Welcome Booklet:
Information for
Parents/Carers on Pastoral
Support at St Brendan’s
Sixth Form College
(2015/16)
Dear Parents/Carers
All parents/carers want the best for their sons/daughters, or the young people they care for and I
know, therefore, that you will wish to provide every encouragement and support during this academic
year to help them to benefit fully from College life. This booklet is designed to assist you in this by
summarising the information you may need, and providing a calendar of the relevant events. Every
student will have been issued with a Student Diary which contains detailed information about dates,
services available and expectations of St Brendan’s students as well as key personnel in the College.
You may also find this to be of interest.
We want all students and their parents/carers to be part of the St. Brendan’s community and to feel
happy and secure whilst they are with us. If you have any concerns about your young person’s wellbeing, please do contact us early on, so that we can work together to resolve any problems before
they escalate.
Last year the age of participation in education and training was raised so all young people have a
legal ‘duty to attend’ college, school etc. until the end of the academic year after they are 18 years.
At St. Brendan’s we expect excellent attendance and punctuality, and attendance lower than 90%
without a good reason can result in sanctions such as a requirement to pay a contribution towards
examination fees, withdrawal of Bursary funding, and will not allow progression on to a second year.
Sixth Form education makes new demands on students, particularly on the amount of study beyond
their lessons that is required, and it would be very helpful if you could reinforce this expectation.
Students also need to:

Use much of the time when they are not timetabled with classes during the College day to
work in the Learning Resource Centre or one of the many IT Suites

Spend a substantial amount of time on additional study outside lessons. Students should
spend an hour in private study for every hour taught i.e. a minimum of 4½ hours per week per
AS/ A2 or BTEC course.

Parents/carers should not allow students’ other commitments outside College – especially
part-time employment - to take priority over this study, which is vital if they are to fully achieve
their potential. Whilst the skills gained through working part–time are useful, research
evidence shows that paid employment occupying more than 10 hours per week damages
educational achievement. We would urge you to ensure that this does not happen to your
son/daughter by limiting part-time work.
You will receive personal invitations to Progress Evenings to meet key teachers and to find out how
your young person is achieving and getting on in College, which I would encourage you to attend
alongside them. These provide crucial opportunities for you to support the College in maximising their
potential and raising their aspirations.
If we have your email address on our College system, we will be able to keep you informed about
activities in the College and will highlight forthcoming events which we hope you will be able to attend
and support. You can also now "like us" on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stbrendanssixthformcollege or
"follow us" on Twitter: @StBrendansSFC .
I hope that your young person will enjoy the coming year and gain much from it.
Yours faithfully
Michael Jaffrain
Principal
2
CONTACT LIST FOR ST BRENDAN’S
(Please note that College staff will always be pleased to deal with any enquiries
or concerns)
Contact
Email
General Enquiries:
Reception:
info@stbrn.ac.uk
0117 977 7766
Switchboard is open 8.30am 4.30pm, Monday - Friday
Student Absence:
Use the Absence Reporting Line:
0117 971 0849
(notify by 10.30am on each day of
absence)
Head of Support Services: Laura
Howe-Haysom
Directors of Faculties:
Kevin Brice
Sophie Preece
Jayne Manley
Vicki Haigh
Julie Shephard
attendance@stbrn.ac.uk
Jenny Blake
jbl@stbrn.ac.uk
Careers (IAG)Advice:
Liz McCoy
emc@stbrn.ac.uk
Examinations:
Richard Morris
rmo@stbrn.ac.uk
Sports Activities:
Alistair Baker
abk@stbrn.ac.uk
Enrichment /Learner
Voice Activities:
Premises Issues:
Mattia Pace
mp@stbrn.ac.uk
Paul Connors
pco@stbrn.ac.uk
Parent/carer
complaints or
safeguarding issues
Head of Support Services:
Laura Howe-Haysom
lhh@stbrn.ac.uk
Student Services’
Enquiries
Subject/Course/
Curriculum
Enquiries:
Bursary Fund,
Attendance &
College Transport:
Public Transport:
Staff or Curriculum
complaints
lhh@stbrn.ac.uk
kb@stbrn.ac.uk
spr@stbrn.ac.uk
jma@stbrn.ac.uk
vha@stbrn.ac.uk
jsh@stbrn.ac.uk
Head of Learning Development & bw@stbrn.ac.uk
Safeguarding: Bernice Weiss
Head of Curriculum & Progression:
nhe@stbrn.ac.uk
Neil Hellin
Head of Teaching, Learning &
Assessment: Helen Stock
hs@stbrn.ac.uk
The Chair of Governors, Olive Barnes, and the Principal, Michael Jaffrain,
can be contacted via the Principal's Personal Assistant: ebe@stbrn.ac.uk
3
CONTENTS
Page
Contact List
3
College Term Dates and Key Activities
5–7
Background Information
8
Pastoral Support
10
Attendance
12
Studying
15
Parent Portal, Progress and Assessment
Facilities Available for Private Study
17
18
Managing Student Behaviour
19
General
20
4
COLLEGE TERM DATES AND KEY ACTIVITIES 2015/16
Term 1
Thurs 20 – Wed 26 August Student Enrolment
Mon 31 August
College Closed
Tues 01 September
New Students’ Welcome Day
Weds 03 September
Weds 09 September
Bank Holiday
2Y1 and 3Y1 students
only
Normal timetable begins
Friday 23 October
3Y2 students return
Early Applicants UCAS Internal
Deadline
Open Day for 2016 Admissions
New Parents’ Evening
College closed to students
Open Evening for 2016 Admissions
College closed to students
Open Evening for 2016 Admissions
College closed to students
Mon 26 – Fri 30 October
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Mon 02 November
College term resumes
Wed 05 November
2Y1 / 3Y2 Progress Evening
17.00 – 19.30 *
Final Internal UCAS deadline
GCSE examinations start
2Y1 / 3Y2 Progress Evening
17.00 – 19.30 *
*Parent/carers only attend one of these evenings by appointment
2Y1 Careers Fair
10.30 – 12.30
Advice & Information Evening for
17.00 – 19.00
2016 Admissions
Timetable ends at 14.30
College closed to students
Sat 10 October
Thurs 15 October
Weds 21 October
Thurs 22 October
Thurs 12 November
Thurs 19 November
Thurs 26 November
Thurs 17 December
Fri 18 December
Mon 21 December –
Fri 01 January
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
5
10.30 – 14.00
18.00 – 20.00
17.00 – 20.00
17.00 – 20.00
Term 2
Mon 04 January
Term 2 (Spring Term) begins
Wed 03 February
Thurs 04 February
College closed to students
Open Evening for 2016 Admissions
3Y1 Careers Fair
Mon 08 – Fri 12 February
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Mon 15 February
College term resumes
Thurs 18 February
Thurs 25 February
2Y1 Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
Conference
3Y1 Progress Evening
17.00 – 19.00 *
Weds 2 March
3Y1 Progress Evening
17.00 – 19.00 *
Staff Development Day
17.00 – 20.00
10.30 – 12.30
Thurs 24 March
*Parent/carers only attend one of these evenings by appointment
Advice & Information Evening for
17.00 – 19.00
2016 Admissions
Last Day of Term
Timetable ends 14.30
Fri 25 March – Fri 8 April
EASTER HOLIDAY
Thurs 17 March
6
Term 3
Mon 11 April
Term 3 (Summer Term) begins
Mon 02 May
Wed 11 and
Thurs 12 May
College closed
2Y1 / 3Y1 Higher Education &
Apprenticeships Information
Evenings
(Parents/carers are invited to attend
on one evening)
AS examinations begin
Study leave begins for AS students
St Brendan’s Day
College closed to students (with
the exception of students taking
exams that day)
2Y1 / 3Y2 courses end
Leavers’ Celebration Assembly
Last Day of Term
Mon 16 May
Thurs 26 May
Fri 27 May
Mon 30 May – Fri 03 June
HALF TERM
Mon 06 June
Thurs 23 & Fri 24 June
College Term resumes
3Y1 students return
A2 Exams begin
College closed to students
Mon 27 June
Wed 29 June
Fri 1 July
Thurs 18 August
Thurs 25 August
College closed to students
A2 Exams end
Last day of term for students
AS/A2 results
GCSE results
May Day Bank Holiday
18.00 – 21.00
Staff Development Day
Pre-enrolment Days for 2016
intake
Staff Development Day
TERM DATES FOR 2016/2017:
Please see our website - www.stbrn.ac.uk - for the latest term date information, or contact
College Reception.
7
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Below is some of the information that we feel will be useful to you in supporting
your son/daughter, or the young person you care for, whilst they are at St.
Brendan’s Sixth Form College. It supplements the information that they will have
been given in their Student Diary and throughout their induction. The College
website has recently been upgraded and contains up to date information for
parents/carers on all aspects of college life. Any questions can be raised at the
New Parent/Carer Evening or at any time with the Pastoral Support Tutor.
1.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
What are Sixth Form Colleges?
There are only around 80 Sixth Form Colleges (SFCs) in the UK (attended by
approximately 11% of 16-18 year olds), and St. Brendan’s is the only one in this
area. Sixth Form Colleges all pride themselves on providing a specialist and ‘rich’
curriculum offer, mostly based around Level 3 qualifications (AS and A Levels and
BTECs). This means that they encourage their students to study for a wide range
of academic qualifications, but also to take part in sport and other enrichment
activities and to develop the skills they need to become rounded, resilient and
successful adults.
Sixth Form Colleges overall have a higher success rate (84%) than school sixth
forms and other colleges (80%). A greater proportion of SFC students go on to
Higher Education (they make up 13% of HE students but only 11% of the age
group). Many SFCs particularly pride themselves on supporting and raising the
aspirations of students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, (33.3% of SFC
students from poorer backgrounds go to HE compared to 17.7% from grammar
schools, 8.3% from independent schools and 23.7% from state schools). (Sixth
Sense, SFC Forum, 2012)
What is special about St. Brendan’s?
As a large Sixth Form College, we are able to offer students a wide range of over
70 courses, mostly at Level 3 (A Level or BTEC Diploma), with most combinations
of qualifications being possible. We can also offer a Level 2 programme to prepare
them for A levels but also to enable them to re-take core GCSE subjects. Our
results speak for themselves, as last year, 97% of our A2 students, 87% of our AS
students and 100% of our Level 3 BTEC Diploma students passed their courses
(98% of our Subsidiary Diploma students, 99.8% of our Certificate students and
89% of our Level 2 Diploma students also passed their courses).
As a Catholic College, we believe it is important to educate the whole person and
to ensure that they reach their potential. To facilitate this, we provide a unique
combination of rigorous academic teaching and assessment, supported by social,
8
spiritual and moral guidance through Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE), as
well as outstanding pastoral care and learning support and a wide programme
range of enriching activities (sport, volunteering, charity work etc.).
We believe that our students are on the St. Brendan’s Journey which is helping
them to move from childhood to adulthood, raising their aspirations, and enabling
them to gain the skills they need to successfully progress to Higher Education,
further training or work.
How is Sixth Form College different from school?
We expect our students to take more responsibility for their learning than they may
have had to do at school. We maintain similar rigorous behaviour management
processes and expect high academic standards, excellent attendance and
punctuality. However, students can leave the campus when they do not have
lessons, yet are expected to use their private study time effectively, to manage their
own timetables and learning activity, to make their own decisions and to seek out
the support they need to be successful.
We would hope that you feel fully informed of any major decisions concerning your
son/daughter or the young person you care for, and their progress while they are at
College, but there will be times when we encourage students to take responsibility
for their own actions and begin to assume the identity of an emerging adult. As we
are a college, legally, they are able to withdraw their consent to the provision of
information to their parents/carers (e.g. reports and Parent Portal).
Why does every student have to attend Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
(RPE) course?
At the initial interview, students will have been made aware that attendance at the
RPE course is compulsory at the College. Attendance at this course will be treated
in the same way as attendance at any other course, and students will be graded for
their effort at the end of the year.
As a Catholic College, with a strap line of “Faith in Learning”, we strongly believe
that students need an education that is more rounded and holistic than just
studying for exams. This course allows students to explore spiritual, moral and
ethical issues, to develop their critical thinking and to mature in their approach to
some of the complex issues they may face in life. We believe it is an essential part
of their ‘St. Brendan’s Journey’.
Attendance at tutorial sessions is also compulsory, so that all students get the
pastoral support and life skills that they need to progress successfully on to Higher
Education, training or work.
9
2.
PASTORAL SUPPORT
How are students supported at St Brendan’s?
At St. Brendan’s we pride ourselves on the level of support that we provide to
students to enable them to feel included and able to achieve. In the last end of year
survey, 93.8% of students said they felt safe in College, 87.5% said they were
extremely/very satisfied with the College overall and 91.4% were extremely/very
satisfied with the quality of teaching.
All students have a Pastoral Support Tutor who is their first point of contact for
support, but there are also a wide range of other services available such as
Information Advice and Guidance Officers, a large Learning Development
Department, the Chaplaincy, a Student Liaison Officer and we also provide access
to a Psychotherapist and Drugs and Alcohol Counsellor on site as required.
What is the role of the Pastoral Support Tutor (PST)?
Pastoral support is very important to us at St. Brendan’s, however, it may be
delivered in a way that is very different from your young person’s previous school.
The Pastoral Support Tutor (PST) is described as a ‘sympathetic, tolerant adviser
with a personal interest in each student who should be approachable,
understanding, consistent and reliable’. The Pastoral Support Team have a wealth
of experience in supporting young people in other settings, and many have
backgrounds in teaching, youth work, or information, advice and guidance. There
are also two Pastoral Support Managers (PSMs) who supervise their work and
support the most vulnerable students.
The Pastoral Support Tutor will help all the students in their tutor group to settle
into College and will carry out an induction programme. They should be the first
person to whom students and their parents/carers go when they have any
difficulties, and for guidance and support in both academic and personal matters.
They will advise students or occasionally direct them to another member of staff
who may be able to resolve the difficulty.
The Pastoral Support Tutors deliver a compulsory group tutorial programme during
the year consisting of sessions on academic topics such as UCAS and progressing
into apprenticeships or the world of work and study and revision skills. They will
also cover Personal, Social and Health Education such as safeguarding, healthy
living, equality and diversity, charity work etc. Through the influence of the Pastoral
Support Tutor, students are also encouraged to participate fully in the life of the
College and take part in enrichment activities such as religious services, music,
drama, sport, charity events and the Student Union.
10
The Pastoral Support Tutors will also meet their tutor group for individual support in
one to one interviews/reviews at least once a term to look at their progress and
achievement against their targets. PSTs may need to act as a co-ordinator,
ensuring that all teachers are up to date on any issues relating to a student’s
welfare or performance, or may facilitate dialogue between subject teachers and
students. PSTs should get to know their young people well over the year, and will
also be aiming to motivate and inspire them to achieve to the best of their ability. At
the end of the year, the PST is responsible for drawing up, in conjunction with
Subject Teachers, an account of a student’s development which is used for
reference purposes.
Monitoring of attendance and behaviour are also the tasks which the PST
undertakes. If they or any subject teachers have concerns about a student’s
progress, attendance, punctuality or behaviour, it may be passed to the PST who
may have to start the initial stage of the disciplinary process. In this situation, you
will be informed, and we would ask for your support in reaching a swift resolution.
How can I contact my young person’s PST?
As many of the PSTs deliver tutorials during the College day, emailing is a useful
method of communication- use the initials below and the college address e.g.
al@stbrn.ac.uk Alternatively, you can phone the main college number 0117
9777766 to ask to speak with them.
Initial
Name
Days Worked
Room
Initial
Name
Days Worked
Room
CEv
Charlotte Evans
Mon to Fri
C102
AL
Amy Lewis
Weds to Fri
C2
MDe
Michelle Densley
Mon to Fri
C102
SFr
Sarah Freeman
Mon to Weds
C2
JEd
Jane Edwards
Mon to Fri
C102
LMu
Leonora Mullen
Tues, Weds
C2
MBo
Merowe Brown
Mon to Fri
C102
LHn
Leanda Hatten
Mon, Weds &
Fri
C2
JDv
Jonathan Davy
Mon to Fri
C102
CRb
Claire
Roethenbaugh
Mon, Weds to
Fri
C2
JIL
Julie Ilogu
Mon to Fri
C2
Who else is there to give help and advice to students?
Help is available immediately from the Pastoral Support Tutors or their Managers,
but also from the Head of Support Services, the Directors of Faculty, the IAG
Officers, Vice Principal, the College Counsellor and the Chaplaincy Leader.
Parents/carers are encouraged to contact the appropriate person at College (see
contact list on Pg. 3), and make an appointment to come in if necessary.
11
Who offers Careers’ Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG)?
The College employs its own CEIAG Officer, Liz McCoy, who is available to
students all week. She can work with specific tutor groups or offer appointments
for individual advice and has a wealth of expertise in areas such as UCAS
applications, apprenticeships, CV writing, the world of work etc. Students are
actively encouraged to access the range of activities she organises such as
Careers’ Fairs, HE and Apprenticeship Evenings, trips, visiting speakers etc.
A considerable part of the Tutorial Programme offered on a weekly basis
throughout the year focuses on careers planning and development, and is
supported by the CEIAG Officer. This includes applying for university etc. through
UCAS in order to inform and guide students into making appropriate choices
regarding their progression beyond College.
Do students receive spiritual and moral guidance?
Yes. Through the Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) course, students are
given the opportunity to discuss moral issues within the framework of Catholic
teaching. The College Chaplaincy Leader is also available to give advice on
spiritual issues.
What opportunities are there for worship in the College?
Catholic Mass is said in the College Chapel and Mass and other forms of worship
are held at regular intervals. All students are welcome to attend these.
The Chapel has been designed to be a multi-faith facility and all students from
different faith backgrounds or none are encouraged to use it for worship, meditation
or prayer. Students and their parents/ carers should talk to the Chaplaincy Leader if
they have any unmet religious needs or if any issues arise.
3.
ATTENDANCE
What is the expectation in relation to attendance?
Young people now have a legal ‘duty to attend’ education or training until the end of
the academic year in which they are 18 years old. St Brendan’s Sixth Form College
is committed to maximising the achievement of all students and recognises that
there is a clear link between attendance and success. Regular and punctual
attendance is essential if students are to benefit fully from the academic, personal
and social opportunities that we provide and are to get the grades that they are
capable of achieving.
12
We expect 100% attendance and punctuality at all timetabled activities including
tutorials, workshops and Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE). The minimum
acceptable attendance at St Brendan’s is 90%. Any student falling below this
target may be subject to sanctions such as strategies within the Disciplinary Policy,
parents/carers having to pay for examination/assessment fees, review of Bursary
award (financial support for free meals, transport, etc.) if received, and progression
to the next academic year may not be offered, if relevant.
This is made clear to students in the Student Diary, ‘Attendance at St Brendan’;
Student Information Sheet’ leaflet (sent to all student email accounts in September
2015 and available on student and parent/carer portal – go to portal home page,
User Guides, Attendance at St Brendan’s), at induction and Tutorial sessions.
Students or parents/carers are required to notify the College if they are unable to
attend any sessions, either in advance via Reception or informing the College if
ill/unavoidably absent before 10.30am on the first day of absence and again on
each subsequent day you are away. This can be done by ringing the dedicated
absence line: 0117 971 0849 (available 24 hours a day) or email:
attendance@stbrn.ac.uk. Please clearly state student name, student number,
PST’s name and reason for absence.
Please note; all absence (whether notified or non-notified) will go against a
student’s attendance percentage with the exception of ‘Educational’ activities
organised by the College (as detailed in ‘Attendance at St Brendan’s; Student
Information Sheet’).
We ask students to ensure all subject teachers are informed of absence; to catch
up with outstanding/missed work, ensure all coursework is up-to-date and ensure
that the unauthorised student absence does not conflict with any examinations.
How will I know what my son or daughter’s attendance is?
You will automatically receive data on the attendance, achievement and effort of
your young person in October, January and April/May, and you can check it
regularly on the Parent Portal. Unacceptably low attendance in any subject
(including Tutorial and RPE) during the year will result in you receiving a Cause for
Concern Letter informing you of the situation. You may also be contacted by the
Pastoral Support Team if there are any concerns and attendance is below 90%.
May students leave the College during the day?
Students may leave the College during the day but they must be present for all
College activities, including assemblies, tutorials, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics
(RPE), workshops as well as lessons. Students are expected to attend 100% of all
timetabled lessons and workshops, and arrive at each lesson on time.
13
What happens if my daughter/son feels ill at College?
There are trained First Aid staff available to deal with students who become ill
during the College day. In extreme cases, an ambulance may be called.
Parents/carers will be contacted if possible (please ensure that emergency contact
numbers are with the College and inform us of any changes). Any student who
feels unwell should go to Reception to discuss their options and sign out if they
have to go home sick. Parents/carers are notified by Reception if students request
to leave College during the day due to illness.
What is the College policy on lateness?
Any student later than five minutes for any lesson will be marked as late on the
register. Lateness will also be summarised in the data you are sent during the
year. Any student having three or more unreasonable or unexplained lates during
that period may be subject to strategies within the Disciplinary Policy. We accept
that transport to College might adversely affect punctuality at the start of the day.
In such cases, teaching staff will mark the register accordingly and communicate to
Pastoral Support Tutors.
May students take holidays during term-time?
The College does not authorise any holidays in term time and time lost will be
counted as unauthorised absence and go against a student’s attendance
percentage, as in schools. Time requested for religious observance may be
considered but the student will have a responsibility to catch up on the work
missed.
It should be noted that the A2 courses begin in the Summer Term immediately after
the AS examinations. Students must attend College until the end of term (Friday
1st July 2016) or they may not be allowed to study the subjects at A2 level in the
next year of study.
AS and BTEC students must re-enrol for their second year of study before
term starts, between 22nd and 26th August 2016, so students must ensure they
are available during this period. Please note that a calendar of dates is at the front
of this booklet. A further copy is available in the Student Diary and on the College
website.
14
May students have a part-time job in their ‘free periods’ or book driving
lessons during College time?
The College day is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 0855-1600 and
Thursday 0855-1430. Students are to keep the College day free for College work.
Timetables may change (including the addition of workshops, trips or revision
classes) so no regular outside commitments or part-time jobs must be undertaken
during the College term working day.
Students should consider being at St Brendan’s a full time job from 8.55am to
4.00pm each day. Any outside College activity scheduled in this time may impact
on a student’s success.
It is also important to stress that students need to be careful about paid
employment in the evenings or weekends as these can seriously interfere with
private study and make students too tired to study properly during the day.
Doctors’ and other appointments must also be made outside College hours.
4.
STUDYING
How much private study will a student be expected to do?
To be successful on a full-time programme, students will be timetabled for their
teaching periods in College, but must be prepared to undertake the equivalent of
their timetabled classes as private study outside or inside College. This results in
a total of between 18 and 25 hours of private study, depending upon the
student’s programme.
This time should be organised to cover all topics within a course. Students do have
some private study time during the College day, and the nature of assignments
differs from subject to subject. Some assignments may need two weeks’ work and
students are expected to plan their time accordingly. Coursework or Personal
Studies may allow a considerable period of time before a submission deadline and
students are strongly advised to use the whole period available, meeting all
intermediate deadlines, in order to ensure they gain a successful outcome.
Please ensure that your son/daughter or the young person you care for has
somewhere to study at home which is free from other distractions to enable
them to carry out this vital private study in an appropriate environment.
15
What is the procedure if a student wishes to change their course of study?
A significant amount of information advice and guidance is given to students about
their course choices at interview, Pre-enrolment Day and enrolment (through
discussions with subject specialists), and so there is an expectation that they will
not change courses once enrolled. Any issues relating to this should be raised with
their Pastoral Support Tutor. We expect all students to follow a full-time
programme of study and not to drop below a minimum of 3 core courses at Level 3.
How can a student gain extra support with their studies?
There are a wide range of subject support workshops available at times throughout
the College week, run by subject specialists, where students are able to gain help
with their work or to have a topic explained again. These are available to all and
are used by students wanting to boost their grades to the very highest, as well as
those needing help to understand concepts or to write well-constructed coherent
essays. Some students have workshops added to their timetable to support their
studies; others may access these on a drop-in basis. For details, students need to
speak to their subject teachers.
In addition, the College has an outstanding Learning Development Department with
a number of skilled and experienced Learning Support Assistants. Staff may
identify barriers to learning at the beginning of the year through enrolment or
referrals from schools, but any student who is disabled or has a specific learning
difficulty like dyslexia, or who just feels that they need extra support to keep up (or
a concerned parent/carer) should contact the Learning Development Manager,
Bernice Weiss, in the first instance (bw@stbrn.ac.uk).
Students can also seek help if they need support to cope with the pressures of the
college environment, or are experiencing emotional, social or behavioural
difficulties and they can also signpost to external support agencies.
Anyone with a previous entitlement from school to particular consideration
for examinations (such as extra time, use of a lap top etc.), must contact
Bernice Weiss or email bw@stbrrn.ac.uk immediately, since we need to notify
the Examination Board many months in advance of the actual exams.
How important is it to keep the coursework deadlines?
Very important. Students are given deadlines for the submission of coursework,
which give an equal time opportunity to each student to complete the work set.
Students must abide by these dates and only in extenuating circumstances, e.g.
serious or prolonged illness, should students be allowed to extend a deadline.
16
How will we learn about our daughter/son or young person’s progress?
Parent Portal
This year we have introduced a new Parent Portal and you will have received
your log-in and unique password in the letter inviting you to the New Parents’
Evening.
To access the Portal, go on to the website, www.stbrn.ac.uk and click on
‘Moodle’ at the top of the page. You will then be taken to a ‘Jump Page’ where
you need to click on the Parent Portal and log in. The landing page will show
your young person’s attendance, and if you click of the icon of 2 people, then
you will be able to access and check biographical information, teachers’
reviews, timetable etc.
Assessment
The College has a centralised approach to assessment supported by the Virtual
Learning Environment (Moodle 2) and Student Information System (Civica).
Through this, we hope to provide more timely, relevant and developmental
information for students, tutors, parents and carers. The student/parent portal
allows access to Civica and all the grades and targets placed on the system, as
well as up to date attendance data. Information from assessments and subsequent
target setting will be shared and discussed at the Progress Evenings for
parents/carers in November 2015 (for 2Y1 and 3Y2/3) and Feb/March 2016 (for
new students).
All main assessments described below are linked to a report available for
parents/carers which summarises the progress of students in the form of
Attendance (percentage), Achievement (Target Minimum Grade, Working at
Grade, Target Aspirational Grade) and Effort (overall grade and homework). A
report will be sent in October, January and April. We will also contact you if there is
any cause for concern.
Assessment at a Glance
3 major assessments: October 2015, January 2016 and March 2016
October– an induction assessment from work covered in the first weeks on the
course. After feedback from staff, targets will be set and students will set their own
target aspirational grade (TAG)
January - an opportunity to test knowledge and skills in a formal way through an
in-class assessment.
March - formal AS Mock examinations for the pending summer external exams.
The March Mock Exams will take place in the Sports Hall (i.e. the usual venue for
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sitting external examinations) and according to the timetable drawn up by the
Exams Officer. GCSE Mocks may be later in April.
Other mock exams will be sat during class time. Non-examination courses such as
BTEC/OCR and Creative Arts courses will focus on coursework, moderation, or
other appropriate forms of assessment activity.
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FACILITIES AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE STUDY
What access do students have to the Library (Learning Resource Centre) and
other IT facilities?
The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is open from 8am to 4.30pm on Mondays,
8.30am – 4.30pm Tuesdays – Thursdays and 8am – 4pm on Fridays during term
time. It has a bank of 54 student computers, 50 private quiet study bays, 2 small
rooms for group work and an area of comfortable seating for students wishing to sit
and read. The centre houses the library collection of over 20,000 books and a
selection of curriculum related magazines. Additionally students have access to a
range of other equipment, such as laptops, headsets and photographic equipment.
The area is well used and averages over 900 visits a day.
Students have a plastic ID card which they need to borrow books, some of which
may be on restricted loan. A small fine may be levied on overdue books, and lost
or non-returned books must be paid for by the borrower. The Library card also
acts as a College ID card and must be carried at all times on the College
campus. The cost of replacing lost cards is £2.00.
In addition to the IT facilities in the Library, there are a number of drop-in IT suites
around the College which are available for student use during the College day.
Students can also work until 6pm in the Learning Development area. Student
access to computers includes the Internet and will be by individual password.
There will be small costs for printing, but a small allowance of free printing is issued
to each student initially.
The College uses MOODLE, a virtual learning environment (VLE), and much of the
course work can be accessed through this method from home through the website.
Students are also given a College email address and we use this as a main form of
communication. Parents/carers are asked to please encourage their young
people to use Moodle and to regularly access their College emails.
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6.
MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOUR
What are the College’s Disciplinary Processes?
At St Brendan’s, we are very keen to ensure that all lessons are taught in an
atmosphere of trust and co-operation which will allow all students to reach their
academic potential. We also expect that students will demonstrate respect for
others in their behaviour around College, and the expectations of students are
clearly displayed around the College.
The College has a clear Behaviour Management Policy and Disciplinary Process
(available on request), which is designed to support students and guide them into
achieving success. It works at a number of levels involving subject teachers,
Curriculum Managers and Pastoral Support Tutors before the ultimate stage of a
‘Stay or Go’ meeting with the Director of Student Experience.
Issues which may cause us concern are: attendance below the College minimum
requirement of 90%; poor punctuality; failure to hand in work; low level disruption;
rudeness; lack of cooperation with basic College rules and bullying, gross
misconduct, or any other behaviour that threatens the students of their peers’
success on their courses.
During the first half term there is a shortened process, (known as the 42 Day Rule),
and any student who presents early on as being a ‘Serious Cause for Concern’ will
attend a meeting with their PST where their progress will be discussed and may
ultimately be asked to leave within a shorter timescale.
What is the procedure if a student no longer wishes to attend College?
We would urge any student thinking of leaving to have an in-depth discussion with
their Pastoral Support Tutor first, to see if any barriers to their progressing can be
removed. A Leaver’s Form should then be obtained from Mike Winn in the CEIAG
office (room B101Q). Parents/carers should give their approval. All items such as
books belonging to the College MUST be returned to the appropriate Tutor. The
£60.00 deposit will be refunded when the student completes the leaving procedure,
returns all resources, including their library/ID card and pays all outstanding debts
to the College.
As students now have a legal duty to attend education or training, anyone leaving
College will have to be referred to Learning Partnership West or another relevant
agency to assist them to ‘re-engage’.
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7.
GENERAL
How can students and parents/carers get involved in College policy and
strategy and influence change?
At St. Brendan’s, we believe that hearing, and acting on, the Learner Voice, is
really important. Students elect Tutor Representatives at the beginning of the year
who can represent the views of their peers and get involved in the Student Forum
and Council. We also have an elected Student Union Executive who are actively
involved in a range of decision-making processes and activities and are regularly
consulted on policy and strategy issues.
We also believe your views as parents and carers are essential to help us improve
our College. At the end of the year there is a Parent/Carer Survey that you can
complete on line or on paper. In 2015, 90% of parents/carers responding rated the
College overall as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’.
There are also positions that arise on the Governing Body for parent/carers please contact the Clerk to the Governors, Peter Harrison (via the Principal’s
Personal Assistant), if you are interested in seeing if there is a vacancy.
How can I comment about the College?
If you have any concerns (or compliments) about the College, do raise them with
the relevant person (see Page 3) or if you have a formal complaint or concern
please refer to the policy on the website and contact the main college number,
0117 9777766.
How can the College make sure all students are safe?
We take safeguarding very seriously at the College and all staff are trained in this
area and students will cover issues such as health and safety, E-Safety, antibullying and other issues in their induction. Any concerns relating to Child
Protection or Vulnerable Adults should be referred immediately to Bernice Weiss
(bw@stbrn.ac,uk)
What if my son/daughter or the young person I care for, is bullied or
harassed?
At St. Brendan’s, we do everything we can to eliminate bullying and harassment,
and would expect any report from students, parents/carers or staff to be thoroughly
investigated and dealt with effectively. During the tutorial programme, students will
be able to explore the moral and legal issues involved in bullying and hate crime
and to focus on anti-bullying and developing positive relationships, as we believe
prevention work to be the most effective.
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How does the College promote equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)?
At St. Brendan’s we are working hard to create an environment where everyone
feels they belong and discrimination is effectively tackled. We aim to make sure
that all students can take part in all aspects of College life, and to promote good
relations between different groups from different communities, backgrounds, faiths
etc.
There is a College-wide EDI Steering Group and parent/carer representatives are
encouraged to attend. If you are interested or would like to raise any concerns or
make any suggestions about EDI, Jennine Oldis (jo@stbrn.ac.uk).
Are there any regulations about cars and motorbikes?
Yes. Parking is very limited on the College campus. Students may not park their
cars on the College site without first registering them on the form provided.
Student cars may be banned from the site for dangerous driving or speeding. All
vehicles, including pedal cycles, should be made properly secure and insurance of
cycles is advised. Unregistered vehicles and any parked in the wrong place may
be clamped. (There is a £10 release fee.)
Are there any restrictions about dress?
Students should dress for College in a decent and sober manner, making sure that
their clothing is appropriate for the activity they are undertaking. In general, the
College expects students to dress in a way that indicates they are serious about
their studies.
What are the facilities for meals and snacks?
The Refectory (Café Max) is open from 8.30 am until approximately 3.30 pm. They
offer breakfast, lunches, snacks and hot and cold drinks. Vending machines are
available in addition and can be used to obtain snacks and hot and cold drinks.
What are the facilities for looking after students’ valuables?
Students will be issued with a locker if they request one, although there are only a
limited number available. Students are advised not to bring items of particularly
high value or large sums of money on to the site unless strictly necessary. Under
no circumstances should money, valuables or keys be left about the College in
bags or clothing. Students are responsible for the insurance of their own
possessions. There is closed-circuit TV on site to assist in matters of general
security.
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Are there any expenses for which parents/carers are asked to pay and is any
financial support available?
Education at the College is free to students who have lived in the UK for three
years, and who start their programme before they are 19 years old and who are EU
nationals or who have particular asylum, refugee or residency status.
All students are asked to supply their own writing equipment and materials and all
students are required to pay a deposit of £60.00 at Pre-enrolment Day to cover the
cost of textbooks, equipment etc. In some subjects, e.g. Photography, Art, History
of Art, Art Graphics, D&T Graphics, Fashion and Textiles a studio fee is payable to
cover the cost of expensive equipment and consumables. Optional educational
visits and field study courses for subjects such as Geography have travel and
accommodation costs, which are charged to parents/carers.
The College shop stocks items if stationery and a limited range of materials for
Creative Arts courses at prices considerably cheaper than those found in many
High Street stores.
There is a Government Bursary Fund for students who are in care, living
independently or on Income Support. However, the College also operates a
discretionary fund for students whose family income is low (benefits or earnings) usually in the form of free or subsidised transport costs or any compulsory course
costs. If you would like to find out whether you are eligible, or have any financial
barriers that are impacting on your young person’s attendance at College, please
contact Julie Shephard (in Room B101L) or email jsh@stbrn.ac.uk.
Students in Sixth Form College may be awarded free meals, dependent on relevant
evidence shown. If you think you have an entitlement, please contact Julie
Shephard (see above).
How are students kept informed about what is happening, and how do I find
out what is available in the College and what events I can attend?
We try to maintain effective communication with students, and it would be really
helpful if you could remind them to check their college emails daily. Students
receive a weekly bulletin with all events and activities on, as well as a regular
Careers’ Bulletin, sent by email.
If you want to see these, or to know what events and activities are available for
them to take part in, it is useful to check the College Website see the pages
‘Parents and Carers>Term Dates and College News. This will help you to know
what is available, and opportunities students can undertake to help career
progression. If there is an event that is aimed at parents and carers, like the
Progress Evenings, you will get a letter sent home.
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