Parent Connect (February 2016)

PARENT CONNECTFebruary 2016

DOUBLE WIN FORSUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGEIN THE 2016 ROYAL OPERA HOUSE DESIGN CHALLENGETURN TO PAGE 14 FOR FULL STORY

NEWSINFORMATIONGUIDANCEEVENTS

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w w w . s u s s e x d o w n s . a c . u k

National Apprenticeship Week is coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service designed to celebrate and raise awareness for apprenticeships. Sussex Downs College, will be running a series of candidate and employer focused events, cross-campus, as well as an event at the Arndale Centre, in Eastbourne.

Drop in workshops will run as follows at both our Eastbourne and Lewes campuses: What is an Apprenticeship?10-10.30am and 12.15-12.45pm How to Secure a Job?10.45-11.15am and 1-1.30pm How to be Successful in an Interview?11.30am-12pm and 1.45-2.15pm

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A LIST OF OUR NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK EVENTS

3Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information

FEBRUARY 2016

Welcome to PARENT CONNECT

GET IN TOUCH

@SussexDowns

sussexdowns

T. 030 300 39551

www.sussexdowns.ac.uk

DIARY DATES 5

GUIDANCE & ADVICE 6MyFuture 6Events & Opportunities 7Advice for students 10

COLLEGE EVENTS 12Academy of Music events 12Students’ Union events 13

COLLEGE NEWS 14News highlights 14And in other news... 16Business Studies news 17Attendance Roll of Honour 18

GENERAL INFORMATION 19Exams Offi ce, 19Study ProgrammeAgreements & Financial Support

Attendance Information 20Absences and Closures 21

In this issue...

Click on the video below to watch an interview with Mike Hopkins, Principal & Chief Executive of Sussex Downs College.

SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE - OPEN FOR BUSINESS

reprographics

The Reprographics team at Sussex Downs College in Eastbourne and Lewes can now off er you high quality print and design at a highly competitive price.

Recent upgrades to our print equipment means we are able to off er a wide range of print and fi nishing services, including:

• Colour and black and white copying• Business stationery, NCR forms, fl yers & leafl ets• Large format printing • Binding & laminating• Wedding invitations, order of service etc.

We are able to use your own artwork or create some for you to suit your requirements (charges may apply).

Please feel free to give us a call or email us for further information

Eastbourne030 300 [email protected]

Lewes030 300 [email protected]

photo prints business stationery document printing laminatingfinishing poster printing flyers banner graphics ncr binding

Black and White Copying A4 A3

Single Double Single Double

Cost per sheet up to 999 copies (please contact us for a quote on higher quantities)

5p 8p 8p 10p

All prices are per copy on 75gsm FSC approved paper.

Colour Copying A4 A3

Single Double Single Double

Cost per sheet up to 99 copies (please contact us for a quote on higher quantities)

14p 20p 18p 25p

All prices are per copy on 100gsm FSC approved paper.

Large Format Printing on 235gsm Satin A4 - £2 A3 - £3 A2 - £4 A1 - £8 A0 - £15

Photo Prints 6” x 4” on 170gsm Gloss 8p per print minimum 20 prints per order

Business Cards on 300gsm Silk (per card) Single Sided - 4p Double Sided - 5p

NCR 250 sets 500 sets 1000 sets

2pt-£30.80 3pt-£39.46 4pt-£63.97 2pt-£51.59 3pt-£79.58 4pt-£107.94 2pt-£91.23 3pt-£136.32 4pt-£187.94

Laminating A4-30p A3-70p A2-1.50

Comb Binding 65p including clear acetate & card cover

Thermal Binding 50p including clear acetate cover

Wire Binding 50p

Colour Custom Bunting (waterproof) From 25p per letter 210mm high

All prices exclude VAT

www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/open-for-business/reprographics

Follow us on Twitter @SDCPrintDept

Find us on facebook at facebook.com/sdcprintdesigndept

Our popular Kings Bistro & Restaurant is open for lunch and evening dinner, featuring a range of speciality events with the fi nest quality food and wine in intimate surroundings at the Eastbourne campus.

Award winning students prepare, cook and serve guests in the restaurant as part of their training under professional supervision.

It is open to the public, staff and students throughout term time. Booking is recommended.

Coff ee Shop Opening

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday9:00am – 11:30am

Kings Bistro Opening

Open for lunch

Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday11:45am (last orders 12:45pm)

2 Course Lunch – £5.00 per person

3 Course Lunch – £6.50 per person

No booking required. Tables of six or more can be reserved in advance.

Kings Restaurant Opening

Wednesday & FridayLunch is served at 12 noon

Three course lunch with coff ee – £10.00 per person

Booking required

Themed Events

Thursday evenings,£22.50 per person

Booking required

Please see website for more information

w w w . s u s s e x d o w n s . a c . u k / k i n g s - b i s t r o - r e s t u r a n t

Hair, beauty& complementary

therapies

Our vibrant hairdressing and tranquil treatment rooms off er a variety of professional treatments at value for money prices.

Choose from a wide range of services and treatments including:

Haircuts - £5.00 Colouring from - £20.00 Facials - £15.00 Manicures - £6.00 Body massage - £13.00

Refl exology - £10.00 and much more.

Please call 01323 637323 for more information or to book your appointment

www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/eastbourne-graduations-hair-and-beauty-salon

www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/lewes-graduations-hair-and-beauty-salon

In our Floristry Studio we are pleased to be able to off er beautiful fl oral arrangements, wedding fl owers, or just a thank you bouquet, all available to order.

For prices and more information please call 01323 637355.

floristry


FEBRUARY 2016

DIARY DATESFebruary - May

HALF TERM15th - 19th February

PARENTS CONSULTATION EVENINGWednesday 24th FebruaryEastbourne and Lewes,15:00 - 19:30

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAYTuesday 8th March

COLLEGE INTERVIEWSWednesday 9th March13:00 - 17:00

NO SMOKING DAYFriday 11th March

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK14th - 18th March

EASTER HOLIDAYS25th March - 10th April

COLLEGE INTERVIEWSWednesday 13th April

13:00 - 17:00

MENTAL HEALTH WELL-BEING MONTHThroughout May

Promoted by the Students’ Union

BANK HOLIDAYMonday 2nd May

1ST EXAM ON GCSE/GCE TIMETABLEMonday 16th May

COLLEGE INTERVIEWSWednesday 18th May13:00 - 17:00

BANK HOLIDAYMonday 30th May

HALF TERM30th May - 3rd June

FEB

F

MAR

APR

MAY

BE WELL MONTHThroughout March

MYFUTURE AT SUSSEXDOWNS COLLEGE

My Future

MyFuture is a service at Sussex Downs College that demonstrates our commitment to supporting students and parents/carers with all aspects of progression. This includes going into university, finding voluntary work, apprenticeships, mock interviews, 1:1 careers advice, developing personal employability skills such as team work, and finding a job. If you, or your child would like to find out more please contact the team at: [email protected]

PARENTS CONSULTATION EVENT FOR 2ND YEAR STUDENTS The Parents’ Consultation Event for Year 2 (Level 3) students will take place on Wednesday 24th February 2016, 3.00pm to 7.30pm, at which you may discuss your son or daughter’s report and general progress with relevant teaching staff. Invitation letters and booking slips have been sent out to parents/ carers.

“WHAT CAREER LIVE?” This is a new, free event for 15-19 year olds taking place on 26th & 27th February 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham. “What Career Live” is sponsored by the National Apprenticeship Service. Companies who will be at the event include IBM, NHS, PwC, Unilever, HSBC, Jaguar Land Rover, Civil Service and many more. Universities at the event include Aston University, DeMontford, Exeter University and more. The event is designed to assist schools and college leavers with the next stage of their careers, whether it be through working or higher education.

There will also be expert advice from careers experts, CV clinics, a Job Matching Zone and skills experiences such as a STEM challenge where prizes can be won.

You can register to attend here: https://registration.n200.com/survey/0n7ahewcb1qgu.

For any further information please visit www.whatcareerlive.co.uk

SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE LAUNCHES ITS NEW “CHECK MY CV” SERVICEWe are excited to let you know about a new service we have for all our students to help bridge the gap between college and the world of work.

Using “Career Coach” on the Sussex Downs College website you can use the “CV Builder” to develop a great CV. The CV Builder will guide students to enter relevant information in a professionally laid out format.

Once students have completed their CV they can send it to their e-mail address. Students can also use our new [email protected] email address to send their CV to a member of staff to review.

CAREERS ADVICE FOR SDC STUDENTSSussex Downs College offers all our students one to one, impartial careers guidance from a qualified careers advisor. Students can book appointments through their Progress Tutor. Appointments are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30pm – 4pm.

CAREERS COACH IS NOW LIVE ON OUR WEBSITECareers Coach is a tool designed to help students find a career by providing the most current local data on wages, employment, job postings and associated education and training. Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk select “Students” from the top menu bar and then select “careers coach” and start searching!

CAREERS ADVICE FOR STUDENTS AGED 19+The National Careers Service will have an adviser on campus in Newhaven and Lewes delivering careers advice to students who are 19+. They will also see students who are 18 provided they are on Job Seekers Allowance.

Lewes: Lotte Torp will be available for appointments on Wednesdays from 9am-12pm. Contact Student Services in Cliffe Building room 147 to book appointments

Newhaven: Charlotte Jakins will be available for appointments on Mondays from 9am-2pm. Contact Karen Sim or any of the reception team in Newhaven to book students in for appointments.

Charlotte and Lotte will be here to help with:

• Career Choices

• Course Choices

• CV Writing

• Career and Skills Assessment

• Interview skills and application forms

• Job searching

• Helping students to identify their strengths and skills and match them to local job and learning opportunities


GUIDANCE & ADVICE

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

THE SUSSEX YOUTH COMMISSION Opportunity for our students

The Sussex Youth Commission is a project designed to enable young people to support, challenge and inform the work of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne. The project allows young people to get involved and influence the future of policing and crime in Sussex.

The Sussex Youth Commission is looking for participants aged 14-25 years from Sussex, including Brighton & Hove, West Sussex and East Sussex. The role is open to anyone in this age group from one of these areas. They are seeking to recruit new Youth Commission members to start in 2016 and looking for people who will be good team players, who will be committed to the project and willing to do all the activities involved. The Youth Commission is also very keen to ensure that it is made up of a diverse group of young people who broadly reflect the make-up of the local population, including those who may have direct experience of the police and justice system.

If you have any questions or would like to request an application form please contact the Office of The Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner on 01273 481561 or email [email protected]

VOLUNTEERINGAside from the obvious feel good factor from giving your time to a worthy cause, volunteering has a number of key benefits for your child’s career which make it well worth considering. Not only is it a great way to gain practical experience (something which can be extremely frustrating when lacking from a CV), volunteering can also help your child stand out from the crowd and learn practical skills which will make them more desirable for prospective employers.

Here are just a few of the key benefits to your child of volunteering:• Work in an industry that interests them• Gain valuable skills and experience• Improve their CV and become more successful at interviews

• Volunteering helps your child to stand out from the crowd, demonstrating commitment and enthusiasm

Visit https://do-it.org/ to find out about volunteering opportunities in your area.

For worldwide volunteering and work opportunities visit www.bunac.org.uk

APPRENTICESHIP EVENT – CAREERS TALKSussex Downs College in partnership with “Inspiring the Future” (www.inspiringthefuture.org)

Come along and find out more about Apprenticeships and meet with representatives from different business areas who all have an interest in Apprenticeships.

There will be an introductory talk from our Employer and Recruitment Advisor, followed by industry specific talks. If you would like to attend please email [email protected] confirming which event you will be attending and how many spaces you would like reserved.

DatesMarch 15th 2016 – Lewes campus, Lecture theatre, Cliffe building 5.30pm-6.30pmMarch 16th 2016 – Eastbourne, A level centre, A level Hall 5.30pm – 6.30pm

HIGHER EDUCATION EVENTWe are pleased to invite parents of Year 12 students to attend a Higher Education information evening, being held at Lewes Campus on 11th May or at Eastbourne Campus on 16th June, 18:30 – 20:00.

The evening is primarily for parents of students who will be thinking of applying to University in September 2017 with talks about the process and finance.There will also be the opportunity for parents to talk to the Business Development Team, who recruit to apprenticeship vacancies, as an alternative progression route.

Further details will be issued nearer the time.

Creative ArtsTRIPS & EVENTS

Art and Design students at Lewes Show at the Foundry Gallery (Lewes) later this month.This will bring together students in the double award in applied art and design, fine art, graphic design and textiles design and digital design. Private view Thursday 25 February; show until 28th.

Media and Photography Trip to New York (Lewes) Between February 22nd and 29th, 39 students from the Media, Photography and Film section are going to New York. Whilst Film students will benefit from a three hour film-making session at the prestigious New York Film Academy, Media Students have a chance to make their own TV show at NBC TV studios, and Photography students can check out the latest works of art at MOMA. The trip also includes numerous tours, a Broadway show and a trip to the top of the Empire State building.

The Performing Arts and Dance departments (Lewes) are taking nearly 80 students on their annual four-night trip to New York From Friday 4th March to Wednesday 9th March. The students will take part in performance workshops at the New York Film Academy, Alvin Ailey Studios and the Broadway Centre, as well as watch three evening shows. It is a fantastic learning and cultural enrichment opportunity.

A BRAND NEW

EVENT FOR

16-19 YEAR OLDS

26 & 27 FEBRUARY 2016, NEC BIRMINGHAM

Meet with some of

the UK’s top employers

and universitie

s

UNIVERSITY OPTIONS

SCHOOL LEAVER JOBS

What Career Live? in association with What University Live? in association with

whatlive.co.uk

Advice for...HAPPY, HEALTHY,SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS

CONTROLLING BEHAVIOUR IN RELATIONSHIPSIt’s important that we talk about what is acceptable behaviour in relationships with our children. We can make them aware of what healthy relationship and love really look like. Some teenagers are embarking on their first major relationship when they come to college and they may not realise that attempting to control something through threats and fear – called ‘coercive control’ – is at the heart of domestic abuse and that they can get help if this is going on. In 2015 the government implemented a law to make coercive control illegal.

In many relationships, there are occasions where one person will make a decision on behalf of their partner, or when one person will take control of a certain situation. Within a supportive and healthy relationship this is not an issue. It is unhealthy when control of a person’s day-to-day life is stripped away by their partner, and when they have ‘rules’ to live by so they don’t make their partner angry. A young person, especially a teenager in love may not recognise that they are experiencing coercive control. As a parent, it is understand and look out for signs of coercive control. Remember, your child can have an unhappy relationship without it being abusive. You need to watch for repeated instances of your child being controlled and ongoing changes in their behaviour.

The sort of things to look out for if you think your child is being controlled by their partner are;

• Being put down and told they are worthless• Being stopped from working or going to college• Having their money taken away or controlled• Being isolated from friends and family• Having access to food, drinks and day to day products restricted• Having to spend their time and who with being monitored• Having their social media accounts monitored or controlled• Being tracked by their partner via

mobile devices or spyware• Being told what they should wear• Being threatened with violence if they don’t behave in a certain way• Having threats made to loved ones or pets• Being threatened with damage to personal property.

This sort of behaviour could make them feel;

• Anxious and nervous and not free to make their own decisions• Like they are walking on eggshells and scared that they do not have access to money• Worried that they lack close relationships other than with their partner• Sick, experiencing headaches or have other ongoing physical health symptoms• Isolated from friends and family and that they have no one to talk to.

Anyone experiencing controlling behaviour within an abusive relationship can start to shut down, and withdraw from their family. The more isolated they are, the more dangerous the situation is as this gives their partner more control over them It’s really important that if your child is experiencing coercive control, they know that you are there to help and support them.

• Let your child know that you support for them will always be there so they don’t become totally isolated. Maintain contact with them, even if they don’t respond or become angry.• Let your child know that you are worried, and that you are there if they need to talk.• Give them time. It might take a while before they can open up to you. Create a confidential, relaxed environment to have a conversation, perhaps away from home if this makes them more comfortable.• Make sure they know that it is not their fault, tell them that they deserve a healthy relationship free from coercive control and abuse.• If your child isn’t ready to talk to you, let them know help is available. Pass on information but let them know that you are there for them too.

Where can you go for help?

• If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger then call the police using 999• Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)• Speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team at the College• Access the Refuge website, which has some useful information (refuge.org.uk) or This is Abuse (http://thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk/)


GUIDANCE & ADVICE

SAFEGUARDING - WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE E-SAFETY OF YOUR CHILDREN?With all of the potential that the online world and new technology offers, young people now have access to huge opportunities. They use technology to express themselves, explore, and be creative; it has changed the way they communicate.

You might wonder whether what they are doing is safe, and how you can help them if you find they are having difficulties online. The CEOP Safety Centre contains valuable information on how to help your child stay safe, worries that you might have and how to deal with any concerns.

www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/Parents/

SAFE DRIVE STAY ALIVE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTSSafe Drive Stay Alive (SDSA) is

produced by a road safety partnership including Thames Valley and Hampshire Police, local councils and emergency services. Each partner has been working for years to reduce the number of people dy-ing and injured on the roads. The Safe Drive Stay Alive campaign is for new and pre-drivers and reaches them in an emotive and hard-hitting way, influencing behaviour and attitude on the roads.

See the following link for more information:www.safedrive.org.uk

Sessions are scheduled around tutorial times and are com-pulsory for first year students in the same way that their tutorial is. Students are advised to check details with their tutor in advance of the session.

For more information please e-mail [email protected]

EDUCATE AGAINST HATEWe all want our children to live in a safe and loving environment so that they can grow up to become happy, confident adults. You will already know that your children can be vulnerable to risks both inside and outside the home, and will have taken steps to protect them so they can grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.

Protecting your children from radicalisation and extremism is similar to protecting them from the other harms you may be more familiar with, such as drugs, gangs and sexual exploitation.

Visit www.educateagainsthate.comparents for further information.

EAST SUSSEX ACADEMY OF MUSIC EVENTS 2016

BTEC SOLO RECITALSTuesday 1st March & Thursday 3rd March, 18:00, Lewes PAC HallSolo recitals from our BTEC students on their main instruments.

BTEC COMPOSERS CONCERTMonday 14th March, 18:00, Lewes PAC Halll

Our song writing students get the chance to showcase their own material in this evening performance. A lot of students are on soundcloud, YouTube and gig

throughout the county so it promises to be an evening of fi rst come fi rst head songs! Free entrance.

AS FINAL RECITALSTuesday 15th March & Thursday 17th March, 18:00, Lewes PAC Hall

The AS students perform their fi nal recitals which are marked and sent o� as part of their fi nal grade.

EASTER CONCERTWednesday 23rd March, 19:30, Lewes MPH

Our second concert of the year for our ESAM ensembles.

A2 FINAL RECITALSTuesday 19th April, Thursday 21st April & Thursday 28th April

18:00, Lewes PAC HallThe A2 students perform their fi nal recitals of 20 minutes each which are marked and

sent o� as part of their fi nal grade.

EVENSONG AT CHICHESTER CATHEDRALWednesday 27th April, 16:30

Every year our Academy Voices ensemble get the chance to perform Evensong at Chichester Cathedral.

AS COMPOSITION CONCERT Thursday 5th May, 18.00, Lewes PAC Hall

We give the AS students a chance to perform their own composition (or provide musicians for them) as part of their coursework which can be sent o� to the examiner

if they wish. Free entrance.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL ENSEMBLES CONCERT Tuesday 17th May, 18.00, venue TBC

The last concert of the year for the pre-professional students.

BTEC FINAL SHOWCASE Thursday 26th May, 19.30, Lewes Con Club

We take over Lewes Con Club for all our BTEC students to perform for the last time. Tickets £5.

MUSICAL FUTURES DAYMonday 13th June, Lewes PAC Hall

We hold a careers fair for all AS student. We invite representatives and ex-students down from a range of conservatoires and universities so students get the chance to

talk advice. Open all day.

SUMMER CONCERT Wednesday 22nd June, 19.30, Lewes Town Hall (TBC)

We reach the end of the year with our fi nal ESAM performance. Tickets £8.


COLLEGE EVENTS

Student’s UnionNEWS & EVENTS

SECOND HOME PROJECTThe teams continue to push on with their ‘Second Home Project’ and after meetings with Governors and the College Leadership Team we hope to be seeing some of their ideas come to life very soon.

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEThree of our team members travelled to Sheffield to take part in the NUS Women in Leadership Conference last week, where they were the only FE representatives in attendance! Jade Ayino, Students Union member, commented, “The conference was so inspiring I learnt so much not only about myself but how to actually be a respected young woman with no limits in the world of today”.

CHIT YOUR CHATOur new debate society…Chit Your Chat, inspired by our Peoples Assembly debate continues to grow with our next topic up for discussion being “What is Freedom of speech?” Staff and students are welcome to join us for these session on Wednesday’s, 13.00-14.30; the next Chit Your Chat will take place on 24th February (room tbc).

NUS CAMPAIGNSOn Monday 8th - Thursday 11th February the SU joined the #cutthecost campaign, a national campaign launched by NUS highlighting student debt. A giant inflatable pig was knocking around the Lewes and Eastbourne campus throughout the week and teams collected signatures on the giant #cutthecost postcard in support of the cause. We will also be playing a major part in the #Unplugged campaign and travelling to our regional conference at NUS headquarters at the end of February.

LGBT HISTORY MONTHWe also like a party and we are really looking forward to our LGBT History Month Quiz night celebration with the amazing Drag with No name.

Tickets are on sale via Barry Hacker for staff and students to take part in one of the funniest most outrageous nights of the year!

END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONSLooking ahead and although its only Feb we are starting to plan our end of year party, which hopefully will be a carnival themed event with paint dome tent, dance tent and fairground rides all in conjunction with our party partners Brighton Rox… watch this space.

After a totally full-on first term, with Fresher’s Night, Fresher’s Fairs, White Ribbon events, student conference, Open Events, Area Review consultation and an incredible snow storm Christmas party amongst other things the Students Union had planned to have a slightly more laid back half term! Not to be, already this term we have hosted a student conference on each campus kicking up plenty for us to work on for the student body.”- Kitty Tucker, Student Participation Officer

“

“

DOUBLE WIN FOR SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE IN THE 2016 ROYAL OPERA HOUSE DESIGN CHALLENGE

The Production Arts, Art & Design and Digital Media departments at Sussex Downs College are celebrating as two of their students win categories in the 2016 Royal Opera House Design Challenge.

The College has been involved in the Royal Opera House (ROH) Design Challenge since it was established in 2010, evolving from an extra-curricular activity to becoming firmly established and embedded into the curriculum across all three departments.

Phil Rose, Production Arts Lecturer at Sussex Downs College Lewes Campus, said, “This national annual competition gives our students the opportunity to test and develop their marketing, production and design skills, based around an opera or ballet production – this year our students excelled once again.”

Sussex Downs College has previously enjoyed astounding success in the competition with Lydia Parsons scooping Set Design runner up in the 12/13 Tosca challenge, OIllie Jagot winning Set

Design in the 13/14 Sleeping Beauty challenge and last year scooping a double victory: Luke Adlam winning Set Design and Elise Illett winning Marketing Strategy for Madama Butterfly.

This year the College experienced their best results to date. Out of 800 entries nationally, ten SDC entries reached the finals of the challenge. Our two winning students were Luke Hopkins and Eddy Wilson.

Luke’s success in Set Design has made it the third year running that Sussex Downs College has won this category, whereas Eddy’s win of the Director’s Choice Award is a first for the College. Phil continued to say, “Both of the set designs created by Luke and Eddy were exceptional. We are extremely proud of what each of them has achieved.”

The Director’s Choice Award is presented to a design which fully realises one of the set director’s visions. This year Eddy’s design made Director and Judge David Stevenson think, “I want to direct that!” David said of Eddy’s design, “The final model is of an exceptional standard – very professional – and offers great potential for staging.”

Student Eleanor Brown, who reached the finals of the Costume Design category, was thrilled she had the opportunity to take part, “This was a great experience, I learned lots of new skills and this will be fantastic for my portfolio for University interviews!”

Both Luke, 16, and Eddy, 17, study at the Lewes Campus of Sussex Downs College, and will be attending a special day at the Royal Opera House where they will see their designs in an exhibition, take a backstage tour and visit a specific Royal Opera House department before watching a performance of The Royal Opera’s Il trittico.

James DiBiase, Visual Arts Lecturer at Sussex Downs College, said, “A huge congratulations should be sent to all of our students who designed entries for this year. The amount of effort that goes in to these pieces is extraordinary and the quality of work our students produce is truly exceptional. Year on year our students continue to impress and astound us all, and I simply cannot wait to see what is produced next year.”


COLLEGE NEWS

SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE LAUNCHTHE PRINCE’S TRUST TEAM PROGRAMME AT THE LEWES CAMPUS

Sussex Downs College at the Lewes campus has launched The Prince’s Trust Team programme this year that will hopefully be going on to run up to three times a year.

it is a welcome programme to Lewes that is and has successfully been running from our Eastbourne campus. The Team programme that runs for twelve weeks focusing on the personal development of each individual young person. It is a programme open for young people aged between 16 and 25 that are currently not in education, employment or training. Our current team of young people are in week four of their course and have been focusing on community fundraising action as they are about to embark on a community project in the heart of Lewes. Their fundraising eff orts which are taking part at a Lewes FC match and throughout the college will all culminate into a brilliant project at the Nutty Wizard Café in Lewes, a café that is a safe haven for young people in and around Lewes to come and visit the drop in centre every Wednesday. The café is currently having a reshuffl e with their volunteers and so the Prince’s Trust team programme is coming at a welcome time, coinciding with the relaunch. The young people democratically decided to decorate the interior of the café giving it a new lease of life and serve as a space that is both inviting and fresh.

There are many diff erent elements of the course in which the young people are involved and local voluntary organisations are welcome to get involved, including the following activities: Week 1 : Take action (planning for personal progression)

The course is open to anyone and everyone as mentioned above, from someone that has completed college but doesn’t have confi dence or motivation, to a young person that hasn’t got any qualifi cations but is a team player and would benefi t from gaining some essential life skills.

Week 2: New experiences

The team go away to an activity centre as they begin to bond. Weeks 3 – 6: Community project

The team decide on a project to benefi t the local community and carry it out, from inception to completion, fundraising and getting their hands dirty!

The Prince’s Trust would love to know about all the local organisations/ charities that would benefi t from such a project, especially for future teams. Weeks 7 – 8: Work Placements

An essential part of the programme, where the young people start to put together all the skills they have learnt into practice within the workplace. This is not only benefi cial to the team member but to the employer also, often our young people can go on to work full time at the places that they have been able to do work placements at, or even apprenticeships. The more support shown to the young people by giving them that lift onto their career ladder the better! Week 9: Planning for the future

Local businesses, charities and organisations are invited to talk to the young people during this week as the focus is on improving their CVs, practice interview skills and start to think of progression post trip. It is a great week to have discussions around budget and independent living.

Weeks 10 – 11: Team challenge

This is when the young people again challenge themselves by taking up an action which is purely helping others. This in the past has ranged from working for a few days in a home that caters for the elderly, or learning what it is like to teach at a school with children with special educational needs. It is an essential part of their qualifi cation but also their personal learning. Week 12: Having their say

All those that have helped the young people along the way are invited to a celebration and presentation. Please keep your eyes out for this bubbly group about town as they complete each part of their programme and keep in mind young people that might benefi t from taking part in this course. We are beginning our TEAM TWO on May 2nd. Local voluntary organisations along with friends and families of Sussex Downs College are welcome to get involved, too! If your organisation or business can take on a young person on the scheme for a few weeks and/or if you would be interested in being part of one of the Prince’s Trust Community Challenges, please contact Henrietta Valler-Still, Team Leader at the Prince’s Trust, at [email protected] or on 07342 065 442. For more information, please click on the image below to watch a video clip of young people talking about their experiences on the ‘team’ programme.

AND IN OTHER NEWS...Click on a headline to read the full story.

SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE STUDENT SUPPORTS BBC GET INSPIRED’S BODYPOSITIVE INITIATIVE

SUSSEX DOWNS CATERING AND HOSPITALITY STUDENTS VISIT BUCKINGHAM PALACE

PHOTOGRAPHIC SUCCESS FOR SUSSEX DOWNS STUDENTDISNEY ERRIDGE

EASTBOURNE’S ROTARY CLUB YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE CHOSEN

UK SKILLS IS ‘PLANE’ SAILING FOR SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE JOINERY STUDENT

SUSSEX DOWNS ENGLISH A LEVEL STUDENTS VISITTHE BRITISH LIBRARY


COLLEGE NEWS

SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE STUDENTS VISIT PORTSMOUTH UNIVERSITY

FOUNDATION LEARNING STUDENTS’ DESIGNS SHORTLISTED FOR BEACH HUT INITIATIVE

SDC STUDENT JACOB CRANCH ADVANCES IN YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

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news stories onour website...

Level 2 Business Students ran a pop-up café (Cupid’s Café) and raised £60 for Vasculitis

“Running the café was a fabulous experience – a chance for us to

work together as a team and put our business knowledge in to practice. In addition we were able to raise funds for a charity close to my heart. From a business point of view we learned the following: selling prices need to be cheap because teachers and

students don’t bring much money to college!, chocolate cakes sell better than healthier treats like fruity fl apjacks and service needs to quick (as well as friendly) as teachers and students have limited time to eat and drink!”Quote from Amber Stubbs (student)

Level 3 Business Students spent two weeks in Germany They attended business lessons at a vocational college in the morning and worked in various social institutions in the afternoon.

“This was an amazing experience in so many ways. It was fascinating to learn more about the German culture and I couldn’t believe how early they get up in the mornings – college starts at 8am! I thoroughly enjoyed my social placement working in a support centre for Syrian refugees. The people I met were extremely friendly and hopeful despite their very diffi cult circumstances. The whole trip was totally exhausting but something I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life.”Quote from Callum Camille (student)

BUSINESS STUDIES NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR STUDENTS WHO ACHIEVED 100% ATTENDANCE FOR THE AUTUMN TERM. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOUR

COMMITMENT TO STUDY. MANY THANKS TO PARENTS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.Aaron Foord, Aaron Harris, Aaron Howe, Aaron Miles, Adam Halliburton, Adam Wallis, Adrian Srodek, Alex Primrose, Alexander Turner, Alexandra Howard, Alexandra Marsh, Alfi e Ridgway, Alfred Andrews, Alice Barber, Alisha Malik-Ridley, Alisha Willson, Amber Forrest, Amber Hibbitt, Amir Kamrani, Amy Baldwin, Amy Harris, Amy Kincade, Amy Linley, Amy Turner, Amy Willett, Anastasia Sadler, Andrew Diack, Anna Harris, Annabelle Dale, Arron Wilder, Ashlea Samuell, Ashleigh Hayward, Ashleigh Stocker, Aujuman Basith, Aymen Qader, Barnaby White, Ben Ralph, Ben Smith, Benedetta Rivolo, Benjamin Morley, Benjamin Sadler, Benjamin Staniford, Beth Baldock, Bethany Virgo, Brandon Watson, Cain Blissett, Caitlin Knevett, Callum Fryers, Callum Gibson, Callum McQueen-Bartlett, Callum Nattress, Cameron Fyfe, Camron Whitten, Carys Ryan, Catherine Mears, Cathy Tojo, Charley Robertson, Charlotte Cole, Charlotte Robinson, Charlotte Taylor, Chase Hayden, Chloe Blake, Chloe Fogg, Chloe Hunt, Chloe Sell, Chloe Snelgrove, Christie Groom, Christopher Ricketts, Christopher Skelton, Chun Ting Chan, Ciaran Keff ord, Connie Spain, Connor Barnes, Connor Edwards, Connor-Jay Allchorn, Conor Barnaville, Daisy Pettitt, Daniel Emsley, Daniel Hagan, Daniel Joseph, Daniel Sawkins, Danielle Hearn, David Joly, Deborah Smith, Dominik Grochowski, Dylan Morgan, Dylen Tucknott, Ebony Burns, Edward Chrusciel, Ela Moreno, Elena Vidal-Cervera, Elisia Da Silva, Elize Charrett-Dykes, Ella Benson, Ella Robertson, Ellen Beer, Elli Meekings, Ellie Beattie, Ellie Hoadley, Ellie Morgan, Ellie Muzzall, Ellis Jones, Elysia Russell, Emily Crudge, Emily Raper, Emily Shepherd, Emma Carr, Emma French, Emma Newton, Emma West, Eneo Kalemi, Fabienne Andre, Faye Daubney, Fern Pettitt, Florence Piccinini, Gabriella Taylor, Gabrielle Barkley, Genesis Gecana, George Harley, George Pallister, George Stride, George Sweeting, Georgia-Anne Hill, Grace Allen, Gracie Maddison, Hal Taylor, Hana Moloney, Harriet O’Callaghan, Harry Covell, Harry Croft, Harry Gross, Harry Hipgrave, Harry Ives, Heledd Evans, Holly Humby, Huw Curry, Imogen Hood, Jack Chaffi n, Jack Jobling, Jack Lister, Jack Redgate, Jack Weston, Jacob Cranch, Jacob Smith, Jaime Haslip, Jake Barton, James Bradford, James Brand, James Kirk, James Richards, Jamie Baker, Jamie Banks, Jamie Barber, Jamie Francis, Jamie Funnell, Jamie Hoey, Jamie Turner, Jan-Emmanuel Gabat, Jared North, Jasmine Armstrong, Jasmine Colkett, Jasper Godin, Jed Humphrey, Jeremiah Dolayba, Jeremy Lock, Jessica Hoskins, Jessica Lowdell, Jessica Scott, Jessica Turnham, Jessica Woodhams, Joaquin Subagan, Joe Cassidy, Joe Maryan, Joel Emmerson, Joel Lock, Jonathan Down, Jordan Dennehy, Jordan Mills, Jordan Penny, Joseph Clements, Joseph Hacker, Joseph Hutchinson, Joseph Miller, Joshua Bradford, Joshua Buss, Joshua Coombs, Joshua Hill, Joshua Hooper, Joshua Miles, Joshua Speltz, Joshua Wood, Jossy D’Souza, Junzhi Yan, Kaho Ueno, Kai West, Kamen Cooley-Greene, Kati Rogers, Katie Widgery, Ka-Wing Wan, Kayleigh Mackay, Keiko Teramura, Kevin Russell, Khevane Byroo, Kimberly Leadbeater, Kristian Kosc, Kristopher Baumber, Krystian Szmytkowski, Lara Johnson-Smith, Laura Churchyard, Lauren Beer, Lauren Matthews, Laurence McCartney, Leila-Mae Rummery, Leonids Cepcovs, Leonids Cepcovs, Lewis Greenwood, Lewis Massie, Lewis Steele, Lois Winwright, Lorcan Taylor-Hood, Louie Horne, Louis Thompson, Louisa Phillips, Louise Bailey, Louise Darcy, Louise Etwell, Louise Owen, Lucinda Dopson, Lucy Bassett, Lucy Wheatley, Luis Gouveia, Luka Glisovic, Luke Gardner, Luke Smith, Luke Teague, Lydia Bannister, Madeleine Considine, Maegan Parsons, Maria Tayao, Marina Takashima, Mark Browning, Mark Constable, Mary Parker, Mason Brannigan, Mathew Patterson, Matthew Fricker, Matthew Simmons, Matthew Willis, Maxine Cameron, Megan Rudd, Meghan Shoesmith, Melanie Vines, Melissa-May Sergeant, Michael King, Michael O’Doherty, Michael Tsenti, Mikaela Ivanova, Millicent King, Millie Cade, Milly Jeff ries, Milo Gibson, Misuzu Kuze, Mohammed Miah, Mohammed Rokan, Mollie Havard, Monika Stoyanova, Natalia Nikolova, Natasha Bird, Natasha Culling, Nathan Hover, Nathan Thomas, Nele Gewert, Nicola Mitchell, Nicole Nobrega, Norbert Kuczma, Olivia Gatt, Oscar Williams, Owen Wood, Paegan Ashton, Paige Azzopardi, Patrick Gough, Patrick Marriott, Patsy Agrela Cornwall, Pauline Schou, Peter Shakir, Rachel Carter, Rachel Wilson, Rajina Shahi, Ralph Mason, Ranya Al-Schama’a, Rebecca Bradley, Rebecca Martins-Tudor, Rebecca Timmis, Rebecca Turner, Rebecca Vick, Rebecca Wyatt, Reece Flux, Reuben Lazarou, Rhianna Fishenden, Rhys Lavender, Robert Wooler, Rosie Smith, Ruby Fuller, Ruby Hilton, Ryan Gregory, Ryan Marriott, Ryan Purchase, Ryan Turner, Sam Marchant, Samuel Neads, Samuel Say, Sarah Willcocks, Sean Chapman, Sophia Franklin, Sophie Roberts, Stephanie Hollis, Steven Benge, Taisia Clare-King, Tanieth Kerr, Tayar Rockett, Tegan Inch, Teige Dillon, Tess Burdon, Tessa Obungu, Tharindu Gardi Arachchige, Thomas Blakeney, Thomas Cheale, Thomas Cottington, Thomas Newton, Tia Allen, Tia Holman, Tobias Ward, Toby Hacker, Toby Hayward, Toby Martin, Urjit Soni, Vanessa Turner, Verity Webb, Victoria Cleaver, Vien Chao, Will Roberts, William Marsden,

William Nicholls, Yianna Sifakis, Yu Nakanishi, Zaher Alkabbani, Zoe Shapcott


GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION

EXAMS OFFICEPlease note that in order to make efficiencies Statements of Entry and Results for GCSE/GCE exams will no longer be posted home but sent to students’ College email accounts.Students are personally responsible for providing their own equipment for their exams and the Exams Office will not be able to supply equipment (calculators, etc). We provide a minimal amount of ‘spare’ equipment in each venue but this will only be available to students who have a problem with their own equipment (eg. breakages during the exam).

The Exams Office will charge a standard non-attendance fee (to post-16 students) of £10 for any timetabled exam or assessment missed without supporting evidence.

Students will be asked to present their Student ID card in all examinations in order to prove identity.

IMPORTANT DATES

Summer exam results for GCE – Thursday 18th August 2016.

Summer exam results for GCSE – Thursday 25th August 2016.

RE-SITS

Students now have the ability to book and pay for their GCE/GCSE re-sits online. The system is now live and is accessible from the Exams Office page of the main SDC website. Alternatively students can visit the Exams Office and complete a re-sit application from.

STUDY PROGRAMME AGREEMENTSStudents who are 16 – 19 years old or 19 – 25 years old with a Learning Difficulty Assessment or Education Health and Care Plan are following what is known as A Study Programme, which is funded in a particular way by Central Government. In order to access this funding, one of the key pieces of evidence that the college needs to retain is a Study Programme Agreementsigned by the student and their allocated Progress Tutor. This agreement, outlines the course the student is following and the number of planned learning hours this involves. These forms are now ready for signature with the Progress Tutors. Please can we ask you to encourage your son or daughter to go to their tutor before 20 November, to check the details of these forms are correct and to sign them. Thank you.

FINANCIAL SUPPORTFOR STUDENTSWe have a number of financial support funds available to help students who are experiencing financial hardship with the costs of coming to college.

We may be able to help with travel, books, equipment, kit, uniform, materials, childcare, in some cases tuition fees/exam fees.

Some students may also be eligible for Free Meals whilst at college.

If you are facing financial difficulties please contact Student Services for more information

Eastbourne 030 300 39900 or Lewes 030 300 38765

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

WHY ATTENDANCE?There have been numerous studies in recent years into the effects of poor attendance on achievement.Information published by the government states that of school children who miss less than 5% of lessons, 73% achieve five GCSEs at A* - C. This reduces right down to only a 35% achievement rate where children’s attendance is between 80% and 90% and just 3% of children get 5 GCSEs A* - C where their attendance is 50% or lower.

It is this significant statistic which drives our attendance monitoring process. We are determined to support students to attend because we know the impact on their potential to achieve.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES AT SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGEAt Sussex Downs College we expect students to have an attendance record of at least 95% and are quick to chase up when the figure begins to drop.

In the first instance students will receive an email to alert them that their attendance has dropped to below 95% (amber alert) or 90 (red alert) and to advise them to speak to their progress tutor about any significant issues which are impacting on them maintaining full attendance.

This is followed up with a letter to parents/carers if concern continues to help open up dialogue between home and college, and then a further letter may be sent to arrange a meeting between student and progress tutor in order to set relevant and measurable targets in line with the college student concern procedures, with regular review of these targets and progression through the student concern procedure where appropriate.

WHAT THE NUMBERS MEANIn order to monitor student attendance we look at a weekly attendance figure combined with the attendance dat for the previous 8 college weeks. Students are contacted when both criteria for concern are met.

For a student on a standard level 3 program, attending approx. 10 sessions per week this means:

%Lessons

missed in 1 week

Lessonsmissed in 8 weeks

Lessonsmissed in

a year

95% 0.5 4 17.5

90% 1 8 35

85% 1.5 12 52.5

80% 2 16 70

75% 2.5 20 87.5

70% 3 24 105

65% 3.5 28 122.5

60% 4 32 140

55% 4.5 36 157.5

50% 5 40 175

IMPROVING ATTENDANCEWith such a high college expectation it is very easy for attendance records to slip with just a few missed classes. There are times where absence is unavoidable, but there are some small steps that students can take to help prevent missing classes unnecessarily which you can help encourage:

Where there is control, arrange appointments outside of timetabled lesson times. Remember the time needed to travel.

When late to a class, it is better to still attend than to decide to skip it entirely. A late mark will not have a negative impact on attendance like an absent mark will.

Good planning of time between classes is beneficial. Students should avoid going too far from the college campus where possible. They should be using the library to complete homework or the common room or outside areas to take breaks. If they are finding it hard to manage their time, please encourage a meeting with their progress tutor who can help them with this. College differs

from school in the greater freedom afforded to students. Managing independent study time and breaks between classes is a new skill for many young people, but an important ability that will be taken forward to further study or the workplace.

If missing classes is due to something more serious, such as a feeling of not coping with the workload, it is vitally important that you speak to your teachers or your progress tutor as soon as you can to give you the best chance of turning the situation around. They are here to help.

AUTHORISED VS UNAUTHORISEDIn the past schools were criticised by the government for having high levels of unauthorised absence where children missed school with no explanation. The unintended consequence was that schools got better at authorising absence, but this focus on unauthorised absence deflected attention away from the most important issue - that all absence is bad for a young person’s education.

At Sussex Downs College we look at our students’ attendance as a whole. It is important that any unavoidable absence is authorised, but this is a separate issue to attendance monitoring, and even though there will be cases where we know there are good reasons for missing classes, we will still take steps if this has had a significant impact on attendance. In some rare cases the 95% expectation will not be realistic for a student, but it is important that this is addressed with tutors, teachers, students and parents in order that we can make sure appropriate measures are in place to support achievement.


GENERAL INFORMATION

ABSENCES ANDCLOSURES

THE ABSENCE LINEIt is really important that any unavoidable absences are reported to the absence line so that we can record these, help inform tutors and teachers, and make sure registers are accurate, Please contact:

Eastbourne:Tel: 01323 637417Email: [email protected]

Lewes:

Tel: 030 300 39808 (local rate call)Email: [email protected]

SEVERE WEATHER NOTICESIf the weather is poor please check the Sussex Downs College website regularly. It is your primary source for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding any College closures. We will aim to update the website from 7.00am each day.

Updates will also appear on the College Twitter and Facebook Sites.If the website is unavailable for any reason you should check these for the latest information (a Twitter or Facebook account is not required).

In the event of snow/ice staff, students and visitors should take care on campus, for example by wearing appropriate footwear, and keeping to cleared pathways. Be aware of your surroundings and take care.

EXAMSUnless there is complete College closure, students entered for exams should attend them as planned. If a student is unable to attend their examination for any reason then they should phone the appropriate Examinations Office for advice on 030 300 39310 (Lewes) or 030 300 38220 (Eastbourne). The Exams Office will not be staffed when there is a full College closure.

Parent Connect (February 2016)

Documents

Transcript of Parent Connect (February 2016)