2013-2014

PROSPEC T US

Scotland’s Adult Education College

Contents Welcome from the Principal.................................................................................................3

Courses Arts & Humanities Award Programme.................................................................................4 Preparation for Further Education........................................................................................8 Rural Skills Programme..........................................................................................................9 National Certificate in Celtic Studies.................................................................................10

Finance...............................................................................................................................12 Contact Details..............................................................................................................13 WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY...............................................................................................14

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welcome from the principal Welcome to the Newbattle Abbey College Prospectus, which I trust will give you a flavour of the life and work of our college. As Scotland’s adult education residential college, we offer adults with few or no qualifications the opportunity to experience a high quality transformative learning experience within an historic heritage site. Our motto is ‘Sero Sed Serio’ (Late but in Earnest); and describes our students returning to education after diverse life experiences. Taking the first steps back into education can be daunting, but at Newbattle we are aware of that and try to provide the right sort of support. Our learners benefit from high quality teaching in tutorial groups from tutors who are committed to help you build up your confidence and who will encourage you to enjoy the learning experience. The college is set in 125 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Edinburgh and the historic 16th century building and peaceful surroundings make it a unique place to learn and study, to take stock and embark on new opportunities. When the 11th Marquis of Lothian generously gave this former Cistercian monastery to the people of Scotland, he wanted those who had never had an education to benefit. 75 years later, the college still operates with the same principles. In addition to our core Arts & Humanities curriculum, we also offer a variety of courses in Rural Skills and Celtic Studies. We have shared Mission, Vision and Values that place you, the student, at the very centre of what we do. I look forward to welcoming you to the college and wish you every success in studying with us.

Ann Southwood Principal

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Arts & Humanities Course SCQF Level 6 Our 1 year full-time Arts and Humanities course is part of the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) and offers a unique residential learning experience to adults, aged 19 or over, with few or no qualifications. If students complete the course successfully, they can progress to higher education. Over 75% of our students progress to higher education programmes every year. You will study the following:

Sociology Communication Maths

Creative Writing

History Philosophy Psychology Literature ICT Politics Most students will study on a residential basis but we also offer some non residential places under special circumstances. What we offer is unique because: • It is one of the few places in the UK where you can enjoy a residential learning experience • It is tailored for adults with few or no qualifications • It is a transformative learning experience

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a welcoming place to study Newbattle is one of Scotland’s smallest colleges and is a supportive and welcoming place to study. Support for Learning

Additional Support

All students have a Personal Tutor, who met students regularly to support them through their learning and to advise on next steps.

Newbattle welcomes applications from adults with a disability, health issue or specific learning difficulty, including dyslexia. Counselling facilities are also available. We encourage students to provide full details in their application.

Small Tutorial Groups All subjects offer tutorial support, designed to support learning and prepare students for higher education.

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What else does Newbattle offer? ICT

Libr ary

The college has 2 fully equipped Learning Centres open 7 days a week. Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) allows students to access learning resources 24 hours a day within and outwith college.

Newbattle’s beautiful library offers a quiet and comfortable place to study.

Student Residency

Our expansive estate and woodlands offer a unique, historic location for study. Students also help to develop our Community Garden.

Our student residency, adjacent to the main building, includes rooms and student kitchen facilities.

Student Common Room This includes a snooker table and television and DVD facilities and offers a relaxed, informal environment for students.

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College Grounds & Community Garden

Student Activities Newbattle’s Student Representative Group is an asset to the college and organises a range of social activities. These include Burns Suppers, Hallowe’en parties, trips and social activities throughout the year. Students also take part in college festivals, community events and Newbattle’s Rough and Ready Choir.

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Prepar ation for Further Education SCQF Level 4 The Preparation for FE Course offers adults an opportunity to prepare to return to full-time study. The course is designed to suit students interested in both academic and practical studies. Bursary funding is available to eligible students. All students will study the following units in college and in community bases: • Core Skills (Communication/ICT/Numeracy) • Personal and Social Development (PSD) • Developing Skills for Employment Students can choose to study units relating to the Arts & Humanities Award or the NC Rural Skills Course. If students successfully complete the Preparation for FE Course, they can progress to other options at Newbattle or in other FE college. Residential facilities are available for this course.

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rur al skills progr amme Full-Time Beekeeping National Certificate (NC) Learn about the honey bee, the hive, how to in Rur al Skills carry out a hive inspection, the tools you need SCQF Level 4 This practical course offers an introduction to gardening and estate maintenance in the college’s Community Garden, Italian Garden, woodlands and 125 acre estate.

to start up a hive, the problems you might encounter and, of course, how to harvest your honey! Observe practical bee handling in our college apiary and help put together wax frames to prepare for next year’s harvest. The cost is £50 for this six week course.

Course Units include: tree and shrub planting; soft landscaping; rural estate maintenance; introduction to gardening skills; tools and equipment; rural species identification; constructing rural features and structures; core skills; work experience; employability; enterprise skills. The college provides all protective tools and equipment. The course runs for 3 days a week in college with an additional ½ day of private study. Work experience is arranged in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland. Progression options include specialist courses at land-based colleges.

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celtic studies National Certificate (NC) in Celtic Studies SCQF Level 6 This course planned to commence in September 2013. It is designed for students who wish to develop a foundation of knowledge and skills in Celtic culture, Celtic history and heritage, Gaelic language, the politics of the Celtic nations and traditional music and dance.

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All students must complete the following units:

The NC Celtic Studies includes optional units in:

Celtic Studies: An Introduction History of the Celts in Scotland Storytelling in the Celtic Tradition Politics in the Celtic Nations Heritage Industry in Scotland Literature Contemporary Gaelic Language and Culture Gaelic: Speaking (new learners) Gàidhlig: Speaking for Fluent Learners

Research Skills Local Investigation Archaeology Contemporary Gaelic Music and Song Contemporary Gaelic Language and Culture Music: Performing with Technology Music: Songwriting Ethnic Dance Scottish Dance Personal Development Communication 4 Creative Writing Preparing To Volunteer Volunteering Experience

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Finance A Further Education Bursary is available for all full-time students, aged 19 or over. The bursary application form and guidelines will be sent to you when you have been offered an unconditional place on the course. Your eligibility will be assessed by college administration staff and you will be informed of your eligibility and bursary allocation before starting at college. Your bursary will be paid in monthly instalments and is dependent on attendance. Your bursary will be withdrawn if your attendance falls below 90%. Students under 19 may be eligible for Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). For further details contact: Administration Office Newbattle Abbey College Email: [email protected] Tel: 0131 663 1921

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Contact Details To speak to someone directly about any course, call us on: 0131 663 1921 Newbattle Abbey College is located 7 miles south of Edinburgh and is served by a regular bus service. Newbattle Abbey College Newbattle Road Dalkeith Midlothian EH22 3LL [email protected] www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk

By Bus Take the First Bus X95 (Edinburgh – Hawick). Request that the driver alerts you at the Newbattle Abbey College stop. Download X95 timetable from our website (valid to 01/07/2012)

By Rail The nearest railway station is Edinburgh Waverley Station. You can use National Rail’s Journey Planner to find the most convenient route from your location. From the station, take the Waverley Steps to the East End of Princes Street (Balmoral Hotel), head up North Bridge away from the City Centre and take the First Bus X95 to the college.

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what our students say Arts & Humanities Award Progr amme

“I really did enjoy the course at Newbattle – it gave me, among other things, a good base of psychology, philosophy and sociology which has been invaluable. The whole experience was enjoyable and beneficial. I am still in touch with Danielle, Jack and Cameron and occasionally bump into other people around Edinburgh Uni. Having experienced Newbattle together, there is a certain kind of connection that we all share, which I have not experienced before or since.” Laura Timperley

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“I am thoroughly enjoying the first few weeks at Uni. I am taking Psychology/ Philosophy as a joint degree and Criminology as my outside option. Though the work is not easy I feel more than prepared for them by my time at Newbattle. I have nothing but the highest praise for what Newbatlle Abbey and its staff have done for me.” Andy Littlefair

“Aside from the academic aspect, the course has also allowed me to realise my full potential socially too. I’ve made many friends at the college who are also studying the same course and together we know we have been prepared well for the future.” Ian Anderson

Rur al Skills Progr amme “I am really enjoying this course. It’s taught me more about the work environment. I have made friends from all walks of life. The tutors are good, they explain things well give you help when you need it. They treat you like an adult.” Chris Thompson “I’m enjoying the course as it suits my personal nature. I enjoy learning new skills and I have learned how to smile and laugh when I am soaked to the bone when working outside.” Ross McLaren “I enjoy coming to my course every day. I have learnt new skills and enjoy seeing what I have achieved.” Vicky MacMaster

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Newbattle Abbey College is committed to challenging discrimination, advancing equality and celebrating diversity.

Newbattle Abbey College Newbattle Road, Dalkeith Midlothian, EH22 3LL 0131 663 1921 www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk