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ESOL Pathway to EmploymentStudent Handbook – Grahame Park

Name …………………………………..

Student ID …………………………………..

2013-14

ESOL Intensive Pathway to Employment

GRAHAME PARK

Student Handbook

CONTENTS Page

Welcome and College Dates 3

Course Information 4

What will I study? 5 - 7

Activities and Speakers 8

Exams and Assessment 9

What do I need to bring? 10

Lateness and Attendance 11

About Grahame Park 12

Barnet & Southgate Campuses 13-14

E-Learning 15-19

Safeguarding 20

Student Code of Conduct 21

What we expect from you 22

Appendix 23

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We wish you success at Barnet and Southgate College and hope you enjoy your

course!

ESOL Intensive Pathway to Employment

Welcome to Barnet & Southgate College!

The ESOL Full-time course team welcomes you to Grahame Park.

We want to make sure you get the most from your course of

studies. You will meet students from all over the world and there is

a wealth of cultures to share, which makes the ESOL Intensive

course a very special course indeed.

ESOL Pathway to Employment - Term Dates2013-2014

Autumn Term 10th September – 20th December 2013(Half term 28th October – 4th November)

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Spring Term 6th January – 4th April 2014 (Half term 17th February –21st February 2014)

Summer Term 22nd April – 5th July 2014 (26th May – 31st May 2014)

ESOL Intensive Pathway to Employment

Name

Student Number

Class Room

Tutor

My teachers are:

General English ____

Reading & Writing

Listening & Speaking

Employability Skills

Childcare ______________________

ICT

Numeracy

If you cannot come to class you must tell your tutor or phone the

college. 4

My tutor’s number is

________________________

What will I study? General English You will learn grammar and new vocabulary. Your lessons are designed to

give you thorough practice in the skills of reading, writing, listening and

speaking.

Speaking & ListeningYou will practise and improve your listening and speaking skills in useful

everyday situations and for a variety of purposes, e.g. debating, negotiating,

conversation, giving presentations and improving your pronunciation are an

important part of this session.

Reading and Writing You will practise the skills of reading, and writing in a variety of contexts. You

will practise planning and writing formal and informal letters, emails, notes,

messages and articles. There will be a wide range of reading materials and

you will work on handwriting and spelling, as necessary.

Employability SkillsYou will learn language to help you find work. You will learn how to look for

work and how to prepare for interviews. You will also learn how to write a CV,

write formal letters and learn about skills and qualities needed for different

jobs.

ESOL with Childcare

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If you are studying ESOL with Childcare, your tutor will give you more

information about the course. In addition to the topics above you will study 2

hours of childcare and listed below are some of the units you will study this

year:

1. Communication between Children 0-3 and Adults.

2. The Physical Needs of Children aged 0-3.

3. Respecting Children.

These are just a few topics, and your tutor will give you more information

during Induction Week and throughout the year.

Individual Tutorial You will see your tutor one-to-one once a term to discuss your progress and

performance. You will discuss your progress on the course and together you

will complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). You will also be given work to

do, which will help you study on your own. If you have a problem, please

make an appointment to talk to your tutor who can refer you to the college

specialist advice, counselling and guidance services.

Tutorials and Individual Learning Plans

Your teacher will meet with each student individually – one to one - every term.

Your teacher will make an appointment for a tutorial with you to talk about your

learning. You and the teacher will make a list of things you should do after

classes to help you learn. This is called an Individual Learning Plan, or ILP.

You will be able to see your ‘e-ILP’ on a computer – see page 18 of this

handbook.

If you need help, advice or have a problem with your studies, please ask for help.

Your tutor may be able to help or tell you where you can get help in the college.

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Independent Study

Your tutor will give you regular homework and will also show you how to

access work on Moodle, or on class websites. It is very important that you do

homework regularly, as this will help to improve your language skills. There

are many things you can do outside the classroom to improve your English,

such as:

Read English books, magazines, newspapers, on line articles, etc. as

often as possible.

Watch English television.

Listen to English radio.

Read and listen to the BBC news, on line.

Talk to your neighbours and friends in English.

For students who have enrolled on ICT and numeracy classes

ICT - Information and Communications Technology

In these lessons you will use the computer to further develop your language

skills. You will be given the opportunity to use the computer to carry out a

range of useful and common tasks required for everyday life, work and study.

A variety of computer features and programmes will be used to help you

efficiently look for information, and effectively edit, proofread and present your

work.

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Numeracy

The course will cover the following areas:

mathematics and the language of maths:

number, measures, shapes and handling data.

division, multiplication, fractions and percentages.

solving problems using mathematics and the language of maths.

analysis of numerical information e.g. tables, charts, graphs and diagrams.

This course will help you in your future studies and work. You will work towards a Numeracy qualification at Entry level, Level 1 or 2.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES & SPEAKERS

TRIPSStudents will have the opportunity to go on many trips during the year, such

as:

The British Museum

The Victoria &Albert Museum

The Natural History Museum

St Albans

Kew Gardens

Houses of Parliament

Little Venice boat trips

And many more!

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SPEAKERSSpeakers will be invited to help you with life in the UK, such as:

Local member of parliament

CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau)

Barnet Recycling

Voluntary Work

Police (safety talk)

Barnet Refugee Service

HMRC (tax and finances)

EVENTS There will also be many events during the year, where you can have a lot of

fun, as well as learn English!

Black History month… Story teller, African Drumming, and more…

End of term parties

Careers Fair to help you think about next year.

International Day

Students can also organise their own events

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Exams

You can study English at these levels:

Entry 1 Entry 2 Entry 3 Level 1 Level 2

Your tutor will also give you a test during your first week at college to check your

language learning needs. If your tutor decides that you need a higher or lower level

or a different course, you may have to change your class.

You will work towards the Edexcel ESOL Skills for Life Qualification on your

course. There are three exams:

Reading Writing Listening & Speaking

You will discuss your progress with your tutor who will advise which level exam you will take.

ICT and Numeracy

If you have enrolled on an ICT or numeracy course, you will do Functional Skills

qualifications, and your teacher will decide which level exam you will take.

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What do I need to bring?

You need:

a ring binder file

dividers

A4 paper

pens, pencils and a rubber

a notebook

You must organise your work.

File your work in a ring binder and use the dividers to organise it.

Your folder of work will be used to check your progress.

You must concentrate in your lesson.

Please switch your mobile phone off before you go into your classroom and put it in your bag or pocket.

What do I do if I am late?11

It is important to come to class regularly and on time, but if you are late, go into the class quietly. Tell the teacher why you are late. Any lateness will be recorded by the tutor.

What do I do if I cannot come to college?

You must tell your tutor if you cannot come to college.

You will need to bring proof of hospital appointments, interviews etc. Please do not make your appointments for times when you have classes.

If you don’t attend at least 90% of your classes, you may lose your place.

If you are absent for more than 2 weeks without giving us a good reason your teacher will give your place to someone else.

If you cannot come to class and you did not tell your teacher before, phone your tutor and leave a clear message.

My tutor’s number is:…………………………............

Moving home?

If you change your address or telephone number, you must tell your teacher.

About Grahame Park

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- The Learning Centre has excellent ESOL learning materials and a large

number of computers for the use of students.

- A Gym and Sports Hall – there are lots of of sporting activities during the

year, check the college website and the student notice board for information.

- Students can get good offers for haircuts and other treatments in the

Hairdressing and Beauty Salon

- If you are hungry, you can go to the Refectory for a hot meal or get a quick

coffee and snack from the vending machines in the Students’ Common Area.

- Students can get help and advice about many different things like childcare

and benefits, etc, from Learner Services. In addition, they can get guidance

for their future study plans from the Careers Advisors. If you need advice please make an appointment at the Learning Centre.

- There is a Crèche for young children but you must book early to get a place for your child. Ask your tutor or Reception for details.

FIRST AID & FIREFirst Aid Ask your teacher what to do and who can help in an emergency at college.

Fire Exits If you see a fire tell your tutor or Reception. Make sure you know where all fire exits are in the building. These are signposted around the building. If you hear the fire alarm, go with your class to the nearest fire exit. Wait together with the other students from your class and make sure your teacher can find you.

Barnet & Southgate College Campuses

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Barnet and Southgate College has four campuses across the London Boroughs of Barnet and Enfield.

 A: Wood Street Campus     

Wood Street, Barnet EN5 4AZTel 020 8200 8300

Tube: High Barnet (Northern Line, Zone 5)  Bus: 34, 84, 107, 184, 234, 263, 307, 326, 384, 389

Find out more about Wood Street

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B:  Grahame Park Campus     

Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5RATel 020 8200 8300

Car: On-site parking available. Tube & train: Colindale (Northern Line, Zone 4) and Mill Hill Broadway (Thameslink) are just a 20-minute walk or a bus ride away. Bus: 113, 186, 204, 221, 302, 303, 382

Find out more about Grahame Park

C: Southgate Campus   

High Street, Southgate, London N14 6BSTel: 020 8982 5050

Tube: Southgate (Piccadilly line, Zone 4). The Southgate Campus is approximately 200m/2 minutes walk from the station.Bus: W6, W9, 121,125, 298, 299, 382

Find out more about Southgate  

D: Edmonton Green Campus  

2nd Floor, 23 St. George's Chambers, South Mall, Edmonton Green, London N9 0TSTel: 020 8345 7209

Train: Edmonton Green (Greater Anglia) Liverpool Street to CheshuntBus: 102, 144, 149, 191, 192, 259, 279, 349, 491, W6, W8

Find out more about Edmonton Green  

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Your college ID card will allow you to use facilities at any campus

Using the computer to improve your English

There are computers in the Learning Centre and many classrooms. We have special software for learning English and a list of many websites that will also help you to learn.

To use a computer you must have a User ID (your student number) and a password. Speak to your teacher or Learning

Centre staff to get a password. You will also be given 250 credits. When you have finished your credits you must pay for printing.

Keep your password safe and make sure you can remember it. You will need to change your password every term. Your teacher may ask your class to use computers in a lesson and you will need to know your password.

Speak to the Learning Centre staff to book a computer there.

You can also use the Barnet & Southgate College website to practise your English at home. Go to:

http://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/

You will need to enter your User ID (this is your student number) and password. Then you can use the practice materials on the Moodle.

There are many websites to help you with your English including:

www.english-grammar-lessons.com

www.englishbanana.com

www.esolcourses.com

www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise

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Barnet & Southgate College E-Learning

The College IT Network gives you new opportunities to learn online, anytime, anyplace.

You must use the college network for learning and study only.

Be responsible and professional.

Respect the privacy of everyone else using the college system

Do not post material that might upset others online.

Remember to stay safe

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Moodle - Your course page

Moodle is an area on the college network where students can find important information about their course and extra practice for reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary. You will find out more about Moodle during the first weeks of your course.

Finding your course on Moodle

Open the Barnet & Southgate College Moodle site http://moodle.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/ or via the MLE.

After entering this address Moodle will appear with a Login box on the top left that looks like this:

Enter your Username and your password here then click the Login icon and you will then be logged on to the Barnet & Southgate College Moodle network.

After logging on, you will be directed to a new page listing the courses you are enrolled on:

Click the course you wish to enter.

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Mahara is a student’s personal learning space. It should show all the hard work that you do in college.

To access Mahara click the Mahara icon on you Moodle course page:

You will then see your Mahara homepage, showing you the different sections of your personal account:

On Mahara you can write about yourself, list your skills/your goals, write blogs and upload assignments set by your lecturers, and so build an e-portfolio.

You can submit work for your teachers on Mahara, to do this, upload the necessary file and place it in a ‘View’ – a page that can be shared with teachers/lecturers etc.

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How to see your e-ILP

On Moodle you will find your Individual Learning Plan.

Click on the ‘My ILP’ link and you will be taken to your ILP page.

From here, you can:

Enter your courses, qualifications and goals on ‘My Information’

Set targets for yourself on ‘My Targets’

Discuss progress with your lecturer on Progress Reviews

Keep a record of your progress on Celebrations and Concerns

Summarise your achievements in Progression

Using the e-ILP gives you a new way to show your progress through your time in Barnet & Southgate College.

At the start of the year your teacher will show you how to use Moodle, Mahara and

your

e-ILP.

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Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of another student, or you do not

feel safe yourself, there are staff in the college to help you.

You can call 020 8266 4077 or click on the link below for more information.

http://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/safeguarding/overview

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Student Code of Conduct

These rules will make sure the College is a safe and enjoyable place to work and learn in.

You should:

- be kind and polite to all people and respect others and their possessions

- look after the College buildings and the equipment you use

- wear your ID card and never give it to anyone else

- show your face to security staff if you are asked to

- never do things which upset other people; do not be unkind to peopleabout the way they look, their sex, their age, their beliefs

- not smoke in the College buildings

- not bring drugs and alcohol into the College

- keep the College clean and tidy

- only eat and drink at break time

- never cheat when you are doing tests or exams

- be careful and safe at College so you do not hurt yourself or others

- come to every class and arrive on time

- never use mobile phones where it might disturb other people

- use computers only to help you learn; do not use the Internet in a way which breaks the College IT rules.

If you break any of these rules you will be disciplined, you might have to leave the College.

Signed by Student Print name

…………………………………… ……………………………………

Signed by Tutor Print Name

Date ..................

…………………………………… ……………………………………

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What we expect from you:

Come to class every lesson

Come to class on time

Go to all your classes

Bring a file with you

Bring paper, pen and pencil

Take an active part in the class

Switch off your mobile phone

Do your homework

Respect other students and your teacher

Tell your tutor if you cannot come to class

Speak to your tutor if you are unhappy about any of your classes

How we will help you:

We will help you improve your English

We will make your lessons useful and interesting

We will speak to you one-to-one about your English

We want you to feel happy learning English at Grahame ParkWe want you to tell us if you are not happy!

Appendix

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College Policies

Conduct for External assessments/tests

Absence & Punctuality

Disciplinary Procedures

Student Appeals Against the Assessment of Performance

The Role of the Personal Tutor and Tutorials

The Role of the Student Representative

Complaints Procedures

Additional Support

The Role of the Attendance Liaison Officer

UCAS Application Support

Fire Procedures

First Aid Procedures

All college student information can be accessed on the college website;

http://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/The-College/college-policies

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