholarships, sports academies,drama academies and the Duke of Edinburgh’sAward a parental contribution is requested.Currently this is £350 per annum for the Dukeof Edinburgh’s Gold Award, £300 per annumfor Music Scholarships, £300 per annum forPerforming Arts and £300 in the first year and£175 for the second year of the SportsAcademies.

Students aged 16-18 from the European Unionor from other overseas countries who have, orwhose parents have, rights of abode in the UKare currently usually exempt from fees. Otheroverseas students will normally be chargedtuition fees in relation to the coursesundertaken. These will normally be billed inadvance of attendance at College.

Most essential textbooks and materials areprovided free of charge, unless they are kept bythe student after the course. In this case, booksand materials obtained by the College willnormally be charged to the student at cost.

Field trips and visits are chargeable at cost,with concessions being made on adiscretionary basis.

Examination fees are normally borne by theCollege, but resit fees are chargeable to thestudent, as are examinations taken againsttutor advice.




Parents are invited to contribute to the CollegeFund, which is a discretionary fund. Currently,this contribution is £75. The College reservesthe right to bill parents for non-return of books.

(Please note that all costs in this section werecurrent at the time of going to press, but maybe subject to change prior to the start of theacademic year.)

Financial Assistance

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is administered by theStudent Finance Officer, who deals with allcases in a confidential manner. If a student hasdifficulty in meeting costs relating to his/herstudies, e.g. transport, trips, books, andequipment, he/she may apply for financialassistance. This fund may also be used inexceptional cases for providing assistance withliving expenses. The fund is means-tested andstudents will be required to providedocumentary evidence of household financialcircumstances in order to qualify.

Students who are ‘ looked after’, care leavers inreceipt of Income Support or Universal Creditand disabled young people in receipt of bothEmployment Support and Disability LivingAllowance qualify for the full Bursary (currently£1,200).

In addition to this, the Principal also hasdiscretion to use College Fund monies toprovide assistance to students in relevantsituations.

First Aid/Health

If a student feels unwell during the College day,he/she is asked to go to the College Receptionor to the Student Support Team Office. There isa medical room and a number of College staffare qualified first aiders. In the event of illness,parents will be contacted and will be

responsible for taking the student fortreatment. We ask that ill students do notattend College.

When urgent action is required students willbe taken to hospital by staff or ambulance andparents contacted.

The College Well-Being Centre also providesgeneral health guidance and information.

Fitness to Study

Hereford Sixth Form College is committed tosupporting students and recognises theimportance of a student’s health and well-being in relation to his or her academicprogression. The College has a Health, Well-Being and Fitness to Study protocol whichoutlines the process and procedures which willbe followed when a student’s health, well-being and/or behaviour affects their ability tocope at College, to study or progress on theircourse or when their health, well-being orbehaviour poses a risk to the health and safetyof themselves and/or others. This protocol canbe accessed on the College website.

Food

Our cafeteria, The Bridge, serves snacks andlight meals throughout the day and is asocial/study space. A range of snacks is alsoserved in the PAC foyer.

Health & Safety

The Principal, Estates Manager, the College’sHealth & Safety Officer and all members of staffare responsible to the Governing Body for theenforcement of the College's Health & SafetyPolicy. Students are required to exercisepersonal responsibility for the safety ofthemselves and others, to observe standards ofdress consistent with safety and hygiene and touse, and not wilfully misuse, neglect or interfere

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with, all items provided for safety reasons.Students must familiarise themselves with andobserve those parts of the Health and SafetyPolicy which are drawn to their attention byway of verbal and/or written instructions, forexample, notices warning of hazards arisingfrom cleaning, maintenance and otheroperations, fire procedures, etc.

Holidays in Term Time

Students should not take holidays during theacademic year either with family or withfriends. In the exceptional case of a need totake holiday in term time, parents are asked towrite to the Principal, as far in advance aspossible, to request leave of absence for thestudent.

Homework and Coursework

At the beginning of the year students are giveninitial advice on study skills and on using timeeffectively and planning their workload. Youmay wish to discuss this with them. Theamount of homework will vary from day to dayand week to week but should involve at least15-20 hours of study each week. It should benoted that most students have at least 8 hoursprivate study time at College to do some of this.

Students are expected to plan their work aheadso that they can manage heavy workloads.Students are also expected to meet workdeadlines required by Subject Tutors and tocomplete work to the best of their ability. Allsubjects provide students with a studenthandbook which includes the department’sapproach to assessment, courseworkrequirements and directed study.

Impact Programme

In addition to their main examination courses,students have the opportunity to participate ina wide range of activities including, for

example: the debating society, drama, the Dukeof Edinburgh’s Gold Award Scheme, first aid,music, sports and Young Enterprise. Details ofthe Impact Programme activities are posted onsocial media and on electronic noticeboards.Parents are asked to make a financialcontribution to the College for certain activitieswhich are not funded.

Insurance

The College will not accept liability for loss ordamage to private property or personalbelongings which occurs on College premisesother than that which arises through thenegligence of the College or its employees.Students should make their own provision forall their property, for example by "all risks"insurance. In particular, bicycles should beinsured as well as padlocked. You may alsoneed to add to your household insurance itemsof equipment which are loaned to students bythe College (for example, laptops or musicalinstruments).

Internet and E-mail

On first logging-on, students accept the ITAcceptable Use Policy and agree to abide by theE-Safety Policy for Students. Copies of thesepolicies can be found on the College VLE. TheInternet is a valuable educational resource andthe College has a commitment to developstudents' familiarity with modern IT. Parentsmay be concerned about some of the materialthat might be accessed but student access tothe Internet is supervised, monitored andfiltered. The IT Acceptable Use Policy makes itclear how seriously the College would regardattempts to access unacceptable material.

Useful supporting information for parentsabout e-safety can be accessed on the Collegewebsite.




IT Services

IT provision is expanding and becoming moreflexible to meet the needs of students. Studentshave access to computers in dedicated drop-inrooms, the Library, classrooms throughout theCollege and laptops which can be loaned forthe day for use on campus. College computeruse is monitored for safeguarding and ITsecurity purposes.

Students will gain access to Office 365applications and e-mail which also includescloud storage for College work and the ability todownload and install Microsoft Office on theirown devices.

The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)provides access to resources from both withinCollege or at home. Students have access tomultifunctional devices, situated in keylocations in each building, in order to scan,copy or print. On first logging on, the studentaccepts the IT Acceptable Use Policy which theymust abide by. Students responsible for anydamage to equipment are required to coverrepair or replacement costs.

Laptop Loans

If students wish to make use of this free servicethey should see a member of the Library staffto request access. Students are able to borrowa laptop for use within College. These laptopscannot be taken off campus and therefore mustbe returned to the self-service laptop lockerseach day. The lockers are located in betweenA010 and A011 inside the main studententrance of the Aconbury building. Please notethat any repair or replacement costs for anydamage found to have occurred during theloan will be charged to the student.

Learning Support

The College welcomes students with a learning

difficulty or disability. We offer learning supportfor students with a wide range of needs. Wealso carry out assessments for examinationaccess arrangements such as extra time.Further details of what is available can be foundin Supporting Your Learning. If you would like acopy, please ring the College, ask for Ann Sneein Learning Support and request one to be sent.

Mobile Telephones

Students must ensure that their mobiletelephones are switched off during lessons.

Newsletter

The news page of the College website isregularly updated and contains articles andfeatures written by both staff and students.The College newsletter, The ReVIew Online, willbe e-mailed to you each term.

Parent Governors

Two Parent Governors provide a parentalperspective on the College’s Governing Body.

Parent Portal

The Parent Portal (see page 3) allows you toaccess information about your son’s ordaughter’s progress throughout the year.

I have been veryimpressed with the waymy daughter has settledat sixth form and thefantastic support she hasreceived for herDyslexia.

““

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Part-Time Employment

Part-time work can provide a usefuleducational experience in addition to theobvious financial gain, but the hours must notinterfere with College work. We stronglyrecommend a maximum of 10 hours of part-time work per week.

Plagiarism

Students are advised on how to avoidplagiarism in assignments and coursework.Deliberate plagiarism is treated as a seriousdisciplinary issue and, in coursework, can leadto disqualification.

Prevent

The Counter Terrorist Act 2015 requires us all tobe aware of the signs of people being drawn inextremist or terrorist activity.

If you are worried someone is being radicalised- perhaps online - please speak to a Director ofStudies.

We live in a DEMOCRACY where we electpoliticians to vote for LAWS to promoteTOLERANCE and protect our LIBERTY, and theseare our shared values.

Progress Review Evenings andInformation Evenings

Information Evenings forParents of New Students4th-6th September 2018

Meet the Personal Tutor Evening(First Year A Level/GCSE/Vocational)

Tuesday, 16th October 2018

Progress/Consultation Evening(by appointment)

Monday, 26th November 2018

Progress Review Evenings (all students)Thursday, 24th January 2019Tuesday, 29th January 2019Monday, 4th February 2019

We will send you a letter before the appropriateevening and your son or daughter will makeappointments for you with members of staff.We encourage both students and parents toattend Parents’ Evenings.

Progress Reports

Reports are e-mailed to parents twice a year.They include a minimum target grade and acurrent progress grade. The definition of thegrades are as follows:

The MTG (minimum target grade) is theminimum most students are expected to gainbased on national statistical data thatcompares GCSE results with performance at ALevel (please also see the entry on value-addedon page 16). For GCSE students the MTG willnormally be grade C or 4 (or left blank if no datais available). In some resit GCSE subjects at alower tier, a lower grade may be given.

The progress grade is a grade based on theimpression the Subject Tutor has at the time ofwriting of the student’s work, attitude, ability,skills and knowledge. It indicates the A Level/GCSE grade which the tutor believes that thestudent is likely to gain on the basis of her orhis overall performance in the subject to date.

The Progress Traffic Light status reflectsattitude in class, attendance and homeworkcompleted as well as quality of work bothinside and outside the classroom. The followingkey has been compiled as a guide for parents/guardians to consider when reviewing astudent’s report and the Progress Traffic Lightstatus:



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4 Purple - Excellent The student is excelling academically in the subject.

4 Green - On Track The student is progressing as expected.

4 Yellow - Slight Concern Minor concerns have been raised by the subject tutor with the student directly, for example, slight concerns may arise when a student has failed to submit a piece of work or where punctuality is causing concern.

4 Orange - Concern An orange concern will be raised by the tutor if there have been several incidences of poor academic performance or progress which have not been resolved following discussions with the student directly, for example, continued failure to meet homework/coursework deadlines, incompletion of class work, etc. The student may be working below their MTG grade or there may be concerns about effort or behaviour which have arisen and continue to be a concern.

4 Red - Serious Concern This will only be used in the most serious cases. It is expected that a student would be at high risk of failing the course or consistently seriously underperforming if they are on a red concern and that all remedial action taken by the subject tutor and through the personal tutor has failed to get them back on track.

Reports on progress will be sent each term.

Safeguarding/Child Protection

Hereford Sixth Form College is concerned thatall students remain safe and free from harmand the College is committed to playing a full

and active part in the multi-agency response tosafeguarding and child protection concerns.(This complies with the Prevent duty.) TheCollege has a Safeguarding and Child ProtectionPolicy and an Adults at Risk Policy withaccompanying procedures which are accessiblevia the College website. The policies arereviewed annually by the College’s GoverningBody.

Site Security

At the beginning of the year, students will beissued with an ID card which they must carrywith them at all times.

CCTV cameras are operational across thecampus.

Smoke-Free Campus

With the exception of the small designatedsmoking area, the entire College is smoke-free.Those students wishing to utilise thedesignated smoking area must wear theirCollege ID in the lanyard provided. Studentswho break the no-smoking rule (including e-cigarettes) are subject to disciplinary action.On the first offence, students receive a writtenwarning (a copy is sent home to parents).Should students re-offend, they will receive apenalty notice. This fine is strictly enforced andis currently £50.00, with a reduction to £20.00if paid within five working days. Anysubsequent offence is referred automatically tothe Principal.

Staff Absence

In the event of staff absence, lessons will takeplace as normal either with a replacementSubject Tutor or with a member of staff settingwork and monitoring the group. Work set in thecase of staff absence must always be carriedout in the usual classroom and at the usualtime, unless specific permission is given for an



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alternative arrangement. Students who "hear"a Subject Tutor is absent should not assumelessons are cancelled but should always attend.Parents are always informed if a member ofstaff is likely to be away for a prolonged periodand are made aware of the arrangementswhich the College is making to provide areplacement.

Student Handbook & Academic Diary

Students are provided with a StudentHandbook and Academic Diary at the start ofthe academic year. They are advised to use thisfor recording details of coursework and dateswhen work is due. The Diary also includesuseful information and some of the entries inthis Parents’ Handbook have been adaptedfrom the Diary.

Student Representation

In order that students may share in theadministration of student affairs, the StudentRepresentative Council has been formed, with aStudent Executive being elected by the studentbody as a whole. Every student on entry to theCollege automatically becomes a member ofthe student body and so has an opportunity toinfluence the conduct of matters to do with thestudent community. Two student governors areelected by the students and serve throughouttheir time at College.

Study and Social Space

The College provides a number of areas inwhich students can study or socialise. TheLibrary offers a range of study environments tochoose from. Students may need the completesilence of The Cloisters or the Silent Study Roomor they may prefer the calming atmosphere ofthe quiet Reading Room or Study Space. TheLibrary provides space to work with friends.

The Bridge cafeteria and Student Pavilion can

be used as social and study space.

Study Skills - How You Can Help

We realise that you already have years ofexperience supporting your son or daughterthrough school. However, we recognise that itis often difficult, as a parent, to help 16-18 yearolds without being made to feel you areinterfering. This said, there are certain thingswhich you can do to help your son or daughterwith his/her studies at the College:

4 talk to him/her about progress and College life;

4 help him/her to find a quiet place to work at home where he/she will not be frequently disturbed;

4 be sensitive to periods of examinations when stress levels can rise and tensions mount - be as sympathetic as possible;

4 discourage excessive part-time work and talk about how your son or daughter plans to study outside College.

Your support in this way would complementthe College’s programme of study skills whichincludes learning styles, time management,note taking and revision strategies.

Term and Holiday Dates

Please see the inside front cover of thishandbook. Dates are also available todownload on the College website.

Timetable

A timetable blank is included on page 20. Eachfirst-year student will have about 16 periods onher or his timetable, but the exact pattern isdetermined by subject choices at enrolment.The remaining blocks are intended for privatestudy. Students can choose to study at home if



16


such blocks are at the beginning or end of theday, but many students choose to work in theLibrary and IT Centres or study areas. TheLibrary is open from 8.15am-5.00pm. One studyroom remains open until 6.00pm and ispopular with students waiting for transport orworking to deadlines

College hours are from 9.00am to 4.00pm andlesson times are shown on the timetable grid.Students may be able to use some facilitiesbefore 9.00am or after 4.00pm and suchopportunities are advertised from time to timein the internal College bulletin. Please note thatall College facilities are only open to studentswhen staff are available to supervise. Sportsclubs and drama rehearsals regularly take placeafter teaching hours and on Wednesdayafternoons.

Transport

Please see Bus/Rail Transport Passes.

Tutorial Support

Each student is allocated to a Personal Tutorwho is responsible for monitoring students’academic progress and welfare. The PersonalTutors are supervised by three Directors ofStudies who coordinate the activities of thePersonal Tutors.

If your son or daughter is experiencing asignificant health, mental health or personalissue that may be having an impact on theiracademic and College life, please do nothesitate to contact the allocated Director ofStudies. This allows the College to makeadjustments and offer support to the student asappropriate. Any such information is treatedsensitively and confidentially.

Value-Added

The College uses value-added data to monitorits own performance and to encourageindividuals to achieve their own potential withineach subject.

Value-added analysis examines a student’sGCSE grades on entry to the College and, usingnational statistics, predicts future likelyperformance.

For example, a student with predominantlygrade 4s at GCSE may have target grades of Dsat A Level (although clearly could do evenbetter). A student with predominantly grade 7sor above, however, would have target gradesfor the same subjects of As or Bs at A Level.

Minimum target grades and progress gradesfor all subjects are discussed with students on aregular basis. (Please also see the entry onProgress Reports.)

Visits out of College

During class time it may be necessary forstudents to take part in day visits as part oftheir studies. Your permission will be sought inadvance of any visit. For some subjects, visitsare an essential part of the curriculum and all

A Le

vel P

oint

sGCSE Points

Studentsperforming above expectation

Studentsperforming below

expectation

National Predicti

ons


17

College visits have a clear educational purpose.Visits are arranged to a variety of venues,including exhibitions, conferences, theatres and businesses. The College expects students toadhere to the rules of each College visit.

Well-Being Adviser

Our Well-Being Adviser provides confidentialinformation, advice and support on anypersonal issue including: keeping safe; sexualhealth and healthy relationships; housing;finance; benefits and legal rights. Healthawareness is also promoted throughout theCollege year with regular poster displays,information and events on a range of topics.

Well-Being Centre

The Well-Being Centre on the first floor ofAconbury Building offers a range ofconfidential services to help students get themost out of their time at College and to supporttheir health and well-being.

The support services housed in the Well-BeingCentre include: the College Chaplain, the CollegeCounsellors and the Student Well-Being Adviser.

There is a Sanctuary within the Well-BeingCentre for those students needing some timeand space for quiet reflection during Collegehours.

Work Experience

Jenny Marsh is the College’s Work ExperienceCo-ordinator. Jenny can help students find workexperience placements which will be vettedand risk-assessed. Parents who organise workexperience privately should inform Jenny([email protected]) of the placement andproposed dates. Jenny can also help findvoluntary placements.



Date Action

September Entries made for November GCSE Mathematics and English re-sits, Functional Skills and University Entrance Examinations

October Certificates arrive from summer examinations. Students will be notified when certificates are available for collection.

31 October University Entrance Examinations take place.(half term week)

Early November GCSE Mathematics and English re-sit examinations, Mathematics Functional Skills.

December Formal Assessments

Entries made for summer examinations. Provisional timetables will show on student portal pages.

Students sign-up for examination re-sits in classes. See below for details of payment.

Mid December Deadline for referrals to Learning Support for Assessment for examination access arrangements.

January BTEC and Cambridge Technical external examinations.

9th January Electronic bills for re-sits will appear on student portal pages for payment via ParentPay by 18th January. No paper bills will be issued.

17th January Results of November GCSE examinations.

19th January onwards £10.00 late fee penalty on unpaid re-sit bills.

March Formal Assessments

Paper copies of final examination timetables and statements of entry MUST be collected and signed for to enable any amendments to be made without incurring a charge. Students will be informed about collection date and where to collect timetables from via the student portal/tutors.

Results of BTEC and Cambridge Technical external examinations.

13th May Written external examinations start.

30th June Last day of external examinations.

June/July Year 1 end of year Formal Assessments.

15th August A Level, BTEC and Cambridge Technical results issued

22nd August GCSE results issued

Note: If on the day of the examination you feel that your son or daughter’s work has been affectedby ill health or any other reason, speak to someone in the Examinations Office immediately as wecan contact the awarding body.

18

Overview of Examination Year


Guidelines to follow if you have a concern

19

Concern Contact

Progress in a subject Subject or Personal TutorTeaching methods Director of StudiesMarking of work Head of DepartmentNeed for individual advice or guidance, e.g. how toorganise study timeDifficulties with another member of the College

A personal problem requiring a confidential Well-Being Adviser, Chaplain or the Collegeinterview Counsellor

Change of subject or course Director of Studies - who will possibly involve the Careers Department

Equality of Opportunity - if you feel you have been Elected student Equality of Opportunity Officersdiscriminated against as REGARDS Race, Economic (see details in the Student Handbook & Academic or social background, Gender, transgender, Diary)pregnancy, parenting, marital status, Age, Religion or belief, Disability, Sexual orientation Director of Studies

Any form of bullying or harrassment Personal Tutor Director of Studies

Learning difficulties and/or disabilities e.g. Head of Learning Support dyslexia, wheelchair access

Difficulties in relating to a member of staff Subject or Personal Tutor Director of Studies

Safeguarding - personal welfare issues, concerns Personal Tutorabout safety or concerns which may be impacting Director of Studieson College life and student well-being


Timetable

20

AC

B

FE

C

C E DBD

F E

AF

9.00

10.10

10.15

11.15

11.35

12.4

5

9.00

10.10

11.15

11.35

12.4

510

.15

10.0

511.

0010

.00

11.30

12.2

5

9.00

9.00

10.10

10.15

11.15

11.35

12.4

5

12.4

511.

3511.

1510

.1510

.10

9.00

BREAK BREAK BREAKBREAK

FridayTuesdayMonday Wednesday Thursday

Friday

1.45En

rich

men

tan

dM

eeti

ngs

Enri

chm

ent

D

D A

B

FC

AB

E

1.45

2.55

3.00

4.00

1.45

2.55

4.00

3.00

12.3

01.3

02.

003.

00

4.00

3.00

2.55

1.45

2.55

3.00

4.00

12.4

5 -

1.15

Lunc

h

12.4

5 -

1.15

Lunc

h

12.4

5 -

1.15

Lunc

h

12.4

5 -

1.15

Lunc

h

TuesdayMonday

Workshop Workshop Workshop Workshop

Wednesday Thursday

Lunc

h

BREAK


Parents’ Handbook 2018 - 19

Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LU Tel: 01432 355166

e-mail: [email protected]

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Parents’ Handbook 2018 - 19 · Parents’ Handbook 2018 - 19 Folly Lane, Hereford HR1 1LU Tel: 01432 355166 e-mail: [email protected] Design and print by IMPACT 01432 356965