1 Student Handbook2014/15

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CONTENTS

Dates for your Diary 4Student Council 5Student Agreement 6Star Student Awards 7Student Enrichment Centre 8Course Reps 9Safeguarding 10Security 11You and your Tutor 12College Code of Conduct 13Absence 14Equality and Diversity 15Student Services 16Additional learning Support 17Student Engagement Team 18Student Finance 19Multi Faith Team 19Counselling 20Learning Resource Centre 21The Zone 22Hair, Beauty & The Restaurant 23

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WELCOME

Dates for your Diary 4Student Council 5Student Agreement 6Star Student Awards 7Student Enrichment Centre 8Course Reps 9Safeguarding 10Security 11You and your Tutor 12College Code of Conduct 13Absence 14Equality and Diversity 15Student Services 16Additional learning Support 17Student Engagement Team 18Student Finance 19Multi Faith Team 19Counselling 20Learning Resource Centre 21The Zone 22Hair, Beauty & The Restaurant 23

This Guide is packed with information to help guide you through your first days at College. It is also useful to refer to throughout the year for contact numbers, key dates and opening times.

Swindon College caters for a wide range of students with different backgrounds and abilities.

This guide is for all students and if you have ideas for improvements we’d love to hear from you. We offer a friendly, supportive learning environment and we really want you to make the most of your time here to achieve your goals.

Good luck with your studies.

Andrew Miller Principal, Swindon College

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COLLEGE CALENDAR

TERM 1Full-Time FE classes start (Yr 1) Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd September 2014Freshers’ Fair & Yr 2 students in Wednesday 3rd September 2014HE First Years start Monday 8th September2014HE other years start Monday 15th September 2014New starters parents event / Meet the tutor Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th September 2014Apprenticeship/Employer Awards evening Thursday 18th September 2014HE Enrolment Day Thursday 18th September 2014Moving on progression event Wednesday 24th September 2014HE Finance evening Wednesday 8th October 2014Graduation Ceremony Friday 10th October 2014FE/ HE Open Evening Thursday 16th October 2014Term 1 ends Thursday 23rd October 2014BREAK Monday 27th October-Friday 31st October 2014TERM 2Term 2 starts Monday 3rd November 2014Pre-16 Parents/Guardian Evenings Tuesday 18th November 2014FE / HE Open Event Saturday 29th November 2014Term 2 ends Friday 19th December 2014BREAK (COLLEGE CLOSED) Monday 22nd December 2014- Friday 2nd January 2015TERM 3 Term 3 starts Monday 5th January 2015FE/HE Open Evening Wednesday 21st January 2015Term 3 ends Friday 13th February 2015BREAK Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February 2015

TERM 4 Term 4 starts Monday 23rd February 2015What Next Progression Event Wednesday 18th March 2015Term 4 ends Friday 27th March 2015BREAK Monday 30th March – 10th April 2015Good Friday (College closed) Friday 3rd April 2015Easter Monday (College closed) Monday 6th April 2015

TERM 5 Term 5 starts Monday 13th April 2015FE / HE Open Evening Thursday 23rd April 2015May Day (College Closed) Monday 4th May 2015Community Challenge Ceremony Thursday 21st May 2015Term 5 ends Thursday 21st May 2015HE Term ends (Year 1) Friday 22nd May 2015Spring Bank Holiday (College Closed) Monday 25th May 2015BREAK Tuesday 26th May – Friday 29th May 2015 TERM 6

TERM 6 Term 6 starts Monday 1st June 2015HE Term ends (Year 2 and 3) Friday 5th June 2015FE Awards Ceremony Thursday 18th June 2015Term 6 ends (FE) Friday 3rd July 2015

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Here for you...The Student Council is an influential body made up of elected members of the student community who meet to serve theinterests of students at college, by working with staff and student reps.

The Student Council is there to serve your needs. Members of the Council are there to represent your views, help you find out information and, importantly, organise andsupport trips and activities.

A typical cross-college trip would be to a theme park or national show or event.Your democracy Student Union card isavailable at www.nus.org.uk

STUDENT COUNCIL

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You will be asked by your tutor to read and sign this document. It lists what you can expect of us as well as our expectations of you.

We expect...AttendanceNo unauthorised absences

Punctuality To attend all lessons

BehaviourAppropriate behaviour which shows respect for others and supports learning.

CommitmentCompletion of work and making positive contributions to the College.

If you don’t meet these responsibilities you could be involved in disciplinary meetings. Minor breaches should be resolved quicklyby your tutor. Serious misconduct will bedealt with in a formal hearing.

If we get things wrong!We make every effort to get things right for you.We take all comments and feedback seriously. They help us to improve what we do.

If you have a complaint... First talk to your tutor or lecturer

If you need more help speak to

Student Services or the Student

Engagement Team

STUDENT AGREEMENT

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Made real progress?Done something extra?Attended well and worked hard?

Each Term the College has the Star Students Awards and you could be awarded up to £100 !

You need to be nominated for a Swindon College Star Award by your tutor. A judging panel makes the final decisions.Ask your tutor for details.

STAR STUDENTAWARDS

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The Student Enrichment Centre is an exciting facility located in the Orion building, open to all students at lunchtimes and free periods during term time.

The centre is the hub of student life at the college and is a place to get involved, socialise or just relax.

The centre is staffed by the friendly and experienced Student Enrichment Team - who are always available for an informal chat - and offers a wide range of activities to students including:

l Table Tennisl Table Footballl Pool Tablesl Xbox/PS3/Wii - with Gaming Projectorsl Computers with internet accessl Live TVl Music l Ipads for use in tutorialsl Board Gamesl Team Challenges

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‘Have Your Say’This is your chance to be

actively involved in influencing

things going on in the College and

ensure the quality of your course

remains high and consistent.

COURSE REPS

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Staying Safe is everyone’s business...Are you worried about something that is happening to you or

someone you know IN or OUT of College?

You can ask for help from: Mark Burton, College Safeguarding Manager Room P127, LRC, Phoenix Tel: 07709439601 Your Tutor / Lecturer Student Engagement Team Room P023, The Avenue, Phoenix Other places to get help:

Student Enrichment Centre

College Counsellors

Security Guards via Reception

Police: 0845 408 7000 or 101

Samaritans: 537373 (local) 08457909090

Beat bullying: www.beatbullying.org

Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline .org.uk

Internet Security: www.ceop.gov.uk

Victim Support Group: 01380 729476

SAFEGUARDING

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safety reasons...

For

‘Let’s be secure and be safe!’

Full time students and staff must keep

ID badges on their person at all times

Part time students must carry their

receipt card with them at all times.

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SECURITY

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Whilst you are at College your personal tutor monitors your progress and general welfareYou will work with your tutor on a 1:1 basis, usually once each half term. This purpose of these 1:1’s will be to review your progress and to ensure that targets you have set through LEAP have either been achieved or that you are on track to achieve them. If you have been unable to achieve your targets then possible support will be discussed to support you with your course.

Moodle Alongside traditional methods of teaching the college provides e-learning for its students. At the centre of our strategy is moodle http://moodle.swindon-college.ac.uk which allows students to access their course material online at any time.

LEAP (Learner Engagement and Progress) This is a vital tool for your everyday use at Swindon College. It allows you to take responsibility for your own learning through the setting of realistic targets that will support you throughout your course. Through LEAP you will also be able to view your reports which will enable you to reflect on your progress. You can also check your timetable, personal details, attendance and punctuality.

YOU AND YOUR TUTOR

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CODE OF CONDUCT

In Brief...The College Code of Conduct requires that college members should treat everyone as of equal value and behave towards other people with responsibility, sensitivity, courtesy and compassion.Swindon College expects all its students to demonstrate as appropriate behaviour:

No unauthorised absences Commitment Punctuality Willingness to learn Ability to meet targets and deadlines Determination to gain success Sensible behaviour Consideration and courtesy Full payment of any fees charged.

You can find all the college’s policies and procedures in full that relate to students by looking on to

http://moodle.swindon-college.ac.uk

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ABSENCE

ABSENCE HOTLINE: (01793) 491591Students are required to attend every class unless they are ill or there is some other absolutely unavoidable reason.

If you are unwell or unable to attend college, please let us know. You will be given a contact number for your curriculum area oruse the ABSENCE HOTLINE: (01793) 491591

When calling or using the contact form please let us know you are reporting your absence and supply your name, ID number, tutor’sname, what classes you are missing and why.

Students should not arrange routine doctor or dentist appointments or driving lessons when they should be attending classes, and holidays must not be taken in term time.As you would expect, there is a very strong link between full attendance and not only succeeding in terms of completing your course, but also the grade you are likely to achieve.

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ABSENCE

We are all equal

Designed by Laura King | Graphic Design Student

Swindon College actively advances Equality of Opportunity (everyone should be treated fairly) and is committed to eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation in any form.

The Equality Act 2010 is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society. The Act covers nine protected characteristics, which cannot beused as a reason to treat people unfairly.

Every person has one or more of the protected characteristics, so the actprotects everyone against unfair treatment.

They protected characteristics are:• Age • Disability • Gender reassignment • Marriage and civil partnership• Pregnancy and maternity • Race • Religion or belief • Sex • Sexual orientation

EQUALITY& DIVERSITY

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STUDENT SERVICES

They are here to give you advice and guidance on:• Applications for courses• Financial information• Support with all aspects of your welfare as a student• Appointments for Career Advice and Counselling.

During College term time Student Services are openfor enrolments or enquiries:Monday-Thursday 8.45am-7.15pmFriday 8.45am-4.30pm.During College holiday periods:Monday to Friday 8.45am-4.30pm.

Alternatively you can call on (01793) 491591 Mon-Thurs: 8.45am-5.15pm and Fri: 8.45am-4.30pm.

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ALS Additional Learning SupportSwindon College has an Additional Learning Support team that can provide advice and support for learners with learning difficulties/disabilities during their transition into college and/or while they are at college, both in and out of the classroom.

Support packages are planned with learners, meeting individual needs.

Support is delivered by a variety of roles including:• Student Support workers • Academic Support tutors• Support Advisors/Mentors • Communication Support workers • Dyslexia specialists/Assessors • Medical professionals.

If you require any further information about the Additional Learning Support Service please contact (01793) 491591

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Headed up by Jo Kelly Student Engagement Manager,are in College to help support you to get the most out ofyour time with us.

They have several roles including making sure that you have a personaltutor (who helps you action plan your work as well as working 1:1 with many students).

They work closely with other areas of studentsupport such as Student Finance, Careers,Counsellingand the Student Enrichment Centre.

The Student Engagement Office is based in the Student Support Office, in the Avenue, Phoenix.

MEET...

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CHAPLAINCY

The Prayer and Peace room is open to everyone and is a space where you can pray, reflect or just spend some quiet time. The Chaplaincy team are currently seeking others from different faiths to join their team. If you would like to join them or know of someone who would please get in touch with Tina Blackler.

A Chaplain is in College or available most days of the week, however if you would like to make an appointment to speak to theStudent Enagement Team.

MULTI FAITH TEAM

STUDENT FINANCE

To receive ‘Financial Support Payments’ you need to maintain high levels of ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY and MOTIVATION!

The Student Finance Office is based in the Student

Support Office, in the Avenue, Phoenix.

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COUNSELLING

Here for you...

Counselling for Students

DAILY DROP-IN SESSIONSTues - Fri 12.30-1pm (ground floor, Pegasus)

Appointments can be made to suit you

- contact Reception in the Phoenix Building

Email: counselling@swindon-college.ac.uk

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COUNSELLING LRC The Learning Resource Centre The Learning Resource Centre is on the second floor of the Phoenix building. The LRC is open to all students at the college and is an impressive facility offering more than 32,000 books as well as DVDs and electronic resources to support learning in the classroom. Some of these are accessible from home. Your student ID card is also your library card.

The LRC team are here to help you get the best out of the resources and to help you with your study skills.

The Learning Resource Centre is open in the evening during term time and during the day throughout College holidays. or email lrc@swindon-college.ac.uk

LRCLearning Resource Centre

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‘Great space for studying’ You will find yourself in THE ZONE on level 3 in the Pegasus building.

What’s it all about ? THE ZONE is a social learning space which is available to ALL students and has space to use computers and your own laptops in a relaxed, fresh and modern environment . Space can be booked out for groups of students or you can just drop in on your own or with friends to catch up on studying, prepare presentations or researching. There will be staff on hand to help and offer support and regularly advertised ‘learning technology’ sessions to learn something new!

Z NE

THE ZONE

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THE ZONE