school handbook ay1213
TRANSCRIPT
School Handbook
Table of Contents; Page 1. – TMS Staff 5
2. –Student Support 14
2.1 – Extra Support Available 11
2.2 – Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) 18
2.3 – E-library 18
2.4 – Policy Statement for students with disabilities & learning 19
difficulties
2.5 – Admissions 19
2.6 – Access and Integration 19
2.7 – Safety 20
2.8 – Ear Protection 20
2.9 – Communication 20
2.10 – Student Feedback 20
2.11 – Doctor’s Surgeries 20
2.12 – Dental Surgeries 21
2.13 – Local Libraries 22
3. – Facilities 23
3.1 – Student Cards 23
3.2 – TMS Practise Facilities Available 23
3.3 – IT Access 27
3.4 – Student Relaxation 27
3.5 – Parking Facilities 28
3.6 – Emergency Evacuation 28
4. – Events 29
4.1 – Masterclasses & Clinics Information 29
4.2 – External Gigs 29
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Table of Contents; Page 5. – Quality, Policies & Procedures 31
5.1 – Equal Opportunities Statement 31
5.2 – Drugs & Alcohol 31
5.3 – Attendance Procedure 31
5.4 – Data Protection 32
5.5 – Assessment Regulations 34
5.6 – Return of Marks 35
5.7 – Authorised Professional Activity (Student Policy Statement) 35
5.8 – Complaints & Appeals Procedure 36
5.9 – TMS Appeals Procedure 39
5.10 – Harassment & Bullying 43
5.20 – Student Discipline 44
5.21 – Student Disciplinary Procedure 44
5.22 – Refunds and Appeal Process 48
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Welcome Welcome to Tech Music School! On behalf of all my colleagues in the teaching and office staff, I would like to wish you an enjoyable and productive time at the School. I hope that you make the most of the opportunities that the School and the vibrant city of London have to offer. Please take the time to read this Handbook and keep it for future reference, and do not hesitate to come to the office and speak to a member of the team if you have any questions, problems or suggestions. The core values of TMS that underpin and guide everything we do are captured in the following statement: We strive for musical innovation, originality, technical excellence and to work at the forefront of our chosen disciplines. We encourage an holistic approach to music education and through this approach to enable our musicians to interpret a wide range of styles with authenticity and authority. I very much hope that you adopt these values as you undertake your studies and I wish you every success during your time at Tech Music School.
Andrew Bates, BMus, MMus Principal Tech Music School
While Tech Music School endeavours to ensure that all the information within this document is correct, the college reserves the right to make changes to TMS and programme procedure and structure. Students should refer to relevant college notice boards for any amendments to the
information outlined in this and other documentation.
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1. TMS Staff This section of the handbook details the day to day staff who work within TMS along with their specific job title. If you wish to contact any of us then please use the appropriate e-mail address or call reception. If you would like to meet with any of us then we would be happy to schedule a meeting.
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Name Andrew Bates Name Phelan Kane
Role Principal Role Head of Higher Education
Email Email
Name Simon Colam Name Andrew McKinney
Role Head of Further Education RoleBMus Programme Leader& Academic Head(Bass)
Email Email
Name Harry Leckstein Name Johan Englund
RoleBA Music Business Programme LeaderAcademic Head (Business)
Role
BA Music Production Programme LeaderAcademic Head (Production)
Email Email
Name Erik Stams Name John Wheatcroft
RoleAcademic Head(Drums)
RoleAcademic Head(Guitar)
Email Email
Name Lisa Laudat Name Svetlana Vassileva
RoleAcademic Head(Vocals)
RoleAcademic Head(Live Performance Workshop)
Email Email
Name Victy Silva Name TBC
RoleLearning & TeachingCo-ordinator
Role
BA Songwriting Programme Leader &Academic Head(Song Writing)
Email Email
Name TBC Name TBC
RolePerformance DiplomaProgramme Leader
RoleProduction DiplomaProgramme Leader
Email Email
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Name Darren Suckling Name Ruairí Ó Niocail
RoleHead of Recruitment & Admissions
RoleHead of Academic Administration
Email Email
Name David Clarke Name Alan Sharman
Role Head of Facilities RolePartnerships Development Manager
Email Email
Name Matt Hughes Name Michelle Humphreys
Role Admissions Manager RoleEvents, Masterclasses & Artist Development Manager
Email Email
Name Claire Jarman Name Rob Craven
Role Student Support Manager RoleSenior Academic Administrator
Email Email
Name Phil Wragg Name Adam Zebedee
Role Academic Administrator Role Academic Administrator
Email Email
Name Lauren-Eve Preston Name Toby Gore
Role Student Support Advisor Role Admissions Advisor
Email Email
Name Beth Haddock Name Emma Crilly
Role Admissions Advisor Role Finance Assistant
Email [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
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Name Helen Shyne Name Dave Proud
RolePA to the Principal & Finance Administrator
RoleFacilities & Estates Assistant
Email Email
Name Steve Moulin Name Bart Nowak
RoleFacilities & Estates Assistant
RoleFacilities & Estates Assistant
Email Email
Name Meg McCall Name Nikita Nuttall
Role Receptionist Role Receptionist
Email Email
Name Becky Ellis Name Hara Trouli
Role Student Counsellor Role Music Health Specialist
Email Email
Name Andy Evans
Role Performance Psychologist
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected]
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Name Steve Allsworth Name Laura June Barnes
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Richie Barrett Name Jim Bell
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Adam Betts Name Adam Bird
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Yak Bondy Name Chris Borud
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Paola Bottomley Name Dave Browning
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Sandy Buglass Name John Calvert
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Simon Carter Name Sarah Carter
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Philippe Castermane Name Guillaume Charreau
Role Tutor Role Tutor
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Name Al Cherry Name Jim Clark
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Sam Crowe Name Les Davidson
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Seb de Krom Name Bosco de Oliveira
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Liam Devine Name Amy Eftekhari
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Kelly Fraser Name Carlos Fuentes
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Graham Godfrey Name Iain Goodall
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Giuseppe Grondona Name Elliot Henshaw
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Alena Herel Name Anna Higgs
Role Tutor Role Tutor
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Name William Lester Name Richard Lightman
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Tommy Ludgate Name Ian Mack
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Iain Mackenzie Name Kostas Magdalinos
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Hugh Neal Name James Oscroft
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Jacob Quistgaard Name Glen Rayner
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Estelle Rubio Name Aidan Shepherd
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Rob Statham Name Andy Sturges
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Femi Temowo Name Dave Troke
Role Tutor Role Tutor
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Name Emmy Urquhart Name Kevin Webster
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Mischa Welsh Name Jez Wiles
Role Tutor Role Tutor
Name Ed Williams
Role Tutor
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1.2 Teaching Locations Reception 76a Stanley Gardens Acton W3 7SZ Administration Offices 76 Stanley Gardens Acton W3 7SZ Technical Support 76a Stanley Gardens Acton W3 7SZ Teaching Centres: Main Teaching Studios (S1 – S19) 74 Stanley Gardens Acton W3 7SZ A Block (A1 – A3) 41 Warple Way Acton W3 0RX B Block (B1 – B5) 29 Warple Way Acton W3 0RX Long Island House Unit B,C & D Long Island House Warple Way Acton W3 0RG Kings Head 214 High Street Acton W3 9NX
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2. Student Support TMS is continually improving its facilities to ensure equal opportunities for all students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties (i.e. dyslexia). The Student Support Team can provide advice on available support. We will do our best to support you throughout your studies so you can learn to your full potential and take away everything you can from your course. 2.1 Extra Support Available 2.1.1. Academic Support and Tutorials You can book appointments with Heads of Department and Course Leaders. This time is available to all students to discuss any course related questions, queries or concerns. The Head of Department or Course Leader may refer you to other services in the school depending on the nature of your query. We recommend that you utilise this available time to make the most from your studies. Please see below a list of all Heads / Deputy Head of Department and Course Leaders:
• Head of Higher Education – Phelan Kane • Head of Further Education – Simon Colam • Head of Bass & Programme Leader: BMus (Hons) Popular Music
Performance– Andrew McKinney • Head of Music Production & Programme Leader: BA (Hons) Music Production
- Johan Englund • Head of Songwriting & Programme Leader:BA (Hons) Songwriting – tbc • Head of Music Business & Programme Leader: BA (Hons) Music Business -
Harry Leckstein • TMS Diploma Popular Music Performance Programme Leader – tbc • TMS Diploma Music Production Programme Leader – tbc • Head of Drums – Erik Stams • Deputy Head of Drums – Philippe Castermane • Head of Guitar – John Wheatcroft • Deputy Head of Guitar – Jim Clark • Head of Vocals – Lisa Laudat • Deputy Head of Vocals – Laura June Barnes • Head of Live Performance Workshop – Svetlana Vassileva • – tbc • Learning &Teaching Co-ordinator – Victy Silva
2.1.2. Counselling Service Our Counsellor, Becky Ellis has weekly appointments available. The Tech Music School Counselling Service is dedicated to providing free, confidential counselling and emotional support to all students currently studying at TMS.
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You may not be sure what counselling is and how it works. People come for counselling with a broad range of issues that may be causing them some difficulties;
• Counselling is an empowering process, in which a person is helped to take control of their life, fulfil their potential, and have an increased sense of well-being.
• Counselling is about helping you make sense of your thoughts and feelings so that you can then make decisions about what to do to bring about change in your life.
• Counselling helps you look at difficulties and problems that you may be currently experiencing
• Sharing thoughts and feelings in the context of a counselling relationship will help you feel less isolated, and will enable you to understand more clearly what is happening now, and how you would like things to change.
• Talking about experiences in a neutral and confidential environment will help you to work through concerns. Counselling will help you feel better about your life and help you cope with future problems you may experience.
People come for Counselling with a broad range of issues that may be causing them some difficulties;
• Bereavement • Depression • Eating Disorders • Family problems • Issues concerning relationships • Panic Attacks • Past Traumas • Self-harm • Sexuality • Stress and Anxiety • Suicidal Feelings
Whatever the problem is, or seems to be, you will be very welcome. Typically the first session would last 50 minutes, to introduce yourself and see whether you want to enter into a counselling contract. You can ask questions, obtain information that maybe relevant to your situation, and then decide whether counselling is something you wish to try. Staff may suggest that counselling may help you, but you will not be made to come to counselling if it is something you do not wish to do. Following the first session, you would typically meet once a week for about 6 weeks. You will be offered uninterrupted 50 minute sessions, where Becky will carefully listen to you and encourage you to freely and openly share as much about your situation as you wish. You will be helped to deal with your concerns and supported in a non-judgemental way to make your own decisions. Becky is an experienced counsellor and has worked with many people with very different backgrounds and with a wide range of
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issues. No matter what the issue – she will not judge you and will acknowledge your right to choose your focus for the counselling session and believe that, with respectful support, you can find the best solution to your difficulties.
2.1.3. Music Health
Our Health specialist, Hara Trouli holds regular sessions to deal with musical related injuries and the prevention of injuries. Hara can help you with the following things;
• neck pain • back pain • shoulder pain • elbow pain • wrist pain • hand pain • leg & foot pain • posture problems • spinal conditions • RSI • numbness and pins and needles • fatigue • cramps • joint pains & swellings • instrument ergonomics
Appointments can be booked at reception. 2.1.4. Performance Psychology Andy Evans is available for performance psychology sessions to tackle anything ranging from stage fright and anxiety, to lyric learning processes. Appointments can be made by contacting a member of the student support team. 2.1.5. Extra Support Lessons TMS has extra 1-1 and group lessons available to cover aspects such as Theory / Aural / Sight Reading / Technology / Composition / Academic Writing / Business etc. These may be allocated on a referral basis from your Programme Leader, Head of Department or a member of the Student Support Team, but will also be available for you to book at reception. Any extra sessions available will be advertised to all students. If you feel that you are struggling with any of the content on your course then please arrange to book an appointment with your Programme Leader, Head of Department of member of the Student Support Team, we are dedicated to providing all students with the necessary tools to successfully complete their course.
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2.1.6. Academic Tutorials TMS has academic tutorials available for all full time students to accompany your course lessons. These are used to maximise the student learning experience and support you throughout your studies. Tutorials can be booked to cover the following subjects;
• Academic writing • Aural • Composing & Arranging • Ensemble skills • Harmony & theory • Live Performance • Artist, label & event management • Sequencing & music technology • Sight reading • Songwriting • Recording skills • Mixing & mastering • Presentation skills • Project management • Group work • Techniques
These may be allocated on a referral basis from your Programme Leader, Head of Department or a member of the Student Support Team, but will also be available for you to book at reception. Available tutorials will be advertised to all students on a termly basis. Tutorials may be used to re-cap work from class, cover potential weaker areas, or to further your knowledge in a particular subject. The teachers available for tutorials may change from term to term to ensure that up to date and relevant tutorage is available, depending on material covered in class. The tutorial system is reviewed on a termly basis, this is to ensure that sufficient time is available and to make any necessary amendments to the system to maximise the efficiency and productivity of the service. You will be asked to complete a tutorial form upon booking, informing the tutors what areas you would like to work on. Written feedback will then be issued afterwards, where appropriate, for you to take away and reflect on. If you feel that you are struggling with any of the content on your course then please arrange an appointment with your Programme Leader, Head of Department of member of the Student Support Team, we are dedicated to providing all students with the necessary tools and support to successfully complete their course. The information in this document was correct at the time of print; TMS reserves the right to alter the student support provision.
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2.1.7. TMS Guidance notes to Students
• All lessons start on the hour / hour and a half. • All lessons are due to finish 5 minutes before the scheduled time marked on
your timetable. This gives you 5 minutes to reach your next lesson. The new timetable has been constructed to minimise journey distance as much as possible and 5 minutes should be enough time. It is very important that all classes finish on time to allow you time to get to your next class, as late finishes have a negative impact on your education. Please inform us if any classes are regularly starting / finishing late.
• The register needs to be completed by 5 minutes past the scheduled start of the class. If you arrive at your class more than 5 minutes late the tutor will mark you late on the register. Students who are regularly late will be required to meet with a member of the Student Support team to discuss their poor punctuality.
• If you arrive at your class more than 15 minutes late, entry to the class is at the tutor’s discretion.
• The School monitors tutor timekeeping and will endeavour to ensure that all tutors are punctual as late arrival by a tutor can have a negative impact on your experience. Please inform us if any tutor is late for the start of their class by calling Reception on 0208 749 3131.
• All mobile phones are to be switched off during classes.
2.2 Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) We have developed a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for 2012/13 academic year. Available to students on all courses, this will provide on-line support for your learning. Teaching and Learning materials for each module will be made available on line by your Module Leader / Tutor including course notes, hand-outs and additional reference materials, alongside timetable information. In addition the VLE will be used to publicise events such as master classes, workshops and gigs. You will be provided with a unique user name and password to enable you to access the VLE through the computers in the School’s Learning Resource Centre and via remote access. 2.3 E-library Available to all students, the School has developed an on-line collection of core books and articles to support your studies (through the Athens portal). You will be provided with a unique user name and password to enable you to access the e-library remotely and through the computers in the School’s Learning Resource Centre.
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2.4 Policy Statement for Students with Disabilities and Learning Difficulties
TMS has adopted a philosophy of self-definition of the special needs of its students. By doing so it seeks to encompass the traditional categories of disability referred to on the TMS application form, in addition to any preferred definition of special need of the individual. This policy regarding students with specific learning difficulties and disabilities should be read in conjunction with the policies, regulations and statutes of TMS. TMS is committed to setting up systems to break down any barriers, which might prevent a disabled person from actively participating in student life at TMS. 2.5 Admissions Tech Music School admissions procedures will be consistent with its published admissions policy:
• Applications from students with a special need will be dealt with first in terms
of merit and academic potential. Issues pertaining to special needs will be dealt with subsequently.
• Disclosure of special needs will be encouraged by providing realistic and positive information regarding the schools facilities and resources.
• Students who indicate a special need will be given a full opportunity to assess the facilities and resources, which are available to meet that need.
• Applicants with a special need who choose not to declare that need may be at a disadvantage. TMS cannot undertake to provide support or facilities for such an applicant, if admitted, and reserves the right to cancel his/her registration if it considers that material information has been withheld.
2.6 Access and Integration TMS will respond positively to the study support needs of individual students and will endeavour to provide the facilities and equipment to enable the student to fulfil their course of study. TMS recognises its responsibility for ensuring that all students have equal access opportunities to all its facilities and resources. TMS recognises that it has obligations to demonstrate an awareness of special needs equality issues and undertakes to maintain its commitment to anti-discriminatory practice. The mode of course delivery and future course design, will give due consideration to special needs to prevent discrimination on the grounds of special needs. TMS recognises that alternative methods of assessment and / or examination arrangements may be necessary and will endeavour to ensure that students with special needs will have an opportunity equal to that of their peers to demonstrate their knowledge and ability. TMS aims to maintain current knowledge of the means for meeting the special needs of students.
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TMS will adopt a positive attitude to ensuring that where possible its buildings meet the assessed needs of individual students. TMS recognises that students may need the support of a career and will endeavour to facilitate such support. 2.7 Safety TMS recognises its responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all its students. Where a special need is perceived to incur a potential safety risk, TMS will undertake to investigate all alternative solutions and will only refuse entry on these grounds if no suitable alternatives are available. Please contact the Head of Student Support if you have any questions regarding this. 2.8 Ear Protection TMS Strongly recommends that you use Ear Plugs during all practice sessions and all live performances. If you put your hearing under pressure frequently, it can eventually cause hearing damage such as tinnitus - which can't be repaired. 2.9 Communication It is extremely important that we have up-to-date records of both your current address and your usual address/parents’ home address. We also need a current telephone number plus any mobile numbers and e-mail addresses as we use both frequently to contact you. If you need to update or change any of your contact details then please e-mail a member of the Academic Administration Team. At the end of the course, you must let the office know of your forwarding address in order for us to send you your certificate and course results. It is your responsibility to ensure that the office holds your correct address and telephone numbers upon leaving. The school cannot issue replacement certificates if you fail to provide correct address information. 2.10 Student Feedback You will be asked to complete a quality questionnaire during their time at TMS. Through this TMS can engage with the student voice and ensure that we can facilitate the best student experience for all current and future students. If you would like to discuss matters of quality at any other point during your studies then please arrange to make an appointment with your relevant Head of Education (HE or FE). TMS endeavours to enable the highest level of interaction with its students and welcomes any feedback during any point of your course. 2.11 Doctor’s surgeries If you missed a continually assessed module through illness you will be required to provide a doctor’s note. We therefore STRONGLY recommend that you register with a doctor’s surgery once you are settled into the area. Below is a list of the nearest doctor’s surgeries to TMS.
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• Dr Bhatt, VB & Partner Chiswick Family Practice, Bedford Park,
Chiswick W4 1BB Phone: 020 8995 6707 • Dr Reddy, CSP & Partner The Vale Surgery, 97 The Vale, Acton,
London W3 7RG Phone: 020 8743 4086 • Dr Mamdani, HM 2 Burlington Gardens, Acton, London W3 6BA Phone: 020
8992 0346 • Dr Yin Sm Acton Lane Medical Centre, 253 Acton Lane, Chiswick W4 5DG
Phone: 020-8995-5706 • Dr Kukar The Medical Centre, 13 Ollgar Close, Uxbridge Road, Shepherds
Bush W12 0NF Phone: 020-8740-7407 • Dr Datta, S 64 Churchfield Road, London, W3 6DL Phone: 020 8992 3854 • The Ashchurch Medical Centre 134 Askew Road, London, W12 9BP
Phone: 0844 4778673 • Dr Isaac, N Acton Health Centre, 35-61 Church Road, Acton W3 8QE
Phone: 020 8992 6768 • Dr Keen Jw & Partner The Bedford Park Surgery, 55 South Parade,
Chiswick W4 5LH Phone: 020-8994-0298 • Dr Sinha, BP Western Avenue Surgery, 56 Western Avenue, Acton W3 7TY
Phone: 020 8743 4133
2.12 Dental surgeries
• Acton Vale Dental Practice 175 The Vale, Acton, London, London W3 7RD
Phone: 020 8749 3267 • Lim Dental Practise 4 High Street, Acton, London W3 6LJ Phone: 020 8992
4208 • The Dental Centre 100 67a Askew Road, London, W12 9AH Phone: 020
8743 6959 • Askew Road Dental Practise 149 Askew Road, Shepards Bush, Shepards
Bush, London, England - UK W12 9AU Phone: 020 8743 0947 • Cornerstone Dental Practice 137 High Street, Acton, London, London W3
6LY Phone: 020 8992 3721 • Ghauri Dental Practice 1 Wormholt Road, Shepherds Bush, Shepherds
Bush, London W12 0LU Phone: 020 8743 4065 or 020 8746 1500 • Western Avenue Dental Practice Dental Surgery, 54 Western Avenue,
London W3 7TZ Phone: 020 8743 3916 • Oakwood Dental Practice 74 Old Oak Common Lane, East Acton,
London W3 7DA Phone: 020 8749 3371 Website • Springfield Dental Surgery 63 Summerlands Avenue, Acton, London W3
6EW Phone: 020 8993 2233 • Sacoor N and Associates 191 High Street, London, W3 9DD Phone: 020
8992 6681
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2.13 Local Libraries 2.13.1. Acton Library Acton library stock includes a wide range of books including large print collection, audio books. There are books available in a range of community languages which include: Arabic, Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, Farsi, Somali and Polish. There is a separate reference library and study room on the first floor. They also lend magazines on a weekly loan. They have 15 titles available and charge 16p per day fine if late. High Street, Acton W36NA. Tel:(020)87520999; Fax:(020)89926086. Email:[email protected] Open: Mon , Fri and Sat 9am-5pm; Tues, Wed, Thurs 9am-7.45pm; Sun 2pm-5pm. Wheelchair access. 2.14.2 Shepherds Bush Library
Services available: • Books & Information • Bestsellers collection • Teenage collection (Teen Zone) • Talking books • Indic language books • Arabic collection • CDs • Videos • Free internet access • Language learning computers • Photocopier • Newspapers and magazines • Children’s area - Homework collection, free internet access, under 5’s session
every Tuesday 10.30am-11.30am (tickets only - available from library) • Cards, postcards and local history books for sale • Fully accessible public toilet with baby changing facilities • 7 Uxbridge Road
London W12 8LJ
• 0208 753 3853 (Adult lending)
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3. Facilities This section of the handbook contains information regarding all of the Facilities available to you as a student and a guide to rules and regulations. If you have any problems with the equipment, or if you have any questions regarding any of this information then please contact a member of the facilities team. 3.1 Student Cards You will be issued with a TMS student card and lanyard at the start of your course. It is compulsory that you wear your student card at all times when within TMS, If you fail to do so, you will be asked by a member of staff or tutor to collect a temporary one from reception. Replacements for any lost student cards cost £5. If you do not have your student card card then you will not be able to use any of the TMS practice facilities. If you see anybody in TMS who is not wearing clear identification then please can you report this to a member of staff immediately. 3.1.1. Practice Membership Cards You will be issued with a practice membership card at the start of your course. This entitles you to use all of our practice facilities. If you do not have your practice membership card then you will not be able to use any of the TMS practice facilities. Replacements for any lost practice membership cards cost £1. 3.2 TMS Practice Facilities Availability We have many facilities available for you to practice and rehearse in, from the morning all the way through to night time across all of our buildings. Everything from a single drum room to a full band rehearsal room and even entire iMac suites. Below is an equipment list of what is available in each room and the procedures for booking these rooms. Please note that music performance practice rooms are only bookable by Performance & Songwriting Students. Please note that the recording studio facilities are only available only bookable by Production students. Please see you Programme Handbook for information about recording studio booking. Equipment List
• 3A – Acoustic drum kit, double bass drum pedal, headphones, metronome, iPod lead.
• 3B – Acoustic drum kit, mixing desk, headphones, metronome, iPod lead. • 3C – Acoustic drum kit, mixing desk, headphones, metronome, iPod lead. • 3D – Acoustic drum kit, mixing desk, headphones, metronome, iPod lead. • S5 – PA, mixing desk, keyboard, CD player • S7 – Electronic kit, keyboard, guitar & bass pods, ‘Silent band practice
capability’.
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• S8 – Keyboard, iPod lead, small speakers. • S9 – Electronic kit, keyboard, guitar & bass pods, ‘Silent band practice
capability’. • S10 - Electronic drum kit, PA, guitar amp, bass amp, metronome, iPod lead. • S11 - Electronic drum kit, PA, keyboard, guitar amp, bass amp, metronome,
iPod lead. • S13 – iMac suite, 12 iMacs, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, M-Audio Interfaces & Keys. • S18 – iMac suite, 12 iMacs, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, M-Audio Interfaces & Keys. • S19 – Learning Resources Room, 15 PC’s, printer, internet. • Arch 1 - Acoustic drum kit, keyboard, guitar amp, bass amp, PA. • Arch 2 - Acoustic drum kit, keyboard, guitar amp, bass amp, PA. • Arch 3 - Acoustic drum kit, keyboard, guitar amp, bass amp, PA. • Arch 4 - Acoustic drum kit, keyboard, guitar amp, bass amp, PA, metronome.
3.2.1. Practice Rules Tech Music School
• You can book 1 day in advance, by telephone or in person between 09:30 and 17:30 on: 0208 7493131.
• To ensure fairness bookings cannot be made on the same day as the room is required.
• Each student is allowed 1 x 1 hour booking per day. • There will be no queuing at Reception for rooms but there is a first come first
served basis on all empty rooms. • On the hour please come and get the key from Reception and put in your
practice card and sign the sheet. • To enable the next student to use the room, keys should be returned at 5
minutes to the hour. • Usual practice hours apply (no PA after 1pm etc). • To ensure fairness, cancellation of the room or failure to turn up will be
monitored and could result in suspension of practice. Arch Studios
• Students can book 7 days in advance by telephone only, during 11am‐11pm on 0208 7471116.
• Practice is available 11am‐11pm. • 1 hour booking per week. • No queuing for rooms. • No same day booking. • On the hour, please hand over their ID card to the member of staff. • Please vacate the room 5 mins to the hour and collect their ID card. • Students may practice as a band and you may bring one non student, but the
person who books the room is responsible for that room, all equipment and the non student.
• To ensure fairness, cancellation of the room or failure to turn up will be monitored and could result in suspension of practice.
• Please report all issues to a member of staff immediately.
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• Students will adhere to all health and safety rules whilst on the Arch Studios premises.
3.2.2 Practice Facilities Regulations Below you will find information regarding the practice facilities available at TMS and the regulations to go with them. This are designed to ensure a fair and transparent practice system that benefits every student.
1. To ensure fairness, anyone who returns a key more than 5 minutes late (i.e. 1 min past the hour) will receive a warning. If this happens more than once in the space of a week, a one day practice ban will be enforced. Failure to comply with these rules again within a week will result in a 7 day practice ban. A permanent record of student’s punctuality with room keys will be kept and continued lateness can result in a permanent ban on practice facilities.
2. Please note that it is your responsibility to check that the room you take / book
has everything you require (e.g. drum kit, guitar amp etc) as every room is different. Please ask what is available prior to booking if you are unsure.
3. For noise issues, please close the door at all time, especially when you’re
playing, but please never lock yourself in.
4. Students will have to sign the security spreadsheet for the appropriate room and time in order to use any practice facilities, please see below details of what you agree to when you sign for a room:
• Please ensure your ID card is worn visibly around the neck at all times. • Please submit their membership card and sign the key chart. • Please check the inventory on entering the room. • Please take full responsibility for the room and the inventory whilst in
possession of the key. • Please report any missing or damaged items immediately. • Please lock the room when vacated. • To reimburse Tech Music School for any losses incurred whilst in
possession of the key. • To pay the full lock replacement charge for any loss or room key. • To accept that practice will be suspended on the loss of a key until a new
lock can be fitted. • Please return keys to the office and never pass them to other students. • Please sign the non-duplication declaration in the event of inadvertent
removal of room key. • Please do not to remove any equipment from a room or booth under any
circumstances. • Please vacate each room or booth and return the key 5 minutes before
each hour. • Please keep the rooms tidy and dispose of all refuse. • Please return the equipment to standard set up.
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• To return all volume controls to zero and guitar/bass amps to standby. • To switch off all lights and air conditioning after use. • Please ensure the sound limiter is functioning correctly and to report it
immediately if no reading shows. Failure to comply will expose you to liability for any losses sustained and will result in suspension from practice and / or expulsion from the school.
TMS reserves the right to conduct a personal or property search if necessary. Please note that practice facilities are only available for performance and songwriting students. 3.2.3. Sound Limiters All rooms are fitted with sound limiters; they have been set up to control noise levels within each room.
• If you play too loud, a yellow light will light on to warn you, if this light is on for more than 5/10 seconds it will then trip the power off the room.
• If this happens, please ask for a member of the facilities team person to come and switch the power back on.
• If the power is tripped off the second time in the same session then you’ll be asked to stop your rehearsal and leave the room.
• Please do not touch the sound limiters. If you are caught tampering with them you will be banned from practicing permanently.
3.2.4. Information for Students
• Use memory locks as much as possible, especially for the hi-hat stands. • Please don’t over tighten screws. • Please ensure that the drum kit is put back in the right handed position if you
have moved it around. • Please report anything broken or missing at the beginning of your practice. • Please bring your own mic and XLR / jack leads, we unfortunately do not lend
any out. • Please do not move mic stands; keyboards or anything else from room to
room. • Please do not move amps from room to room. • Please leave the amps on stage or on their stands. • If you don’t know how to use something (PA, Amps etc), then please ask a
member of the Facilities Team. 3.2.5. Endorsements TMS is proud to be endorsed by the following companies;
• Keyboards by Korg. • Organs by Hammond.
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• Amplification by Marshall, Hartke and Peavey. • Guitars and Basses by Gibson, Fender and Music Man. • Drums by Mapex. • Sticks by Vater. • Cymbals by Zildjian. • Percussion equipment by LP. • Drum heads by Evans. • PA's by Peavey. • Mics by Shure. • Computers by Apple. • Software by Apple, Avid, Native Instruments & Ableton. • Studio mics by Sontronics.
TMS endeavours to ensure that all equipment found throughout the school is of the highest standard and condition. If you would like to learn more about any of the equipment used within TMS then please contact a member of the Facilities Team. TMS may be able to offer discount to students on equipment bought from the companies named above. If you would like any information regarding specific prices and discounts available on equipment then please contact the Head of Facilities directly. 3.3 IT Access
We have 15 computers available for use in the Learning Resource Centre (S19), please can you ensure that you adhere to the following guidelines;
• Please sign in and leave your membership card at reception. • No food or drink. • Please only print documents related to your studies. • One to a computer. • No downloading of inappropriate files allowed. • Files will be deleted at the end of each session, please ensure that you have
saved all work onto a flash drive etc. • Please clear your workspace before leaving. • No music allowed. • Please keep volume to a minimum. • Contact a member of the facilities team if you have any problems.
3.4 Student Relaxation Areas These are situated on the ground, 2nd and 3rd floors of 74 Stanley Gardens, the ground floor of 29 Warple Way, the first floor of 41 Warple Way and in Long Island House. There are water coolers and vending machines in each building. These areas are for your use, but remember to treat them with respect and put all rubbish in the bins provided.
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3.5 Parking Facilities
Parking at TMS is very limited so we recommend that you travel to college by public transport. If you do decide to travel by car, there is on-street parking but please ensure that you do not leave any valuables on display. 3.6 Emergency Evacuation
3.6.1. IN THE EVENT OF FIRE 74 Stanley Gardens London W3 7SZ • Students & visitors must leave via the main staircase and take the nearest
available fire exit located on the ground floor. • Proceed to the meeting point – ACTON SCOUT HUT
(cross over the road and walk to the left, towards the alley) • Do not stop to collect any belongings 76/76A Stanley Gardens London W3 7SZ • Students & visitors must leave via the main entrance. • Proceed to the meeting point – ACTON SCOUT HUT
(cross over the road and walk to the left, towards the alley) • Do not stop to collect any belongings
41 Warple Way London W3 0RX
• Students & visitors must leave via the nearest available fire exit. • Proceed to the meeting point – WARPLE MEWS ENTRANCE
(turn right out of the door). • Do not stop to collect any belongings. 29 Warple Way London W3 0RX • Students & visitors must leave via the nearest available fire exit. • Proceed to the meeting point – SUN STUDIOS (across the road). • Do not stop to collect any belongings. Unit B,C & D Long Island House W3 0RG • Students & visitors must leave via the nearest available fire exit. • Do NOT use the lifts. • Proceed to the meeting point – OUTSIDE THE FLATS
(across the road).
Please do not stop to collect any belongings.
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4. Events 4.1 Master classes and Clinics information Throughout the year the School arranges many Master classes and Clinics for your benefit, covering a wide variety of subjects across the Music Industry spectrum. These sessions are normally held on a Thursday evening and we strongly recommend that you attend. All master classes are free to current TMS students. Sign-up sheets will be posted in the downstairs student area of 76 Stanley Gardens. Please note that these events run on a first-come-first-served basis. All master classes will be held off-site in external venues, full details of venue location will be advertised well in advance. Please note that student cards will be required to show at the door for all events. Over the years visiting artists have included: Dennis Chambers, Ian Paice, Manu Katche, Steve Smith, Peter Erskine, Dave Weckl, Martin ‘Smitty’ Smith, Andy Newmark, Elvin Jones, Andy Gangadeen, Neil Wilkinson, Gary Husband, Tina May, John Jorgenson, Pat Martino, Basil Meade (LCGC), Keith Ames (Musicians Union), Ian Thomas, Gary Chaffe, Ralph Salmins, John JR Robinson, Chad Smith, Brooks Wackerman, Priscilla Jones (Craig David, Light House Family, Robbie Williams, S Club), Ruth Trantor and Nathaly Carson (Choreographers)and Geoff Nicholls (music business), Sophie Ellis Bextor, Troy Miller, Sam Brown, Gus G, Gregg Wright, Nick Fyffe, Glenn Tilbrook, Chris Dagley, Marc Rizzo (Soulfly), John Etheridge, Mike Clark (Headhunters), JoJo Mayer and Billy Cobham. 4.2 External Gigs TMS holds a range of gigs that are open to all current TMS students which will be advertised in advance on all student notice boards and via e-mail. Information may also be available on the TMS website. Please note that ID will be required for all events unless stated otherwise in promotional information. If you require any further information on any TMS events then please contact a member of the Events Team. 4.2.1. Freshers We hold a range of Freshers events in the first week of the first term to welcome all of our new students. Our main event will showcase a range of musical genres, performed by TMS tutor and student bands. This is a great opportunity to meet other students from the rest of the school, tutors and staff and to start forging relationships, both personal and professional. 4.2.2. End of Term Showcase There will be an opportunity for all TMS performance students to perform at one of the End of Term Showcases, taking place each term. Students are encouraged to audition, 40-60 audition slots will be available on a first-come-first- served basis for Degree performance students. Diploma students are allocated separate slots as they
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must audition as part of their Music Project unit. Bands will be guided and assessed by two MDs. A final decision will be made in consultation with the Heads of Department. Please note that all bands must be comprised from TMS students only. 4.2.3. Graduation Live Show TMS completes the year with its energetic Graduation Live Show. Students from all performance courses are selected to play in front of an enthusiastic crowd of tutors, staff, students and industry specialists. This energetic event marks the finish of the course for One Year students and the finish of the Year for Degree students. We use this event to celebrate the achievements of all our students and to showcase the full range of talent that can be found throughout TMS. Full details will be sent to all students during the 3rd term of study. 4.2.4. Originals Night Originals night offers TMS students the opportunity to perform their own music in a professional environment. Students will be asked to submit recordings beforehand and will be chosen by tutors to perform. Further details of all events will be posted around the school and e-mailed to all students. If you require any further information then please contact a member of the Marketing and Events Team.
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5. Quality, Policies & Procedures 5.1 Equal Opportunity Statement TMS is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all applicants to the School. We actively seek to recruit a diverse student body that is reflective of the wider community. This includes students from the UK and overseas and students who are mature applicants. We believe that a diverse student body provides for a more creative and dynamic music community and this is in line with the ethos and mission of TMS. No potential student will be excluded from entry to any programme as a result of discrimination on the grounds of age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sex or sexual orientation, mental status, disability, religion or belief. TMS will operate within the guidelines of the Disability Discrimination Act. 5.2 Drugs and Alcohol TMS has a zero-tolerance policy on drug and alcohol use. You are not allowed to bring alcohol or drugs (other than those medically prescribed) into the School, or to any School function or event. You must not consume alcohol or drugs at any time or place, on or off the campus, during your School day. Continued effects of earlier consumption will be treated as seriously as the above. Any student caught infringing these rules will be asked to leave the School. 5.3 Attendance Procedure Students must attend all lessons and other timetabled commitments throughout their programme. Whenever a student is absent s/he must be prepared to explain the reasons for absence upon their return to college, and to produce satisfactory evidence to justify it. All absences should be notified on forms available at TMS reception. 5.3.1. Implementation It is the responsibility of subject tutors to record all absences and to check their registers weekly. All absences should be followed up upon your return to the School. The administration team will also notify tutors and the Course Leader of unauthorised absence from the computerised records. On the first occasion you will receive an informal warning via email. On the second occasion, a formal warning will be issued via a standard letter, and you may be asked to attend a tutorial with the course administrator. Subsequent concern over attendance will result in; a meeting with your Programme Leader, relevant Head of Education (HE or FE) or even the Principal. At this stage, you will be warned that any further unauthorised absence may result in the permanent withdrawal from the module(s) in question and/or the programme. With respect to longer continuous periods of unauthorised absence, a student may be withdrawn from the programme, if they are continuously absent from TMS without reason for a period of three weeks.
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5.3.2. Absence Reporting If you are unable to attend any lesson then it is your responsibility to inform the office, where possible, who will make a record of your absence. If you miss more than one week you will be required to submit evidence of your absence, i.e. doctor’s note. If you are unable to produce any evidence regarding your absence then you will not receive authorisation for mitigation. Attendance is taken very seriously at TMS and is vital for your successful completion of your course. If you have any questions then please contact a member of the Student Support Team. 5.4 Data Protection 5.4.1. Why we need to hold personal data? TMS processes students’ personal data as part of the necessary functioning of the institution. Personal data is information that can be used to identify you as an individual and which you provide by completing your application and enrolment form – as well as necessary information which we process while you are a student, such as your assessment results, etc. All personal information provided by or about you will be treated strictly in terms of the Data Protection Act 1998. This means that confidentiality will be respected and that measures will be taken to prevent unauthorised disclosure. We also ask you for a photograph for enrolment. Your photograph will be stored electronically and may be seen by TMS staff. We never release your enrolment photograph to another student, or outside TMS. You may also appear on CCTV records, which the TMS keeps for security purposes. 5.4.2. Disclosure of data TMS may provide limited data to Council Tax Offices of local authorities to enable them to assess whether you are liable for Council Tax. We shall report on your attendance and performance to your local education authority or the Student Loan Company on request, if you have been assessed for eligibility for support. In certain circumstances, TMS may be required to disclose personal data by the police or courts for the purposes of the prevention or detection of crime, or where it is necessary to protect your vital interests, in an extreme emergency. We do ask you to provide on your enrolment form the name, address and telephone number of someone who we can contact in an emergency. TMS archives student records for a limited number of years after graduation in order to be able to confirm requests from prospective employers etc. We may provide references or confirm marks to potential employers on receipt of an official written request from them. It is assumed that by citing TMS on an employment/further study application you are giving us permission to release relevant personal data. Reports may also be provided to a sponsoring body, sponsoring employer or LEA, provided that the receipt of information on your progress forms part of the conditions of your sponsorship.
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At the end of your studies, limited personal data will be retained for our Alumni records in order that we can maintain contact with you. It is normal practice to produce official results lists, showing the results of all students on a programme. A copy of the list is given to each student on the programme and may be placed on appropriate Departmental notice boards. If you feel that the publication of your results in this way will cause you significant damage and/or distress, you may ask for your details not to be shown on the list. Such a request must be made in writing to your relevant Head of Education (HE or FE). This list is not intended to be exhaustive but to give you an idea of the various kinds of processing of information, which TMS may need to undertake. We will not normally release data about you to your parents, partner or other relative or external enquirer under any other circumstances, without having received your specific written consent. 5.4.3. Access to data The Data Protection Act gives you certain rights of access to your personal data records held by the University. Almost all of the data held is printed out on your enrolment form for you to check every year and your confirmed assessment results will be forwarded to you on a transcript after they have been agreed by the Award Assessment Board. If you do want additionally to be notified of all the information the University holds about you, you should inform Reception. 5.4.4. Accuracy It is a requirement of the Act that information processed about individuals is accurate. It is essential therefore that you keep the, Reception staff informed if you change personal details such as your address, or name. We will need to write to you several times during your time as a student, for example to give you your assessment results and to tell you about Awards Ceremonies. . 5.4.5 Sensitive Data Some personal data is defined as ‘sensitive’ under the 1998 Data Protection Act, including the following:
• Race or ethnic origin. • Physical or mental health. • The commission or alleged commission of an offence, and any proceedings
arising there from. Your explicit consent is normally required to process this data (although there are circumstances where that consent is not required such as where data is used solely for monitoring equality of opportunity, where data is used by health professionals, or in an emergency). In signing your enrolment form you are giving us consent to process. If you have any questions, or wish to withhold your consent to our processing ‘sensitive’ data, please contact the Head of Student Support. You can be advised of the circumstances under which we are required to process ‘sensitive’
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data, although the following paragraphs set out in some detail how we do use that data. 5.4.6. Ethnic origin We ask you to tell us your ethnic origin. TMS will use this data only for the purposes of monitoring equality of opportunity. 5.4.7. Health and disability We ask you to tell us if you are disabled and also if you are in receipt of a disability allowance. Within TMS data about disability will be used for the purposes of monitoring equality of opportunity. It will also be used as an essential part of the provision of a service to students with disabilities. If you declare a disability, The Head of Student Support may contact you to see if TMS can provide any further help for you. There may be circumstances when we have to release information in an extreme emergency, for example if you were taken ill and health professionals outside TMS need to know about a disability. The Data Protection Act recognises that it is not always possible to seek your consent to the release of sensitive data in an emergency. You may also disclose information about your health when you complete a Mitigating Circumstances form. 5.4.8. Admission of an offence Any person with a criminal conviction will have been asked to declare that on their TMS application form. Information about a criminal conviction is used as part of the admission procedure alone. 5.5 Assessment Regulations
5.5.1. Assessment Policy TMS follows guidelines for assessment defined by our educational partners and relevant awarding bodies. For the definition of the assessment cycle please refer to your Programme Handbook (HE) or the Diploma Assessment Handbook (FE). Please see your Programme Handbook (HE only) for more information about late submission penalties, extensions and mitigating circumstances. 5.5.2. Exam Protocol
• Be on time for all your examinations. If you are late, your work might not be accepted.
• Do not become involved in any unfair or dishonest practice during the examination.
• If you try to cheat, or break the rules in any way, you could be disqualified from all your subjects.
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• Only take into the examination room the materials and equipment which are allowed.
• Do not take into the examination room any unauthorised materials or equipment which might give you an unfair advantage. This includes notes, calculator cases/instruction leaflets, bags, personal TVs/stereos, digital equipment, reading pens, electronic communication/storage devices, including mobile telephones, iPods, MP3/4 players or any other products with text/digital facilities.
• Any pencil cases taken into the examination room must be see-through. • Remember: possession of unauthorised material is breaking the rules, even if
you do not intend to use it, and you will be subject to penalty and possible disqualification.
• Do not use correcting pens, fluid or tape, erasable pens, highlighters or gel pens in your answers.
• Do not talk to or try to communicate with, or disturb other candidates once the examination has started.
• If you leave the examination room unaccompanied by an invigilator before the examination has finished, you will not be allowed to return.
• Do not borrow anything from another candidate during the examination. 5.6. Return of Marks TMS aims to inform students of their marks within 15 working days of submission (or performance) by the VLE, email or hardcopy. Students should be aware that marks returned in this way are for guidance only, and remain unverified until ratified by the Examination / Award Board, which has the power to alter grades. 5.7 Authorised Professional Activity (Student policy statement) In some instances you may secure professional work that, due to its importance requires you to miss lectures. It is very important to handle this in a professional way. Small-scale pub gigs, demo recordings, sound checks and rehearsals do not come into this category. Examples of work that might be considered as ‘authorised professional activity’ include: national touring, radio, major label recording sessions, major auditions, job interviews, TV work etc. The relevant HE or FE Mitigating Evidence Committee (MEC) deals with absence from exams due to illness etc. Exam schedules are contained in this manual and published in detail on the VLE and TMS Notice boards and you should note them in your own diary. For absences during coursework deadlines we encourage you to submit your work early (by arrangement) or in some cases electronically. In both cases it is vital that you contact your Programme Leader at least three weeks prior to the deadline.
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What to do
• Use the absence form (backed up by a letter from your employer or agent etc.) for professional activity lasting one full working day or less that does not affect coursework deadlines.
• For longer durations of work or cases where coursework deadlines are affected, you will need to clear this with your Programme Leader. You will need to book a tutorial and bring a covering letter (from your employer, agent etc.) or further documents detailing the nature of the proposed professional engagement.
• In most cases the Programme Leader will be able to make a decision there and then and advise you on whether your activity will be authorised. In some cases the course leader may refer the case to the Head of Higher or Further Education whose decision is final in these matters.
5.8 Complaints and Appeals Procedures
5.8.1. Complaints Procedure Wherever possible complaints should be raised immediately with the member of staff responsible, or with a member of the Student Support team, with the aim of resolving the problem directly and informally:
Level 1
This will generally be an oral process and a written record will not be made. If you remain dissatisfied with the response to your complaint at Level 1 you should use Level 2 of the process. Level 2 Where it has not been possible to resolve matters at Level 1 you should write to the Head of Student Support. In order for your complaint to be properly investigated it is essential that you are specific about the cause and nature of your complaint. You should present full details, including your name and term-time address and include all relevant documentation. You should detail what attempts you have already made to resolve the complaint, and state what outcome and remedy you are seeking. Formal (Level 2) complaints should be lodged within three months of the conclusion of the informal (Level 1) phase. Complaints received later than this will not normally be considered. You should expect to receive an acknowledgement of the receipt of your complaint within five working days. Your complaint, and all relevant documentation, will be forwarded to the relevant Head of Education (HE or FE).
• Academic complaints relate to issues that have a direct effect on the provision of teaching, learning, research and supervision.
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• Non-academic complaints usually relate to issues connected with The Institute’s services but also cover any inappropriate behaviour from TMS staff, including allegations of behaviour, which is discriminatory or harassing.
If the relevant Head of Education has already been involved at Level 1, The Principal will deal with the Level 2 stage. In some cases you may be contacted for further information or clarification and you have the right to request a meeting with the person investigating your complaint, to discuss the issues in person. You will be informed, in writing, of the outcome of your complaint. It is our aim to resolve most complaints at Level 2 within 28 days. You will be informed if, for any reason, there is likely to be any delay in the process. Level 3 In the event that you remain dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint at Level 2, your complaint can be passed to the Principal for final internal review. You should lodge your request for Level 3 review of your complaint within one month of receiving the outcome of the Level 2 investigation. Requests for review received later than this will not normally be considered. Requests to review the outcomes of Level 2 investigations will be considered in terms of whether any of these conditions are met:
• There were procedural irregularities in the investigation of the complaint; or • Fresh evidence can be presented which was not or could not reasonably have
been made available to the investigator at Level 2; or • The finding of the investigation was against the weight of the evidence.
If the Principal is satisfied that any of the above conditions apply, s/he will undertake a further investigation of the complaint. You will be notified of the outcome of the investigation of the complaint at Level 3 in writing. If your complaint is of an academic nature and is still unresolved at the end of Level 3 when the TMS complaints procedure has been exhausted and you remain dissatisfied, the awarding body may consider your complaint under their regulations provided you lodge a request with the relevant Academic Registrar for a review of the TMS decision within one month of receiving the outcome of the TMS Level 3 investigation. The awarding body will initially ascertain that all the correct procedures have been followed by TMS and if, after considering the case against the criteria set, the relevant Academic Registrar decides to undertake further investigation, s/he will consult senior officers at TMS. You will be informed of the result of the awarding body’s investigation in writing. Should you still be dissatisfied, there is the option of an independent review.
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5.8.2. General Principles As a general principle TMS expects that complaints will be dealt with informally in the first instance. Many complaints can be dealt with quickly and effectively in this manner without the need to follow formal procedures. This complaints procedure has been designed with this in mind. TMS is committed to providing a high quality service to its students and you are encouraged to let us know when there is cause for concern or a need for improvement. However, TMS will not accept complaints, which are frivolous (unfounded, trivial), or malicious (with vindictive motivation). You should be assured that no complainant will be disadvantaged by having raised a complaint. Privacy and confidentiality will be maintained in the handling of complaints except where disclosure is necessary to progress the complaint. It is the awarding body’s expectation that the confidentiality of any documentation generated by a complaint will be respected by all parties. If you are considering making a complaint you are strongly advised to talk to one of the following. They can advise you on how to deal with your complaint, help to resolve it informally and, if necessary, support you in the process of making a formal complaint.
• The Head of Academic Administration & Student Support • Student Support Manager • Head of Higher Education • Head of Further Education • Programme Leader • One of your Student Representatives
The following list indicates examples of the type of complaint covered by the procedure:
• Poor teaching or supervision. • Misleading information in prospectuses or in advertising or promotional
material. • A failing in a TMS service, academic or non-academic. • Inadequate facilities. • The behaviour of a member of TMS staff.
The following are not covered by the procedure:
• A request for a review of a decision of an academic body (e.g. Examination Board) regarding student progression, assessment and award. This is defined as an Appeal and is dealt with under the separate Appeals Procedure.
• Complaint against another student. These are dealt with under the separate Student Disciplinary Procedures.
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It is important to remember that complaints will not always produce the outcome preferred by the complainant. There may be a number of reasons for this, including lack of evidence to substantiate the complaint or the fact that circumstances beyond TMS’s control may affect the level of service provided. However, whatever the decision, you will be informed of the result of your complaint in writing and will be provided with the reasons for the outcome.
5.9 TMS Appeals Procedure 5.9.1. Purpose of the Appeals Procedure The appeals procedure is intended to provide a formal means for reviewing a decision made on student progression, assessment and awards, and resolving the student's concerns in a fair and consistent manner. This is different from the Student Complaints Procedure, which provides a means for resolving other problems that may arise during the academic year, relating to teaching provision or other services, for example. If you need advice about whether the matter you wish to raise is a complaint or an appeal, please consult either the relevant Head of HE / FE Education or the Head of Student Support. 5.9.2. Principles of the Appeals Procedure Students lodging an appeal will not be disadvantaged by doing so. Privacy and confidentiality will be respected, and disclosure of information provided by you in the course of an appeal will be restricted to those individual officers directly involved in consideration of that appeal, and that may include Chairs of Mitigating Evidence Committees, awarding bodies & Examination Boards. The appeal will be considered in accordance with TMS’s Equality and Diversity Policy. There is no right of appeal against matters of academic judgement; however students do have the right to appeal against certain academic decisions such as:
• That there existed circumstances affecting the student’s performance of which the examiners were not aware when their decision was taken, and which could not reasonably have been presented to the examiners.
TMS recognises that sometimes situations will arise that prevent you from submitting a piece of work on time, or that might affect the standard of work that you are able to submit. The usual procedure for dealing with such circumstances is to apply to the Mitigating Evidence Committee (MEC) as and when the situation arises. If you intend to lodge an appeal on these grounds you should note that, for an appeal to succeed, you will need to show that all three criteria listed below are met:
1. Circumstances affecting the student's performance: Evidence of these circumstances should be submitted, with a clear explanation of the period of time, and particular pieces of assessed work that were affected.
2. of which the examiners were not aware when their decision was taken ...
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An appeal will not have strong grounds where the examiners were already aware of the circumstances described, and made their decision in the knowledge of those circumstances.
3. which could not reasonably have been presented to the examiners An appeal can usually only be considered where you have been unable to follow the normal procedure for submitting evidence to the MEC and it would not be reasonable to have expected you to have done so. An example might be that you were in hospital, or were suffering from mental health difficulties, which meant that you were unable to prepare a submission to MEC at the appropriate time. It is not sufficient for you to say that you were unaware of the procedure for making a submission to MEC, or had chosen not to do so.
• There was a procedural irregularity (including administrative error) or other inadequacy in the conduct of the examinations, or processing of marks or grades, or the categorisation of an award.
An appeal may be brought where you believe that the award or mark is incorrect because TMS has made an error. It is not enough to show that an error has taken place - it will be necessary for you to show that the error resulted in an incorrect decision being made. If the error is clearly demonstrable, it can often be corrected without the necessity to go through a formal appeal process, so you are advised to seek urgent advice from the relevant Head of Education in the first instance.
• There exists evidence of prejudice or bias on the part of an examiner.
An appeal brought on these grounds should clearly identify the particular individual(s) considered to have shown prejudice or bias against you, and should be supported by evidence. 5.9.3. Deadlines for appeal An academic appeal must be lodged within 21 calendar days of the publication of the examiner’s decision. If you wish to appeal against the fact that you have been required to withdraw from a programme at TMS, you will need to appeal within 7 working days. 5.9.4 What decisions can students appeal against?
• Failure of the programme of study. • The recommended category of award. • A decision that the student is required to withdraw from the programme
because s/he has failed to satisfy the requirements for academic progress within that programme.
• A decision that a student is required to submit one or more assessment units, having failed to satisfy the requirements for academic progress (this can include a decision that a student is required to repeat a year).
• A decision from TMS that a student is deemed to have withdrawn.
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5.9.5 Academic Misconduct Panel Decisions Appeals must be submitted, in writing, to the Head of Student Support within 21 calendar days of the decision having been sent in writing to the student's last known address. 5.9.6. Mitigating Evidence Committee Appeals must be submitted, in writing, to the relevant Head of Education (HE or FE) within 21 calendar days of the decision being notified to the student. 5.9.7. Decision to refuse to allow an alternative mode of assessment Appeals must be submitted, in writing, to the Head of Student Support within 21 calendar days of the decision being notified to the student. 5.9.8. How the Appeal will be considered Receipt of your appeal will be acknowledged within 5 working days. Relevant information will then be gathered. This will include the Head of Education’s comments on the appeal, the student transcript, any Mitigating Evidence Committee records and Examination Board minutes. This process will normally take a minimum of two or three weeks and may take longer for particularly complex cases, or when someone who has critical information is unavailable. You may also be asked for clarification of statements in your appeal or for further evidence. Please bear in mind, however, that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have provided full information and supporting evidence to substantiate your grounds for appeal. You must ensure that TMS can contact you quickly about an appeal, by keeping TMS informed of any changes to contact details. Once this information has been gathered together, a decision will be taken as to whether the appeal is admissible. It may be, for example, that the grounds of appeal are that there were circumstances of which the examiners were unaware, but on investigation, it is evident that those circumstances had been considered by the Examination Board. Another example might be that the grounds for appeal are a procedural error, but there is no evidence that any error has taken place. If the appeal is considered to be inadmissible, a letter will be sent to you, confirming that decision. Admissible appeals are then considered further to establish whether they can be decided without a hearing of an Appeals Panel. This will only be the case if it is clear that the appeal should be upheld (i.e. the decision should go in the students favour) because all parties consulted are in agreement. You will be notified in writing if an appeal has been upheld. Where there is any doubt, the appeal will be decided at a hearing of an Appeals Panel. 5.9.9. Appeals Panel Hearings
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If it has been decided that an appeal is admissible and is to be considered at a hearing, members of the central administration who are independent from the running of assessment operations, will first prepare a detailed report on the nature of the appeal, the evidence, and the outcomes available under your course regulations. A date for the hearing will be set, and a letter confirming the date and time of the hearing will be sent to you, with a copy by email, so that you have a minimum of five days' notice of the hearing. A copy of the report and any other information that is being sent to members of the Appeals Panel will be sent to you by post (or by airmail if you are abroad). 5.9.10. The Appeals Panel The composition of the Appeals Panel is as follows:
• TMS Principal. • Two academic members of staff who have not been involved in teaching
the student. • A student – usually one of the student representatives for the programme.
5.9.11. Before the Hearing You should contact the person who wrote to you from TMS immediately if:
• You don’t not intend to be present at the hearing; • If you wish for a friend to attend with you; and if so, whether the you
wish for them to answer questions from the Panel on your behalf; • If you have any special needs (e.g. due to a disability).
If you intend to be accompanied, please let TMS know the name of that person at least one working day before the hearing. It is your responsibility to ensure that their friend has copies of any papers, and is aware of the date, time and location of the hearing. We will not contact them on your behalf. If you do not intend to attend the hearing, you may send in written comments in response to the papers that have been sent to you, if you wish. Such comments must be received at least two working days before the day of the hearing. If any of the information in the papers that has been sent out to you is unclear, you should contact the writer of the letter inviting you to the hearing or the Head of Student Support. 5.9.12. What Happens at the Hearing The Panel members will have read the appeal papers that have been sent to you before the hearing. The procedure at the hearing is as follows:
• You (and, if applicable, a friend) will be invited to join the Panel, • who will introduce themselves. • You will be invited to make any statement, either to highlight particular points • made in their written appeal or to add further comments, in light of the documentation.
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• The Panel members may ask you questions about the evidence or the • circumstances of your appeal; • Your friend (if applicable) will be asked whether they wish to make any • additional statement on your behalf. • You (and, if applicable, their friend) will be asked to leave the room and to • wait nearby, while the Panel considers the evidence and the discussion with them. • You will be invited to re-join the Panel, so that they can give you their
decision. Panels are expected to reach a decision on the day of the hearing. If, extraordinarily, this is not possible, the hearing may have to be adjourned while additional information is sought and copied to the Panel and to yourself. The decision will subsequently be confirmed in writing within seven working days of the hearing. Once the outcome has been decided, a Completion of Procedure letter will be issued. 5.9.13. What if the Appeal is not Upheld? If an appeal is not upheld by TMS and you remain dissatisfied, you may invoke the relevant awarding bodies appeal procedures (i.e. UWL, Edexcel etc). You must write to the Registrar and Secretary within 21 days of the notification of the outcome of the appeal at TMS. There is no right of appeal against the academic judgement of examiners. The awarding body will ascertain if the correct process was observed. Once the process is finalised, the awarding body will issue a Completion of Procedure letter. 5.10. Harassment & Bullying 5.10.1. Definitions of Harassment Harassment is behaviour which is unacceptable to and diminishes the dignity of the recipient(s) and which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for that bullying, verbal or physical abuse. Harassment relating to another person's sex, sexual orientation, religion, race or disability is all included within this definition.
5.10.2. Definitions of Bullying
Bullying can be broadly defined as behaviour, which consistently undermines another's confidence, reducing feelings of self-esteem and self-worth. It is generally psychological, rarely though sometimes physical. Bullying is often intimidation by someone in a superior position, but can occur in any relationship. 5.10.3. Taking the Matter Up If you suffer harassment, you can do one or more of the following: take it up with the person concerned, take informal advice, or make a formal complaint.
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5.10.4. Taking it up with the person concerned If at all possible, make it clear that his/her behaviour is unacceptable. You can do this by word of mouth or in writing. If you write, keep a copy of your letter, bearing in mind that this letter can be used in evidence by the other person. Always keep detailed notes of any incidents that distress you, including information on the ways in which the incidents cause you to change the pattern of your work or social life. Keep a note of who witnessed the incidents. If you don't feel able to take it up with the person concerned, or if harassment continues, you can take further action.
5.10.5. Taking informal advice You can take advice from various sources, including; the Head of Student Support, Course Leader, Head of Education and the Principal. These discussions are private and confidential, and you can bring a friend with you if you want. The people listed may be able to make informal approaches to the person concerned to ensure that harassment is not repeated. The decision whether to go further will depend on you. Even where you are complaining about conduct that is actually criminal, no proceedings can take place without your wish and evidence, and it is for you to choose whether or not to give that evidence. (Remember, though, that if you write to someone, it may be impossible to prevent that document being used in evidence.) 5.10.6. Formal processes You are strongly advised to take the informal route first, with the support of those suggested above. This may help you decide whether to make a formal complaint. Written formal complaints should be addressed to the Head of Student Support who will deal with the matter from there. 5.11 Student Discipline Students shall maintain a standard of conduct, which is not harmful to the work, good order or good name of the School. If a breach of discipline is reported, the Head of Education decides if the matter should be reported to Board of Studies. They determine what action, if any, should be taken against breaches of discipline. If the Board feels, on the basis of the report it has received, that there is a prima facie case to be answered and that the matter is of a serious nature, the Board will refer the case to the Principal, who will hear the case against the student and decide on further action. 5.12 Student Disciplinary Procedure 5.12.1. Preamble
• The Student Disciplinary Procedures provide a framework for the regulation of students’ behaviour, as students of TMS, in order to secure the proper working of the schools in the broadest sense.
• TMS, as a community, has obligations relating to the care of, and responsibility for, its members.
• TMS has a duty to protect its reputation.
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5.12.2. Code of Conduct The major principles that form the basis of acceptable student conduct are:
• You are expected to respect and observe the rules and regulations of TMS. • Students should conduct themselves in an orderly manner in their academic
and recreational activities while they attend TMS or engage in any TMS activity,
• Students should respect the rights and privacy of other members of TMS at all times.
5.12.3. Definition of Misconduct
The general definition of ‘misconduct’ under these Disciplinary Procedures is improper interference, in the broadest sense, with the proper functioning or activities of TMS, or those who work or study at TMS; or action which otherwise damages TMS.
The following constitute misconduct:
• disruption of, or improper interference with, the academic, administrative, social or other activities of TMS, whether on premises or elsewhere;
• obstruction of, or improper interference with, the functions, duties or activities
of any student, member of staff or other employee of TMS or any authorised visitor to TMS;
• violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening or offensive behaviour or language
whilst on premises or engaged in any TMS activity, including that committed by electronic means.
• fraud, deceit, deception or dishonesty in relation to TMS or its staff or in
connection with holding any office in TMS or in relation to being a student of TMS;
• action likely to cause injury or impair safety either on premises or on any other
sites associated with TMS through its professional or other programmes;
• defacement of, or deliberate damage to, any property of TMS, or any property of a member of TMS (including damage resulting from negligence);
• acts of disturbance that threaten the rights and privacy of any member of TMS,
whilst on premises or engaged in TMS activity.
• harassment of any kind, including sexual or racial harassment of any student, member of staff or other employee of TMS or any authorised visitor to TMS, including that committed by electronic or other remote means;
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• possession or misuse of drugs which constitutes an offence at law;
• Possession, consumption, or being under the influence of alcohol at any TMS
premises, or external venue used by TMS for taught lessons.
Note: Where a student is deemed to be in a state of mind or health which is perceived to pose a threat, affect the welfare of staff and/or students, or is disruptive of the learning and teaching process, TMS reserves the right to refer the student for an occupational health assessment before any recommencement of study can be considered. 5.12.3. Outline of the Student Disciplinary Process
I. In cases of alleged minor infringements of the Code of Student Conduct, the School will seek to resolve disciplinary matters informally, with disciplinary procedures operated by the student’s Programme Leader.
II. If the matter cannot be resolved informally due to there being and allegation of
a more serious breach of the Code of Student Conduct, or repetition of minor acts of misconduct, the relevant Head of Education (HE or FE), or nominee, will be required to conduct a formal investigation.
III. A student who is the subject of an allegation of misconduct may be
suspended by the Principal, or nominee, if his/her continued attendance at the School could interfere with the formal investigation and/or present a risk to students and/or staff.
IV. A student against whom a criminal charge is pending, or who is the subject of
a police investigation, may be suspended by the Principal, or his nominee, pending the outcome of the police investigation.
In conducting a formal investigation, the relevant Head of Education (or nominee) will:
I. inform the student in writing of the nature of the alleged misconduct and, having given the student five days’ notice in writing, require the student to attend a formal disciplinary hearing;
II. advise the student that he/she may be accompanied at the disciplinary
hearing by a friend who may be a fellow student of the School; III. establish a panel to hear the case comprising the relevant Head of Education
(Chair), or nominee, and the Head of Student Support or another senior member of staff and arrange for a formal record to made of the meeting;
IV. interview and/or obtain written statements from any witnesses to the alleged
breach of the Code of Student Conduct in advance of the formal disciplinary hearing, including, but not limited to, the person making the allegation of misconduct;
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V. determine, in light of the evidence presented, whether a breach of the Code of
Student Conduct has been committed; If the panel is satisfied that there has been a breach of the Code of Student Conduct, take one or more of the following courses of action:
I. issue a verbal warning to the student indicating the consequences of future misconduct, a record of which to be entered into the student’s file removable after 6 months;
II. issue a written warning to the student indicating the consequences of
future misconduct, to be entered into the student’s file removable after 12 months;
III. issue a final written warning to the student indicating the consequences of
future misconduct, to be entered into the student’s file removable three months after the completion of the student’s programme;
IV. suspend the student with immediate effect for a fixed period of time from
School premises and/or services;
V. permanently exclude the student with immediate effect from School premises and/or services.
Additionally, the relevant Head of Education (HE or FE), or nominee, may
I. require the student to compensate or make good any damage caused to School property;
II. require the student to make appropriate recompense or apology for any
offence or harm caused, or any damage done, to School relations with its members or the outside community;
III. Within five days of conclusion of the disciplinary hearing, the student will be
notified in writing of the outcome of the disciplinary hearing, the reasons for that outcome, a summary of the alleged facts on which the disciplinary action is based and any penalty imposed. The notice will include a clear statement of the right and method of seeking a review of the decision.
IV. The student has the right of appeal to the Principal against the outcome of the
disciplinary hearing, where the penalty entails suspension or exclusion. The appeal must be received within five days of the student being notified of the outcome of the disciplinary hearing.
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5.13 Refunds and Appeal Process In order to appeal a decision regarding paid course fees the student should submit an appeal letter addressed to the Principal outlining the reasons for consideration. A decision will then be made by the Principal. Should the student wish to further appeal an unsuccessful claim a final appeal should be submitted, addressed to the Directors Board.
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