Student Information Student Support
Additional Learning Support
The College works with learners in a person centred way. Offering support for learners with a range of needs, including; moderate learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, autism, mental health difficulties, physical disabilities or any other long-term condition that might affect their studies. A range of support is offered, from in class support, one to one specialist tutoring, exam access arrangements and study skills support. The team holds a range of specialisms to support learners.
It is important that any additional learning support needs are communicated at the earliest opportunity. You will have the chance to disclose this when you apply. A member of the team will then contact you to arrange an initial assessment appointment with either a specialist support coordinator or specialist tutor, (depending on primary need) so as that strategies can be communicated with tutors and any additional support can be put in to place at the earliest opportunity.
Education Health Care Plans (EHCP)
The Learning Support team support curriculum staff with processing applications for learners with EHCPs. If you have an EHCP and are proposing to name us as your chosen college, please also complete an application to your chosen curriculum area. One of the specialist support coordinators or specialist tutors will arrange to complete an initial assessment with you to ensure support needs are met. For more information please see our local offer.
Exam Concessions
It is important that you communicate any previous support you have received in school, including exam concessions. When you start in a new Further Education institution you will have to be assessed within the College before these can be put in place. The Learning Support team can be contacted by calling 01509 618 313 or emailing them.
For further information please see our Examination Access Arrangements policy
Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion
We are very much invested in our students and have a range of teams dedicated to student welfare and development. These include the Mental Health team, Wellbeing Mentors, Inclusion team and Safeguarding Officers. If students require support, there is someone there for them to speak to. We offer 1:1 appointments as well as inclusive support groups, we also provide a sexual health clinic.
Dyslexia & Dyspraxia
If you are dyslexic, dyspraxic or feel you may have a learning difficulty, information, guidance and specialist teaching is available. You'll work with a tutor who can help with your organisation, planning, time management, and dealing with assignments. If you've had exam arrangements in the past (like extra time or a reader) you must arrange to see us as soon as possible so we can get this in place for your exams at the College. If you would like to work on English, Maths or Study Skills this can also be arranged.
Either talk to your tutor, visit Reception and ask to speak to a member of the Learning Support Team or email them directly.
English & Maths
Are you finding English and Maths difficult? We may be able to help. We can work with you to improve your Maths and English skills so that you have the confidence to succeed on your course. You will work with a tutor on a one-to-one basis or in small groups and develop your understanding and ability level.
Either talk to your tutor, visit Reception and ask to speak to a member of the Learning Support Team or email them directly.
Examinations
The Examinations Team deal with all your needs as a student to ensure you gain the correct qualification at the end of your course. This includes registrations, exams either online or written and certification with the Exam Boards.
All registrations and exam entries rely on you being enrolled correctly and your tutor will be able to confirm your registration or dated exam entry to the Exams Team at the appropriate time.
If you think you are entitled to special exam concessions e.g. extra time, a reader or scribe, please talk to your tutor in the first instance. You will need to be interviewed by the Student Support Team and your Tutor can help arrange this. Please note that these arrangements can take some weeks to put into place so the earlier you start the process the better.
Special consideration may be applied for you if you are ill immediately before or during your exam. You will need to obtain a doctor's note explaining how this has affected your performance and contact your tutor as soon as possible. The doctor's note should be sent straight to the Examinations Team. If any personal difficulties have affected your exam performance you need to talk to your tutor and send a letter, from a responsible adult, outlining the circumstances to the Examinations Team as you may be eligible for special consideration.
We will be using the college email system and text facility to your mobile phone to communicate any information to you such as the room you will be in and the time your exam or test starts.
Any certificates are normally posted to your home address in due course. This may take up to two months after your course ends so don't panic if you don't receive your certificate immediately. If your course is sponsored by your employer your certificate will be sent to your place of work.
Please ensure you check your personal information on LearnZone regularly. If you change your mobile phone or address, you must inform either your Progress Tutor or the Student Access Team immediately or you may miss out on vital information.
If you have any queries please email the Exams Team.