Parents & Carers Handbook for 2018 / 2019 - Runshaw College
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Handbook for
Parents & Carers
2018 / 2019
1
Contents A Level Heads of Studies
Dates for your Diary .................................................3
Welcome .................................................................4
First Day of College ..................................................4 Lucy Turner
Programmes of Study ..............................................5
GCSE English and Maths .........................................5
Vocational Support Tutorial ......................................5
Personal Directed Study ..........................................5
Experience of Work .................................................6
Target Setting ..........................................................6
College Timetable ....................................................6
Giles Inman
Study Day ................................................................6
Study Zones ............................................................7
Study Skills ..............................................................8
Plagiarism ................................................................8
The Library ..............................................................8
Support for Students ...............................................9
Advanced Vocational
Pastoral Mentor........................................................9 Heads of Studies
Student Services......................................................9
Safeguarding Students.............................................9
Emergency Information........................................... 10
Financial Support.................................................... 10
Study Support........................................................ 11 Stephen Musa
Membership Cards................................................. 11
Uniforms ................................................................ 11
Dress Code ........................................................... 12
Responsible and Respectable ICT Use .................. 12
Online Safeguarding Advice for Students................ 12
Bullying and Harassment ....................................... 12 Lindsay Neville
Disciplinary ............................................................ 13
Attendance ............................................................ 13
Reporting Absence ................................................ 14
Sickness Whilst in College...................................... 14
Absences............................................................... 14
Unauthorised Absences.......................................... 14
Bursary Fund and Unauthorised Absences............. 15 Pre-Advanced Vocational
Holidays in Term Time............................................. 15 Head of Studies
Request for Absences in Exceptional
Circumstances ................................................... 15
Travel to College .................................................... 16
Progress Evenings and Progress Reports .............. 16
Communication Portal ........................................... 16 Lynne
Visiting College ...................................................... 16 Alderson
Progression after College ....................................... 17
Supporting Students .............................................. 17
Making a Complaint ............................................... 17
Student Charter ..................................................... 18
Dates for your Diary
Autumn Term 2018
College opens for the start of the new academic year for students beginning new courses
Wednesday 5th September
(A Level Year 1, Advanced Vocational Year 1 and Pre-Advanced Vocational students)
Start week for students on year 2 of a course (A Level & Advanced Vocational), start day will
Monday 10th September
vary for different courses
Wednesday 12th September A Level Welcome Evening
Thursday 13th September Vocational Welcome Evening
Saturday 22nd September College Open Day *Student Ambassadors guide our college guests
College Improvement Day & Open Evening (college closed for students)
Thursday 11th October
*Student Ambassadors guide our college guests
Week beginning 22nd October Progress Reports are available on the communication portal
22nd October – 2nd November Half Term Holiday Return to college w/c Monday 5th November
Friday 9th November College UCAS deadline (second year students)
College Improvement Day & Open Evening (college closed for students)
Tuesday 20th November
*Student Ambassadors guide our college guests
Week beginning 24th December Progress Reports are available on the communication portal
Christmas Closure – college closed for two weeks
24th December – 4th January 2019 (students finish at 3.40pm on Thursday 20th December, Friday 21st December is a
College Improvement Day (college closed for students))
Spring Term 2019
Monday 7th January College re-opens after Christmas Closure
Monday 4th February Year 2 (including Pre-Advanced) Progress Evening (surnames A-L)
Wednesday 13th February Year 2 (including Pre-Advanced) Progress Evening (surnames M-Z)
Week beginning 18th February Progress Reports are available on the communication portal
18th February – 22nd February Half Term Holiday Return to college w/c Monday 25th February
College Improvement Day & Open Evening (college closed for students)
Wednesday 27th February
*Student Ambassadors guide our college guests
Week beginning 8th April Progress Reports are available on the communication portal
Monday 8th April– Monday 22nd April Easter Closure – college closed for two weeks and one day
Summer Term 2019
Tuesday 23rd April College re-opens after Easter Closure
Tuesday 30th April Year 1 Progress Evening (surnames A-L) including information on Higher Education
Monday 6th May May Day (College closed to students for one day only)
Thursday 9th May Year 1 Progress Evening (surnames M-Z) including information on Higher Education
Friday 24th May College Improvement Day (college closed for students).
Week beginning 27thMay Progress Reports are available on the communication portal
27th May – 31st May Half Term holiday Return to college w/c Monday 3rd June
Friday 23rd June Vocational Year 2 and Pre-Advanced classes finish
Friday 5th July (4pm) Teaching finishes for Year 1 A Level & Advanced Vocational students
Monday 8th July – Friday 12th July Year 1 Work experience week
Thursday 15th August A Level Results’ Day
IMPORTANT GCSE EXAM DATES (Provisional)
GCSE English Exam: 4th & 7th June (students attend on both days)
GCSE Maths Exams: 23rd May, 6th June & 11th June (students attend each day) 3
Welcome
We are delighted that your son/daughter/ward has chosen to study at Runshaw and we would like
to welcome you as their parent/carer/guardian to Runshaw too. We hope that as students they
will enjoy their time with us, achieve their academic goals and personal ambitions and find that
their experience here enables them to progress with confidence to further successes in higher
education, training or employment.
As a student at Runshaw College they will be at the centre of everything we do.
Runshaw has one simple aim: for all our students to be HAPPY, SAFE, SUCCESSFUL
and EMPLOYABLE. We believe that a close partnership with parents/carers/guardians
is an important element of the support needed to achieve this success. The
Programme Office will coordinate their support and monitor their progress throughout
their time with us. The Programme Office team consists of Heads of Studies, Pastoral
Mentors and Administrative Support Staff whose time and energies are devoted to
supporting students and their teachers.
If there is anything that you are unclear about, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Heads of Studies; Lucy Turner, Giles Inman, Stephen Musa, Lindsay Neville &
Lynne Alderson
xFirst Day of Collegex
The first day of College for students beginning a new course is
Wednesday 5th September 2018. Students should bring with them
pen, paper, their temporary Membership Card and diary (issued at
enrolment) and be prepared to meet new friends and start work.
Only first year students will be in lessons for the first three days to
allow them an opportunity to settle in. However, some second year
students will be in college to act as guides and helpers. Please
encourage your son/daughter/ward to speak to staff if they have any
enquiries or concerns. We realise that the first few days in college
can be stressful and Runshaw staff will be delighted to help new
students in any way they can.
The college address is Langdale Road, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 3DQ
4 The college telephone number is 01772 622677
Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
xProgrammes of Studyx Vocational: xVST (Vocational Supportx
Students on the Vocational
All students will have a timetabled xTutorial)x
Programme will study one main
study programme which will include:
subject area as the size of the Each Vocational subject is allocated
• Main area of study (3, 4 or 5 A
qualification is significant. time to provide extra support
Levels; L3 BTEC; L2 BTEC; VRQ,
At Level 3 students will gain a and tuition for students, both for
NVQ, Foundations Studies and
qualification that is equivalent in size those who may be struggling to
Skills, EL3 and L1 BTEC)
to 3 A Levels and enables them to understand specific areas of the
• Personal Tutorial lessons with their
progress on to university. syllabus, or those who want to
Pastoral Mentor
• Pastoral Mentor 1:1 review exceed their target grade. Schools
Pre-advanced programmes (EL3, will allocate these hours to maximise
meetings
L1 and L2) prepare students for a their impact; VST sessions may take
• Personal Directed Study / study
study programme at the next level, place during a timetabled slot or be
periods
apprenticeship or employment. embedded into specific units.
• Course enhancements (e.g. course
related trips)
Grading: Level 3: units graded at
• Enrichment (e.g. volunteering,
Pass, Merit & Distinction with final xPersonal Directed Studyx
clubs, societies).
grades ranging from PPP (Pass; Personal Directed Study (PDS)
Pass; Pass) to D*D*D* (Distinction*; allows a student to complete tasks
In addition, their study programme
Distinction*; Distinction*). set by their teacher and other
may also include:
members of staff. We feel this
• GCSE English and/ or GCSE
Level 2: units graded at Pass, Merit reflects what happens in most work
Maths (where appropriate)
& Distinction, final grades ranging places where a task is set and the
• Experience of work placements
from PP to D*D*. individual has to plan their time
and resources to complete what is
A Level: E3 & Level 1: graded at Pass or Fail. required to an appropriate standard.
Students on the A Level programme Many students spend much of
will study 3, 4 or exceptionally their PDS time in a ‘Study Zone’ in
5 A Level subjects. An A Level
xGCSE English and Mathsx
college. Your son/daughter/ward will
will take two years, with external At Runshaw, we believe that be set targets to ensure they meet
examinations taking place at the end education changes lives and having the number of hours required for
of the two years. Some subjects also good qualifications in English and their programme of study. They will
have coursework units and practical Maths will improve employment complete tasks such as: -
assessments. Teachers will carry out and further learning prospects for • homework
a range of assessments to monitor all learners. We are fully committed • preparation for lessons
students’ progress with predicted to ensuring that all our students • revision
grades and effort grades available complete their learning having • research and course work
on the communication portal every achieved their full potential. English • the development of study and
half term. Pastoral Mentors will and Maths studies are an integral employability skills
track attendance and progress part of study programmes where
and contact home if there are any students have yet to achieve a Grade
concerns. Grading is from A to E. 4 or above.
5
Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
xExperience of Workx development in a wide variety of All students need to spend
ways. a significant amount of time
A Level students have the undertaking independent research,
opportunity to take part in work All students are also encouraged
experience the week after formal to participate in volunteering as a completing assessments and
lessons have finished, the 8th means to support their community revising for exams and these ‘study’
to 12th of July 2019. This is not and develop their employability periods provide an opportunity to
compulsory, but in areas like skills. Student Services are able to do this whilst having a wide range of
medicine, law, physiotherapy and support students to find suitable resources and support to hand.
media, it is strongly advised. Work opportunities.
experience can help students to In addition to study they should also
find out more about possible career take some of the many opportunities
options, it also helps to provide xTarget Settingx
available to enhance their CV.
valuable experience which can be At Runshaw, we set Minimum Target We ask students to record their
discussed in job applications and Grades (MTGs). The MTG is based experience of work (part-time jobs,
university applications. It is also good on a student’s qualifications on entry volunteering, talks from employers
for developing key skills such as and any diagnostic assessment etc) and the student portal will help
communication, team-working and activities as appropriate. MTGs are students to create a CV. They will
organisation. the minimum grades which your son/ have a chance to engage in a wide
daughter/ward should be aiming to enrichment programme covering
Students are encouraged to get their achieve for coursework, GCSEs, sport, music, drama, creative arts,
own placements but should check assessments and assignments e.g. outdoor activities and student
with our Work Placement Unit, before Pass, Merit, and Distinction or grade organisations. They will be given
taking up self-placements. A, B and C. They provide a starting further opportunities via their course,
point for learning, which we operate for example, ambassador work,
All Pre-Advanced Vocational students to ensure that your son/daughter/ academies, hearing guest speakers
will undertake at least 25 hours of ward fulfils their full potential and and partaking in trips to enhance
work placement as a key part of their does not underachieve. their studies.
vocational study programme. The
purpose of the work placement is to xCollege Timetablex To support students, the college has
enable students to experience real a well-resourced library and study
work situations whilst helping them Although attendance in lessons is
zones where students can complete
to discover more about employability monitored very closely, students will
their work.
and personal skills in preparation for also have more ‘free’ time than they
their future career. were used to at school. This is vital
preparation for higher education xStudy Dayx
Advanced Vocational courses often and employment where they will be Students will have a study day with
include a work experience unit which expected to manage their own time. no timetabled lessons. Although
will take place throughout the year there are no timetabled lessons, from
as determined by the Course Leader. This time should be used time to time, the college will schedule
Where a course does not include productively to enhance their trips, visits and ask students to
a compulsory work experience experiences and prepare them for attend for additional study. Students
unit, arrangements are made to worthwhile progression. may be required to attend college
incorporate elements of employability on their study day for any number
6
of reasons and it is, therefore, Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
important that the study day is
used for college related activities.
We will also encourage students to
use some of their study day time for
enrichment, volunteering and work
experience activities to enhance
their employability. Therefore,
students should not organise regular
commitments that are not flexible on
their study day. We see the Study
Day as a vital part of the college
week: it is definitely not a “day off”.
Students are usually allowed to work
at home on their study day however
they can use the college’s study
provision and other facilities on this
day, if they wish.
Some vocational students will have
an employability day. There are no
timetabled sessions on this day,
however, this is still a college day;
the college reserves the right to
schedule employability events such
as guest speakers, mock interviews
and other work related activities.
Some students will also be expected
to use this day for their work
placements. As with the study day,
we also encourage students to use
some of this time to participate in
enrichment and volunteering.
A level students will have timetabled
lessons on four days with study days
as follows: Wednesday for A Level Year
1 and Tuesday for A Level Year 2.
xStudy Zonesx
We have three dedicated study areas
called ‘Study Zones’ available for
students to complete their PDS and
support them to develop study and
employability skills. The Study Zones
provide a range of study spaces
and resources including PCs, iMacs
and group work rooms. The Study
Zone team also provide support
for all students through a range of
workshops, advice and guidance for
small groups and individuals as well
as Moodle (online learning) resources
to aid independent study. Students
will be able to record the time spent
doing PDS, using their student
membership card on a swipe card
system. Pastoral Mentors will monitor
the progress made towards meeting
PDS target hours on a weekly basis,
during tutorial lessons and one-to-
one review meetings.
7
Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
Study Zones are located in: • Presentation skills xThe Libraryx
• Revision techniques
· Coniston The Library Service underpins all
· Patterdale teaching and learning activity within
xPlagiarismx college. Highly experienced Library
· Langdale
Plagiarism can be unacknowledged staff play a vital role in supporting
There is also a study area in Science. copying from published sources or students to develop the skills needed
incomplete referencing. Taking and for independent learning.
deliberately using another person’s
xStudy Skillsx ideas or writing and claiming it as The Library environment provides
In order for students to be successful your own is also plagiarism. It is areas for quiet individual study and
on their study programme it is critical unacceptable for a student to copy contains:
that they develop relevant study work written by another student or • Over 12,000 text books.
skills. Their teachers will help them author and submit it as their own • A large collection of PCs and
develop these on courses and the or to allow another student to copy iMacs, (approximately 80
team in the Study Zone are there to their work and submit it. Plagiarism machines, available for online
provide additional 1:1 support; it is and copying applies to: coursework, researching, accessing Moodle
important that students are proactive assessments, personal directed or typing up assignments and
about developing these skills and employability study, homework and coursework).
learn to manage their time, meet UCAS personal statements. • A team of 9 staff to assist students.
deadlines and work independently
from day one otherwise their success It is unacceptable for students to Library Services include:
could be jeopardised. work closely with another student • The resource catalogue, study
to copy each other’s answers and materials and databases are
A range of 1:1 support sessions are present it as their own but this available electronically, via the
available to all students in the Study should not be confused with group- Library ‘Moodle’ Pages.
Zones. Currently this provision includes: work or collaborative learning where • Direct links to research material
students work together to share can be accessed from our
• Time management and ideas and generate knowledge and comprehensive course specific
organisation understanding to then independently subject pages on the Library
• Essay or assignment planning and complete work set. Plagiarism Moodle, available inside and
making notes is treated very seriously and any outside of college.
• Acting on teacher feedback student found to be involved in • 1:1 support for any student
• Referencing and avoiding plagiarism will be referred for formal needing help with researching or
plagiarism disciplinary action. referencing. Additional 1:1 support
8
key part of our progress monitoring
process.
If you have any concerns, please
contact the Programme Office
to leave a message and it will be
forwarded to the relevant Pastoral
Mentor or Head of Studies who will
get back to you as soon as possible.
Pastoral Mentors have their own
direct dial telephone numbers.
xStudent Servicesx
Student welfare is our priority
and the services we provide are
aimed at helping our students to
overcome any obstacles to success,
achievement and future plans.
Student Services offers a wide
range of advice and guidance about
health matters, financial and housing
issues and offers a confidential
counselling service. Careers and
Higher Education guidance is also
available from advisers based in
Student Services. Students can
book a guidance appointment using
is given to all students studying for a well-stocked Library with good IT their student portal. Students can
the Extended Project Qualification. facilities and individual careers and request a counselling appointment
• The Library offers access to an higher education advice. by emailing ‘#StudentCounsellors@
extensive collection containing runshaw.ac.uk’ or in person at the
over 7,500 electronic books, Students will benefit from excellent programme office front desk.
thousands of current journal pastoral support and guidance
and newspaper articles and a during their time at college. A wide xSafeguarding Studentsx
large range of subject specific range of support services and
databases and archives. All of resources are available to students Runshaw College is committed to
these can be accessed through who will be guided to these by their safeguarding and promoting the
our ‘DISCOVERY’ database on the Pastoral Mentor. welfare of children and vulnerable
Library Moodle pages at any time. adults and expects all staff to share
• The Dynamic Learning database this commitment.
xPastoral Mentorx
contains links to the archives of
all our Journal Titles (up to date All students are allocated a Pastoral Safeguarding means:
hard copies are received monthly, Mentor who will offer support and • Ensuring safety
displayed on the Library shelves, guidance throughout the college • Promoting health & well-being
and are available for borrowing). year. They will help your son/ • Protecting from abuse and neglect
• Students are able to monitor their daughter/ward to settle into college • Preventing bullying and
own library accounts by logging quickly, monitor their academic harassment
into the Library Catalogue from the progress and look after their • Having due regard to the need to
College website, using their normal wellbeing. prevent people from being drawn
College User ID and password. into terrorism
The role of the Pastoral Mentor is • Offering the best life chances
central to everything students do.
xSupport for Studentsx Their Pastoral Mentor will be there There is a designated Safeguarding
The College has an extensive to guide them through their study Team at the College with a senior
provision to support your son/ programme and will get to know manager who is responsible for
daughter/ward. them really well and be the first line of any safeguarding matters affecting
support for them whilst at college. All students. We have a Child and
This includes a wide range of study students will have a range of informal Vulnerable Adults Protection Policy,
support services to help students and formal conversations with their which explains how the College deals
overcome barriers to learning, Pastoral Mentor, including weekly with any safeguarding concerns. A
supervised study areas, counsellors, group tutorials and regular one-to- copy of this policy is available for
one review meetings, which are a download from the College website.
9
Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19 If you have any concerns about any
safeguarding issues, please call
01772 644377 between 8am and
4.30pm in term time.
If you have any more general
comments or queries about
safeguarding in college, please
telephone 01772 622677, asking
for safeguarding or email:
safeguarding@runshaw.ac.uk.
xEmergency Informationx
Please ensure that we have your up
to date contact details in order for
us to contact you, should this be
required. The College cannot make
or receive contact with any person
other than the designated contacts.
If you would like a grandparent or
other adult to be included in the
contact list in the event that you
were not available, please ask your
son/daughter/ward to collect a
form from the programme office
so the details can be added to the
college system. When we speak to
registered contacts we will need to
ask a small number of questions to
verify your identity, please bear with
us, we need to ensure confidential
information is shared only with
designated contacts.
If there is ever an occasion whereby
your son/daughter/ward needs to
go to hospital, we will endeavour to
contact you. A member of staff will
accompany your son/daughter/ward
to hospital and ensure that they are
registered within the hospital’s care.
xFinancial Supportx
An information pack which outlines
the application process and lists
eligibility is available from Student
Services on request. Your son/
daughter/ward can call in and pick
up an application form. Alternatively
call our main reception on 01772
622677 and ask to be put through to
Student Services.
We can provide free college meals
to eligible students. Students
eligible for free college meals
have credit applied to an account
which is accessed by swiping their
membership card at till points in
the college’s catering facilities.
The facility to apply credit to their
10Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
account is open to every student in If this type of support is to be sticker could face disciplinary
college so there is no visibility of who given to a student, they will have action. Students who forget to bring
is entitled to free college meals. If an opportunity to disclose this their membership card to college
students are in financial difficulties, information through a number of will be asked to report to Student
they can apply to the bursary fund ways: Services where they will be given a
and may receive some financial • on their enrolment form, temporary membership sticker. Lost/
support. The student services team • through their pastoral mentor, replacement membership cards
can provide additional information. • or by making an appointment with can be purchased at low cost from
Study Support (next to the library) Student Services.
xStudy Supportx
Once referred, they will meet with a Cost of replacement
We have a team of specialist staff specialist for an initial appointment to membership cards
to support students with additional assess their needs and recommend Membership Card + Bus Pass: £5.00
needs to overcome barriers, promote appropriate support as required. In Membership Card: £2.00
their independence in learning and addition, all our subject teachers are
achieve their personal best. trained and supported to give effective xUniformsx
in-class provision for all our students.
The specialist Study Support staff Some vocational students may
work in and out of class on an be required to wear a uniform or
individually planned programme
xMembership Cardsx
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
of support which is tailored to the All students are issued with and such as overalls and safety shoes on
needs of each student. expected to wear a Student a daily basis. They will receive more
Membership (ID) Card visibly round information on what they need from
Additional learning needs are their neck whilst in lessons, on their course tutors and any uniform/
assessed on an individual basis and the college campus, when using equipment can be purchased
support can be provided for learning college facilities and/or when through college.
differences or disabilities including undertaking college activities. We
dyslexia, ADHD, Autistic spectrum, take the safety of our students very
and some physical and mental health seriously and anyone persistently
conditions. not visibly wearing a membership
card or temporary membership
11xDress Codex to log on, it means that they have Information advice and guidance
read and agreed to be responsible regarding online safety is included in
Students must wear clothes which and respectable computer use. As the Personal Tutorial curriculum.
are appropriate for a learning this is very important topic, failure to
community. comply with the policy could result If you would like more information
in serious disciplinary action being on staying safe online The Parents
When in college we ask students not taken. During induction lessons and Carer’s Guide to the Internet,
to; all students are given information, has been created by the Child
• wear clothing which causes advice and guidance about being a Exploitation and Online Protection
offence to others (e.g. clothes responsible, respectable ICT user. group (CEOP, who police the internet)
that are too revealing or display to help keep you informed as a
offensive slogans or images) The college has recently upgraded its parent or guardian.
• dress in ways which are WIFI provision. Students may bring
inappropriate or disrespectful their own devices to college but they Visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents
• wear clothes or garments which remain responsible for these devices
the College deems to interfere with at all times. If students fear loss or
teaching and learning, or to pose xBullying and Harassmentx
damage to their device, they should
a risk to health and safety (e.g. a not bring it in to college; we have We recognise that bullying and
garment, hood or head gear, which extensive facilities they can use. harassment is a barrier to student
covers up the face). success and welfare; we will not
tolerate the bullying, or harassment of
xOnline Safety and Advicex any of our students. We will undertake
xResponsible andx
xfor Studentsx all possible steps to avoid it and
xRespectable ICT Usex resolve any problems that do arise.
Computers and mobile phones If you have any concerns regarding
We have extensive ICT facilities help us all to share things, talk to bullying or harassment, please do not
which students are able to access our friends and meet new people. hesitate to contact the relevant Head
including student email and the But they can also make it easier of Studies. Students are advised to
Internet. The College has a very for bullies and other people who report any incidents of bullying or
clear ICT policy which is present might want to hurt or get close to a harassment through their Pastoral
on the computer screen each student. It is important that all our Mentor so that all reports of this nature
time a student logs onto a college students know how to be safe on can be fully investigated and resolved.
computer. When a student continues their computer, phone and websites.
12Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
xDisciplinaryx to ensure that your son/daughter/ “Excellent attendance is one of
ward reaches their full potential in the key factors to successful
We explain to students that we expect college and achieves at the highest achievement at college. It is
them to behave in a respectful manner possible level. When a student is your responsibility to have a high
towards other students, staff members absent from college they miss valuable attendance record and a prompt
and the local community. We expect teaching and learning and they are start to all your classes. This is
them to attend college and try their less prepared for lessons on their always a top priority. Remember!
best. If there are concerns about return. Details of our term times and Your attendance is always required
academic performance, behaviour holiday dates are available at the on references for apprenticeships,
or attendance we will intervene. The start of the handbook in ‘DATES FOR universities and employers.
College has a disciplinary procedure YOUR DIARY’ and on the College
which aims to help students get back website. Examinations can fall on Your Pastoral Mentor will speak with
on track. Parents/Carers/Guardians days when there are no lessons in you on a regular basis about any
are involved when their son/daughter/ college, students are advised to check difficulties relating to your attendance
ward continues to perform in a less examination board websites for their and/or punctuality. They will review
than satisfactory manner. Persistent, exam dates. your attendance on a weekly basis
unsatisfactory performance may result and speak with you privately if there
in them being issued with a formal We have very high expectations are any patterns of unsatisfactory
warning or other disciplinary action, regarding student attendance and attendance or punctuality beginning
including suspension or exclusion from we will contact you if we have any to occur, or if any of your tutors
college. concerns. Your son/daughter/ward has pass on a concern. Your attendance
received a guide to attendance and record will be available to your
xAttendancex punctuality in their Student / Course parents/carers/guardians and your
Handbook. For your information main contact at home may receive a
Every college day counts! Regular
expectations are as follows: phone call if you miss any lessons.”
attendance at college is the best way
13Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
Absence 01772 642096
Line Lines are open from 8.00am every day
Your Pastoral Mentor will speak with Sickness Whilst in Collegex appointments will be verified providing
you on a regular basis about any students bring the confirmation of
difficulties relating to your attendance Students who feel unwell whilst the appointment to the Programme
and/or punctuality. They will review in college should report to the Office. Depending on the nature of the
your attendance on a weekly basis Programme Office before going absence this may be passed on to the
and speak with you privately if there home. The office staff will then Pastoral Mentor who will make contact
are any patterns of unsatisfactory contact a parent or carer and make with you to discuss this further.
attendance or punctuality beginning arrangements for the student to get
to occur, or if any of your tutors home safely. The following are examples:
pass on a concern. Your attendance • Illness. Your Pastoral Mentor will
record will be available to your The Programme Office is situated discuss any specific support
parents/carers and your main contact in Mardale between the Student arrangements for longer term
at home may receive a phone call if Entrance and the Main Visitor illnesses and/or any unique
you miss any lessons.” Reception. circumstances you may have.
(verified)
In the unlikely event that the college xAbsencesx • Hospital or orthodontic
is closed, a notice will be displayed appointments which cannot be
Any absence from College will be
on the front page of our website. arranged outside of college hours
recorded on a student’s attendance
will be verified upon receipt of
record. The College recognises that
confirmation (appointment card/
xReporting Absencex some absences are unavoidable
letter from the health provider).
and will record these as verified or
We have dedicated phone lines for • A family bereavement/funeral
authorised on receipt of the required
Parents/Carers to inform us about (verified).
evidence.
absences. • Religious festivals must be
notified in advance by letter from
Routine medical and dental
Please notify us on a daily basis of a student’s parent/guardian/carer
appointments should only be made
any absences. (authorised). The student must
on the student’s study day (wherever
obtain an Authorised Absence
possible). Hospital and specialist
form from the Programme Office
and return this fully completed
before the event.
• Visit to a university to attend an
open day or interview; a career
related interview or audition.
The student must obtain an
Authorised Absence form from
the Programme Office and return
this, fully completed, with a letter
or email confirmation from the
university/organisation, before the
event.
• Driving or theory test – evidence
MUST be provided (verified).
xUnauthorised Absencesx
All other absences will be classed as
unauthorised. These are absences
where there are not adequate reasons
to justify missing classes. As with all
absences the student or a parent/
guardian/carer will need to contact
the College on each day of absence.
The College has a commitment to
14Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
notify the main contact, supplied on the student’s application form, about
unauthorised absences.
On each day of absence, we reserve the right to contact the parent or
guardian even if the absence has been reported.
The following are examples of unauthorised absences:
• Holidays during term time
• Doctor or Dentist appointments
• Part or full time work
• Leisure activities
• Baby-sitting younger siblings
• Accompanying family members to appointments
• Driving lessons
• Exclusion from college
• Absences taken without providing the necessary evidence
Bursary Fund and Unauthor Busary Fund and Unau
xBursary Fund and Unauthorised Absencesx
Any Bursary fund payments the student may be eligible for would be
automatically stopped each week if the student has missed one or more
lessons for an unauthorised reason.
xHolidays in Term Timex
As outlined in the student’s application for a place at college and
information packs given out prior to enrolment, and to support all our
students, holidays during term time are not permitted or authorised on
any programme of study.
Holidays taken during term time may elicit cause for concern and
disciplinary procedures to be invoked. The College reserves the right to
cancel an enrolment or prevent progression to the second year or to next
level of study where an unauthorised holiday has been taken.
The key dates for your diary at the front of this handbook will help you to
avoid planning holidays during term time.
Students can view and monitor their attendance on the Student Portal.
If they think that their attendance record is incorrect, please ask them to
discuss the issue with their Pastoral Mentor.
xRequest for Absence in Exceptional Circumstancesx
In very exceptional circumstances, parents/carers/guardians should
request leave of absence for their son/daughter/ward by applying in
writing to one of the Heads of Studies. If this is not done, any such
absence will be recorded as unverified and the student will face
disciplinary action. Please note students granted exceptional leave of
absence will be required to make up the days missed, e.g. a week’s
exceptional leave would require a minimum of 5 days attendance on
study days. The college reserves the right to prevent students going on
college trips/visits if they have recently had exceptional leave.
15Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19 welcome event in early September
(please refer to the calendar for dates)
when parents, carers and guardians
will be invited to attend a short
presentation from the Deputy Principal
and receive more information about
their son/daughter/ward’s courses.
In addition, you will also receive
subject progress grades and be invited
to a Progress Evening during the year,
when you will have the opportunity
to discuss your son/daughter/ward’s
progress with their teachers.
Parents, carers and guardians on
the Pre Advanced Programme will
be invited to an additional evening
in February to discuss progression
opportunities.
In addition to this, we will contact you
if we have concerns about your son/
daughter/ward’s progress at any point
during the year. We positively welcome
parents, carers and guardians
Should a student fail to sit a module Like many other institutions, there is contacting us if they have any worries.
examination, the college reserves the pressure on available parking spaces Please contact your son/daughter/
right to withdraw the student from the and we are unlikely to be given ward’s pastoral mentor in the first
qualification. permission to create more in the near instance if you have any concerns;
future. We will not, therefore, issue car they will be happy to liaise with subject
xPart-time employmentx parking permits to any students unless staff.
there are exceptional circumstances.
A major piece of research has The local neighbourhood too was not
confirmed our common sense view
xCommunication Portalx
designed to cope with large amounts
of the effect of part-time work. of traffic. Therefore, there are very The Runshaw College Communication
This study indicated that part-time extensive restrictions on parking Portal allows parents, carers and
employment up to a maximum of 8 locally which are rigorously enforced. guardians to track the progress of
hours per week appeared to have no Students who pass their driving tests their son/daughter/ward at any time
impact on achievement. For students whilst at college are strongly advised by logging on to the Communication
who worked over 8 hours per week, not to drive to college. We hope you Portal. In addition to termly progress
achievement fell steeply and in line will understand this situation and reports; up-to-date attendance
with the amount over this figure. The our reasons for urging all students to information, electronic mail from
study also indicated that a day’s travel by bus. Please note that any the College and other college
weekend work had little impact but applications for car parking permits announcements are available at all
evening work during the week had are considered by a panel of College times.
a more negative impact. Clearly, the managers.
message is that students should not Parents, carers and guardians receive
risk their long-term future by working If students wish to travel to college by an invitation to register via their son/
excessive hours now. moped or motorbike they can apply for daughter/ward at the start of their
a permit from Student Services. They studies. Alternatively, you can request
will need to bring in their insurance an account using your son/daughter/
Travel to College ward’s College Membership Number.
certificate, driving licence and MOT (if
The vast majority of our students arrive required).
at college by bus. We believe this to To get started, click Communication
be a safe and environmentally friendly Portal from the main college website-
form of transport. Consequently, the
xProgress Evenings andx www.runshaw.ac.uk
college has invested substantial sums xProgress Reportsx
to support our extensive bus network xVisiting Collegex
and bus passes are heavily subsidised. Effective working partnerships with
If a college bus does not turn up parents, carers and guardians are a If you have an appointment with a staff
students can contact the transport very important means of supporting member please report to our main
hotline on 01772 643000. students’ success. There will be a reception located at the front of the
16Parent and Carer’s Handbook 2018/19
college where you will be signed in xSupporting Studentsx exam board websites. The student
as a visitor, given a visitor’s pass and should always be looking for ways
provided with a short stay parking Parents, carers and guardians often to improve their exam answers.
permit. ask us how they can best support A positive attitude is vital and will
students with their studies at help students as they progress to
Please note: the College uses a private Runshaw. We fully realise that young university and work. Students need
firm to manage the car parks and people aged 16 to 19 are not always to see that perseverance, grit and
anyone found to be parking without keen to seek or accept advice from determination will bring the best
a permit will be subject to penalty parents, carers and guardians, but if possible results for them.
charges. they do these might be some ideas
to discuss with them. Having clear
goals can help, many students feel xMaking a Complaintx
xProgression after Collegex they should have a clear plan for the The College aims to ensure that all
rest of their career. Some students complaints received are dealt with
The majority of our students progress
have this clear plan but many do promptly, fairly, professionally and in
to university after leaving Runshaw.
not, however a student can still set a non-discriminatory manner, and
Pastoral mentors will guide students
effective goals; what grades do they that appropriate action is taken.
through the university application
want?
procedure; this is run by an
organisation called UCAS. Students You should address any complaint
What do they want their attendance directly to the Deputy Principal or
can apply to five universities through
to be? Do they want a particular relevant Head of Studies. Complaints
their UCAS form. We help students
work experience placement? It are acknowledged within two
with their UCAS application in the
is an obvious point but the more working days of receipt and we aim
summer term of their first year and the
hours students spend on their to investigate and respond to the
autumn term of their second year. It
studies the better they will do. complaint within 10 working days.
is important that students follow the
Effort is a key factor in success.
UCAS deadlines we set. We have seen
We recommend they spend 20
more students apply to universities
hours on their academic work, each
outside the UK; pastoral mentors and
week, outside of the classroom.
student services advisors can help
This time can include homework,
students with this process.
revision, file organisation and extra
reading. Students with a systematic
Many of our students want to start
approach tend to do well. Lever
work after they leave with a large
arch files for notes are helpful, we
number considering apprenticeships.
advise students to date their work
The college can help with careers
so it can easily be ordered and they
appointments, CV preparation,
will need an effective way to remind
interview skills and advice on where
themselves when homework and
to find suitable vacancies. Runshaw
deadlines are due. Practice helps
is a provider of apprenticeships so
with exam preparation; we advise all
we may well be able to find a suitable
students to complete as many past
opportunity for students but we will
paper questions as possible if they
also provide impartial advice on
have exams. Students also need to
apprenticeships with other providers
review their past paper performance
too.
using mark schemes and examiner’s
reports; these are available on
17STUDENT England’s
CHARTER COLLEGE
We believe education changes lives, Our aim is to make sure you are happy,
so we put teaching and learning and safe and successful. In order to achieve
the needs of our students first. this aim, it is important that you work in
Therefore the College is committed to: partnership with us and meet our
expectations.
1. Providing a safe, supportive and inclusive
This includes to:
environment where difference is celebrated.
2. Ensuring you are given accurate information 1. Embrace the spirit of Runshaw Respect.
about your chosen course and are placed on 2. Attend all classes, exams, appointments, work
a study programme that meets your individual experience / placements sessions and learning
needs. commitments punctually; report and account for
3. Identifying your learning needs and providing any absence or lateness.
support to enable to you settle into college 3. Tell us promptly about any additional help you
quickly. may require so we can provide the best support
4. Developing positive working relationships for you.
with you that are built on a foundation of 4. Value everyone in our learning and wider
mutual respect. community, treating them with courtesy and
5. Agreeing targets with you that are meaningful, respect at all times.
challenging and support you in reaching your 5. Actively engage with all learning and support
full potential. opportunities both in lessons, and outside of the
6. Providing high quality teaching, learning and classroom.
assessment to engage and motivate you. 6. Meet the requirements of your study programme
7. Delivering impartial information, advice and such as assessment deadlines, coming prepared
guidance on career and personal goals. to lessons and completing tasks set for personal
directed study.
8. Providing comprehensive, high quality support
services that remove barriers to learning and 7. Complete all work to the best of your ability and
develop positive attitudes and skills. use the feedback you are given to further improve
and meet agreed targets.
9. Listening to your views and taking action to
further improve your college experience. 8. Respect the college environment and act
responsibly and safely at all times.
10. Providing a wide range of opportunities to
develop your employability skills, interests 9. Take responsibility for your own learning,
and ambitions. development and progression, participating
fully in activities that support your future.
10. Participate fully in opportunities to share your
views, providing constructive feedback to
enable the College to continually improve your
experience.
18You can also read
