2019-20
PARENT HANDBOOK
2019-20 provisional
key dates for students A Level Results: Thursday 15th August 2019 GCSE results & Re-Interview: Thursday 22nd August - Tuesday 27th August 2019
Term 1 (Autumn) Monday 2nd September 2019- Thursday 24th October 2019 Monday 2nd September - International Induction Day 1 Tuesday 3rd September - International Induction Day 2 Wednesday 4th September - Induction Day for Year 2 students Thursday 5th September - Induction for Year 1 students Friday 6th September - First full teaching day
Term 2 (Autumn) Monday 4th November 2019 - Thursday 19th December 2019 Tuesday 17th & Wednesday 18th December – Parent Consultation Days Thursday 19th December – Inset day
Term 3 (Spring) Monday 6th January 2020 - Friday 14th February 2020 Monday 6th January – Inset day
Term 4 (Spring) Monday 24th February 2020 - Friday 3rd April 2020
Term 5 (Summer) Tuesday 20th April 2020 - Friday 22nd May 2020 Friday 8th May – Bank Holiday
Term 6 (Summer) Monday 1st June 2020 - Wednesday 15th July 2020 Thursday 2nd July – End of term for students (Staff finish on Wednesday 18th July)
students are not required to attend college on inset days Provisional Dates Please note: These dates are correct at the time of going to press. Students and parents should consult the parent/student portal or the website for any changes.
welcome Introduction by the Principal This booklet has been designed with parents in mind. The College feels that it is important that parents are involved in their son or daughter’s post 16 education. We are aware that a number of items of information and guidance provided to students within College are also of use to parents. The College prospectus provides a lot of basic information and you will receive other communications about your son or daughter's progress whilst at College. Every student in College has access to the Student Portal and this provides a lot of detailed information for students. Parents are asked to sign up for the Parent Portal which contains useful information including your son or daughter’s timetable, attendance and performance. All reports are issued through the Parent Portal. Parents also book Parents Evening appointments through this route. Information on how to sign up for this is on page 15 of this booklet. Please contact your son’s/daughter’s Personal Tutor or Head of Section or a member of the Senior Leadership Team if there is further information or advice that you need, or an issue that you wish to discuss.
Karen Hucker - Principal
Absence/Attendance 17 Late Policy
contents
17
Absence Marking
18-19
Illness 19
welcome
College Bursary Scheme
19
Holidays During Term Time
20 20
Charter for Parents
5
Returning to College
Senior Staff Team
6
What We Expect of Students
21
Parental Involvement in College
6
Illegal Substances and Legal Highs
22
Bexhill College Corporation
6
Smoking/Use of E-cigarettes
22
Members of the Corporation
7
Exclusion
22
Physical Intervention
the curriculum
22
Searching, Screening & Confiscation
23-24
Timetable 9
Careers Information
24-25
Course Choices
Inspection Arrangements
Value Added and Target Grades
9
25
10
Enrichment 10
general information
English and Maths GCSE
11
Reception 27
Progression from Year 1 to Year 2
11
College Environment
27
References 11
Opening Hours
28
LRC and Information Technology
12
Insurance 28
Study Centre
12
Transport 28-29
External Examinations
13
Student Union
29
Payment for Examinations
13
Catering in College
30
Contacting Students
30
pastoral care in college
Lockers 30
Pastoral Care in College
15
Security 31
Tutorial Programme
15
Safety Procedures
31
Communication with Parents
15
Parking for Parents
32
Use of Non-Contact Time
16
Parking for Students
32
Part-Time Work
16
Employers and the Local Community
33
Trips and Visits
16
Data Protection Act
33
Timetable and Notes
34
Location Map
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Inside Back Cover
Charter For Parents We welcome your involvement as parents in the life of the College and the opportunity to work with you towards the success of our students. If we have concerns about your son’s/ daughter’s progress, we will certainly wish to discuss this with you and, where necessary, will contact you to arrange a meeting. If you wish to discuss anything with us, please contact your son’s/daughter’s Personal Tutor or Head of Section. We aim to respond to your request within three working days. The majority of communication with parents is via the ‘Parent Portal’. Once your son or daughter has started College, you will have access to the Parent Portal which will contain information on your son/daughter, including their timetable and attendance. Details on how to access the portal is given on page 15 of this booklet. While your son/daughter is studying at College, you will receive progress reviews via the Parent Portal. We issue at least three reviews a year for all students. We will invite you to parents’ consultations twice per year. The first parents’ consultation day will be in December. There are also Parents Evenings in March. You can book appointments for both through the Parent Portal. A separate Higher Education Evening is offered to parents of Year 1 students in the Spring Term of their first year, followed up by a Higher Education Surgery in September of Year 2. We also keep in touch with you through the portal and one parent represents your views on the College’s Corporation. Any parent has the opportunity to stand for election for this position when a vacancy arises. If you feel unhappy with the service that we offer, please get in touch with us to share your concerns. If the matter is serious and you wish to raise a formal complaint, you should initially contact the Principal’s PA. You will receive a response within 5 working days informing you of how we will handle your complaint. If you remain unhappy with the resolution, please contact the Principal, Karen Hucker.
“The academic standards are high and my daughter has therefore received good tuition” Parent of Bexhill College Student Parent Handbook 01424 214545
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Senior Staff Team Karen Hucker - Principal Linda Johnson - Vice Principal Dave Brown - Vice Principal
Parental Involvement In College Parents can offer support to the College by attending Arts, Performing Arts and Sports events, helping on field trips, volunteering as a student mentor, or considering involvement as a Member of the Corporation.
Bexhill College Corporation The College Corporation complies with the Articles and Instruments of Governance laid down in the Higher and Further Education Act of 1992 and it is the Corporation’s responsibility to ensure that the College adopts appropriate strategies to achieve its mission as a Sixth Form College. The Corporation comprises of 14 members, including a Parent member, a Student member and a Staff member. Many of the members have, in fact, had experience of being a parent of a student studying at College. Members of the Corporation are all volunteers and are not paid for their duties. Members meet at least four times a year as a whole group, however a good deal of their work is delegated to six committees. The Committees meet according to need and this varies with the committee in question between two and four times a year. Members visit the College regularly, attending events and activities, visiting departments and cross-College areas. The Chair of the Corporation can be contacted via the Clerk to the Corporation.
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college corporation Members of the college corporation 2018-2019 Members can be contacted by email, letter or by telephone via the Clerk to the Corporation. Chair to the Corporation Wayne Marley Vice Chair to the Corporation Lloyd Taylor Principal Karen Hucker Parent Member Lloyd Taylor Staff Member Elisabeth Lawrence Members Michael Boakes David Padmore John Stebbing Jessica Stubbings Pat Strickson Lorraine Brown Margaret Dadd David Kelly Marie Ange Coxhead One Student Member (Will be confirmed in July 2019)
Clerk to the Corporation Email: clerk@bexhillcollege.ac.uk
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bexhill college curriculum
“The College is very caring, and provides a great transition from school to University� Parent of Bexhill College Student
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Timetable The timetable is designed to provide students with as much flexibility as possible. Students discuss their individual programmes of study with their Heads of Section and this timetable may well be different from every other student in the College. The week is divided into seven teaching blocks. Most students will have some non-contact time each day for studying. Some activities may take place after College. This applies particularly to clubs and recreational or extra-curricular activities.
Course Choices The College offers a range of courses from Level 1 to Level 3. The majority of students are studying A Levels or a vocational Level 3 programme and take the equivalent of three courses. A small minority of able students with mainly As and A*s at GCSE can take 
4 A Levels but this is challenging and students need to be prepared to work hard if they choose to do this. Some students follow a one year programme of GCSEs or a full time Level 2 course equivalent to 3 or 4 GCSEs. Some students do not achieve a 4/C or above in GCSE English and/or Maths. If this is the case, it is a requirement that students retake these subjects post 16 in order to be able to be funded for their other courses. Students are also given the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities and undertake work experience relevant to their course if they wish. Some courses have specific costs and where possible, information is provided in course handbooks and the prospectus entry.
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Value Added and Target Grades Statistically, the best single indicator of how a student will perform at A Level is their achievement at GCSE. A number of organisations have developed systems to enable schools and colleges to analyse A Level value-added performance relative to GCSE. The GCSE results of each student can be converted to an average GCSE score. This type of data is used in systems such as ALPS (A Level Performance System), and allows the College to take into account the relative GCSE ability of students and find out how our students performed at A Level, relative to other sixth form colleges. The College uses this system to predict realistic target for A Level and Level 3 performance for new students in College. It also allows us to identify throughout the course which students are exceeding their targets to provide further stretch and challenge. We can also highlight who is under-achieving and provide additional support. Grades at GCSE and A Level cannot be directly compared. The national average data illustrates that students who average a grade 4 or 5/C at GCSE will need to ‘over-achieve’ in order to get better than a D/E grade at A Level. In addition, it predicts that students who achieve grades 7-9/A or A* at GCSE should not automatically assume that they will achieve grade As at A Level.
Enrichment The College has always aimed to provide a broad and balanced educational experience for its students. Enrichment is designed to provide the breadth and consists of activities both within courses such as trips and visits and those offered outside the main curriculum including sports, arts and musical activities.
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English and Maths GCSE In line with Government Policy, the College has a commitment to develop literacy and numeracy skills of its students. Our students will be working towards achieving a minimum of a Grade 4/C at GCSE in English and Maths or equivalent either through GCSE or Functional English or Maths if they have not achieved this grade at school. Students with a 3 are invited to take advantage of the November resit opportunity subject to them agreeing to an intense study period from September to November to give them the best chance of improving to a 4 in November. Details are provided at enrolment.
Progression From Year 1 To Year 2 Most students will follow a two year A Level programme. Some courses take an AS exam at the end of the first year whilst others are ‘linear’ with all exams at the end of year 2. In order for students to progress from year 1 of an A Level course to year 2, they will need to pass their AS or their progression examination at the end of year 1. Students will also need to demonstrate satisfactory attendance and commitment. AS exams take place in May/June and progression exams in June with results issued before the end of term. If students do not pass their progression exam, they will be given the opportunity to resit the exam before the summer break. If students do not achieve the required grade after the resit opportunity for their progression exam or the do not achieve an E or above in the AS exam, they will be advised not to progress into year 2 of that course. Due to choices made after AS and progression examinations, students may be in different teaching groups for the second year. Some students wish to change courses at the end of the 1st year and make a new start. These students will also be required to attend lessons at the end of the summer term, to show commitment to a second year at College.
"The College’s most significant strength is its commitment to its students’ education. There is always extra help available when required. Thank you for the support you have given my daughter” Parent of Bexhill College Student
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References References are written for students in consultation with teaching staff and Personal Tutors. References are usually treated as confidential but open testimonials can be obtained in consultation with a student’s Head of Section.
Learning Resources Centre & Information Technology The Learning Resources Centre is equipped with over 70 computers as well as text books and other resources. Students are free to use the facilities in the College in term time as follows: • Monday - 8.30am to 7.00pm • Tuesday - 8.30am to 4.45pm • Wednesday - 8.30am to 4.45pm • Thursday - 8.30am to 4.45pm • Friday - 8.30am to 4.30pm The LRC is also open during the Easter break and May half term to enable students to complete coursework or revise. For details, please see the Parent Portal or website. The College has a permanent link to the internet, which may be accessed by all computers connected to the College network. Students are free to use this facility for research purposes. All students will also receive a College email account to aid them in their College studies and will have access to a wealth of subject, careers and wider College information through Moodle, the College Virtual Learning Environment.
Study Centre The Study Centre provides students with an area to study outside of the LRC. Staff are available to support students on a one-to-one or small group basis.
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bexhill college curriculum exams External Examinations A Level and AS Level subjects are assessed through terminal examinations with the number of exams varying according to the subject studied. Some subjects also have a coursework element. Students will take public examinations in the summer and retakes are only available the following summer. Therefore, there is a one off opportunity to perform well and students need to focus on exam work from the start of their time at the College. The College will only pay for the examination/assessment entry fee for the first attempt of any examination. Many vocational exams also have an external assessment now as part of the course. This may be an exam or controlled assessment. Students need to prepare well for this element of their assessment as the result can impact on the overall grade.
Payment For Examinations The College pays examination or course registration fees for all students who are under 19 at the beginning of their course. However, if overall attendance is below 95% covering the whole of the student’s course at the time of exam entry and/or registration, students will be charged a contribution for exams and/or course registration. The College will pay for one entry – re-sit fees are charged to the student. Serious long term illness and hospital/medical appointments must be supported by a medical certificate. These absences will then be excluded from the calculation of 95%. Minor illness will count against attendance.
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“We were impressed from day one with how he was encouraged and supported in the steps from GCSE to more independent study at A Level as well as being advised on next steps in education.� Parent of Bexhill College Student
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Pastoral Care in College The College continues to maintain its strong commitment to the support and guidance of the individual student, primarily via the Personal Tutor with the support of the Head of Section and other senior staff. We wish to work closely with parents to ensure the success and wellbeing of our students. The College Counsellors meet with individual students by appointment and appointments can be arranged through the Student Services office. Where necessary, or where it is in the best interests of the student, the College may also draw on the professional experience of external agencies. This would normally be in consultation with parents.
Tutorial Programme Every student in the College is a member of a tutor group and, as a member of that group, participates in the Tutorial Programme as part of their programme of study. This programme aims to develop students’ ability to monitor and improve their own academic progress as well as to research and plan for moving on after College. It also aims to acquire a greater awareness of social, health and economic-related issues.
Communication with Parents In a complex organisation it is very important that there should be good communication. The main way in which parents are kept informed of important information regarding their son/daughter and College events is via the Parent Portal. To register/log onto the Portal, parents need to go to the College website - www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk, click the ‘Info For Parents’ tab and a link to the registration/logon page will appear at the top of the page. Parent Portal aims to keep parents up to date with key information regarding their son/daughter and informed generally about what is going on in the College. All reports are published via the Parent Portal. Invitations to parents Consultation Days/Parents Evenings and the booking process for appointments is all via the Parent Portal. In addition to this, the College may also send letters to update parents or to inform them of particular events or developments. Our website is also a source of information for parents. This features current press releases, the College calendar, events, the prospectus, subject profiles, careers and examination information and partner school information.
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Use Of Non-Contact Time All students in the College will find that, within the overall College timetable arrangements, they have a certain number of study blocks free each week when they are not timetabled for classes. These “non-contact periods� offer them a chance to organise their own work and to study in College. The College provides a number of areas for private study. The College Learning Resources Centre is the main area for supervised quiet study. Practical subjects also provide areas for students to continue with their own work or to practise outside lesson times. Students should be studying for 15-20 hours per week outside of lessons, either at home or in College.
Part-Time Work We recognise that many students have part-time jobs and may gain personal and financial benefit from them. However, we strongly recommend that students should not take on more than 10-12 hours part-time work per week during term time periods. Research shows that any more than this can affect final grades.
Trips and Visits Many courses offer educational and recreational visits as part of their programme. Parental permission for a student to take part in off site activities is sought at the start of a student’s time at College and covers the entire time they are with us. This form includes collecting initial medical information and parents are asked to ensure they update the College on any changes to medical information as required. Parents will be informed before any trip or visit takes place, regardless of the age of the student. Students are expected to make up any missed work. The College aims to keep costs of trips and visits to a minimum.
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Absence / Attendance The College expects 100% attendance. All students are expected to attend all timetabled lessons and tutorials on time, irrespective of when they have non-contact periods. Absence from College, when known in advance, should be notified to the Personal Tutor. If students are absent, we ask the student or their parent to telephone, email or text the College before 10.00am. Absence must always be explained. Prolonged absence or unexplained absence will involve contact with parents and can result in discontinuation of a student’s programme of study. If students leave the premises during their timetabled lesson times and will miss lessons as a result, they must sign out at Reception. Absences will be checked regularly and students who fail to attend classes or tutorial either through absence from College or lateness to College can expect their parents to be contacted. Further infringements may lead to formal disciplinary procedures being implemented.
Late Policy The College operates a ‘late policy’. Students are marked late if they arrive after the designated start time of the lesson. A ‘late mark’ impacts on their attendance percentage. Students are not allowed into lessons if they are over 5 minutes late as this disrupts the learning of other students. The main exception to this is public transport and, in these circumstances, a late slip is issued in reception for access into class.
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Absence Marking Absences will affect the percentage attendance as outlined below. Accepted absences are those which the College approves. Many are foreseeable in advance and students should seek approval. They include: • Non-routine medical appointment which cannot be arranged outside College hours. • Occasional care for a person if student has defined caring responsibilities. • Visit to University to attend an open day/interview, a career related interview, audition or induction. • Unwaged work experience placement relative to their course. • Occasional extra-curricular activity giving significant personal achievement, including field trips and visits related to areas of study, sports fixtures and expeditions. • Attendance at a funeral (maximum 2 days for close family only). • Wedding of close family member (maximum 2 days). • Severe disruption to transport. • A driving test. • A College student representatives’ meeting. • Study Leave. These absences will not count against attendance for bursaries or exam entries. They are marked as authorised absence, but must be supported by the completion of a Future Absence Form. Unauthorised absences are absences which the College will not usually approve. These include: • Holidays. • Part or Full-time work which is not part of the student’s programme of study. • Leisure activities. • Birthdays or similar celebrations. • Babysitting younger siblings. • Shopping. • Driving lessons.
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These absences will count against attendance for bursaries or exam entries. These are unauthorised absences. Routine appointments at doctors, dentists, opticians or driving lessons should be made in the student’s own time; these absences will count against the 95%, as will holidays taken during College term time. We will aim to keep parents/guardians advised about their son/daughter’s attendance if it is a cause for concern.
Illness The College policy of 95% attendance for exam entries allows for isolated periods of genuine absence. Attendance below 95% will result in students being charged for exam entries. Bursaries, which are paid by the College, are not paid to students who are absent due to illness.
College Bursary Scheme for Vulnerable Students and Discretionary Financial Support Fund The College has a limited amount of money provided by the Government to award for bursaries. Students can apply if their family income is below ÂŁ25,000 and appropriate evidence, as detailed in the bursary information guidelines, can be provided. The bursary application is assessed by the College and awarded if the criteria is met and there are adequate funds available. Entitlement to make the application is not a guarantee of funding; our allocated funds are limited, so support will be awarded to students who demonstrate greatest need. The discretionary funds will provide some help to students with financial difficulties who incur expenses related to their academic courses; for example, an essential educational trip/visit or buying specialist materials/equipment. A student hardship fund is available in emergencies only; requests, which are treated with sensitivity, should normally be made directly to Student Services. Our information booklet on eligibility and guidelines for completing a Bursary Fund Application is available on our website or from the Student Services Office.
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Holidays During Term Time Sixth form students’ programmes are demanding and the time available to prepare for examinations and assessments is relatively short given the impact the results have on future choices. The qualifications students take post 16 have a significant impact on the opportunities they will have in their future. Students therefore need to commit fully to working hard and achieving the best they can. Students should not take holidays during term time. If students require leave of absence during term time this request must be supported by parents. It will also involve consultation with the Head of Section and the completion of a Holiday Request Form. It should be noted that Year 1 students are taught until July and single year courses continue until the end of June. Along with passing the progression exam, students’ attendance level and completion of work to a good level during the year will also be a condition of progression into Year 2 or from A Level course to a Level 3.
Returning To College Students joining the College for a one-year course are entitled to re-apply to College to study an advanced programme. Applications are dealt with by the Admissions team during the Spring Term and decisions are, whenever possible, made post-results. Academic achievements, potential and interest, together with a proven level of commitment to study, will be assessed when Heads of Section make decisions. Students who have completed their A Level programme and wish to return to College to repeat an A Level, possibly in combination with some new courses, can apply to do so. A place, however, is not guaranteed and will depend on a student’s previous attitude to study and availability of courses. The application procedure normally takes place in late August/early September. The programme usually lasts for one further year of study. Application forms are required.
“The College’s most significant strength is the way they treated my daughter as an adult but still involving me as a parent”. Parent of Bexhill College Student
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What We Expect Of Students As well as appreciating student rights and opportunities, it is important that students have a clear understanding of our requirements which will enable them to make a success of their time with us. We therefore expect that all students will: • Accept responsibility for their own learning and academic progress with the support of their Personal Tutor, Head of Section and Subject Tutors. • Complete all set work to their best ability and by the required date, as well as giving appropriate time to do background study, wider research and examination revision. • Attend punctually all designated activities. • Explain any absences. • Maintain an acceptable, courteous standard of behaviour at College and while engaged in activities associated with the College. • Ensure that their behaviour and attitude never have a detrimental effect on the academic progress of other students. • Follow the College Equality Policy with regard to all students, members of staff and College visitors. • Abide by the College policies including those on Health and Safety, Illegal Substances, Legal Highs, Smoking and Consumption of Alcohol and never knowingly endanger the health and physical well-being of others. • Respect and thus help to maintain the condition of the College building, property and general environment. • Wear their lanyards around their necks at all times whilst on the premises – either inside the buildings, the refectory or in the grounds. • Abide by any code of conduct issued during a College trip or visit. Students should accept, as necessary, any appropriate actions taken by the College if the above conditions are not fulfilled. Such action will obviously depend on the nature of the transgression and is likely to involve discussion with parents/guardians. A severe breach of discipline may result in students being excluded from College for a given period or being permanently required to leave the College.
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Illegal Substances or Legal Highs No one is allowed to consume or possess illegal substances or legal highs on College premises, or at any stage during the College timetabled day or at College events whether on or off site. Any student found using or dealing in illegal substances will be suspended pending an investigation, as a result of which the student may be asked to leave the College. The police will be informed according to our legal obligations.
Smoking / use of e-cigarettes Students are strongly advised not to smoke as it is very harmful to health. In the interests of hygiene and the health of all, for those who make the choice to smoke, smoking and use of e-cigarettes is only permitted in one clearly defined external area of the College. Smoking and use of e-cigarettes is not otherwise permitted within College buildings or any other part of the College site.
Exclusion The College is committed to the provision of first class learning opportunities for all students. It may be necessary, in a very limited number of cases, to exclude a student from the College as part of the College disciplinary procedure. This would normally follow discussion with student and parents, but the College will act in the best interests of all students and staff at the College.
Physical Intervention & the Use of Reasonable Force There are circumstances when it is appropriate for staff to use reasonable force to safeguard young people. The term ‘reasonable force’ covers the broad range of actions used by staff that involve a degree of physical contact to control or restrain students. This can range from guiding a student to safety by the arm, to more extreme circumstances such as breaking up a fight or where a young person needs to be restrained to prevent violence or injury. ‘Reasonable’ in these circumstances means ‘using no more force than is needed’. The use of force may involve either passive physical contact, such as standing between students or blocking a student’s path, or active physical contact such as leading a student by the arm out of a college area.
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Searching, Screening and Confiscation The Principal, and their delegated alternatives – in the College situation this is other members of the Senior Leadership Team and Property Manager - have a statutory power to authorise searches of students (conducted by Senior Staff or the Security Team) or their possessions, with or without consent, where they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that the student may have a prohibited item. Prohibited items are: • Knives or weapons • Alcohol • Illegal drugs • Stolen items • Drug paraphernalia • Fireworks • Pornographic images • Any article that the member of staff reasonably suspects has been, or is likely to be, used: - To commit an offence, - To cause personal injury to, or damage to the property of, any person (including students).
“Staff commitment is excellent, resulting in our daughter being able to ask for help when needed” Parent of Bexhill College Student
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Confiscation College staff can seize any prohibited item found as a result of a search. They can also seize any item, however found, which they consider a safeguarding risk. Further information about our policy on search and confiscation can be found in the College’s Search and Weapons Policy available on our website.
Careers Information The College has its own Careers Adviser and a well-resourced Careers Library, which is open for student use during the College working day. Advice and guidance take place in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Individual appointments to see a Careers Adviser can be made at the Student Services Office. A tutor referral mechanism is also operated but many students self-refer, using the service to meet their needs as appropriate. Students’ primary access to Careers education is through the Tutorial Programme. One-year students are carefully guided through the year, with all students undertaking a special programme with individual guidance interviews. All options after College are addressed including employment, returning to College and other FE options. For Level 3 students, there is a comprehensive programme, guiding students through the recruitment processes for Employment and Higher Education.
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We provide Parents’ Higher Education Forums in January (Year 1) and September (Year 2) to help you support your son/daughter through the Higher Education applications process. Likewise, we hold a Parent/Carer Careers Information Evening, during the course of the year, to keep you informed about the support we offer your son/daughter and to update you on the opportunities available to them.
Inspection Arrangements The College is inspected regularly by Ofsted. The College produces a Self-Assessment Report annually, which is shared with the Corporation and relevant Government agencies. The last Inspection Report was published in October 2015 which the College was confirmed as still being a good college. Copies of this are available on request from the College or directly from the Ofsted website.
“Our son likes attending College and is motivated by his tutors which has made him succeed so far” Parent of Bexhill College Student
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general information
“The College’s most significant strength is the atmosphere it has. Students feel independent yet there is a strong support network” Parent of Bexhill College Student
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Reception The main reception of the College is located on the ground floor and is generally staffed from 8.00am to 9.00pm Mondays and 8.00am to 5.00pm Tuesdays - Fridays. Enquiries can be directed to reception in person or by telephone, using the main College number 01424 214 545. The teaching staff are often in the classroom and therefore, if you wish to contact a personal tutor or subject teacher, it is best to do this via email in the first instance. Contact details of your son/ daughter's personal tutor can be found on the Parent Portal.
College Environment Students attending the College have the benefit of first class specialist sixth form environment and facilities that are appreciably better than in most other schools or colleges. In the interests of the whole College community, we request and expect students to maintain high standards of care for the physical environment at all times. In particular we ask students to observe restrictions regarding consumption of food and drink outside of designated areas and that students do not bring chewing gum to College. College students have demonstrated high standards of care for their environment in the past. In instances where students do not take due care of the College environment, it is College policy that individual students and their parents will be asked to pay for any repairs or corrective action necessary.
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Opening Hours The College buildings are normally open for student access and usage of general facilities from 8.15am until 4.45pm Monday - Friday during term time periods. The LRC is open until 7pm on Mondays. Specialist facilities such as laboratories and ICT rooms will only be available outside lesson times by clear arrangement with staff for health and safety reasons. If students need to use College facilities outside ‘normal hours’, advance arrangements can be made with staff. Students cannot use the facilities unsupervised. The LRC is open during most College holidays. Information will be given to students in advance of each of the holiday periods.
Insurance Students are covered for accidental injury whilst at College or on a College sponsored activity via the College's insurance. Further cover is automatically taken when a trip is organised. Details of cover are available on request. Students and parents are advised to ensure they have personal insurance arrangements for bikes and other personal property.
Transport If your son/daughter will be travelling to College using buses and intends to purchase the weekly Freedom ticket (ÂŁ17.00 per week at the time of going to print), he/she will need a 3i-D card. Details are provided at enrolment. During the enrolment process, the student will be given a code which will activate this for them in readiness for the induction day in September 2019.
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Parent Handbook bexhillcollege.ac.uk
general information
Transport On Enrolment Days Thursday 22Nd - Tuesday 27th August 2019 We recognise that students may have some difficulty with transport to College for their enrolment day as the normal College services do not run outside term time. To assist with travel arrangements, where possible students from the same schools are invited for interview at approximately the same time so that car transport may be shared.
Bus Service A number of bus routes serve the College and details of these are provided at enrolment and are also on our website and parent portal.
Rail Service The College can be easily reached by rail. Students catching trains from... • Etchingham, Robertsbridge, Crowhurst should change at St. Leonards Warrior Square (for Bexhill) to Bexhill Station then 98 bus or a 15 minute walk. • Eastbourne, Hampden Park, Pevensey and West Ham and Cooden Beach, travel to Bexhill train station, then 98 bus or a 15 minute walk. • Rye, Ore, Hastings and St. Leonards, travel to Bexhill train station, then 98 bus or a 15 minute walk.
Student Union The Student Union provides an opportunity for every student to become involved in issues that affect them. The Student Union is a representative body with a Student Executive member linked to teaching departments and support areas across the College. The period of office lasts one year and the Student Executives gather the views of students on different College issues and report this feedback and related ideas to support the College as well as organising activities for the students, which includes numerous charity events and social activities.
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Catering In College Food and drink are available from the Refectory on the ground floor. Food should only be consumed in the Refectory or outside on the picnic benches. Meals and snacks are of good quality and are good value for money when compared to other local options. The College is committed to promoting healthy eating.
Contacting Students In an emergency, students may be contacted via the College switchboard: 01424 214545. It should be stressed that this provision is made for emergency use only and whilst every effort will be made to contact the student as speedily as possible we cannot guarantee to be able to relay a message.
Lockers Lockers are available at College for the storage of inexpensive personal property. A charge of ÂŁ5 including a returnable key deposit of ÂŁ2 is required. Lockers are of light construction and students are advised not to leave expensive items in them. Students should not leave any items of significant value in lockers and should always ensure that any such items are properly insured.
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Parent Handbook bexhillcollege.ac.uk
general information
Security If students do need to bring items of particular value into College, they are advised to ask staff to help them arrange safekeeping. Bicycles should be secured with a D lock. Entrances to the College are limited. Visitors go through a signing in procedure which includes registering their car number plate if parked in the College car park. All visitors are required to wear a visitor's lanyard on-site. As part of our security procedures, students are required to wear lanyards at all times when on College premises. These should be visible. Students who attend College without their lanyard will be required to purchase a new one prior to attending lessons.
Safety Procedures The College has a number of members of staff who are qualified First Aiders. Students who are feeling unwell may seek assistance from any member of staff or from reception. A member of staff with first aid qualifications and experience will be called to attend to them if necessary. Students leaving the College because of illness should inform relevant staff and sign out in Reception.
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Parking For Parents Parking at the College is very limited. The car park is operated by Parking Eye and anyone using the car park for any period of time between 7.00am and 4.45pm should sign themselves in at reception and register their car number plate. During the College day, there is a 15 minute waiting period, after which Parking Eye operate a fine/charge if the car has not been signed in. This system does not operate for Parents Evenings, Open Evenings or other major College events when limited parking is available for parents. If parents or visitors have mobility difficulties they should contact the College in advance and special arrangements will be made. The 15 minute wait time should allow sufficient time for dropping off or picking up without the need to register. If students are being dropped off or collected from College at any time, drivers are asked to pull into the bus lay-by or drive into the car park. Parking elsewhere presents a danger to pedestrians and vehicles. The police and traffic wardens are often on duty outside the College.
Parking For Students The College has limited parking facilities. There are 70 student parking spaces on site. Students need a permit to be able to park on site and should apply via reception. A designated number are issued each year. Motorbikes can be parked in the designated area within the College site and must be registered at reception. Cars that are parked on-site without permission will be subject to the fine system outlined above.
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Parent Handbook bexhillcollege.ac.uk
general information
Employers & The Local Community The College seeks to make a positive contribution in partnership with the surrounding community, particularly: partner schools, residents, local elected councils, local employers, agencies and service providers, local media, local charitable and community organisations. The College intends to encourage students to make a contribution to their community, for example through community service, supporting local charities or experiences of work. Participation by employers and local agencies is encouraged to help further our partnership. This may take place through subject activities, the Tutorial Programme, College activities such as the Careers Academy, or as part of our Careers education and guidance.
Data Protection Act Bexhill College is a Data Controller and is committed to protecting the rights of individuals in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) and the new General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR). In doing so, the College only collects, stores and processes personal information for legitimate purposes. This includes information disclosed when contacting the College as well as information we may learn during any engagement activity. The College has produced Privacy Notices which explain how we do this as well as highlighting privacy rights, and how the law protects individuals. Parents should refer to our General Privacy notice and students the Students Privacy Notice. Both can be found on our website at http://www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk/docs2/about/privacy_policy.shtml
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timetable 2019-20 monday
9.00
to 10.00am
D
tuesday
B
wednesday
E
10.00 to 11.15am
friday
f
g
f
g
BREAK
to 10.15am
10.15
thursday
D
B
11.15
E travel time
to 11.20am
11.20 A1 A2 to 12.00pm
G1 G2
c1 c2
D1 D2
E1 E2
12.00 l A1 to 12.40pm
l G1
l c1
l D1
l E1
12.40 l A2 to 1.20pm
l G2
l c2
l D2
l E2
1.20 A1 A2
G1 G2
c1 c2
D1 D2
E1 E2
to 2.00pm
2.00
travel time
to 2.05pm
2.05 to 3.05pm
C
f
A
3.05
BREAK
to 3.15pm
3.15
to 4.15pm
B
C
f
A
MONITORED STUDY / REVISION TIME TO 4.15PM
B
4.20 Meetings to 5.20pm Explanatory Notes: Lunch is divided into two sittings. Students are either in '1' or '2'. .......................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... ...........................................................................................................................
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Parent Handbook bexhillcollege.ac.uk
how to find us PARKING FOR PARENTS Parking at the College is very limited. The car park is operated by Parking Eye and anyone using the car park for any period of time between 7.00am and 4.45pm should sign themselves in at reception and register their car number plate. During the College day, there is a 15 minute waiting period, after which Parking Eye operate a fine/charge if the car has not been signed in. This system does not operate for parents evening, open evenings or other major college events when limited parking is available for parents.
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Bexhill College, Penland Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN40 2JG Free Parking. 2 minutes drive from Ravenside
Designed and Produced by The Detective Agency Ltd. www.detective.co.uk
Parent Handbook 2019/20
Principal: Karen Hucker Penland Road . Bexhill on Sea . East Sussex . TN40 2JG Telephone: 01424 214545 Email: enquiries@bexhillcollege.ac.uk Important Notice: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information included in this handbook is accurate at the time of printing. It is particularly important to note that there may be significant changes to the course details and that the College reserves the right to make the amendments as required. Up-to-date information will be published as available on the College website.
www.bexhillcollege.ac.uk