How To Study At West Suford College

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1 INFORMATION, ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FURTHER EDUCATION STUDENT JOURNEY RECEPTION AND INFORMATION TEAM Ask at Reception for any general enquiries they will always be happy to help Enquiry application INTERVIEW Course subject tutors are here to make sure you are applying for the right course TEAM We are here to help you with any questions regarding your application STUDENT WELFARE Interview Joining the College ENROLMENT Your chance to meet other students your course teams Complaints problems On course QUALITY COORDINATOR Money travel PERSONALSUPPORT TUTORS Getting involved STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES/ STUDENT COUNCIL Exams achievements Leaving College EMPLOYMENT FURTHER STUDIES APPRENTICESHIPS HIGHER EDUCATION YOUNG PERSONS GUIDANCE ADVISOR/NATIONAL CAREERS SERVICE ADVISORS West Suffolk College Information, Advice Guidance Team is made up of specialist staff who are here to help you join the right course successfully complete it. The quality of their work has achieved Matrix stards. wsc jan v2

2 No.1 CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE FOR YOU Why choose West Suffolk College? There are many reasons to study at West Suffolk College - we have great students, enthusiastic experienced staff who come from industry a wide range of excellent professional facilities. We are a vocational College, which means that we provide practical training qualifications that are designed to give you the skills, knowledge experience that will prepare you for your chosen career or university. What level is right for me? No matter what grades you may have when you leave school, West Suffolk College will have the right course for you. The table below shows an overview of the levels available, typical entry requirements the progression routes you can take. Whatever career you want to follow, our courses will provide you with the necessary skills knowledge you need to progress. Apprenticeships West Suffolk College is one of the leading providers of Apprenticeships in East Anglia. We have fantastic links with employers across a wide range of industries. To enquire about Apprenticeships call or [email protected] Apprenticeships are a good way of learning on the job. You will gain the skills, knowledge experience of your chosen industry. You will also work towards either an NVQ or another nationally recognised qualification. Where can I go for help? It is important to get as much advice as possible before making your application. Choosing the right course can be difficult we want to make sure you have as much information as possible to help you make your choice. Guidance Advisors are available to discuss any aspect of career planning, whether it is the suitability of a course or up-to-date information, confidential interviews, quick query sessions, in-depth advice or personal guidance. To book a guidance appointment call Level Entry Level One Two Three DURATION 1 YEAR 1 YEAR 1 YEAR 1 or 2 YEARS Typical entry No formal entry Two GCSEs grade D Four GCSEs grade D Five GCSEs grade C or above requirements requirements or above including or above including including English maths. pre-gcse. English maths. English maths. Some courses may require GCSEs in specific subjects. Level of study Essential life skills, Develop basic practical A higher level of An in-depth knowledge of pre-gcse. knowledge practical your chosen area workplace skills. professional skills. advanced workplace skills. Equivalent to A Levels. Example courses Springboard, Multicraft Skills Level 1, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma Prince s Trust. Introduction to Catering CACHE Certificate or a or Advanced Apprenticeship. or Vocational Studies. Level 2 Apprenticeship. Progression You can progress You can progress onto You can progress onto You can progress to Higher Opportunities to study at Level 1. a course or an study at Level 3, an Education courses at Apprenticeship at Advanced Apprenticeship UCS Bury St Edmunds or Level 2. or employment. universities throughout the country, a Higher Apprenticeship or employment.

3 No.2 HOW TO APPLY FOR FULL-TIME COURSES How do I apply? Once you have made a decision on the course of your choice you can apply online at Alternatively you can complete a paper application form return it to: The Information Team FREEPOST IH2445 West Suffolk College Out Risbygate Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 3BR How do I complete the application? If you are completing an online application, we will ask for your personal details the course for which you are applying. We will then contact you ask you to complete a form informing us of your actual/predicted GCSE grades a personal statement. If you are completing a paper application form, these questions will be asked on there. What should I put on my personal statement? We want to make sure you are applying for the right course to suit your individual needs. Interviewing tutors will find it helpful to know about: Why you have chosen the course Any job, work experience, placement or voluntary work you have done Your future plans Your social, sports or leisure interests. Try to link your experience to your course choice add some details. When should I apply? Quite simply, as soon as possible. The earlier we receive your application the earlier we can make you an offer. We will however accept applications right through to the start of the course. What do we use the information for? We use the application form to collect the same details from all applicants to ensure everyone is treated fairly. The application form is the evidence of: Your suitability for the course Your motivation Your other skills experience Your career aspirations Any circumstances which may affect your study, such as a learning difficulty. Students with disabilities/learning difficulties The College aims to provide support that will help you learn to the best of your ability. A wide range of help is available. Whether you have a physical or a sensory impairment, are dyslexic or have another need which affects your learning, please inform us so we can discuss the type of support we can offer. You have a clear right to confidentiality we will agree with you how this information will be used to support your learning.

4 No.3 YOUR INTERVIEW The interview process All applicants for a full-time course will be required to attend an interview. Once we have received your application we will write to you to invite you to attend one of our interview sessions. Why do we have interviews? We use interviews to: Ensure that the applicant has chosen the right subject/course has the potential to succeed Ensure that the applicant has an opportunity to see the College, meet staff ask questions. The interview is just one part of the admissions process which also includes: The application form Your personal statement Your most recent School Report The quality of the work submitted at interview (eg Portfolio for Art courses). What are we looking for at your interview? We would like you to demonstrate: An interest in your chosen course The ability to say how your chosen course fits in with your future plans Motivation, commitment organisation. We do this by an informal discussion. We do not ask trick questions, but we will try to get you talking about yourself, your previous/current education, any interests you may have what your future aspirations are. It is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have. What else happens during my interview? You will have the opportunity to meet some of the course teams as well as other students who have applied for your course. You will be given an overview of your particular course before your one to one interview takes place. Who else can I talk to during my interview session? Student Welfare: Travel information Financial Support. Advice Information Team: Course information College policies General College information Student life at West Suffolk College Progression opportunities Progression advice Choosing your course. How do I know if my interview was successful? During your interview the interviewer will complete a Record of Interview form. Your offer will be one of the following: OFFER - You have met all of the entry requirements for your chosen course OFFER R - Your offer is subject to receipt of a satisfactory reference/report OFFER E - Your offer is subject to achieving appropriate entry qualifications (i.e. GCSEs) OFFER SI - Your offer is subject to a learning support interview to establish specific support needs OFFER ER - Your offer is subject to satisfactory reference/report entry qualifications (i.e. GCSEs) OFFER A - Your offer is subject to approval from the Special Admissions Board REVIEW 6 - Your offer is subject to a six week review period NO OFFER - We need to get further information before we can consider your offer or find another course which is more suitable for you. Confirmation of your offer will be sent to you within two weeks of your interview.

5 No.4 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INTERVIEW? Keeping in touch You or your parents/guardians are welcome to call or visit the College at any time if you have any concerns about your course. If you change your mind want to apply for another course, just telephone our Admissions Team on If you move house or change your contact details, please let us know so we can keep in touch. Enrolment We will write to you in June to invite you to the College for one day during early July for your Enrolment Event. This day is intended to give you a taste of College life. There will be an opportunity to meet Faculty staff, your tutor other students on your course. You will also have the opportunity to look around the College take part in taster activities relevant to your programme area. We will give you detailed information about your course, including any specialist equipment that may be required. You will also need to complete a computer based initial assessment, this is to help us make sure you are on the correct level of course. What happens when I get my exam results? When you receive your exam results you will need to inform the College. You should submit your results online at What happens if I did not get the required grades? Don t worry. If your results were not what you expected, you will still be able to enrol on a course at West Suffolk College. As soon as you get your results come see us to find out your options. Simply drop in between 9.00am pm Monday to Friday or you can call What happens if I apply late? We will accept applications right up until the start of the course. If your application is received from July onwards we will invite you to the College to discuss your application. During your visit you will be interviewed for the course of your choice. If you are successful you will be able to complete your enrolment will be given all the information you need to start your course. After your enrolment We will write to you during August to give you more information regarding what to expect at College. This will include information about your first day, what to bring, how to get to here what College life will be like. We will also give you information explaining what support the College provides during your course how we keep your parents/guardians informed. Follow us on West Suffolk College Out Risbygate Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 3RL Telephone [email protected]