A Parent and Carer's Guide To
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A Parent and Carer’s Guide to WCG Working together to support students www.wcg.ac.uk/parents Hello! WCG is a family of seven individual colleges each with their own unique identity. When a student joins our group they will be part of a strong local community connected to a network of colleges focused on innovation, careers and student success. We want all of our students to enjoy their time at college and be successful in their chosen course and future career. Our positive approach to learning is a result of a strong partnership between students, parents, carers, college staff and employers. Developing skills and qualities needed in the workplace In addition to their study programme, we help students develop behaviours and personal qualities needed to be successful in today’s workplace. This means that they have more chance of not only getting a job, but also progressing in that job and having a successful career. I have been extremely inspired by the work WCG have been doing to ensure people are getting the highest quality education and training. I hope others will be able to follow WCG’s lead. Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP (Former Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, 2016 - 2017) Progress to higher education Many of our students progress to study for a Foundation Degree or full Degree with us at WCG. We are one of only a handful of colleges in the UK to be granted Foundation Degree Awarding Powers by the Privy Council, meaning our higher education quality and standards are equal to any university in the country. Other students progress to study at universities across the country. Our links with employers Our students benefit from our strong partnerships with over 1100 employers regionally and nationally. We work with local businesses and entrepreneurs who support the learning experience through regular interaction with our students. Apprenticeships are the core element of our staff, lots of our supervisory staff and other key roles within the company have started out as apprentices. We feel it’s the best route for our recruitment, and we like to support young people into the industry. Karl O’Neill, Technical Manager at Bransford Webb English and maths How many hours do students study English and maths qualifications are vitally important per week? for future employers and universities, so the This will depend on their course. On average, each student government has made it a priority for students to will have a study programme comprising approximately improve these skills. 18 hours of lesson time, plus self-directed study and We’re here to help on this journey, so if a student enrichment activities. does not achieve grade A*-C (9-4) in GCSE English An important part of a student’s learning will be the work that and/or maths, then they will study English and/or they do themselves, outside the classroom. It’s important that maths as part of their college course. they develop skills in studying independently, reading around Students who achieve a D (3) grade will be placed on a subject and forming their own viewpoint on questions that the relevant GCSE programme, while students who arise in their course. Each course will also include work achieve an E or below will be assessed to ensure experience periods where a student will be expected to they are placed on the right study programme for follow the working patterns of their employer. their ability. How are students assessed? What will learning be like? Assessment methods depend on the type of course We aim to provide an educational experience which is being studied: tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of each AS and A-level courses have exams in the summer with of our students. This includes: coursework deadlines throughout the year. Opportunities to develop employability and life skills BTEC courses have ‘continuous assessment’ through through work experience, interview skills, CV a variety of methods, including written assignments, workshops and more. presentations, individual work, group projects and/or A learning community committed to the principles of practical projects. equality and diversity: this is particularly important City & Guilds courses are assessed via practical for young people who are discovering who they are assessments, written assignments and online tests. and the kind of adults they would like to be. Experience of new and emerging technologies for learning. Access to new learning spaces that allow for creative thought and innovation: these could be within WCG or at one of our industry partners. How are students monitored? All students will be assigned their own academic tutor and Personal Learning Advisor (PLA). The academic tutor will provide academic support and will write two academic reviews during the year. The PLA looks after a student’s pastoral needs and will keep a check on attendance and punctuality. They will also support the development of employability skills and progression to university, an apprenticeship, employment or other destinations. What feedback will you receive? For students under 18, we hold regular parents’ evenings, giving you the opportunity to discuss your student’s progress with individual subject tutors. A written report is sent to you with information on course progress, grades achieved, skills development, timekeeping and attendance. You are welcome to contact the college at any time to discuss progress or any other issues. Student welfare Student welfare and wellbeing is important to Careers guidance us, so as well as our statutory Safeguarding We encourage all of our students to get impartial careers and Child Protection responsibilities we provide advice from our trained careers advisers. the following; Students can get a one to one careers guidance › college counsellors appointment at their college. We offer expert advice › emotional wellbeing mentors and information on: › pastoral tutors › career choices › health and wellbeing advice and guidance › higher education applications, including preparing › relationships and sexual health information personal statements › no smoking 1:1 › job-seeking skills › always a listening ear › progression within the college › signposting to other agencies who are available › CV writing on site - IAPT, MIND, Chaplaincy › interview preparation and techniques › keep active activities › employment and training opportunities › Student Union involvement › developing a new business idea with our business mentor › volunteering opportunities The Health and Wellbeing team also deliver tutorials on a variety of topics including; › drugs and alcohol awareness › e-safety and digital tattoo › healthy relationships and sexual health › bullying › healthy living › self-harm and eating disorders › mental health › stress and anxiety › confidence and self esteem › anger management Student safety Term dates and opening times We provide an environment where everybody For general college term dates, visit is made to feel secure and we actively encourage www.wcg.ac.uk/termdates students to let us know if they have any worries or concerns. Some courses have different start dates – so students are advised to check with their Tutor. How can students get to college? Living at college There is an extensive bus network that There are halls of residence at Royal Leamington Spa transports students to our seven colleges from College, Moreton Morrell College and Pershore College across the region. You’ll find bus routes on our or our accommodation team can help with homestay website www.wcg.ac.uk/transport along with accommodation (living with a host family) For more frequently asked questions. information, go to www.wcg.ac.uk/accommodation Most of the bus routes are ‘closed services’ which means only students travelling to and from college can use the buses. How much will studying cost? If you can’t find a route, please give us a call For full-time courses for 16 to 18 year olds there because we can help you find the quickest and are no tuition fees. There may be additional easiest way to get to college. costs for some courses – such as uniforms, trips and materials. Help with transport costs may be available through the 16-19 Bursary Fund – please Some students may be eligible call Student Services on 0300 456 0048 for financial support towards or email [email protected] essential costs related to their studies, such as course We also provide transport for students equipment, childcare travelling between sites. funding or travel – contact Student Services for more information. Learning support Many of our students need additional support to help them achieve their potential and we are fully committed to providing this - inclusion is at the heart of what we do at each of our colleges. Support can be reliant on funding being available so it’s important to disclose any disabilities or learning difficulties as soon as possible. We can then assess learning and support needs and make reasonable adjustments to meet them within our available resources. We support students who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and those who need Special Educational Needs (SEN) support. Our support team has a wide range of expertise and we provide personalised responses to each student’s individual needs. Our network of professionals include Learning Mentors, the Autism Specialist Team, the Emotional and Mental Well Being Team, the Dyslexia Specialist Team, Academic Learning Support and the Preparation for Adulthood hub at The White House. How to find us Visit www.wcg.ac.uk Please tell us if you have any special requirements. Need help reading this guide? Call 0300 456 0048 Future prepared www.wcg.ac.uk | 0300 456 0047 | [email protected] facebook.com/Warwickshire College @WarwickshireCol @WarwickshireCol WCG is a trading name of Warwickshire College..