Where
futures grow It might be a huge decision what you do but at least with Abingdon and Witney College you know you will receive the best possible start to your future, whichever path you choose. With such a wide range of options, from A-levels to Apprenticeships, there is something that is right for everyone. Our aim is to support you, help you achieve your goals and get you to where you want to be in the future. What’s more with a great college community, fantastic campuses, a huge range of new facilities, plus even more being built, there’s never been a better time to start making your future happen!
key dates Don’t miss out!
Abingdon Open Days 7th November 12 15.00 – 19.00
Witney Open Days 21st November 12 15.00 –
Common Leys Farm Open Days 12th December 12 15.30 – 18.30
6th February 13 15.00 – 19.00
27th February 13 15.00 – 19.00
8th June 13 10.00 – 15.30
With a great college community and a huge range of new facilities, there’s never been a better time to start making your future happen at Abingdon and Witney College! 2
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welcome! Here at the college we understand that everyone has their own goals and ambitions. Large or small, to the individual they are important. That’s why we make sure we provide a place where students can thrive and grow by taking steps toward personal goals for their education and career. We are ambitious for our students, working with them to achieve excellence. But that excellence is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. As in everyday life we recognise that each of us offers something unique and abilities are not uniform. That’s why we offer a broad range of courses and programmes that embrace those differences and celebrate the success of students at all levels across the college. Every student is empowered to achieve and to be proud of the journey they take after leaving school. Take a look at this prospectus and discover how the learning environment at Abingdon and Witney College will enable you to grow and succeed. From A Levels and BTEC Extended Diplomas to Supported Learning and Apprenticeships we are with you every step of the way; giving you the skills and knowledge you need for higher education and going out to work. Your success is our future! Teresa Kelly – Principal
Make this guide work for you You don’t have to go far to get skilled, start your adventure today
You have the world at your feet with everything to look forward to, but it is a tough time because there is such a range of career pathways ahead. We hope this guide will give you the know how to make the big decisions that matter and get your adventure started!
Your journey to success Step one
Step two
Step three
Find your Level Go to page 13 to find out what your level is
Your course Choose a course at your level
Application Head to page 70 for more information on how to apply
contents 2 4 4 6 7 8 12 13 14 16 18
Key Dates – don’t miss out! Helping you succeed Money matters Student life Your campus Professional futures It’s all about choice Choosing your level A Levels Apprenticeships Accounting
20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46
Animal Care Art and Design Beauty and Complementary Therapy Business and Enterprise Construction Skills Countryside – Agriculture Countryside – Conservation Countryside – Forestry Engineering Equine Studies Hairdressing Health and Care Horticulture Information Technology
48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 67 68 69 70
Life and Work Skills Media Motor Vehicle Music Technology Performance and Production Public Services Science Sport Travel and Tourism GCSE Springboard Gateway Centre 14-16 Horizons Aim Higher How to Apply
Abingdon 01235 555 585 • Witney 01993 703 464 • enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
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Helping you
succeed The support you need for the future you want! Nothing should hold you back from achieving your goals. Whether you are aiming for an A in Animal Care or fancy learning how to build a dry-stone wall, we make sure you have the encouragement and support you need on each step of your journey to success.
Your Student Services team!
You will find lots of resources at college to assist you during your time here, helping you have the best experience at college possible. As well as having your own performance manager or tutor to support you through your studies, you can drop by to Student Services at anytime.
A friendly and very knowledgeable team, Student Services are there to help you with any questions, problems (large or small) and give great advice on areas such as: • Learning support • Careers and higher education guidance – what now, where next and how to get there • Student counselling service • Financial help – advice on grants and bursaries, travel or even childcare costs • The ‘Change Your Mind Programme’ – personal one-to-one coaching
Student Services – the go to guys for enrolments, bus pass applications, fees, finance and ID cards
Money matters Don’t let your finances hold you back! There is a range of financial support available to help with the day-to-day costs associated with studying at college, such as books, equipment and travel. Depending on your circumstances you could be eligible for a guaranteed/discretionary bursary, travel bursary or the Care to Learn Scheme for young parents.
Course Fees:
Under 19 at the start of your course? You do not pay tuition or examination fees for full-time courses and most part-time courses.
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Over 19? You may be charged course fees depending on your previous level of education but don’t worry – as an adult learner there is financial support available to help you in your studies depending on your circumstances; speak to one of the student support team to find out more. Don’t panic – we are here to help. For information on what financial support is available simply contact one of our Student Services team on 01235 555585, or just drop in and visit us at the Student Services area of Abingdon or Witney campuses.
Get more information on fees and funding
A college for
everyone At Abingdon and Witney College, whatever your background or circumstances, you will always have the support you need to be happy, feel safe, enjoy and achieve during your time at College. Study and Learning Support As a lead provider for ‘Action for Inclusion’ for Oxfordshire, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive college that welcomes applications from people with learning difficulties or disabilities. There are lots of resources available to help support you through your studies such as; oneto-one specialist study support for students with specific difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, short term english, maths or language support and disability support. English not a first language? Don’t let that stop
you! We have specialist language support for students whose home language is not English. Autism and Asperger’s syndrome support Our specialist team, part of the Oxfordshire Service for Autism, are trained to help insure students succeed both academically and socially in whatever course they choose. Our wide range of specialist facilities and highly trained staff allow students of all ages with a range of profound, complex and multiple disabilities to study at the college very successfully. • Trained and supportive staff • Mentoring programme
• Study and class assistance • Social skills development support • The Green Room – stop in, chill out or do work on the computers In partnership with MacIntyre’s MAP College the Abingdon campus also provides an excellent specialist provision for students on the autistic spectrum, with top class facilities including a sensory room and highly trained staff. If you have a learning, mental health or physical disability and would like to enrol on a course offered by the college, please contact our Learner Support Advisor on 01235 216440
Abingdon and Witney College is within the top 10% of colleges nationally for student success Abingdon 01235 555 585 • Witney 01993 703 464 • enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
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Student Get more than just an education… There is so much more to college than just studying for a qualification. Student life at college is exciting and varied, giving you the opportunity to meet new people, try different experiences and get involved in new things like clubs and societies, all whilst making the best possible start on your career path. Beautify yourself. With our fully functioning hair and beauty salons open to the public and students at both Abingdon and Witney campuses, there is never an excuse not to look top notch at college!
life
All the salons are brand new, boasting top of the range equipment, a lovely friendly atmosphere and the most competitive prices in town! Get active Want to get involved and get fit? Why not join the college rugby team, try out one of the four badminton/five-a-side courts in the huge Abingdon campus sports hall, head to the squash club or even the multi-gym where membership is only £5 a year!
“What a difference from school to college! It’s a friendly and exciting place to be, loads to get involved with and the tutors are so different to teachers, I feel much more grown up here!”
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Media madness We don’t just have your normal boring social clubs and dull activities. Here at Abingdon and Witney College we have groups such as our very own radio station, The Beat Radio, which broadcasts from an expansive media suite, film production unit and sound studio. Want in? Get in touch with Student Services today!
Your campus No one likes grey and boring days! Discover learning areas that are fun, vibrant and enjoyable. a huge range of land based learning for subjects from Animal Care to Horticulture, not forgetting the wonderful fully functioning equine stud yard.
The college is a social, practical and career focused place to be, where there is always something going on and never a dull moment! Great facilities and learning areas across the Witney and Abingdon campuses include: • Friendly open-access student support areas • Spacious refectories serving great hot and cold food and snacks complete with games tables! • Specialist vocational workshops • E-learning zones • Libraries • The Studio – hair and beauty salons • State of the art engineering workshops • Fully fitted nine ramp motor vehicle repair centre • Faith rooms • Broadcast-quality TV and radio studios and a state of the art film production unit • Performing arts centre with purpose built performance theatre • Specialist fully equipped media, photography and art and design suites • Sports centre and multi-gym
Avenue One Lay the right foundations for your career at our state of the art dedicated construction centre, Avenue One. Opened in 2010 there is no better place to hone your skills in brickwork, carpentry, painting and decorating and lots more. Building for your future Giving you the most up-to-date and advanced facilities possible in which to spend your time at college.
Common Leys Farm With top class specialist facilities, expert staff and an amazing learning atmosphere, Common Leys is our own little piece of land based heaven. Purpose built areas and facilities house
After the completion of the £7.4 million Witney Campus redevelopment, our list of new state of the art facilities has continued to grow, with brand new beauty and hairdressing salons across both campuses and new media, radio, TV and digital production suites at Witney. We won’t stop there; due to be completed in summer 2013 is the new top of the range engineering block at Abingdon.
Abingdon 01235 555 585 • Witney 01993 703 464 • enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
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Employability skills, personal development and enterprise activities within the Professional Futures Programme make sure you stand out from the crowd after your qualification, whether you want to move into employment, higher education or start your own business.
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Professional
Futures
A new approach to learning You’ve been at school for what feels like forever and now you’ve reached a point where things need to change. You need something new, stimulating, challenging and rewarding to get stuck into. Well look no further... The Professional Futures Programme at the College enables you to break free of the classroom and get real hands on experience and skills that tick lots of boxes, establishing you as a top contender for jobs and higher education. The Professional Futures Programme is specifically designed to link closely to, and complement, your chosen course of study. You’ll get lots of opportunities for CV and skills building and have a great time doing it! Some of the great bits of Professional Futures to help you get ahead in life are; • • • •
Nationally recognised qualifications Guaranteed work placements Enterprise and work-based projects Employer and industry networking.
Find out more about futures
Professional Futures in Action! Entrepreneur? Festival Organiser? Inventor? Project Manager? It’s all a ‘day in the life’ for a Professional Futures student! How many students can say they have planned and run a full scale music festival? As a Professional Futures student you could be adding this and lots more to your CV when you qualify because that is what it’s all about; getting real world experience that will make you stand out to employers and universities! Recently, our Live Events teamed up with Business and Art and Design students to plan and produce a music festival. Open to the public, with a budget to stick to and an income target to reach, the project reflected a real life business situation, and demanded top notch organisational and enterprise skills from all involved.
“PLANNING THE RADAR FESTIvAL WAS vERY HELPFuL AND A GREAT OPPORTuNITY TO WORK WITH LOTS OF OTHER STuDENT FROM DIFFERENT COuRSES.” SOPHIA SHAHzAD (STuDENT) The Professional Futures Programme: your ticket on your journey to success
Abingdon 01235 555 585 • Witney 01993 703 464 • enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
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Future
Pathways Find the pathway to your future, start your journey here! Future Pathways is a gradual approach to learning that enables you to bank achievements each term and reach personal goals at your own pace. Each term you can sample different units which help you discover different work environments and industries – a kind of taster that will let you make an informed decision about the choices you make to help you decide about your future work or further education. In one (or two) years you will gain credits towards achieving an Award, Certificate, Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Vocational Studies. Running alongside your course there are additional areas of study such as Maths and English functional skills, team work and enterprise. Your studies will help you get into employment or go on to the next qualification in an area that interests you. Remember, Future Pathways is a personalised learning programme that is suited to your individual needs.
Here are the kind of industries that you could ‘mix and match’ within your Future Pathways: Level 1 programme • Animal Care • Conservation and Horticulture • Public Services • Sport • Health and Social Care • Childcare • Art • Design and Media • Hair and Beauty • Construction • Hospitality and Catering • Business and Enterprise • Information Technology • Retail As you go through this prospectus you will see which faculty areas run Level 1 programmes There is so much to aim for. Why not start your journey at Abingdon and Witney College?
Don’t know what area you want to study? Then find out! Know what you want to study? Then get better skilled. There is a way to get on to the right track and start discovering where your future lies.
Find out more about how a Future Pathways programme could get you on your way to a fantastic future today
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STuDENTS’ KEY SKILLS ARE 18% ABOvE NATIONAL AvERAGE
Abingdon 01235 555 585 • Witney 01993 703 464 • enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
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It’s all about
choice
We know there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to your education and the huge range of options available for you to choose from reflects this. From A Levels and vocational courses to apprenticeships, there will be something that suits you, giving you the best possible chance to make your education and of course your future, your own!
At a glance options… A Levels
Enjoyed your GCSEs and want to take your studying to the next level? A Levels could be the route for you. Our A Level programmes are classroom based, utilising the great sixth form facilities such as specialist subject areas and tutorial rooms, and designed to provide you with a springboard on the ladder of success to university, college foundation degrees or into the world of work.
vocational courses
Vocational courses are work-related qualifications with an emphasis on developing practical skills and knowledge in your chosen industry. You undertake work related projects and assessments rather than exams, and get opportunities for fantastic work experience throughout. You will get the ultimate employment preparation as well as an ideal qualification for entrance to university.
Apprenticeships
Our apprentices do real jobs, for real employers, so you earn while you learn. Apprenticeships are the ultimate employment preparation. With a great combination of college based and workplace training you learn the ropes in the classroom, and put it all into practice in the workplace. You get a great support structure through your college tutor, assessor and your employer, achieve recognised qualifications and get the best possible start to a career you will love.
Life and Work Skills Learning Programme
Our Life and Work Skills courses such as the Steps Programme are a gentle introduction to programmes of study, providing a range of options for learners to improve their life and employability skills. If appropriate, students can also progress onto other courses.
14-16
Want to study part time at college whilst still at school? Working in partnership with schools in West and South Oxfordshire you can get the chance to study a great vocational course alongside taking your GCSEs at school. Call today to find out more.
Get back on track
Gateway – Aged 16-18 and not currently in education, employment or training? Get your great future on track with a Gateway programme – your link to a world of opportunities. GCSE Spring Board – Giving you a second chance to get the GCSE grades you deserve.
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choosing your
level
Sometimes making choices is a bit daunting when you’re faced with so many options, so where do you start? Well we are here to help. Get to grips with what qualification would suit you best with the table below.
Level
Entry requirements
Types of qualifications at this level
This qualification is equivalent to
What’s the next step?
Pre-Entry/ Entry level
You do not need any formal qualifications just a willingness to learn and progress
Entry Level Awards, Certificates and Diplomas
Life and Work skills
Possible further studies, work experience or supported employment
Level 1
Few or no formal qualifications and an interest and enthusiasm for your chosen subject
L1 Awards, Certificates and Diplomas
GCSE (D-G)
Possibly move onto a L2 qualification, employment or an Apprenticeship
Level 2
4 GCSEs at D and above and/or an equivalent L1 qualification
L2 Certificate L2 Extended Certificates L2 Diplomas Intermediate Apprenticeships
1 GCSE (A*-C) 4 GCSEs (A*-C) 4 GCSEs (A*-C)
Possible progression onto a L3 qualification, employment or Apprenticeship
Level 3
5 GCSEs grade C or above and/or equivalent L2 qualification
AS/A Levels L3 Certificates L3 Subsidiary Diplomas L3 Diplomas L3 Extended Diplomas Access to HE Advanced Apprenticeships
1 AS Level 1 A Level 2 A Levels 3 A Levels
Possibly progress into higher education with a foundation degree or degree, either at College or University. Alternatively move into employment or a Higher Apprenticeship
Level 4 and above
Subject to course requirements, generally A Levels, Level 3 qualification, or equivalent
Foundation Degree, HNC, HND Professional, Qualifications Higher Apprenticeships
Intermediate/ Higher Education
Continue onto a Degree, skilled employment or higher professional qualifications
Your journey to success Step 1 Find your Level Step 2 Your course – choose a course with your level symbol against it
Step 3 Application Step 4 Interview Step 5 Enrol
Entry requirements and your application Entry requirements are only general indicators. Find specific requirements for each course online or by talking to Student Services. You will be invited to interview as part of your course application. For information on the full application process go to page 66.
Still unsure which level is right for you? Call and speak to one of the Student Services team today on 01235 555 585! APPLY NOW Abingdon 01235 555 585 • Witney 01993 703 464 • enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
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