Student Guide 2023

STUDENT 2023

YOUR GUIDE TO MACCLESFIELD COLLEGE

MACCLESFIELD.AC.UK

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Respect for Learning

INTRODUCTION FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

A warm welcome to Macclesfield College. We are delighted that you are now enrolled and we look forward to seeing you again at the start of the new term.

We know it is a real milestone coming to college and have therefore compiled this handbook to provide you with the valuable information that will guide through your student journey.

We have included guidance about the various aspects of college life, including information on college policies and support. We hope that this booklet will become a key document that you can refer to again.

We wish you every success and congratulations for choosing Macclesfield College.

DR LUCY REED Deputy Principal

YOUR FIRST WEEK AT COLLEGE

During your first week at Macclesfield College you will experience all aspects of college life. You will have the opportunity to get to know your teaching staff and other students enrolled on the same course.

Your course will be explained and how you will complete your coursework, letting you know how the course work is delivered, the criteria for the different grades and a course handbook shared.

(the college’s online learning platform) and computer logins will also be provided so that you can access all the resources available to ensure you get the best information needed to pass your course.

All students are given a full college tour so you know where all the important places are such as what classrooms you will be using, a visit to our Library as well as a guide to our online library, where to find the support teams and of course Starbucks and the Refectory!

TIMETABLE

You will be given a paper copy of this, but it will also be available to you online you can access it through itslearning. Your timetable will outline the days and times of your lessons and indicate the classroom. You will see that Fridays have been identified for work experience and we will work with you to secure high quality placements as part of your study programme to enhance your employability skills.

You will see a map of the site with the 5 different buildings where your classes will be taking place.

When looking at your timetable you will notice a room number with a letter

• Main Building (M = Main)

• Mulberry (L= Mulberry)

• Sports Hall (S = Sports)

• Peatfields (P = Peatfields)

• ECAT (E = ECAT)

ON YOUR INDUCTION DAY YOU WILL BE GIVEN TWO IMPORTANT THINGS:

STUDENT ID BADGE

This badge gains you access into the College and it is really important that you wear this at all times while you are in and around the campus and it must be visible. ID badges can only be removed during your class if necessary for health and safety. If you do not bring your badge to college you will not be able to enter or attend lessons and we will contact your parents/ guardians to notify them. It is important to note that we will charge a £5.00 fee for a replacement badge. Wearing an identification badge is a work expectation and being able to meet employer’s standards is vitally important to help you secure a great future after college.

The College issues an ID badge and a lanyard to all members of the college community, to ensure we are all kept safe

EXPECTATIONS AT COLLEGE

During your first week the team will be introducing you to the college’s expectations, these are the 3 A’s:

APPEARANCE

Although we do not have a uniform we do expect our students to dress in an appropriate and business-like manner. Students must wear clothes which are suitable for a learning community and mirrors that of the intended career destination. No hoods or hats can be worn when inside college.

ATTENDANCE

The college expects you to attend all of your lessons and be on time.

ATTITUDE

We expect all students to behave in a respectful manner. Students must respect themselves, other students, staff member and the local community.

REPORTING AN ABSENCE

You are expected to attend college

100% of the time and holidays are not permitted during term time.

If you cannot attend College for any reason, a message should be left before 09:00 am by calling on the absence line: 01625 410018.

The following information you must leave is as follows:

Name of Student Student ID Number

Reason for Absence

We expect students to book appointments with Doctors/ Dentists outside of their timetabled sessions, unless for an emergency. Parents/ carers will receive a weekly attendance update via text message.

You are responsible to catch up on any work missed whilst absent.

Should you feel unwell whilst at college you must report to the main reception. Staff will then contact a parent or carer to make arrangements for you to get home safely.

TRANSPORT

WE OFFER A COLLEGE BUS SERVICE COVERING THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

• Poynton / Adlington / Bollington/ Tytherington

• Congleton / Gawsworth

• Holmes Chapel / Knutsford / Alderley Edge

• Stockport / Cheadle / Bramhall

• Buxton / Whaley Bridge / Chapel-en-le-Frith

• Disley / Marple / Hazel Grove

• Handforth / Wilmslow

Applications for the subsidised bus can be found via our website. If you have any questions regarding transport please email studentservices@macclesfield.ac.uk

TRAVEL CHANGES AND DISRUPTIONS

For the Stockport and Knutsford bus route, you can check any changes to times or specific pick-up locations via the QR code below:

All other bus service disruptions or changes will be detailed on our social media (Facebook & Instagram), this includes cancellations to services due to extreme circumstances, such as snow. Long term disruptions will also be detailed on our website under the ‘travelling to college’ section.

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 4 September 2023 Induction

Tuesday 5 September 2023 Induction

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16 - 18 timetables commence

Monday 11 September 2023 Adult Courses Commence

Monday 18 September 2023 HE Courses Commence

Monday 23 October 2023 to Friday 27 October 2023 - Half Term Week

Friday 22 December 2023- End of Student Term

Monday 8 January 2024 - Student Term Commences

Monday 19 February 2024 – Friday 23 February 2024 Half Term Week

Thursday 28 March 2024 (Good Friday 29 March and Easter Monday 1 April) - End of Student Term

Monday 15 April 2024 - Student Term Commences

Monday 6 May 2024 - May Day Bank Holiday

Monday 27 May 2024 (Bank Holiday) to Friday 31 May 2024 - Half Term Week

Friday 28 June 2024 - End of Full Time Student Term

AUTUMN TERM 2023

SPRING TERM 2024

SUMMER TERM 2024

CLUBS

At Macclesfield College, we have a number of clubs available for you to meet like-minded students and share your passion. From knitting to sports, you’ll find a group that’s perfect for you to get stuck into.

BOARD GAMES

A mixture of new and retro board games to test your skill, knowledge, and wit with new friends!

WII CLUB

A popular lunch time feat – best your opponents at the all-time classic Mario Kart or Wii Sports, or just spectate!

SPORTS CLUB

A varied array of sports clubs, including basketball, football, badminton and more!

DRAMA CLUB

For those who want to shine on stage, to those who want to work on the intricacies of what goes into a performance. Suitable for all abilities!

KNITTING CLUB

A timeless craft that continues to grow in popularity, come and show off your recent makes or learn how to knit and purl.

COMIC CLUB

If you are wised-up on all about Anime or have your pencils at the ready to create the next superhero/villain, share your passion with us.

PRIDE CLUB

Celebrating who you are and meeting like-minded people to show your Pride!

IT CLUB

With our top of the range technology, you can game, hack and even work in this one.

CV / PERSONAL STATEMENT / ASSIGNMENT WRITING WORKSHOPS

Need a hand to perfect your writing? This is the place for you! With expert knowledge and guidance, you can feel confident.

We are always looking to expand our offering – let us know if you want to lead on something and we will make it happen –email studentservices@ macclesfield.ac.uk

STUDENT COUNCIL

We have a student council which meets monthly to discuss college life with key members of the College Management Team. This is a great way to make your voice heard.

If you want to have a positive impact during your time at Macclesfield College, the Student Council is a great place to do that. You’ll learn all about helping other students and having your ideas and thoughts listened to.

You’ll also meet other like-minded students and most importantly, you’ll be developing a fantastic range of skills and experience that future employers will love.

STUDENT AMBASSADOR

We are always looking for student ambassadors to help out at our open events. You will be given your own ‘student ambassador’ t-shirt to wear during the events and will need to help with escorting guests to the different buildings, or speak about your own experience at the College. You will also be rewarded for your hard work with a shopping voucher, certificate and food voucher to use at our onsite Starbucks Café!

BEHAVIOUR AT MACCLESFIELD COLLEGE

At Macclesfield College our climate is positive and optimistic. We have a learning and success culture where achievement and effort are rewarded; where all are challenged to do their best and where all are valued and respected.

Our Behaviour Policy is designed to support this aim. The basis of our policy is positive: we wish to “catch students doing the right things” and reward them for it. However, on occasions, students may behave inappropriately.

Students are responsible for their own behaviour. Consequences will result from their choices – be this rewards or sanctions. Students, parents/carers and college staff share the responsibility to ensure that learning is not disrupted due to bad behaviour.

We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour in any form. However, we realise that such behaviour could be attributed to a combination of inter-related factors. Therefore, we will work closely with the student and parents/carers to develop strategies which can be adopted by both home and college to help the student overcome any problems within a consistent and secure environment.

We take a zero-tolerance stance to any instances of Harmful Sexual Behaviours including sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual violence peer on peer abuse. We will apply appropriate sanctions.

REWARD PROGRAMME

At Macclesfield College we believe that effort and achievement should be recognised. Through our Rewards Programme we aim to motivate and praise students for their effort, participation and achievement both individually and within their classes.

CELEBRATION CARDS

Celebration Cards will be sent home for exceptional work, behaviour and attitude mapped to our college values:

• Accountability

• Ambition

• Integrity

• Passion

• Respect

ATTENDANCE

• 100% attendance per half term

– Celebration Card sent home

• 100% attendance per term

– Certificate sent home

ADDITIONAL REWARDS

• Annual Celebration Event – invitation only for being a model student, high attendance and upholding the 3A’s.

RESPECT FOR LEARNING

ctions

ring onsequences A B C

VERBAL WARNING

Reason for the sanction

Lateness, Defiance, Disrespectful Behaviour, Noncompliance, Failure to meet deadlines, Inappropriate classroom behaviour.*

STAGE 1 - DETENTION

Reason for the sanction

If a student who displays repeated verbal warning behaviour or attendance falls to below 91.5% they will be issued with a detention.

STAGE 2 - REPORT

CARD

Reason for the sanction

Continuing decline in attendance and/or continued poor behaviour.

STAGE 3 – FIXED TERM EXCLUSION

Reason for sanction

For 48 hour maximum and only 1 fixed term exclusion in any one academic year.

STAGE 4 - EXCLUSION

Reason for sanction

Any serious incident.

*This list is not exhaustive. Please refer to the full policy on the website.

NOT HAPPY WITH YOUR COURSE?

WHAT IF COLLEGE IS NOT THE RIGHT PLACE

If you decide that Macclesfield College is not right for you our teams will work with you to try and find alternative provision. As all young people under 18 have to be in some kind of Education Employment or Training we work with the Local Authorities to ensure that all opportunities are discussed.

COMPLAINTS

If you are not happy because of the standard of service you get from Macclesfield College; or our failure to do something we agreed to do; or the way you were treated then please complete the complaint form on our website or by clicking here Complaints ProcedureMacclesfield College.

YOU SUPPORTING

All the team at Macclesfield College work hard to ensure all students are fully supported. There are dedicated staff members who support students in different ways.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Help is available for various expenses, including travel costs, subsidised meals, materials or equipment expenses, and childcare costs. The Learner Support Fund targets students who encounter financial difficulties while pursuing their education, and allocations are made based on demonstrated need. The type of aid a student receives depends on their age and course, meaning that not all forms of support are universally accessible to all.

students. The assistance can be in the form of cash or payment in kind to cover course-related expenses.

To find out more about the financial support that we offer, please visit our website or email:

studentservices@macclesfield.ac.uk

ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT

We have a team of specialist staff to support you should you have any additional needs to overcome barriers, promote your independence in learning and achieving your personal best. The specialist Learning Facilitators work in the classroom and outside, to support the individual needs of students.

Additional learning needs are assessed on an individual basis and support can be provided for learning. If support is required it can be disclosed by making an appointment with our Specialist Provision Lead, Lis Brown, by emailing: als@macclesfield.ac.uk

WELFARE

It is important to us that all of our students are and feel safe. We hold the safety, health and welfare of students as paramount. We believe that all young people and vulnerable adults have a right to protection from abuse, whatever their age, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual identity or gender. Here at Macclesfield College, safeguarding is a whole college approach.

Safeguarding is a term that covers many things – all concerned with making sure learners are safe, healthy, protected from harm and enjoy positive wellbeing. An important part of the college’s role is to equip learners to deal with situations that put their wellbeing at risk, both in and out of college, and both now and in the future.

If you have any safeguarding issues or concerns, please contact a member of the Safeguarding Team:

Helen Hampson

Designated Safeguarding Lead

07738 105 384

Hannah Worthington

Safeguarding Officer

07594090434 ext. 521

John Beddows

Safeguarding Officer

07738105390 ext. 521

Oliver Marks

Welfare Officer

07738106408 ext. 521

Alternatively, they can be contacted via the following email address: welfare@macclesfield.ac.uk or pop and see us – we are based in the Welfare Hub in the main building, next to reception.

The College Counsellor is also available if you would like to talk to someone about anything which concerns you, whether it is to do with college, friends, work, personal or home life. Counselling offers a safe, informal place where you can talk freely and in confidence in a way that is not always possible with friends, family or tutor. To make an appointment simply call or text Mandy on 07738 105 379 or email mandy.montgomery@ macclesfield.ac.uk

WELLBEING

We are excited to announce that we are the first College in the world to be awarded the Art of Brilliance ‘Investors in Wellbeing’ status. Over the past 12 months we have been working hard with Dr Andy Cope and his team, to educate our staff and student ambassadors about mental wealth, positivity and resilience.

Since the Art of Brilliance training with staff and students, elements of positive psychology have now been introduced into the College curriculum. Students are encouraged to think about what they are like at their best. They have been taught that mindset is a set of beliefs about what they think is possible and importantly, what they believe about themselves will have an impact on how quickly they can learn.

The Wellbeing Committee, In partnership with The Art of Brilliance, has now been set up and we are always looking for student wellbeing ambassadors which can help yourself and others build confidence, resilience and mental wealth. Contact studentservices@ macclesfield.ac.uk for more information.

CAREERS AND WORK EXPERIENCE

At Macclesfield College we are committed to ensure you are on the right course for your future career. Our team are on-hand to help you with: Choosing a college course, Exploring future career options, CV masterclasses, Interview preparation and techniques, and Job searching.

You will have guidance on what options are out there for your future, whether that’s university, apprenticeship or employment. Advice and guidance will be given through your tutorial sessions and extra support is available to those who require it. If you would like more information about this please contact studentservices@ macclesfield.ac.uk.

WORK PLACEMENTS

As part of your student study footprint, all students are required to complete a 30-hour work placement alongside their studies. This forms part of employability, enrichment and pastoral training which provides a different perspective and a context for academic learning, creating an opportunity to put theory into practice.

This placement needs to be relevant to your chosen course. Support will be provided by teaching teams to help source work placements. Students are to complete their work placement hours on their days off from college.

This applies to all students studying on a full-time study programme who do not have to complete a mandatory work placement as part of their qualification.

For more information regarding this, please email: workplacements@macclesfield.ac.uk

Please note that some subject including: Animal Care, Childcare, Health and Social Care, Electrical Installation, Business and all T-Level courses, require mandatory work placement hours. Details of this can be found on our website.