photographing all students so that we can issue everyone with an ID card. You will be required to show ... post, includi
THE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE, SOLIHULL ENROLMENT GUIDE Contents
Welcome from the Principal
2
Enrolment Interviews 3
Start of Term & College Calendar
4
Lockers & Car Park Passes
5
Transport 6 Centro Bus Pass 7 Map 8 Campus plan 9 Financial Support 10
Students with Specific Learning Difficulties or Disabilities
11
Enrichment 11 Sports Trials 13
Enrichment Contribution
14
Induction 14 Support Services 15 Summer Homework 16 Enrolment Checklist 16
1
Welcome from the Principal Welcome to The Sixth Form College, Solihull. I am really excited about the coming year and looking forward to working with you. Transferring to a sixth form college is a significant step for young people and we want to make this transition as smooth as possible. This guide will give you more information about the start of term, and about how we shall be introducing you to life as members of The Sixth Form College, Solihull. Post-16 education can be a bit daunting, because so much seems to hang on what you achieve at this level. However, we pride ourselves on the provision we offer and we are confident that if you work hard and take advantage of the many opportunities available to you at College you will achieve success. The strengths of this College come from our focus as a specialist; delivering exclusively to full-time 16-19 year olds. This means that our curriculum, staffing and resources are all targeted on getting the best for you in an environment designed especially for you. The range of courses we offer is outstanding, and our track record of supporting students through university, apprenticeship or employment applications is second to none. We are small enough to ensure that everyone gets the individual attention they need to succeed, but big enough to offer a full range of truly specialist course options. Our results over recent years show that if you really embrace the learning culture at the College, you can be very confident that you will do well and secure a good place at university or work. We have a dedicated team of teachers and support staff, who are all geared towards helping you achieve your potential, but we are expecting you to play your part too. Throw yourself into your studies and I’m sure you’ll not only do well, but enjoy it too. I look forward to meeting you at enrolment. Martin Sullivan Principal
2
Enrolment Interviews Students are joining us from a wide variety of schools, and, as you can imagine, there is a great deal to do in enrolling them all and making them feel comfortable in our College. We therefore provide all students with another individual interview as part of enrolment, with guidance to ensure that everyone is embarking upon the most appropriate course. At the enrolment interview, you will also be required to make a firm commitment to any enrichment courses you choose (e.g. voluntary service). There is more information about enrichment on page 11. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 29 August (not Monday 28 August as this is a Bank Holiday) and your specific interview slot is detailed on the enclosed letter. The actual date and time is different for each student, so make sure you know when you are required in College. You can also check the date by logging into Tyber, where you first made your application. If you are on holiday during this time and unable to attend the interview, please contact the Admissions Office immediately to arrange an alternative appointment. Please email
[email protected] if you have not already done so. Please note that students who do not attend their enrolment interview will jeopardise their place at College unless they have informed us and arranged an alternative date. Students must fulfil our entry requirements to enrol, but if you do not get the grades you hoped for, don’t panic! There may still be a course that is suitable for you at College. Do not come into College, but rather email the College on the specific “just missed the grades” email address (justmissed@solihullsfc. ac.uk) with a scan of your results. We will reply within two working days to give you advice on whether you should come in to College with your results for an interview to discuss any suitable courses and the best options for you. At the back of this booklet there is a list of items that you need to bring to enrolment. Please read the checklist on page 16 carefully and ensure you have everything you need. This includes evidence of all your exam results (including any taken early), which is vital for enrolment. Please also note that as part of the enrolment process we shall be photographing all students so that we can issue everyone with an ID card. You will be required to show your ID card each morning at the entrance gate. It should be carried at all times and it helps us to keep the campus safe and secure.
3
Start of Term The new students’ programme starts with an induction session which takes place on Thursday 7 September or Friday 8 September. You will be notified of the date that you need to attend. When you enrol, you will be given a booklet explaining the arrangements for induction and the start of full-time teaching on Monday 11 September. It is absolutely vital that you start lessons on this date and we cannot accept absence for any reasons other than serious ill-health or an emergency. Students still on holiday, or who return back from holiday at this point, will not be able to start College. Please contact the Admissions Office at
[email protected] or phone 0121 709 7803 if any of our enrolment or induction dates pose a serious problem.
College Calendar Term dates for the 2017/2018 academic year are as follows: Autumn Term 2017 Wednesday 6 September 7 & 8 September Monday 11 September 23 - 27 October Tuesday 19 December
Year 13 Lessons Start Year 12 Induction Year 12 Lessons Start Half-Term End of Term
Spring Term 2018 Wednesday 3 January 19 - 23 February Thursday 29 March
Start of Term Half-Term End of Term
Summer Term 2018 Monday 16 April 28 May - 1 June Monday 16 July
Start of Term Half-Term End of Term
Please note that in exceptional circumstances, these dates may change. In addition, there will be staff training days when it will be necessary to suspend the timetable for the day. These dates will be published on the College website under “Calendar & News”.
4
Lockers Lockers are available to students in College to store books and other equipment. They are allocated on a first-come first-served basis, although there are usually sufficient to satisfy all requests. If you would like a locker, please pay your £15 refundable deposit for a locker key at www.parentpay.com and then come along to Central Administration in the Meriden Building (between 09:15 – 14:30 Monday – Thursday or 09:15 – 14:00 Friday). Please note that Parentpay is the online system we use for payments to College. Parents will be getting additional information about this in the post, including login details.
Car Park Passes Although car parking space is tight at the College, a limited number of parking permits are available to purchase. If you have a current blue disability badge, parking will be free of charge. Otherwise, parking will cost £2 per day (payable termly) and permits will be issued on a first come, first served basis. Charges are made for the whole term based on the number of teaching days per term with the exception of term 3 where a reduced cost is applied to reflect the exam period. Students can choose to pay £324 to guarantee a space for three terms or choose to pay termly (Autumn Term: £152; Spring Term: £114; Summer Term: £58). Payment can be made by Parentpay, cash or cheque. Please contact the Central Admin Office (in Meriden) for further details. There is a 5 mph limit on the College site and you must drive with due care and attention. Any instance of unacceptable driving behaviour will result in a permanent ban on bringing a vehicle to College. If you are involved or witness a traffic accident on the premises, you should report the matter to Reception immediately. Alternative public transport is detailed on pages 6 and 7.
5
Transport We understand that many students travel to College from a significant distance and, on occasions, have difficulties in arranging appropriate transport. If you have any concerns about travel, please visit the National Express West Midlands website at http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands. Below are many of the bus routes which you may find useful in planning your journey to and from College. The next page also gives details about train travel. By bus: There is one bus route which stop directly outside the College: • 5 from Sparkbrook, Sparkhill & Shirley All other bus routes stop in Solihull town centre (either near the High Street or at Solihull Station). Either way, it is then a short walk to the College. Routes include: • 6 - Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Hall Green, Shirley • 31 - Sparkbrook, Sparkhill, Acocks Green, Olton, Shirley • 37 - Sparkbrook, Acocks Green, Olton • 49 - Rednal, Northfield, Druid’s Heath, Hasluck’s Green, Shirley • 58 - Bordesley Green, Yardley, Sheldon • 71 - Sutton Coldfield, Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Garrett’s Green, Sheldon • 72 - Saltley, Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Garrett’s Green, Sheldon Please note that the bus companies do change their routes and timetables from time to time and while this information was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print, it may change.
6
By train: The nearest railway stations to the College are Widney Manor and Solihull. Travelling from the North and West these stations can be reached via Birmingham, using either Snow Hill or Moor Street stations. Travelling from the South and East, Widney Manor and Solihull are on the same line as major stations like Leamington Spa and Warwick. Widney Manor Station is closer to the College, but not all trains on these routes call at this station. Services call at Solihull Station more frequently – see train timetables for specific schedules. Solihull Station is situated just off the B4025 (Streetsbrook Road) a 20-minute walk from the College, while Widney Manor Station is on Widney Lane, just off Widney Manor Road where the College is situated.
Centro Bus Pass Centro provide bus travel for students at a reduced rate. In order to qualify for this reduced price, you will first need to apply for a 16-18 Centro card, which proves you are entitled to this reduced rate. You can then pay in cash every time you use the bus or apply for a term pass. The 16-18 Centro card and term passes can be purchased online via the Network West Midlands 16-18 web portal. First you need to apply for the 16-18 card and you will need a Unique Validation Code to do this online. This code will be available by logging into our online portal Tyber after you have enrolled. Each code is valid for one application only. It is linked to the specific school/college and confirms the student’s educational eligibility. Staff will explain the process to you at enrolment. Please note, you will not be able to apply for a bus pass without the Unique Validation Code.
7
8
9
Financial Support The Bursary Fund is a discretionary means-tested award administered by the College to assist students in hardship so that they may continue with their studies. The fund is primarily for vulnerable students in care, care leavers, those in receipt of Income Support and disabled students in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. There will also be some funding available to help other students in hardship with course-related costs such as books and equipment as well as travel to College. These funds are limited and may only provide a contribution towards such costs. College Bursaries - Key Points: 1. Currently, the level of government funding allows the College to offer bursaries on a sliding scale for those whose household income is below £20,000. 2. We also offer a small number of exceptional bursaries for very vulnerable students and these awards are guaranteed to be a minimum of £1,200 per year. 3. All students are given information on how to apply for a bursary in their enrolment booklet. Application forms will be available at enrolment and students are advised to submit completed forms by no later than October half term in order to be eligible for the full number of awards during the academic year. Information and updates are also available on the Bursary page of Moodle. Free Meals: The government also provides support for one meal a day for eligible students when they are in College. Eligibility is assessed alongside the Bursary as a combined application and is based on the student or their parent/guardian being in receipt of one or more particular benefits. All students are given information on how to apply for Free Meals and the Bursary in their enrolment booklet. Application forms will be available at enrolment and students are advised to submit completed forms by no later than October half-term in order to be eligible for the full number of awards during the academic year. Information and updates are also available on the Bursary page of Moodle.
10
Students with Specific Learning Difficulties or Disabilities We should already be aware of students who have any additional learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, or any physical difficulties, such as a hearing impairment, or issues with mobility. However, if you think we do not know, then contact the Additional Learning team as soon as possible to make sure we are aware of your needs. Students who have had extra time, or any other kind of dispensation in the GCSE examinations, must provide copies of the reports or statements so that we can contact the Examination Boards and make the same arrangements. Please make sure that you bring these with you to the Enrolment interview.
Enrichment During your time at College we expect that, alongside your academic studies, you will actively work to broaden your experiences, develop your skills and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the world by participating in enrichment activities. These are the many and varied choices open to you, including: Personal & Skills Development: • Career Passport • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) • Stretch & Challenge Programme • Model United Nations • Serving Overseas • Volunteering Academies and Projects: • Accounting & Finance Academy • Business Academy • Engineering Academy • European Languages Centre • Humanities Academy • Law Academy • Performing Arts Academy • Pre-Medical School • Psychology Research School • Shakespeare Academy
11
• Social Sciences Academy • Teaching Academy • Wider Medical Academy Modern Foreign Languages: • ABC Spanish • GCSE Russian Creative Arts/IT: • College Production • Collision Dance Company • ABRSM Music • Musical Activities • Creative Writing Sport: • Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership • Performance Sport in Men’s Basketball, Men’s Cricket, Men’s Football, Women’s Football, Women’s Netball, Men’s Rugby Student-led Enrichments: • Bike User Group • Charity Ambassadors • Health Ambassadors • Student-led Groups & Societies • Student Council Hopefully you found out more about these options when you came to Welcome to College Day in June/July. However, there is further information on all of these options in our Enrichment Guide and our Specialist Academies Guide on our website. The links are: http://www.solihullsfc.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ enrichment_2017.pdf http://www.solihullsfc.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/specialist_ academies_2017.pdf
12
Sports Trials We have performance sports squads for men’s basketball, cricket, men’s football, ladies football, netball and rugby. If you are interested in joining one of these teams, you will need to take part in trials. Dates for these trials are below. Please meet at the College Sports Centre at the date and time listed below and ensure you have appropriate kit with you. Monday 4 September 9.30am - 12.00pm: Men’s Football (allocated at enrolment) 9.30am - 12.00pm: Men’s Basketball (attend all) Tuesday 5 September 9.30am - 12.00pm: Men’s Football (allocated at enrolment) 9.30am - 12.00pm: Men’s Basketball (attend all) 12.30pm - 3.00pm: Men’s Cricket Wednesday 6 September 9.30am - 12.00pm: Men’s Football (attend if selected at previous sessions) 9.30am - 12.00pm: Women’s Netball 12.30pm - 3.00pm: Men’s Rugby 12.30pm - 3.00pm: Men’s Basketball (attend all) Please note there are no trials for Women’s Football - any students interested in taking part are asked to let sports’ staff know at enrolment. Some sports have more than one session scheduled. You are expected to attend all sessions. If you are unable to make any of the trials you will need to contact Jez Ingram in the Sports Department. Please email
[email protected] and include your name and the sport’s team you wish to be considered for.
13
Enrichment Contribution The core funding we receive from the government pays for the excellent teaching and learning you get and is why we can offer it free of charge. However, the Enrichment Contribution supports a wide range of activities that core funding does not pay for. These include opportunities in careers, work experience, voluntary service, higher education projects, sport, drama, music and many other areas. It also funds student-led activities like health ambassadors and student reps and it funds prizes and awards to celebrate your success. A full list of the enrichment options available can be found on pages 11 and 12 of this guide. Without this contribution, we would be unable to offer students such a rich and varied enrichment programme. We ask you or your parents to contribute £50 per year to help support these activities. Of course, if you wish to contribute more or less than that, we welcome your donation. The more that you give, the more enrichment we can provide. Here’s how you can contribute. You can pay the Enrichment Contribution by cash or cheque (payable to ‘The Sixth Form College, Solihull’ with your (student) name and date of birth on the back) at Enrolment or pay by standing order or online via ParentPay. Further information about this - including how payments can be made in instalments and how Gift Aid can be claimed - is included in the letter to parents.
Induction The new students’ programme starts with an induction session which takes place on Thursday 7 September or Friday 8 September. On this day you will complete a BKSB diagnostic exercise online to assess your English and Maths ability. Once completed, the results will help your teachers in planning and supporting your learning. If you are unable to attend Induction, you will have the opportunity to complete it in the first week of term. Please note that your Enrolment at the College is not complete until you have completed the BKSB exercise.
14
Support Services At Induction, you will be made aware of all the support services available to students, including learning about: Academic Coaching You will be put into a coaching set and allocated a member of staff to be your academic coach. This person will be your first point of contact for any support or advice you need. An Academic Coaching Seminar Programme will take place and one-to-one appointments are also arranged from time to time. These sessions are extremely useful and are a compulsory part of your programme. Learning Resource Centre Your induction will take you through how you can use your College ID card to take out books and other resources in the Learning Centre and make use of the computers and printers in there to do your work. Additional Support The College is committed to ensuring that students with an additional need or disability are treated fairly, and all reasonable adjustments to provision are made to allow them to reach their full potential. Students with individual learning needs are offered specific support through our additional learning team. It is important that you tell us if you think this applies to you so arrangements can be made. Health & Wellbeing Our Student Development Officers and counselling staff are here to help you with any health or welfare needs you may have, be it exam stress, anxiety, eating disorders or low mood. Advice and support regarding sexual health, smoking cessation, drugs and alcohol, accommodation, funding for higher education and health promotion within the College is also available. The service is confidential. Financial Advice See page 10 for more information about bursaries. Student Council The Student Council forms an important part of the Student Voice at College. Early on in the Autumn term, information will be made available about being a part of Student Council or being a Student Rep. Each coaching group will be represented by one student and they are the mouthpiece for all the students in their coaching set.
15
Summer Homework You were set a piece of summer homework for each of your chosen subjects at Welcome to College Day in June. These need to be handed in during the first subject lesson when the Autumn term begins in September. Don’t worry! It should not take you too long, but the aim is to get you off to a good start with your studies and it is helpful to teachers to see what you know already! If you do not have a copy of this homework for each of your subjects, please visit our website to download it. You can find a list of PDFs at: http://www.solihullsfc.ac.uk/student-zone/welcome-to-college-day/ summer-homework/
Enrolment Checklist Make sure you are prepared for enrolment. There are some things you need to bring with you to enrolment: • This Enrolment Guide. • Your proof of GCSE and other grades achieved. Please remember that if you sat exams early, you will need to bring evidence of those grades achieved as well. We cannot complete your enrolment without such evidence. • Pen We expect that students will need to be in College for approximately two hours for their enrolment. During this time we will check your GCSE results, complete your enrolment interview to ensure you are on the correct courses, ask you to select your enrichment course (see page 11) and you will complete a free-writing exercise. The latter is nothing to be nervous about, but it helps us to identify those students who may benefit from some additional support.
16
