20
This guide is designed to answer some of the frequently asked
questions by parents of students who join The Sixth Form College,
Birkenhead. We hope you find it useful in supporting your son or
daughter through their sixth form studies.
Introduction p.1
A welcome from the Principal
Key facts p.2
Senior Management Team and important dates
College Information p.3
Everything you need to know
Learner Services Team
Subject reviews
New Parents’ Evening
Parents’ Evenings
Parent Portal
Absence
Emergency closure of the College
Student Timetables
Study Hall
Transport
Safety and First Aid
Additional financial commitment and College Fund
Studying and Courses p.8
Helping our students achieve their full potential
Course Choices
Time Commitment
Homework
Coursework
Examinations
What to do if your son/daughter
has made the wrong course choices
Moving from Year 1 to Year 2
Study Resources
Supporting our students p.11
A guide to the support you can expect at College
Student Financial Support
Support for your son/daughter if they have
additional learning support needs
What to do if your son/daughter wishes to leave
Advice, Guidance and Counselling
Safeguarding Young People and Confidentiality
College code p.13
Important aspects of the College experience
College ID
Code of Behaviour
Poor Behaviour and Misconduct
Suspension and Exclusion
Equal Opportunities
Complaints and Appeals
Introduction
I hope that you find this Essential Information Guide helpful. You will find a range of
information about some important matters, including student attendance, travel, College
policies and health and welfare matters.
The Sixth Form College is a very welcoming, supportive and friendly place in which to study. Students
achieve outstanding results. This is due to the fact that we have high expectations of all students and
staff and is also a result of the dedication and care shown by all staff at the College.
We have also included guidance for students regarding what is expected of them in terms of their
studies and general behaviour. In our ‘Core Requirements’ document, we have also outlined the high
standards that we set to ensure that students can achieve their full potential and receive the best
support. We are committed to providing an environment that helps students to make a smooth and
confident transition to university, further training and a future career.
We value the best possible partnership between College, students and parents/carers. Communication
with parents/carers is very important to us. We maintain regular contact via email and you will be
asked to provide an email address as part of your son / daughter’s enrolment documentation. Please
visit our website www.bsfc.ac.uk for the latest College news and information and please do not
hesitate to contact any member of my staff at any time, they will be happy to help.
Kathryn Podmore
Principal
1
*The term ‘parent’ has been used in this guide to represent a number of roles that may include guardians and other members of family or
community with parental responsibility for a child or ward.
We have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this Guide is accurate at the time of printing. The College reserves the
Right to make changes and cannot accept liability arising out of, or in connection with any revision.
Key facts
Principal Kathryn Podmore
Deputy Principal Mike Kilbride
Assistant Principal Kate Rigby
Director of Finance Karen Wiggins
Term Dates 2015/16
Autumn Term 2015
Open (staff start): Wednesday 19th August
Enrolment Monday 24th / Tuesday 25th / Wednesday 26th August
Ethos Sessions Tuesday 1st September
Lessons Start Wednesday 2nd September
Close: Friday 18th December
Half-Term: Monday 26th – Friday 30th October
Christmas Break: Monday 21st December – Friday 1st January
Spring Term 2016
Open: Monday 4th January
Close: Friday 1st April
Half-Term: Monday 15th – Friday 19th February
Spring Break: Monday 4th April – Friday 15th April
Easter Bank Holidays: Friday 25th March & Monday 28th March
Summer Term 2016
Open: Monday 18th April
Close: Thursday 11th July
Half-Term: Monday 30th May - Friday 3rd June
2
College Information
Learner Services Team
Our experienced team of Personal and Guidance Tutors and Managers are dedicated to supporting our
students in achieving their full potential. Our Learner Services team consists of:
Personal and Guidance Tutors
All students are placed in a tutor group. Personal and Guidance Tutors are an important first point of
contact with parents, and are happy to discuss any concerns you may have about your son or daughter’s
academic progress or general welfare.
Your son or daughter will know who their tutor is from the first day of teaching in September. It is best to
make contact in the first instance by email (tutor’s initials plus the standard College suffix eg.
[email protected]) and messages can also be left at the College reception (0151 652 5575).
The tutor plays a key role in the organisation of the College. Tutors meet with students weekly in tutor
groups and may also arrange to meet with students on other occasions, where required.
Head of Learner Services
John Doherty is the Head of Learner Services and tutors may refer questions or issues to him regarding
their students.
This will usually happen if the issues remain unsolved, or are of a serious nature. We will communicate
these issues with parents/carers when this is needed.
John also coordinates Careers provision in the College. If you or your son/daughter has any queries
regarding careers, please contact John at [email protected].
Deputy Principal
Mike Kilbride, Deputy Principal, oversees the work of the Learner Services team. He is responsible for
dealing with the most serious breaches of student discipline and he has the authority to exclude students
from the College.
We maintain regular communication with parents, and if necessary we will speak to you directly
regarding your son or daughter’s progress.
In addition, there are a number of ways we involve parents in monitoring the progress of students:
Subject reviews
Academic staff will complete Subject Reviews during the year. Subject Reviews contain information
about how well students are progressing including performance, effort, conduct and attendance. The
subject reviews are available through the Parents Portal (see Parent Portal section). For parents without
internet access we can provide a paper copy on request.
Tutors will meet with their tutees at the end of each Review period and discuss areas for development.
3
New Parents’ Evening
The New Parents’ Evening gives parents the opportunity to meet their son/daughter’s Personal and
Guidance Tutor, learn more about The Sixth Form College, the courses, and also ask any questions that
they may have at the start of the year.
The evening will be held in September and details will be confirmed after your son/daughter has
enrolled.
Parents’ Evenings
We hold regular Parents’ Evenings to provide an opportunity for consultation between parents, staff and
students. We recommend that you attend with your son/daughter to get the most from this vital
contact time.
Students make their own timetable of appointments with their subject teachers and tutors. We will
send a letter of invitation prior to each event.
First Year Parents’ Evenings take place in late January / early February. Second Year Parents’ Evening is
held in late November.
Parent Portal
It is important for parents to support teachers and tutors in monitoring their son or daughter’s progress
at the College. To help you do this, we have created the Parent Portal, which is an online tool that gives
you direct access to your son/daughter’s up-to-date attendance and progress data.
Access details to the Portal are provided to parents/carers who are named on the student enrolment
form and who have provided a personal email address. Account details, including username and
password will be distributed at the New Parents’ Evening in September.
Absence
Student attendance
We expect our students to be present at all lessons to ensure they don’t miss crucial contact time with
their teachers or tutors.
We ask parents to support us with this, for example by scheduling personal appointments and activities
outside of College time for example dental check-ups or regular commitments such as driving lessons.
We record attendance at each lesson and this is uploaded onto the student’s online record, which you
will have access to via the Parents Portal.
Two Attendance Officers work closely with students and parents to manage attendance.
4
Reporting absence through illness
If your son/daughter is too ill to attend College, we need to be informed as soon as possible, so that the
absence doesn’t go down as unauthorised on their record.
If the absence is over more than one day, please also notify the College on each day or indicate a likely
date of return. You can call 0151 652 5575 or email [email protected].
Students who become ill at College are asked to report to the Attendance Office. If they are too unwell
to travel home alone, you will be called and asked to make arrangements to collect your son/daughter
from the College. Please note parents must still authorise student absence in the ways outlined above.
We take attendance seriously and expect students to maintain a minimum 95% attendance at the
College. The College will follow up every absence during September and students who don’t meet our
high standards can expect to be subject to additional targets which need to be met in order to maintain
their place. Attendance is then monitored on an on-going basis by both subject staff and personal
tutors.
Attendance is linked to academic performance and we value your support in our efforts to maintain high
attendance. We link bursary payments to attendance and minimum standards must be met to be
entered into exams.
Holidays
We ask that all holidays are taken outside of term-time as any absence from College can have a
detrimental effect on students’ studies.
If you need to take your son/daughter out of College during term time you must write to The Principal
with details requesting leave (two weeks is the minimum acceptable period of notice). A form will then
be issued that will make clear any work that may be missed and which will need to be completed
together with agreed deadlines.
End of Term
It is important to recognise that students enrolled onto a two year programme do not finish College after
they have sat their summer exams at the end of the first year but at the end of the academic year.
Important work is undertaken in the last weeks of term which must not be missed. Failure to attend
may prevent your son/daughter from continuing into the second year of study in that subject, and in
some cases with their entire programme of study.
Under no circumstances should students be allowed to arrange holidays on their own, with friends or
family members other than parents during this time. Students who do this will be regarded as having
withdrawn themselves from their courses.
Absence for other reasons
Absence for other reasons will be considered appropriately by the College, particularly with regards to
bereavement, work experience or higher education visits. We ask, where possible to keep the College
notified of such occurrence.
5
Emergency closure of the College
The College has an excellent record for staying open. However, very occasionally the College site has
had to be closed for an unforeseen emergency, such as severe weather conditions.
On such occasions the College Senior Management Team will make every effort to inform students and
parents using a range of methods, including the College website, social media, text messages, email
and announcements on the local radio stations. We will make every effort to get messages out as
early as possible to avoid students having to begin their journey.
Student timetables
All students are full-time students and are expected to be engaged in independent study and learning
in the times between lessons, tutorials and support sessions.
Classes are held between
o 9.00am and 4.15pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
o 9.30am and 3.00pm on Wednesday
o 9.00am and 2.30pm on Friday
Please ask your son/daughter to provide you with a copy of their timetable or download a copy from
the Parents’ Portal. Knowledge of the times of your son/daughter’s lessons, tutorial and other
commitments is essential to enable parents to support students in their studies.
If you are having difficulty obtaining a timetable from your son/daughter then please contact the
College and we will ensure that you receive a copy.
Study Hall
Staff can set additional tasks for students to either catch up work after an absence or to re-do work
that is below expected standards. These commitments will appear on a student’s timetable so please
check this regularly for any extra sessions.
Transport
Full details of the various transport options are available on the College website at www.bsfc.ac.uk.
You will also find links to timetables and a personalised route planner.
Buses
Students who live more than three miles from the College by the shortest walking route may apply for
a bus pass subsidised by the College. Application forms are available from Reception.
The College operates a FREE shuttle bus service from Hamilton Square and Birkenhead Park and
students are required to show their college ID when boarding the bus.
6
Subsidised College bus services are available from West Wirral (Heswall/Pensby/Irby) and South Wirral
(Eastham/Bromborough/Bebington) areas. Termly or annual bus passes can be purchased from the
Learner Services Office and these must be shown when boarding the bus. New students are allowed to
show their College ID for the first week of travel at the start of the year after which they will need to show
a College bus pass.
Cars and motorcycles
There is no parking for cars on the College site for students and we would ask that those who do drive to
College exercise due care and courtesy in their parking in the College neighbourhood. Students can park
motorcycles in the designated areas, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Bicycles
The College has a cycle rack and recommends the use of secure 'D' or shackle locks to maximise security.
Safety and First Aid
College is a safe and secure learning environment. In the unlikely event that students have an accident
(or a near miss), they should report it to the member of staff in charge or to the Main Reception. If neces-
sary a First Aider will be contacted. Students who are feeling unwell should seek assistance from the Main
Reception or Learner Services Office. A First Aider will be called to attend to them if necessary.
Additional financial commitment and College Fund
On joining the College all students are asked to contribute a one-off payment of £5 to cover their ID /
Learning Card and College lanyard. Students or parents who experience difficulty paying College Fund
should speak to the Learner Services Office who will be happy to provide further advice and guidance.
7
Studying and courses
The course choices at The Sixth Form College have been arranged to make it as easy as possible for
your son/daughter to choose a study path that suits their strengths and career aspirations.
Course Choices
First year students are usually expected to choose subjects in a minimum of four timetable blocks.
Enrichment opportunities and tutorial will take place as part of a fifth block. This allows directed
study time which is a vital part of the overall study programme. Second year students are expected
to follow courses in at least three blocks.
Please note that students will not be permitted to drop below the minimum timetable commitment
unless there are very strong reasons for doing so, for example health issues that are supported by
medical evidence. As a result, failure to attend the full programme of study from the beginning to
the end of the academic year may lead to removal of your son/daughter from their entire
programme of study.
All students are expected to follow the programme of study explained above, to attend their lessons
punctually and to complete homework assignments as required. This is seen as part of a contract
between the College and its students and parents. Students and parents are asked to sign that they
agree to abide by the College Core Requirements at enrolment.
We make a commitment to our students to give them the best possible opportunities for future
success. We ask that our students give us their commitment when they enrol on a course at The
Sixth Form College.
Time commitment
Most student programmes of study will include a proportion of directed study time. Students may
choose to spend this time out of College but members of staff have the right to insist they remain on
the premises to complete work or attend extra support. From time to time organised tutorial
activities may be arranged in their personal and guidance tutor sessions.
Please note, permission to take part-time jobs during the daytime will not be given.
Homework
Homework will be set for all subjects with the quantity and frequency varying depending on the
subject area and time of the year. The amount of homework is likely to be greater in the second
year of a course. On average, this would equate to up to five hours per week for each subject.
Students are expected to study in their own time. Other activities such as part-time jobs, clubs and
leisure pursuits must fit around this primary commitment.
Excessive involvement in part-time jobs and other activities can be counter-productive both in the
short-term and for career prospects. The College strongly recommends that students should not
undertake more than 10 hours of paid employment per week during term time. We ask parents to
support the College in this
8
Coursework
Many subjects involve coursework or projects, and students will receive detailed advice from subject
teachers as to what is required of them, and when. It must however be recognised that students who
do not complete coursework to pass standard or do not complete it within the deadline may not be
entered for other examinations in the same subject and may be withdrawn from the course.
If you have any questions or concerns about the amount of private study work included as part of a
course, please feel free to speak to a member of staff at the College, or when attending our New
Parents’ Evening.
A student who uses their directed study time correctly should experience few (if any) difficulties in
keeping up-to-date with coursework.
Examinations
The College will automatically enter and pay for students’ examinations in all of their subjects,
providing they fulfil certain obligations such as attending lessons, completing work and submitting
coursework on time.
If students do not fulfil these conditions then they may be expected to pay their own fee if they wish
to take the examination at College. If any examination is a “re-take” of one taken previously students
will also be asked to pay the fee unless the whole class is preparing for entry to that examination at
the same time.
Students will be notified in advance of all examination dates and a copy of your son/daughter’s
examination timetable will also be available on the Parent Portal.
If students have any problems or questions concerning their examinations, they can speak to the
Examinations Office, who will be happy to provide expert, confidential advice.
What to do if your son or daughter feels they have made the wrong course choices
We dedicate a lot of time and effort to ensuring that we advise students correctly on which of our
wide range of courses is right for them. We will endeavour to get this right in the first place as far as
possible, because changes to student courses after September are generally not desirable as they
often require considerable catching up on missed work.
However, we understand that sometimes students can feel they have made the wrong choice, so we
have processes in place to manage this.
The first stage should be for the student to discuss the reason for wanting change with their current
subject teacher. If the difficulty remains following this, they should discuss the matter with their
Personal and Guidance Tutor who may refer them to the Head of Leaner Services. At this point, we
will consider whether a change is in the best interests of the student.
If the proposed course change is agreed, students will be asked to complete a form to be signed by
the teachers concerned. A student who fails to attend a subject prior to any change of course being
agreed by all parties at the College is likely to be asked to leave the College.
9
Under current funding constraints it is highly unlikely that we will be able to offer students
opportunities to re-sit their first year so it is very important that students focus and work hard as
this may be their only opportunity to study AS Levels.
If you would like to discuss your son/daughter’s needs directly with the College, you can call us
(0151 652 5575), or speak to us at the New Parents’ Evening. We will be happy to provide support
and guidance to ensure all of our students are on the right path for their higher education and career
aspirations
Moving from Year 1 to Year 2
For students enrolled on a two-year course, progression into the second year will be dependent on their
achievement, attendance and behaviour. It will not be automatic. In the Spring term, department staff
are asked to identify students who are at serious risk of not progressing and these students will be set
targets that must be met.
Students who do not meet specified targets may not be allowed to progress to the second year of
their course. If this applies to your son or daughter a letter will be sent to the mailing address we
have been supplied with regarding the matter.
Level 2 students who wish to apply for a level 3 course should consult their Personal and Guidance Tutor
for advice and guidance. Please note, progression is not automatic and they will be invited for a
formal interview. Students will need to meet the entry requirements set for them.
The College has excellent progression rates from Year 1 to Year 2 and from pre-advanced to advanced
level in part due to the processes described above and we appreciate all the support given by parents in
these matters.
Study resources
We have invested heavily in resources to help prepare our students for future success. The College has
modern facilities tailored for sixth form study and is continuing to invest and develop student resources.
We have created an environment which is both conducive to work and friendly and welcoming to help
put our students at ease during their studies.
The Hub
The Hub is an excellent place for students to work and spend their private study time. The facility is
open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and until 3.00pm on Fridays (extended opening hours
are available during the examination period).
As well as access to computers, The Hub offers free wi-fi for quiet study, internet research and project
work.
We ask students to respect the Hub as an area for learning and to follow instructions from staff should
they be working in a way that distracts or hinders the learning of others.
10
11
Supporting our students
Student Financial Support
There are four types of financial support available to students in 2015-16:
1. Guaranteed Bursary of £1,200 for students in the most need
2. Income-assessed Bursary for students who meet the Income Assessed Bursary Criteria
3. Hardship Fund an emergency fund for students who experience short-term financial hardship who
are struggling to meet costs associated with College.
4. Childcare Support Bursary for students eligible for childcare support payments and aged 19+
Any student experiencing financial hardship is entitled to apply for financial support, however there
will be an assessment undertaken to ensure that support is provided to those most in need.
The College will ensure that financial support is implemented in the fairest possible way to the
maximum possible benefit of students who need financial support in order to succeed in their
studies.
For more information, please refer to the Bursary scheme information on the College website
(www.bsfc.ac.uk) or contact a member of the Learner Services team on 0151 652 5575.
Support for your son/daughter if they have additional learning support needs
The College has a team of dedicated Learning Support staff, including Dyslexia specialists, who can
provide support, advice and guidance for students with a wide range of learning difficulties.
Tailored support can include:
• Support from a Learning Support Assistant inside or outside of the classroom to help with
organisation, research, assignments or private study.
• Dyslexia support
• Group support or discrete support in the classroom
• Note takers or readers
• Special examination considerations such as rest breaks, psychological support, extra time,
readers, scribe or separate exam conditions.
• Technical support including the loan of equipment such as laptops
If you would like to discuss additional support for your son/daughter, please contact Sharon Kieran,
Learning Support Manager.
What to do if your son/daughter wishes to leave
If your son/daughter wishes to leave College before the end of their study programme they should
discuss their concerns with their Personal and Guidance Tutor as soon as possible. The tutor may be
able to offer some helpful advice including recommending a meeting with a careers specialist, which
would enable them to remain at the College, or alternatively assist them with a different career path.
However, if the decision is final it will be necessary for them to complete the formal leaving
procedures with their Personal and Guidance Tutor.
Advice, Guidance and Counselling
Students benefit from a range of sources of advice and support. Tutors and subject staff are well
placed to be able to offer advice on a wide range of academic issues.
Specialist advice is also available for students from Learner Services. The College also offers a
‘Listening Service’ for students.
The College’s Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle) has a wide range of resources that cover many
areas of interest for young people such as health and well-being, careers and higher education.
Safeguarding Young People and Confidentiality
The care and well-being of all young people who study at the College, is of paramount importance.
The College takes seriously its legal responsibility with regard to The Children Act 2004. Each
member of the College community has an individual responsibility for health and safety. There are
trained First Aiders on site and access to a First Aid room and defibrillator at all times.
Please note that College staff cannot offer absolute confidentiality to students. There are clear
situations when it is essential that staff share information with external agencies such as social
services or the Police, for instance when there is suspicion or evidence that a student (or other
vulnerable person) is in danger of being harmed or abused.
Please contact Kate Rigby, Assistant Principal, who is responsible for safeguarding issues, if you
have any suspicions that a student is in danger of harm or if you are worried at all about the
well-being of your son/daughter. Any students who are now, or ever have been, in care or students
who are living independently should speak to their personal tutor who will offer practical support
and advice. There may also be additional financial support for students in this situation.
12
13
College code
We have a duty to all our students to provide an environment which is safe and conducive to learning.
We operate a positive culture, with students and parents encouraged to contact the College if they
have any concerns.
College ID
All students are required to wear their College ID badge and lanyard at all times whilst on College
premises.
Code of Behaviour
The College expects that all students exercise common sense and consideration for others, at all times.
Dress should be functional and suitable for a working environment. Clothing or accessories that are
distracting, offensive or that prevent effective communication are not acceptable.
Smoking (cigarettes or e-cigarettes) is not permitted except for in the Smokers area. To help maintain
good relationships with our neighbours students are asked not to smoke anywhere along Park Road West
or directly outside any of the College gates which must be kept clear at all times for vehicular access.
Mobile phones must be used with consideration around the College site. Students must switch off mobile
phones during lessons and whenever in a situation of formal contact with teachers.
Use of computers is bound by the College’s Acceptable Use Policy. Details of this will be made clear to
students at the start of term.
Alcohol must not be brought onto the premises and should not be consumed by students during the
College day.
Poor behaviour and misconduct
The ethos of the College encourages a positive approach to study and learning and an environment
in which students can settle contentedly and enjoy their work and leisure activities. A set of Core
Requirements for behaviour will be outlined and enforced by all teachers.
Behaviour which detracts from these aims and the standards achieved is actively discouraged and will
be regarded as misconduct in certain circumstances. Naturally the approach to problems of attendance
and academic work is different from that to unacceptable behaviour.
Suspension and Exclusion
Where sanctions have been imposed, such as being placed 'on report' or 'on contract', or receiving a
Reflective Break fail to produce an improvement in attendance or work effort, or if a student is guilty
of gross misconduct, then suspension or permanent exclusion from the College may follow.
It is not possible or desirable to try to identify all types of gross misconduct but students should be aware
that physical aggression or violence of any kind, deliberate damage to property, theft, substance abuse,
misrepresentation, abusive and threatening behaviour, or misuse of social media e.g. cyber-bullying will
not be tolerated.
The Governing Body of the College approve rules with respect to the conduct of students including
procedures for suspension and expulsion. A copy of this document can be obtained from the Learner
Services Office.
Equal Opportunities
The College celebrates and promotes diversity and equal opportunities for all. We aim to create an
environment where students, staff and visitors are treated fairly, irrespective of race, ethnic origin,
nationality, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
We work to ensure a tolerant environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued as an individual
and that their opinions, views and diversity are encouraged. The College believes that everyone has the
right to be treated with respect and does not tolerate bullying or harassment in any form. Please speak
to any member of staff to report suspected instances of harassment or contact Kate Rigby, Assistant
Principal. All allegations of bullying will be investigated sensitively and appropriate action will be
taken.
14
If students fail to attend lessons or produce work that is set they may be subject to a range of sanctions
that provide closer supervision and endeavour to get students up-to-date. Students may be required to
leave College if no improvement is made after these interventions.
The College will inform parents when the cumulative effect of minor misdemeanours is detrimental to a
student’s studies. In the case of more serious issues or in the event of formal sanctions being applied you
can also expect to be contacted directly.
Complaints and Appeals
The College takes a serious view of the quality of its work and the explanation and presentation of its
policies to students, parents and other members of the community. There are regular monitoring
procedures and improvement in all matters is sought earnestly.
15
We want your son/daughter to be very happy at The Sixth Form College and it is a very pleasant and
friendly environment in which to learn. However, if you have reason to make a complaint against the
College and the service we provide then please raise the concern with the Head of Department of the
area concerned as soon as possible. The member of staff dealing with a complaint will make every
reasonable effort to resolve the complaint promptly.
If the complaint cannot be resolved, a formal complaint, in writing, should be made to Mike Kilbride,
Deputy Principal.
A full explanation of complaint procedures will be available to you on request at the Main Reception
Contact us
Telephone: 0151 652 5575
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.bsfc.ac.uk
www.facebook.com/birkenheadsixthformcollege
twitter.com/bsfc
Write/Visit: Park Road West, Claughton, Wirral, CH43 8SQ
