ESOL COLINDALE 19+ STUDENT HANDBOOK

ESOL Pathway to Employment Student Handbook – Colindale Name

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Student ID

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2018-19

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ESOL Pathway to Employment COLINDALE Student Handbook

CONTENTS

Page

Welcome and College Dates

3

Course Information

4

What will I study?

5-7

Activities and Speakers

8

Exams and Assessment

9

What do I need to bring?

10

Lateness and Attendance

11

About Colindale

12

E-Learning

13-15

Safeguarding

16

Student Code of Conduct

17

What we expect from you

18

What next after my course?

19

Appendix

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We wish you success at Barnet and Southgate College and hope you enjoy your course!

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ESOL Pathway to Employment Welcome to Barnet & Southgate College!

The ESOL team welcomes you to Colindale. We want to make sure you get the most from your course of studies. You will meet students from all over the world, with many cultures to share. We hope this will make your experience on the course all the more enjoyable.

ESOL Pathway to Employment Term Dates 2018-2019 Term 1: Autumn Term 10 September – 21st December 2018 (Half Term: 22nd October – 26th October) th

Term 2: Spring Term 7 January – 5th April 2019 (Half Term: 18th February – 22nd February) th

Term 3: Summer Term 23rd April – 4th July 2019 (Half Term: 27th May – 31st May)

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ESOL Pathway to Employment Name Student Number Class

Main Tutor

My teachers are:

Teacher

Subject

Room

If you cannot come to class you must contact your tutor on…

………………………………………………... or

Email ………………………………………………

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What will I study?

General English You will learn grammar and new vocabulary. Your lessons are designed to give you thorough practice in the skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Speaking & Listening You will practise and improve your listening and speaking skills in useful everyday situations and for a variety of purposes, e.g. debating, negotiating, conversation, giving presentations and improving your pronunciation are an important part of this session.

Reading and Writing You will practise the skills of reading, and writing in a variety of contexts. You will practise planning, writing accounts, formal and informal letters, emails, notes, messages and articles. There will be a wide range of reading materials and you will work on handwriting and spelling, as necessary.

Employability Skills You will learn language to help you find work. You will learn how to look for work and how to prepare for interviews. You will also learn how to write a CV, write formal letters and learn about skills and qualities needed for different jobs.

ESOL with Childcare/HESC If you are studying E3 ESOL with Childcare you will learn about early years development and education. If you are studying L1 or L2 ESOL with HESC, you will study both early years education and adult care, and the course includes two weeks of work experience.

All the courses also include ICT and numeracy, and your tutor will give you more information about your course and which qualifications you will be working towards.

Level 1 ESOL with Hairdressing This course includes 6 hours of ESOL, plus ICT and numeracy. You will also have 5 hours per week of training in hairdressing, including practical work in the salon.

ESOL with Plumbing & Construction This course includes 6 hours of ESOL, plus ICT and numeracy. You will also have up to 5 hours of training in construction. The skills you will learn on this course include: plumbing; carpentry; plastering; brickwork; some electrical work as part of plumbing.

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Targets and Pro Portal You and your teacher will speak about things you should do after classes to help you learn. Your tutor will also give you at least two targets or ‘goals’ each term – these are for things you need to work on to improve your English or other skills. You will be able to see your targets and check your attendance on Pro Portal, using a computer at home or in college. Your tutor will give you more information about how to use Pro Portal. If you need help, advice or have a problem with your studies, please ask for help. Your tutor may be able to help or tell you where you can get help in the college.

Independent Study

Your tutor will give you regular homework and will also show you how to access work on i-learn, or on class websites. It is very important that you do homework regularly, as this will help to improve your language skills. There are many things you can do outside the classroom to improve your English, such as:  Read English books, magazines, newspapers, on line articles, etc. as often as possible.  Watch English television.  Listen to English radio.  Read and listen to the BBC news, online.  Talk to your neighbours and friends in English.

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For students who have enrolled on ICT and numeracy classes

ICT - Information and Communications Technology In these lessons you will use the computer to further develop your language skills. You will be given the opportunity to use the computer to carry out a range of useful and common tasks required for everyday life, work and study. A variety of computer features and programmes will be used to help you efficiently look for information, and effectively edit, proofread and present your work.

You will work towards an ICT qualification at Entry level, Level 1 or Level 2.

Numeracy The course will cover the following areas: •

mathematics and the language of maths:

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number, measures, shapes and handling data.

•

division, multiplication, fractions and percentages.

•

solving problems using mathematics and the language of maths.

•

analysis of numerical information e.g. tables, charts, graphs and diagrams.

This course will help you in your future studies and work. You will work towards a Numeracy qualification at Entry level, Level 1 or Level 2.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES & SPEAKERS

Students will have the opportunity to go on many trips during the year, such as:  The British Museum  The Victoria & Albert Museum  The Natural History Museum  St Albans  RAF Museum  Houses of Parliament  Little Venice boat trips

SPEAKERS Speakers will be invited to help you with life in the UK, such as:  Local member of parliament  Local councillors  CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau)  Barnet Recycling  Voluntary Work  Police (safety talk)  Barnet Refugee Service  Careers Advisors

EVENTS There will also be many events during the year, where you can have a lot of fun, as well as learn English!  Refugee Week.  End of term parties  International Day  Progression events  Students can also organise their own events  8

Exams

You can study English at these levels: Pre-entry

Entry 1

Entry 2

Entry 3

Level 1

Level 2

Your tutor will give you diagnostic tests during your first two weeks at college to check your language learning needs. If your tutor decides that you need a higher or lower level or a different course, you may have to change your class.

For all ESOL classes from Entry 1 to Level 2, you will work towards the Ascentis ESOL Skills for Life Qualification on your course. There are three exams, and you will do one exam in each term: reading, speaking & listening or writing.

You may need to do a reading or writing exam at a different level from your speaking & listening exam. If this happens you may need to change class for Term 2 or 3. Your tutor will speak to you about this.

ICT and Numeracy If you have enrolled on an ICT or numeracy course, you will do Functional Skills qualifications, and your teacher will decide which level exam you will take.

All your own work – during the course and for exams  You can learn useful language in many ways, for example online and from friends, but the best way to improve your written English is to do homework by yourself. Then your tutor will be able to teach you the grammar and vocabulary you really need.  Remember there are very strict rules about how to behave in exams: no copying, speaking to other students or using mobile phones.

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What do I need to bring?

You need:  a ring binder file  dividers  A4 paper  pens, pencils and a rubber  a notebook

You must organise your work.

File your work in a ring binder and use the dividers to organise it.

Your folder of work will be used to check your progress.

You must concentrate in your lesson.

Please switch your mobile phone off before you go into your classroom and put it in your bag or pocket.

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What do I do if I am late?

It is important to come to class regularly and on time, but if you are late, go into the class quietly. Tell the teacher why you are late. Any lateness will be recorded by the tutor.

What do I do if I cannot come to college?

 You must tell your tutor if you cannot come to college.  You will need to bring proof of hospital appointments, interviews etc. Please do not make your appointments for times when you have classes.  If you don’t attend at least 90% of your classes, you may lose your place.  If you are absent for more than 2 weeks without giving us a good reason your teacher may give your place to someone else.  If you cannot come to class and you did not tell your teacher before, phone your tutor and leave a clear message.

My tutor’s number is: …………………………............

Moving home?

If you change your address or telephone number, you must tell your teacher.

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About Colindale -

The Learning Centre, on the second floor, has excellent ESOL learning materials and a large number of computers for the use of students.

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Students can get help and advice about many different things like childcare and benefits from Learner Services. In addition, they can get guidance for their future study plans from the Careers Advisors. If you need advice please make an appointment at the Learning Centre.

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If you are hungry, you can go to the Canteen beside the Learning Centre for a hot meal. Or you can get a quick coffee and snack from the Coffee Shop on the

ground floor, just behind Reception.

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Students can get good offers for haircuts and other treatments in the Hairdressing and Beauty Salon.

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There is a multi-faith Quiet Room for student reflection/prayer on the third floor.

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You will see computer areas in corridors, which you can use to develop your English skill outside class.

FIRST AID & FIRE First Aid Ask your teacher what to do and who can help in an emergency at college.

Fire Exits If you see a fire tell your tutor or Reception. Make sure you know where all fire exits are in the building. These are signposted around the building. If you hear the fire alarm, go with your class to the nearest fire exit.

There are Assembly Points outside the front entrance of the college & at the back of the college. Wait together with the other students from your class and make sure your teacher can find you.

Fire wardens will tell you where to wait – please follow their instructions.

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Your college ID card will allow you to use facilities at any campus.

Please wear your ID card at all times when you are in college.

Using the computer to improve your English There are computers in the Learning Centre and many classrooms.

There are also many websites that will help you to learn English.

To use a computer you must have a User ID (your student number) and a password. Speak to your teacher or Learning Centre staff to find out about your password. You will also be given 250 credits. When you have finished your credits you must pay for printing.

Keep your password safe and make sure you can remember it. You will need to change your password every term. Your teacher may ask your class to use computers in a lesson and you will need to know your password.

Speak to the Learning Centre staff to book a computer there.

You can also use i-learn on the Barnet & Southgate College website to practise your English at home: Barnet & Southgate College i-learn

You will need to log in: enter your User ID (this is your student number) and password. Then you can use the practice materials on i-learn. Your tutor will show you how to access i-learn or look at the instructions on page 15 of this handbook.

There are many websites to help you with your English including:

www.english-grammar-lessons.com www.englishbanana.com www.esolcourses.com www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise 13

Barnet & Southgate College E-Learning The College IT Network gives you new opportunities to learn online, anytime, anyplace.

You must use the college network for learning and study only.

• Be responsible and professional.

• Respect the privacy of everyone else using the college system • Do not post material that might upset others online.

Remember to stay safe

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i-learn - Your course page i-learn is an area on the college network where students can find important information about their course and extra practice for reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar and vocabulary. You will find out more about i-learn during the first weeks of your course.

Finding your course on i-learn Open the Barnet & Southgate College i-learn site http://ilearn.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk or via the MLE. You will need to log in.

Then you will see a Login box that looks like this:

Enter your Username and your password here. Click the Log-in icon and you will then be logged on to the Barnet & Southgate College i-learn network.

After logging on, you will be directed to a new page listing the courses you are enrolled on: Click on the link to your class i-learn page. This will show the course code, like the example below.

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Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults

If you are worried about the safety or welfare of another student, or you do not feel safe yourself, there are staff in the college to help you.

You can call  020 3764 4077 or email safeguarding@barnetsouthgate.ac.uk Click on the link below for more information.

http://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/safeguarding/overview

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Student Code of Conduct These rules will make sure the College is a safe and enjoyable place to work and learn in.

You should: -

be kind and polite to all people and respect other people and their possessions

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look after the College buildings and the equipment you use

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wear your ID card and never give it to anyone else

_

show your face to security staff if you are asked to

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never do things which upset other people; do not be unkind to people about the way they look, their sex, their age, their beliefs

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not smoke in the College buildings

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not bring drugs and alcohol into the College

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keep the College clean and tidy

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only eat and drink at break time

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never cheat when you are doing tests or exams

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be careful and safe at College so you do not hurt yourself or others

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come to every class and arrive on time

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never use mobile phones where it might disturb other people

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use computers only to help you learn; do not use the Internet in a way which breaks the College IT rules.

Your tutor will show you where you can read and agree to the college rules on your Pro Portal page.

If you break any of these rules you will be disciplined, you might have to leave the College.

College Equality & Diversity Policy Barnet and Southgate College is committed to achieving equality and diversity for all its learners, staff and the community. We welcome, celebrate and value the diversity of our learning community and do all we can to make sure we have an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can achieve to their full potential. We will not tolerate any discrimination, harassment or bullying of any kind.

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What we expect from you:  Come to class every lesson.  Come to class on time.  Go to all your classes.  Bring a file with you.  Bring paper, pen and pencil.  Take an active part in the class.  Switch off your mobile phone.  Do your homework.  Respect other students and your teacher.  Tell your tutor if you cannot come to class.  Speak to your tutor if you are unhappy about any of your classes.

How we will help you:  We will help you improve your English.  We will check your homework and classwork to see what you need to improve.  We will make your lessons useful and interesting.  We will speak to you one-to-one about your English and agree on targets so you know what you need to do to improve.

Good luck with your studies and enjoy your course!  We want you to enjoy learning English at Colindale, but if you are unhappy about something on your course, please speak to your tutor.  If you are still not happy after speaking to your tutor, you can make an appointment to see the ESOL Curriculum Manager, Helen Brown.  Finally, if you still want to make a complaint, you must write to Lorraine Jackson, Deputy Director of Lifelong Learning.

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What next after my course?

When you have passed all your exams at Entry 3 Level ESOL or above, there are many possible routes for you to follow:

Vocational Courses at the College include:  Childcare  Health and Social Care  Construction  Hair & Beauty  Business  Accounting  ICT  Sports Science

GCSE & Functional Skills Courses:  If you hope to go to university or to do certain jobs, you may need to do a GCSE maths course.  GCSE English courses are not generally suitable for ESOL students to progress onto.

If you need to keep working on your English, you may be able to do a Functional Skills English course. For example, students who have passed Level 2 ESOL can progress onto Entry 3 or Level 1 Functional Skills English courses.

Access to Higher Education The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which prepares students for study at degree (university) level. The college offers these courses:  Access to Midwifery  Access to Nursing  Access to Social Work You will need at least a Level 2 ESOL qualification to get a place on an Access course.

At the end of your course, if you want to continue with ESOL, your tutor will help you.

If you want to apply to do another course at college (eg Vocational or Access), you will need to apply on the College website.

If you are not sure which course you need to do, make an appointment with the Careers Advisors in the LRC. 19

Appendix

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College Policies

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Conduct for External assessments/tests

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Absence & Punctuality

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Disciplinary Procedures

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Student Appeals Against the Assessment of Performance

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The Role of the Personal Tutor and Tutorials

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The Role of the Student Representative

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Complaints Procedures

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Additional Support

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The Role of the Attendance Liaison Officer

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UCAS Application Support

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Fire Procedures

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First Aid Procedures

College policies information can be accessed on the college website: http://www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk/The-College/college-policies

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