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Prospectus
A guide to specialist residential education for students aged 16+
Proud to be working with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards (D of E), The
Association of National Specialist Colleges (Natspec), Cisco Networking
Academy and Young Enterprise.
Welcome to the Royal National College for the Blind.
Introduction from Mark Fisher, Principal:
“Welcome to RNC, a college that is as unique as you are. We aim to
empower you with the skills and confidence to independently live the life
you have dreamed for yourself. RNC is a friendly campus, offering an
environment of encouragement, safety and fun. Here you will be
provided with resources, support and opportunities to enjoy new
experiences, while receiving an individual and specialist learning
experience tailored just for you.”
Our Vision
A world where every person with a visual impairment has true equality
Our Mission
Education, employment and empowerment for all people with a visual
impairment
Ofsted
RNC maintained its ‘good’ rating in the Ofsted inspection of October
2013, with some elements reported as ‘outstanding’. This is in addition
to the residential and pastoral support having been rated ‘outstanding’
by Ofsted in 2011.
All College information is available in alternative formats. To request
this, or if you would like details in another language, contact us on 01432
376621 or info@rnc.ac.uk
Os hoffech gael unrhyw o’r wybodaeth hon yn y Gymraeg, rhowch
wybod i ni.
RNC welcomes international students.
Courses
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GCSEs
English Language
Mathematics
French
German
Spanish
Psychology
Health & Social Care
AS & A Levels
Art & Design (A Level only)
Biology
English Literature
Extended Project (equivalent to 50% of an A Level)
French
German
Health & Social Care
History
Mathematics
Media Studies
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics
BTECs
Braille
Business Studies
Home Cooking Skills
Information Technology (IT)
OCR/Cambridge Technicals
Art & Design
Business Studies
Media
Performing Arts Practice
NVQ & QCFs
Business & Administration
French
Spanish
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Sport & Recreation
Support Work in Schools
ITECs
Massage & Complementary therapies
Cisco
IT Essentials
CCNA
For Sport & Recreation course please see the Sports Academy
Prospectus
For Art and Design, Media Studies, Media and Performing Arts Practice
courses please see the Arts and Media Prospectus
Please note that AS and A Levels became two separate qualifications in
2015 (with AS worth 40% of an A Level), however we intend to offer
parallel teaching in all subjects.
If you do not find your preferred course in the above list, please call
Student Enquiries to discuss your aims.
ASPIRE Study Programme
Achievement for Social, Personal & Independence, Responsibility for
future Employment and/or Education.
Vocational training for students studying Entry to Level 2, lasting 1-3
years.
With a focus on providing and supporting work skills and developing
industry awareness, students undertake a selection of courses to meet
their needs, with an emphasis on embedding all of the following skills
into a regular work placement:
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Customer Service
Work Skills
Personal & Social Development
Money and Finance
Communication Skills
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 English, Maths
 ICT
ASPIRE is based on small group and independent work, with different
subject- specialist teachers leading on units. Lessons emphasise
independent working in a real internal/external setting, from classrooms
and offices to outdoor education centres and plant nurseries.
Further experience is gained through the weekly RNC Market Stall
(counter set up, display, cash handling), pop-up events stall, client
liaison for massage clinics, horticulture and garden practice (planting
and selling products), catering (front of house duties and selling
products), Tech Novice Café (supporting members of the public with
technology and providing refreshments).
Seasonal projects include:
 Arts and crafts
 Product design and sales
 Outdoor and practical skills (at Dinedor Outdoor Activity Centre)
Students from other vocational areas such as Business &
Administration, are encouraged to support their own work based learning
by working with ASPIRE students on the Market Stall each week and
within customer service role-play sessions.
A portfolio of work will include evidence of presentations, plans,
discussions, debates, and statements from work placements. Students
combine a variety of units to suit their current needs and future
aspirations, receiving recognition of their certified achievements at the
end of the course.
Cisco Networking Academy™
IT Essentials covers fundamental computer and career skills for entrylevel IT jobs. The IT Essentials curriculum includes hands-on labs that
provide practical experience.
CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching
is a certification programme for entry-level network engineers that helps
maximise your investment in foundational networking knowledge and
increases the value of your employer’s network.
CCNA 1: Routing and Switching Introduction to Networks
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 Provides a foundation on internet and computer networks
CCNA 2: Routing and Switching Essentials
 Configuration and troubleshooting of routers and switches in a
small network
RNC is unique in providing Cisco training for people with visual
impairments in the UK. We are developing distance learning for the
future – details will be provided on the website once confirmed.
Quote from Nuno Guarda, Cisco Programme Manager and Head of
Corporate Affairs:
“Cisco is dedicated to using its technology, expertise and network to
create opportunities. The Networking Academy not only empowers
students with ICT knowledge, but they develop a range of other career
skills like problem solving, team work, critical thinking and
entrepreneurial skills; enabling students to compete and thrive in the
global workplace. Cisco ultimately believes that education can benefit
people, communities and the planet. These shared values with The
Royal National College for the Blind resulted in the launching of the UK’s
first Networking Academy for people with visual impairments.”
Meet The Team
Alena Critoph – Registrar
Alena began working at the College in December 2007 and supports
students from their initial visit, through their Pre-Entry Assessment, to
their first exciting day of term. She has a background in education and
knew RNC was special straight away. On her first day, Alena sensed
there was a perfect mix of expertise and real care.
A significant part of her role relates to student recruitment and securing
students’ funding. It is about giving potential students the quality,
professional advice they need to explore their options and find the right
next step in their studies or career.
Alena and her team work closely with local authorities and other bodies
to secure the correct funding for each student, knowing the difference
the right course can make to an individual’s life.
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Alena says: “Securing that funding is always satisfying. But even better
is seeing students grasp the opportunity and take ownership of their own
destiny.”
Teresa Allen - Teacher in Charge of IT Skills and Development
A former Business Studies student at RNC, Teresa worked for the
Department for Transport in London before returning to the College as a
member of staff in January 1988, qualifying as a teacher in 2000.
Teresa works within a specialist IT team that helps students develop
their own computer skills, as well as leading on and teaching the BTEC
Level 3 IT course. She also organises the Tech Novice Café, where
students teach members of the public how to use their own devices.
Students meet with Teresa on Pre-Entry Assessment, where she
discovers each individual’s strengths and what they hope to achieve.
Working with assistive technology underpins every course at the
College, as well as making the world a more accessible place.
With experienced teaching staff, a number of whom have visual
impairments themselves, RNC offers holistic tailored support, setting it
apart from other educational institutions.
Teresa says: “Students gain so much from staff keeping up to date with
changes in technology and good practice, they are prepared for life after
College.”
Nicola Smith and John Lynch - Directors of Learning and Curriculum
Nicola spent the first 10 years of her career in management before
retraining to become a teacher 23 years ago. She has spent the last 10
years at RNC, first as a Literacy teacher and then as a manager.
Maintaining high quality teaching and learning and reviewing the
curriculum to meet the needs of the students for now and for their future
lives are the key priorities of her role.
John started at RNC in 2002 as a lecturer in sport, primarily teaching the
blind and partially sighted football teams. Prior to this, he studied Sports
Science at university and had undertaken multi-sports coaching.
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He progressed to Head of Vocational Skills, focusing on work based
learning, and became Co-Director of Learning and Curriculum with
Nicola in 2014, maintaining his sports and work training bias.
John says: “We strive to ensure the students achieve their career and
life aspirations.”
Stephanie Mackey - Teacher in Charge of Mobility, Independent Living
Skills and Braille
Having formerly worked as a qualified rehabilitation worker for local
authorities in Telford, Shropshire, Birmingham and Dudley, Steph joined
RNC in May 2011 from a desire to work in a more focused way and do
more rehab.
She is keen to promote the independence that students build up through
mobility, living skills and having an accessible working medium in Braille.
She leads a team who work on a one-to-one basis with all students to
ensure they meet their full potential in independent travel and managing
their day- to-day lives.
Stephanie says: “The best bit about the job is seeing changes in
students. Like a student who has never left the house alone, or used a
cooker, gain the confidence to go shopping for a meal that they will
make for their friends.”
Why RNC?
Studying or training at a residential college is an important decision.
Here at RNC we have created a fresh, vibrant and supportive
environment to start you on an incredible new pathway and begin turning
your dreams into reality.
The College experience is more than just vocational and academic
qualifications. It’s about achievement beyond the classroom, a time
when you start to develop the self- confidence, personal independence
and communication skills you need for your next step. This is your
journey for your future.
One clear focus… you
 Your timetable – a personalised learning plan specifically
designed to meet your current needs and future ambitions
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 Your support team – we are specialists in visual impairment and
work with you from day one to make sure you have access to
exactly the right level of support, at a pace that suits you
 Your Student Hub – a flexible and dynamic student resource area
designed to signpost you to all the advice and guidance you need
 Your independence – the skills you develop at RNC are essential
for independent living and study – from mobility and orientation to
laundry, cooking and money management
 Your social life – RNC is not a nine-to-five college and there’s
never an excuse to be bored. Our range of activities will enable
you to test your boundaries and try things you never thought
possible
 Your safety net – our residential, wellbeing and nursing teams are
here to ensure you have the confidence to flourish and enjoy an
active social life, all within a safe and supportive environment
 Your time to shine – your ambitions and goals beyond RNC are
important to us and we will help you gain the necessary skills and
qualifications to fully prepare you for your future
 Our promise – to be flexible and help you lay the foundations you
need to move forward
Support from start to finish
Alongside your academic or vocational courses, you’ll have the chance
to learn essential skills that will be invaluable as you move into the next
phase of your life.
 Independent Living Skills – a flexible and intensive programme that
is tailored to build on your current skills and meet your future
ambitions – everything from money management to cookery skills
 Mobility Training – confident spatial awareness and mobility skills
are central to your independence; from long-cane skills and
independent train/bus travel, to guide dog support and advice
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 Functional English and Mathematics – practical and relevant
training to help you improve your skills, raise your confidence and
support your study
 Braille – RNC is the only organisation to offer approved Unified
English Braille BTEC qualifications. Knowledge in this area can
offer practical solutions for everyday work and study; whether you
are a beginner or wish to develop your existing skills, the expertise
offered by our staff is unique
 Work Experience – in addition to designated internal and external
work experience, you will be able to undertake regular work-based
learning opportunities at RNC, from office services to sound
engineering
 Information Technology (IT) – our specialist staff all have an
excellent working knowledge of the assistive technologies and
computer-based solutions available to visually impaired people –
including large print, speech and Braille. Our aim is to ensure that
you are a confident and independent user of IT with a practical and
effective working medium
 Language Skills – if English is not your first language, we can offer
support to improve your confidence and ability; or maybe you want
to learn skills in another language (French, German or Spanish).
You can also take advantage of our links with colleges in France
and Germany to broaden your knowledge
Quote from Laura, current student:
“Since being at RNC, I feel that I have progressed at my main
programmes better than I would have if I had done them at my
mainstream school. I think this is because of the amount of support that I
have received here at College.”
A place to live, learn and make friends
Culture
 Theatre trips
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 Conversational languages
 ‘X-mas Factor’
 Summer Prom
 Art Club
 Dining Club
 Craft making
 Nature and conservation activities
Other social and cultural experiences take place throughout the year,
including many in the Chapel Arts Centre.
Sport
 Tandem cycling
 RNC Angling Club
 Woodland, forest and hill walks
 thePoint4 gym and spa
Further detail on sporting activities can be found in the Sports Academy
prospectus.
Duke of Edinburgh Awards
RNC is a licensed centre for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. You
can complete Bronze and Silver Awards to learn skills, improve old ones
and make new friends. Duke of Edinburgh Awards are a great addition
to a CV or university application. They demonstrate volunteering,
teamwork and overcoming challenges, such as an overnight camping
trip, involving walks along rugged terrain and outdoor cookery.
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Young Enterprise
Taking place weekly during term time, Young Enterprise will equip you
with skills that you can use in your life after RNC. You will learn to work
effectively with your company team. Experience can be gained liaising
with customers and suppliers, as well as improving your verbal and
written communication skills, developing problem solving skills and
increasing your self-confidence. This is another great addition to your
CV and you do not need to be studying Business to be successful on the
scheme.
Something for everyone
Developing you…
At RNC we understand that no two students are the same. Our
commitment is to offer you a personalised package, with the choice and
flexibility you require. Your needs are at the heart of everything we do.
RNC delivers a diverse range of academic and vocational qualifications,
from Entry Level through to Level 3. Not all of our courses are unique:
 class sizes are small and supportive
 staff specialise in teaching people with visual impairments as well
as being experts in their chosen field
 learning materials are readily available in your preferred format
 you have access to the latest in assistive technology and software
Everything we do is designed to develop your self-confidence. Building
self-esteem and gaining practical experience will help you as you
progress towards employment, self-employment or further/higher
education and independent living.
Living at RNC…
All student accommodation is on RNC’s lively but compact campus,
situated approximately 20 minutes’ walk from Hereford city centre.
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Our Halls of Residence provide a range of accommodation including
single en-suite study bedrooms, shared kitchens and lounges. Halls
have 24/7 support that is matched to your individual needs and goals.
A range of fresh, healthy and delicious food is served in the Bistro.
There is the opportunity to self-cater, subject to discussions with the
Independent Living Skills team.
To ensure that your time at RNC is both healthy and happy, we have a
team of health specialists (nurses, counsellor, wellbeing officers) who
offer advice, support and discretion.
We have well-established links with local providers of all faiths. There is
a prayer/ mediation room on campus plus a visiting College Chaplain
serves our diverse student population.
I Can... Campaign
RNC is different from other colleges. We are passionate about removing
barriers and encouraging our students to achieve their ambitions. For
this reason, we launched our first national campaign, I Can, in 2015.
Rather than telling them what they cannot do, we support our students to
succeed and find out what they can do. We asked our students to tell
their own stories in their own ways and we had great interest from all
areas of the College, including sports, performing arts, technology and
the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. We even had a couple of staff members
get involved!
The campaign posters can be found at www.rnc.ac.uk/ican. We think
they are inspirational, and hope you do too.
The student voice is heard throughout College and utilised effectively in
the Student Representative Group and through the role of Student
Governor. RNC students have participated in government consultations,
lobbied MPs and campaigned at Westminster for people with visual
impairments to have more say in their own education.
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Your RNC journey starts here!
1. Start looking ahead
It’s never too early to explore your options for further education and to
gather information about the courses that will help you achieve your
ambitions. Our website (www.rnc.ac.uk) has lots of information, with
more detail on our academic and vocational programmes
2. Contact your local Connexions or Careers Adviser
Speak to the Connexions/Careers Adviser in your school or local careers
centre who will help you look into your options for post-16 education and
training. One possibility for your future may be specialist residential
education like that offered at RNC. Your adviser will be able to help you
with making an application, but please do not hesitate to contact us for
additional support and information
3. Visit RNC
An informal visit is by far the best way to experience what RNC has to
offer. At a time that suits you, a tour of the College will allow you and
your family the time and space needed to ask questions, speak to staff
and students, experience our outstanding accommodation and see what
RNC has to offer
4. Discuss your options
Talk through your choices with those closest to you. If you need further
advice, please call our Student Enquiries team who will answer any
questions and can send you an application form, which is also available
to download on our website. Once you have applied to RNC our Registry
team will get in touch to arrange next steps.
5. Pre-Entry Assessment
All potential students are invited for a Pre-Entry Assessment (PEA). This
is a two-way process. It gives us an opportunity to get to know your
strengths, interests and support needs. It gives you an opportunity to
meet staff and students and decide whether we can offer you what you
want.
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For more information on PEAs and the funding process please visit the
Apply Now pages of our website www.rnc.ac.uk
6. New Student Conference
Once you have an offer of a place at RNC you are invited to join all other
new students at a weekend conference for both you and your family.
Taking place at the beginning of July each year, it is a great opportunity
to meet fellow new starters and familiarise yourself with your
surroundings.
7. Start your programme!
As you settle into life at RNC, our experienced staff are on hand to
ensure you receive all the support you need as you live and study away
from home.
“Members of staff have high expectations of students and are ambitious
for them, ensuring that they are engaged, interested and enthusiastic
about their college work.” (Ofsted 2013)
For further information and support, or to book your personal one-to-one
visit to RNC, please contact our Student Enquiries team on 01432 376
621 or email info@rnc.ac.uk
Education Health and Care Plans and the Local Offer
Important information for students in England
The Children and Families Act 2014 introduced the Education Health
and Care Plan (EHCP). This is a legal document which replaces a
Statement of Special Educational Needs or Learning Difficulty
Assessment (LDA). While all Statements and LDAs will eventually
transfer to an EHCP, at this stage if you already have one of these
documents and wish to change you will need to ask your local authority
to consider this.
The EHCP is designed to last from the age of 0 to 25 but can be
requested at any point during this age range, for instance if you
experience a deterioration in your sight. It will be reviewed regularly to
ensure it is up to date.
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You can request it yourself or it can be requested on your behalf by your
parent(s) or a professional working with you. The local authority will
assess your request and may take advice from a range of professionals
before proceeding. They will then advise you on whether they agree to
your request. It can take up to 20 weeks from requesting an EHCP to it
being finalised.
The key points about an EHCP are that:
 Your views, wishes and future ambitions should be at the heart of
the document
 It should cover all of your education, health and care needs in one
place
 There will be an emphasis on outcomes – that is, making sure you
have what you need to achieve what you want
 It should be written in a way that you can easily understand
An important change from the old system is that you can ask for your
preferred further education college to be named in your EHCP. If this is
agreed, the local authority and the college will then work together to
make sure you can attend, and that all of your needs are met there.
Your local authority must publish what is known as a Local Offer. This is
a slightly misleading name, but it means that you should be able to
easily find information on every college you could potentially attend. By
law this list must include specialist national colleges such as RNC, and
you should have the opportunity to name RNC in your EHCP if this is
your preference. There are only very limited grounds on which the local
authority can refuse to name your preferred college.
You also have the right to independent advice and guidance about your
EHCP and the Local Offer and can ask your local authority to signpost
you to this. If you struggle to find advice you can contact us on 01432
376 621 or email info@rnc.ac.uk. We will be able to answer most of your
questions or can refer you to experts who can help.
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Get in touch and ‘have a go’
Contact us…
You will have lots of questions but please don’t be afraid to get in touch;
we are here to help you. For further information, please contact our
Student Enquiries team on 01432 376 621, email info@rnc.ac.uk or visit
our website at www.rnc.ac.uk
We also have active social media channels:
 facebook.com/RNCHereford
 twitter.com/RNC_official
 youtube.com/use/RNCHereford
Try us…
Twice a year we offer free residential experience weekends aimed at
young people aged 13 to 17.
We put together a programme of activities that allow you to ‘have a go’
at college life first-hand, including an overnight stay in our Halls of
Residence for both you and a parent or guardian.
Where we are…
Situated in the West Midlands, just 15 miles from the border with Wales
and within easy reach of Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Manchester.
You will find us at:
The Royal National College for the Blind
Venns Lane
Hereford
HR1 1DT
And finally…
If you take just one thing away from this prospectus, please remember
that only one person can change your future and take control of where
you want to be: you. Here at RNC, we encourage you to take
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responsibility for your own learning and will work with you to ensure you
have the confidence, knowledge and skills you need for your future.
Support us
As well as a centre of further education, RNC is a registered charity. The
help of alumni, parents, businesses and other supporters is essential to
running the College. Please consider helping us to help future
generations by leaving a legacy, holding a fundraising event or making a
regular donation. However you get involved, every penny will help to
support our work. Please call the Fundraising team on 01432 376 371 or
email fundraising@rnc.ac.uk for further information.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at RNC
RNC welcomes a diverse population of students and staff. We aim to
ensure that our college environment is free from prejudice and
harassment. In all aspects of delivery and employment, no individual or
group will be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, marital
status, gender reassignment, age, disability, race, religion and belief or
sexual orientation.
In 2015, RNC was recognised with an Investors in Diversity award.
For further information on our policies on Equal Opportunities and
Diversity, please contact us or visit our website: www.rnc.ac.uk
This prospectus is available in other formats. Please contact our Student
Enquiries line on 01432 376 621
Company limited by guarantee no. 2367626 Registered charity no.
1000388
The information provided is correct at the time of going to print
RNC Copyright 2015
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