Personal Tutors and Tutor groups
We have a team of 26 specialist personal tutors, all experienced teachers of sixth form students, who use their skills and knowledge to support students. Your personal tutor will guide you in choosing a programme of study and help you settle in to the new environment of the College. Choosing courses is easy for some but tough for others. There are lots of opportunities to visit the College and discuss the options available with subject specialists as well as personal tutors and careers advisers. We recognise that choosing the right course is crucial to your future.
Wherever possible, you will be placed in a tutor group that includes some students from your secondary school. We understand that it can feel quite daunting if you are the only one from your school to come to the College, but don't worry! Every year many students are in this position so we have special sessions at the beginning of the term for you to meet each other (and exchange mobile telephone numbers!) and we always put you in tutor groups together so that you can get to know one another quickly.
Learning Resource Centres (LRC)
The two well-equipped LRCs are open throughout term and during the holidays. They offer a wide range of excellent resources including books, periodicals, newspapers, video and audio cassettes, and DVDs. Extensive state-of-the-art electronic resources enable you to undertake research for your coursework, and the Help Desk staff are always available to support you.
Reviewing Progress
You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning but your attendance, achievement and commitment are carefully monitored and shared with you, your parents and in references. This means that your achievements will be recognised but any problems that you may be having can be identified and resolved early.
Everyone wants to UpGrade
Everyone wants to do as well as possible in their exams and UpGrade is the College centre where you can get help to do this. UpGrade provides support through specialist staff and there are workshops and short courses to help you turn Bs into As and Es into Ds. You can get advice on how to meet the challenge of your College workload, broaden your preferred learning styles, and improve individual pieces of work.
Individual Support
Effective procedures are in place to diagnose and address individual learning needs. Appropriate support sessions are arranged for those with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia and help is provided for those who have English as an additional language.
Great care is taken to support students with sensory impairments or physical disabilities. If you have any special needs, you may wish to inform Catherine Cole (Deputy Principal) as early as possible so that we can understand your individual requirements and make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed.
The College has a trained nurse and counsellors, and maintains close links with outside agencies, ensuring that you have access to appropriate support services. There is also a Chaplaincy.
Equality and Diversity
A fundamental objective of the College is to provide an education that prepares students for life in a multi-cultural society. We are committed to maintaining a community where the rights of individuals are respected.