Bellerbys Student Handbook

Student Handbook 2011/12 Your guide to studying and living with Bellerbys College

Contents Bellerbys College

Accommodation

Term dates

4

British Homestay

16

Academic rules

5

Living in residential accommodation

19

English Language Preparation

6

Living in private accommodation

21

Pre-GCSE

7

GCSE

8

Practical information

A Level

9

Policies and procedures

24

Foundation

10

Medical information

25

Diploma

12

Fire procedure

26

Pre-Masters

13

Insurance

27

MQP

14

Registering with the police

28

Safety and law

29

Locations

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Brighton

31

Cambridge

32

London

33

Oxford

34

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Bellerbys College Term dates

4

Academic rules

5

English Language Preparation

7

Pre-GCSE

8

GCSE

9

A Level

10

Foundation

11

Diploma

13

Pre-Masters

14

Masters Qualifying Programme

15

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Bellerbys College

Term dates Autumn term 2011

Summer term one 2012

Term begins: Wednesday, 14th September 2011 (Pre-Masters starts 3rd October 2011)

Term begins: Monday, 16th April 2012

Mid-term break: October 2011: As advised locally Term ends: Friday, 16th December 2011

Spring term 2012 Term begins: Monday, 9th January 2012 Mid-term break: February 2012: As advised locally Term ends: Friday, 30th March 2012

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Term ends: Friday, 15th June 2012 (Pre-Masters, MQP, English Courses end 29th June 2012)

Summer term two 2012 Term begins: Monday, 18th June 2012 (Pre-Masters, MQP, English Courses start 2nd July 2012) Term ends: Friday, 17th August 2012 (Pre-Masters, MQP, English Courses end 7th September 2012)

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Academic rules Attendance and authorised absence

Tests

Attendance is expected at all classes and punctuality is requested so that classes are not disturbed by late arrivals. If you are ill you must ask your host family or residence supervisor to telephone the College before 9.00am on the morning of your absence to report your absence to the Programme Manager or assistant. This is so that absentees can be put on the computer records available to staff at all times. You must do this every day you are absent ill. You should never ask a friend to tell the College – this is not accepted as authorised absence.

Tutors will inform you in advance when there will be tests to give you practice of exam conditions and test your ability to learn material. You should prepare for tests like you would an exam so that you can develop your exam skills. Avoiding tests is not acceptable. Some programmes use test results in the final assessments.

Requests to miss classes for reasons other than sickness should be addressed to the Programme Manager in person at least 24 hours before the absence.

Persistent absence/lateness will result in disciplinary procedures being taken against you.

Your student visa status can be withdrawn by the Visa Immigration Office if you miss consecutive days of study.

Assessments on some programmes are subject to the percentage attendance for every class. You are expected to attend all classes right up to the examinations — this is because, as well as revising, you need to have a tutor explain things that are still difficult and give you practise exam questions that may come up in the exams themselves.

Books and files Your tutors will advise you about which books to buy in addition to the notes and handouts given in class. You must buy these books at the appropriate bookshop. You should buy at least one file per subject to keep notes, handouts, completed and marked homework, tests and mock exam questions.

Serious study Students are required to attempt all work set by class tutors and hand this in for marking on the date specified. Persistent failure to do so will result in disciplinary procedures being taken against you.

Mobile phones must be turned off and may not be used in classrooms, the library and study rooms.

Punctuality It is essential that you arrive on time for all your lessons. Tutors must take registers and some tutors may not allow admission to the class if you are more than 10 minutes late.

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Examinations Nearly all academic study is assessed by exams of one form or another. Tests you do during the course should prepare you well for exams at the end of the course. You must listen to your tutor’s advice on how to study for exams and develop exam skills as you progress through the course.

For your exams, you must: •• arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start of the exam •• bring sufficient pens, pencils, rulers, erasers •• not eat and drink in exams •• not talk to others during the exams •• not take any study materials to your exam desk •• check in advance whether dictionaries and calculators are allowed.

Using pre-written notes in an exam is strictly forbidden and will lead to disqualification. In order to maximise your marks in all the questions you should not leave an exam early.

Homework Tutors set work for you outside class so that you can practise what you have learnt. This must be completed on time. You must not wait until you can do the homework to achieve 100% but do it to the best of your ability straight away after it is set. You learn much more from finishing your homework on time and having it corrected so that you can learn from mistakes. Some programmes use homework marks for the final assessments

Mobile phones in exams You must not take a mobile phone or any other electronic equipment into the examination. If a student is found to have a mobile phone with them, their script will be confiscated and they will receive a mark of 0 for that paper.

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English Language Preparation The English Language Preparation Programme is a very important course designed to give students the English language and study skills necessary for their chosen academic course.

English Language Preparation is an intensive course covering grammar, exam skills and study skills with 25 hours of tuition per week. Each student will have a regular personal tutor session at which progress will be assessed.

Students will be expected to do two hours of homework every day in addition to the classes.

Tests will also form an important part of the course.

Readiness to progress to the academic programme will be assessed by an internally set end of term exam based on ESU assessment.

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These are the following IELTS equivalent requirements for progression: •• GCSE: 4.5 •• Foundation: 4.5 •• pre-MBA/MQP: 4.5 •• A Level: 5.5 •• Business Diploma: 5.5 Students should also try to speak English as much as possible outside class especially in their host families, read books, newspapers and magazines and watch the news and educational programmes on television.

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Pre-GCSE Pre-GCSE students follow a curriculum that is based on English Language with some Mathematics, Information Technology, Business, Science, Art, Physical Education & Personal & Health Education.

Courses run for one, two or three terms before a GCSE course and students are in class for 30 hours per week with regular homework set each day.

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GCSE GCSE students follow the UK high school curriculum and so certain UK Government regulations must be followed.

Courses run over three terms from September to January and over four terms from January to December.

All students study English and Mathematics.

Students have optional subjects to make the total number of subjects five or six. Optional subjects are: Art, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Combined Science, Information Technology, Physics and a selection of languages.

In addition, all students who are under 16 at the beginning of the school year in September must have some Science, Physical Education and Personal & Health Education in their timetable.

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The daily timetable runs from 08.30/ 09.00 to 17.00/18.00 and students are registered in the morning and in the afternoon. Students will also have a weekly personal tutor session at which progress will be assessed. There are 25-30 hours per week or five-six hours per day in class.

Students are expected to do two hours of homework per subject per week and this work must be handed in to tutors on time. Tests are held at regular intervals and these should be well prepared for.

Examinations are held in June and November (not IT) each year and results are published in August and March after the exams. Mock exams are held at a suitable time before the real exams to give students exam practice.

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A Level A Levels are the main pre-university courses taken by students in the UK. They are divided into two parts, known as AS and A2 level. Four subjects are usually studied at AS level of which three are then continued to A2 level, with one subject being discontinued. Final results are therefore three A2 subjects & one AS subject. (Students may choose to continue with all four subjects to A2 level).

A Level courses are 3, 5 or 6 terms. In the 3-term course, students, who should have had some A Level or equivalent study in the past, cover three subjects at AS & A2 level together in one year from September to June.

In the 5-term courses which start in January or April and continue through to the following June, some students start with four AS levels and others with just three, taking the exams in June or January before starting the three A2 levels in the following September.

In the 6-term course, students study four AS subjects from September to June in Year 1, take AS exams in June, then study three A2 subjects from September to June in Year 2. Each A Level subject is studied for 5 or 6 hours a week. These courses are supplemented by English language, where necessary. In addition, a weekly personal tutor session is provided for academic discussions and university application advice.

Subjects are chosen from the following list: •• Accounting •• Arabic •• Art •• Biology •• Business Studies •• Chemistry •• Chinese •• Economics •• English Literature •• French •• Geography •• German •• Government & Politics •• Graphic Design •• History of Art •• History •• Italian •• Japanese •• Law •• Mathematics (2 different subjects) •• Photography •• Physics •• Psychology •• Russian •• Sociology •• Spanish Homework is six hours per subject per week and must be completed on time as directed by the teachers. Regular tests are given and these must be well prepared for. AS & A2 exams are in January and June and your teachers, personal tutor and programme manager will advise you when to take these exams. Mock exams are given before the real exams to promote exam technique.

Examination results in AS & A2 are published in March & August.

Note: The full list of subjects on offer varies from college to college. Not all colleges offer an April start.

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Foundation programme This programme is validated by Liverpool John Moores University.

Your study programme The aim of this programme is to improve your English and develop your academic skills, so that you can study in the UK university system. It is designed for students who have already completed their qualifications at home (pre-degree level) and have a basic ability in English language. We measure your English language ability using the English Speaking Union System (ESU). The ESU provides a scale from 0 to 9. 0 is a beginner in English, and 9 is a nearnative speaker.

To start the Foundation programme you need an ESU score of 4.5 (or the equivalent) – there are several alternative testing systems that you might take.

Successful students will be eligible for a place on a degree programme at one of our 50 partner universities or progression to the Bellerbys Diploma in Business & Management. Your personal tutor can provide you with further details.

Programme facts: •• Each programme takes three terms to complete •• Each programme consists of 10 modules •• Each module lasts one term •• Each module is studied for five or six hours per week

The Foundation programme Across Bellerbys Colleges there are seven different Foundation Programmes.

The seven programmes are: •• Pharmacy and Science •• Engineering and Computer Science •• Business, Finance and Management •• Law and International Relations •• Humanities and Media •• Art and Design •• Management Computing Systems (Brighton and Cambridge only)

Questionnaires Questionnaires are filled in by each student at the end of some modules. We use this feedback to improve the services we offer our students.

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Core modules Each of the seven programmes contains core modules. These are modules which every student must take as they provide essential preparation for studies at UK universities. They are: Foundation English Skills 1; Foundation English Skills 2; Foundation English Skills 3 (Study Skills); Computer information Technology

Personal tutors You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who will see you once a week for help, advice and counselling.

Route-specific modules In addition to the core modules, you will also study a number of modules selected to prepare you for the following planned area of study: harmacy and Science P Cell Biology, Physiology, Chemistry 1 & 2, Applied Statistics, Pure Maths 1 ngineering and Computer Science E Matter and Waves, Electricity, Mechanics 1 & 2, Pure Maths 1 & 2 usiness, Finance and Management B Microeconomics & Macroeconomics, Business Start-Up & Human Resource Management, Accounts, Business Maths aw and International Relations L Law 1, 2 & 3, Politics 1, 2 & 3 umanities and Media H Sociology 1, 2 & 3, Psychology 1, 2 & 3 or Media 1, 2 & 3 Media Film, Advertising, Newspapers & Magazines, Applied Media Theory, Webdesign and Multimedia, Media and Communications Reaserch Project Art and Design Media Art Portfolio, Computer Graphics, Art Skills, Design Skills, Experimentation & Development, Photography, Contextual Studies. anagement Computing Systems M Students in Brighton will study: •• Systems Analysis •• Web Design •• Database and Coding •• Business Mathematics •• Business Start Up and Human Resource Management •• Marketing and Operations Management

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Foundation programme continued Students in Cambridge will study: •• Systems Analysis •• Introduction to Java •• Introduction to Robotics •• Networking •• Knowledge Engineering •• Pure Maths 1 Note: Syllabuses can be obtained from the Programme Manager.

Disciplinary procedures When attendance and/or work are unsatisfactory students will: •• be interviewed by the Programme Manager •• have their parents written to •• receive a final written warning from the Principal, which will also be communicated to their parents.

Assessment and marks are subject to attendance

Student representation Each term there will be a meeting of all tutors of a particular programme and student representatives.

Teaching and learning The main type of teaching and learning method is tutor-driven lectures in a classroom with note-taking, handouts, dictation, discussion and question and answer techniques. Some individual attention will be given and the weekly tutorial gives students the opportunity to discuss any academic problems.

Homework is set twice a week and marked regularly.

Students are expected to work independently – conducting their research at the library and by using CD ROMs, Library and internet.

Assessment The pass mark for each module is 40%. This includes exams and/or course work. Borderline marks are discussed by staff to decide if a pass is deserved on class performance, etc.

Any student may retake an exam twice in the following term(s), except Foundation English Skills 1, which may only be retaken once, in the second term.

Student Representatives are selected by their classes and consult with their fellow students to:

At the end of a programme, if a student has passed all but one module and the mark in that module is 31 - 39% the student will receive an overall pass.

•• suggest agenda items for discussion •• represent student views at the meeting •• finally report back to their fellow students.

Assignments must be handed in at the time set by the tutor. Assignments set for course work handed in late may result in a zero mark.

Plagiarism

Programme management and organisation

Plagiarism is the word used in UK education for copying of any kind. It is strictly not allowed. Many cultures encourage learning things by heart/memorising/rote learning. Though a certain amount of this type of learning is always important, it does not count as much in the UK education system as elsewhere.

It is extremely important in the UK that you: •• show that you can think for yourself •• have a view on subjects and express it •• analyse information which is given to you •• can evaluate – make an argument for both sides •• Do not copy information from the internet or a book. You may collect information from either of these sources, but you must then express/write this information in your own words.

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All staff who are involved in teaching Foundation Programmes meet at the end of each term to discuss examination results and borderline cases.

An end of term meeting is called a MAB and an end of programme meeting a PAB. The results of these meetings and the results we gather from the questionnaires (see ‘Questionnaires’ above) are considered for future improvements.

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Diploma in Business and Management Programme aims and objectives

Teaching and learning

This course is designed for academically-qualified students who are seeking to maximise their potential to enter a top UK university. in the second year This programme is an advanced one-year course of study equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree.

There are 16 hours of lectures per week. An additional minimum of 20 hours self-study is also expected.

It is designed for students overqualified for a foundation year, but underqualified for direct entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree. The Diploma offers excellent guidance and support for students heading to a British university life.

Student representation Regular board meetings are held to review the course, exam results and student progress. A representative of the student body is asked to attend along with the subject tutors, Course Leader and Programme Manager.

Assessment The course consists of 12 modules, 10 of which are assessed by coursework and 2 by unseen examination.

Programme management and organisation The Programme Manager is responsible for the course operation and student progression. Each student is assigned a personal tutor to assist and/or advise on any problems the student may encounter with study.

Programme overview Course outline The Diploma provides you with the relevant academic knowledge, study skills and English Language proficiency to succeed as a second-year degree student.

Content •• Organisations and Behaviour •• Economics •• Marketing •• Research Skills •• Accounting and Finance •• Quantitative Methods •• Information technology •• Introduction to Business Management •• Core Academic English Skills 1 & 2 •• Law

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Pre-Masters Pre-Masters Programme This is an intensive one or two-term course providing English language, Study Skills, GMAT preparation (where required, at an additional cost) and university placement. The one term course is for students with English equivalent to ESU 5.5 and the two term course is for students with English equivalent to ESU 4.5 There are 25 hours of study per week, five hours per day, with an additional hour five times per week for students requiring GMAT preparation. Included are a personal tutor sessions each week at which the university application is discussed and prepared.

Students are also set several hours of work per week to be completed outside class.

Examinations are taken at the end of the course: IELTS English.

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MQP Masters Qualifying Programme This is an intensive three-term course for students with or without a first degree but with a minimum diploma status. Two-term and one-term courses are available for students with a higher level of English.

There are 25 hours of study per week, five hours per day. In the first two terms English Language, Business English & Study Skills are studied. GMAT preparation (where required) is taken in the second term only. In the third term business subjects are studied.

There are personal tutor sessions at which the university application is discussed and prepared.

Students are also set several hours of work to be completed outside class. Examinations are taken at the end of the second term (IELTS English exam).

At the end of the third term there are exams in the business subjects.

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Accommodation

Accommodation British Homestay

16

Living in residential accommodation

19

Living in private accommodation

21

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Accommodation

British Homestay Living in Homestay

Communicating with your Homestay

Welcome to England and your experience of living in Homestay. You have chosen to live in Homestay for a variety of reasons, not least to practise your English. In England people live in different types of houses or flats and each Homestay host has their own way of doing things and its own house rules.

Very often students compare Homestays and cannot understand why their Homestay will or will not allow something. All Homestays are different. Some are composed of a father who works, a mother who stays at home cooking and cleaning, and two wellbehaved children. However, this is an old-fashioned model of a family!

Take the opportunity to learn about our culture as well as our language. Your Homestay host will be interested in you and your culture, so it is important that you talk to them. They will ask you questions and it is important that you also ask questions.

However, it is also important that you respect your Homestay’s privacy and realise that they also need time to themselves, so don’t expect them to speak to you all the time.

You may have many expectations about your Homestay – the house they live in, your bedroom, the food etc – and to make the transition from your country to England as easy as possible, we have made a list of points for you to remember while you are living in Homestay.

Respecting the Homestay and their rules Ask your host what their house rules are. Always remember you are a guest in someone’s home and even if you think the house rules are strange, they are there for a reason and should be respected.

(For example, you may find that your bedroom door does not have a lock on it. This is not unusual and the attitude is that if they trust you in their home and do not have a lock on their bedroom door, then you should trust them). You are going to live with a family that has a routine (a way of doing things, in a certain order or at a certain time). It will be necessary for you to adapt to that routine – the Homestay is not expected to adapt to the way you do things, as it is their home.

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Always tell your host in the morning if you will not be in for the evening meal or if you will be late.

Communication is very important, so try to make it clear – for example: •• “I will not be in for dinner tonight and will not need anything to eat” •• “I will be late for dinner tonight, I have football and will be in at 8pm. Can I have my dinner when I come home?

•• “I will be late for dinner. Can you save it for me and I will have it when I get back? I don’t know what time I will be home” Unless the host is not around it is considered impolite to go straight to your room without saying “hello” or “goodbye, see you later”.

In our culture it is considered a nice gesture to offer to help prepare dinner or to lay the table for dinner.

If you don’t know how to do this, ask.

You will have a Care Plan if you are under 18. You must return to your host family in the evening no later than the Care Plan states.

If you come home late, make sure you are very quiet. Do not wake anyone who may be sleeping.

Remember, most hosts get up in the morning to go to work.

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Accommodation

British Homestay continued Dinner/food

Use of the Homestay telephone

In our culture guests are expected to offer to clear the table or help dry the dishes while the host washes the dishes. It is considered rude to leave the table before everyone has finished eating. It is a good opportunity to talk with your host and practise your English while drying the dishes or while cleaning up or helping in the kitchen. Remember your host is not a servant or hotel employee! As you are part of the family you are expected to consider others in the home.

In this country all telephone calls have to be paid for, including local calls. It is considered impolite to use someone’s phone without asking for permission. You can buy telephone cards from the school. Homestay hosts will allow you to receive calls but remember to keep all conversations short (5 – 10 minutes).

Don’t help yourself to food from the fridge, freezer, or cupboards unless the host says you can. Your host may say help yourself to breakfast, but this doesn’t mean all day long. If your family allows you to make a cup of tea or coffee when you want and you are making a hot drink it is considered nice to ask other members of the family if they would like a drink also.

Don’t buy food to keep in the host’s fridge and don’t keep food in your bedroom. If you buy food or your parents send you food parcels from home ask the family if you can put it in a kitchen cupboard.

House keys Most families will give you a set of keys to let yourself in and out of the house. If you are not given your own set of keys, they will make arrangements with you so that you are able to get in. Please take care not to lose the keys as you may have to pay for the cost of replacement locks which is very expensive.

English weather The weather is different in our country – as one student said; “it is a damp cold”. You may feel cold most of the time. The best way to cope with this is to wear thin layers of clothes. By wearing layers you can remove top layers when you feel too hot, or add another layer if you feel too cold.

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Do not make outgoing calls from your Homestay’s telephone – always use a public telephone call box. Remind your friends and family of the time difference and tell them not to call you between 22.00 and 07.00 UK time.

The majority of families do have wireless Internet in their homes. In most cases the homestay will ask for an extra charge of no more than £5 per week.

Use of computers and mobile phones If you have a mobile phone ask your host if you may charge your phone. If you have a laptop computer, do not assume you may use it in your bedroom.

Ask your host if you may use your computer.

Some Homestay hosts will not allow you to use a computer and will not agree to an additional telephone line being installed for the internet.

Remember, although this is your temporary home while you are living in England, it is not your own home and you must respect your

Friends It is considered very impolite to bring friends or strangers into your host’s home without asking first.

For example “may my friend come and study with me tomorrow?” If your host agrees that your friend may visit please remember to introduce your friend to your host. Never invite your friends to stay all night in your room.

Smoking If you are a smoker you may find that the host asks you to smoke outside or in one particular room.

Most families do not allow smoking in the bedroom as they feel it is a fire risk. You may find that your Homestay host smokes but they do not smoke in their house – they smoke outside. This is not unusual. More and more people understand the dangers and expense of smoking. Families know that if they have people who smoke in their home the redecoration of rooms has to be more frequent and it is expensive.

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Accommodation

British Homestay continued Water/washing/bathroom

Giving notice to leave Homestay

It is not unusual for English homes to have only a bath and no shower. Your Homestay host may have restrictions on the amount of water you use, and the time you take your shower/bath. It is a good idea to ask the host if it is convenient to have a bath or a shower, or tell them when you are going to have one. They will want to make sure you have enough hot water. Also remember you are expected to clean the bath or shower after using it.

If you are over 18 and want to move from your host family into private accommodation you will need to give 12 weeks’ notice. This means you will need to tell the accommodation office 12 weeks before you want to leave your accommodation. You must also tell your family what you plan to do. It is considered extremely rude to just leave the homestay and not tell them in advance.

Do not have showers or baths late at night. The plumbing in UK houses is often old, which means the hot water tanks in this country make a lot of noise while they refill, and this will disturb anyone who is sleeping!

Please remember to put toilet paper in the toilet and always remember to flush the toilet. If you make a mess in the bathroom please clean it up – ask your host for a cloth – for example: “I’m sorry I have spilt water in the bathroom. May I have a cleaning cloth?”

Your hosts will do a reasonable weekly wash for you.

For special or heavier laundry please ask your hosts about the nearest launderette or dry-cleaners.

Using the Homestay address If you open a bank account, buy a mobile phone, or order items to be delivered, do not give your host family’s address. You may give the school’s address.

On your day of departure you must vacate your room by 10.00am. If your flight home is late you can leave your bags and collect them later.

Problems and complaints It is important that you tell us in Student Services if you have a problem in your Homestay. We are confident of the quality of our Homestay hosts, but sometimes students can still be unhappy. If you don’t tell us you have a problem, we can’t help.

Remember: You are a guest in the UK and representing your country.

Electricity and gas Gas and electricity is expensive in our country. It is not unusual for families in England to put their heating on a timer, so it will stop at night and start at set times during the day. If you feel cold at night ask your host if you may have an extra blanket.

Remember to turn off your bedroom light, radio or TV when you are not in the room and do not leave the radio, TV or bedroom light on all night while you are sleeping. The family will consider this wasteful, and it may disturb them.

Living in residential accommodation

Details available from your centre’s residence welcome pack

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Accommodation

Living in residential accommodation Living in a residence can be an enjoyable experience but you should be prepared to adapt as it will be very different from living at home. You are attending an international college with students from a wide range of cultures and countries and Bellerbys expects all its students to respect and tolerate each other’s differences. More detailed information about the residence you have booked will be given to you on arrival at your college but here is an outline of what to expect.

Essential qualities Politeness, honesty and a sense of humour will help you get along with most people in the UK.

Friends Non-residents are only allowed to enter residences if invited by a resident and with permission from the residential staff. All visitors must leave by 11pm.

Residential supervisor Your Residential Supervisor is responsible for maintaining the standards of the residence. They are Bellerbys College personnel who live in the house and are there to help you with any problems.

Problems/sickness Don’t keep problems to yourself – tell your residential supervisor if you are unhappy. If you are unwell, ask your supervisor to contact your Programme Manager who will record your absence from classes.

Rules Each residence has its own set of rules and guidelines pertinent to the local area and the set up of the residence. You must make sure you know them and abide by them. It is not acceptable to disturb other students and supervisors with excessive noise at any time – but especially late at night. Continuous disturbance may result in a student being removed from the residence.

Students should return to the residence by their published curfew time. Curfew times are set according to your age and you will be informed of these when you arrive.

Smoking There is a no-smoking policy in all Bellerbys buildings. Smoking may be allowed in an outside designated area.

Laundry

Holidays

Bed linen is provided and laundered on a weekly basis. Washing and drying machines are available in your residence or close by. There is a small charge to use these machines which you will be told about when you arrive. You will need to bring your own towels.

Your room is yours during term time. Holiday accommodation in between terms is charged separately on a week by week basis and a room retainer is payable if you go away for the holiday periods.

Meals All catering facilities in our schools provide a balanced and nutritional menu with vegetarian options available. Details of your restaurant opening times and menus available will be given to you on arrival at your centre.

Please note: In the Self Catering accommodation meals are not provided.

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Departures You will be expected to vacate your room on the Saturday noon (12.00) following your last day of term. If your exams continue after this date you should request an extension to your stay via Student Services.

Study You should be able to study peacefully in your room without interruptions.

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Accommodation

Living in residential accommodation continued Telephones Each of the residences has a pay phone. This may be used at reasonable times. Please ensure that your family is aware of the time difference between countries when calling you in England.

Travel/socialising If you want to go away, you should always inform your Residential Supervisor where you are going and when you will be back. Permission from parents or guardians will be necessary for students under 18 and overnight trips will only be permitted on Friday and Saturday nights. Information about requesting weekends away for under 18’s will be given to you locally.

Visitors from home In order to help you fully integrate into life in Britain, we suggest that visits from home and family are kept to an absolute minimum.

Your room Your room will be allocated on the basis of details in your college application form. There will be a comfortable bed , adequate drawer and wardrobe space as well as a desk, chair and study lamp.

Please ensure that you lock your bedroom door every time you leave your room even for a short time and you do not leave large sums of money or valuable items lying around.

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Accommodation

Private accommodation Living in private accommodation

The landlord’s responsibilities

You must be 18 to live in private accommodation.

You must give 12 weeks’ notice to leave the college’s accommodation and you must get parental permission to move to private accommodation. You will be required to personally sign an agreed short hold tenancy agreement and to pay one month’s rent in advance and one month’s deposit. The tenancy can be for 6 months or longer. Most foreign students need someone as a guarantor. This is someone such as a parent or friend (not the school) who is willing to pay the rent if the student is unable to.

The landlord must repair and maintain the structure, exterior and installations (fridge, freezer, oven etc) in the property according to the tenancy agreement.

Note the following main points:

We can provide you with a list of local estate agents and letting agents (private accommodation). The local paper can also be a source of property vacancies.

Please note that although we can advise you, we cannot make arrangements on your behalf. If you choose to stay in private accommodation, the school will have no jurisdiction over your landlord. Therefore, if you have any difficulty or experience any problems, the Accommodation Officer will not be able to act on your behalf, though we will of course tell you where to go for assistance.

We need your address and telephone number in case of an emergency. You must contact us immediately if there are any changes in your contact details.

The tenant’s responsibilities As a tenant you must promise to treat the property in a reasonable manner and follow the tenancy agreement. Note the following main points:

•• The landlord must arrange for repairs to walls, doors and ceilings •• The landlord must arrange for faulty pipes or drains, broken or faulty water heaters, boilers, water tanks and radiators to be fixed, if the tenant reports them.

•• The landlord must also arrange for faulty electrics and gas fires to be fixed and for all gas appliances to have a gas safety check done yearly.

•• Toilets, basins, sinks and baths must be in working order.

Paying bills When you agree to rent a flat you also agree to pay the electric and gas bills. Some agreements also expect you to pay the water rates. It is important that you pay these bills on time and that you notify the supplier when you leave so that a correct reading can be taken.

There are additional expenses when you live in a flat, such as paying Council Tax and the TV license.

•• Council Tax – all residents are expected to pay council tax.

•• If you own a TV you must have a licence to use it.

TV licence information can be obtained from you local Post Office.

•• Make sure that neither you nor your guests damage the property •• Keep the property clean and tidy •• Make sure that minor maintenance problems are dealt with such as replacing light bulbs etc •• Report any leaks or breakages immediately to the landlord so that the damage can be fixed before more damage is done.

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Accommodation

Private accommodation continued Tenancy agreement

Paying a deposit

In the UK when you rent a property you are required to sign a lease or tenancy agreement. Before you sign any document it is essential that you read it and more importantly understand it. If there is anything you are not sure about ask the Estate Agent or Landlord to explain it to you.

Before you move into a property you will be asked to pay a large amount of money. It’s important that you know what this money is for, how much you will get back and how to make sure you get it back.

Tenancy agreements are usually for six months to one year. It is very unusual to find a tenancy agreement for less than six months.

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding document.

This means that you are legally responsible for paying the rent and looking after the property.

Therefore if you rent a flat with several friends, then you are all responsible for the property because all your names are on the agreement. If one of you moves out of the flat and another friend moves in, and that friend does not sign the document then legally they do not have to pay the rent (because they have not signed anything to say they are responsible). The only people that are legally responsible for the rent are the tenants who are still living in the flat.

Note: It is in your interests to make sure that you tell your landlord or estate agent when someone leaves and a new person moves in and to make sure that a new agreement is signed that makes the new tenant also responsible for the rent.

Attending classes Very often students think it will be better and cheaper for them to live with their friends in private accommodation. However, many students forget that by moving in with their friends they will not hear as much English or get the opportunity to speak it!

So try to practise speaking and listening to English as much as possible in your new home.

•• A damage deposit is a sum of money to safeguard your Landlord, against damage you might do, unpaid bills or rent owed. It is not normally used as payment for the last month’s rent.

•• If you use a letting agent they may charge an administration fee for their servicessuch as making the Tenancy Agreements or inventories. They can only charge you if they find accommodation for you. Ask them how much they charge. It is illegal for agencies to charge you just to be registered with them. If you are asked for any payment to get registered: •• Ask your Landlord exactly what the deposit is for and when it will be returned to you.

•• If you’re asked for advance payments, get a receipt that shows the amount you have paid and exactly what it was for (such as deposit, fees, and rent). If possible, use a cheque for any payments.

By using a cheque you have a record.

•• You may reach an agreement that your deposit will be held in a separate client account to protect it if your Landlord cannot pay you.

•• Make sure you get an inventory – a list of the contents and condition of the property. This is proof of the state of the property when you moved in, showing which items were already damaged or faulty. Don’t include anything that may be promised to you by the Landlord, as he may not give it to you.

•• Try and take photographs of the property to show the condition when you move in.

Also remember that you must attend at least 80% of your classes to get a certificate at the end of your course and if you need to extend you visa the Home Office will check your attendance.

Living in private accommodation We must have your address and phone number in case of emergency and to meet the requirements of the UK Border Agency, and you must tell us immediately if there are changes in your contact details.

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Practical information

Practical information Policies and procedures

24

Medical information

25

Fire procedure

26

Insurance

27

Registering with the police

28

Safety and law

29

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Practical information

Policies and procedures Complaints procedure

Anti-bullying policy

If you have a complaint about any service at the college your should approach the following people: •• Course •• Your tutor •• Homestay Accommodation •• Homestay Accommodation Manager •• Residence •• Supervisor or warden

Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person and which results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be physical, verbal, emotional, racist, sexual or extortion.

If you are not satisfied with their response then you should approach the Programme Manager for your course or the Student Services Manager. If you feel your complaint is too serious to be dealt with informally you should make an appointment to meet the Principal.

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our students so that they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. If bullying does occur, all students should be able to inform staff and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. Anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to inform the Principal. The Principal may then consult the local Social Services in order to resolve the situation.

Safeguarding Policy Bellerbys College has a statutory and moral duty to ensure that the college functions with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students receiving education at their schools.

It recognises its role in facilitating the well being of students. The college promotes the five expected outcomes for students: •• Enjoying a healthy lifestyle •• Staying safe •• Enjoying and achieving •• Making a positive contribution • Achieving economic well being Ofsted is the governing UK authority which is committed to ensuring the college: •• Provides a safe environment for all its students to study in •• Identifies students who are suffering •• Take action to ensure that its students are kept safe, both in their chosen accommodation or at college

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Practical information

Medical information Doctors

Hospitals

You will often see or hear doctors referred to as ‘GP’.

‘GP’ is the abbreviation for ‘General Practitioner’ and means he/she is trained in general medicine. GPs see patients suffering from a variety of illnesses and minor treatments, such as severe sore throat, or an unusual pain somewhere. The doctor will refer you to a consultant in a hospital or send you to the hospital if s/he feels the condition needs further investigation.

Hospitals have an ‘Accident and Emergency’ department that is for serious injuries that happen suddenly such as people injured in a car accident.

Hospitals are where people go if they need operations or if their doctor has referred them to a consultant.

Medical insurance

The college has members of staff fully trained as first aiders. If you have a minor accident, please report immediately to reception.

You should already have taken out medical insurance, either in your own country or with StudyCare (the Bellerbys insurance package) before you arrive. If you have not done so, you should speak to Student Services because medical treatment can be very expensive.

Consultants

The procedure for getting treatment

A consultant is someone who has specialised in a particular field of medicine such as obstetrics (women giving birth), ortheopeadics (bones), peadeatrics (children), ENT (Ear Nose and Throat).

If you need to see a doctor or dentist during your stay, you should go to or call the doctor for any appointments. Appointments must be kept or cancelled, not missed – as this affects others.

First aid

Medicines and prescriptions.

Students have to pay for any medicines prescribed by a GP. Do not share any medicine with any other students. Please inform the school if you are taking regular medication.

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Practical information

Fire procedure If the fire alarm sounds when you are in the school: If you are in class: •• Follow your teacher out of the school quickly but without running.

•• Wait with your class in the area designated away from the school.

•• Do not wander off – it is vital your teacher checks you are out of the building If you are in the canteen, library, or elsewhere: •• Leave the school immediately. Wait in the area designated and tell a member of staff you are out.

•• Do not go back into the school until a member of staff tells you that you can.

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Practical information

Insurance If you have paid for StudyCare insurance, here is some information.

What is insurance and why do I need it?

Insurance is where a company protects customers against loss or harm, for example theft or illness, in return for payment. StudyCare insurance is for emergencies, not normal situations. When living in this country, students can visit a doctor for free. But if you have a serious accident or are very ill, you may need special treatment or even need to go home.

This can cost a lot of money, and your StudyCare insurance can help you with this.

What does StudyCare protect me against?

The most important areas are: •• medical expenses because of illness of injury •• cancellation and travel costs because of illness or injury •• theft of money or possessions.

Why has the college given me this insurance?

As a responsible college, we want students to be covered for events that affect them.

How do I know if I have StudyCare?

Look at your invoice or bill. It will say if you have paid or not.

What do I do if I need to make an insurance claim?

Come and see Student Services. They will help you fill out the claim form.

If I don’t have insurance, can I buy it at college?

Yes. It costs about £30 per month. Speak to Student Services.

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Bellerbys College

Registering with the police Registering with the police If you are over 18, here for six months of have a visa that requires it, you will be assisted with your police registration in your school. Every time you move accommodation you must register your new address with the local police. This is a legal requirement so do not forget.

You wil need two passport sized photos and ÂŁ34 cash to complete that process.

You will be given a Police Registration Certificate that you ust keep safe. You will need this for all new visa extensions.

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Bellerbys College

Safety and law For your safety

Safety information

We advise you not to stop cars by ‘thumbing a lift’, ‘hitchhiking’, ‘autostop’. It is dangerous! It is not wise to go out walking by yourself late at night where it is lonely or there is no street lighting. As in big towns all over the world, there may always be people who might harm or rob you.

It is very important to keep yourself safe and your valuable belongings safe from sight.

Stealing Stealing anything is a serious crime for which you could be taken to court, then fined, sent to prison or sent back to your country. If you steal, your leaders and parents will be told and we will make arrangements for you to be sent home.

In Britain, as everywhere, there are people who steal your money and property if you give them a chance.

Look after your purses, wallets, handbags, money and other valuable property. Do not leave them where they could be easily stolen.

Hotels, bars and pubs At 14 years old or over you may enter a public bar or public house. You may buy and drink soft drinks. You must not buy or drink beer, wines or spirits unless you are 18 years old or over. At 18 years old you may buy beer, wines or spirits to drink yourself or for someone else over 18 years old; you must not buy alcoholic drinks for a person under 18 years old.

•• Don’t keep any valuable items in any backpack/ rucksack on your back – it is easy to unzip and remove things from these.

•• Don’t carry large amounts of cash on you. We can look after money for you, if necessary.

•• Don’t use your mobile phone in crowded areas where it is easy for people to grab your phone and run away. Try to be discreet when using your phone. If your phone is stolen/lost, report it to the police and your mobile network provider immediately. If you keep a record of your phone serial number, the network provider can stop the phone being used.

•• Do plan your route home if you are travelling late at night alone (or better, don’t travel home alone late at night).

•• If you want to get a taxi home, check that it has a ‘taxi’ sign with telephone number on its roof.

•• Women – don’t carry your handbag on your shoulder – put the strap across your chest so that it cannot be snatched from you.

•• Men – don’t put your wallet in your back pocket where it can easily be taken – put it in your front pocket for safety.

•• Don’t worry too much, just be aware of what is around you and use your common sense!

Personal belongings Please keep your belongings with you at all times.

Do not leave anything unattended at any time.

Visas If you need to extend or change your visa, the Student Services staff will be able to help you.

Visas (Tier 4) and Passport You may not study at Bellerbys if you have a tourist visa i.e. c-visit. If you are being sponsored on a Tier 4 visa, GSV of CSV by Bellerbys College you must supply the school with passport and visa information.

If you change your passport you must tell the school.

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Locations

Locations Brighton

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Cambridge

32

London

33

Oxford

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Bellerbys College

Brighton cambridge

brighton

OUR CENTRE

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Shopping Mall OUR CENTRE

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OUR CENTRE

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Brighton Pier

1 Billinton Way, Brighton, Eastlondon Sussex BN1 4LF Tel: 01273 339200 Fax: 01273 339201 Emergency No: 07774 272599 www.visitbrighton.com

Facilities include: •• 62 classrooms •• Science laboratories •• Art studios •• State of the art library •• 375 single, en suite bedrooms •• Large common room with plasma TV •• Internet cafe •• Exam and lecture hall •• Cafeteria OUR CENTRE

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Programme range: oxford

•• English Language Preparation •• Summer IELTS preparation •• Pre-GCSE and GCSE •• A Level •• Foundation •• Business Degree •• Business Management Degree Top Up •• Pre-Masters •• Masters Qualifying Programme (MQP)

The city

OUR CENTRE

Our state of the art purpose built Study Centre is right in the heart of one of Britain’s most popular seaside destinations. Brighton is a city which has everything - great shopping and entertainment, many cafes and restaurants, together with a relaxed seaside culture. With students forming 10% of the population, the city has a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere. This is a city where students feel very welcome and where they can focus on their studies while having the wealth of entertainment and culture right on the doorstep.

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Bellerbys College

Cambridge

cambridge OUR CENTRE

Queens Campus

OUR CENTRE

Facilities include:

Manor Campus

Queens Campus Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LU Tel: 01223 363159 Fax: 01223 307425 Emergency No: 07768 592695 Manor Campus Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JF Tel: 01223 517037 Fax: 01223 517038 Emergency No: 07768 592695 www.visitcambridge.org

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•• Science and computer laboratories •• Wireless internet and email access •• Special access to many recreational facilities •• Cafeterias serving snacks and hot food london •• Art studio •• Lecture, seminar and supervision rooms •• Well stocked library •• Modern, well equipped computer suites •• Student Services Offices

Programme range: •• English Language Preparation •• GCSE •• A Level •• Foundation

The city

OUR CENTRE

The ancient city provides for almost every cultural activity: theatres, excellent restaurants, cinemas, modern shopping centres and musical entertainment to suit all tastes. The climate of learning in this beautiful city is tangible. Every day, hundreds of students cycle through the historic streets on their way to their colleges; colleges where countless important figures from British history once studied.

Sports are also a regular feature of college life with a wide range of activities from which to choose.

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Bellerbys College

london

London OUR CENTRE

Bellerbys College, Bounty House, Stowage, Greenwich SE8 3DE Tel: 0208 694 7000 Fax: 0208 694 7001 Emergency No: 07802 900719 www.visitlondon.com

Facilities include: •• 38 classrooms •• Science laboratory •• Large cafeteria •• Over 100 PCs for student use •• Wireless internet and email access •• Large, well equipped library •• Bookshop •• Medical room •• Art room

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Programme range: •• English Language Preparation •• Summer IELTS preparation •• GCSE •• A Level •• Foundation •• Pre-Masters •• Masters Qualifying Programme (MQP)

The city As one of the world’s great cities, London is of limitless interest. From attractions such as The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to excellent museums, art collections, theatres, shops, markets and parks, it has all you expect from a truly international city. Situated near the River Thames, our modern, purpose built campus is based in the historic Greenwich area of London, just 10 minutes from the central business district by train.

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Brighton Pier

Bellerbys College

Oxford

oxford

OUR CENTRE

OUR CENTRE

Facilities include: •• Well equipped and modern classrooms •• Wireless internet and email access •• Library and study centre •• Art rooms and science labs •• Lesson specific classrooms and labs •• Large student common room, with TV/DVD and video •• Superb academic environment in the heart of the city •• Free university counselling and placement

Programme range: •• English Language Preparation •• GCSE •• A Level •• Foundation

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Useful numbers and contact information Out of hours 07813 154242 Transfer issues 07813 154242 Main School number 01865 263400 Police Fire Ambulance 999 Non emergency Police 0845 8505505 John Radcliffe Hospital 01865 741166 NHS Direct 0845 4647 Child Line 0800 1111 Meningitis Trust 24 hour Helpline 0845 6000800 NSPCC Child Protection Helpline 0808 005000 St Clements Doctors Surgery 01865 248550 The Manor Doctors Surgery 01865 762535 Beaumont Street Doctors Surgery 01865 311811 Oasis Dental Care 01865 243702 Out of Hours Doctors and Dentists 0845 3458995 New Theatre Oxford 01865 320760 Odeon Cinema 0871 22 44 007

The city The ancient buildings of Oxford’s famous university create a wonderful atmosphere throughout this beautiful city. Students can wander through the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers museums or shop in Oxford’s famous covered market. There is also the opportunity to picnic on nearby Christ Church meadow or take a punt along the river. Oxford boasts a wealth of cultural attractions such as theatres, cinemas and clubs. There are some excellent restaurants and cafes while many of the splendid pubs are hundreds of years old. Just a short distance away lie several beautiful villages to explore.

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Bellerbys College Trajan House Mill Street Oxford OX2 0DJ www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com