UNIVERSITY COURSES AT ASHTON SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY COURSES AT ASHTON SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY CENTRE AT ASHTON SIXTH FORM COLLEGE 0161 666 8215

Ashton Sixth Form College s University Centre forms a significant part of our provision and has both an excellent reputation for success and an outstanding record of student support. We are committed to ensuring that you receive the very best teaching and support with your studies, in a vibrant learning environment. Our students are achieving at the very highest level and we ensure their success is recognised and celebrated. We are extremely proud of our students and their successes. I hope that you will join us and I look forward to welcoming you to our college. Dr Janet Nevin, Principal 1 Why Study With Us? 2 Access to HE 4 Education 5 Early Childhood Studies 8 Case Studies 10 Media Production 12 Art and Design 14 Health Studies 15 How to Apply 16 Money Matters 18 Support and Facilities 22 Student Voice 24 www.asfc.ac.uk

2 WHY STUDY UNIVERSITY COURSES WITH US? 0161 666 8215

3 We have excellent partnerships with universities and are proud to work with our main university partners, Staffordshire University and the University of Salford. We offer a local, affordable way to obtain a university qualification. We offer outstanding facilities, services and resources to our students in addition to those available at our partner universities. We offer full time, part time and fast track courses with flexible options to fit into students work and family life. We are Matrix accredited which guarantees the high standards of information, advice and guidance from our admissions team. We offer exceptional levels of support to ensure student success. www.asfc.ac.uk

4 Access to Higher Education Diploma (English) Duration 1 year, part time fast track. Who is the course for? This course is for adults who wish to study English at a higher level but do not have the appropriate qualification to enter into a degree programme directly. What does the course involve? This course covers a variety of units, including but not limited to: u Aspects of World Literature u Child Language Acquisition u Socio-linguistics u Persuasive Communication u Introduction to Poetry Appreciation u Appreciation of a Novel u Appreciation of a Play How is the course assessed? You will be assessed by end of unit assignments, coursework, essays and timed assessments. What are the entry requirements? GCSE English Language grade C or above. What are the progression routes? This course will prepare you to apply for English degrees such as: English Language English Literature Humanities Please note that successful completion of this course does not guarantee a place on a higher education programme. Who is the awarding institution? Open Awards 0161 666 8215 Access to Higher Education Diploma (Biological Sciences) Duration 1 year, part time fast track. Who is the course for? This course is for adults who wish to study Biological Sciences at a higher level but do not have the appropriate qualification to enter into a degree programme directly. What does the course involve? This course covers a variety of units, including but not limited to: u Cell Metabolism u Diet and Digestion u Gas Exchange and Transport u Pathogens and Diseases u Ecosystems u Organic Chemistry How is the course assessed? You will be assessed through coursework, practical investigations and timed assignments. What are the entry requirements? GCSE Maths at grade C or above GCSE English at grade C or above GCSE Science at grade C or above What are the progression routes? This course will prepare you to apply for Biological Science degrees such as: Nutrition Biomedical Science Environmental and Life Sciences Human Science Please note that successful completion of this course does not guarantee a place on a higher education programme. Who is the awarding institution? Open Awards Coming soon: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Criminology Enquire now!

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PCET)/Certificate in Education (PCET) Duration 1 year, full time (part time route may also be available). Who is the course for? This award is aimed at those wishing to gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications to secure a full teaching role in the Post Compulsory Education and Training sector, such as within: further education colleges sixth form colleges school sixth forms work-based training adult and community education and training. A full role is defined as the delivery of teaching or training that involves: the planning (e.g. schemes of work and lesson planning) and the delivery of teaching and learning activity; the assessment of learners; and related student support. What does the course involve? The course is designed to develop your professional capabilities in becoming a self-evaluative and reflective educational professional. You will develop your planning, resourcing, managing, assessing and evaluating skills in your specialist area and grow your understanding of post secondary education and how you might play an active role in its future development. You will be required to attend lectures and have secured prior to enrolment at least 100 hours of teaching in your chosen area. PGCE (PCET) and Certificate in Education (PCET) will cover the same modules and will complete assignments at level 4 and 5, however PGCE (PCET) will also cover work at level 7. The modules of the course include: u Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Post Compulsory Education and Training u Theories, Principles and Models in Post Compulsory Education and Training u Developing Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Post Compulsory Education and Training u Action Research and Wider Professional Practice in Post Compulsory Education and Training How is the course assessed? The Certificate in Education (PCET) and PGCE (PCET) are assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment methods, which include assignment writing, presentations and observations. What are the entry requirements? For the PGCE you must hold a degree in the subject area you wish to teach. For the Certificate in Education you must hold a minimum of a level 3 qualification in the subject area you wish to teach and have relevant vocational experience. GCSE in English at Grade C or above or level 2 equivalent. Preferably a GCSE in maths at Grade C or above or level 2 equivalent. Applicants must have access to a minimum of 100 hours of teaching practice over the duration of the course. Applicants require a subject mentor who is experienced in the same or similar subject/vocational area. What are the progression routes? On successful completion of the Certificate in Education (PCET), you may wish to top up to a full degree and on successful completion of the PGCE (PCET), you may like to progress to studying at masters level. Who is the awarding institution? Staffordshire University 5 www.asfc.ac.uk

6 Foundation Degree in Education Duration 2 years, part time fast track. Who is the course for? This course is for anyone who is currently in a learning support situation, for example teaching assistants, bilingual support assistants, learning mentors, cover supervisors, PE and sports coaches, voluntary helpers and applicants who have achieved HLTA, in any phase of education from early years to further education. What does the course involve? College attendance of four hours per week and ten hours per week in the relevant work place. The modules have a wide and flexible content, adaptable to your needs, while providing an essential core of academic understanding. The programme will develop your subject knowledge; work-based knowledge; work-based skills; and study skills in a coherent package. In particular, the course aims to provide learning support assistants in specialist roles with the opportunity to reflect on their own particular situation. This course is made up of the following eight modules: u Personal and Professional Development u Learning and Development u Behaviour for Learning u Supporting Learning and Inclusion u Professional and Career Development u Developing Educational Practice within the Inclusive Organisation u Learning and the Inclusive Curriculum u Action Research How is the course assessed? Programme and module outcomes are formally assessed through a range of tasks and activities, such as creation of resources to support learning or reflection on organisational practice, which ask you to link learning in the workplace to the taught programme. For example, as an Education Practitioner, you will have the opportunity to be assessed against an individual action plan identifying your strengths and areas for development in relation to your skills, knowledge and understanding. You will also be assessed on your understanding of: learner motivation and rewards; emotional intelligence; and the effective learning environment. What are the entry requirements? A minimum of three GCSEs grade C or above, including English and Maths or a relevant level 2 equivalent. Preferably 120 UCAS points from at least one level 3 qualification, e.g. A Level, BTEC National Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma, NVQ Level 3. Proof of a current DBS disclosure or a Declaration of Criminal Convictions. Employment, either paid or voluntary, supporting learning in an educational setting for at least ten hours per week, arranged prior to the commencement of the course. Applications from mature students are both welcome and encouraged. Must be aged 18 or over. Applicants for whom English is a second language and who do not possess a level 2 qualification require a current IELTS 6.0 score, with no single score lower than 5.5. Letter from employer in support of work based activities. What are the progression routes? On successful completion of your foundation degree, you can then top-up to a full BA (Hons) in Education by studying a further 120 credits at level 6 over one year. Other opportunities for progression may be available depending on your field of work, the phase of education that you work in and other qualifications. Who is the awarding institution? Staffordshire University 0161 666 8215

7 BA (Hons) in Education (Top-up) Duration 1 year, part time. Who is the course for? This course is for anyone who already holds 240 credits in a relevant field, such as a Foundation Degree in Education, where they were engaged in work with children and young people. It is designed for people employed in the field of education in either a paid or voluntary capacity. Students can enrol on the course from other institutions with a relevant foundation degree. What does the course involve? You will attend college for four hours per week. This course is made up of the following four modules: u The Reflective Practitioner u Changes and Development in Education u Doing Education Differently u Individual Research Project How is the course assessed? This course is assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment methods, including assignment writing, a research programme dissertation and submission of a professional development portfolio. What are the entry requirements? A minimum of three GCSEs grade C or above, including English and Maths or a relevant level 2 equivalent. 240 credits from a relevant study programme, such as a Foundation Degree in Education or similar. Proof of a current DBS disclosure or a Declaration of Criminal Convictions. Employment, either paid or voluntary, supporting learning in an educational setting for at least four hours per week, arranged prior to the commencement of the course. Applications from mature students are welcome and encouraged. Must be aged 18 or over. Applicants for whom English is a second language and who do not possess a level 2 qualification require a current IELTS 6.0 score, with no single score lower than 5.5. Letter from employer in support of work based activities. What are the progression routes? On successful completion, you may wish to progress onto a masters degree in a related subject. Many learners completing this course will pursue a career in teaching and progress onto programmes such as the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Those aspiring to teach need to research the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) requirements for their sector and subject area: www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching and www.excellencegateway.org.uk/node/57 are good places to start. Who is the awarding institution? Staffordshire University www.asfc.ac.uk

8 Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies Duration 3 years, part time. Who is the course for? This course is for those who are currently working with or wishing to pursue a career with children to build on their knowledge and experience through study at a higher level. This course aims to enhance and increase understanding in students professional roles. It is designed specifically for those who wish to combine work and study. What does the course involve? You will attend college one evening per week. The emphasis of the programme is based on learning in the workplace and recognises that many applicants will have gained knowledge and understanding necessary to undertake study at a higher level through developing professional awareness in the context of work. It is also designed to underpin all appropriate technical work specific skills as well as key skills. Work based tasks will require students to demonstrate their skills in the workplace and bring evidence to study sessions and this work will form an essential part of the programme experience. This course is made up of the following eight modules: u Practitioners Personal, Academic and Professional Development u The Developing Child: A Holistic View u The Planning Cycle u Inclusive and Enabling Environments u Professional Practice with Young Children u Action Research u Safeguarding and Promoting Children s Welfare u Early Childhood: Global Perspectives on Contemporary Issues How is the course assessed? This course is assessed through a variety of assessment methods. These include essays, reports, presentations, multiple choice question tests and portfolios. Learners are also assessed in the workplace. Assessment is continuous and written assessment encourages learners to reflect on their learning experiences both in the classroom and in the workplace. Students are encouraged to make connections between theory and practice. What are the entry requirements? A minimum of three GCSEs grade C or above, including English or a relevant level 2 equivalent. Maths would also be desirable. Preferably 120 UCAS points from at least one level 3 qualification, e.g. A Level, BTEC National Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma, NVQ Level 3. Proof of a current DBS disclosure or a Declaration of Criminal Convictions. At least one year of post qualifying study experience in an early years or play work setting. Applications from mature students are both welcome and encouraged. Must be aged 18 or over. Applicants for whom English is a second language and who do not possess a level 2 qualification require a current IELTS 6.0 score, with no single score lower than 5.5. Letter from employer in support of work based activities. What are the progression routes? On successful completion of your foundation degree you can top up to a full BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies or Education by studying an extra 120 credits at level 6. Who is the awarding institution? Staffordshire University 0161 666 8215

BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies (Top-up) Duration 1 year, part time. Who is the course for? This course is designed for students who are currently working with children and possess 240 credits from a relevant qualification, for example a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. This course is aimed at students who would like to build on their knowledge and experience whilst topping up to a full BA (Hons) Degree. It is designed for people working with children in either a paid or voluntary capacity for at least two days per week in an early years setting. Students can enrol on the course from other institutions with differing foundation degrees. What does the course involve? You will attend college one evening per week. This course is made up of the following four modules: u Advanced Early Childhood Development u Leadership and Teams u The Reflective Practitioner u Small Independent Research Project How is the course assessed? This course is assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment methods, including a research project, presentations and an exam. What are the entry requirements? A minimum of three GCSEs grade C or above, including English and Maths or a relevant level 2 equivalent. 240 credits from a relevant study programme, such as a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies or similar. Proof of a current DBS disclosure or a Declaration of Criminal Convictions. Employment, either paid or voluntary, supporting learning in an educational setting for at least two full days per week, arranged prior to the commencement of the course. Three years post qualifying experience, paid or voluntary. Applications from mature students are welcome and encouraged. Must be aged 18 or over. Applicants for whom English is a second language and who do not possess a level 2 qualification require a current IELTS 6.0 score, with no single score lower than 5.5. Letter from employer in support of work based activities. What are the progression routes? A BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies offers access to a wide range of career and academic options. For example, you may progress to employment within family and children centres, care support, educational administration and management, play work and learning support. You may also wish to gain a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) by progressing onto a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Schools Direct programme route. You could also take a Masters Degree in Early Childhood or another relevant field. Who is the awarding institution? Staffordshire University 9 www.asfc.ac.uk

10 Samantha Lyons and Hayley Quigley BA (Hons) Degree in Education: First Class Cousins Samantha Lyons and Hayley Quigley have both achieved First Class Honours Degrees in Education at Ashton Sixth Form College. Both Samantha and Hayley had previously achieved their level 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications and enrolled on the Education degree programme, awarded by Staffordshire University, to further their careers in the education sector. Mum of four Samantha says that by completing the degree she now has a much better understanding of how children learn and how she can help them to achieve their potential. The tutors were always available either by phone, email or in person. I was given lots of feedback throughout my course. The facilities at Ashton Sixth Form College are excellent: the library always had the books in that I needed and there was always a computer available for me to use so that I could access the University resources. Samantha s son is also studying his A-levels at Ashton Sixth Form College and he is very proud of his mum s achievements. Samantha isn t leaving her links with the College behind though: now that she has graduated, she has recently been appointed as a Parent Governor. Mum of two Hayley has also achieved a first class Honours Degree in Education, which has enabled her to pursue a career in teaching English. Hayley says, The course has had a massive impact on my life. I have a career which I love and my salary has already doubled since starting my course and hopefully it will continue to rise. The tutors really inspired me to believe that I could fulfil my potential. 0161 666 8215

My name is Jenny and I am currently studying a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies after completing my Foundation degree. This course has helped me to gain knowledge and confidence in my work place. I feel more confident speaking to other professionals and it has also improved my skills to become a leader. 11 Jenny Howell BA (Hons) in Education Since year one I have been the student rep but in 2013 I was asked to be the Lead Student Rep. Being appointed Lead Student Rep is an indication that the College is looking at evermore diverse ways of ensuring that the College s HE students are well represented in those matters which affect them. The College and its reps are happy to help students address any concerns. The student voice is powerful and, while I have been here, the things students have said have really made a difference to courses and facilities. During my time here so far, I have been involved in representing students in the running of focus groups; dealing with difficult situations; helping students resolve problems; and making suggestions to the HE team about improvements. For example, I suggested that HE students would benefit from knowing more about the HE staff. As a result, the HEar publication and the staff case studies on the web are part of the College s response! For me, being a rep has been fulfilling and it has helped me to build my confidence and develop new skills. www.asfc.ac.uk

12 MEDIA PRODUCTION 0161 666 8215

HND Media Production Duration 2 years, full time. Who is the course for? This course is aimed at those with a passion and an interest in the media, and who want to develop a career in the diverse and expansive world of converging media industries through higher level study. What does the course involve? The course combines a balance of practical and theory through lectures, practical workshops, live briefs, guest speakers and creative projects, teaching you diverse modules such as: Year One: u Radio Production u Television Studio Production u Media Practice u Audio & Video Development u Video Projects u Technical Skills Year Two: u Camera u Introduction to Scriptwriting (fiction) u Research and Produce u Production Management u Showreel Project u Television & Audio Project u Television Studio Production What are the entry requirements? Advanced GCE (B/C 200 points). BTEC Diploma (DMM profile) related subject. Vocational A level (200 points) Media preferred. Irish Leaving Certificate or Scottish Highers (200 points). IB:24 points. Applications are welcome from mature students who have relevant experience and can demonstrate academic potential. Other previous qualifications and experience will be considered. All offers are subject to interview. 13 What are the progression routes? On successful completion of the HND, you will be able to demonstrate technical skills using a wide range of production and postproduction equipment, for example lighting, sound, camera, editing, as well as develop creative ideas in radio, TV and film. You will also be able to research, analyse and deliver arguments on key film and TV texts, which will enable you to seek employment within the TV and film industry with confidence and knowledge of relevant professional roles. You will have the skills to create and develop your own TV and film business. You may also wish to progress to BA (Hons) level within a similar subject area. Who is the awarding institution? University of Salford How is the course assessed? This course will be assessed through a range of formative and summative assessment methods, including: audio recordings for radio, both in studio and on location; video production; video editing; presentations and pitches; production folders, including preproduction documentation; essay-writing; and online blogging. www.asfc.ac.uk

14 Foundation Year Art & Design Level 3 & 4 Diploma Duration 1 year, full time. Who is the course for? This course is designed for students who are keen to develop and hone their artistic skills and talents in a studio environment and caters for a variety of students with a broad range of professional and personal goals. It is ideal for those who: do not have the appropriate level of studio experience or knowledge to be accepted onto an undergraduate programme; have had a break in education and wish to return to study; or students who are unsure of which pathway is best suited to their artistic goals and abilities. This course is perfect for students who would like space to explore their own artistic spectrum with guidance and support to discover which route is best suited to their abilities, including graphic design, illustration, fashion design, fine art, photography, 3D design, etc., and to develop these skills over the course of the year, with the view of continuing on to an undergraduate degree programme. What does the course involve? This course comprises of a series of projects, workshop instructions and demonstrations, lectures, seminars, individual and group activities that will characterise your learning. You will combine your studio practice and your personal interests, whilst also gaining an awareness and appreciation of the areas of art and design other than your chosen specialism. Over the course of the year, you will study: u Exploring Visual Language (Drawing and Materials) u Developing Specialist Practice u Individual Major Project u Exhibiting and Displaying Work How is the course assessed? Assessment is based on the submission of coursework, the nature of which is determined by the projects set within a module. A variety of methods reflecting those which students will encounter during their continued undergraduate study is used during the Foundation Year Art and Design. Assessment includes a variety of work, such as sketchbooks, presentations, written work, responding to briefs that support the building of a portfolio as well as the submission of coursework. Formative assessment is carried out in tutorials and critique situations and feedback will be provided to the student. Grades will be formulised at the end of the modules and all students will exhibit their work at an end of year exhibition. What are the entry requirements? Preferably 200 UCAS points from level 3 qualifications, such as A levels or a BTEC National Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma etc. Applications from mature students and students with non-academic qualifications are also welcome. Applicants will be required to attend a portfolio interview. What are the progression routes? The primary aim of this course is to prepare students for a relevant BA (Hons) award award in the arts areas. Students will apply through UCAS for relevant honours degrees at other institutions. Who is the awarding body? WJEC 0161 666 8215

15 Foundation Year Health Studies Duration 1 year, full time. Who is the course for? This course is aimed at students interested in careers in health, social care or other related disciplines, as well as: those who lack level 3 qualifications to access health degree routes; those who wish to update or develop their skills; and those who wish to develop confidence at higher level study. This can be year one of a four year BSc degree programme in health or a route for specific health or social care professions. What does the course involve? This course introduces the main themes of Health Studies, developing ability to work at the academic standard required to achieve knowledge and understanding of the broad issues of health and health policy. This course is made up of the following six modules: u Skills for Higher Education u Introduction to Health Policy u Measuring Health and Wellness u Communication Skills for Personal Development u Introduction to Health Sciences u Health, Choice and the Lifespan How is the course assessed? This course is assessed through a variety of methods. A portion will be assessed through portfolio, including individual, group, practical and written work. Most modules adopt formative and summative assessment. Methods also include presentations, demonstrations, essays and research projects. What are the entry requirements? Applications are welcome from people with a variety of qualifications, skills and experience and are individually assessed. What are the progression routes? On successful completion of this course, students may automatically continue to the BSc (Hons) Health Studies at Staffordshire University. However, providing relevant entry criteria are met and following a successful interview, students may also progress to other undergraduate or professional awards at Staffordshire University, such as Social Work, Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science and Operating Department Practice. Students may also apply for relevant honours degrees at other institutions. Who is the awarding institution? Staffordshire University www.asfc.ac.uk

16 HOW TO APPLY AND FIND OUT MORE 0161 666 8215

You can request an information and application pack by calling our dedicated Admissions Team by telephoning 0161 666 8215 or emailing HEadmissions@asfc.ac.uk. You can come along to one of our Higher Education Information Evenings where you can speak to the tutors face to face. To find out when these evenings are, simply log onto www.asfc.ac.uk. Apply Please contact the Admissions Team on 0161 666 8215 who will guide you through the application process for the course you wish to study. You will also receive a step by step guide to the application process with your information and application pack. 17 When your application has been received by the Admissions Team you will receive an acknowledgement letter. Interview Interviews will be held between March and July for courses starting in the September. Course Offers The outcome of your interview will be communicated by Ashton Sixth Form College in writing. This letter will include key information, such as whether or not the offer is subject to any academic conditions (i.e. grades); details on fees, funding and support available from Student Finance England; and induction details. Your Response You then need to accept or reject the offer by returning an Acceptance of Offer slip to Ashton Sixth Form College. You may need to accept or reject your offer via UCAS Track depending on the course you have applied for. You will be advised of this by the Admissions Team. What Happens Next? We look forward to welcoming you as a student of Ashton Sixth Form College. In the meantime, should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Team on 0161 666 8215 or email HEadmissions@asfc.ac.uk. www.asfc.ac.uk

18 MONEY MATTERS 0161 666 8215 First class honours students

Many people are concerned about the increasing costs of completing a university course. However, with our competitive course fees and the high level of financial support available, studying at a higher level may be more affordable than you think. There are a number of loans and grants available through the Student Loans Company. If you are eligible for a grant, this is non-refundable. Loans do need to be paid back but not until you are earning a minimum of 21,000 per year. 19 Your monthly repayments will be based on your income, not how much you have borrowed, and you ll only pay back 9% of any income over 21,000 The example below shows what you might repay each month depending on your income. Income each year before tax Monthly income Monthly repayment Up to 21,000 Up to 1,750 0 22,000 1,833 7 25,000 2,083 30 30,000 2,500 67 35,000 2,917 105 40,000 3,333 142 Part time students are only eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan but full time students can apply for the following in addition to this: Maintenance grant* Special Support grant* Maintenance Loan Childcare grant* Parents Learning Allowance* Adult Dependants grant* Disabled Students Allowance *Means tested www.asfc.ac.uk

20 0161 666 8215

In circumstances where you wish to withdraw, the following applies: If you withdraw, intermit or if you do not commence a programme of study within the first two weeks of the published start date of the award (including induction week), you will normally be refunded the tuition fee paid, minus any deposit. If you withdraw from your programme of study or intermit after the first two weeks, even if you have not taken the opportunity to attend, you will normally receive a refund based on the table below. If you are a continuing student enrolled on a Staffordshire University programme, have completed e-enrolment and subsequently decide not to start the new academic year, you will be charged 25% of the tuition fee unless you notify the University and the College by 17 September of your decision to withdraw. All tuition fees are paid directly to the University or College on your behalf by the Student Loans Company. If you are self-funding you will be required to pay the College or University as directed by admissions. 21 Date of withdrawal Before 19th January 2016 On or after 19th January 2016 and before 7th April 2016 On or after 7th April 2016 Fee Liability 25% of tuition fee 50% of tuition fee 100% of tuition fee www.asfc.ac.uk

22 SUPPORT AND FACILITIES 0161 666 8215

Additional Learning Support All students undertake an initial assessment that assists with the identification of additional support needs. Students can get a more detailed assessment of their needs through our Additional Learning Support Team. Additional learning support is available to all students who have specific learning difficulties or disabilities. We ensure the support provided meets the needs of the students. For more information on the support offered you can contact Nigel Rennison, Inclusive Learning Manager by emailing nigel.rennison@asfc.ac.uk or calling 0161 666 8215. Academic Study Skills The College is committed to ensuring that all of our university level students develop academic study skills. All courses have academic study skills modules to help you get started. The College also offers academic skills workshops, drop in sessions and appointment based sessions for students. We also have academic study skills advice and materials available through the College s Virtual Learning Environment and our university partners learning platforms. Academic Study Skills includes: Developing Academic Writing Research Skills Critical Reading Skills Referencing English Skills Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation Assignment Techniques 23 www.asfc.ac.uk

24 STUDENT VOICE 0161 666 8215

Student Voice The Higher Education and Skills Team seek feedback from students throughout the year and in a number of ways. This gives students the ability to influence and shape the enhancement of learning opportunities. Here are a few of the ways in which we gain feedback. Student Ambassador At the start of each academic year we recruit a team of Student Ambassadors. Our Student Ambassadors participate in fully funded bespoke leadership training to prepare them for their role. They will proactively gather and voice feedback from the student body and inform fellow students of actions taken by the College in response to their feedback. Surveys We are interested in all aspects of our students experiences with us from the first point of contact, during your studies, through to graduation and beyond. Students will be asked to complete surveys to share their views and experiences with us. The responses are acted upon and a You Said, Our Response document is produced and shared with students as well as published on the website to keep them informed of college developments. The Student Ambassadors will also inform fellow students of actions taken by the College in response to their feedback. Focus Groups Focus groups provide the Higher Education and Skills Team with qualitative feedback on a range of student life matters. Students are asked questions in an interactive group setting where they are free to share opinions and ideas with staff and fellow students. We share outcomes and actions from this through Ambassadors and the You Said, Our Response document. Staff We have an open door policy and encourage all members of our HE community to talk to the teachers and the administration team to request support or to discuss any matters that need addressing. Talkback The Talkback function is available on the website. Current and prospective students can provide us with feedback at any time. 25 www.asfc.ac.uk

For the latest information, Follow us on Twitter asfc/he and Adult Ed Ashton Sixth Form College, Darnton Road, Ashton under Lyne. OL6 9RL. 0161 330 2330 Admissions: 0161 666 8215 Email: HEadmissions@asfc.ac.uk Web: www.asfc.ac.uk