Programme of Study (for full time students)

Level 3

The college timetable consists of 7 blocks. Students fill three of these blocks with subject delivery, either taking three different subjects or a double BTEC course alongside an A-Level or single BTEC. T-Level courses will have a different course structure to incorporate work placements and a chosen course will take up an entire programme. Students will have one tutor period a week, other periods within that block may be used for tutorial 1-2-1’s, Head of House intervention sessions or college wide pastoral talks. One block will be dedicated to enrichment activities and structured planned study time, with the two remaining blocks free for students to manage for independent study, socialising on campus or meeting personal needs outside of college.

Selection of Study Programme

Students select their programme of study following a series of opportunities for specialised advice and guidance as follows:

Students have multiple opportunities to decide on the right programmes for them with tailored advice based on our entry requirements and years of specialist Sixth Form experience to guide on a programme that is most likely to ensure success

Enrichment and Well-being support

During enrolment, students will select enrichment from a wide range of activities. The purpose of enrichment is to provide extended learning opportunities – it gives students the opportunity to study concepts with greater depth, breadth and complexity, alternatively, it may help students to pursue their own areas of interest and strengths or allow students to learn new skills in something they’ve not tried before.

Students also have access to a wide range of well-being support through drop-in sessions and a wide range of short courses designed to build self-help strategies. Students will be able to select these at enrolment or can access support in-term by speaking to a member of the student services team.

Changing Programme:

Students are not expected to change their programme once started. In some instances, a small number of students may request a change of course within the first 6 weeks of study, beyond that 6-week cut off, students will be committed to studying their full programme for the 2-year duration of their courses.

Autumn Term Start – Oct Half Term – Students can seek guidance from their Head of House before speaking to prospective Heads of Department about possible course changes. Key questions to answer would be:

·         For the course you are intending to drop, why did you initially want to do it and what has changed?

·         What will be different about the new subject?

·         Do you meet the entry requirements for that course?

·         Have you researched the new subject, looked at subject material and resources?

·         Is there space on that course?

Oct Half Term – onwards – Students are now committed to the courses they have chosen. There will be occasions where motivation and achievement may waiver, but this is really normal, Level 3 study is challenging and students on signing their learning agreement accept that a dedication to their studies is required. A whole range of pastoral and subject related support is on hand as and when students need it.

Extenuating Circumstances – In very extreme cases, students may have significant extenuating circumstances that may require a reduced programme. This will involve careful discussions with pastoral staff exploring a student’s fitness to study, alternative options such as taking a break in education and considering the help and support available. Extenuating circumstances where this may be considered include:

·         Sudden and unexpected event – E.g.: medical emergency, family crisis or bereavement of someone close to you.

·         Emerging and severe medical conditions – E.g.:  suffering new and significant health problem which affect your ability to learn and/or take assessment.

·         Escalating care responsibilities – E.g.: pregnancy related leave required or increase of caring responsibilities of a sibling, parent or an elderly relative.

What if things aren’t going to plan?

If a student is finding a particular course challenging, they should consider speaking to the following people:

Foundation

The college timetable consists of 7 blocks. Foundation students fill three of these blocks with subject delivery, one block dedicated to a specific subject related course, one block for the tailored development of study skills in preparation for Level 3 study (Studentship) and a further block for GCSE re-takes. Students will have one tutor period a week, other periods within that block may be used for tutorial 1-2-1’s, Head of House intervention sessions or college wide pastoral talks. One block will be dedicated to enrichment activities and structured planned study time, with the two remaining blocks free for students to manage for independent study, socialising on campus or meeting personal needs outside of college.

Selection of Study Programme

For Foundation students, it’s likely that their original plan for Level 3 study has been halted due to GSCE scores. Therefore, careful consideration of the next step and the creation of a new plan is needed. Students can take a Foundation year, with a view to progressing onto Level 3 providing they meet the application criteria. Choices of transition courses should be made with progression in mind.

Enrichment and Well-being support

During enrolment, students will select enrichment from a wide range of activities. The purpose of enrichment is to provide extended learning opportunities – it gives students the opportunity to study concepts with greater depth, breadth and complexity, alternatively, it may help students to pursue their own areas of interest and strengths or allow students to learn new skills in something they’ve not tried before.

Students also have access to a wide range of well-being support through drop-in sessions and a wide range of short courses designed to build self-help strategies. Students will be able to select these at enrolment or can access support in-term by speaking to a member of the student services team.

Progression to Level 3

After February Half Term, Foundation students meet with their tutors for progression interviews and are given advice and guidance on their next steps. Students who wish to return to Collyer’s on a Level 3 programme will need to meet the following criteria:

·         On target to achieve a Merit in their BTEC level 2 or C Grade (NCFE Child Development)

·         On target to pass GCSE retakes (where these are a requirement for the chosen L3 courses)

·         Average GOOD (grade 2s) in studentship grades

·         Good attendance (at least 90% unless mitigating circumstances)