Welcome to Wigan & Leigh College

We are delighted that you have chosen to study at Wigan & Leigh College.

During your induction, you will be introduced to the teaching team and taken around the College facilities, including the Learning Resources Centre and FAB Futures Centre.

This handbook will help you find out more about the expectations of joining our College community and the support you will be able to access.

We hope you find it useful, especially in the first few weeks as you settle in to College life. The handbook can be found on the College Virtual Learning Environment. We hope your time with us will be successful, happy and memorable. If you have any queries, please contact us on: 01942 761600

Please find below details of your first class

Start Date Time

College Centre Room Number

Contact Name Personal Tutor Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College The Role of the Head of Studies During your time at College you will have a Personal Tutor and our Student Liaison Officers (SLO) will support you too. The Head of Studies also plays an important role and will: • Be a student champion and support you • Ensure your progress, checking your grades are throughout your time at College. above the minimum expected. • Help you overcome any difficulties at College. • Work with you to set individual targets for improvement. Monitoring and reviewing these to • Make sure your time at College is not only fun and encourage your development. enriching but that you succeed on your course. • Provide a team of support staff including • Help you with your study programme monitoring Chaplaincy, Sports Co-ordinators and Student your progress and working with you on areas you Liaison Officers to help remove or manage barriers feel you may need support with. to learning. • Monitor and manage attendance across the whole • Promote and support you in applying for student of your study programme including maths and leadership roles. English. The Head of Studies team will also co-ordinate a range of activities including: • Freshers Fayre • Progression events • Induction • Learner voice meetings • Assemblies • Student Council enrichment activities. • Careers events

Maxine Mealey Christopher Gandy Richard Hughes Marie Tighe ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Head of Studies Head of Studies Head of Studies

Student Governor Role

This is a unique opportunity for you, if elected, to see the leadership of the College from the level of the boardroom.

The elected representatives speak from the student perspective, to inform the governing board and help shape the direction of the College.

They will also be invited to sit on the Student Council to help to shape student leaders from all course areas. 1 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT We expect students to be ambassadors for the College positively promoting and upholding fundamental British Values. By enrolling on a programme of study at Wigan & Leigh College and signing the learning agreement, I agree to adhere to the following: • Attend all College lessons punctually and • Keep my mobile devices on silent meet deadlines for completing work to a and non-vibrate mode or switched off high standard at all times. in learning areas and use only with permission of the staff. • report all absences, or expected late arrivals to timetabled classes on the • Demonstrate respect to all students absence reporting number 01942 761 600 and staff and behave in a thoughtful, – option 4 - before first class or by 10am caring and responsible manner. Violence, on each day of absence. discrimination, harassment, bullying or foul and abusive language are not • All absences affect my attendance rate tolerated. This includes wearing or and I understand that the rate expected displaying logos or slogans that could from all students is 100%. The attendance offend other people. target is set to ensure that I have the best opportunity to succeed on my course • Safeguard the reputation of Wigan & and as a preparation for the expectations Leigh College by not behaving in a way of working life. that could damage the good name of the College. This includes not posting images • Follow instructions for completing or words online which may give a bad assignments and exams without impression of the College, its students or cheating, copying or plagiarising (using staff. someone else’s work, eg from the internet, another student, or a book or • Agree to the IT User Policy and use magazine, and pretending it is my own). computer facilities only to support my learning. • Wear my student identity card so that the photograph can be seen at all times and • Observe the College Health & Safety show it when asked. I will never allow it to regulations, pay attention to my own and be used by another person. other people’s health and safety and follow staff instructions. • not to smoke (including electronic cigarettes), anywhere on College • The possession or use of drugs including premises except designated smoking legal highs, alcohol or weapons on areas. This includes entrances and exits. College premises is strictly prohibited.

• respect the wellbeing and property • Be aware of, and follow the wider College of other members of the College and rules and respond to any reasonable the wider community, and treat College request from staff about behaviour and property with care. standards, eg being asked to remove hoods or hats indoors.

If I fail to follow this Code, disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the Student Disciplinary Procedure. This may lead to exclusion from the College. If in receipt of Learner Support Funding (ie 16-19 Bursary, 19+ Discretionary Learner Support, Childcare funding or Advanced Learner Loan Bursary), I am aware that should my attendance drop below 100% or I fail to meet the terms of the Student Code of Conduct, this may result in loss of funding. 2 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College Online Learning at Wigan & Leigh College We treat online learning with the same importance as face-to-face learning. We use the following online platforms to connect with you and we will help you to access and engage with these platforms. 1. Microsoft Teams - The key online communication tool at the College What is it? An app and website where learners are part of online groups connecting to classes. Files, chats, assignments and a variety of other apps are used. Group and individual audio/video calls are made from this platform usually at the start of each lesson. How to log in? Access it by logging in using the same College log in (Microsoft 365) account details. We strongly recommend downloading the MS Teams app from the app stores to your phones as this is key to the communication and learning for the year.

2. Nearpod - For interactive presentations What is it? An app and website where tutors launch their lesson presentations. You can engage in a variety of interactive elements throughout. Questions, drawings, 360-degree field trips, video and, matching tasks are all examples of how you can engage with these presentations. How to log in? Tutors will share a unique code for each lesson to join the session.

3. VLE - Virtual Learning Environment What is it? A web page where course resources can be found, it also has additional interactive elements. How to log in? Linked from the Wigan & Leigh Ccollege website. Use your usual College username and password to log in.

4. ProPortal What is it? A web page for you to view and edit assessment grades and individual learning plans. How to log in? Link from the Wigan & Leigh College website, with your usual College username and password to log in.

3 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College

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4 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College

Did you know that you can get involved in a range of ENRICHMENT activities out of College, as Wigan & Leigh student?

BE ACTIVE PRE-PROFESSIONAL ALPHA PROGRAMMES • CV Writing / Job Club The chance to explore • Medical Society the Christian faith, ask • Basketball • Dance • Football questions and share • Martial Arts • Swim • Yoga • Student Magazine points of view FRIENDSHIP FEEL GOOD THE OLD GROUP • Art meets weekly - chance to LOOK GOOD • Cinema COURTS make new friends outside • Beauty • Drama your classes • Comedy • Glee Club • Nail Art • Music PHYSICAL & • Spoken Word

MENTAL WELLBEING SOCIAL • Knit and Natter & COMMUNITY • Leigh Runners • Meditation • Disability Awareness • Mindfulness INGEVOLVETD • Equality & Diversity Forum Select an activity which will help you • First Aid make friends, build confidence and VOLUNTEERING • Volunteering have fun. Some activities are focussed • Charity Shops on development skills for further study, high grades and strong future • NCS WIGAN YOUTH applications. • The Brick Trust in Leigh • Climbing Wall INDEPENDENCE ZONE WEEKLY • Veteran’s society • Gym INDEPENDENT RESEARCH QUIZ • Wigan Leisure & • Music THE VENUE CONFIDENCE PRESENTATION Culture Trust • Skating SKILLS • Wigan Youth Zone • Sports RESILIENCE & RESOURCEFULNESS COMMUNICATION • Chess CREATIVE SKILLS • Duke of Edinburgh NETWORKING • Photoshop PRACTICAL & DISCOVERY CRITICAL THINKING for Beginners & PROBLEM SOLVING • Scrabble Battle LGBTQ+ CHECK WANT TO DO YOUR BIT TO IMPROVE ACADEMIC WHAT’S ON Book through your LGBTQ EQUALITY AT COLLEGE? • Book Club Quiz Why not join our LGBTQ student group. You don’t have Personal Tutor or on to be gay, lesbian, bi, trans, queer or questioning to join. • Debating Society the Student Intranet Straight allies are always welcome, just bring along your • Languages - we will be in passion for LGBTQ equality. • Mock Bar Trial touch with details

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LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES & CHARITY FUNDRAISING Throughout the year our College supports and hosts a variety of lunchtime events and activities for you to get involved in.

These events help you to have fun, enjoy College life, show kindness to others, raise awareness, raise money for charity and put your ideas into action. Why not speak to a Student Liaison Officer, your Personal Tutor or College Chaplain now.

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STUDY DAYS

As part of your weekly timetable at Wigan & Leigh College you will have STUDY DAYS. Time for you to: • Attend enrichment and work experience activities. • Sign up and take part in the Duke of York iDEA or Duke of Edinburgh Programmes. • Engage with a number of software programmes such as THIS IS ME. • Practice and revise. • Complete coursework. • Attend work placements. • Run your own clubs and groups through the Head of Studies team.

Want to find out more? Speak to your Personal Tutor

7 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College for 16-18 FREE TRAVEL year olds If you live within Greater you may apply for a FREE bus travel card, called OURPASS. A £10 admin fee is payable to Transport for for OurPass but students eligible for the College’s 16-18 bursary will have this fee reimbursed.* • You are eligible for Our Pass if you are 16 or 17 years old. • If you are 18 years old after the 31 August you are eligible for Our Pass. • If you are 18 years old before 31 August you should apply for the College’s free Arriva, Stagecoach or First Manchester bus pass.

*Reimbursement will be made by Wigan & Leigh College within the first term.

Visit ourpass.co.uk for more information and to apply

If you live outside Greater Manchester

1. The free bus pass is only available to learners who: • live outside of Greater Manchester (if you live within Greater Manchester you can apply for OurPass) • are aged 16-18 on or before 31 August • live within Greater Manchester and are 18 years old before 31 August • are enrolled at Wigan & Leigh College on a full-time course up to Level 3. 2. The free bus pass is attendance related. To receive the spring and summer term passes students must have maintained at least 90% attendance in the autumn and spring terms. 3. If you lose your pass, you will be responsible for buying a replacement. This is £50 for Stagecoach (and reduces to £30 from 1 November 2020) and £25 for Arriva. ARRIVA OR STAGECOACH FREE BUS PASS Issued at College at the beginning of term in September 8 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College 16-19 College Bursary Need help with College costs? Don’t struggle - find out how we can help...

If you are enrolled on a full-time, fully-funded course at Wigan & Leigh College and are: • aged 16 and over but under 19 on 31/08/2020 or • aged 19 on 31/08/2020 and continuing into a second year of study on the same course or • aged 19 - 24 and have an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) AND • Meet the Discretionary Bursary Criteria - includes households with an income up to £20,817 and 19 - 24 students (EHCP) living independently or • Meet the Vulnerable Bursary criteria (aged 16 and over but under 19 on 31/08/2020 only) you may be entitled to help.

What could I get help with? Vulnerable Bursary Discretionary Bursary Free College Meals • Worth up to £1,200 • Monthly payments of All bursary students can • Monthly payments of up to £50* to meet your benefit from a free College up to £120* to meet your course needs for materials, meal on your study days course needs for materials, uniforms, trips, etc. in refectories at all College uniforms, trips, etc. centres. Further support for work placements may also be available.

More details are on bursary application forms. Please speak to a member of the Funding Team if you require any further assistance.

For a copy of an application form including guidance notes, please ask at any College reception or visit: wigan-leigh.ac.uk/finance-and-welfare

*All Bursary payments are subject to 90% attendance.

Further terms and conditions apply.

9 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH ANXIETY OR STRESS? CONTACT OUR WELLBEING TEAM We can help you learn how to cope with life’s little hurdles.

MIND FULL OR MINDFUL? Our Wellbeing Team can provide: • tips to help develop confidence and self esteem • meditation and breathing exercises

• strategies to develop resilience • mindfulness techniques

Call into any Additional Learning Support Team Office: 01942 761821 07771 674018/07766 070768

10 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College Support to achieve your dream career

We make sure that every young person has the support to develop skills for a rewarding and successful career. As the lead college of the Greater Manchester Careers Hub- Bridge GM - we share best practice on careers guidance. We are the first college in the Wigan Borough to achieve the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks, government guidelines that define the best careers provision in schools and colleges, putting careers education at the heart of everything we do.

Fab futures We work with our students to raise aspirations, explore careers options, develop employability skills through meaningful work placement and work experience, so they progress to great destinations when they leave College.

The specialist team can support you with:

• Exploring careers options.

• Progression to the next course at College.

• Applications to universities including the University Centre Wigan & Leigh College. Maryam Gilbert • Finding an apprenticeship. Former school: St Peter’s Catholic High School • Studying a Pre-Apprenticeship Course: Level 3 Extended Diploma Nursing Professional Practice Programme. Maryam’s work experience at the Royal Albert Infirmary reinforced her decision • Securing meaningful work to go into nursing, specialising in oncology. placements. “I want to work in oncology because I really enjoyed my placement at the Royal • Developing employability skills. Albert Infirmary oncology ward. I wasn’t just helping patients, I was supporting their families too. It was a great experience.” • Finding employment.

Career planning As part of our commitment to providing high quality careers We use up to date labour market information to help you education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) we explore careers in your chosen industry, find out more about provide experiences to support you in achieving your dream salary and earnings, growth opportunities and the key skills career. We hold industry guest speaker sessions, visits to to succeed. This information is available on the College workplaces and provide opportunities to work on live briefs website: wigan-leigh.ac.uk and projects developed by employers.

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INDUSTRY & CAREERS placementS All full-time students will carry out work experience as part of their study programmes. This is crucial to develop the knowledge and skills learned at College and improve your chances of gaining employment through vital hands on experience.

We provide guidance and activities to help you succeed in finding placement opportunities. And we make sure your workplace is a safe environment to gain an insight into the world of work.

A work placement shows you how your College course can help develop your future career plans. It will also give you the opportunity to: • develop the key skills for your career choice • develop your employability skills and professional behaviours • discover new talents • strengthen your CV • improve your knowledge of industry.

The College’s Careers Strategy and Careers Programme is available at Wigan-leigh.ac.uk/careers

12 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College notes

13 Wigan & Leigh College Student Guide to College notes

14 useful information Wigan & Leigh College Calendar 2020 - 2021 Summary of dates for students and parents

AUTUMN TERM Wednesday 02/09/2020 - Thursday 17/12/2020 Classes Start Wednesday 02/09/2020

Half Term Holiday Monday 26/10/2020 to Friday 30/10/2020

Classes Finish Thursday 17/12/2020

Winter Holidays Friday 18/12/2020 to Monday 04/01/2021

spring TERM Tuesday 05/01/2021 - Thursday 01/04/2021 Classes Commence Monday 05/01/2021

Half Term Monday 15/02/2021 to Friday 19/02/2021

Classes Finish Thursday 01/04/2021 Friday 02/04/2021 to Friday 16/04/2021 Easter Holidays (Good Friday is 02/04/2021 Easter Monday is 05/04/2021) sUMMER TERM Monday 19/04/2021 - Friday 02/07/2021 Monday 19/04/2021 Classes Start (Early May Bank Holiday 03/05/2021) Monday 31/05/2021 to Friday 04/06/2021 Half Term (Late May Bank Holiday 31/05/2021) Classes Finish Friday 02/07/21

Holidays during Term Time are not permitted

Parents evenings New Students - Wigan ?

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