The Sixth Form College Farnborough

Prospective students should identify any additional needs on the College application form. This information is then shared internally with the interviewer (who is usually the Personal Tutor) and the Study Support Manager. When an additional need has been identified, an Additional Support Form will be completed with the student. This form gives the student the opportunity to give more detail about their support needs and also to give permission for the College to contact their school. The Study Support Manager will liaise with our Partner and Link Schools to discuss individual needs. Visits to schools may be arranged to meet with prospective students and discuss their needs further.

The Study Support Team will meet with all students who have disclosed a support need at enrolment. In some cases, where there is a higher level of need, such as students with an EHCP or ASC diagnosis, students will be invited into College in the summer term prior to their September start. In all cases support needs will be discussed and their initial support plan will be agreed upon. This information will be shared with their Personal Tutor and their subject teachers. Support is individual to the student and could include small group support, 1 - 1 help, or in some circumstances, in - class support. The support provision will be reviewed, and adapted when necessary, throughout the year and will always be led by individual need.

The College is an academic institution that only offers full - time programmes. We offer a mixed programme of study at Level 3 including both A level and vocational courses. These programmes are syllabus led but reasonable adjustments will be made within these constraints. The individual course pages on the College website outline the entry criteria for each individual subject. The College does not offer Level 2 courses and below, nor does it offer Life Skills courses.

Individual needs can be met by providing specialist equipment, additional support (1 - 1 or small group), subject workshops and, where necessary, in-class support.

Personal Tutors will discuss a student’s strengths and weaknesses with them at interview and then again at enrolment when they present their GCSE grades. Together they agree on the most appropriate programme.

Termly review data is shared with parents and the Parent Portal is also a way to keep abreast of reviews and attendance. There is a Consultation Evening for Year 13 students in the Autumn Term and for Year 12 students in Spring Term. There is an additional Progression Evening in June for students that are finishing their first year and have concerns about their second-year programme. The College actively encourages liaison between parents and College staff. Parents can contact the Personal Tutor or one of the Study Support team at any point during the academic year if they have concerns. Where necessary a meeting with teachers, their Personal Tutor and a member of the Study Support team can be arranged.

The College has a Health and Wellbeing Co-ordinator and a nurse on site. Individual training is given to staff to deal with medical conditions which their current students may have. Pastoral support is provided mainly by the Personal Tutor in conjunction with the Study Support team, nurses, counsellors and teaching staff. The comprehensive tutorial programme covers students’ personal and social development. Guidance is given throughout their programme to allow them to become independent in their learning and in their social skills. While no formal support is provided during breaks and lunchtimes, students are encouraged to use the Study Support area or within some subject areas, when they need a ‘safe place’ throughout the College day.

The College employs two trained nurses and a team of counsellors. The Study Support Team includes three specialist teachers, two of which are SpLD specialists, as well as seven highly experienced Learning Mentors. In addition, other experienced staff within College are used for 1 - 1 social mentoring support. Specialist services, such as Specialist teacher Advisors, are ‘bought in’ as required.

All staff have completed the DisabledGo equality and disability awareness training. In house SpLD and ASD training is also provided for teachers. The College nurse offers individual medical training to staff when students with medical conditions join the College. The current Study Support policy is available on the College website.

All students are invited to participate in their subject area educational trips, but places are always limited. The teacher organising the trip will liaise with the student and parent/guardian to decide what adjustments can or need to be made to allow participation. If necessary, another member of staff will accompany the student to help with their additional needs. Participation on some trips may not be possible due to Health and Safety regulations.

Most areas in College are wheelchair accessible, with lifts in all buildings. Students with physical disabilities are invited into College prior to their starting to be guided around to ensure they are familiar with the environment and to identify any areas that could cause a difficulty. Where possible, students with mobility issues will be timetabled on the ground floor. College literature is available online and in large print.

Students will have had several opportunities to attend the College before starting, including Open Evening (October), Getting Ready Day (June), Enrolment ( August) and Induction (September). In some cases, where there is a higher level of need, such as students who have an EHCP at school or are diagnosed with ASD, they will be invited into College in the summer term prior to their September start. They will meet with the Study Support Manager and, where possible, their Personal Tutor. During this meeting their support needs will be discussed and their transition planned. During their transition period they are invited to come to the Study Support department at break times and lunchtime if they need a familiar, quiet place to go. The aim is to encourage independence as the student progresses throughout their time at College. Students that qualify for the Disabled Students Allowance at university will be provided with information about the application process in the spring term of their 2nd year. They will be guided through each stage of the process.

Additional funding for students with high needs is provided by their local authority. Specialist equipment is hired whenever necessary. The Study Support department has laptops and digital voice recorders for students to borrow for the year. Specialist software is also available.

The support of a student is decided collaboratively with staff, student and parents. The support is always student led and adapted throughout the year according to individual need. All students' progress is monitored within the college review cycle. Support staff will be in contact with each student’s teachers to ensure they are making enough progress to succeed. The overall aim is to facilitate independence to aid the transition onto their next stage of life.

At the heart of the College community is the Students' Association. Each year, students elect a President, Vice President, and members of a committee to organise student affairs within the College. The President is a member of the Governing Body of the College and is also an influential member of the Governors' Estates Committee, which has the responsibility for overseeing the development of the College buildings. The Students' Association has become increasingly important in representing students' views - and, through the President, in having a real voice on the future directions of the College. Parent’s have the opportunity each year to stand as a Parent Governor. Parents are able to contact the Study Support department or the Personal Tutor if they have any concerns. Staff email addresses and telephone numbers are given to students at the beginning of the year or are available through the main reception.