MARIA
WELCOME
TRANSITIONING TO COLLEGE LIFE
There are several opportunities to visit our college before you join, and a visit will help you to become more familiar with college staff and the surroundings. A visit will also help you build a sense of belonging.
YOUR ENROLMENT INTERVIEW
• You have been allocated an enrolment interview date and time. Please contact admissions (details below) if you don’t know when your interview is.
• You will need to register at Reception, and allow about two hours for the enrolment process.
You now have your GCSE and BTEC results and we can finalise the courses that you are able to join. This is also a chance for you to attend the college, meet some staff and ask any questions that are concerning you. You can attend alone or with a family member/guardian to support you if you want.
We also check your identity so that you can be legally enrolled and take your photograph for your college identity card.
Here is a reminder of what you need to bring with you to the interview. Collect this information together perhaps the night before so that you do not have to rush or worry.
• All your exam result slips/certificates for GCSEs and other qualifications (including any from year 10)
• Your passport (or birth certificate if you do not have a passport)
• If relevant, copies of evidence of benefits or any other evidence to support a bursary application
• Portfolio of work e.g. for Art (if you were asked to bring one)
• Your musical instrument, if you want to study music and have not had an audition.
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STARTING COLLEGE
WHAT TO BRING
You may be wondering if you will need to bring to college the same bits and peices that you used to take to school. Some of the items will be the same, but you may have to bring different stuff depending on what you are studying. You need to bring the following:
• A backpack or bag to hold all of your items.
• A pen for writing notes
• A4 lined paper and folders to organise your notes
• A packed lunch, or money to buy something from the canteen
• If you are studying Maths, you will need a Maths set including:
- Ruler
- Protractor
- Compass
- A scientific calculator
- Graphical calculator (A-level maths students only)
Other items:
• Highlighters
• An iPad, laptop or USB sticks
• You may also bring your phone. However, phones must not be used in class without permission from the teacher.
WHAT TO WEAR
The uniform days are gone! After many years of having to stick to uniform regulations, you now will be able to choose what to wear. This section will provide tips and guidance on how to dress at college.
ENROLMENT FAQS
WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE MY APPOINTMENT?
Please call us on 02380 514776 or e-mail us at admissions@richardtaunton.ac.uk to arrange an alternative time.
Note that our courses do fill up quickly so to ensure that you are able to study your preferred courses please make every effort to be available before the first day of lessons in September.
WHAT IF I DIDN’T GET THE GRADES I NEED FOR MY CHOSEN COURSES?
Please still come for your interview! We offer a range of programmes which can provide you with either a foundation year for your chosen courses, or an alternative route to the world of employment.
Please note that we now have a legal responsibility to continue to teach Maths and English Language to all students who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade C in these subjects, so this will be built into your programme if needed.
HOW DO I GET TO RICHARD TAUNTON SIXTH FORM COLLEGE?
You need to make your own transport arrangements, and there is information about how to get here on our website. If you need more information please contact Student Services on 02380 514720. Some parking will be available at the college and there is also free parking in Hill Lane.
WHAT IF I’M WORRIED ABOUT THE PAYMENTS?
Some fees may be payable, please refer to our website for more information as you may be able to apply for financial support options, consisting of the Bursary Scheme and Free School Meals.
STAY IN THE LOOP KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ANY NEW FAQS ON THE RTSFC WEBSITE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On a typical college day, you will want to wear comfortable clothes. Many students wear jeans, leggings, tracksuit bottoms, shorts, hoodies or sweatshirts. Some students wear trainers, but others choose to wear boots. The choice is up to you! If you choose to wear shoes with high heels, make sure they have a sensible heel height.
If you are studying Sports, Public Services or any of the Performing Arts you will be advised to bring or wear suitable clothes.
TIPS AND TRICKS
• It’s a good idea to wear layers that you can put on and take off easily, as the temperatures in the classrooms around the campus can vary.
• It’s a good idea to wear a coat for warmth in the winter and maybe a showerproof jacket or umbrella for rainy days.
• There are lockers for items you do not want to carry around with you.
DIFFERENCES FROM SCHOOL
College is an opportunity for you to prepare for your future. In addition to supporting you through your studies, we also have a duty to encourage independence. To help you become more independent, there are a number of differences that you may notice. This section describes some of those differences.
IN-CLASS SUPPORT
Some students can benefit from extra help in their lessons. For this reason, you may see a teaching support assistant in some of your lessons. Even if they are not there specifically to help you, please feel free to ask for help when/if you need it.
If you used to have in-class support at school, you might also get help at college. But this is not always the case. You will need to let us know if you will need support from the start or if you want to try independently first. You can reassess the situation, change your mind and get back to us.
YOU COULD BENEFIT FROM THE FOLLOWING
• If you have difficulties with Maths or English the Learning Support department offer one to one support sessions to help you.
• Learning Support can also offer you sessions to help you with organisation of study materials, time management, essay writing, and revision techniques.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Practical tips:
• Find the Learning Hub (LH) is and see when is a good time in your timetable for you to go there
• Visit the LRC to meet the team
• If you don’t feel comfortable visiting, why don’t you give us a call to discuss your concerns and see how we can help? (02380 514715)
• Ask your tutor or teachers how the Learning Support team can help you
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT
• Have you had in-class support in school? How did that go?
• Do you think you still need help?
• Do you have an EHCP? If yes, does it say you should get support?
• Have you told anyone in college about what you may need to be in place to be able to do well at college?
• Did your parents/carers contact Learning Support?
• Did you have any access arrangements for your exams? (E.g. extra time, reader?)
• Will you need a time out card? How about a ‘mood’ card?
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