A Parents Guide to Middlesbrough College

www.mbro.ac.uk

2016/2017

A Parents Guide

TO MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE A short handbook detailing everything you need to know about Middlesbrough College For all Parents, Guardians and Carers For Skills • For Jobs • For University

Welcome

to Middlesbrough College

This Parent and Guardian Handbook aims to help you understand how the College works and the different study options available to your child. It also explains how you can work with us to ensure that your son or daughter is successful and fulfils their potential.

Education after 16 doesn’t just mean staying at school or sixth form full-time; your child can stay at school, go to college, or take up an apprenticeship. What and where your child chooses to study upon leaving school is one of the biggest choices they will have to make, and we know that you will play an important role in this decision.

Our Values Our Values

Middlesbrough College is a high performing college where students achieve academic success. Last year, our students achieved an amazing 100% pass rate in 19 A Level subjects and more students than ever before achieved a triple distinction grade in their BTEC vocational qualifications.

Now that your child has applied to study with us, I would recommend that you encourage them to attend our taster sessions. This is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for the course they are interested in and what career opportunities it could lead to. Your child will receive an invitation in the post so watch out for this.

If you’d like to stay connected with us throughout the application process, visit our social media channels for important news and events throughout the year.

Zoe Lewis, Principal and Chief Executive

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CONTENTS Did You Know?............................................................................................................................... 4 The Application Process............................................................................................................. 5 Your Child’s Study Programme & the Schools Team......................................................... 6 A Levels............................................................................................................................................ 7 Vocational Courses...................................................................................................................... 8 Apprenticeships............................................................................................................................ 9 Combined A Level and Vocational Courses......................................................................... 10 Additional Learning Support Service (ALS)........................................................................ 11 New GCSE Grading Structure & the Careers Team.......................................................... 12 Course Entry Requirements...................................................................................................... 13 English and Maths at College................................................................................................... 14 Supporting Your Child................................................................................................................. 16 MC Enrichment.............................................................................................................................. 18 Student Services Wellbeing Pod..............................................................................................20 We’re Better Without Bullying................................................................................................. 21 Safeguarding................................................................................................................................. 22 Prevent Strategy.......................................................................................................................... 23 Standards of Behaviour............................................................................................................. 24 Community Values........................................................................................................................ 25 Disciplinary Procedures.............................................................................................................. 26 Disciplinary Warning System.................................................................................................... 27 Work Experience........................................................................................................................... 28 Progression to Higher Education............................................................................................ 29 Keeping You Informed................................................................................................................. 30 We Want To Hear From You...................................................................................................... 31

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Middlesbrough College is a

BULLY-FREE ZONE

as well as an inclusive college. We are the first college to receive a joint Bullying Intervention Group Award (BiG) for students and staff

We are the first college in the North East to receive the

DYSLEXIA QUALITY MARK which is given to organisations able to demonstrate exceptional levels of support to students

We have an Investor in People Gold Award which demonstrates our world class management and development of teaching staff

95% DID YOU ÂŁ100M We have invested

of students went on to positive destinations after graduating in 2015; into employment, an apprenticeship, further college & university education

97%

of our students said that their tutors know their subject well

KNOW?

in our state of the art campus to provide outstanding facilities including our new state of the art STEM Centre

Middlesbrough College is part of the

COLLAB GROUP OVER 1000 A cluster of elite colleges across the country that’s helping to shape the future skills agenda and create a network of excellence

of our students progressed onto university in 2016

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS On completion of your child’s application, they will be contacted to arrange an interview date.

The interview is a good chance to visit the college and it allows us to get to know your child’s career aspirations and ensures that they are placed on the correct course level dependent on their GCSE target grades.

Following this, they will be offered a place on their course.

If your child changes their mind about their chosen course midway through the year, this is nothing to worry about. Ask them to contact the admissions department who will invite them to an additional interview with their new course area. In some circumstances, students can apply to multiple courses and make their final decision during enrolment.

Towards the end of term, they will be invited to attend a taster session where they will meet their tutor, fellow students and try a real day in College.

Once your child has received their GCSE results, they will be able to officially enrol onto a course in the late August ready to start their studies in September.

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YOUR CHILD’S STUDY PROGRAMME Whilst at College, your child must attend a whole programme of study which includes:

MAIN STUDY PROGRAMME

AN APPROPRIATE WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT OF AT LEAST 10 DAYS

AT LEAST 8 PERSONALISED ADVANTAGE SESSIONS

MATHS AND ENGLISH LESSONS WHERE APPROPRIATE

Whilst each course is different, you may find that your child’s timetable only requires them to be in College for around 16 hours per week. They will be expected however to study in their own time using our 360 supported study facility called ‘Canvas’, where they can hone and improve their skills and carry out additional learning to supplement their taught studies. All students should set aside 30 hours per week study time whether this is in class, in workshops, in our Learning Resource Centre, or at home.

School’s Team Our School’s Team attend a range of events throughout your child’s final year of secondary education to ensure their transition into College life is as smooth as possible.

They offer: • College tours • Additional information to parents • School lunchtime drop in sessions • College taster days • School career conventions • Application and interview advice For further details call 01642 333800

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A LEVELS A Levels are traditional qualifications where students study multiple academic qualifications.

Taking A Levels means your child will be studying a range of subjects, so they can keep their options open in terms of which career path they’d like to go down in the future. A Levels tend to be a little more like GCSEs as they can be more exam based with more of a focus on theory. You will select three or four choices from a much wider range of subjects.

The introduction of new linear A Levels means that assessment will be mainly by exam at the end of your child’s second year of study. They are a good option for individuals who are unsure of what vocation to specialise in, but who have the desire and motivation to progress into Higher Education.

Typical study hours As many other A Level providers are cutting back on the number of teaching hours being delivered on A Level programmes (reduced to around 4/4.5 hours per subject), our A Level provision is committed to delivering 5 hours teaching time per subject per week.

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VOCATIONAL COURSES Vocational Courses are work-related qualifications that enable a student to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform a particular job.

Vocational qualifications are designed to prepare your child for a particular career. What you learn on these courses can be directly linked to the world of work and to real-life problems and situations. There’s usually more emphasis on coursework than exams and it’s often about learning practical skills that you can apply to the working world. Your child can still go to university after studying a vocational course; a triple distinction grade is equivalent to three A’s at A Level.

Typical study hours Typical study hours for vocational courses vary between subject areas and course levels, however students can expect around 14 hours of study time, including an additional 2-3 for English and maths dependant on their results and the qualification they are studying.

Some programmes of study offer additional modules in employability skills, personal and social development.

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APPRENTICESHIPS Apprenticeships combine paid employment with study.

If your child would like to enter the world of work and ‘earn while they learn,’ an apprenticeship might be the route for them. Apprenticeships combine part-time study with a job, where you can get technical skills and industry knowledge.

Most school leavers hoping to pursue an apprenticeship initially apply for a vocational course to secure a place on their preferred programme of study. Students can only apply to an apprenticeship when an employer and a vacancy becomes available, but it is possible to transfer from a vocational programme to an apprenticeship midway through the course, with students being able to continue their academic qualifications on a part time basis at the College.

Typical study hours Study hours are usually dependent on the organisation they work for, however typically apprentices spend 4 days per week with their employer and 1 day a week studying at the College. An Assessor will come to your child’s place of work to complete additional training and assessments with them.

Our apprenticeship provision is delivered through the commercial training arm of Middlesbrough College, Northern Skills Group. If you know an employer who is looking to take on an apprentice call 03453 40 40 40 and we’ll do the rest.

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COMBINED A LEVEL AND VOCATIONAL COURSES Middlesbrough College has designed a range of exciting bespoke course packages which offer your child the opportunity to study an A Level alongside a BTEC vocational qualification.

This fantastic new programme of study will allow your child to: • • • • •

Earn extra UCAS points to help them progress to university Learn practical skills prized by employers through a vocational qualification Keep their options open by gaining additional qualifications to broaden their future career opportunities Gain an excellent foundation for further academic study with an A Level Learn in state of the art facilities including our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Training Centre and Health Ward

Principal Vocational Course

A Level Options

Advanced Engineering Career Opportunities: Electrical, instrumentation, process, chemical, mechanical, manufacturing and control engineering

Physics, Maths, Chemistry

Health and Social Care (Health Pathway) Career Opportunities: Social work, speech therapy, youth work, teaching, social care and support work

Maths, English, Biology, Sociology, Psychology

Health and Social Care (Care Pathway) Career Opportunities: Social work, speech therapy, youth work, teaching, social care and support work

Maths, English, Biology, Sociology, Psychology

Health and Social Care (Children’s Care Pathway) Career Opportunities: Children’s nursing, social work (youth and children), teaching and support work

Maths, English, Biology, Sociology, Psychology

This course package is best suited to academically gifted students who are looking to challenge themselves in further education. For this reason, we ask for a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A*- B (grades 9 - 6 for new GCSE measures) including English, maths and science. If your child’s timetable permits, there is the opportunity to complete two A Levels alongside your vocational course, and this can be discussed with you during your initial interview and again in enrolment.

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ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT SERVICE (ALS) Our fantastic Additional Learning Support Team are always on hand to help. We have a large team of experienced and trained staff who work closely to support your child’s specific needs with services including: • • • •

Dyslexia support tutors Dyscalculia support tutor Additional English and maths support Communication support workers for the deaf and note takers • Specialist Learning Support Assistant’s (LSA’s) who can provide support for students with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties or an autistic spectrum disorder • Special exam arrangements

• LSA’s who provide classroom and/or personal care and physical assistance • A range of assistive technology software and resources to enable access and inclusion • IT trainers for the visually impaired If your child has a learning difficulty and/or disability that you would like to discuss in a confidential manner, please contact the ALS Team on 01642 333727.

THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE The Learning Resource Centre has over 30,000 books and nearly 200 computers available for your child to access during their studies.

When they begin studying at Middlesbrough College, they will be given £6 printing credit, which will also be replenished after Christmas. Additional credits can be purchased from the LRC, along with a variety of stationary items.

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NEW GCSE GRADING STRUCTURE From September 2017, GCSEs will be graded 1 to 9, with 9 being the top grade.

Check out our diagram below for further details: OLD GCSE Grading Structure

NEW GCSE Grading Structure

A* A

9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

B C D E F G U

U

CAREERS TEAM Our Careers Guidance Advisers are on hand throughout your child’s education to offer free advice on future career pathways available.

They offer: • Impartial careers advice • Information on study routes • Information on how to progress to the next level of courses • Advice and guidance on applying to UCAS For further details or to book a free appointment call 01642 333602

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COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS These include A Levels, BTEC National Diploma, NVQ Level 3 and advanced apprenticeships. Level 3 courses can be vocational which means they are practical and prepare your child with skills for a specific trade/career or university or they can be academic such as A Levels.

Entry Requirements: An appropriate Level 2 vocational qualification and/ or five GCSEs at grade C or above (grade 4 for new GCSE measures).

Some specific courses or A Levels may have different entry criteria so it is important that you check the individual course requirements in our full-time course guide, available at www.mbro.ac.uk.

These courses are usually vocational and involve a varied range of learning activities. The courses are practical and prepare your child with skills for a specific trade/career.

Entry Requirements: An appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification and/or GCSEs at mostly grade D or above (grade 3 for new GCSE measures).

For students who want to find out about what is involved with an occupation and to learn skills which will help them progress on to Level 2 courses or into a job. These courses are usually vocational and practical in nature in order to prepare your child with skills for a specific trade/career.

Entry Requirements: An appropriate Entry Level vocational qualification and/or GCSEs at grade E-F or above (grade 2-1 for new GCSE measures).

These courses will help your child build up skills, experience and gain confidence in order to progress onto a Level 1 course.

Entry Requirements: No formal qualifications.

RIGHT STUDENT, RIGHT COURSE During enrolment, an academic tutor will look at your child’s GCSE results and level of experience before enrolling them onto a programme of study which is best suited for them.

If your child achieves 5 GCSEs at grade C (grade 4 for new GCSE measures) or above they can usually start on a Level 3 programme, which takes between 1 and 2 years to complete. If however they choose a specialist trade vocational subject such as hairdressing, they may have to start at intermediate level to build up their skills in this discipline. Throughout the year we will tell them what they need to do to progress with clear targets to give them every chance to help them reach their full potential on their course.

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ENGLISH AND MATHS AT COLLEGE English and maths at GCSE A*-C are essential qualifications for progression within further education and to Higher Education and employment.

All students will continue to study English and maths if they do not hold a GCSE at grade C or above. Dependent on your child’s school grades, this will either be a GCSE reexamination, or Functional Skills.

Don’t worry if your child didn’t enjoy these subjects at school, college is different and we often find that applying maths and English to subjects that they enjoy and are good at can make a real difference!

Employers frequently stress the importance of GCSEs/Functional Skills and they are recognised as being vital to the world of work and the College incorporates this work within your child’s studies. Students also need to have at least a grade C GCSE in maths and English to progress onto many university courses.

Your Role It is very important that you help us reaffirm the importance of attending English and maths classes throughout the academic year.

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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY CHILD? START HERE YES

We will continue to support them in developing their English and maths

Do they have a grade C or above in GCSE maths and English?

Do they have a GCSE grade E - G or no GCSE in maths and / or English?

NO

NO

Do they have a GCSE grade D in maths and / or English?

YES They will be required to study for Functional Skills maths and / or English at the appropriate level up to Level 2

YES

PROGRESSION

* There is an option for your child to take a GCSE re-sit in November at Middlesbrough College, depending upon their results in the June exams.

If they meet all of the entry criteria they will be invited to an information session and 1:1 interview in August to determine their ability to re-sit the GCSE in November.

Did they achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and / or English?

YES They will now enrol for GCSE maths and / or English

They will now enrol for GCSE maths and / or English*

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SUPPORTING

YOUR CHILD

We want everyone to succeed at Middlesbrough College and that’s why we provide a Financial Support Package to ensure that they are fully supported in further education. This includes:

All full-time students are eligible to access free bus travel to and from College. This can be accessed Monday to Friday up to 9.30pm (term time only).

Students are asked to show their ID card when getting on the bus. This includes a dedicated Ingleby Barwick, Great Ayton and East Cleveland service. See public bus routes for times.

TRAVEL

If your child comes to College by train from one of the named stations they will be able to claim back the cost of their ticket from Student Services at the end of the week- irrespective of their postcode.

Stations currently include: Darlington North Road, Darlington Bank Top, Dinsdale, Allens West, Eaglescliffe, Hartlepool, Seaton Carew, Seaham, Thirsk, Northallerton and Yarm.

All students can also access a free bus service from Middlesbrough bus station to the main College campus every 10 minutes during term time.

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£CASH

BURSARIES

& FINANCIAL

SUPPORT

FOOD

Certain students may be able to claim a bursary of £350 per year. These are means tested and subject to status.

Bursaries are linked to attendance, performance and behaviour.

Your child may be able to get help with equipment costs, travelling expenses, childcare costs and help with trips and residential from funds that are allocated to the College. There is an application form to complete which is available from Student Services.

Additionally, all students receive 1 year’s free access to Microsoft Office 365, £15.00 printing credit and subsidised stationary cost.

If your child is currently receiving free school meals, this will continue at College. All full-time students also receive 10% discount off all food. There are currently six cafés located within the College campus catering for a range of dietary requirements.

Students at Middlesbrough College can benefit from the range of facilities on offer here. This includes free access to the College gym. This service has become so popular, our access times have been increased for students to 8.30pm on a week night and on a weekend your child can use this facility between 9.00am and 1.30pm.

FACILITIES

Your child can also benefit from a 20% discount on hair and beauty treatments plus 1 free haircut in their first term.

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MC ENRICHMENT We know that students don’t just come to college for a qualification, which is why at Middlesbrough College we have many opportunities for your child to partake in enrichment activities. These are designed to enable your child to enhance their CV, pursue a new interest, build up confidence or meet new people should they wish.

ADVANTAGE This extensive programme of events includes student access to workshops, guest speakers and training sessions based around employability, university and progression opportunities, life skills and entrepreneurship.

CLUBS & SOCIETIES Students are encouraged to set up their own clubs and societies as a way of meeting others with similar interests.

MC ACTIVE MC Active is designed to give all students access to a wide range of activities they might not normally get involved with including athletics, rock climbing, archery, table tennis, netball, handball, kayaking and much more!

DUKE OF EDINBURGH Students can complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award alongside their studies.

This will allow your child to develop essential life skills, enjoy new experiences and meet new people. They are able to sign up for this at Student Services.

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MC CREW Students have the opportunity to partake in paid, work experience placements for students as part of its MC Crew Team.

These students play a vital role within the College, gaining real skills and taking part in an array of different activities such as enrolment and our Summer School!

Applicants are asked to apply for available positions throughout the year, with interviews taking place to give students the real work life experience.

STUDENT AMBASSADOR SCHEME Students can join our fantastic Ambassador Scheme and get involved in a variety of College events such as open evenings, parents’ evenings and awards ceremonies.

Being an Ambassador will allow your child to develop their confidence, meet new people, gain skills and develop their CV.

SPORTS ACADEMIES All students have the opportunity to join one of nine sporting academies at the College. These include basketball, cricket, football, gymnastics, golf, netball, rugby, table tennis and volleyball academies.

Ran by a team of highly qualified coaches including ex-professional players and Olympians, each academy offers specialist coaching to develop sporting excellence.

Successful applicants will have nine hours of coaching, training and fixtures per week.

NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE Located within the College, this is a once in a life time experience for all 16 & 17 year olds. This government backed programme is UCAS recognised and highly valued by employers. Thanks to government backing, the most your child will pay for this is between £10 and £50 depending on your circumstances. For further information visit www.ncsnortheast.co.uk.

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STUDENT SERVICES WELLBEING POD

The Student Services Wellbeing Pod offers a range of support to your child throughout their College experience. This includes sexual health, benefits and welfare, drug and alcohol, LGBT and housing and accommodation advice. The College counselling service is also available in the Pod to all students, and is free and confidential. The service provides therapeutic counselling support and links to local external advice and information services for issues including: • Relationship problems • Family break-up/divorce • Depression • Study problems • Anger management • Self-harming behaviours • Feeling dissatisfied with life or self

• Domestic violence / abuse (past/present) • Stress / anxiety • Bereavement • Low self-confidence / self esteem • Issues with drugs or alcohol • Suicidal thoughts

For more information call 01642 333472

Good to know Counselling is confidential unless consent is given to share information, or unless a risk of severe harm to a person is disclosed. This is explained in more detail in the initial sessions and adheres to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Code of Ethics.

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WE’RE BETTER WITHOUT BULLYING Every student has the right to be and feel safe and to enjoy their time at Middlesbrough College. For some young people, the transition from school or work into studying at College can be a big step, and we want students to feel comfortable, safe and happy.

Middlesbrough College is dedicated to promoting and reinforcing a zero tolerance policy towards all forms of bullying and harassment. We are proud to have achieved the Bullying Intervention Group (BIG) Award for the fourth consecutive year. This accolade recognises excellent antibullying practice and shows that the College takes bullying very seriously and works hard to promote a culture of respect, tolerance and diversity.

Your Role If you feel your son or daughter is being bullied reassure them that there is support available and they do not have to suffer alone. Encourage them to tell someone at College who will be able to help them. They can speak to any of the following people in College, or any other member of staff who they know and trust: • • • •

Personal Tutor Director of Programme Student Services A member of the Safeguarding Team

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SAFEGUARDING Middlesbrough College has an extensive safeguarding procedure which aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for all learners who use our College. Our Designated Safeguarding Team are available to provide support to students, families and staff.

All staff on campus have had safeguarding training and must be alert to the possibility of a student at risk to any safeguarding issues. If they recognise a concern, are told about a concern by a third party or if a student makes a disclosure to them, they have the duty and responsibility to make their concerns known to one of the Designated Safeguarding Team. Students are also able to use the College’s ‘SMS texting’ facility which sends an email to a member of the Safeguarding Team with the student’s mobile number to call back. The College also has a designated safeguarding email - safeguarding@mbro.ac.uk The College is part of the Operation Encompass Partnership. This initiative has been designed to provide early reporting of any domestic abuse incidents that occur outside of normal College hours and that might have had an impact on a students attendance.

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PREVENT STRATEGY Colleges have a vital role to play in protecting students from the risks of extremism and radicalisation. This is underpinned by the Counter-Terrorism & Security Act 2015 which states that colleges must have ’due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.’

Radicalisation is the process by which individuals come to support terrorism or violent extremism. It is recognised that radicalisation can occur to an individual from any section of society and is not particular to any racial, ethnic or social group.

It is also recognised that in many instances the process of radicalisation is essentially one of grooming by others. Middlesbrough College works closely with communities and partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable individuals from any background who might be at risk from radicalisation.

Your Role A number of possible behavioural changes can suggest that your child is at risk to radicalisation and it is important that you look out for these. As a parent you should look out for increased instances of: • A conviction that their religion, culture or beliefs are under threat and treated unjustly • A tendency to look for conspiracy theories and distrust of mainstream media • The need for identity and belonging • Being secretive about who they’ve been talking to online and what sites they visit • Switching screens when you come near the phone, tablet or computer • Possessing items – electronic devices or phones – you haven’t given them • Becoming emotionally volatile If you have any concerns, please contact the Safeguarding Team at the College.

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STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR We set very high standards for every student. As a result of this we have set very clear standards of behaviours which we expect everyone to adhere to. At the beginning of your child’s studies they will receive a behaviour policy that outlines the expectations and regulations of the College.

We ask that they do not: • Leave any litter • Arrive late • Eat food in class • Disrupt lessons • Use phones for personal use in class • Disrespect students and staff • Smoke on College property • Use aggressive behaviour • Fight • Steal • Use drugs or alcohol • Vandalise College property

We expect your child to: • Be a positive individual • Concentrate on their studies • Be punctual • Act responsible • Work hard • Have an excellent attitude • Be part of a team • Be polite • Show respect to all • Bring the right kit

Your Role As a parent, it is important to ensure that your child reads through the policy to ensure that they are able achieve their full potential at College.

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COMMUNITY VALUES Middlesbrough College is a fully inclusive College that services a vibrant, multicultural local community. We are dedicated to promoting the core fundamental British values of Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and Tolerance.

We promote and embed this value in College through:

DEMOCRACY

• Student Union elections • Student Class Reps elections to student council

• A You Said, We Did strategy • Principal and Student President walk arounds

We promote and embed this value in College through:

RULE OF LAW

• Student behaviour code of conduct • Students wear ID badges

• Disciplinary procedures • IT protocols • Class rules

We promote and embed this value in College through:

INDIVIDUAL

LIBERTY MUTUAL

RESPECT & TOLERANCE

• Training in safeguarding, cyber safety, create respect • Progression meetings about future plans

• Advantage Programme workshops give information and guidance • Anti-bullying strategies

We promote and embed this value in College through: • Student behaviour code of conduct • The use of Multi faith prayer rooms

• Cultural celebrations • Prevent Workshops • Anti Bullying Week

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DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Students should be aware that the College has a four stage disciplinary procedure in place. This includes:

1

A verbal warning is carried out by your child’s Personal Tutor when previous informal action has not had the desired effect on the student’s behaviour.

2

If the issue has not been resolved, or a second act of misconduct is committed, a written disciplinary warning will be issued to the student. You will be contacted by phone and letter to come to a meeting with the relevant staff and your child to discuss a plan of action.

3

If no improvement is seen, or a third act of misconduct occurs, you will again be invited into the College to try and resolve the situation and a final written warning will be issued to the student.

4

If your child fails to meet the agreed conditions from stage 3, or in the case of gross misconduct, your child may be suspended on a short term fixed period exclusion, pending a thorough investigation. In a minority of cases, there is a chance that your child could be permanently excluded following a stage 4 disciplinary hearing.

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DISCIPLINARY WARNING SYSTEM To enable the security team to support the College in controlling the behaviour of a minority number of students, a warning system has been developed to allow a fast and effective response to unacceptable behaviour.

Yellow Warning • • • •

Littering and spitting on campus Smoking in non-designated areas Not showing respect to staff or peers Swearing, abusive language or unacceptable behaviour

If a yellow warning is given to your child, their Personal Tutor will arrange to meet with the student and this will be recorded. If a second is issued within one month, this will automatically trigger a disciplinary stage 2.

Blue Warning • Angry or threatening behaviour to students or staff • Student’s confrontation which is not violent If a blue warning is given to your child, they must leave the premises and report to their Directorate office after one full day off site. If your child is under 18, you will be contacted via telephone.

Red Warning • • • • • •

Substance misuse Violent conduct Bullying or harassment Theft, or wilful, substantial damage of College property Dangerous driving on campus Gross misconduct of IT usage policy

If a red warning is given to your child, they will be excluded from the College until a stage 4 disciplinary hearing can be arranged. If your child is under 18, you will be contacted via telephone.

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WORK EXPERIENCE Middlesbrough College has developed excellent relationships with local, regional and national employers and will work with your child to find a business that can provide quality and relevant work experience during their time at Middlesbrough College.

To ensure your child gets the most out of their work experience, our dedicated team will help them find the right work placement that supports their career ambitions. They’ll be assigned a dedicated Work Placement Co-ordinator who will visit them and provide support throughout the whole process, and they’ll be provided with a travel card to ensure they can get to work each day!

The benefits of work experience include: • • • • • •

Being prioritised for future job opportunities and apprenticeship vacancies Gaining access to some great employers within the local areas Enhancing a UCAS application Gaining confidence and self esteem Gaining a greater insight into the world of work Giving your CV the edge over others

Your Role As a parent we strongly advise you to encourage your child to take up work experience opportunities throughout the year.

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PROGRESSION TO HIGHER EDUCATION When it comes to deciding on the next steps, your son or daughter can choose to take a university level degree at the College in partnership with Teesside University. Teesside University guarantees a place on a university qualification delivered at the College to any of our students that meet the entry criteria.

This means that if your child enjoys their time with us, they can stay and study a Higher Education course, allowing them to: • Save money! Our course fees are very competitive and as a home based student your child will save a fortune on travel and accommodation expenses. Many of our courses are delivered on a part-time basis allowing your child to keep their existing job if they have secured one whilst in College.

• Increase their earning potential. On average, graduates can earn up to £160,000 more in a lifetime than non-graduates. They can also access a wider range of career opportunities.

• Carry on learning in a state of the art, supportive environment.

For our full list of Higher Education courses, visit www.mbro.ac.uk to download our latest prospectus 29

KEEPING YOU INFORMED We appreciate that Middlesbrough College is a large organisation and finding the right person to speak to for the first time is very important.

A list of key contacts can be found below: Department

Telephone Number

Main College Number

01642 333333

Student Services (including absences)

01642 333606

Construction and Engineering

01642 333867

Visual, Performing Arts and Computing

01642 333307

Hair, Beauty, Retail, Food Industry

01642 333225

Health and Care

01642 333596

A Levels

01642 333359

Sports, Travel and Tourism

01642 333749

Admissions

01642 333601

Parents’ Evenings Dependent on your child’s chosen course, we hold parents’ evenings bi-annually so you can stay up to date with their progress. You will receive a report on your son/ daughter prior to the event, and will have the opportunity to book an appointment on the selected date between 5-8pm to come in and discuss their progress with their tutor, course team and English and maths staff where appropriate.

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WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU We strive to be the best education provider in the region and your opinions allow us to improve our training, facilities and services making Middlesbrough College a great place to study. To share your compliments, comments or criticism email feedback@mbro.ac.uk and one of our dedicated team will get back to you.

How to find us Middlesbrough College Dock Street Middlesbrough TS2 1AD

Telephone Course Information 01642 333333

Email courseinfo@mbro.ac.uk Website www.mbro.ac.uk

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Course Information 01642 333333 www.mbro.ac.uk

Middlesbrough College Dock Street Middlesbrough TS2 1AD Tel. 01642 333333

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this Guide, it is advisable to check information prior to enrolment. The College reserves the right to cancel programmes if there is insufficient enrolment and amend information at any time.