City of Wolverhampton College - A Guide for Parents 2021/22

A GUIDE FOR

PARENTS www.wolvcoll.ac.uk

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FAQ

College or sixth form, which is best?

That depends on your child – we believe in giving guidance based on the individual student. Many young people feel they have outgrown school and there can be many advantages to college life. Our students enjoy a more adult environment which we believe better prepares them for their next steps, whether that is progressing at college, doing an apprenticeship, going to university or straight into work.

We have a much wider selection of courses than school with a range of industry-standard facilities and specialist resources.

Our aim is to equip our students with the skills, knowledge, confidence, work ethic and positive attitude that will help them in whatever they choose to do next, while still enjoying the benefits of close tutor support. That means our students are better prepared to #DoMore with their future.

95% A LEVEL

LEARNER

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2018/19 A LEVEL RESULTS

FE CHOICES LEARNER SATISFACTION SURVEY FOR 2018/19

ACHIEVEMENT RATE

WE’RE IN THE

TOP 10% OF COLLEGES IN ENGLAND FOR

SATISFACTION

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Visit us! www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events

Like you, we want them to #DoMore with their future…

We know, as parents, you want the best for your son or daughter. At City of Wolverhampton College we believe that young people need to learn to manage their own time, explore their options and find out what they are really good at.

The college works to inspire young people to develop a passion for their subject in an industry-focussed environment that makes a real contribution to students’ aspirations.

Students are supported through their studies by a combination of subject and personal tutoring with regular feedback from their tutor. In this guide, we hope to provide answers to some of your questions and reassure you that the college is one of the best places in the county for post-16 education, where students #DoMore with their skills.

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A guide for parents

Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

#DoMore AFTER YEAR 11 AT COLLEGE - WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

A Levels One route could be the college’s academic courses including a range of A Level subjects. The college provides an alternative learning environment to a school sixth form setting. On completion, students have gone on to study at a range of universities including Cambridge, Imperial College London, Leeds and Durham.

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Apprenticeships An increasingly popular route for young people is an apprenticeship, which combines gaining a nationally recognised qualification with working and earning a wage. City of Wolverhampton College works with a host of businesses to help them find and train their next apprentice.

Traineeships are a new addition and provide a progression route onto apprenticeships, further training or into employment.

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FAQ Vocational Courses For those who prefer to learn practically, the college offers a huge range of vocational courses (workrelated programmes). From beauty to childcare, engineering to hospitality and motor vehicle to sport, our programmes enable students to develop the skills and knowledge required to work in specific industries.

Options after Year 13 For those considering their options after Year 13, the college offers university-level higher education courses as an alternative to studying at university.

In essence, your child could come to college at 16 and leave with a university-level qualification at 21.

Are vocational study programmes easier than A levels?

Vocational study programmes are offered at three levels, so there is an option for every ability.

Level 1 is introductory, Level 2 is intermediate and Level 3 is advanced, the same learning level as A Levels.

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Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

A guide for parents

ACADEMIC #DoMore A Levels @wvSixth A Levels will suit your son/daughter if they enjoy and perform well in exams and want to study a range of subjects before progressing to university.

A Levels are nationally recognised qualifications highly regarded by both employers and universities. With a range of courses on offer – many of which are different to those on offer at school – your son/daughter can study the subjects that interest them and the combination that best suits their plans for their future career.

As an A Level student they will have access to wvSixth – our own sixth form centre on the Paget Road campus which has dedicated computer workstations and comfortable learning spaces – as well as all the other facilities the college has to offer.

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FAQ My child is high achieving and has done well in school. Will they have the same academic opportunities at college as if they had stayed on in school sixth form?

For many years college students have been progressing to top universities throughout the UK including Durham and Cambridge. If a young person has the ambition and aptitude, we will provide the support to ensure they reach their potential.

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#DoMore

VOCATIONAL

FAQ

#DoMore in a subject they love!

Vocational study programmes are related to areas of work such as engineering, health and social care or sport and are excellent if your son/daughter has a keen interest in a particular subject.

They focus on coursework rather than exams so it’s about learning practical skills that apply to the working world.

Vocational courses can also lead to university as the qualifications carry UCAS points.

What are vocational courses equivalent to?

BTEC Qualifications GCSE/A Level Qualification

Will an Extended Diploma allow my son or daughter to progress to university?

Yes, in fact many students comment that having completed an Extended Diploma in the subject area they are pursuing makes the first year of a degree much easier.

UCAS Points

Level 2 Diploma

4 GCSEs

-

Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma

1 A Level

140

Level 3 Diploma

2 A Levels

280

Level 3 Extended Diploma

3 A Levels

420

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A guide for parents

APPRENTICESHIPS Earn More, Learn More, #DoMore An apprenticeship is a fantastic alternative to college or university. Your son/daughter will have a job whilst working towards further qualifications. Apprenticeships take a minimum of one year to complete, however some can take longer, especially if they are at a higher level or in a certain sector such as engineering.

Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

There are lots of benefits to doing an Apprenticeship: • A full-time job with a wage • Learning through hands-on experience • Training in the skills employers want • Achieving valued qualifications • Excellent progression opportunities, whether looking to study further or climb the ranks within the workplace or progressing to university • Increased future earning potential – apprentices enjoy marked salary increases when they complete their training, and those completing a higher apprenticeship could see increased earnings of an estimated £150,000 over their lifetime • Fantastic support from our assessors • An alternative to sixth form or studying full-time at college You can help your son/daughter by encouraging them to look for a job. We have a wide range of apprenticeship vacancies on our website: www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/apprenticeships

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#DoMore AFTER YEAR 13 FAQ

Progression to Higher Education at college

Is college an easier option?

Many of our subject areas offer progression right up to universitylevel courses – right here at City of Wolverhampton College!

Students can stay with us and save thousands of pounds on their next step in education. With university fees as much as £9,000 per year, we offer a fantastic, affordable alternative.

No, college isn’t an easy ride or a second rate option! We believe that nothing worth having comes easy and expect all our students to work hard, challenge themselves and be outstanding.

And we’ll work hard with them - our tutors put everything they’ve got into making sure our students succeed. They’ll motivate, inspire and challenge them to be their very best.

We offer a range of course types including: • Higher National Certificates (HNC) – similar to HNDs, but with fewer modules, most HNCs can lead directly onto the second year of a full honours degree.

• Higher National Diplomas (HND) – studied part-time or full-time, most HNDs can lead directly onto the second or third year of a full honours degree.

• Foundation Degrees - equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree and can be topped-up to gain a full honours degree.

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Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

A guide for parents

OUR FULL-TIME COURSES A Levels

Business

Computing & IT

Art

Business Level 1 Diploma

Computing / IT Level 1 Diploma

Biology

Business Level 2 Extended Certificate

Computing / IT Level 2 Extended Certificate

Business

Business Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma

Networking & Cyber Security Level 2 Technical Diploma

Chemistry Computer Science Dance Drama and Theatre Studies Economics English Language English Literature Environmental Science Government & Politics History Law Maths Physics Psychology Sociology 10

Marketing Level 3 90 Credit Diploma Business & Law Level 3 90 Credit Diploma Human Resources Level 3 90 Credit Diploma

Programming Specialist Level 3 Cyber Security (Hack the Hackers!) AQA Level 3 Technical Certificate Computer & Games Programming Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma

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Construction

Creative Arts

Early Years

Basic Construction Skills Extended Certificate Entry Level 3

Art & Design UAL Level 2 Diploma

Caring for Children CACHE Childcare Level 1 Diploma

Brickwork Level 1 Diploma Brickwork Level 2 Diploma Carpentry & Joinery Level 1 Diploma Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 Diploma Electrical Installation 7202 Level 1 Diploma Electrical Installation 2365 Level 2 Diploma Electrical Installation 2365 Level 3 Diploma Painting & Decorating Level 1 Diploma Painting & Decorating Level 2 Diploma Plumbing Level 1 Diploma Plumbing Level 2 Diploma Plumbing Level 3 Diploma

Art & Design UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma Art & Design UAL Level 3 Diploma / Extended Dip Creative Media and Photography Level 1 Creative Media Production UAL Level 2 Diploma

Childcare CACHE Level 2 Diploma (Early Years Practitioner) Childcare & Education CACHE Level 3 Certificate (Early Years Educator)

Creative Media Production UAL Level 3 Dip / Ext Dip Games Design UAL Level 2 Certificate Games Design UAL Level 3 Diploma / Extended Dip Music Technology UAL Level 2 Diploma

Engineering

Music Technology UAL Level 3 Diploma / Ext Dip

Engineering BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate

NCTJ Diploma in Journalism Level 3 Performing Arts UAL Level 2 Diploma Performing Arts UAL Level 3 Diploma / Ext Dip Photography and Digital Imaging UAL Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma TV, Film and Radio UAL Level 3

Mechanical Engineering BTEC Level 3 Diploma (90 Credit) Mechanical Engineering BTEC Level 3 Diploma (120 Credit) Manufacturing Engineering BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

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Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

A guide for parents

ESOL

Health & Social Care

Maths & English

ESOL (16-18)

Health, Social Care and Children & Young People Level 1 Diploma

English Level 1

Health & Social Care Level 2 Extended Diploma Health & Social Care Level 3 Extended Diploma

English Level 2 Maths Level 1 Maths Level 2

Hair & Beauty

Hospitality, Catering & Bakery

Motor Vehicle:

Beauty Foundation Level 1

Introduction to the Hospitality Industry Level 1

Motor Vehicle Level 1 Diploma

Beauty Specialist Techniques Level 2

Food & Beverage Service Level 2 Diploma

Motor Vehicle Entry Level 3 Diploma

Nail & Beauty Specialist Level 2 Diploma

Food & Beverage Service Level 3 Diploma

Motor Vehicle Accident Body Repair Level 2 Dip.

Advanced Beauty Techniques Level 3

Professional Cookery NVQ Level 2 Diploma

Hairdressing Foundation Level 1

Professional Cookery NVQ Level 3 Diploma

Motor Vehicle Accident Repair Mechanical, Electrical and Trim Level 3 Diploma

Hairdressing Techniques Level 2 Diploma

Professional Bakery Level 2 Diploma

Creative Hairdressing Level 3 Diploma

Professional Bakery Level 3 Diploma

Motor Vehicle Light Vehicle Service & Repair Level 2 Diploma Motor Vehicle Light Vehicle Service & Repair Level 3 Diploma Motor Vehicle Paint Refinishing Level 2 Diploma Motor Vehicle Paint Refinishing Level 3 Diploma

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Science

Sport

Travel & Tourism

Applied Science BTEC Extended Certificate Level 2

Basketball Academy Diploma Level 2

Air Cabin Crew C&G Level 2

Basketball Academy Diploma Level 3

Travel & Tourism Level 2

Sport & Active Leisure Diploma Level 1

Travel & Tourism BTEC Diploma / Extended Diploma Level 3

Applied Forensic Science Level 3 90 Credit Diploma / Extended Diploma Applied Medical Science Level 3 90 Credit Diploma / Extended Diploma Applied Science Level 3 90 Credit Diploma / Extended Diploma

Sport BTEC Extended Certificate Level 2 Sport BTEC Diploma / Extended Diploma Level 3 Activity Leadership NVQ Level 2 Certificate Personal Training Diploma Level 3 Football Academy Diploma Level 2 (in partnership with Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation) Football Academy Diploma Level 3 (in partnership with Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation)

Uniformed Public Services Public Services Level 1 Extended Certificate Public Services Level 2 Extended Certificate Public Services Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma

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A guide for parents

Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

FAQ Do you hold open days?

Yes. We hold six open events during the academic year for you to come along and find out more about our subjects, meet our tutors and current students, take a tour of our facilities and get expert careers advice if you feel your son/ daughter needs more guidance.

We also hold ‘Next Steps’ events in August to support with GCSE/A Level results providing careers and course advice if your child's results aren’t quite what they expected or if they’ve changed their mind about their next step.

See the back page for details or visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events to book your place.

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MATHS & ENGLISH Achieving a good standard of English and Maths is a key requirement for many jobs, as well as for courses that your son/daughter may wish to progress on to, including university. These skills can also mean higher earnings in the future! For these reasons, City of Wolverhampton College – in line with all colleges in England – provides all students with an opportunity to develop their maths and English skills.

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What does this mean for my child?

If they don’t have a GCSE grade 4 in either Maths or English:

If they have a GCSE grade 4 in one subject but not the other:

If they have grade 4 Maths and English at GCSE:

As part of their study programme they will work towards a grade 4 in maths and English.

They will be enrolled on either a maths or English qualification and as part of their study programme will work towards a GCSE grade 4 in the relevant subject.

They will not be enrolled for a maths or English qualification but will continue to develop and apply these skills throughout the rest of their study programme.

GCSE Grading System If your child has GCSEs grades A*-G, take a look at the table to the right to compare the old and new grading systems.

New

9-8

7

6

5-4

3

2

1

Old

A*

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

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A guide for parents

Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

SO HOW DOES THE COLLEGE #DoMore?

Teaching and industry expertise Our tutors are highly qualified and experts in their fields. Many have worked in the sectors related to the curriculum areas they teach in and understand the demands of the industry.

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Support for all our learners We are really proud of the level of support we provide for our students and we make every effort to create an environment where students feel safe, valued and supported in their learning at college. We know that starting college may be a big change from what your child is used to but our friendly Student Hub team is here to support them every step of the way. In addition, each student is allocated their own personal tutor who they can talk to about any concerns they might have or additional support they might need.

Personal Tutor Students all have a personal tutor who supports them through their time at college. Each student regularly meets their personal tutor on a one-to-one basis to discuss their work, monitor attendance, track their progress and set targets.

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Additional Learning Support Students with specific learning difficulties, physical disabilities or sensory impairments are provided with support, specialist advice and resources to help them achieve their best. The college also has specialist courses for people with a range of learning difficulties who need a supported environment. For more information visit: www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/ additional-learning-support

Visit us! www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events

Parent-tutor communication We recognise and welcome the contribution parents can make to their child’s success and aim to keep you well informed through progress evenings, letters and regular reports. We are always happy to answer parents’ queries and parents are welcome to contact us to discuss any concerns. We constantly monitor student progress, attendance, motivation and general wellbeing. Twice a year we organise a progress evening where you will have the opportunity to speak to tutors.

College Life The environment at college is friendly and vibrant and gives our students some experience of adult independence but in a supportive and controlled way.

Students are encouraged to develop their learning skills and become better managers of their own time and work.

Deadlines are set and expected to be met to ensure that all students achieve their qualifications.

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A guide for parents

Safeguarding All schools and colleges have a legal responsibility to work with external agencies to safeguard a young person’s welfare. The college also has a legal duty to prevent students from being drawn into terrorism. City of Wolverhampton College has clear policies and procedures to ensure students are safe. A team of designated safeguarding officers are in place to deal with safeguarding issues. All staff receive annual update training on safeguarding and PREVENT.

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Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

Attendance & Behaviour Students are encouraged to obtain 100% attendance at the college and be punctual at every timetabled session.

Registers are taken every session and students who are late or with unauthorised absence are contacted by our attendance monitors. The college encourages all of its students to take personal responsibility for their learning and to adhere to the college’s code of behaviour - our values. The college offers an opportunity, particularly for young people, to develop their behaviour and time management skills that are so critical for success at university or in the workplace.

Induction During the first week at college, all first year students attend a comprehensive induction programme that will help them become successful students and make the most of their time at college. The induction programme includes details of the tutorial system, timetable, college rules and discipline, the Study Hubs, computer facilities, course content and how it is assessed, careers information and routes, the UCAS (university) entrance process and student support.

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Equal opportunities for all The college is an equal opportunities organisation and welcomes all members of the community. We aim to give everybody the same chance to succeed regardless of their race, religion, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, disability or age.

The college has a dedicated head of safeguarding to ensure the wellbeing of all learners.

Visit us! www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events

Financial Support All our courses for 16-18 year olds are fully funded. Furthermore, 16-18-yearolds may qualify for a travel pass, lunch card, printing credit and support with educational visits and equipment, based on a household income of £25,000 or less per year. For those aged 19-23 financial support may be available if the household income is £30,000 per year or below and the course is eligible for funding. For further information visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/financial-support

Travel Support Last year City of Wolverhampton College helped over 1,000 students fund the cost of travelling to and from college to access their courses.

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A guide for parents

Learner Support Fund For help with purchasing books, equipment and educational visits, for example, the learner support fund is a means-tested fund providing support towards costs associated with studying a course.

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Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

Free College Meals Eligible students aged 16-18 years old will be entitled to free college meals – a government initiative which endeavours to ensure students are nourished and best placed to succeed in their learning.

Careers Guidance Young people need advice and guidance to inspire and motivate them to fulfil their potential. All students at City of Wolverhampton College have access to impartial careers information and guidance so that they have the tools to make informed decisions about their future as well as being able to fully engage with their current learning.

Our award-winning careers team is available to provide advice and guidance on course options at all levels, future career opportunities, employability skills and university options.

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Top Class Facilities • Free Wi-fi on all campuses • On-site cafés serving tasty food • Student Hubs with advice and guidance on careers, courses and financial support • Well-equipped Study Hubs where students can borrow iPads and laptops • Online learning resources • Industry-standard teaching facilities • wvSixth – our dedicated sixth form centre • Commercial hair and beauty salons, restaurant and bakery • Modern sports centre and gym www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/teaching-facilities

Visit us! www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events

Digital Learning Experience As part of the digital learning experience at City of Wolverhampton College, our students have access to the full Microsoft Office 365 online dashboard to access a range of tools and features including Microsoft Office 2016 software which is free on up to five devices for the duration of their course which includes: • OneDrive online storage • OneNote digital note taking • Outlook email • Mobile device support with a range of Microsoft apps • Many more online apps – there is much more to see in Microsoft • Office 365 to support learning as well as develop valuable digital skills for employment

Celebrating Success On successful completion of the course, your son/daughter will be invited, along with guests, to the Annual Celebration Awards. The awards are sponsored by local employers who provide great prizes and the University of Wolverhampton offer scholarships to some of our outstanding students.

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Find out more www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/parents

A guide for parents

HOW TO APPLY December 2020 Join us online: Wed 2 Dec 4-7pm

January 2021 Visit us in college: Sat 23 Jan 10am-2pm Join us online: Wed 27 Jan 4-7pm

February 2021

March 2021

April 2021

Visit us in college: Wed 10 March 4-7pm Join us online: Wed 17 March 4-7pm

Visit us >>> • meet tutors to discuss your course options • talk to our award winning careers team about your future career Apply >>>

Apply at one of our open events or online at any time www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/apply

Interview >>>

After you have applied we’ll invite you in to meet with our Admissions team

APPLY Apply online at www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/apply or by visiting one of our open events.

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INTERVIEW After your son/daughter has applied we’ll invite them in to meet with our admissions team who will talk to them about their plans for the future to check that the course they’ve chosen is the right one for them. If they’re unsure of their options, then we’ll arrange a meeting with the careers guidance team.

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May 2021 Visit us in college: Wed 5 May 4-7pm Join us online: Wed 12 May 4-7pm

June 2021

July 2021

August 2021

September 2021

Visit us in college: Sat 19 June 10am-2pm Join us online: Wed 23 June 4-7pm

Discovery Day

Results Day Careers advice and enrolment

Enrolment and start of term

• meet our students and find out what college is really like • see all the facilities available to you as a WolvColl student.

Enrol >>>

THEY’RE IN! At the end of the interview, and if your son/daughter is happy with the course options selected, they’ll get a conditional offer for a place at college.

ENROL Before they start their course your son/daughter will be invited to enrol. This is when they can bring any evidence required to support their enrolment such as exam results, and they’ll also be able to complete any other paperwork such as applications for financial support. Then they’ll get a college ID badge which means they’re officially a WolvColl student!

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OPEN EVENTS Visit us in college: Saturday 23 January 2021 10am-2pm Wednesday 10 March 2021 4-7pm Wednesday 5 May 2021 4-7pm Saturday 19 June 2021 10am-2pm PR, WR & MO Join us online: Wednesday 2 December 2020 4-7pm Wednesday 27 January 2021 4-7pm Wednesday 17 March 2021 4-7pm Wednesday 12 May 2021 4-7pm Wednesday 23 June 2021 4-7pm

OUR CAMPUSES Next Steps Careers advice and guidance if you’ve just received your GCSE or A Level results.

Thursday 12 August 9am-7pm Friday 13 August 9am-4pm Thursday 19 August 9am-7pm Friday 20 August 9am-4pm PR only Enrolment 2021 Once you have your exam results come along to enrol: From Monday 23 August PR, WR & MO

* Dates and times subject to change depending on latest government guidance.

Please check www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events for up-to-date information

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Paget Road Campus (PR) Paget Road Wolverhampton WV6 0DU Wellington Road Campus (WR) Wellington Road Bilston WV14 6BT Entrance postcode: WV14 6RN Metro One Campus (MO) Bilston Street Wolverhampton WV1 3AH

Book your place at www.wolvcoll.ac.uk/events

Disclaimer The information in this guide was accurate at the time of its publication.

Large print and PDF versions of this publication are available upon request. Please contact us on 01902 836000.

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