ESOL Pathway to Employment Student Handbook – Grahame Park Name
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Student ID
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2012-13
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ESOL Pathway to Employment GRAHAME PARK Student Handbook
CONTENTS
Page
Welcome and College Dates
3
Course Information
4
What will I study?
5-7
Activities and Speakers
8
Exams and Assessment
9
What do I need to bring?
10
Lateness and Attendance
11
About Grahame Park
12
Barnet & Southgate Campuses
13-14
E-Learning
15-19
Safeguarding
20
Student Code of Conduct
21
What we expect from you
22
Appendix
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We wish you success at Barnet and Southgate College and hope you enjoy your course!
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ESOL Pathway to Employment Welcome to Barnet & Southgate College!
The ESOL Full-time course team welcomes you to Grahame Park. We want to make sure you get the most from your course of studies. You will meet students from all over the world and there is a wealth of cultures to share: this makes the ESOL Full-time course a very special course indeed.
ESOL Pathway to Employment - Term Dates 2012-2013 Autumn Term
10th September – 21st December 2012 (Half term 29th October – 2nd November)
Spring Term
7th January – 28th March 2013 (Half term 18th February –22nd February 2013)
Summer Term
15th April – 5th July 2013 (27th May – 31st May 2013)
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ESOL Pathway to Employment Name Student Number Class
Room
Tutor
My teachers are: General English Reading & Writing Listening & Speaking PSD Life in the UK/Topics ICT Numeracy
If you cannot come to class you must tell your tutor or phone the college.
My tutor’s number is
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What will I study? General English You will learn grammar and new vocabulary. Your lessons are designed to give you thorough practice in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Speaking & Listening You will practise and improve your listening and speaking skills in useful everyday situations and for a variety of purposes, e.g. debating, negotiating, conversation, giving presentations and improving your pronunciation are an important part of this session.
Reading and Writing You will practise the skills of reading, and writing in a variety of contexts. You will practise planning and writing formal and informal letters, emails, notes, messages and articles. There will be a wide range of reading materials and you will work on handwriting and spelling, as necessary.
Individual Tutorial You will see your tutor one-to-one once a term to discuss your progress and performance. You will discuss your progress on the course and together you will complete an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). You will also be given work to do, which will help you study on your own. If you have a problem, please make an appointment to talk to your tutor who can refer you to the college specialist advice, counselling and guidance services.
Group Tutorial/ Personal and Social Development Each class has a personal tutor who is there to give you the support, advice and encouragement you need to make the most of your course. You meet as a group every week and any administrative matters will be dealt with at this time. You will find out about important dates, student meetings, activities at the college, work experience and examination arrangements. The group tutorial sessions will cover a range of activities, such as study skills, careers education, equal opportunities and health and social issues. You will also study topics like health, money management, looking for work, etc, which will be part of your Personal and Social Development units. 5
Tutorials and Individual Learning Plans Your teacher will meet with each student individually – one to one - every term. Your teacher will make an appointment for a tutorial with you to talk about your learning. You and the teacher will make a list of things you should do after classes to help you learn. This is called an Individual Learning Plan, or ILP. You will be able to see your ‘e-ILP’ on a computer – see page 18 of this handbook. If you need help, advice or have a problem with your studies, please ask for help. Your tutor may be able to help or tell you where you can get help in the college.
Life in UK/Topics You will experience language through the study of current issues in Britain and the world today. You will read about, debate, discuss and write about important topics and issues in the news and in our lives. You will have the opportunity to explore these issues and say what you think. This is useful for:
your Edexcel ESOL Skills for Life Speaking & Listening, Reading and Writing examinations
improving you communication skills in college and at work
living and working in Britain
citizenship in the UK
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ICT - Information and Communications Technology In these lessons you will use the computer to further develop your language skills, particularly reading and writing. You will be given the opportunity to use the computer to carry out a range of useful and common tasks required for everyday life, work and study. A variety of computer features and programmes will be used to help you efficiently look for information, and effectively edit, proofread and present your work.
Numeracy
The course will cover the following areas:
mathematics and the language of maths:
number, measures, shapes and handling data.
division, multiplication, fractions and percentages.
solving problems using mathematics and the language of maths.
analysis of numerical information e.g. tables, charts, graphs and diagrams.
This course will help you in your future studies and work. You will work towards a Numeracy qualification at Entry level, Level 1 or 2.
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES & SPEAKERS TRIPS Students will have the opportunity to go on many trips during the year, such as: The British Museum The Victoria &Albert Museum The Natural History Museum St Albans Kew Gardens Houses of Parliament Little Venice boat trips And many more!
SPEAKERS Speakers will be invited to help you with life in the UK, such as: Local member of parliament CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) Barnet Recycling Voluntary Work Police (safety talk) Barnet Refugee Service HMRC (tax and finances)
EVENTS There will also be many events during the year, where you can have a lot of fun, as well as learn English! Black History month… Story teller, African Drumming, and more… End of term parties Careers Fair to help you think about next year. International Day Students can also organise their own events 8
Exams
You can study English and numeracy at these levels: Entry 1
Entry 2
Entry 3
Level 1
Level 2
Your tutor will also give you a test during your first week at college to check your language learning needs. If your tutor decides that you need a higher or lower level or a different course, you may have to change your class. You will work towards the Edexcel ESOL Skills for Life Qualification on your course. There are three exams:
Reading
Writing
Listening & Speaking
You will take an Edexcel Numeracy exam.
You will study Personal and Social Development modules and work towards Edexcel certificates in 3 units chosen by your tutor
You will develop an ICT portfolio
If you have any special need in class or for exams, please let your teacher know at the beginning of the course.
You will discuss your progress with your tutor who will advise which level exam you will take.
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What do I need to bring?
You need:
a ring binder file dividers A4 paper pens, pencils and a rubber a notebook
You must organise your work. File your work in a ring binder and use the dividers to organise it. Your folder of work will be used to check your progress.
You must concentrate in your lesson. Please switch your mobile phone off before you go into your classroom and put it in your bag or pocket.
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What do I do if I am late?
It is important to come to class regularly and on time, but if you are late, go into the class quietly. Tell the teacher why you are late. Any lateness will be recorded by the tutor.
What do I do if I cannot come to college?
You must tell your tutor if you cannot come to college. You will need to bring proof of hospital appointments, interviews etc. Please do not make your appointments for times when you have classes. If you don’t attend at least 90% of your classes, you will lose your place. If you are absent for more than 2 weeks without giving us a good reason your teacher will give your place to someone else. If you cannot come to class and you did not tell your teacher before, phone your tutor and leave a clear message.
My tutor’s number is:…………………………............
Moving home? If you change your address or telephone number, you must tell your teacher.
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About Grahame Park
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The Learning Centre has excellent ESOL learning materials and a large number of computers for the use of students.
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A Gym and Sports Hall – there are lots of of sporting activities during the year, check the college website for information.
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Students can get good offers for haircuts and other treatments in the Hairdressing and Beauty Salon
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If you’re hungry, you can go to the Refectory for a hot meal or get a quick coffee and snack at the shop in the Students’ Common Area. Also, the Pavilion restaurant serves excellent food at set times during the term.
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Students can get help and advice about many different things like childcare and benefits at the Student Services Office. In addition, they can get guidance for their future study plans from the Careers Advisors.
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There is a Crèche for young children but you must book early to get a place for your child. Ask your tutor or Reception for details.
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Look at the notice board for student activities organised for Grahame Park students. Your teacher will also give you details during the year.
FIRST AID & FIRE First Aid Ask your teacher what to do and who can help in an emergency at college.
Fire Exits If you see a fire tell your tutor or Reception. Make sure you know where all fire exits are in the building. These are signposted around the building. If you hear the fire alarm, go with your class to the nearest fire exit. Wait together with the other students from your class and make sure your teacher can find you. 12
Barnet & Southgate College Campuses
Barnet and Southgate College has five campuses across the London Boroughs of Barnet and Enfield.
A: Wood Street Campus Wood Street, Barnet EN5 4AZ Tel 020 8200 8300 Tube: High Barnet (Northern Line, Zone 5) Bus: 34, 84, 107, 184, 234, 263, 307, 326, 384, 389 Find out more about Wood Street
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B: Grahame Park Campus Grahame Park Way, London NW9 5RA Tel 020 8200 8300 Car: On-site parking available. Tube & train: Colindale (Northern Line, Zone 4) and Mill Hill Broadway (Thameslink) are just a 20-minute walk or a bus ride away. Bus: 113, 186, 204, 221, 302, 303, 382 Find out more about Grahame Park C: Southgate Campus High Street, Southgate, London N14 6BS Tel: 020 8982 5050 Tube: Southgate (Piccadilly line, Zone 4). The Southgate Campus is approximately 200m/2 minutes walk from the station. Bus: W6, W9, 121,125, 298, 299, 382 Find out more about Southgate D: Edmonton Green Campus 2nd Floor, 23 St. George's Chambers, South Mall, Edmonton Green, London N9 0TS Tel: 020 8345 7209 Train: Edmonton Green (Greater Anglia) Liverpool Street to Cheshunt Bus: 102, 144, 149, 191, 192, 259, 279, 349, 491, W6, W8 Find out more about Edmonton Green
E: Barnet and Southgate College at the artsdepot (for Performing Arts courses) 5 Nether Street North Finchley London N12 0GA Bus: 82, 125, 134, 221, 460, 263
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Your college ID card will allow you to use facilities at any campus Using the computer to improve your English There are computers in the Learning Centre and many classrooms. We have special software for learning English and a list of many websites that will also help you to learn. To use a computer you must have a User ID (your student number) and a password. Speak to your teacher or Learning Centre staff to get a password. You will also be given 250 credits. When you have finished your credits you must pay for printing. Keep your password safe and make sure you can remember it. You will need to change your password every term. Your teacher may ask your class to use computers in a lesson and you will need to know your password. Speak to the Learning Centre staff to book a computer there. You can also use the Barnet & Southgate College website to practise your English at home. Go to: http://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/
You will need to enter your User ID (this is your student number) and password. Then you can use the practice materials on the Moodle.
There are many websites to help you with your English including:
www.english-grammar-lessons.com www.englishbanana.com www.esolcourses.com www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise
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Barnet & Southgate College E-Learning The College IT Network gives you new opportunities to learn online, anytime, anyplace. You must use the college network for learning and study only. Be responsible and professional. Respect the privacy of everyone else using the college system Do not post material that might upset others online. Remember to stay safe
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Moodle - Your course page Moodle is an area on the college network where students can find important information about their course and extra practice for reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary. You will find out more about Moodle during the first weeks of your course. Finding your course on Moodle
Open the Barnet & Southgate College Moodle site http://moodle.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/ or via the MLE. After entering this address Moodle will appear with a Login box on the top left that looks like this:
Enter your Username and your password here then click the Login icon and you will then be logged on to the Barnet & Southgate College Moodle network.
After logging on, you will be directed to a new page listing the courses you are enrolled on: Click the course you wish to enter.
Mahara is a student’s personal learning space. It should show all the hard work that you do in college. 17
To access Mahara click the Mahara icon on you Moodle course page: You will then see your Mahara homepage, showing you the different sections of your personal account:
On Mahara you can write about yourself, list your skills/your goals, write blogs and upload assignments set by your lecturers, and so build an e-portfolio. You can submit work for your teachers on Mahara, to do this, upload the necessary file and place it in a ‘View’ – a page that can be shared with teachers/lecturers etc.
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How to see your e-ILP
On Moodle you will find your Individual Learning Plan.
Click on the ‘My ILP’ link and you will be taken to your ILP page.
From here, you can:
Enter your courses, qualifications and goals on ‘My Information’
Set targets for yourself on ‘My Targets’
Discuss progress with your lecturer on Progress Reviews
Keep a record of your progress on Celebrations and Concerns
Summarise your achievements in Progression
Using the e-ILP gives you a new way to show your progress through your time in Barnet & Southgate College.
At the start of the year your teacher will show you how to use Moodle, Mahara and your e-ILP.
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Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
If you are worried about the safety or welfare of another student, or you do not feel safe yourself, there are staff in the college to help you. You can call  020 8266 4077 or click on the link below for more information. http://www.barnet.ac.uk/The-College/services-for-students/the-safeguardingteam
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Student Code of Conduct These rules will make sure the College is a safe and enjoyable place to work and learn in. You should: -
be kind and polite to all people and respect others and their possessions
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look after the College buildings and the equipment you use
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wear your ID card and never give it to anyone else
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show your face to security staff if you are asked to
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never do things which upset other people; do not be unkind to people about the way they look, their sex, their age, their beliefs
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not smoke in the College buildings
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not bring drugs and alcohol into the College
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keep the College clean and tidy
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only eat and drink at break time
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never cheat when you are doing tests or exams
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be careful and safe at College so you do not hurt yourself or others
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come to every class and arrive on time
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never use mobile phones where it might disturb other people
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use computers only to help you learn; do not use the Internet in a way which breaks the College IT rules.
If you break any of these rules you will be disciplined, you might have to leave the College.
Signed by Student …………………………………… Signed by Tutor ……………………………………
Print name …………………………………… Print Name
Date ..................
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What we expect from you:
Come to class every lesson Come to class on time Go to all your classes Bring a file with you Bring paper, pen and pencil Take an active part in the class Switch off your mobile phone Do your homework Respect other students and your teacher Tell your tutor if you cannot come to class Speak to your tutor if you are unhappy about any of your classes
How we will help you: We will help you improve your English We will make your lessons useful and interesting We will speak to you one-to-one about your English
We want you to feel happy learning English at Grahame Park We want you to tell us if you are not happy!
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Appendix
College Policies
Conduct for External assessments/tests
Absence & Punctuality
Disciplinary Procedures
Student Appeals Against the Assessment of Performance
The Role of the Personal Tutor and Tutorials
The Role of the Student Representative
Complaints Procedures
Additional Support
The Role of the Attendance Liaison Officer
UCAS Application Support
Fire Procedures
First Aid Procedures
All college student information can be accessed via this link
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