Student Services

SUPPORT …WHEREVER AND WHENEVER YOU MAY NEED IT

Student Services aims to provide those services that facilitate learning and the successful transition from School to College, and then onto work or further education. To be effective, our services will be:

• drawn from all the resources of the College and community

• available to all students

• provided on an individual basis as and when needed

• coordinated to ensure all students receive the necessary services.

Our aim is:

• To encourage students to play a responsible and responsive part in the life of the community.

• To provide an efficient and friendly service when dealing with enquiries.

• Give full pastoral support to students when required.

• Organise Careers fair and related events.

• Help students with UCAS forms and writing references.

• Design and implement a meaningful student support programme.

• Present to students an opportunity to reflect on their personal development, to consider their responsibilities in the College and wider community and to address important health issues, personal management, personal relationships and social awareness.

• Organise talks and demonstrations with guest speakers where appropriate.

• Develop a network of support from professionals in the community.

• Help with career planning by providing guidance on employment and further study and input into courses to develop skills and attributes that employers value.

• Recognise and celebrate achievements.

Student services will ordinarily communicate directly with parents/guardians in order to discuss;

• absences

• academic progress

• any matters of concern

THE PERSONAL TUTOR

 All full-time students are allocated a personal tutor. Your tutor plays a key supportive role if you have any problems with your studies, providing you with advice and help on a day-to-day basis. Your tutor can help with a wide range of course-related and personal issues, providing a vital link between you, your subject tutors and any other support areas involved in your progress. You will work together with your tutor in weekly one-hour group tutorials.  Your personal tutor will be responsible for:

• overseeing your progress

• helping and guiding you with your UCAS application including the writing of your personal statement

• directing you to members of staff who are available to give counselling help to students who wish to have confidential and more specialised support

• ensuring your entitlement to advice and information on the opportunities for employment and continued study. 

DROP-IN SESSIONS

Students can ‘drop in’ for a chat with a member of the student services team on Wednesday afternoons.  This will take place in the Student Services office on the ground floor.  This is open to any student who might be worried about academic or personal issues that might be affecting their progress.  Anything discussed during these sessions is treated with the utmost confidence and only when/if the student is deemed to be in danger or a danger to others will the information be shared with others.

COUNSELLING SERVICE

Students can sometimes be affected by difficulties when attending College. These could be academic, they could be home-based, or they could relate to how they view themselves. Family and friends often provide the support needed but sometimes something else is required.  If you feel you would like to see a counsellor, referral forms can be found outside the Student Services office.