HE Student Induction Booklet

Higher Education

at Ashton Sixth Form College Learner Information and Student Services Booklet for Higher Education Learners.

Welcome to

Higher Education

at Ashton Sixth Form College

Dear Learner, Welcome to Higher Education at Ashton Sixth Form College. We offer a range of Higher Education courses for full and part time learners. May I take this opportunity to wish you every success with your chosen course of study.

Jo Fletcher-Saxon Assistant Principal Higher Education, Skills and International

Hello, My name is Jenny and I have studied the Fd Early Childhood Studies degree and have progressed onto the BA (Hons). Since year one, I have been the student rep. Every class should nominate a student rep. Your rep represents you and your views and your experience as a student at this college. The College regularly seeks student opinions to help improve things either through surveys or via reps.

The College and reps are happy to help you address any concerns. The student voice is powerful and, while I have been here, the things students have said have really made a difference to courses and facilities. During my time here so far, I have been involved in representing students by running focus groups, dealing with difficult situations, helping students and even been appointed as a lead rep during the Colleges HE Review. For me, being a rep has been fulfilling and it has helped me to build my confidence and develop new skills. If you would like to be a rep, talk to your tutor about what it involves. But remember, all the HE reps are there to listen to you and represent your voice - so make sure you are heard.

Jenny Howell Lead Student Representative

Learning Agreement: This agreement explains what services we will provide and gives details of what you can expect from us. It also outlines what we expect from learners. We value the diversity of our learners and are committed to providing a high standard of provision and service for all.

Our Commitments: We will provide advice on courses taking account of your qualifications, interests and career choices.

We will provide the opportunity to study for an appropriate qualification and also to add breadth to your learning experience.

We will provide an induction to college.

We will provide thoroughly prepared and varied teaching and learning that supports individual achievement.

We will provide information at regular intervals on your progress.

We will provide access to additional learning support.

We will provide a range of pastoral support services.

We will provide the opportunity to evaluate college provision and pass on your views/suggestions.

We will provide a safe environment and access to resources.

We will provide an honest and fair reference for either Higher Education or employment.

Your Commitments: You will have high expectations and conduct yourself in a considerate and respectful way.

You are expected to aim for 100% attendance and be punctual, and never less than 95% attendance.

You will never take holidays during term time.

You will be on time to all lessons and carry your student ID card at all times.

You are expected to have full attendance at all scheduled examination periods at the college.

You are expected to report all absences to the College, ensuring they are genuine and authorised.

For students with learning difficulties or disabilities we will: Provide specialist assessment of your learning needs.

Provide a wide range of support and services according to individual need.

For the community we will: Promote Higher Education for all.

Employability:

Provide new technology and a wide range of strategies to continue to improve access and widen participation.

At Ashton Sixth Form College, we put employability of our learners at the heart of everything we do. We aim to ensure all of our learners, across all courses, are given the best possible opportunity of gaining, sustaining and progressing in their chosen career path.

What to do if things go wrong:

All of our Higher Education courses have built in employability skills to ensure our learners have the skills, knowledge and personal attributes to catch the eye of employers, thus making you highly employable. As one of our Higher Education learners, we are committed to ensuring that you understand how to be effective in the workplace and successful in your chosen career, for the benefit of yourself, your colleagues, the community and the wider economy.

Discuss the issue with your Tutor or Head of Department as soon as possible so that we can address the matter in a speedy and appropriate manner. If this approach does not resolve the problem to your satisfaction, you could consult your Tutor for advice on using the Complaints Procedure.

All complaints are considered carefully and outcomes reviewed regularly by the Senior Leadership Team.

Many of our teaching staff have strong industry backgrounds and are experts in their field. We bring in guest lecturers who have industry expertise and a passion for sharing this. Furthermore, our Matrix Accredited Careers Service advisors are here to help you make informed career decisions based on your individual needs, helping you plan the next steps towards your future.

College Policies: College policies and other information are available from the Admissions Officer. These include: • • • • •

Academic Skills Policy Health, Safety and Welfare Policy College Prospectus Complaints Procedure Admissions Appeal Policy

• • • • •

Learning Agreement Fees Policy Pastoral Policy Student Conduct Policy Induction Period Policy

To access any of this information, please contact the Higher Education Senior Admissions Officer.

Equal Opportunities: Ashton Sixth Form College values the diversity of its student population and all students and staff are requested to abide by its equal opportunities policy. This says that no one should be disadvantaged or discriminated against because of their skin colour, gender, cultural background, disability, class, sexuality or age.

Ashton Sixth Form College has an excellent track record for working with students with disabilities to help them to be successful on their courses. You may not choose to disclose or discuss your disability to us, however by letting us know of your needs before you enrol, we can put the necessary support in place.

Support and Facilities: Course & Finance Enquiries: Lisa Pagan (Senior Admissions Officer) and Lynette Grindley (Marketing Assistant) are the first point of contact for all course enquiries and can also provide information on Student Finance: Lisa Pagan Senior Admissions Officer 0161 666 8215 lisa.pagan@asfc.ac.uk Lynette Grindley Marketing Assistant 0161 666 8215 lynette.grindley@asfc.ac.uk Student Finance is available to all first time undergraduates. Part time students are eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan, however full time students can also apply for the following in addition to this: • Maintenance grant* • Special Support grant* • Maintenance loan • Childcare grant* • Parents’ Learning Allowance* • Adult Dependants’ grant* • Disabled Students’ Allowances *Means tested.

Higher Education Academic Study Skills: The College is committed to ensuring that all of our university level students develop academic study skills. All courses have academic study skills modules to help you get started.

The college also offers an academic skills workshop programme and appointment based sessions for students. We also have academic study skills advice and materials available through the College’s virtual learning environment and our university partners’ learning platforms.

Academic Study Skills includes: • • • • •

Developing Academic Writing Research Skills Reading Skills Referencing English Skills - Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation • Assignment Techniques For support and advice, please contact: Fiona Hall Head of Higher Education 0161 666 8229 fiona.hall@asfc.ac.uk Angela McGibbon Deputy Director of HE & Skills 0161 666 8248 angela.mcgibbon@asfc.ac.uk

If you withdraw from your programme of study or intermit after the first two In circumstances where you wish to weeks, even if you have not taken withdraw from one of our Higher Education courses, the following apply: the opportunity to attend, you will normally receive a refund based on the It is your responsibility to formally table shown below. notify the University or the College of If you are a continuing student your withdrawal at the point at which you leave your course of study. Failure enrolled on a Staffordshire University to formally notify the University or the programme and complete e-enrolment and subsequently decide not to start College of your withdrawal will result in your continuing liability for tuition the new academic year you will be fees until you formally withdraw. charged 25% of the tuition fee unless Retrospective withdrawals will not be you notify the university and the permitted. college by 17th of September of your If you do not commence a programme decision to withdraw. of study, withdraw or intermit within All tuition fee loans are paid directly to the first two weeks, including your induction week, of the published start the university or college on your behalf by the student loan company. If you are date of the award, you will normally self-funding you will be required to pay be entitled to receive a refund of the whole of the tuition fees paid less any the college or university as directed by deposit. admissions.

Additional Learning Support:

Counselling Support:

The Additional Learning Support team has experienced, professional staff dedicated to providing support for students with additional needs. This can range from giving specialist tuition for students with specific learning difficulties, to making sure the college is accessible for learners with mobility impairments or medical conditions.

Our counsellor is available to talk through any confidential problems and issues with learners on a one-toone basis. If you feel you require this service, please make an appointment.

• Assessments and support for students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, visual impairment, hearing impairment, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD and physical medical conditions.

• Help with applying for the Disabled Students Allowance for students going on to higher education • Special exam arrangements • Study skills

Careers Education and Guidance:

Date of Withdrawal:

Fee Liability:

Before 19 January 2015

25% of tuition fee

On or after 19th January 2015 and before 7th April 2015

50% of tuition fee

Nigel Rennison can be contacted by learners who require additional support:

On or after 7 April 2015

100% of tuition fee

Withdrawing:

th

th

If you feel you need extra support please contact your course tutor.

Nigel Rennison Inclusive Learning Manager 0161 330 2330 Chaplaincy: Our resident chaplain offers a friendly and welcoming service for students of all faiths: Jean Hurlston College Chaplain 0161 330 2330 (ext. 344)

Claire Shaw College Counsellor 0161 330 2330 (ext. 309)

Our Careers Department can be contacted for specialist advice on careers and progression into Higher Education or employment: Denise Walker Careers, Education and Guidance Manager 0161 330 2330 (ext. 217)

Library and Learning Resources Centre: The LRC provides all students with a range of services and facilities to support and enhance their learning experience, offering a friendly and supportive working environment.

• Internet access • Quiet work environment • Staff help including colour printing, scanning, access to college catalogue of books, journals, videos, DVDs, stationery shops.

Students must have their ID card to take any item out of the centre and to access the computers.

The LRC is on the top floor of the Geoff Higgins Building (room GH 2.5).The LRC is open: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8:15am - 4:30pm Wednesday and Thursday 8:15am - 8:00pm Student ID Cards: These cards are issued when you start your course. All adult students should carry this with them all at times when in College. This allows us to protect everyone’s security and safety. You must never use your card to let someone else in: if they haven’t got a card, it is possible they are not a member of the College community. If you forget your card please report to reception. A replacement can be requested for £5.

Health & Safety: Emergencies: If you discover a fire, you must sound the alarm immediately using a standard red “Break-Glass” box. You will find these near every exit.

Reporting Anything Dangerous:

If you see anything that might be a risk to safety or security you must report it to the member of staff responsible for you AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The College will do anything it can to We have only 1 loud alarm – if you put the problem right and look after hear it you must evacuate quickly but the safety and security of everyone calmly by following the green arrow at the College. Examples of things signs. Assemble safely inside any car to report include suspicious looking park gate. people, damaged property/furniture/ Await instructions from the responsible equipment, potential fire hazards. member of staff – DO NOT re-enter Please ensure that you have a copy until they say it is safe. of our Health & Safety Induction DO NOT fight the fire – we don’t expect Booklet. you to put yourself in any danger. We call the Fire Service out to do that.

Accidents and First Aid: Luckily we have very few accidents at College, and most are very minor.

If you are unlucky enough to have an accident it is essential you do the following; If you need First Aid assistance, ask any member of staff to get help from a College First Aider by ringing extension 201 or using the 2-way radios.

As soon as it is safe to do so, help the member of staff responsible for you complete an Accident Report.

If we need to do anything to prevent it happening again we will do so as soon as we can – your Accident Report helps us do just that.

Contacts: Jo Fletcher-Saxon Assistant Principal: Higher Education, Skills and International 0161 666 8224 jo.fletcher-saxon@asfc.ac.uk

Lisa Pagan Senior Admissions Officer 0161 666 8215 lisa.pagan@asfc.ac.uk

Angela McGibbon Deputy Director of Higher Education and Skills 0161 666 8248 angela.mcgibbon@asfc.ac.uk

Lynette Grindley Marketing Assistant 0161 666 8215 lynette.grindley@asfc.ac.uk

Fiona Hall Head of Higher Education 0161 666 8229 fiona.hall@asfc.ac.uk

Lisa Brogan Evening Administration 0161 666 8260 lisa.brogan@asfc.ac.uk

To find out more about our Higher Education staff and also to find out about all of our Higher Education tutors, please visit the College website.

Ashton Sixth Form College Darnton Road Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 9RL W: www.asfc.ac.uk E: HEadmissions@asfc.ac.uk T: 0161 666 8215