NEWVIC GUIDE STUDENT

NEWVIC
STUDENT
GUIDE
2013/14
Introduction to student services ...............................................................6
College inductions ...........................................................................................8
Contents
Student development
Sixth form Baccalaureate (SFBac) ................................................ 11
Nrich – getting involved at NewVIc ............................................ 12
Creative arts ........................................................................................ 13
Newham Academy of Music .......................................................... 14
Sports Academy ................................................................................. 15
Leadership programme .................................................................. 17
Health Advocacy ............................................................................... 17
Enterprise ............................................................................................. 18
International ....................................................................................... 18
Understanding our world ............................................................... 19
Language power ............................................................................... 19
Our community .................................................................................. 19
Student ambassadors ...................................................................... 20
Student voice ...................................................................................... 22
Student Union .................................................................................... 22
Student representation ................................................................... 23
Work experience ................................................................................ 24
Becoming a skilled learner .............................................................25
Skills Centre ......................................................................................... 38
Special examination arrangements ............................................ 40
Equality of opportunity ................................................................... 43
General Information Multi-faith room ................................................................................ 47
Parking .................................................................................................. 47
Lost property ...................................................................................... 47
Smoking ............................................................................................... 47
The canteen ......................................................................................... 48
Mobile phones ................................................................................... 48
Inside the college ..............................................................................49
Outside the college .......................................................................... 50
Identity cards ...................................................................................... 50
Use of college computers .............................................................. 51
Contents
Contents
Attendance and punctuality ....................................................................... 53
Student learning contract ............................................................................ 56
Code of conduct ............................................................................................... 58
Health and safety ............................................................................................. 61
Comments, compliments and complaints ............................................ 64
Useful contacts ................................................................................................. 66
Who’s who – student services team ......................................................... 69
Supporting students
Tutors ..................................................................................................... 27
Academic mentors ............................................................................ 27
Academic skills progression ...........................................................27
Progress reviews ................................................................................ 28
Student finance .................................................................................. 30
Counselling service ...........................................................................31
Careers advice .................................................................................... 33
Planning for your future ................................................................. 35
Learning Resource Centre (LRC) .................................................. 36
iVIc and Mahara ................................................................................. 37
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What we stand for
Our values
We believe in:
Excellence and achievement; setting high standards and high
expectations
Respect for everyone;
valuing diversity and promoting
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
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NewVIc is committed to equality
of opportunity and expects
every member of the college
community to respect others.
This means that we do not
tolerate any form of abusive,
aggressive or threatening
language or behaviour, any
form of discrimination or
harassment on grounds of
gender, gender identity, age,
class, race, disability, religion,
sexual orientation, pregnancy
or previous level of educational
achievement.
Please note: you can obtain
a copy of the college’s equal
opportunities policy, antibullying policy and the college
charter online from iVIc; the
college’s virtual learning
environment.
Welcome to NewVIc
What we stand for
Our mission:
To create a successful
learning community
Welcome to NewVIc
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.
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.
NewVIc has built up an excellent
reputation over the last twentyone years: our success rates are
high, around 700 of our students
progress to university each year
and we were the most improved
sixth form college in London
from 1998 to 2012. This is entirely Eddie Playfair
Principal
due to the commitment and
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We want all 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. They are supported in
this by the security team who
patrol both on and off campus.
Introduction to student services
Introduction to student services
Introduction to
student services
and gain valuable life skills. You
will find there is something for
everyone to get involved in
from sport, performing arts and
media to mentoring, leadership,
volunteering and fundraising.
This guide outlines the main
areas of support available, 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.
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
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College induction
During induction you will
meet your teachers and fellow
students. You will be given
information about the structure
and content of your course,
your timetable, the location
of your classes, information
about coursework and
examinations, requirements
for work experience and field
trips, the costs involved and the
facilities that are available to you.
Induction is in four parts:
1. Summer induction.
During induction days you will meet students and staff and start your course.
2. Initial assessment.
You will complete a short assessment called ‘The Profiler’ which will help us
to see whether you need any support in 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.
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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.
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.
College induction
College induction
Confirmation of programme
In the first 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.
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Student development
NewVIc recognises and rewards
students’ achievements both
in and out of the classroom. All
students have the opportunity to
achieve the Sixth Form Bac.
Sixth Form Bac
Employers and universities look
for people who are creative, can
think for themselves and work
well with others. At NewVIc, all
students have the opportunity
to develop these skills. The
nationally recognised Sixth
Form Bac values students’ wider
achievements and the skills
which help you to be a successful
learner, citizen and employee.
Achievement awards
Each year a number of students
receive awards in recognition
of their achievements both in
and out of the classroom. The
awards are sponsored by local
universities and employers
including London City Airport,
the Royal Veterinary College,
the University of East London
and Queen Mary, University of
London.
Student development
Student development
Sixth Form Baccalaureate (SFBac)
Find out more
from your tutor, iVIc or at the
Freshers’ Fair.
It 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 it will challenge you as an
individual. Achieving the SFBac
will help you to stand out and
will give you strong evidence
to support your application to
university or employment.
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Nrich
Student development
NewVIc is not just about
studying – get involved in the
wider college experience
The Nrich programme is
an important part of your
college experience. The
college hosts a range of
weekly activities, workshops
and training to develop your
skills and understanding, your
employability skills and give you
an opportunity to meet new
people and enjoy your time at
NewVIc. The activities are open
to any student and complement
your studies or provide a
platform to try something
new. Although participation
is voluntary we expect every
student to commit to at least
one activity.
We offer an exciting range of
activities in:
•Creative arts
•Sports Academy
•Leadership programme
•Health advocacy
•Enterprise
•Understanding our world
•Language power
•Our community
We also offer opportunities for
students to take on leadership
roles and develop leadership
attributes such as clear values
and high standards, effective
communication, teamwork and
managing change.
Activities currently on offer
include:
All students have the
•songwriting and recording
opportunity to get involved in
•urban dance
creative arts activities including
•orchestras
the NewVIc cultural programme •filming and editing production and professional performances
company
both in the college and at
•NewVIc Dance Company
venues.
• NewVIc Theatre Company
•Graphic Design Company
All the creative arts programmes •Cultivate Dance Company (CDC)
link to industry professionals and •DJing
provide work-based learning and •Cypher-beats and Poetry
skills.
•Solid Harmony Choir
•Student Union talent show
Students get involved in
•Instrumental lessons eg: piano, productions either as a
guitar, drums, tabla, sitar
performer or off-stage in event
and singing
management, marketing,
•ensembles and music projects designing, box office, stage
run by the Newham Music Hub
management and other roles.
Student development
Creative arts
Your participation will be
recognised through the Sixth
Form Bac (SFBac) certificate.
To find out more about getting
involved in enrichment activities
at college, speak to the youth
activities leader in room B216
and come along to the Fresher’s
Fair at the beginning of each
year.
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Newham Academy of Music
Newham Academy of Music
is based at the college and
is supported through the
government’s national plan
for music.
It is one of 122 music hub
leaders across the UK and is
the hub leader for Newham.
NewVIc students are offered
the opportunity for free or
subsidised instrumental
tuition through the Music
Advancement Programme
(MAP). This programme, in
partnership with Newham
Academy of Music offers 14
lessons with professional
musicians and tutors at NewVIc.
Depending on the instrument,
classes will usually be in small
group sessions. Students will
learn repertoire, a variety
of stylistic genres and the
skills needed for successful
performance with others.
Students will also have the
opportunity to develop their
music leadership skills which can
lead to further qualifications and
progression to music degrees.
Competitive opportunities
The college competes in British
The NewVIc Sports Academy is
Colleges Sport (BCS) and South
open to all students keen to keep of England Student Sports
fit, try new sports or compete at Association (SESSA) leagues and
team level. For the more serious
cups on Wednesday afternoons,
players, there are opportunities
during enrichment time in the
to trial for selection into one of
following sports:
our elite sports academies.
•athletics
•badminton
Participation for all
•men’s and women’s basketball
The multi-gym, floodlit multi•cricket
use games area (MUGA) and
•men’s and women’s football
indoor sports hall are open to
•netball
all students. Sports open to
•rugby
students during lunchtime/after •table tennis
college include:
•trampolining
• archery
•athletics
Elite Academies
•badminton
The NewVIc Sports Academy
•basketball
runs three intensive and elite
•cricket
programmes:
•disability sports
•football
Support for gifted and talented
•netball
athletes
•non-contact boxing
Students who are gifted and
•rowing
talented in sports and not
•rugby
accepted onto an elite academy
•swimming
can be given support on an
•table tennis
individual basis dependent upon
•tennis
their need. This could include
•trampolining
help with the costs of specific
equipment required to compete
at elite level, or transport costs to
national level competitions.
Student development
Student development
Sports Academy
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Student development
We want students to develop
leadership qualities during their
time at the college. Through a
range of opportunities students
are encouraged to develop clear
values, high standards, skills
in effective communication,
teamwork and managing
change. At NewVIc you can:
NewVIc Basketball Academy
The Basketball Academy selects
16 players each year who
have the potential to achieve
excellence in basketball with
ambitions of pursuing a sporting
career.
Sports Leaders Academy
members have the opportunity
to attend a wide range of
courses including the National
Governing Body level 1 coaching
qualifications.
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www.newvic.ac.uk.
•become a student ambassador representing the college: choose to specialise in events, sports, school liaison, research or community ambassador work
The academy offers a minimum
of 10 hours of elite coaching per
week.
NewVIc Sports Leaders
Academy
The Sports Leaders 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.
2014 NewVIc leadership
bursary
NewVIc is offering leadership
bursaries of up to £500 to
students starting advanced
level courses in 2014. To qualify
for these bursaries applicants
must demonstrate the potential
for outstanding leadership and
achievement. Find out more on
our website,
For more information
on the Sports Academy pick up a
brochure available from the Sports
Academy reception
in F Block.
•join the student council as a representative and advocate for your tutor group or stand for election to the Student Union executive
•learn about serving the community by volunteering within the college or with local organisations: help
primary school pupils with reading, lead a study
circle, mentor your fellow students at college or younger
students at secondary school, or join community initiatives such as teaching IT skills older neighbours
Student development
Leadership
programme
NewVIc Cricket Academy
Sixteen students are selected
each year to receive a minimum
of 10 hours per week of elite
coaching from our performance
and development cricket coach.
Health advocacy
Become a health advocate and
help to spread the message
about healthy living. You can
choose to focus on mental health
and wellbeing or sexual health
and relationships and work as
a team on projects to promote
health. Join our Stop Smoking
and Life not Knife campaigns or
get involved in activities during
World AIDS Week.
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Join in events where students
celebrate diversity and champion
Take part in a programme of
lectures, debates and workshops equality in our community. Get
to deepen your understanding of involved in awareness events
including, world AIDS week,
local, national and international
anti-bullying week, black history
issues and prepare you for
month, mental health week and
your future as a global citizen.
Holocaust memorial week. Help
Recent speakers have included
to organise events to showcase
politicians, academics, Olympic
athletes and charity workers. Join the great range of cultures
in east London. Explore our
our debating club or the Model
heritage and discover our history
United Nations Society.
and understand how diversity
brings us together and makes us
Language power
stronger.
Student development
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Our community
Enterprise
International
Develop your enterprise
potential - find out how you
can develop skills in business
enterprise, regeneration,
managing money and
fundraising. Opportunities
include project managing the
London-wide talent show: Show
Me Wot You Got, or helping
the college to raise money for
charity. Our students select two
charities to support every year,
one local and one international,
and you can join in campaigns to
raise as much money as possible
to support the charities.
Make use of our strong
international links - last year
students from across a range
of courses travelled abroad.
NewVIc’s success reaches far
beyond London with links
around the world including
Germany, France, New York
and China. We also offer
opportunities for trekking and
volunteering expeditions in
South America, Africa and Asia.
Student development
Understanding our
world
Whatever subjects you are
studying you can get more
confident with words. Take part
in events and competitions,
writing poetry, stories,
screenplays or public speaking,
and win a Principal’s Prize.
Work with one of our writers in
residence or join the Carbolic
team to write for this high profile
youth magazine. Share ideas
about the books you enjoy
by joining a reading group.
Recent activities included a
student-published book ‘Brave
New Words’, the Rant Academy
Awards and the college Talent
Show.
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Student development
Become an ambassador for the college
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The college has a very popular
student ambassador scheme
which you can apply to join.
settings within primary schools,
secondary schools, and
community sports clubs.
What does an ambassador do?
Ambassadors represent NewVIc
students at college events,
assist with work in local schools
and get involved in research
work. There are five 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 open day, school
interviews and awards evenings.
You will provide a positive image
when welcoming visitors to the
college and support the smooth
running of events.
Sport ambassador - run
within the sports leadership
academy. Students can gain
qualifications such as Junior
Organisers Awards, Working
with Disability and various
coaching qualifications. Sport
ambassadors are expected to
volunteer in a range of
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.
Community ambassador supporting NewVIc and the
local community by acting as
a role model for your peers
and prospective students and
volunteering within college and
the wider Newham community.
Opportunities include projects
such as the reading programme
in local schools, student mentors,
Newham Volunteers and Be
Inspired.
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.
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 time to help others. 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.
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.
Student development
Student ambassadors
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.
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Your views are important.
At NewVIc, students have
many opportunities to make
suggestions about how the
college could improve further.
Every student is welcome to give
their ideas but there are some
key students who make sure the
student voice is heard.
•apply for an NUS Extra Card
for discounts in shops, online stores (such as Amazon and ASOS), driving lessons,
cinemas and many other attractions across
the whole country
•play an active part in welfare campaigns and the learner voice.
Student Union executive
This is a group made up of
Student union (SU)
students keen to ensure
students’ views are listened to.
NewVIc is proud to have a very
Positions include president,
active and engaged SU, where
every student enrolled at college activities officer, campaigns
is automatically a member of the officer. To get involved in one
of the eight SU executive roles
SU. The SU provides a year-long
you have to stand for election,
programme of exciting events,
activities and opportunities that during the spring term. The
will further enhance your college SU president and one other
experience and provide you with executive officer also become
important employability skills for student governors. Governors
are responsible for the strategy,
the future.
mission and quality of the
The SU is managed by the SU
executive with the support of the college and for reviewing its
performance. The governing
youth activities team. As an SU
body meets six times a year.
member you are entitled to:
•join in the social activities organised
•stand for election to become an SU executive officer
Student representation
Members of each tutor group
elect a class representative to act
as their voice and represent their
views on the student council.
Class representatives ensure
there is two-way communication
between the student council,
college management and all
students. Class representatives
also liaise with staff in their
curriculum area to feed back
on the students’ experience of
teaching and learning.
The student council is made up
of all the class representatives
in the college and is chaired
by a senior manager. It meets
every six weeks and 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.
Student development
Student development
Student voice
For more information
about your SU see the youth activity
team based in the Skills Centre or
call 020 7540 0613, email
[email protected]
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The college’s work experience
team can support you to find
a work placement that will
help you to gain new skills,
experience team work in
real work settings and relate
your course curriculum to the
workplace.
NewVIc works in partnership
with a wide range of employers
such as London City Airport,
Stagecoach, Newham University
Hospital, NatWest Bank,
nurseries, schools and many
more within London and the
home counties.
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.
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Work experience presents you
with opportunities to:
• work alongside other employees as part of a team
•develop and practise a range of new skills
• 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.
We want all our students to achieve the best they can and to become
skilled learners. Our skilled learner framework helps you and your
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.
Student development
Student development
Work experience
• meet new people
• experience new environments
• get to grips with the demands, routines and environment of work
• gain accreditation towards the Sixth Form Bac (SFBac).
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.
To find out more,
or to arrange a placement, please
contact the work experience team
in rooms G12 and G13.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE
www.newvic.ac.uk
@talknewvic
fb.me/newhamsix
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Supporting students
Every student has a personal
tutor. They aim to ensure you
fulfil your academic potential
and they are the first person to
talk to if you need support or
guidance.
teachers to offer one-to-one
support and advice.
Your mentor will:
•help you track your progress and meet challenging targets
•help you develop independent study skills and get organised
Your tutor will:
•help you action plan and review your progress with you during your course
•ensure you meet college expectations for attendance and punctuality •support you in meeting your aims and fulfilling your aspirations
Academic skills and
progression
Supporting students
Supporting students
Tutors
All students follow a programme
•help you progress to university, designed to develop the higher
further training or employment
level academic skills which
•encourage your wider personal universities and employers
regard as essential. Your tutor
development
will help you write a high quality
•assist you in overcoming any application to university and give
issues or difficulties that may you guidance on career paths.
arise
Sessions will be delivered in part
through iVlc virtual learning
environment.
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 tutors and
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Additional studies
You will be encouraged to
choose an individual programme
which suits your needs and
aspirations. Your tutor will ensure
you are enrolled on the right
programme. This might include
additional courses you need in
order to progress.
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. Reports will be sent
home to parents/guardians, who
will be invited to discuss your
progress at our twice-yearly
parent evenings.
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Skills development
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 booster
sessions in the Skills Centre.
Students who attend workshops
in the Skills Centre usually have
very high success rates.
These services offer you the
opportunity to make the best
use of the choices available to
you.
Supporting students
Supporting students
Support for students
In addition to the support
provided by your tutor, specialist
staff can provide confidential
help with any issues concerning
finance (see page 30), careers
and further study, (see page 33),
health, learning difficulties and/
or disabilities (see page 38), or
any other personal matter or
practical issue affecting your
learning.
The student welfare advisers and
the student finance officer are
based in the Skills Centre.
Additional learning support
NewVIc is committed to inclusive
education and all students are
encouraged to make the most
of their skills and abilities. If
you have a physical, sensory or
learning disability, you are also
entitled to additional learning
support. See page 38 for more
details.
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Supporting students
There are a number of schemes
to help with the cost of learning
at college*.
Learner Support Fund
The college has a fund to help
students finding it difficult
to pay for their education
expenses, including travel,
books/equipment, childcare and
possibly living costs. 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.
Your attendance MUST remain
at 95% or above or you will not
receive payment.
We also have a scheme for
students experiencing additional
financial difficulty who can apply
for a one-off payment to assist
with specific requirements, for
30
example field trips, university
interviews etc.
To apply for the Learner
Support Fund
please collect an application form
from the student finance officer
based in the Skills Centre.
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.
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 the
Skills Centre.
*Information correct at time of print
(July 2013)
Counselling Service
be involved. The only exception
is when you or someone else
Counselling at NewVIc is private may be at risk of harm.
and confidential
There are two college
Did you know?
counsellors available if you
Over 150 students use the
would like someone to talk to
counselling service every year.
about any concerns you have,
whether to do with college,
Where and for how long are the
work, personal issues or home
counselling appointments?
life. Counselling offers a safe,
•Counselling takes place in informal space where you can
room B210
talk freely and in confidence in a
•Appointments usually last 45 way that is not always possible
minutes
with friends, family or tutors.
Counselling is:
•an opportunity to talk to somebody in private
Supporting students
Student finance
•You can stop at any time without having to give a reason
•a way to work out what is
going on
•an opportunity to get non-
judgemental feedback
•a way of taking responsibility for yourself
A counsellor is someone who
listens to you without making
judgements or telling you
what to do and helps you work
through whatever is going on in
your life. The counsellor won’t tell
anyone what you say to them,
or even that you are seeing a
counsellor, unless you both
decide someone else needs to
How do I see a counsellor?
There are several ways to make
an appointment:
•text 07876 147010
•phone 020 7540 0604
•email:
[email protected]
•drop-in sessions are held daily, 10.30 am – 11 am in room B210.
31
“It was less judgemental than I
thought, it was really enjoyable.”
Specialist support
The college has two qualified
careers advisers to provide
information, advice, guidance
and support on a one-to-one
and group basis. The careers
advisers are based in the Skills
Centre. They can be contacted
on 020 7540 6951.
on iVic and on the counselling
intranet site.
Quiet Zone and workshops:
• Room B210 is a quiet zone in Substance misuse
college where you can sit if you The college offers confidential
need time out.
help and support to any student
concerned about a drug or
• Look out for publicity for alcohol-related issue. Help is
groups and workshops
available by contacting the
on personal development to college counsellor.
help you deal with life issues and grow in confidence.
Housing problems
Health information and medical
advice
If you have any health-related
concerns, want to give up
smoking, need advice on drugs
and alcohol, or have any other
problems then you can either
drop into student services based
in the Skills Centre or call student
services on 020 7540 0650.
32
Information sessions
These will take place during the
year on different issues such as
mental health, drugs, alcohol,
and sexual health. They will be
advertised on the notice boards,
Young people who leave home
will not be offered council
accommodation except in
extreme emergencies and
rented accommodation can
be expensive and difficult to
find. You should seek advice
before making any decision.
Talk to your tutor or go to
student services for advice
about making an appointment
with a housing adviser. If you
are made homeless you should
contact your local housing office
which will be listed in the phone
directory under the name of the
borough in which you live.
Careers advice
We aim to ensure that all our
students progress successfully
to the next stage in their career,
whether this is a further college
course, a place at university, a
job or a training placement. Our
annual destination survey shows
that each year almost all of our
students achieve this aim.
During your time at NewVIc you
are encouraged to develop the
following career management
skills that will help you move on
from college and achieve your
career goals:
•recognising and developing employability skills
Information, advice and
guidance
Lunchtime drop-in sessions
for information and advice on
any aspect of your career or
education planning take place
daily in the careers room. There
is no need to book, just turn up
between 12.20 pm and 1.20 pm.
Booked guidance interviews
last up to 40 minutes and are an
opportunity for you to speak in
depth and in confidence with an
adviser. Your careers adviser will
usually agree an action plan with
you as part of your interview.
Please drop in to the careers
room to make an appointment
or phone 020 7540 6951.
Supporting students
Supporting students
Some of the things students say
about counselling:
“It’s given me something to look
forward to and it helps me get
through the week.”
•finding out about career and higher education options
•putting career plans into action, including assistance with CVs, job applications, UCAS and higher education applications
33
Careers library
The careers library in the careers
room and LRC has a good range
of resources including books on
different occupations, college
and university prospectuses
and guides on CV writing and
preparing for interviews.
Software
You have access to the following
software packages:
•Higher Ideas to help you find suitable higher education options
•Pathfinder +HE to help you match your interests
to university courses
Job seekers
Careers advisers can help you
with job searches and offer
support with applications and
preparation for interviews.
The careers service also run
CV workshops and can work
with you one-to-one to help
you create or develop your CV
as well as cover letters for job
applications.
Planning for your future
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 B216 in the skills centre to
see the careers team.
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.
Supporting students
Supporting students
Careers events
The college arranges for students
to attend a number of internal
and external careers events.
These include university open
days, visiting speakers from
universities, employability
workshops and career focused
events with top employers.
There is also an annual higher
education fair, employability fair
and a higher education week.
Employment and training fair
and HE fair – NewVIc holds
its own higher education and
employment fairs. These offer
Students can also secure
you a fantastic opportunity
valuable work experience,
to speak to universities and
through our dedicated work
employers from all over the UK
experience team, situated in
and find out more about your
rooms G12 and G13.
options. The careers fair is held
after the February half-term
break and the HE fair takes place
after Easter.
34
35
Mon
8 am – 8 pm
Tue
8 am – 6 pm
Wed
8 am – 6 pm
Thur
8 am – 6 pm
Fri
8 am – 5 pm
Sat
9 am – 1 pm
*correct at time of print (July 2013)
The LRC is situated in B block
and is available to all students.
It contains a library, a suite
of bookable internet-ready
computers running MS 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
36
iVIc and Mahara
The LRC is open*:
up to three weeks, although
some are on short-term loan
only. Newspapers, periodicals,
careers materials, university
prospectuses and other
resources are also available.
You become a member of the
LRC simply by completing your
LRC induction in your first few
weeks at NewVIc. The LRC team
are eager to involve you in
developing the service - students
contribute through a focus
group.
How do I book a PC?
There are lots of computers
available for you to use for your
college work - you do need to
book them in advance in the
LRC. You can enter your student
ID near the front desk to book a
computer. You can also borrow
netbooks from the main counter
and silent study area desk using
your LRC account.
It is important to know the
rules about using computers
at college. Any students
using the college computers
inappropriately will face
disciplinary action
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 class notes and
homework and participate in
interactive activities.
Supporting students
Supporting students
Learning Resources Centre
(LRC)
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.
37
How do I know whether the
Skills Centre is for me?
A formal learning area for all
students to access specific
support for numeracy, literacy
and study skills as well as ICT
facilities and learning resources.
All students are assessed at the
start of their course to see if
they need additional support
and will be timetabled to attend
individual or group literacy
ESOL or numeracy workshops, if
needed.
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.
Who can use the Skills Centre?
Students from all courses are
welcome to use the centre to
access additional support with
their learning, or to use the quiet
study areas and facilities in the
LRC.
How do I access the Skills
Centre?
The Skills Centre is in B block and
open Monday to Friday from
9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
The Skills Centre is open for
drop-in sessions for literacy,
numeracy and ESOL*:
Monday to Friday
12.20 pm – 1.20 pm
*correct at time of print (July 2013)
38
What support is available?
Regular workshops
These are timetabled 1:1 or
group workshops for students
who need to develop their
literacy, numeracy or study
skills. Students are given an
action plan 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, visit B221 or email
inclusivelearningteam@newvic.
ac.uk.
Lunchtime drop-in
All students can access extra
support in the Skills Centre via
drop-in workshops or booked
sessions. If you think you might
want this type of support, speak
to your tutor who will refer you
via ProMonitor, or come into the
Skills Centre and talk to any of
the staff.
Referral
Some students are referred for
Skills Centre support by their
teachers or tutor, or you can selfrefer. Referrals can happen at any
time of the year.
How can I get support without
referral?
Many students ask for extra
support from the Skills Centre
and you are welcome to come
along to the lunchtime drop-in
sessions, or pop into the Skills
Centre at any other time.
Specialist support
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.
Supporting students
Supporting students
Skills Centre
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 inclass 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.
39
Specialist examination
arrangements
Students who have a learning
difficulty, disability, medical
condition (be it permanent
or temporary) or dyslexia,
may be entitled to special
arrangements in examinations
and assessments.
If you are granted special
examination arrangements,
you may practise using these
arrangements in mocks and
practice tests. The special
arrangements are designed
to help you complete the
examination to the best of your
ability.
40
What do special 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
•proof read 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. A
reader 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 hand writing is hard to
read, or who write very slowly.
This allowance enables students
to give a typed version of their
answer. The word processor will
not be able to spell-check your
work.
5 - Transcript
This is for students who make
spelling mistakes that make their
work difficult to read. Your tutor
will arrange that after the exam
a teacher reads what you have
written and writes in correct
spellings to make your work
easier to understand.
Supporting students
Supporting students
Specialist examination
arrangements
6 - Separate room
If you have a scribe or reader
you will sit your examination in a
separate room.
41
How do you organise special
examination arrangements?
Students are assessed to see if
they might be eligible for special
arrangements. We then send a
short 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 special examination
arrangements are receiving
42
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 special examination
arrangements, please ask your
tutor to refer you to the inclusive
learning team or call into room
B221 for an appointment.
If you had special examination
arrangements at school, please
let your tutor know so we can
follow this up. It is important to
let us know about your special
examination arrangements
as soon as possible as some
applications need to be made as
early as October in the first year
at college.
We value the diversity of our
students and staff
The college believes that
everyone should be treated fairly
and with respect and should be
encouraged to reach their full
potential. Every possible step
will be taken to ensure that all
applicants, students, staff and
visitors are treated equally and
fairly. For example, if a student
has a disability which may affect
their studies, we will seek ways
of supporting them to have an
equal opportunity to succeed.
This means ensuring (as far as
reasonably practicable) that:
•all student areas are physically accessible
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, pregnancy,
gender identity or sexual
preferences. The college believes
that it is better to understand
these differences and respect
people as individuals, rather
than assume everybody is
the same. It tries to provide
opportunities for developing
a better understanding of
different lifestyles, both within
the curriculum and through
its student development
programme.
Supporting students
Supporting students
Equality of Opportunity
If positive action to encourage
good practice fails, the college
is prepared to take action
against anyone, students
•staff are trained to work with or staff, who unlawfully or
students of all abilities
unfairly discriminates, bullies or
•specialist staff are available to harasses another individual on
assist the student within and/or the grounds of gender, sexual
outside the classroom.
orientation, race, age, religion or
belief or disability.
•equipment and assistive technologies are in place
43
Equality means saying ‘no to
bullying’
If you feel picked on by others in
any way – for example: hurtful
name-calling or jokes, unwanted
physical contact, threats – seek
help. Tell your tutor or one of
your teachers or see student
services staff based in the Skills
Centre.
development of each individual
student and in enabling and
equipping them to optimise
their life chances. All students
have equal right to care and
protection, irrespective of their
ethnicity, culture, disability,
language, religious belief, sexual
identity, gender, gender identity,
or if they are pregnant.
Supporting students
Supporting students
There is an equality and diversity
committee formed of staff
from across the college and a
student equality group with
representatives from each
programme. These groups meet
on a regular basis to discuss,
advise and direct the college’s
policies and activities related to
equality and diversity issues.
Safeguarding children and
young people
The college is committed to
safeguarding and promoting
the welfare of children and
young people and expects all
staff, students and volunteers
to share this commitment.
The college is committed
to providing a learning
environment where all students
can feel safe and secure. As
a provider of education, we
recognise the important role
we have in the welfare and
44
45
Multi-faith room
Lost property
There is a quiet and spacious
room available for private prayer
and reflection for students
of all faiths with lockers and
footbaths. The room is not a
space for meeting, discussions
or socialising and students
must not misuse the room. Any
student who wishes to use it
should ask Barbara Merritt in
room C516 for the key.
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,
bikes mobile phones and money.
At no time should personal items
be left unattended in unlocked
classrooms or workshops, the
canteen or any other area of
the college.
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.
46
General Information
General Information
General Information
Smoking
NewVIc is a non-smoking
college. Anyone found smoking
on the premises, including
outside areas, will face
disciplinary action. If you want
support to stop smoking, contact
student services based in the
Skills Centre.
47
Students and college users
must use litter bins. You will see
our clearly labelled recycling
bins around campus. All nonrecyclable waste should be
placed in the red bins.
To maintain a healthy and
pleasant working environment
in the college all students must
comply with the following:
The canteen and
eating well
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 and
a café where you can get pasta,
sandwiches, salads, jacket
potatoes, burgers and a wide
range of hot meals. The majority
of the meals are halal. You can
also bring in your own food to
eat if you prefer.
Sid’s café in the Link is open
weekdays from 8 am until
5.30 pm during term-time. It sells
a range of snacks and drinks. The
main canteen is open from 8 am
until 2.30 pm Monday to Friday
for breakfast, mid-morning
snacks and lunch.
48
If you find you do not have
enough money to get yourself
some lunch please speak to the
student finance adviser in room
B221 who may be able to help
and offer you some financial
support or advice.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are useful but
they cause distraction in classes
and in areas such as learning
centres. Please remember
phones MUST be turned off (not
just on silent) before entering
a class and throughout, during
lessons. Phones must be kept on
silent in the LRC and not used for
calls.
•no personal radios, CDs and MP3 players (including mobile phones) to be audible on college premises
•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
•no smoking in any of the •nobody is allowed on college college buildings, in the premises who is not a NewVIc environmental garden or at the student or a member of staff front of the college
unless they have formal
•food and drink should only be business at the college, in consumed in the canteen or at which case they must sign in
at reception. Unauthorised the Link tables and not in any visitors will not be admitted
other parts of the college to the college and if NewVIc building
students encourage •in order to ensure respect unauthorised visitors in any for college users, spitting way they will be disciplined and chewing gum are and may be asked to leave
prohibited
•students who fail to respect the •personal stereos and mobile environment or other college phones cannot be used in the users will be automatically classrooms or other learning suspended
areas unless directed to be used by staff. Phones may be used in the LRC for research,
not calls and must be kept on silent at all times
General Information
General Information
Inside the college
49
equipment. You may also be
asked to leave the building if you
NewVIc is located in a busy
are not wearing your card or do
residential area and all students
not immediately give it to any
are expected to act as good
member of staff when asked. The
ambassadors for NewVIc.
card and lanyard will be issued
free of charge but you will have
Students must:
to pay a replacement fee if you
lose them. If you forget your card
•keep out of residential roads off you will be issued with a day
Prince Regent Lane
pass and charged a daily fee.
•use litter bins provided – any Why do students and staff wear
person littering will be issued lanyards?
with a fixed penalty fine by the local council
Every student, member of staff
•leave the area once they leave and visitor to the college has to
wear a lanyard displaying their ID
the building
for security reasons.
•always behave in a mature, respectful and considerate way The college treats it as a priority
towards our neighbours and to ensure it is a safe and secure
the public
learning community at all times.
Any breach of the above is
misconduct and will be dealt
with through the discipline
procedure.
Identity cards
You will be issued with your
personal identity card 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
50
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.
Use of college
computers
As a NewVIc student you are
entitled to use the college’s
IT facilities. This includes
computers, multi-media,
software and use of the Internet.
Internet access includes access
to online databases, electronic
journals, learning materials
and email. In order to ensure
that the computer system is
used responsibly, students are
asked to observe the following
regulations and guidelines:
•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
•food and drink are strictly memory stick (which can be forbidden in all computer suites purchased from the LRC)
•illegal material must not be downloaded
•students must not send inappropriate emails
General Information
General Information
Outside the college
•use the adjustable chairs when working on a computer but do not move around the room on them
•never try and fix a problem with the computer hardware
•always leave the computer suite in a clean, safe and tidy condition
•report faults when you spot them to the teacher or the IT support technician on duty
•do not give your log-in details to anyone else or use
somebody else’s account
•never load or run your own unauthorised software
including gaming software
The network is regularly checked
to ensure it is only being used for
college-related work.
•only use your own network directory
51
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.
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 punctually.
Poor attendance and punctuality
are also unacceptable because
of the disruption to teaching and
learning for your class-mates. 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. You
will be expected to be at the
door of the classroom before the
start of each of your lessons.
52
Authorised absence
Only two absences will normally
be authorised in any one halfterm. If you are absent on more
than two occasion in a half-term
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.
Attendance and punctuality
Attendance and punctuality
Attendance and punctuality
Work experience and
educational visits organised
by the college are counted as
‘present’. Authorised absence
may include:
•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
53
•disruption to transport if there is no alternative
dates for the second year, and
ensure that family holidays do
not clash with these.
What do I do if I am ill or
•illness - for students under 19, a unavoidably late?
supporting letter from parent/ If you are ill or have an
emergency you must phone the
guardian required
attendance hotline on 020 7540
0650 between 8 am and 10 am,
Unauthorised absence
with your student ID number.
Examples of unauthorised
The student advisers will take
absence include:
your call and pass a message to
•driving lessons
your tutor and teachers.
•employment during class time
•family holidays in term time
Returning to college
As soon as you return to college
Absence for coursework
after an illness you need to
completion or revision will not
apply to your tutor to authorise
be authorised.
your absence using the green
authorisation of absence form.
Booking holidays
You must provide a letter from a
The attendance agreement
requires you to attend ALL term- parent/guardian and/or proof of
an appointment within two days
time classes. You must check
of your return.
term dates, including return
Attendance and punctuality
Attendance and punctuality
•attendance at a probation meeting, notified in advance
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.
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•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.
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We aim to make NewVIc a
safe and supportive working
environment where 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 which students
sign up to when accepting their
place at college.
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
•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
We expect students to
•know, follow and promote the college code of conduct at all times
•act as good ambassadors for NewVIc, showing mature and respectful behaviour on and
off campus
•adopt a mature approach to learning, keep up with their work and aim for 100%
attendance and punctuality
•take full advantage of all the learning and wider
opportunities offered at NewVIc and become fully involved in college life
•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
•be prepared to give feedback on their learning and experience of college.
Student learning contract
Student learning contract
Student learning contract
•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 •an early assessment of learning effectively
needs, a learning plan and •encouragement to feed back prompt support
their views and confidence that these will be acted upon
•support and encouragement to succeed and a personal tutor
•the opportunity to get involved to help them achieve their in a wide range of activities to goals
develop their broader skills and interests.
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Student code of conduct
You must:
•place litter in appropriate waste bins, whether it’s yours or not
•treat all members of the college •behave in accordance with the community with courtesy law eg: on violence, theft, fraud, and respect: students, staff
damage to property, graffiti, and visitors
carrying weapons, substance •identify yourself, display your abuse, possession and intent to ID card in its lanyard at all times supply alcohol or other drugs
and give your ID card to staff
if requested
All incidents involving law
breaking will be reported to the
•attend all your classes police.
punctually, equipped and ready for study
•hand in all your work on time
•behave in any way which brings the college into
disrepute, offends or inconveniences members of the local community
•be in possession or under the influence of alcohol or any
other drugs
•distribute cultural or religious material or organise events on campus without permission
•gamble or play card games
on campus
This list is not exhaustive and
other situations will be dealt
with in the spirit of these
guidelines.
•engage in obscene, indecent or over-familiar conduct, run, shout or make excessive noise in or around the campus
•act as an ambassador for the college by behaving in
a considerate, respectful manner towards others when outside the campus
•modify or deface your ID card, give it to others or encourage unauthorised people on to the campus without permission
•make your way promptly to your destination on leaving
the campus
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•use aggressive, threatening,
violent or abusive language or behaviour or incite or encourage others to do so; this includes any form of harassment or discrimination
•use mobile phones in any learning settings including the LRC or film, photograph, share images without specific permission
•cheat, plagiarise or copy work from others, make fraudulent claims, alter college records, forge signatures etc
•follow all reasonable instructions from staff and comply with exam and network regulations
•treat college property with respect and follow all health and safety rules
You must not:
Student code of conduct
Student code of conduct
•eat or drink outside designated areas, smoke, spit or chew gum anywhere in or around the campus
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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, by negligence by
a student or through misuse of
equipment.
Students should:
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.
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.
•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
Health and safety
Health and safety
Health and safety
•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
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
Health and safety
Health and safety
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.
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
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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 representative who will attend curriculum meetings to feedback to staff and managers.
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.
If you need help or advice using
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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.
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 to 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 2.Student surveys
student councillors to
Students will be asked to represent their tutor group at complete satisfaction surveys the student council
at the beginning of and during summit. The meetings take their course of study. This place every half term and are will include questions on
chaired by the assistant
teaching and learning principal – student services. and college services. The The student council results are analysed by college provides an effective medium management and used to for consultation with students assess the college’s success and a direct channel for
and plan improvement.
students to become involved in shaping NewVIc’s learning, 3.Focus groups
teaching and support.
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 Comments, complaints and complaints
Comments, complaints and complaints
What do you think about the
college?
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Useful contacts
Emergency contact numbers
Connection St Martins (homelessness advice)
Shelter at Newham CAB (housing advice)
General
NewVIc student welfare
Crimestoppers
Race and equality in Newham
Newham Asian Women’s Project
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
(www.citizensadvice.org.uk)
Health
NHS Direct (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk)
Sexual Health Line (www.fpa.org.uk)
Drug and Alcohol Service for London
(www.dasl.org.uk)
Eating Disorders Association (BEAT)
(www.b-eat.co.uk)
Frank about drugs (www.talktofrank.com)
Smoking (www.quit.org.uk)
Terrence Higgins Trust (www.tht.org.uk)
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020 7766 5544
0344 515 1231
020 7540 0650
0800 555 111
020 7473 5349
020 8472 0528
08444 111 444
0845 46 47
0845 122 8690
020 8257 3068
0845 634 7650
0800 77 66 00
0800 00 22 00
0808 802 1221
Personal
Samaritans (www.samaritans.org)
National Domestic Violence helpline
Carers line (www.carersuk.org)
Childline (www.childline.org.uk)
Cruse Bereavement Care
08457 90 90 90
0808 2000 247
0808 808 7777
0800 1111
0844 477 9400
Relationships
NewVIc’s counsellors offer a confidential service but if you
prefer to talk to someone outside the college there are several
organisations
may help:outside the c
u prefer to talkthat
to someone
Brook advisory service
0808 802 1234
(www.brook.org.uk)
SHINE (www.shine.nhs.uk)
07624 802 242
020 8586 8888
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard
0300 330 0630
Unemployment and benefits
Stratford Job Centre
Plaistow Job Centre
Plaistow Job Centre
East Ham Job Centre
Housing and council tax benefit help in Newham
Useful Contacts
Useful Contacts
External contacts
020 8918 5200
020 7506 4204
020 7506 4204
020 8210 5707
020 8430 2000
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Useful Contacts
Nrich and Student Union
Attendance line
Careers advice
Counselling
Financial support
Inclusive learning
Information and advice
Sports Academy
Student welfare
Work experience 020 7540 0613
020 7540 0650
020 7540 6951
020 7540 0604/
07876 147010
020 7540 0649
020 7540 0594
020 7540 0623
020 7540 6953
020 7540 0628
020 7540 0695
Skills Centre
The college has trained specialist advisers dedicated to supporting
you whilst you are at NewVIc.
Skills Centre
Room B210
Student welfare and safeguarding adviser Based in the Skills Centre
Skills Centre
Room B221
Room B221
F block
Skills Centre
Rooms G12
and G13
The student welfare adviser can give practical advice on
homelessness, abuse, alcohol and drugs, relationships, domestic
violence, money, general health, forced marriages, immigration
and pregnancy. They can direct and make referrals to external
organisations where you can go for additional support.
Asma
Bashier
Who’s who - student services team
Who’s who
Internal contacts
Joanne
Harris
Student finance adviser - Based in the Skills Centre
Get help applying for discounted travel. You may also be able
to get financial assistance through the learner support fund.
The student finance adviser can also process authorised absence
forms, once completed by your tutor.
Mohammed
Chaudhaury
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Counsellors - Based in the Skills Centre
Get advice on applying to university, choosing a career and looking
for employment or training. Book an appointment or drop in any
lunchtime.
The counsellors support students with various personal issues,
including relationship difficulties, stress or emotional problems,
which may be getting in the way of their studies.
Julie
Rashid
Suzanne
Keys
Marcia
Brissett-Bailey
Youth safety workers - Based in the Skills Centre
Youth activities team - Based in the Skills Centre
The youth safety team keep the college environment safe and
welcoming. They are there to give guidance and advice and also
work with students to resolve any issues they are experiencing.
Kate Reed - Student development manager
Steven Kern - Youth activities leader
Jerry
St Louis
Sharon
Roach
Lucita
Comwillis-Paul
Who’s who - student services team
Who’s who - student services team
Careers advisers - Based in the Skills Centre
The Youth Activities team organises an exciting range of activities
and events within the Nrich programme, including leadership,
mentoring and volunteering opportunities, community and current
affairs projects, arts, fashion, music, drama and dance. They also
support the college’s student union and student council in helping
to shape the college. Find out more on iVIc or at the Fresher’s Fair at
the beginning of the year.
Steven
Kern
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Notes
Notes
Notes
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Newham Sixth Form College (NewVIc)
Prince Regent Lane
London E13 8SG
T: 020 7473 4110
F: 020 7511 9463
W: www.newvic.ac.uk
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