Higher EducationStudent Handbook16/17

Welcome to Barnfield CollegeIf you would like a large print or tape version of this student diary, please contact

Curriculum Support.

I am currently in the first year of the level 3 Public Services course. I want go to universityand study immigration law as I want to become a Police Officer.

I moved to England when I was 15 and could barely speak English! But the supportive environment at Barnfield College has helped me to progress both socially and academically and achieve many personal goals.

I left high school with minimum grades but the College welcomed me onto the level 1 course in Public Services and gave me the opportunity to realise my potential.

Now I’m studying a course which is A-level equivalent and have truly high aspirations for my future.Alongside studying, I am also fulfilling the duties of the Barnfield College Student President, which runs side-by-side with the Student Partnership Council.

I’m looking forward to representing my fellow students next year and hope to see them get involved in student events - in the Hub and those external to the College.

Usman Sana UllahStudent President

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ContentsMessage from the Student President

Equality of Opportunity & DiversitySafeguarding

B a skilled learner

Support for studentsAttendance & AbsencePunctuality

Tutorial Support

The College - Our Commitment

The College - Your Commitment

The Learning Resource Centre (Library)

Barnfield Nursery

Salon BStudent RefectorySports FacilitiesActivities & Enrichment Programme

The Student Hub

Independent & Impartial Careers Guidance

B Heard• Student Partnership Council• Student Representatives

Comments, Compliments & Complaints

Other Policies and Procedures

Health & Safety• Health & Safety Policy• Hazards• Disability Access & Facilities• Students with Mobility Difficulties• Evacuation Procedure• Health & Safety Procedure• Information Technology Policy • Campus Officers

Mission Statement

“Barnfield College will realise that entrepreneurial skills and educational needs of the community and employers through inclusive, outstanding, innovative programmes of study”.

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Equality of Opportunity and DiversityAt Barnfield College we believe that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect and should be encouraged to reach their full potential.

Every possible step will be taken to ensure that all applicants, students, staff and visitors are treated equally and fairly.

If a potential student has a disability that may affect their studies, the College will seek ways of supporting that student so that s/he will have the same opportunity to succeed as others. This means ensuring (as far as is reasonably practicable) that:

•allstudentareasarephysicallyaccessible•assistivetechnologiesareinplace•specialiststaffareavailabletoassistthestudentwithinand/oroutsidetheclassroom

In college, you will find people who are different from you in the way they look, think and behave. They may differ in age, ethnic background, religious beliefs, sexual preferences or abilities. The College believes that it is better to understand these differences and respect people as individuals, rather than try to make everybody the same. It tries to provide opportunities for developing a better understanding of different lifestyles, both within the curriculum and through its enrichment programme and other activities.

If positive action to encourage good practice fails, the College is prepared to take action against anyone, students or staff, which regularly unlawfully or unfairly discriminates, bullies or harasses another individual on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief or disability. Equality means saying no to bullying.

SAFEGUARDINGBarnfield College takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard all children, young and vulnerable adults during their time as a student with us. All staff are trained to deal with safeguarding in a professional and sensitive way.

Our trained Student Engagement Team provides support on any personal, financial or domestic difficulty which may prevent you continuing and progressing. They can refer you to the correct agencies or staff if needed.

To speak to a member of the Student Engagement please visit The Hub.

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Be a skilled learner

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edicated I am ambitious and keen to learn and I take responsibility for my learning.

• I am keen to learn and have short-term and longer-term learning goals• I know what I have learnt and what I still need to learn• I am developing my strengths and addressing my weaknesses as a learner

rganisedI am well organised and make good use of my study time, knowledge and skills.

• I am punctual, equipped and ready for study, I meet deadlines and manage tasks well

• I keep my work up-to-date and well organised, review my notes and catch up promptly

• I work independently and organise my study time well

nquiringI am questioning and creative and I respond positively to new challenges.

• I ask relevant questions and do further research to explain things better and understand in depth

• I am prepared to question assumptions, see things differently and try new approaches

• I persist with difficult tasks and try to work things out for myself

ocialI work well with others, respecting them and learning from them.

• I respect others and collaborate with them as much as possible to help us all learn

• I ask for, and accept, help and feedback. I listen to others and share my own ideas readily

• I am prepared to express myself in groups and to take a lead in group activity

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SUPPORT FOR STUDENTSOur aim is to support you in a way that will help you achieve your goals. Independent information, advice, guidance and support are available to you at all stages of your learning.

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCEYou are expected to maintain excellent attendance in all classes.

It is expected that students will notify staff via email of their absence prior to class. Some courses may require attendance at trips, including residential visits and awarding body events in addition to your regular timetable. You will be notified of these events in advance and you will be expected to accommodate these additional hours as they will benefit your Higher Education experience and in some instance they may be a crucial academic requirement.

PUNCTUALITYYou are expected to arrive promptly for all classes. If there is a valid reason for lateness then this will be considered by your tutor. Persistent lateness will be referred to your Personal Tutor who will deal with the issue through the College Disciplinary Procedures. If a student knows they will be late for a lesson in advance, they should notify their tutor.

DEFINITIONS OF ABSENCEThere are two categories of absence - authorised and unauthorised. Initially, all absences will be considered as ‘unauthorised’ and it is your responsibility to provide evidence of the reasons for absence, so that the absence can be ‘authorised’ if appropriate.

Work experience and educational visits organised by the College will be counted as ‘Present’.

AUTHORISED ABSENCEYou will need to request absence 2 weeks in advance from your Personal Tutor by filling in an ‘Absence Form’.

The following categories may be counted as authorised absence (not exhaustive):

•Medicalappointmentnotifiedinadvance:appointmentcard/letterrequired•Careoffamilymemberforwhomthelearnerhascaringresponsibilitiesifnotifiedin advance•Emergencycareoffamilymemberforwhomthelearnerhascaringresponsibilities, with no prior notification•Attendanceatafuneralifnotifiedinadvance•Attendanceataprobationmeetingifnotifiedinadvance•Illness.Forlearnersundertheageof19,asupportingletterfromparent/guardian must be submitted.

UNAUTHORISED ABSENCEThe following categories may be counted as unauthorised absence (not exhaustive):•Drivinglessons•Illnessthatisnotsupportedbyaletterfromparent/guardian(under19learners)•Illnessthatisnotsupportedbyaself-certificationform•Job•Completingoutstandingcoursework.

TUTOR SUPPORT - Tutorials – Your Personal Tutor If you are on a full-time course you will be assigned a Personal Tutor

•Begintheprocessofactionplanningwithyou•Beyourguideandthepersonyoucancontactifyouhaveconcernsaboutyourwork or other matters•Ensurethatyousucceedandhelpyouwiththeprocessofidentifyingandapplying for higher courses at college or university, further training or employment•Ensurethatconcernsareaddressedandthateffectivesystemsareinplaceto support you whilst at college.You will have a tutorial every week where you will learn and reflect on topics to promote personal development and prepare you for your future.

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The College - Our CommitmentDuring your time here, you are entitled to:•HonestinformationabouttheCollegeanditscourses•Suitablyqualifiedandexperiencedteachersandspecialistsupportstaff•Opportunitiestotakepartinarangeofsocial,cultural,recreationalandsporting enrichment activities•Accesstoappropriatespecialistresources,includingup-to-datecomputersand software•Accesstoimpartialcareersguidance•ApleasantlearningenvironmentthatmeetsHealth&Safetyrequirementsandis free from discrimination•Contactwithyourparent/carer/keyworkeronsignificantissues affecting your progress•Caring,respectfulandsupportivestaffthatwilldotheirbesttohelpandchallenge you to realise your potential.

Subject lecturers, will:•Providehighqualityteachingandlearning•Helpyoumanageyourlearning,bewellorganisedandpunctual•Setworkappropriatetothecourse,markitpromptlyandgivehelpfulfeedback.•AHigherEducationmanagementteamintroducedtoyouatinduction.

A personal tutor, will:•Providepastoralsupport,includingaconcernforstudent’shealth,well-beingand security•Promotepersonaldevelopmentandprovidesupportindevelopingessentialskills•Monitorattendance,behaviourandacademicperformanceandhelpidentifyconcerns•ReinforcetheCollege’scommitmenttoeducationalandsocialinclusion.Ifadditional assistance is required, we will deal with your problem courteously and efficiently. If you are unhappy with any aspect of college life, or our educational provision, we hope that you will raise the issue with us and give us the opportunity to put it right.

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The Student - Your Commitment‘Be Ready. Be Respectful. Be Safe’Be Ready• Bring all resources you will need to each lesson• Be prepared to learn and complete all independent work • Be on time • Be engaged in your own learning

Be Respectful • Be considerate to others• Be respectful to yourself • Be respectful to the environment and property • Be respectful to other people’s right to learn• Be tolerant to other people’s beliefs, ideas and individuality

Be Safe • Be aware of your environment • Be aware of health and safety guidelines and advice• Be responsible for your own safety and be considerate of others• Be responsible and wear your I.D badge at all times on college campus• Be mindful of your own mental well-being and access support if

required

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BARNFIELD NURSERYBarnfield Nursery is our on-site day care facility with places for children aged between 2 and 5 years. The nursery is open Monday to Friday. Children of staff, students and the general public are all welcome.

For any further/fee-related enquiries, or to make a pre-start appointment to visit the nursery, contact us on 01582 569 569 or visit www.barnfield.ac.uk

THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE (LIBRARY)Everything you should expect and more to make sure you get the best out of your time at Barnfield.

At the CollegeThe Learning resource Centre (LRC) is a great place to study and catch up on your assignments, plenty of space and laptops for individual or group study. Our collection of books and magazines covers all subjects with many electronic services too.

The team are ready to help you on any aspect of your course and can give specialist help in using MS Office, research skills, assignment planning, referencing and a lot more.

Regular exhibitions on varied themes

take place in the LRC and we are often showcasing the great work done by students across the College.

Open until late, three evenings per week during term time, it’s a great place to make sure you get the best results possible from your course.

24/7 servicesYou don’t have to be in College to be able to use our services. With over 500 e-books, access to information services, help sheets on many subjects and access to electronic versions of some of our magazines are available to you from home or anywhere inside or out of the College. E-books can usually be downloaded to your machine or streamed, but you can make notes, create bookmarks and copy and paste quotes from most books.

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SALON BThe College’s beauty salon is run by students under the expert supervision of fully-trained staff. Providing a professional service, they offer a comprehensive range of treatments.

Our salon is open to students so why not visit us if you need a new image or just want to take advantage of our quality, affordable treatments. To book an appointment call 01582 569 590

SPORTS FACILITIESThe College boasts a range of sports facilities including a sports hall and a gym with both cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

HIGHER EDUCATION CENTREWe have a dedicated HE centre which embraces the ethos of adult learning. Some additional workshops and lectures will be made available to higher Education students in the lecture theatre.

STUDENT REFECTORYOur refectory’s aim is to provide a service second to none for students and staff at Barnfield College, offering a wide selection of food.

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The Student HubThe Student Hub provides a range of opportunities to engage in recreation and leisure or simply to meet up with friends. The Hub is a safe and engaging space for you to access support, to socialise and meet new friends, engage in activities and express yourself.

Our Student Engagement Officers are on-hand to arrange events, activities and tournaments and ensure all students have the opportunity to participate.

The Student Hub is open every day so come along at lunchtime to get involved in a range of activities.

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Independent & Impartial Careers GuidanceThe purpose of Careers Guidance at Barnfield College is to raise aspirations and inspire learners to fulfil their potential and achieve their learning and work goals.

Through the offer of professional, independent and impartial careers advisers, we ensure you receive high quality careers advice and guidance. This service, available on both college campuses, provides you with:• confidential 1-2-1 interviews • help to choose the right course • the latest local and national labour market information • guidance on all education, employment, apprenticeships

and volunteering opportunities • development of CV and Interview skills• job search for part-time and full time jobs, work experience and internships• links with a wide range of employers, training providers

and universities • progression activities and events such as the Barnfield

Higher Education Fair

Through careers education and your study programme, you will also develop the skills and knowledge essential for you to self-manage your future career journey.

You can access Careers Guidance via student services at both New Bedford Road and Enterprise Way campuses or by emailing careers@barnfield.ac.uk

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STUDENT PARTNERSHIP COUNCILThe Student Partnership Council is made up of students from across all programmes, full and part time, who would like to be involved. For the benefit of all students, the Council ensures that the total college experience is a good one.

The Student Partnership Council meets every half term and members will also be in contact with student representatives in their curriculum area on a regular basis.

What does the Student Partnership Council do?•Actsasasourceofinformationandadviceforstudents•Meetstodiscussarangeofissuesaffectingcollegestudents•MembersoftheCouncilhaveadirectlinktoSenior Management and put across the student’s viewpoint.

Be a Student RepresentiveEvery personal tutor group elects a member to represent them in meetings and to feedback their ideas. If you would like to be a student representive talk to your personal tutor.

STUDENT GOVERNORSThe Student President and Vice President are appointed as the student governors. Governors are responsible for the strategy, mission and quality of the College and for reviewing its performance. The governing body meets regularly during the year.

Be Heard

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What do you think about the College?

This is your college and we want to know your opinions about it. There are several ways in which you can express your views. Make sure that you use them!

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COMMENTS, COMPLIMENTS AND COMPLAINTS

We welcome your views as they help us to continue to improve the quality of the service we offer.

If you are not satisfied with any of the services that we offer, you have the right to complain. The College has a complaints system that aims to be simple, easy to understand and responsive. We welcome your views as they help us to continue to improve the quality of the service we offer. Please use this system; it is designed to help you resolve your complaint quickly and easily. If you need help or advice in using any of the procedures, you can consult your personal tutor, course leader, staff or the Student Partnership Council. You should approach only one of these sources, not all of them. They may be able to deal with your complaint personally or refer you to the most appropriate person or procedure.

STUDENT VOICEThroughout the year there will be opportunities for you to share your opinions through surveys, focus groups and representatives meetings.

Other Policies & Procedures

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The appeals procedure is published in your Handbook and how to obtain information and voice concerns will be introduced to you though induction. We work in Partnership with Pearson and the University of Bedfordshire and you are also subject to their academic scrutiny and policy.

•StudentCodeofConduct

•StudentDisciplinaryProcedure

•StudentAcademicAppeals

•Anti-BullingPolicy •EqualOpportunitiesPolicy- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

•HealthandSafetyPolicy

•PlagiarismPolicy

•AttendanceandPunctuality

HE policy documents are available also through http://www.barnfield.ac.uk/courses/higher-education/he-information/

HEALTH & SAFETYYou should make yourself familiar with the College health and safety policy. Whenever the fire alarm sounds (except for tests) you should leave the building as quickly as possible.

Barnfield College positively promotes a “Health and Safety Culture” to provide all students and College users with a safe, healthy and secure environment.

HEALTH & SAFETY POLICYThe College Health and Safety Policy is available on the College network system. Hard copies are also available in Student Services.

HAZARDSReporting hazards is important because it ensures a safe environment for you and your fellow students. In the first instance report the hazard to your tutor or refer your concern to Reception.

DISABILITY ACCESS & FACILITIESThere is disability access for wheelchair users on site. Many of the Study Rooms have disability access. There are a number of disabled toilets on site.

STUDENTS WITH MOBILITY DIFFICULTIES In an emergency please be prepared to assist students or staff with mobility difficulties. They should be helped to the nearest stairwell. Students or staff will be helped by other staff to evacuate the building.

EVACUATION PROCEDUREThe evacuation procedure is designed to ensure that all students and staff are able to vacate the buildings quickly when the alarm (sirens/bells) is sounded.

Sirens/bells will sound for any of the following reasons:•thereisafire•abombwarninghasbeenreceivedand the decision has been taken to evacuate the buildings•therehasbeenamajorspillageof potentially hazardous material•vandalismtoanyofthefirecallpoints•thesystemhasdevelopedafault

Practice evacuations are normally held during the first term. No practice is normally held in the Summer term because of examinations.

False alarms can occur, but it is important that you evacuate the building when the alarm sounds. This is for your safety.

On hearing the alarm:1. Leave the building that you are in by the nearest available fire exit These are clearly marked2. Close all doors behind you3. Do not collect coats, bags etc4. Go to the nearest assembly point.5. Do not re-enter the building until told to do so6. Do not use the lifts.

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HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDUREIf you discover a fire:1. Sound the alarm.2. If during the normal working day:contact Reception who will call the fire brigade. Give exact details of the location of the fire. If Reception is closed: dial 0-999tocallthefirebrigade.Giveexactdetails of the location of the fire.

3. Attack the fire using the correct fire appliance if you are trained to do so. Do not endanger your life or block your escape route.

4. Proceed to the nearest assembly point. At present these are the open grassed areas at the front and rear of the campus.

It is important that you know the follow-ing:•yourmeansofescape,preferablywithan alternative•thenearestfirealarmpoint•thenearestfireapplianceandhowitshould be used•thelocationoftheassemblypoints,i.e. the open grassed areas.

Students should:•takereasonablecareforthehealthand safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions;•co-operatewiththeCollegeandemployers on health and safety matters, including the appropriate use of all

equipment;•noteatordrinkincomputerrooms,classrooms, workshops or the LRC;•notdroporleavelitter.

Information Technology PolicyAs a Barnfield student you are entitled to use the College’s IT facilities. This in-cludes computers, software, multi-media and use of the Internet. Internet access includes access to online databases, electronic journals, learning materials and e-mail.

The system is used by hundreds of students and staff so we have to have clear rules to make sure that everyone’s privacy and rights are respected and that the system continues to work efficiently.

Campus OfficersCampus Officers one on each site to ensure that all students feel supported whilst maintaining a safe environment and implementing the student code of conduct.

If you wish to speak to either a campus officer or student engagement officer please visit the Student Hub.

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New Bedford Road CampusNew Bedford Road Luton LU2 7BF

Technology CampusEnterprise Way Luton LU3 4BU

01582 569 569www.barnfield.ac.uk

Courses in partnership with Pearson and the University of Bedfordshire