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SwindonCollege

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YOUR GUIDE, TO YOUR COLLEGE...

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WELCOME

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Welcome from the PrincipalThis Guide is packed with information to help guide you through your first days at College. It is also useful to refer to throughout the year for contact numbers, key dates and opening times.

Swindon College caters for a wide range of students with different backgrounds andabilities.

This guide is for all students and if you have ideas forimprovements we’d love to hear from you. We offer a friendly, supportive learning environment and we really want you to makethe most of your time here to achieve your goals.

Good luck with your studies.

Andrew MillerPrincipal and CEO, Swindon College

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CONTENTS

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Student Voice 4Dates for your Diary 5Student Council 6Star Student Awards 7Student Agreement 8Student Enrichment Centre 10Course Reps 12Safeguarding 12Security 14You and your Tutor 15College Code of Conduct 16Equality and Diversity 17Student Services 18Additional learning Support 19Student Finance 20 Student Experience Managers 21Multi Faith Team 22Counselling 23Learning Resource Centre 24The Zone 25HE Centre 26 Absence 27

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STUDENT VOICE

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Meet Ashley Hunt ‘Student Voice Co-ordinator’Ashley will be introducing himself to you very soon. 

His main role will be to facilitate the student voice for further and higher education courses, take on the role as the lead student governor and to support and enhance the Students Voice across College via a range of actions including co-chairing the Student Council..

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

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College CalendarTERM 1Full-Time FE classes start (Yr 1) Monday 3rd – Tuesday 4th September 2012

Freshers’ Fair & Wednesday 5th September 2012

Parents meet the Tutor W/c 177h September 2012

Apprenticeship Awards evening Thursday 20th September 2012

Moving on progression event Tuesday 25th September 2012

HE Finance evening Wednesday 3rd October 2012

Graduation Ceremony Friday 12th October 2012

Term 1 ends Thursday 25th October 2012

BREAK Monday 29TH October-Friday 2nd November 2012

TERM 2Term 2 starts Monday 5th November 2012

FE / HE Open Evening Thursday 8th November 2012

Learner Progress Review Day W/c Monday 19th November 2012

Term 2 ends Friday 21st December 2012

BREAK (COLLEGE CLOSED) Monday 24th December 2012 - Friday 4th January 2012

TERM 3Term 3 starts Monday 7th January 2013

Learner Progress Review Day W/c Monday 21st January 2013

FE / HE Open Evening Wednesday 6th February 2013

Term 3 ends Friday 8th February 2013

BREAK Monday 11th February - Friday 15th February 2013

TERM 4Term 4 starts Monday 18th February 2013

Learner Progress Review Day W/c Monday 18th March 2013

Term 4 ends Friday 22nd March 2013

BREAK Monday 25th March 2013– Friday 5th April 2013

Good Friday (College closed) Friday 29th March 2013

Easter Monday (College closed) Monday 1st April 2013

TERM 5Term 5 starts Monday 8th April 2013

HE Open Evening Thursday 25th April 2013

May Day (College Closed) Monday 6th May 2013

Pre 16 Awards Ceremony Tuesday 7th May 2013

Term 5 ends Thursday 23rd May 2013

Spring Bank Holiday (College Closed) Monday 27th May 2013

BREAK Tuesday 28th May – Friday 31st May 2013

TERM 5Term 6 starts Monday 3rd June 2013

FE Awards Ceremony Thursday 4th July 2013

TERM 6 ENDS (FE) Friday 5th July 2013

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STUDENT COUNCIL

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Here for you...The Student Council is an influential body made up of elected members of the student community who meet to serve theinterests of students at college, by working with staff and student reps.

The Student Council is there to serve your needs. Members of the Council are there to represent your views, help you find out information and, importantly, organise andsupport trips and activities.

A typical cross-college trip would be to a theme park or national show or event.Your democracy Student Union card isavailable at www.nus.org.uk

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STAR STUDENT

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Made real progress?Done something extra?Attended well and worked hard?

Each Term the College has the Star Students Awards and you could be awarded up to £100 !

You need to be nominated for a Swindon College Star Award by your tutor. A judging panel makes the final decisions.Ask your tutor for details.

STAR STUDENTAWARDS

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STUDENT AGREEMENT

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You will be asked by your tutor to read and sign this document. It lists what you can expect of us as well as our expectations of you.

We expect...AttendanceNo unauthorised absences

Punctuality To attend all lessons

BehaviourAppropriate behaviour which shows respect for others and supports learning.

CommitmentCompletion of work and making positive contributions to the College.

If you don’t meet these responsibilities you could be involved in disciplinary meetings. Minor breaches should be resolved quicklyby your tutor. Serious misconduct will bedealt with in a formal hearing.

If we get things wrong!We make every effort to get things right for you.We take all comments and feedback seriously. They help us to improve what we do.

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If you have a complaint...

First talk to your tutor or lecturer If you need more help speak to Student Services or your Student Experience Manager.

If you prefer to write about your complaint, fill in a feedback card from Student Services or write to Darylin Francis, SLTExecutive Officer.

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STUDENT ENRICHMENT CENTRE

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‘The Hub of Student Life’The Student Enrichment Centre is an exciting facility located in one of our new buildings, open to all students at lunchtimes and free periods during term time.

The centre is the hub of student life at the college and is a place to get involved, socialise or just relax.

The centre is staffed by the friendly and experienced Student Enrichment Team and Youth Workers - who are always available for an informal chat - and offers a wide range of activities to students including:

Table Tennis Pool Tables Xbox/PS3 Wii Computers with internet access Flat screen TVs Music

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STUDENT ENRICHMENT CENTRE

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Microwave and breakfast club for free breakfast Sports clubs and societies Volunteering Workshops Fundraising Tutorials Someone to talk to Condom distribution point.

Opening Times (term-time only): Monday to Thursday 8:30am-5pm, Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

For more information contact the Student Enrichment Team on Telephone: (01793) 498922 or email:enrichment@swindon-college.ac.uk

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COURSE REPS

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‘Have Your Say’This is your chance to be actively involved in influencing things going on in the College and ensure the quality of your course remains high and consistent.

Talk to your course Tutor if you would like to get involved!

Staying Safe iseveryone’s business...

Are you worried about something that is happening to you or someone you know IN or OUT of College?

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SAFEGUARDING

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You can ask for help from: Mark Burton, College Safeguarding Manager Room P127, LRC, Phoenix Tel: 07709439601

Your Tutor Jo Kelly Manager of Student Engagement Room P023, The Avenue, Phoenix Tel: 07872423134

Student Experience Team : Jo Heaven, Claire Purnell, Kate Macdonald,

Dean Parsons and Mike Wadley Room P023, The Avenue, Phoenix

or e-mail safe@swindon-college.ac.uk

Other places to get help:

Security Guards via Reception: 498206Police: 0845 408 7000 or 101Samaritans: 537373 (local) 08457909090College Counsellors: 498372M: 07545423876 or reception 498206Beat bullying: www.beatbullying.org Childline: 0800 1111 www.childline .org.ukYouth Workers in Student Enrichment Centre 498941Internet Security: www.ceop.gov.uk Multi Faith Team: 498841Victim Support Group: 01380 729476

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ENTSECURITY

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SwindonCollege

security reasons...

For

‘Let’s be secure and be safe!’

Full time students and staff must keep

ID badges on their person at all times

Part time students must carry their

receipt card with them at all times.

SwindonCollege

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YOU AND YOUR TUTOR

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Whilst you are at College your personal tutor monitors your progress and general welfareYou will work with your tutor on a 1:1 basis, usually once each half term. This purpose of these 1:1’s will be to review your progress and to ensure that targets you have set through LEAP have either been achieved or that you are on track to achieve them. If you have been unable to achieve your targets then possible support will be discussed to support you with your course.

e-learningAlongside traditional methods of teaching the college provides e-learning for its students. At the centre of our strategyis the VLE vle.swindon-college.ac.uk which allowsstudents to access their course material online at any time.

LEAP (Learner Engagement and Progress) This is a vital tool for your everyday use at Swindon College. It allows you to take responsibility for your own learning through the setting of realistic targets that will support you throughout your course. You will have 1:1 meetings with your tutors at regular intervals where you will discuss your development and any support that needs to be put in place to enable you to succeed. Through LEAP you will also be able to view your reports which will enable you to reflect on your progress. You can also check your personal details, attendance and punctuality.

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In Brief...The College Code of Conduct requires that college members should treat everyone as of equal value and behave towards other people with responsibility, sensitivity, courtesy and compassion.Swindon College expects all its students to demonstrate as appropriate behaviour:

Commitment Punctuality Willingness to learn Ability to meet targets and deadlines Determination to gain success Sensible behaviour Consideration and courtesy Full payment of any fees charged.

You can find all the college’s policies and procedures in full that relate to students by looking on the VLE (Virtual LearningEnvironment) vle.swindon-college.ac.uk

COLLEGE CODE OF CONDUCT

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EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

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Swindon College actively advances Equality of Opportunity (everyone should be treated fairly) and is committed to eliminating discrimination, harassment and victimisation in any form.

The Equality Act 2010 is the law which bans unfair treatment and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society. The Act covers nine protected characteristics, which cannot beused as a reason to treat people unfairly.

Every person has one or more of the protected characteristics, so the actprotects everyone against unfair treatment.

They protected characteristics are:• Age • Disability • Gender reassignment • Marriage and civil partnership• Pregnancy and maternity • Race • Religion or belief • Sex • Sexual orientation.

We are all equal

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They are here to give you advice and guidance on:• Applications for courses• Financial information• Support with all aspects of your welfare as a student• Appointments for Career Advice and Counselling.

During College term time Student Services are openfor enrolments or enquiries:Monday-Thursday 8.45am-7.15pmFriday 8.45am-4.30pm.During College holiday periods:Monday to Friday 8.45am-4.30pm.

Alternatively you can call on Freephone: 0800 731 2250 or (01793) 491591 Monday-Thursday 8.45am-5.15pm andFriday 8.45am-4.30pm.

On a limited budget?You may be eligible for Bursary funding to help you continue with your learning. The Bursary means that eligible students who are following an academic or vocational course at college could receive a payment or support in kind.

The payments are intended to help cover the day-to-day costs associated with studying at college, such as books, equipment and travel.

More information will be provided when you come for an interview and financial application forms are available from theStudent Finance Team at the College on (01793) 498228 or on the College website www.swindon-college.ac.uk

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STUDENT FINANCE

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ALS STUDENT EXPERIENCE TEAM

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Additional Learning SupportSwindon College has an Additional Learning Support team that can provide advice and support for learners with learning difficulties/disabilities during their transition into college and/or while they are at college, both in and out of the classroom.

Support packages are planned with learners, meeting individual needs.

Support is delivered by a variety of roles including:• Student Support workers • Academic Support tutors• Support Advisors/Mentors • Independent psychologists,• Communication Support workers • Teaching Assistants• Dyslexia specialists/Assessors • Medical professionals.

If you require any further information about the Additional Learning Support Service please contact (01793) 498343

Tina Blackler

Mike Wadley

Dean Parsons

Kate Macdonald

Jo Heaven

Claire Purnell

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STUDENT EXPERIENCE TEAM

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Student ExperienceHeaded up by Jo Kelly Manager of Student Engagement, are in College to help support you to get the most out of yourtime with us. All are based in the Student Experience office, The Avenue Phoenix.

They have several roles including making sure that you have a personal tutor (who helps you action plan your work and delivers group tutorials), as well as working 1:1 with many students.The SEMs work closely with other areas of student support such as Student Finance, Counselling and the Student Enrichment Centre.

You can contact them via Tina the Student ExperienceCo-ordinator on 01793 498941

MULTI FAITH TEAM ST

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The College has a multi faith team of Chaplains who provide support and a listening ear to anyone of any faith or none at all.

They are also happy to provide advocacy and signposting to other services and guidance

If you would like the meeting to include prayers for yourself, friends or family, there is a box in the Prayer and Peace room where you can post your request or e-mail wendytucker@swindon-college.ac.uk. Please be assured that requests for prayer are confidential and anonymous.

The Prayer and Peace room is open to everyone and is a space where you can pray, reflect or just spend some quiet time. The Chaplaincy team are currently seeking others from different faiths to join their team. If you would like to join them or know of someone who would please get in touch with Tina Blackler.

A Chaplain is in College or available most days of the week, however if you would like to make an appointment to speak to a Chaplain contact coordinater Jo Heaven on 498233.

MULTI FAITH TEAM

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COUNSELLING

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SwindonCollege

Here for you...

Counselling for Students

DAILY DROP-IN SESSIONSTues -Fri 12.30-1pm (ground floor, Pegasus)

Appointments can be made to suit you

- contact Reception in the Phoenix Building

Telephone: (01793) 498372 Text: 07545 423876

Email: counselling@swindon-college.ac.uk

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The Learning Resource Centre The Learning Resource Centre is on the second floor of the Phoenix building. The LRC is open to all students at the college and is an impressive facility offering more than 32,000 books as well as DVDs and electronic resources to support learning in the classroom. Some of these are accessible from home. Your student ID card is also your library card.

The LRC team are here to help you get the best out of the resources and to help you with your study skills.

The Learning Resource Centre is open in the evening during term time and during the day throughout College holidays.Tel: (01793) 498381 or email lrc@swindon-college.ac.uk

LRCLearning Resource Centre

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THE ZONE

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‘Great space for studying’ You will find yourself in THE ZONE on level 3 in the Pegasus building.

What’s it all about ? THE ZONE is a social learning space which is available to ALL students and has space to use computers and your own laptops in a relaxed, fresh and modern environment . Space can be booked out for groups of students or you can just drop in on your own or with friends to catch up on studying, prepare presentations or researching. There will be staff on hand to help and offer support and regularly advertised ‘learning technology’ sessions to learn something new!

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‘Social area for HE students’The centre offers facilities for our Access and university-level students and is based in the new Phoenix Building on the first floor near the Learning Resource Centre and library. Students have the use of a 42” plasma TV in the chill-out area with comfy sofas and chairs to relax, a seating area for food and drinks with kitchen facilities, an internet café-style bar plus an adjoining computer suite, which provides 12 PC workstations in total.

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ABSENCE

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ABSENCE HOTLINE: 01793 491591Students are required to attend every class unless they are ill or there is some other absolutely unavoidable reason.If you are unwell or unable to attend college, please let us know. You will be given a contact number for your curriculum area oruse the ABSENCE HOTLINE: 01793 491591

When calling or using the contact form please let us know you are reporting your absence and supply your name, ID number, tutor’sname, what classes you are missing and why.

Students should not arrange routine doctor or dentist appointments or driving lessons when they should be attending classes, and holidays must not be taken in term time.As you would expect, there is a very strong link between full attendance and not only succeeding in terms of completing yourcourse, but also the grade you are likely to achieve.