NewVIc student guide 2015/16

Transcription

NEwvic
student Guide
2015/16
www.newvic.ac.uk
a successful learning community
A successful learning community 3
2
Contents
General Information
Introduction to Student Services6
Supporting you at NewVIc
College Inductions7
Academic Tutors 28
Changing of personal details 46
Academic Mentors 28
Clothing 46
Academic skills and progression 28
Multi-faith room 46
Progress reviews 28
Parking 46
Counselling Service 29
47
Careers Advice 30
Letters confirming you are a student at NewVIc
Youth Safety Workers
32
Lost property 47
Financial support
33
Lockers
47
References
47
Smoking 47
The Canteen
48
UCAS support 48
Mobile phones 48
Inside the college 49
Outside the college 50
Identity cards 50
Use of college computers 51
Life at NewVIc
Sixth form Baccalaureate (SFBac) 10
Nrich – getting involved at NewVIc 11
Sports Academy 12
Creative Arts 17
Newham Academy of Music at NewVIc
18
Health Advocacy 19
Safeguarding at NewVIc
34
Enterprise 19
Skills Centre 36
Understanding Our World 19
Access arrangements for examination 38
Language Power
19
Work Experience 40
Our Community 20
Learning Resource Centre (LRC) 41
Leadership
20
iVIc and Mahara 42
Leadership and Student Voice 20
Planning for your future 43
NewVIc 2015 Leadership Bursary
20
Student Union (SU)
21
Student Councillors Representatives 22
Student Ambassadors 23
Becoming a skilled learner 25
Equality and diversity
53
Attendance and punctuality 54
Student learning contract 56
Student code of conduct
57
Student learning behaviour policy 58
Health and safety 58
Comments, compliments and complaints
60
Useful contacts 62
Internal Contacts 64
4
What we stand for
Our values
We believe in:
Excellence and achievement; setting high standards and
high expectations
Respect for everyone;
valuing diversity and
advancing equality
Education for everyone; attracting and including
new learners
Education of the whole person;
for personal and social development
Accountability;
responding and contributing
to our communities
Honesty, openness, trust
and sensitivity;
in everything we do
Welcome to NewVIc
NewVIc’s aim is to ensure that
everyone who works and learns at the
College achieves their full potential
in an inclusive environment free from
discrimination. This is regardless of age,
race, gender, disability, sexual orientation,
marriage and civil partnership, gender
reassignment, pregnancy and maternity,
religion and belief, nationality, family
circumstances, economic and social
background, or previous level of
educational achievement. We actively
promote democracy, the rule of law,
individual liberty, and mutual respect and
tolerance of those with different faiths
and beliefs.
I am delighted to welcome you to
NewVIc. You are joining a successful
learning community with some of the
best facilities in the country. We will
provide you with excellent teaching,
tutoring, advice and support and will
encourage you to make the most of the
many exciting activities we offer.
NewVIc has been educating and inspiring
young people in east London for over
twenty years: our track record speaks
for itself, over 700 students progressing
to university every year with more
going to Russell Group institutions than
any other provider in Newham. This is
entirely due to the commitment and hard
work of many thousands of students,
like you, over the years. We have high
expectations of everyone and we aim
to be excellent in everything we do. So,
as you begin the new academic year; be
proud of all that you have achieved so
far and make sure you take advantage of
all the opportunities available to you at
NewVIc, to become the best you can be.
Eddie Playfair
Principal
6
Introduction to Student Services
As well as the areas of specific support
highlighted in this guide, NewVIc
provides many opportunities for students
to enhance their college experience,
meet new friends and gain valuable
life skills.
We want all of our students to enjoy
their time at NewVIc and achieve their
goals. NewVIc’s comprehensive range of
student services is designed to meet the
widely different needs of our students
and to help everyone succeed.
Many initial queries can be addressed by
your tutor, who can offer guidance on
course-related issues and pastoral care,
or point you in the right direction for
additional support. Student safety is a top
priority at NewVIc, and our youth safety
team ensures the college is a safe and
secure learning environment for all.
They are available on site at all times
and ensure that all students follow the
code of conduct. Youth safety officers are
supported in this by the security team,
who patrol both on and off campus.
You will find there is something for
everyone to get involved in from sport,
performing arts and media, to mentoring,
leadership, volunteering and fundraising.
Further information will be given at
the Freshers’ Fair and is also available
on iVIc, the college’s virtual learning
environment.
This guide outlines the main areas of
support available, how students can
benefit and where to access help. So
please do read through the contents and
familiarise yourself with the wide range
of support and facilities available to you
and ask any member of staff if you need
help or advice. You can find this guide,
together with college policies, on iVic for
you to refer to at any time.
Awarded for student services support
College Inductions
1. Summer induction
During induction you will meet your teachers and fellow students. You will be given information about the structure and content of your programme of study, information about coursework, examinations, requirements for work experience and field trips. You will also get the chance to find out
about our large range of enrichment and sporting activities.
2. Initial assessment
You will complete a short assessment called ‘The Profiler’ which will help us to see whether you need any support with English, maths or dyslexia.
3. Autumn induction
This will provide you with all you need to know about being a student at NewVIc. It takes place during your first week at college.
4. Introduction to your learning programme
This will be the main focus in the first weeks. Your academic tutor and teachers will review your programme with you, to ensure it is the most appropriate for you.
Confirmation of programme
In the first few weeks of the autumn term, you and your tutor will confirm your programme of study. In exceptional cases, after discussion and agreement with you, your tutor and parent/guardian, it may be
decided that a change should be made to your programme of study.
This will only be done with the agreement of your tutor and a manager.
Academic skills and progress review
A weekly academic skills session is a core part of your programme, essential to ensuring that you achieve your full potential and meet the demands of a higher level of study. You will have at least one termly individual
review with your tutor and set your own targets on iVIc, the college virtual learning environment.
“
Life at NewVIc
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10 Life at NewVIc
Sixth Form Baccalaureate (SFBac)
Celebrating and rewarding
your achievements
Nrich – getting involved at NewVIc
The Sixth Form Bac (SFBac) is an award
offered at a number of UK sixth form
colleges which values students’ wider
achievements and the skills which help
you to be a successful learner, citizen
and employee.
Enrichment - Getting involved
At NewVIc we invest in your all-round
development as well as your
academic success.
We provide an exciting, high quality and
wide-ranging programme of student
development and sports activities and
events. Our programme helps to
broaden your college experience,
encourage your interests, support your
wellbeing and offers opportunities for
skills development.
The SF Bac rewards your involvement
in courses, activities and enrichment
experiences both in and out of college
and recognises the skills, values and
qualities you develop by being involved
in these activities.
We run activities on a daily basis
during lunchtimes, after college and on
Wednesday afternoons. Some examples
of the types of activities you could get
Our unique programme covers a
involved in are DJing, Mentoring, Cricket
number of areas including:
Academy, Leadership Academy, Carbolic
Sport Academy See page 12 + 20 Magazine, NewVIc Dance Company,
Raleigh International volunteering,
Leadership Programme See page 15
Business Enterprise, Life Saving training,
Creative Arts See page 17
and our Basketball Academy.
This award prepares students to make
a real difference in the world as an
informed and active citizen. Focusing on
the subjects you are studying, your skills
and the enrichment activities you take
part in, this award will challenge you as
an individual.
Achieving the SFBac will help you to
stand out from the crowd and will give
you strong evidence to support your
application to university or employment.
Students are presented with their highly
valued SF Bac award at a college
award ceremony.
NewVIc is not just about studying –
get involved in the wider
college experience
SFBac
SUBJECTS
SKILLS
VALUES
BREADTH
Health Advocacy See page 19
Enterprise
See page 19
Understanding our World See page 19
Language Power See page 19
Our Community See page 20
These activities are open to all students
regardless of what you are studying, and
through participating you will be able to
work towards your Sixth Form Bac
(SFBac) certificate.
12 Life at NewVIc
Sports Academy
Participation for all
Our mission:
”
Competitive opportunities
We aim to enhance
the quality and level of
sporting achievement for
all individuals and teams,
and to encourage and
support students wanting
to play, coach, lead and
officiate sport from
recreational to elite level.
”
The NewVIc Sports Academy is open
to all students keen to keep fit, try new
sports, lead and compete. For the more
serious players, there are opportunities
to trial for selection into one of our elite
sports academies.
The multi gym is available for all students
to use from 10.30am – 6pm daily (with
dedicated women’s only sessions).
The outdoor Muti-Use Games Area
(MUGA) is available for students to use for
tennis, football, netball, basketball, table
tennis, outdoor fitness and cricket, with
their friends from 9.00am – 6.00pm daily,
with equipment available on loan from
the Sports Academy Team.
Sports open to all students during
lunchtime and after college include:
• archery
• athletics
• badminton
•basketball
• cricket
• disability sports
• football
• netball
• non-contact boxing
• rowing (indoor & on water)
• rugby
• swimming
• table tennis
• tennis • trampolining
The college competes in weekly AoC
Sport leagues, cups, regional & national
championships, along with various
London and Essex cups on Wednesday
afternoons (during enrichment time) in
the following sports:
• ability counts football
•athletics
•badminton
•cheerleading
• men’s basketball • women’s basketball
•cricket
• men’s football
• women’s football
• netball •rugby
• table tennis • trampolining Inculsive sport
NewVIc offers an inclusive Ability
Counts sports programme for
students with physical disabilities
and learning difficulties.
Having adopted Interactive’s ‘Inclusive
and Active 2’ kite mark, all staff within
the team are trained in delivering
adapted sports, and offer a wide
programme of opportunities.
14 Life at NewVIc
ELITE ACADEMIES - The NewVIc sports
academy runs the following three
intensive and elite programmes
NewVIc Cricket Academy
NewVIc offers talented 16-19 year olds
the opportunity to play elite level college
cricket, competing against the best in
Essex, London and the country through
the Essex and London Schools Cricket
Cups and AoC Sport indoor and
outdoor leagues.
Twenty students are selected each year to
receive a minimum of 10 hours per week
of elite coaching from our performance
and development cricket coach.
The Cricket Academy has strong links
with several cricket clubs and players
are referred for county trials to Essex,
Middlesex and Surrey if deemed
strong enough.
In addition we employ a Disability Sports
Activator, who specialises in adapted and
Paralympic Sports.
Some of the opportunities provided each
week include:
•
•
•
Ability Counts Football Squad
Ability Counts Multi Sports Club offering opportunities to take part in Paralympic Sports
NewVIc Stars Cheerleading Squad
coached by Ascension Eagles Cheerleading Club.
A number of NewVIc players have
progressed to university on cricket
scholarship schemes.
NewVIc Basketball Academy
NewVIc offers talented 16-19 year olds
the opportunity to play elite level college
basketball, competing against the best in
London and the UK through affiliation to
AoC Sport.
The Basketball Academy selects 16
players each year, who have the potential
to achieve excellence in basketball with
ambitions of pursuing a sporting career.
The academy offers a minimum of 10
hours of elite coaching per week.
As a key partner, the University of
East London (UEL) provides access to
scholarship applications for elite players
wishing to progress to higher education.
NewVIc Sports Leadership
Academy
The Sports Leadership Academy provides
high quality training and development
for students who are committed to sports
volunteering or coaching and intend to
pursue a career in sport.
The Academy is nationally accredited
by Sports Leaders UK (SLUK). Sports
Leadership Academy members have the
opportunity to attend a wide range of
courses including safeguarding, first aid,
inclusive coaching, Sports Leaders UK
level 2/3 and National Governing Body
level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications to
the value of £400.
16 Life at NewVIc
Support for gifted and
talented athletes
Participants volunteer in a range of
sporting clubs and environments which
has often led to students gaining work at
school holiday programmes and even full
or part-time employment. NewVIc sports
leaders are also eligible for the NewVIc
Leadership Bursary.
Students identified as gifted and talented
in sports at regional & national level
are offered support on an individual
basis dependent upon their need. This
may take the form of supporting the
costs of warm weather training, specific
equipment required to compete at elite
level or transport costs to national
level competitions.
Students can also be supported through
the UEL High Performance Programme,
and the Learning Revolution Trust.
Creative Arts
To become successful in Business,
Engineering, the Sciences or the Arts
students must be creative, rounded and
inspired individuals. The confidence
gained from involvement in creative arts
activities and qualifications will be an
asset in progressing in academia and
the job market.
We place a high value on our cultural
programme and our partnership work
with leading specialist arts colleges and
universities, local schools and
Stratford Circus.
We strongly advise students to get
involved in the wide range of creative
opportunities NewVIc offers. Our
programme encompasses visual arts,
music, technology, dance, poetry, film
making, photography, media and drama.
These activities will develop your creative,
technical and performance skills and
allow you to express yourself. Many of our
creative arts programmes link to industry
professionals and provide workbased
learning and skills.
Students get many opportunities to
be involved in productions, either
as a performer or off-stage in event
management, marketing, designing, box
office, stage management and other
roles. Students get the opportunity to
perform in college, in schools, at local
borough events and at venues such as
Stratford Circus.
Activities currently on offer include:
• songwriting and music production using Logic, ProTools, Ableton
• ensembles including Solid
Harmony Choir
• digital film and digital photography
• Art and design projects including recycled fashion and graphic design
• NewVIc Theatre Company
•DJing
• instrumental lessons in a wide range of instruments including piano, guitar, drums, and singing
• ensembles, instrumental lessons and music projects run by the Newham Music Hub
• various dance groups and companies encompassing a wide range of dance styles aimed at different levels, from beginners to advanced: including NDC and Cultivate.
18 Life at NewVIc
Newham Academy of
Music at NewVIc
Newham Music’s evening and Saturday
music centre, Newham Academy of
Music, is based here at Newham Sixth
Form College. Newham Music, an awardwinning music education charity, is
supported through the government’s
National Plan for Music and is the music
hub leader for Newham, one of 123
music education hub leaders across the
country selected and funded by Arts
Council England.
Newham Music offers free or subsidised
instrumental tuition with professional
musicians and tutors to NewVIc students
through the Music Advancement
Programme (MAP). Classes are usually
in small group sessions, depending on
instrument and students learn repertoire,
a variety of stylistic genres and the skills
needed for successful performance with
others. Students on music-related courses
at NewVIc also have the opportunity to
develop their music leadership skills,
which can lead to further qualifications
and progression to music degrees.
Health Advocacy
Become a health advocate and help to
spread the message about healthy living.
You can for example learn how to save
a life or focus on mental health and
well-being, sexual health and
relationships or smoking cessation. You
will receive training and then work as a
team on projects to promote health and
raise awareness.
Enterprise
Develop your enterprise potential –
find out how you can develop skills
in business enterprise, regeneration,
managing money and fundraising.
Learn the value of teamwork and
communication in running an effective
social enterprise. Opportunities include
helping to manage a community youth
market, running the NewVIc shop or your
own small business at East End markets.
Understanding
Our World
Take part in the Debate Club, Model
United Nations, Women’s Group, or the
Palestine Awareness Group to deepen
your understanding of the big issues and
prepare you for your future as a global
citizen. These activities build on your
powers of enquiry, analysis and empathy
with our world. You will be encouraged to
not only have your say about the important
issues that concern young people today,
but also to take an active role in making
positive change.
Language Power
Whatever subjects you are studying, you
can become more confident with words.
Take part in events and competitions,
writing poetry, stories, public speaking or
learning a new language. Join the Carbolic
team to write for this high profile youth
magazine; share ideas about the books
you enjoy in the reading group; create and
perform emotive pieces of work in the form
of spoken word, rapping and poetry in
Brave New Words or Cypher Poetry, or learn
French, Spanish or Latin.
20 Life at NewVIc
Our Community
Take up opportunities for volunteering
within the community and join in events
where students celebrate diversity and
champion equality. Get involved in our
schools reading programme, take part in
our Anti-Bullying group or join our
LGBT group.
Leadership
Through a range of opportunities
students are encouraged to develop
their leadership skills and help shape
what happens at the college. You have
the opportunity to join our leadership
academy and develop your critical
thinking, leadership and community
organising skills. You can become a
student peer mentor or get involved
in volunteering opportunities such as
Raleigh International that could take
you on volunteering expeditions to
South America, Africa and Asia. You can
even apply for a bursary to support your
leadership activities.
Leadership and
Student Voice
At NewVIc, students have many
opportunities to give suggestions about
how the college could improve further.
Every student is welcome to give their
ideas and pass their important views
to key students who ensure that your
student voice is heard.
Student Union
(SU)
Through a range of opportunities,
students are encouraged to help shape
what happens at the college, develop
clear values, high standards, as well
as skills in effective communication,
teamwork and managing change.
NewVIc is proud to have a very active
and engaging Student Union (SU), and
every student enrolled at college is
automatically a member of the SU. This
is excellent preparation for your future
as a citizen in a democratic society. The
SU provides a yearlong programme of
innovative and exciting events, activities
and opportunities that will further
enhance your college experience. The SU
is managed by the SU executives, who
are voted in annually by NewVIc students,
and are supported by the student
development team. As an SU member
you are entitled to:
At NewVIc you can:
•
•
•
Become a student ambassador representing NewVIc at events
Become a student councillor at our student council summits where
students and staff come together to talk and plan
Stand for election as a Student Union Executive, where you will represent the interests, rights, views and needs of students at NewVIc.
NewVIc 2015
Leadership
Bursary
Bursaries will be awarded to successful
applicants to assist them in organising
and delivering leadership activities and
projects. You can apply for a bursary as an
individual or group. To qualify for these
bursaries, students must demonstrate
the potential for outstanding leadership
and achievement.
• join in the social activities organised
• vote in the SU elections
• stand for election to become an SU executive officer
• apply for an NUS Extra Card for discounts
• play an active part in welfare campaigns and learner voice activities.
Student Union executive
This is a group made up of students
keen to ensure students are listened to.
Positions include president, activities
officer, campaigns officer and many
more. To get involved in one of the SU
executive roles, you have to stand for
election. Elections takes place during
the spring term.
One of the executive officer positions
within our SU is student governor and
the SU president is also appointed
as a student governor. Governors are
responsible for the strategy, mission and
quality of the college and for reviewing
its performance. The governing body
meets five times a year.
For more information about your
SU, see the student development
team in room B221, or email
[email protected]
22 Life at NewVIc
Student
Councillor
Representatives
Members of each tutor group elect two
class representatives to represent their
views on the student council. Class
representatives ensure that opinions,
ideas and information about teaching
and learning and the college community
are communicated between the
student council, college management
and all students.
Student Development Team
in room B221
Kate Reed
Student development
Manager
Steven Kern
Youth activities
Leader
Student Council Summits occur four
times a year and are a space for staff to
consult students and for students to
give ideas and share their tutor groups
opinions and concerns to help make the
college even better. Student Council
Summits are an opportunity for students
and staff to come together to talk and
plan. These summits focus on interaction
and feedback, and are a direct channel
for students to become involved in
shaping NewVIc’s learning, teaching
and support.
Find out more
on iVIc, or at the Freshers’ Fair at the
beginning of the year or contact
Kate Reed
[email protected] or
Steven Kern
[email protected]
Student Ambassadors
Become an ambassador for
the college
The college has a very popular student
ambassador scheme which you can get
involved in.
What does an ambassador do?
Ambassadors represent NewVIc students
at college events; assist with work in the
local community, local schools and get
involved in research work. There are four
main types of ambassadors and
you can choose your preferred role
when applying.
Event ambassador - working with the
marketing team at internal and external
college events, such as the college
open days, school interviews, college
campaigns, parents’ evenings and awards
evenings. You will provide a positive
image when welcoming and greeting
visitors to the college and support the
smooth running of events.
E-ambassadors - developing the way
technology is used for teaching and
learning in the college; liaising between,
and mentoring, students and teachers
using technology; assessing fellow
students’ needs and interests, their digital
literacy and e-safety skills; evaluating
existing resources and creating new ones.
24 Life at NewVIc
Research ambassador - help the
college achieve specific aims and
objectives by taking part and conducting
research into various topics. This could
involve working with the Student Union
to survey students’ needs or helping the
marketing department develop new
social networking tools and
promotional campaigns.
School liaison ambassador -
working with the advice and recruitment
team and school liaison officer to
support our work with schools across
the borough and beyond. This could
involve speaking at assemblies, helping
with school visits to NewVIc and offering
advice to prospective students.
Why get involved?
There are many reasons to get involved!
Becoming an ambassador shows
universities and employers that you are
keen and prepared to give up your own
time to volunteer. You get to develop and
use lots of skills, such as communication
and teamwork which look impressive on
application forms for jobs and further
study. You also get to be involved in lots
of exciting events, meet external visitors
and broaden your circle of friends. The
hours undertaken will also count towards
achieving the Sixth Form Bac (SFBac).
Who can sign up?
The role of student ambassador is open
to everyone, as long as you are reliable,
punctual, on track with your course and
have above 95% attendance.
How can I become an
ambassador?
There will be a student ambassador stand
at the Freshers’ Fair in September where
you can sign up. This will be followed by a
meeting to explain the different roles. You
will then need to complete an application
form on iVIc, detailing your skills and
experience and explaining why you
would like to become an ambassador.
Applicants are then interviewed by
NewVIc staff. Selection of ambassadors
will be based on this form and interview,
so think about your responses carefully!
There is a dedicated ambassador
noticeboard at Sid’s café.
Becoming a
skilled learner
Our skilled learner framework helps you
and your teachers to plan and monitor
the development of your learning skills
as well as build your confidence,
teamwork and communication skills
At NewVIc we believe that all our
as these skills will help shape your
students achieve the best they can and
progression into higher education,
to become
skilled
through
We want
alllearners
our students
to achieve employment
the best theyorcan
and to become
training.
being dedicated,
organised,
enquiring
skilled learners. Our skilled learner framework helps you and your
and social.
teachers to plan and monitor the development of your learning skills.
WHAT A SKILLED LEARNER
:
I am ambitious and keen to learn and
I take responsibility for my learning.
I am well organised and make good use
of my study time, knowledge and skills.
I am keen to learn and have short-term
and longer-term learning goals.
I arrive punctually, equipped and ready for
study; I meet deadlines and manage tasks well.
I know what I have learnt and what
I still need to learn.
I keep my work up to date and well organised;
I review my notes and catch up promptly.
I am developing my strengths and
addressing my weaknesses as a learner.
I work independently and organise
my study time well.
I am questioning and creative and I
respond positively to new challenges.
I ask relevant questions and do further
research to explain things better and
understand in depth.
I am prepared to question assumptions,
see things differently and try new approaches.
I am developing my strengths and
addressing my weaknesses as a learner.
I work well with others, respecting
them and learning from them.
I respect others and collaborate with them
as much as possible to help us all learn.
I ask for, and accept, help and feedback,
I listen to others and share my own ideas readily.
I am prepared to express myself in groups
and to take a lead in group activity.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE
www.newvic.ac.uk
@talknewvic
fb.me/newhamsix
“
Our aim is to support
you in a way that will help
you achieve your goals.
Impartial information,
“
Supporting
you at NewVIc
advice, guidance and
support is available to
you at all times.
28 Supporting you at NewVIc
Academic Tutors
Every student at NewVIc is allocated an
academic tutor who will meet with you
weekly. They aim to ensure you fulfil
your academic potential and are the first
port of call if issues arise and you need
support or guidance.
Your tutor will:
• monitor your attendance and punctuality
• help you action plan and review your progress with you during your programme of study
• support you in meeting your aims and fulfilling your aspirations
• help your progression to university, further training or employment
• promote enrichment activities that will help your wider personal development
• help you to become a skilled learner
• assist you in overcoming any issues or difficulties that may arise.
Academic
Mentors
Our team of academic mentors are
all former NewVIc students who have
recently graduated from university and
provide a fantastic resource to students.
They work with you and your tutor to
ensure you are meeting your targets and
fulfilling your potential.
Your mentor will:
•
•
•
help you track your progress and meet challenging targets
help you develop independent study skills and be self-organised
ensure you meet college attendance and punctuality requirements
Academic skills
and progression
All students follow a programme
designed to develop the higher level
academic skills that universities and
employers regard as essential. Your
tutor will help you write a high quality
application to university and give you
guidance on career paths. Sessions will
be delivered in part through the virtual
learning environment, iVIc (see page 42).
Progress reviews
During the year, your tutor will review
your progress, set individual targets
with you and monitor attendance and
punctuality, assignment grades and
progress with your Sixth Form Bac (see
page xx). Reports will be sent home to
parents/guardians, who will be invited
to discuss your progress at our parent
evenings that take place twice a year.
Counselling
Service
The counselling service is for any
students who find that personal issues,
thoughts or feelings are getting in the
way of their studies.
Many students find that
counselling helps:
• by getting things off their chest to someone, who will take them seriously, not judge them or tell others about what they’re saying. The counselling service is private and confidential, except if you are in danger and then you and your counsellor will talk about who else might need to know
• by having someone to talk to openly so that they are better able to focus and cope with college life and work
• to better understand themselves and their relationships with others,
which is a key skill for future work and personal situations
• to manage difficult feelings and thoughts like with anxiety, panic, depression and self-harm
• to deal with stress better
• to feel more confident, assertive and resilient
• to fulfil their potential.
Did you know?
•
•
•
•
Over 200 students use the counselling service every year
The counsellor won’t tell you what to do but they can listen and give you lots of information and resources
The counselling service runs relaxation, wellbeing and other group sessions.
More information on iVIc
support pages.
Where and for how long are the
counselling appointments?
•
•
•
Counselling takes place in room B210
Appointments usually last 45 minutes
There is no fixed number of sessions. You will work that out with your counsellor. You can stop at any time
• There is no fixed number of sessions. You will work that out with your counsellor.
• You can stop at any time.
Counselling Services
in room B210
Suzzanne Keys
Counsellor
Careers Advice
Our careers team aims to provide
impartial Information Advice and
Guidance, to meet the diverse needs
and aspirations of all our students. We
support students to progress successfully
on to the next stage in their careers,
whether this is a further college course,
university place, employment or a
training placement.
During your time at NewVIc you are
encouraged to develop the following
career management skills that will help
you achieve your career goals:
•
•
•
recognising and developing employability skills
finding out about career and higher education options
putting careers plans into action, including assistance with CVs, job application, UCAS and higher
education applications and
mock interviews.
Information:
What students can expect from us:
•
•
•
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• Students are entitled to an interview
by a qualified careers Adviser
(confidential room).
We supply information on college and university prospectus and
training providers fair/open days
We provide detailed and accurate information regarding courses
We book appointments for students to see a qualified careers Adviser
We aim to reply to enquiries within 5 working days or immediately if
by phone
We provide specialist advice sessions including student finance, Careers Education covering Higher education
and employability workshops/talks.
Advice
•
•
•
If we do not offer the course at NewVIc, we advise students where they can do the course
We refer student to other internal service and providers and agencies
Equivalence of overseas qualifications provided by advice and recruitment.
Guidance Services
• Make a realistic decision about their next steps
• Explore information about available opportunities
• Enable students to assess their
current situation
• Agree a plan of action.
What we expect of students:
•
•
We expect you to attend punctually
for your interview and give prior warning if you are unable to attend
You will need to inform us of any special requirements prior to interview.
Appointments and drop-in sessions
We will attempt to provide an
appointment within 5 working days.
Careers advisers in room B213 or B254
Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Lunchtime drop-in sessions for
information and advice are 12.20 pm
and 1.20 pm, each day for booked
guidance interviews which last up to 40
minutes and are an opportunity for you
to speak in depth and in confidence
with an adviser.
Careers Advice Team
in room B213 or B254
Julie Rashid
Careers adviser
Marcia
Brissett-Bailey
Careers advisor
Youth Safety
Workers
The Youth Safety Team offers a unique
service; firstly they are a visibly present
within the college from 8 am till 5 pm
each day youth safety team keep the
college environment safe and welcoming,
The team are there to welcome students
in the morning, conducting regular
daily patrols and ensure students leave
the campus quietly and safely in the
evenings. As part of their role they ensure
that students follow and adhere to the
Student Code of Conduct.
The team provide students with
support, advice and guidance to
resolve any number of issues and
problems: Student can access advice
and guidance in the following areas:
• Crime diversion
• Bullying
• Deter offending
• Anger management
• Coaching and personal development
• Conflict meditation
• Group work
• Advice and guidance
• Sexual health
• Day trip
•Residential
Student can self-refer or be referred by
tutors and teachers to access support and
improve their experience at college and
help them achieve their full potential.
Financial Support
Youth Safety Workers
in room B256
Learner Support Fund
The college has a fund to help students
finding it very hard to pay for their
education expenses, including travel,
books/equipment, childcare and other
educational essentials. The scheme is
open to all college students and there are
a number of routes through which you
can apply for funding. Each application is
assessed on an individual basis and will
usually consider your household income
and personal circumstances. There are
bursaries available to students aged
16-18 and 19+, which are paid on
a half-termly basis, subject to
satisfactory attendance.
Care to Learn
If you are a parent and under 20 when
you start your course you can apply for
up to £175 per week towards childcare
and travel costs while you learn.
For more information on the above
schemes, please contact the student
finance adviser on 020 7540 0649 or
call in to room B221.
Your attendance MUST remain at 95% or
above or you will not receive payment.
Financial Support
in room B221
Jerry
St Louis
Senior Youth
Safety Worker
Sharon
Roach
Youth Safety Worker
Lucita
Comwillis-Pau
Youth Safety Worker
There are a number of schemes to help
with the cost of learning at college*.
We also have a scheme for students
experiencing additional financial
difficulty, who can apply for a oneoff payment to assist with specific
requirements, for example field trips,
university interviews etc.
Free college meals
NewVIc provides free meals for students.
Students must meet eligibility criteria
and provide evidence of household
income. Applications are open to new
and current students. For more details
visit: www.newvic.ac.uk/freemeals.
16-17 Oyster photocard
Those aged 16-17 who are living in a
London borough and are in full-time
education can travel for free on London
buses and trams.
Student finance adviser
Get help applying for discounted travel.
You may also be able to get financial
assistance through the learner support
fund or receive free college meals.
Mohammed
Chaudhaury
Student finance
adviser
Safeguarding at
NewVIc
NewVIc is committed to safeguarding
and promoting the welfare of young
people and vulnerable adults. More
information can be found on our website
in our Safeguarding and Child Protection
Policy and procedures.
Our designated safeguarding lead is
Tracy Oko, director of student services.
The deputy safeguarding lead is Sandra
Ross, welfare and guidance manager. Our
safeguarding and welfare advisors are
Asma Bashier and Joanne Harris.
You have the right to be safe at all times.
All students should be kept safe from
harm, including any form of abuse,
sexual exploitation or radicalisation.
Contact our safeguarding and welfare
advisors in room B212, or youth safety
advisors in room B256, if you or someone
else appears to be suffering some form
of abuse.
In tutorial you will be reminded about
how to keep yourself safe online and
there is further information on iVic. Talk
to your tutor, our youth safety team or
the safeguarding and welfare advisors if
you have any concerns about esafety.
Tracy
Oko
Director of
Student Services
Sandra
Ross
Welfare and
Guidance Manager
Safeguarding and Welfare Advisers Safeguarding and Welfare Advice
in room B212
You may have problems or difficulties
during your time at college. These could
be personal, emotional, family, health
or financial, problems in or outside of
college. This is when you may need help
and advice from our safeguarding and
welfare advisers. All matters are dealt
with confidentially, so there is no need
to worry.
Asma
Bashier
Our advisers are able to offer advice and
guidance on:
Joanne
Harris
•
•
•
•
•
housing/homelessness
finance and benefits
immigration issues
health matters
personal issues
If there is something that the advisers
cannot help you with they will always
be able to refer you to an external
agency that will be able to provide
practical support.
The college has trained specialist
advisers dedicated to supporting you
whilst you are at NewVIc.
Safeguarding and
Welfare Adviser
Safeguarding and
Welfare Adviser
Skills Centre
”
you do your best, we’ll
support you with the rest.
What support is available?
”
Skills development
Students who attend workshops in the
Skills Centre usually achieve high
success rates. Wherever opportunities
arise, all students are encouraged to
develop their English, maths, IT and
study skills through their main course.
However, if we think you would benefit
from dedicated support; you will be
timetabled to attend support sessions
in the Skills Centre or receive support in
the classroom provided by our Learner
Support Practitioners.
Who can use the Skills Centre?
Students from all courses are welcome to
use the Skills Centre, to access additional
support for their learning.
How do I access the Skills Centre?
The Skills Centre is in B block, room 217
and open Monday to Friday from 9.00 am
to 5.00 pm. The Skills Centre is also open
for drop-in sessions for literacy
and numeracy*: Monday to Friday
12.20 pm – 1.20 pm.
*correct at time of print (July 2015)
Specialist support for students with
visual impairment
The college has an experienced teacher
of the visually impaired on hand to offer
advice, guidance and additional learning
support, whether you are a Braillist or
large-print user. Equipment available
includes: Jaws and Supernova software,
Perkins Braillers, a scanner and Duxbury
Braille software, a CCTV and a portable
Opti-versa and i-Pads.
Regular workshops
These are timetabled one-to-one or
group workshops for students who need
to develop their literacy and numeracy.
Dyslexia and visual impairment support
sessions are also held in the Skills Centre.
Students are set targets to help them
focus on particular areas and usually
attend workshops once a week until they
have made the necessary progress. To
register for a workshop: tell your tutor; or
complete the Referral on Promoniter or
visit B216 off the Skills Centre.
Lunchtime drop-in workshop sessions
For one-off support, just come to the
Skills Centre at lunch-time; there is no
need to book. Drop-in sessions are
available Mondays to Fridays.
How do I know whether the Skills Centre
is for me?
Initial assessment
All students are assessed at the start of
their course to see if they need additional
support. If we think that this help is
needed, you will be met by a member
of the Inclusive Learning team. They
will discuss support options with you
and agree an action plan. Support may
include individual or group sessions,
in-class support or drop-in provision.
Referral
Some students are referred for Skills
Centre support by their teachers or tutor,
or you can self-refer. Referrals can happen
at any time of the year.
How can I get support without referral?
Many students ask for support from the
Skills Centre team and you are welcome
to come along to the lunchtime drop-in
sessions, or pop into the Skills Centre at
any other time to ask about the different
support that is available.
Support for students with specific
learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyspraxia
and dyscalculia)
We can screen for specific learning
difficulties (SpLD) and carry out full
assessments. We work with students who
have SpLD and provide bespoke support
programmes to enable them to manage
their learning as effectively as possible.
This may be achieved through in-class
support, regular workshops, and/or the
use of assistive equipment. If appropriate,
access arrangements for examinations
can be applied for in conjunction with
the Exams Office.
Access
arrangements for
examinations
Students who have a learning difficulty,
disability, medical condition (be it
permanent or temporary) or dyslexia,
may be entitled to access arrangements
in examinations and assessments. If you
are granted access arrangements, you
may practise using these arrangements
in mocks and practice tests. These
arrangements are designed to help you
complete the examination to the best of
your ability.
What do access arrangements include?
Students can be given one or more of the
following arrangements:
1. Extra time
(25%: that is 15 minutes for every hour)
You can use your extra time to:
• read the exam paper slowly and repeatedly so that you understand it completely
• re-read selected passages for
specific questions
• plan your answer, making sure you use any keywords in the title
• proofread your writing – to check it makes sense.
2. Reader
A reader will read the exam paper for
you. You can read it at the same time and
this will help you remember what you
have read. A reader will also re-read any
sections you ask them to. This will help
you, if you want to remind yourself of a
passage to answer a question. If you want
the reader to read difficult parts several
times, just ask them. but they cannot
explain questions or give the definition
of words.
3. Scribe
A scribe will write your answers or essay.
For longer answers, it is useful to ask the
scribe to note down any ideas you have
about the question. Once you have a
clear idea of what you are going to
write, try to speak in clear sentences.
Tell your scribe when you want to start
a new paragraph.
4. Word processor
You may be able to use a computer to
word-process your work. This provision is
sometimes granted for students whose
handwriting is hard to read, or who
write very slowly. This allowance enables
students to give a typed version of their
answer; however the word processor will
not be able to spell-check your work.
5. Separate room
If you have a scribe or reader you will sit
your examination in a separate room.
6. Prompt
Some students may be given a prompter
in examinations if they lose concentration
or need to be prompted to move onto
the next question in their exams. Any
student given a prompt will be placed
in a separate room with an invigilator
present.
7. Oral language modifier
Students who have severe difficulty
with reading comprehension may be
eligible for the help of an Oral Language
Modifier (OLM) in their examinations. An
OLM provides a reasonable adjustment
to exam questions for candidates who
require a level of support beyond that
provided by a reader.
An OLM can:
• Work with students in the Skills Centre to prepare them for the type of
questions they might expect to see in the exam and teach the meaning of ‘command’ words (such as ‘evaluate’, ‘discuss’ or ‘define’).
• Explain or re-phrase the carrier language in an examination paper to clarify the meaning for the candidate.
OLM supported candidates would need
to be assessed by the Skills Centre and
be shown to score low on the Reading
Comprehension Assessment.
If you think a student may be eligible for
this support they can be referred to the
Skills Centre through Promonitor.
How do you organise access
arrangements for examinations?
Students are assessed to see if they might
be eligible for access arrangements. We
then send a report to the examination
board which supports your application. In
the case of some disabilities and medical
conditions, a letter from your doctor is
needed instead of the assessment. It is
important to remember that decisions
regarding exam concessions are made
by the exams board. We can only forward
recommendations for their consideration.
Most of the students given access
arrangements are receiving learning
support to help them on their course, so
we will know about their needs. If you
are interested in finding out whether
you need learning support or access
arrangements for examinations, please
ask your tutor to refer you to the Inclusive
Learning team or come to room B216 for
an appointment.
If you had access arrangements for
examinations at school, please let your
tutor know as soon as you join NewVIc.
It is important to let us know about your
access arrangements as soon as possible,
as some applications need to be made
as early as October in the first year
at college.
The deadline for the college to assess
students for access arrangements for
the summer of 2016 series of exams is
12 February 2016.
What is work experience?
A work experience placement is an
opportunity for you to gain inside
knowledge of the world of work, while
you are still in education. The placements
are unpaid, but the benefits you gain
from the opportunities are invaluable.
You will usually be on placement for
either one or two weeks, depending
on your programme of study. Work
experience presents you with the
opportunities to:
Work Experience
The college’s work experience team can
support you to find a work placement
that will help you gain new skills,
experience team work in real situations
and relate your programme of study
to the workplace. NewVIc works in
partnership with a wide range of
employers, such as London City Airport,
Stagecoach, NatWest Bank, NHS Trust
such as Newham University Hospital,
Health Centres, GP surgeries, nursing and
care homes, nurseries, schools and many
more within London and the
Home Counties.
• work alongside other employees as part of a team
• develop and practice a range of new skills including travelling
independently
• become more confident
• relate your college curriculum and qualifications to the workplace
• enhance your CV and UCAS application, ensuring you stand out
to employers and universities
• make more informed decisions about your future
• meet new people
• experience new places
• get to grips with the demands, routines and environment of work
• gain accreditation towards the Sixth Form Bac (SFBac).
To find out more, or to arrange a
placement, please contact the
work experience team in rooms
G12 and G13.
Learning
Resources Centre
(LRC)
The LRC is situated in B block and
available to all students. It contains a
library, a suite of bookable internet ready
computers running Microsoft Office
software, a group work area, silent study
facilities and a silent computer room.
Students can also borrow netbooks using
their LRC account. The library is well
stocked with books for reference and
for loan.
There is an extensive range of audio
visual resources and current fiction.
Students may borrow items for up to
three weeks, although some are on
short-term loan only. Newspapers
and periodicals are also available.
The LRC is open*:
College and Learning Resource
Centre opening times
Monday
8.00 am – 8.00 pm
Tuesday
8.00 am – 6.00 pm
Wednesday
8.00 am – 6.00 pm
Thursday
8.00 am – 6.00 pm
Friday
8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Saturday
9.00 am – 1.00 pm
You become a member of the LRC simply
by completing your LRC induction in the
first few days at NewVIc. The LRC team are
eager to involve you in developing the
service - students contribute through a
focus group.
*correct at time of print (July 2015)
iVIc and Mahara
Planning for
your future
What are iVIc and Mahara?
iVIc is the college’s virtual learning
environment and can be accessed via
college computers or at home. Your
teachers will communicate with you
and support your learning through
iVIc, where you can read about college
news, find out about upcoming events
and notices, access all your course
information and homework and
participate in interactive activities. iVIc
has information on college policies and
procedures, including the Acceptable
Use of IT policy which has the rules for
use of computers, email, and all
learning technologies.
It is a good idea to start thinking now
about your plans for when you leave
college. You need to make sure you gain
as many relevant skills and experiences
as possible while at NewVIc, to help
you reach your goal. You will get a lot of
support from your tutor and our careers
advisers when planning your next steps.
You can pop in to room B213 in the Skills
Centre to see the careers team.
Students can also secure valuable work
experience, through our dedicated work
experience team, situated in rooms
G12 and G13.
Mahara is your own space to share
information with your friends and
teachers. You use Mahara to build your
own e-portfolio which you can zip up and
take with you when you leave the college.
You can log on at college and from home.
You will find out more about iVIc and
Mahara during your LRC induction.
Your UCAS application – this is the online
application you will complete to apply
to university. NewVIc has an excellent
success rate in securing places at
university for its students.
Your tutor will be your key point of
contact during the application process.
The more you are involved in college life
the stronger your application will be.
Employment and training fair and Higher
Education (HE) fair – NewVIc holds its
own HE and employment fairs. These
offer you a fantastic opportunity to
speak to universities and employers
from all over the UK and find out more
about your options.
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General
Information
46 General Information
Letters
confirming you
are a student at
NewVIc
If you need confirmation that you attend
college you can collect a Current Student
Letter Request Form from the curriculum
admin support office or reception. We
produce letters for the following reasons:
Change of
personal details
You must tell the college if your contact
details change, including your address
and the phone numbers of parents/
guardians and emergency contacts.
Pick up a form from reception or the
curriculum admin office.
Clothing
Students are expected to wear clothing
that is safe and appropriate for any
activity they are required to undertake as
part of their curriculum or other college
activity such as work experience. Staff will
give you further guidance as appropriate.
Multi-faith room
The college has facilities for private prayer
for students of all faiths. The room is not
a space for meetings, discussions
or socialising.
Parking
There are limited free car parking spaces
for students and visitors. All cars must
have vehicle tax, insurance and MOT and
are parked at the user’s own risk. Students
using their cars and parking at the college
need to register their details with the
college. Bike racks are available at the rear
of the college. Students must provide
their own padlock and chain. The college
will not accept responsibility for any loss
or damage to bikes or cars left on
college premises.
• To support a University grant application
• Claim Income Support /Job Seekers allowance (parent/guardian request)
• To claim Housing/Council Tax benefit (parent/guardian request)
• Visa/Passport.
Completed forms should be be
submitted to Room C426.
Lost property
If you find any lost property, including
mobile phones, please hand it to the
receptionist on duty immediately. NewVIc
cannot accept any responsibility for
loss or damage to students’ property,
including vehicles or bikes. At no time
should personal items be left unattended
in unlocked classrooms or workshops,
canteen or any other areas of the college.
Lockers
A limited number of student lockers are
available for hire for an annual fee of
£5 (non-refundable) plus a £5 deposit
for each locker key which is refundable
at the end of each year. Lockers are
not intended for valuables. If you are
interested in hiring a locker please visit
the facilities office in room A74.
References
If you need a reference for employment
please give your tutor’s name and the
college’s address to the employers.
All requests will be processed by the
curriculum admin support team in
Room C426.
Smoking
NewVIc is a non-smoking college. Anyone
found smoking, including ecigarettes,
on the premises or outside the college,
will face disciplinary action. If you want
support to stop smoking, contact student
services in room B212.
The Canteen
You will need to keep your energy levels
up whilst you are at college, as you will
need to study hard and there are so
many activities to get involved in. NewVIc
has a canteen where you can get pasta,
sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, and a
wide range of hot meals. The majority of
the meals are halal.
Sid’s Café in the Link is open weekdays
from 8.00 am until 5.30 pm during termtime. It sells a range of snacks and drinks.
The main canteen is open from
8.00 am until 2.30 pm, Monday to Friday,
for breakfast, midmorning snacks
and lunch.
The college has a cashless payment
system which operates through identity
cards. You can add money to your
account by topping up at the machines
in the Link. Further details will be given
to you at the start of the term. You can
also bring in your own food (from home)
to eat if you prefer. Free college meals
are available for students who meet
eligibility criteria and provide evidence
of household income. Please speak to the
student finance advisor in room B221 to
find out more.
Inside the
college
UCAS support
• no smoking in any of the college buildings, the car park, gardens, any other outdoor campus areas or outside the front gates of
the college
• food and drink is to be consumed only in the canteen and at the Link tables and not in any other parts of the college building
• in order to ensure maximum respect for college users, spitting and chewing gum are prohibited
• personal stereos and mobile phones cannot be used in the classrooms or other learning areas unless authorised by staff. Phones may be used in the LRC for research, not calls, and must be kept on silent at all times. Please also remove headphones and earphones before you enter
the college
• no music is to be played out loud on college premises
The curriculum admin support team
assists with the administration of UCAS
applications and informs students about
payment to UCAS.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones and other devices can
be a useful tool for your studies and may
also be carried by students for other
important reasons. Your teacher may
allow you to use your phone in class,
as part of the lesson, however your
phone should not be used in class unless
authorised by the teacher. Phones must
be kept on silent in the LRC and not used
for calls. Persistent misuse will be dealt
with through the disciplinary process.
Students and college users must use
litter bins. You will see our clearly
labelled recycling bins around
campus. All non-recyclable waste
is to be placed in the red bins. To
maintain a healthy and pleasant
working environment in the college,
all students must comply with the
following:
• alcohol, illicit drugs and weapons are, of course, banned and students found in possession of any of these will be excluded immediately and
details passed to parents and the police, if the law has been broken
• only authorised visitors, who have formal business at the college, are allowed on college premises and must sign in at reception. Unauthorised
visitors will not be admitted to the college and if NewVIc students encourage unauthorised visitors in any way, they will be disciplined and may be asked to leave
• students who fail to respect the environment or other college users will be automatically suspended.
Why do students and staff wear lanyards?
Every student, member of staff and visitor
to the college has to wear a lanyard
displaying their ID card for security
reasons. The college treats it as a priority
to ensure it is a safe and secure learning
community at all times. You must wear
your lanyard at all times when in college.
It will be considered a disciplinary matter
if you do not wear your ID, or if you do
not show it to a member of staff
when asked.
Outside the
college
NewVIc is located in a busy residential
area and all students are expected to act
as good ambassadors for NewVIc.
Students must:
• keep out of residential roads off Prince Regent Lane
• use litter bins provided – any person littering will be issued with a fixed penalty fine by the local council
• leave the college area once lessons are finished
• always behave in a mature, respectful and considerate way towards our neighbours and the public Any breach
of the above is misconduct and will be dealt with through the
disciplinary procedure.
Identity cards
You will be issued with your personal
identity card (ID) and a lanyard when
you enrol. You must wear the card at all
times, as without it you will not be able to
borrow books, use the workshops or use
college equipment.
You may also be asked to leave the
building if you are not wearing your ID
card or do not immediately give it to any
member of staff when asked. The card
and lanyard will be issued free of charge,
but you will have to pay a replacement
fee if you lose them. If you forget your
card, you will be issued with a day pass
and charged a daily fee.
Use of college
computers
As a NewVIc student, you are entitled to
use the college’s IT facilities. This includes
computers, multimedia, software and use
of the Internet. Internet access includes
access to online databases, electronic
journals, learning materials and email.
You will be given a NewVIc email address
and shown how to access your NewVIc
email account in tutorial. Email is the
main way we will communicate with you
during your time at NewVIc and you must
check your account every day.
Students must observe the Acceptable
Use of IT policy (which is available on
iVic) and the following regulations and
guidelines:
• food and drink are strictly forbidden in all computer suites
• illegal material must not be downloaded
• students must not send inappropriate emails
• never try and fix a problem with the computer hardware
• report faults when you spot them to the teacher or the IT support
technician on duty
• never load or run your own
unauthorised software, including
gaming software
• only use your own network directory
• social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter etc) are available for use related to study only
• students must not use the internet to misrepresent the college or members of the college community
• any form of cyber bullying will strictly result in disciplinary action
• do make efficient use of your own directory by regularly deleting
unwanted files after copying them onto your USB memory stick (which can be purchased from the LRC)
• use the adjustable chairs when working on a computer, but do not
move around the room on them
• always leave the computer suite in a clean, safe and tidy condition
• do not give your log-in details to anyone else or use somebody else’s account.
• The network is regularly checked to ensure it is only being used for college-
related work.
Equality and diversity
We provide opportunities for developing
a better understanding of different
We value the diversity of our
lifestyles, both within the curriculum
students and staff and believe that
and through our skills development
everyone should be treated fairly
programme. If positive action to
and be encouraged to reach their full
encourage good practice fails, the
potential. Our Equality and Diversity
college is prepared to take action against
Policy (available on iVIc) outlines the
anyone (whether students or staff ) who
responsibilities of all members of the
unlawfully or unfairly discriminates,
college community.
victimises, bullies or harasses any
individual or group. There is an equality
In particular, all students are
and diversity committee formed with
responsible for:
staff and students. This group meets on a
• Promoting a welcome, inclusive college regular basis to discuss, advise and direct
the college’s policies and activities related
for all, showing respect for everyone, to equality and diversity issues.
valuing diversity and advancing
equality.
Equality means saying ‘no to bullying’
• Behaving in a way which does not If you feel picked on by others in any way
discriminate against, victimise, bully – for example, hurtful name calling or
or harass any individual or group; this jokes, unwanted physical contact, threats
includes on social media.
• Reporting incidents of discrimination, – seek help. Tell your tutor or one of your
victimisation, bullying and harassment teachers or see student services staff in
room B217.
to their tutor or other member of staff.
In college you will find people who are
different from you in the way they look,
think and behave. They may differ in age,
gender, ethnic background, abilities,
religious beliefs, gender identity or sexual
orientation. The college believes that it
is better to understand these differences
and respect people as individuals,
rather than try to make everybody the
same. For example, the college actively
promotes mutual respect and tolerance
of those with different faiths and beliefs.
54 Attendance and punctuality
Your days in college will be busy. All
our courses are challenging and require
maximum commitment. As a full-time
student we expect you to have 100%
attendance. Less than full attendance
may mean you won’t achieve the grades
you are capable of and you will run a
serious risk of failing your course.
Authorised absence
Only two absences will be normally
authorised in any one half-term. If you are
absent for more than two days in a halfterm due to sickness, you will be marked
as ill (as long as evidence is provided)
but your absence will not be authorised.
Only your tutor can authorise absence
and they may consider exceptional
circumstances in some cases.
By accepting a place at NewVIc you are
entering into an agreement to work to
the best of your ability, attend all classes
and tutorials and to arrive on time.
Work experience and educational visits
organised by the college are counted
as ‘present’. Authorised absence may
include:
Poor attendance and punctuality are also
unacceptable because of the disruption
to teaching and learning for your classmates. It also takes up valuable staff
time where they would otherwise be
helping students to succeed. Students
are therefore closely monitored to ensure
they attend all classes, arrive on time and
keep to course deadlines.
• a medical appointment notified in advance: appointment card/ letter required
• care of family member, notified in advance unless emergency
• a religious holiday if notified in advance
• university visit or career/job interview, notified in advance
• attendance at a funeral, notified in advance
• attendance at a probation meeting, notified in advance
• illness - for students under 19, a supporting letter from parent/guardian required.
Punctuality
You are expected to be at the door of the
classroom before the start of each of your
lessons. If you are more than 10 minutes
late you will not be allowed in to classes
and will be marked absent.
Unauthorised absence
Examples of unauthorised absence
include:
•
•
•
driving lessons
employment during class time
family holidays in term time Absence for coursework completion or revision will not be authorised.
Booking holidays
The attendance agreement requires you
to attend ALL term-time classes. You
must check term dates, including return
dates for the second year, and ensure that
family holidays do not clash with these.
What do I do if I am ill or
unavoidable late?
If you are ill or have an emergency you
must phone the attendance hotline on
020 7540 0650 between 8 am and 10 am,
with your student ID number. The student
advisers will take your call and pass a
message to your tutor and teachers.
Returning to college
As soon as you return to college after an
illness you need to apply to your tutor to
authorise your absence using the green
authorisation of absence form. You must
provide a letter from a parent/guardian
and/or proof of an appointment within
two days of your return.
When will I be contacted?
• If you have not phoned in, or have not applied in advance to have an absence authorised, you can expect a call asking you to explain your absence. We may also contact your parent/guardian.
• If your attendance or punctuality is a cause for concern – you will have a meeting with your tutor to agree an action plan and to arrange any
necessary support.
• If you do not keep to your action plan, your tutor will follow the disciplinary procedure and contact your parents or guardian. Your tutor is there to guide you and will help you find practical solutions to problems you may have
with attendance, including travel
or finance.
56 Student learning contract
We aim to make NewVIc a warm, safe and
supportive college, in which everyone
is treated with courtesy and respect
and where everyone can progress. The
charter sets out what members of the
college community can expect and is the
learning contract that students sign up to
when accepting their place at NewVIc.
Students can expect:
• good information, advice and guidance from expert staff at every stage
• a good start to college – easy application and enrolment, thorough induction and being made to feel welcome and safe in college
• an early assessment of learning needs, a learning plan and prompt support
• support and encouragement to succeed and a personal tutor to help them achieve their goals
• excellent teaching that is varied, stimulating, challenging and inclusive
• clear targets and regular feedback on their progress, shared with parents/
guardians
• encouragement and support to make healthy choices
• guidance to make realistic and ambitious plans for their future in education or at work
• an attractive, accessible and well resourced learning environment
• recognition and respect for their language, culture, values, beliefs,
abilities and interests
• confidence that any behaviour issues or discrimination will be dealt with
quickly and effectively
• encouragement to feedback their views and confidence that these will be acted upon
• the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities to develop
their broader skills and interests.
We expect students to:
• know, follow and promote the college code of conduct at all times
• adopt a mature approach to learning, keep up with their work and aim for 100% attendance and punctuality
• let us know early when and where support is needed
• respect all other members of the college community and deal with differences calmly and sensibly
• act as good ambassadors for NewVIc, showing mature and respectful behaviour on and off campus
• take full advantage of all the learning and wider opportunities offered at NewVIc and become fully involved in college life
• be prepared to give feedback on their learning and experience of college.
Student code of conduct
You must not:
• use aggressive, threatening, violent You must:
or abusive language or behaviour • treat all members of the college or incite or encourage others to do so; community with courtesy and respect: this includes any form of harassment
students, staff and visitors
or discrimination
• identify yourself, display your ID card • behave in any way which brings in its lanyard at all times and give your the college into disrepute, offends or ID card to staff if requested
inconveniences members of the local • attend all your classes punctually, community
equipped and ready for study
• be in possession or under the • hand in all your work on time
influence of alcohol or any other drugs
• follow all reasonable instructions from • cheat, plagiarise or copy work from staff and comply with exam and IT
others, make fraudulent claims, alter network regulations
college records, forge signatures etc
• act as an ambassador for the college • engage in obscene, indecent or over-
by behaving in a considerate,
familiar conduct, run, shout or make respectful manner towards others excessive noise in or around the when outside the campus
campus
• make your way promptly to your • modify or deface your ID card, give it to destination on leaving the campus
others or encourage unauthorised
• treat college property with respect and people on to the campus without follow all health and safety rules
permission
• place litter in appropriate waste bins, • eat or drink outside designated areas, whether it’s yours or not
smoke, spit or chew gum anywhere in • behave in accordance with the law, or around the campus
eg on violence, theft, fraud, damage • use mobile phones in any learning to property, graffiti, carrying weapons, settings including the LRC or film, substance abuse, possession and intent photograph, share images, without to supply alcohol or other drugs All specific permission
incidents involving law breaking will be • distribute any material including reported to the police.
that of a political or religious nature or organise campaigns, petitions and
events without permission
• gamble on campus.
This list is not exhaustive and other
situations will be dealt with in the spirit of
these guidelines.
58
Student learning and
behaviour policy
The college has a learning and behaviour
policy which supports students to meet
the college’s expectations of attendance,
punctuality and behaviour. This policy
is used when students have broken
the learning contract and the code of
conduct. Tutors, teachers, the youth
safety team and managers are involved,
together with students and their parents/
guardians. The policy is available on iVic
together with information about the
processes that the college follows.
Our learning and behaviour policy
enables students to behave responsibly
according to a set of rules within
a community and to respect the
civil and criminal law of the UK. All
staff encourage students to accept
responsibility for their behaviour and
to understand how they can contribute
positively to the college and also
to society.
The college also recognises and rewards
students for positive behaviours
through our learner awards. Each term
tutors nominate students for one of
the following categories: excellence,
commitment, most improved, skilled
learner, community and whole
tutor group.
Health and safety
Health and safety policy
You should make yourself familiar with
the college health and safety policy.
NewVIc positively promotes a health
and safety culture to provide all students
and college users with a safe, healthy
and secure environment. You must pay
attention to all instructions regarding
accident prevention and safety. All
accidents must be reported immediately
to a member of staff and will be recorded
on an accident report form. You must
comply with all instructions on health
and safety. The college can accept no
responsibility for any injuries sustained
by the disregard of instructions, through
negligence by a student or misuse
of equipment.
If you have a medical problem, which
may mean that you could require help
while at college, you must ensure that
this information is on your personal file.
Students should:
• take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who
may be affected by their actions
• co-operate with the college and employers on health and safety
matters, including the appropriate use of all equipment
• not eat or drink in computer rooms, classrooms, workshops or the LRC
• not drop or leave litter
• not chew gum whist on premises
• complete a medical questionnaire in tutorials, at the beginning of the year.
Hazards
Reporting hazards is important because
it ensures a safe environment for you and
your fellow students. In the first instance,
report the hazard to your tutor, or refer
your concern to reception. Spitting is a
health and safety hazard.
Disability access and
facilities/disability agreement
There is disability access for wheelchair
users on site. Most study rooms have
disability access, including the LRC and
the canteen. There are a number of
disabled toilets on site.
Evacuation procedure
The evacuation procedure is designed to
ensure that all students and staff are able
to vacate the buildings quickly when the
alarm (sirens/bells) is sounded. Sirens/
bells will sound for any of the following
reasons: there is a fire, a bomb warning
has been received and the decision has
been taken to evacuate the buildings,
there has been a major spillage of
potentially hazardous material, vandalism
to any of the fire call points, the system
has developed a fault.
Practice evacuations are normally held
during the autumn and spring terms.
A practice is not normally held in the
summer term because of examinations.
False alarms can occur, but it is important
that you evacuate the building when the
alarm sounds. This is for your safety.
Fire
Ensure that you read and are familiar
with the fire notices in each of the
classrooms and college areas that you
use. These notices tell you the nearest
exits and assembly points. The fire alarm
is a loud siren accompanied by flashing
beacons. In the event of a fire alarm, you
must leave the building, regardless of
where you are and what you are doing,
as quickly as possible without running,
and assemble in your class group as
instructed. Do not re-enter the college
buildings until you are told to do so by
a member of staff. It is a serious offence
to cause a hoax alarm and will result in
disciplinary proceedings, including a
financial charge for any expense incurred
by the college.
It is important that you know the
following:
• your means of escape, preferably with an alternative
• the nearest fire alarm point
• the nearest fire appliance and how it should be used
• the location of the assembly points.
Students with mobility issues
In an emergency, you will be helped
to the nearest stairwell. Then the fire
control officer, who is at reception, will be
advised of your position. Help will then
be sent to assist and evacuate you.
60
First aid
The college has qualified first aiders
who can administer simple medical
help. If you require hospital treatment,
transportation will be arranged and
your next of kin informed. It will be
their responsibility to arrange for your
collection and transport home.
Comments, compliments
and complaints
We welcome your views as they help us
to continue to improve the quality of the
service we offer. If you are not satisfied
with any of our services, you have the
right to complain and your complaint
will be taken seriously. The college has
a complaints process that aims to be
simple, easy to understand and designed
to help resolve any complaints quickly
and easily.
Complaint forms and a guide to our
complaint procedure are available from
Reception, Learning Resources Centre,
curriculum admin support office and
on the college intranet. A completed
complaint form should be given to the
complaints coordinator in the curriculum
admin office room C426.
If you need help or advice using any of
the procedures, you can consult your
tutor, a member of student services
staff, or the Student Union. You should
approach only one of these sources,
not all of them. He/she may deal with
your complaint personally, or refer
you to the most appropriate person or
procedure. The complaints policy sets
out the timescales for dealing with and
responding to complaints.
What do you think about the college?
This is your college and we want to know
your opinions about it. There are several
ways in which you can express your
views. Make sure that you use them.
1. Course representatives
During induction each course will elect
a class representative who will attend
curriculum meetings to feedback to staff
and managers.
2. Student surveys
Students will be asked to complete
satisfaction surveys at the beginning of,
and during, their course of study. This will
include questions on teaching, learning
and college services. The results are
analysed by college management and
used to assess the college’s success and
plan improvement.
3. Focus groups
Staff and managers will invite students to
attend focus groups. These will be used
to discuss and seek student views on
courses and college services. The groups
may also be used to help the college
plan and implement new ideas and
developments for the benefit of students.
4. Course reviews
At the end of every course, the
curriculum manager will invite students
to attend a course review and evaluate
the success of the course over the year.
5. Student Council
At the beginning of the year, every
tutor group will elect two members to
become Student Councillors to represent
their tutor group at the Student Council
Summit. The meetings take place every
half-term and are chaired by the assistant
principal – student services. The Student
Council provides an effective medium for
consultation with students and a direct
channel for students to become involved
in shaping NewVIc’s learning, teaching
and support.
62
Useful contacts
External contacts
Personal
Samaritans | (www.samaritans.org) | 08457 90 90 90
Emergency contact numbers
National Domestic Violence helpline | 0808 2000 247
Connection St Martins | (homelessness advice) | 020 7766 5544
Carers line | (www.carersuk.org) | 0808 808 7777
Shelter at Newham CAB | (housing advice) | 0344 515 1231
Childline | (www.childline.org.uk) | 0800 1111
Cruse Bereavement Care | 0844 477 9400
General
Crimestoppers | 0800 555 111
Race and equality in Newham | 020 7473 5349
Newham Asian Women’s Project | 020 8472 0528
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) | (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) | 8444 111 444
Relationships
NewVIc’s counsellors offer a confidential service but if you prefer to talk to
someone outside the college there are several organisations that may help:
Brook advisory service | (www.brook.org.uk) | 0808 802 1234
SHINE | (www.shine.nhs.uk) | 07624 802 242 | 020 8586 8888
Health
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard | 0300 330 0630
NHS Direct | www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk | 0845 46 47
Sexual Health Line | (www.fpa.org.uk) | 0845 122 8690
NewVIc’s counsellors offer a confidential service but if you prefer to talk to
someone outside the college there are several organisations that may help:
Drug and Alcohol Service for London | 020 8257 3068
Unemployment and benefits
Eating Disorders Association (BEAT) | (www.b-eat.co.uk) | 0845 634 7650
Stratford Job Centre | 020 8918 5200
Frank about drugs | (www.talktofrank.com) | 0800 77 66 00
Plaistow Job Centre | 020 7506 4204
Smoking | (www.quit.org.uk) | 0800 00 22 00
East Ham Job Centre | 020 8210 5707
Terrence Higgins Trust | (www.tht.org.uk) | 0808 802 1221
Housing and council tax benefit help in Newham | 020 8430 2000
64
Notes
Useful contacts
Internal contacts
Department
Number
Attendance Hotline
020 7540 0650
Inclusive Learning
020 7540 4594
B216
Careers Advice
020 7540 0636
020 7540 6951
[email protected]
B213/
B254
Student Counsellor
07876 147010
[email protected]
B210
(to report absences)
Room
Financial Support
020 7540 0649
B221
Welfare and Safeguarding
020 7540 0560
020 7540 4667
07876 874201
[email protected]
B212/
B254
Youth Safety Team
020 7540 0623
07876 874198
B256
Work Experience
020 7540 0695
G12
and
G13
Sports Academy
020 7540 6953
F block
Nrich and Student Union
020 7540 0613
B221
Learning Resources Centre
020 7540 0644
Curriculum Admin
020 7540 6933
Emergency/Security
020 7540 0620 ext 4620
(internal)
(for complaints, letters, references
and UCAS support)
C426
66
Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc)
Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow
London E13 8SG
T: 020 7473 4110
F: 020 7511 9463
W: www.newvic.ac.uk
Follow us on
fb.me/newhamsix
@talknewvic

NewVIc student guide 2015/16

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