14-19 School Links Prospectus Online test

SCHOOL LINKS PROSPECTUS

WELCOME FROM WILTSHIRE COLLEGEHere at Wiltshire College we are very proud of our School Links provision and thedifference it makes to hundreds of students in our community each year.Our programmes give young people at school the opportunity to gain skills,knowledge and experience in a range of practical subjects, preparing them not onlyfor future study, but for successful employment and life beyond college. Our vocationalcourses are hands-on and practical and are delivered in industry standard facilities,helping learners to prepare for their chosen career path in the future.Students who successfully complete their Schools Links programme, often achieveplaces on full-time study programmes or apprenticeships at college once they finishschool - this enables them to progress into successful employment and some on tofurther study at university level!There are so many opportunities for young people to learn, develop and succeed hereat Wiltshire College. This prospectus aims to guide students and parents alike throughthe process of applying, as well as offering the opportunity to explore all of theoptions available - we are happy to provide specific advice for individual learners.We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully seeing you at one of our manyOpen Events throughout the year or why not just make an appointment to come in andvisit us?Amanda BurnsidePrincipalKEEP IN CONTACTFacebook /wiltshirecollegeTwitter @wiltscollInstagram WiltshireCollegeSnapchat WiltscollWebsite www.wiltshire.ac.uk

Contents 4 Information for Parents/Carers and Schools 5 Information for Students 6-7 Why Choose Wiltshire College? 8 Wiltshire College Choices 9 How to Apply 10 Student Life 11 Sports & Fitness 12-13 Student Support 14-15 Student FAQ 16-17 Parent/Carer FAQ 18-19 Schools FAQ 20-21 What Can I Study? 22-23 Sixth Form Partnerships

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/CARERS If your child chooses a course at Wiltshire College and has obtained approval* to attend, they will need to complete a simple application form. Once we have received this, they may be invited into college to attend an interview or information session for their chosen course. This guide aims to provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision about your child’s education opportunities, including details of the subject areas available, college expectations and the application process. *Schools and Local Authorities are required to submit a referral form confirming their approval for your child to attend a course at Wiltshire College before the student can start their study programme. If you need any more information, or have any questions, you can always email us on SchoolLiaison@wiltshire.ac.uk to talk to our 14-19 Schools Link Coordinator. INFORMATION FOR SCHOOLS We develop bespoke programmes for year 10 and 11 pupils, subject to minimum student numbers. Each 14-16 programme will run for the academic year, with fees set at the point of pupil admission. We can offer flexible programmes to your students. If you have curriculum requirements that you would like our assistance with, or would like to discuss further information about our School Links programme, please email us on SchoolLiaison@wiltshire.ac.uk to talk to our 14-19 Schools Link Coordinator.4

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTSFor students aged 14 to 16, choosing to come to Wiltshire Collegeis a big step, so you will need to know everything about becominga student in order to prepare.In this guide you will find information about the different typesof programmes that you can study, and what you can progressonto afterwards. You will also learn what is expected of youas a Wiltshire College student, from attendance to completingassignments and homework. 5

WHY CHOOSE WILTSHIRE COLLEGE? 1. We’re a GOOD college! In 2015 we were graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted. Inspectors commented that “students’ experiences of attending the four college sites are consistently high” and that “as a result of engaging lessons and good resources, students produce work of a high standard.” 2. Focused on you Our smaller class sizes mean that you get more 1-to-1 support and personal attention. 3. We’re not like school! At college you can call some tutors by their first name, there are no bells and you are treated more like an adult. 4. Professional facilities Our campuses are home to a wide range of facilities including hair and beauty salons, state of the art engineering, construction and motor vehicle workshops, student run restaurants, four working farms and a domestic and exotic animal centre! 5. Diverse curriculum We have the space, resources, workshops and tutors to offer a wide range of subjects which your school may not be able to provide. 6. Location Our campuses are easy to reach by bus or train. You could even walk to the Chippenham, Salisbury and Trowbridge campuses if you live locally. 7. Real life experience You will be learning in realistic working environments, from tutors who have worked in the industry. Our facilities are home to tools, equipment and materials that you will find in the workplace, giving you the chance to learn real skills that you need for your future career! 8. Progression If you enjoy your course, you can progress to the next level when you finish studying at 16. You could progress in the same subject or move onto something different, many of our courses even progress all the way to degree level! 9. Support You will have dedicated support from not only your tutors but the 14-16 team while you are a Wiltshire College student, who will liaise regularly with your school and home to keep up-to-date with your progress. 10. Ongoing investment At Wiltshire College we are always investing in our facilities, including a brand new £21 million campus in Chippenham, dedicated Construction Skills Centre in Trowbridge and ongoing developments at Lackham and Salisbury.6

WE ARE AN OFSTED GOOD COLLEGE!In 2015 we were rated by Ofsted as a GOOD college! Some of the key points notedby Ofsted include:• Students enthusiastically participate in learning and make rapid progress in improving their vocational skills.• Student’s confidence also rapidly improves and this enables them to tackle increasingly complex tasks, which are often above the minimum levels required for the qualification.• Students enjoy attending a college in which they feel safe and which successfully adapts its provision and services for learners in need of support or specific adjustments.• Students benefit from good pastoral support provided by a well-coordinated network of support staff including tutors, learning mentors and careers staff. Additional learning support for students with high levels of need, and for the majority of those with moderate learning disabilities, is very good.• Students develop good personal skills; they are able to identify how they need to improve, and reflect well during tutorials on the progress they have made in developing these skills.• Lecturers and trainers are highly qualified and plan and deliver lessons well to meet individual and group learning needs.• The management of safeguarding is excellent. Nominated safeguarding staff are very knowledgeable and experienced and have worked together for a long time, resulting in a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.• As a result of the engaging lessons and good resources, students produce work of a high standard.Read more from our Ofsted report at www.wiltshire.ac.uk/ofsted2015 7

WILTSHIRE COLLEGE CHOICES VOCATIONAL PROGRAMMES Our range of vocational programmes provides the opportunity to study one subject area during the year, giving you knowledge, skills and experience in a subject that you have chosen. You can find out which vocational programmes are available at Wiltshire College on pages 20 to 23. ACCESS TO FURTHER EDUCATION Sometimes the school environment doesn’t suit everybody, like a square peg being squeezed into a round hole. At Wiltshire College we offer a programme to help students work towards qualifications in Maths and English, either at GCSE or Functional Skills level, as well as developing their skills in areas such as employability, resilience, communication, behaviour and enterprising. Usually attended for either 3 days or 2 days each week, students will work with students from other schools to improve their knowledge and abilities in a range of areas including ICT, preparing for work and further education, building relationships with colleagues and much more. Group sizes are smaller than in school and the college provides a mature environment for students to make a fresh start, develop positive behaviours and attitudes, make new friends and sample college life ready for when they leave school. Students can attend just the Access to Further Education programme, or could combine it with an additional day in a vocational area within the college to suit their particular interests. All of the vocational options can be found in this booklet and will be discussed with you in more detail at point of application and interview.8

HOW TO APPLYStep 1: It’s good to talkSpeak to your school to make sure you are eligible to apply for a 14-16 course atWiltshire College. They will need to give their permission for you to attend college,as well as helping to complete the application form. You will also need to speak toyour parents or carers to make sure they are happy too.Step 2: Choose the right 14-16 courseNow you need to choose the right course for you. Talk to your school careers advisor,teachers, parents and us here at the college to find out more about the coursesavailable and decide which one you want to do.Step 3: ApplyOnce you have found a course that interests you, you will need to complete anapplication form. Speak to your school to obtain an application form, they and yourparents/carers will need to help complete it.Step 4: InterviewOnce we have received your application form you will be invited to come into thecollege to talk to our tutors. Don’t worry, it’s not a scary interview – we just want totalk to you about your reasons for choosing to come to college, your plans for thefuture and make sure the course you have chosen is right for you.Step 5: OfferIf your application and interview are successful, you will be offered a place to joinour 14-16 programme. We will let you know when you will be starting as well asany clothing or equipment you may need before you start.Step 6: StartYou will start the course and become an official Wiltshire College student. Welcometo Wiltshire College! 9

STUDENT LIFE Your experience at Wiltshire College is There is a Student Engagement Officer on about much more than your course. Part hand in the Student Life Hub to tell you of being a Wiltshire College student is what is going on, how to get involved having the opportunity to get involved in and information and advice on health a huge range of activities, events and and general welfare issues. trips to make your time at college fun Our campuses are also home to dedicated and enjoyable! Sports Development Officers who organise Each campus has its own Student Life Hub and run sports and activities for you to where you can chill out between lessons, take part in. You can speak to them and catch up with your mates, get involved in the Student Engagement Officers about the latest activities and fundraising events arranging any activities or clubs you might and meet new people. be interested in! There is also a refectory on each campus where you can grab lunch and snacks throughout the day, learning resource centres (LRCs) and libraries for extra study, free WiFi and gym access. Activities you could get involved in include: • Freshers Fair at the start of the year • Fundraising events • Trips and visits • Random Acts of Kindness Week • RAG week • Health and Wellbeing Week • Music Gigs • Carbon Roadshow • Campus Magazine • Weekly sports and activities • Gaming Society10

SPORTS AND FITNESSOn every campus there is an exciting range of sport and fitnessactivities to get involved in, giving you the chance to get active,meet new people, compete in a college team, become a sportsleader and have fun!Activities includeFootball, Basketball, Zumba, Yoga, Netball, Cricket,Dance, Hockey, Dodgeball, Self-Defence, Tennis,Badminton, Table Tennis, Rugby and much more! 11

STUDENT SUPPORT CAREERS Our careers advisors can support you in your journey through college and, help you make choices for your future. They provide advice to help you apply for courses once you leave school as well as helping you write CVs, prepare for interviews and provide careers advice. FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES If you receive free school meals at school, we will work with you to ensure that you have free lunches while you are at college too. PERSONAL TUTORS Your tutors will be able to help you if you are having difficulties whilst you are at college. We can help you talk through things here at college, with your parents and with your school. Whether you’re struggling with your course or just want to talk to someone, there is always somebody here who can help.12

ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORTOur additional Learning Support team will help you with:• Specific learning difficulty support such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia• AD(H)D, Dyspraxia, Autistic Spectrum Disorders or Asperger’s Syndrome Hearing or visual impairment or disability affecting your mobility• Mental health or emotional difficulties• Exam access arrangementsIf you think you may need additional support during your course, let us knowon your application form. You will have the opportunity to discuss your needsbefore you start.SAFEGUARDINGAt Wiltshire College we are committed to safeguardingthe welfare of all of our students. Our staff are on handto help if you have concerns about the safety of yourselfor others. Our Student Services & Tutorial Managers,Counsellors and Personal Tutors are available to supportyou if you have any problems or concerns. You can alsocontact us by email using safe@wiltshire.ac.uk.PPE AND UNIFORMWhile you are at college you will not need to wear school uniform.Some courses however will require you to wear personal protectiveequipment (PPE), such as steel toe capped boots or overalls. Forsome courses you may not be allowed to wear jewellery or mayneed to tie back long hair due to health and safety rules. Othercourses may require you to wear a specific uniform that is relevantto the industry, such as hairdressing, beauty therapy or animalcare. We will provide any PPE or uniform that you need andwill talk to you about the sizes you require before you start. If thecorrect PPE or uniform is not worn to your lesson, you may not beable to participate. Where a uniform or PPE is not required, youare still expected to wear appropriate clothing, e.g. no revealingclothing or offensive slogans. 13

STUDENT FAQ Do I have to attend an interview? Yes, everyone who applies for a place on a 14-16 course will need to come into college for a brief interview with one of the tutors. This is a friendly chat to find out more about you and why you want to do the course. It also gives you the chance to ask us any questions and find out more about the course. Do I need to wear a uniform while I am at college? You don’t have to wear school uniform while you are at college, however depending on your course you may need to wear specific clothing or protective items such as boots, wellies, overalls or gloves. You will be advised before you start if there is anything you need to bring or wear. Will I be with my friends from school? Most of our classes are mixed, so you may be with students from your school as well as other schools. Sometimes we run courses just for specific school groups, you will be told if this applies to your group. Will I still get free school lunches at college? Yes – we will provide you with free lunch if you are in college for the whole day. I have help in my lessons at school. Can I still have support at college? If you need extra help in lessons, we will arrange for someone to support you. Your school will let us know if you need any specific help on your application form, so please do speak to us to make sure we have all the information we need. What if I am unwell or can’t come into college? Your parent or carer should get in touch with us to let us know that you will not be in college. They can either ring on 01225 350035 or email us on schoolliaison@wiltshire.ac.uk Please let us know as early as possible if you are not going to be at college, and keep us updated if you are going to be away for more than one day.14

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PARENT/CARER FAQ HOW WILL MY CHILD BENEFIT FROM ATTENDING COLLEGE? Being at school doesn’t always suit everyone, sometimes the independence and atmosphere offered at college can make all the difference to a student’s motivation and achievements. Class sizes at Wiltshire College are small, usually between 10 and 18 students, meaning that each student receives more personal help and attention. All our staff have relevant industry experience so they can bring their experience, knowledge and skills into the classroom. Spending time at Wiltshire College enables students to get first-hand experience of college life making it less daunting when they leave school at 16. WILL I RECEIVE REPORTS? Wiltshire College students receive 3 progress reports during the year, detailing achievements, attendance and progression towards their targets. The report is delivered to the school or organisation for onward distribution. We will work closely with school to monitor your child’s progress and make every effort to ensure that you are kept informed of your child’s progress at college. HOW DO YOU MONITOR ATTENDANCE? Registers are taken at the start of each class and the school will be notified of anyone that is absent within an hour of the class starting. If your child becomes unwell while at college, someone will contact you to discuss the situation.16

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO SUPPORT MYCHILD’S APPLICATION?If your child chooses to attend college it is important that you complete andsign the consent of parent/carer and medical questionnaire sections of theapplication form. No student will be allowed to start their course without yourconsent. Once fully completed, the application form should be returned toschool to be forwarded to college. If the student is home taught you can returnthe form directly to the college.WHAT SUPPORT WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE?Whilst we feel that giving students the freedom to be individuals isvery important, we do offer a full range of support facilities to eachand every one of our students. These range from personal tutors, acareers advice service and trained welfare officers and counsellorsthrough to learning support teams. In addition, there are a wide rangeof activities that take place throughout the year, all designed to helpstudents settle into and enjoy college life.CAN WE VISIT THE COLLEGE TO HAVEA LOOK AROUND FOR OURSELVES?You and your child will be able to visit the campus if youwould like to have a look around prior to starting a course.Your child may also be able to attend an experience ortaster day, depending which time of year you apply. To findout more, email the 14-16 team onschoolliaison@wiltshire.ac.uk 17

SCHOOLS FAQ HOW WILL OUR PUPILS BENEFIT FROM ATTENDING WILTSHIRE COLLEGE? Here at Wiltshire College we have the resources and workshops to offer some subject areas that your school may not be able to provide. This gives your pupils the opportunity to choose from a wide range of vocational subjects to suit their ambitions. Sometimes, the school environment doesn’t suit everyone. For some young people, the college environment and atmosphere can make a big difference to their motivation and behaviour. The opportunity to study at college can give pupils first-hand experience of life at college, making it less daunting when they come to leave school at 16. WHAT WILL THEY BE DOING DURING THEIR TIME AT COLLEGE? Each course is made up of practical lessons carried out in our on-site, realistic working environments, as well as classroom based theory lessons. This means that they spend less time sat behind a desk and more time carrying out practical work to put their knowledge into practice. The courses on offer give students real experience in a range of different careers, giving them not only focus but also aspirations and knowledge for the future.18

HOW IS COLLEGE DIFFERENT TO SCHOOL? The teaching groups are small, with between 10 and 18 students in each class. This means that your pupils will receive more personal help, support and attention. In addition, all of our teachers have experience in their relevant industry, meaning that they can bring real industry experience, knowledge and skills into the classroom.WHAT CAN WE DO TO SUPPORTOUR PUPILS’ APPLICATION?You can obtain an application form from the college,this will have sections which will need to be completedby the student, the parent or guardian, and also by theschool. We ask that you provide full disclosure of anystudent applying for a course, including any additionallearning needs or medical conditions, sending any copiesof paperwork to the college to ensure that we can supportthe student fully.Please note that courses are dependent on minimumnumbers of students to run. CAN THEY ATTEND AN EVENT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLLEGE? Please encourage your pupils to visit our open events and experience days to get a taste for college life, meet the tutors and have the opportunity to ask any questions. The details of the open events are found on the Wiltshire College website - www.wiltshire.ac.uk 19

WHAT CAN I STUDY? Chippenham • Access to Further Education • Construction Trades Our brand new Chippenham campus, • Creative Media which opened in September 2015, • Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy is home to industry standard facilities • Health and Social Care/Childcare including professional hairdressing and • Maths, English and ICT beauty salons, ICT suites, workshops • Vehicle Maintenance and studios. Lackham • Access to Further Education • Agriculture Lackham is our landbased campus, home • Animal Care to four working farms, a countryside • Environmental Conservation estate including woodlands and rivers • Maths, English and ICT and specialist agricultural engineering • Public Services workshops. Lackham is where you will • Sport found our dedicated Animal Resource Centre, which is home to a wide range of domestic and exotic animals such as meerkats, lemurs, snakes and rabbits, a Blue Cross cat rehoming centre and dog grooming parlour.20

Trowbridge • Access to Further Education • CateringThe Trowbridge campus is a large, friendly • Construction Tradeslearning environment, with professional hair • Hairdressing and Beauty Therapyand beauty salons, student run restaurant, • Health and Social Care/Childcarededicated Motorvehicle workshops • ICTand much more. In 2014 a brand new • Maths, English and ICTConstruction Skills Centre opened for all • Vehicle Maintenanceconstruction and trade subject areas.Salisbury • Access to Further Education • CateringSalisbury is our large, city centre • Engineeringcampus, which features a wide variety • Hairdressing and Beauty Therapyof practical courses and facilities. • Health and Social Care ChildcareThere are professional hair and beauty • Maths, English and ICTsalons, student run restaurant, dedicated • Vehicle Maintenanceconstruction and motor vehicle workshops,ICT suites and studios. 21

SIXTH FORM PARTNERSHIPS Here at Wiltshire College we offer a number of post-16 Sixth Form Partnership courses, which you can complete alongside your A Level studies. The Subsidiary Diplomas are usually completed over 2 years, giving you one A Level in a vocational area. This will count not only towards your A Levels but also your UCAS points to help you progress onto university level study. BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Law This is an exciting new course offered the units of Unlawful Homicide and Police by Wiltshire College, developed by the Powers, Aspects of Property Offences and successful Criminal Justice and Business Police Powers and Contract Law. teams. It will be of interest to those who The course will be delivered by experienced wish to pursue a career in business or the staff and enriched with a variety of legal sector. opportunities to see the law in practice. Year 1 includes the units Dispute Solving in the Legal System, Understanding Law Making and Aspects of Legal Liability. Year 2 will develop this knowledge and includes BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Public Services This is an exciting new offer based around Institutions & Human Rights; Command the outstanding provision within Public & Control in the Uniformed Public Services at Wiltshire College. If you want Services; Police Powers in the Public a career with the police, fire or armed Services; Land Navigation; and Outdoor forces or other uniformed services, this & Adventurous Activities (subject to could be the course for you. awarding body requirements). Year 1 includes modules in Government, All units are delivered by a dynamic and Policies & the Public Services; Leadership inspiring team of staff who have excelled & Teamwork; as well as Citizenship & in their chosen backgrounds within both Diversity. Following successful completion, the business and legal fields, as well as you will progress to Year 2 which could within the Uniformed Public Services. include some of the following: International22

BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in EngineeringThis is a great introduction to both to Year 2 which could include: Electricalmechanical and electrical/electronic & Electronic Principles; Selecting & Usingengineering. This would enhance your Programmable Controllers; and Principles &knowledge and opportunities to study Applications of Electronic Devices & Circuitsengineering at a higher level. (subject to awarding body requirements).Year 1 includes Health &Safety in the You will benefit from the experienced staffEngineering Workplace; Mathematics for and the opportunity to develop practicalEngineering Technicians; and Mechanical skills in our new engineering workshops.Principles & Applications. Followingsuccessful completion, you will progressBTEC Level 3 Subsidiar y Diploma in Vehicle Technology (Motorsport)This new course provides an exciting Systems; Vehicle Suspension; Steering &introduction to motorsport engineering Braking Systems; and Motorsport Logistics.and could be your first step to a career in All units are delivered by experienced staffthe industry. who have worked in the Engineering andYear 1 includes Vehicle Chassis Systems; Motorsport industries.Motorsport Workshop Practices; Entry Requirements: 4 GCSE (A*-C)and Motorsport Vehicle Preparation. including Maths and English. Engineering/Successful completion will allow you to Motorsport Engineering requires Maths at theprogress to Year 2 which could include higher tier level.Engine Principles; Vehicle ElectricalTo find out more, speak to our 14-19 Schools Link Coordinator onschoolliaison@wiltshire.ac.uk 23

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