ST HELENS COLLEGE
YOUR INSIDE GUIDE
CONTENTS
This guide has been produced as a guide and was correct at the time of going to print. This guide cannot be considered contractual and we accept no liability for inaccurate statements.
WELCOME
3
A YEAR OF SUCCESSES
4
OUTSTANDING FACILITIES
6
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
12
SIX REASONS
14
CHOOSE A ROUTE
15
CAREER COACH
16
STUDENT SUPPORT
18
MONEY MATTERS
20
HAVE YOUR SAY
22
KEEP IN TOUCH
23
LIBRARIES
24
STARBUCKS
25
TRAVELLING TO COLLEGE
26
PARENT/CARER INFORMATION
28
UPCOMING EVENTS
30
APPLY NOW
32
UNIVERSITY CENTRE ST HELENS
34
WELCOME Welcome to St Helens College. We are delighted that you are considering us as a place to study. We offer hundreds of courses to suit your interests and future ambitions. You could choose from A levels, Vocational/BTEC courses, Traineeships and Apprenticeships all offering progression on to a number of pathways to help you achieve your dream career. You will learn in our state-of-the-art facilities and learning spaces to ensure that we give you the ultimate student experience! In the last year alone we have invested over £7million in our STEM Centre and Town Centre Campuses including revamping our libraries, introducing Starbucks and further investment in IT resources. With so many subjects to choose from, we can definitely offer you a course that matches your future plans and aspirations – whether you want to go on to university, earn while you learn with an apprenticeship or be wellequipped to secure that dream job. Our tutors are true industry experts, experienced teachers but complemented with experience of working in industry with amazing employer links. They provide a supportive, nurturing learning experience. Their high expectations and inspirational teaching ensures that every student excels and reaches their full potential. We look forward to welcoming you in September 2017!
Welcome / 3
A YEAR OF SUCCESSES TOP OF THE LEAGUE TABLES best college in the country for vocational progression
*
* Department for Education League Tables 2016
98.2% OVERALL
A LEVEL EXAM RESULTS TOP 2016 NATIONAL AVERAGE.
TOP 10% MAXIMISING
OF A LEVEL STUDENTS SECURED A PLACE AT UNIVERSITY AND 14% WENT ON TO APPRENTICESHIPS AND EMPLOYMENT 100% pass rate with high grades (A*- C) in English Language, English Literature and Mathematics. 100% pass rate in facilitating subjects including English Literature, Mathematics, History and Biology.
STUDENT POTENTIAL
St Helens College is in the top 10% of colleges and schools nationally for maximising students’ potential from GCSEs through to sixth form level.
100% OVERALL VOCATIONAL PASS RATE
“The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good, as reflected in the improvements in students’ achievements.” OFSTED 2014 4/ A Year of Successes
81%
£3 MILLION FUNDING SECURED
FOR OUR SPECIALIST NORTHERN LOGISTICS ACADEMY
STEM ASSURED STATUS The first general Further Education College in the Liverpool City Region to achieve the highly acclaimed STEM Assured status.
OFSTED
“GOOD” “We are a good College.”
A Year of Successes / 5
OUTSTANDING FACILITIES
FINE DINING RESTAURANT, COLOURS AND INDUSTRY STANDARD KITCHENS.
Our students benefit from outstanding facilities, enabling them to bring their studies to life.
COMMERCIAL HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON, THE LOUNGE, WITH TREATMENT ROOMS, NAIL BAR AND SPECIALIST SPA FACILITIES.
MULTI-MILLION-POUND LIBRARIES AT TOWN CENTRE AND STEM CENTRE CAMPUSES, IT SUITES, STARBUCKS AND EATERIES FOR STUDENTS.
BESPOKE OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATRE, DRAMA STUDIO, DANCE WORKSHOPS AND DEDICATED THEATRE SPACE.
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ANIMAL UNITS INCLUDING OUR OWN AVIARY AND DOG GROOMING SALON, PLUS YOU’LL GO OUT ON LOCATION TO ZOOS, SAFARI PARKS AND SPECIALIST ANIMAL CENTRES. Outstanding Facilities / 7
APPLE MAC STUDIOS, LIVE RECORDING AND TV STUDIOS, GREEN SCREEN INFINITY COVE AND EDITING SUITES.
WORK ON REAL CARS IN OUR AUTOMOTIVE HUB WITH SPECIALIST SPRAY BOOTH AND FAST FIT MOT BAY.
WE ALSO HAVE SPECIALIST CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENTS AND ENGINEERING FACILITIES.
£3MILLION NORTHERN LOGISTICS ACADEMY TRAINING FACILITY.
MOCK AIRCRAFT CABIN AND SIMULATED CHECK IN AND BAGGAGE DESK. FULLY EQUIPPED SCIENCE LABORATORIES WITH PLANS FOR OUR VERY OWN FAB LAB!
SPECIALIST DENTAL FACILITIES WHICH REFLECT A REAL WORK ENVIRONMENT.
OFSTED OUTSTANDING REGISTERED NURSERY.
COMMERCIAL FLOWER SHOP, THE FLOWER STUDIO.
WELL-EQUIPPED GYM, SPORTS CENTRE AND ASTROTURF.
COLOUR AND MONOCHROME DARK ROOMS AND ARTISTIC STUDIO SPACES FOR PAINTING, CERAMICS AND THE ARTS.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE Our students take part in many opportunities outside of their studies, from trips and visits in the UK and abroad to competing in regional competitions and getting involved with College events and activities.
Eurocamp Work Experience in Holland
Walking with Wolves
O2 ThinkBig Start a Project Event
#BigWelcome
Celebrity Guest Chef Dinners
Little Shop of Horrors Performance
Helicopter Training Exercise
Behind the Scenes at Knowsley Safari Park
Taking Silver at Construction SkillBuild Competition
Charity Fundraising and Fun Days
London trip to Old Bailey, Houses of Parliament and Natural History Museum
Colours of the World
European Supply Chain Day 2016
Sport Maker’s Building Futures Climbing Wall Event
Exhibiting at Southport Flower Show
12 / Student Experience
Student Experience / 13
CHOOSE A ROUTE
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Choose success
EG
T AT S
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EL
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• REA
Y• UD
S TO S N T SO
THERE ARE LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO YOU WHEN YOU FINISH YOUR GCSEs BUT WE KNOW IT CAN BE DIFFICULT DECIDING WHAT TO DO.
E NS CO
Here at St Helens College, we have options to suit all students depending on how you like to study, the kind of person you are and where you want to go in the future.
YO U Route to University, Apprenticeship and Employment
Outstanding Success Rates
Financial Support
A level results top national average with vocational courses achieving 100% overall pass rate.
We offer tailored support so that money doesn’t stop you from studying.
Choose from a wide range of subjects and courses to reach your ambitions.
Amazing Facilities
Experienced Tutors
Employability
Two multi-million pound campuses boast realistic, commercial learning environments.
Our tutors are experts in their fields having held successful careers in the industry.
Gain vital skills with work experience thanks to our employer links.
14 / Six Reasons
A levels
VOCATIONAL/ BTECs
TRAINEESHIPS & APPRENTICESHIPS
Similar to the style of teaching and learning at school and good for those who don’t mind sitting exams. Choose three A level subjects and keep your career path open.
Working in a practical, hands-on way you will do more coursework alongside some controlled assessments, specialising in one subject. Great if you know what you want to be.
Traineeships get you ready to compete for an Apprenticeship or a job. Apprenticeships give you the benefits of both study and work. Earn a salary, receive training, gain qualifications and learn job-specific skills.
UNIVERSITY
Employment
MORE TRAINING Choose a Route / 15
CAREER COACH
How much could I earn?
Want to know how much you could earn? Career Coach takes all the stress out of planning your future and choosing a college course to help you achieve your ambitions.
What course could lead to my dream job?
It is designed to help you:
How many jobs are available where I live?
• Find a good career.
• Provide the most current local data on wages, employment and job vacancies. • Find education courses and training. Go to our website to find our free Career Coach online tool and check out the labour market predictions and statistics to help you to make an informed choice about your future.
Don’t forget! Check out the free, easy to use CV builder, to make sure your applications are as good as you can make them.
FIND CAREER COACH AT WWW.STHELENS.AC.UK 16 / Career Coach
What are similar careers?
Is the industry I want to work in growing or shrinking? How many people currently do the job that I want?
What tasks would I do in my job?
FIND THE ANSWER WITH CAREER COACH 168 / Sport
STUDENT SUPPORT We have a real commitment to ensuring that every one of our students has the support and encouragement that they need to be successful.
Learner Support We have a dedicated, friendly and experienced Learner Support Team who will work with you, your family/carers and your tutors to help you reach your full potential and achieve your career aspirations. We can provide the following support: •
Assessment of individual needs (including Exam Access Arrangements and Visual Stress Assessments)
•
Liaison with Local Authorities, Exam Boards and course tutors
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One-to-one skill development tutorials
•
In-class support from Learner Support Officers
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Access to specialist equipment
•
Adaptation of materials e.g. Braille, large print, electronic format
•
Communication support for BSL/SSE users
•
Teacher of the deaf
•
Assistance with any personal care and health needs
•
Mobility assistance
Careers Advice and Guidance • •
Progression events •
english and maths No matter what career you go on to - English and maths are really important. If you don’t get a grade C at GCSE - you will study it alongside your course whilst at College.
18 / Student Support
Dedicated careers adviser offering individualised appointments Matrix Standard for quality of impartial information, advice and guidance
•
Help finding work placements, interview preparation, CV workshops and interview skills Support with UCAS, personal statements and university applications St Helens College supports equality and diversity.
Student Support / 19
MONEY MATTERS Financial help and student benefits All of our students aged 16-18 ●● FREE BREAKFAST ●● FREE MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 PACKAGE
are entitled to:
●● STUDENT DISCOUNTS AND NUS MEMBERSHIP ●● FREE BUS PASS*
additional You may also be entitled to financial help including: ●● A PREMIUM BURSARY OF UP TO £34 PER WEEK ●● GENERAL BURSARY ●● FREE CHILDCARE**
●● FREE COLLEGE LUNCH ●● ASSISTANCE TO BUY COURSE EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS
*All students are entitled to a free Arriva bus pass for term one of their studies with the opportunity to buy a heavily discounted pass for future terms. You may be able to get all of your termly bus passes paid for you if you qualify for a bursary. **If you are a young parent, you are entitled to help with the cost of childcare via the Care to Learn Scheme.
FREE BREAKFAST No more rushing around in the morning – you’ll get a free breakfast at College every day!*
* Terms and conditions apply.
20 / Money Matters
College Life / 21
KEEP IN TOUCH Join our online community to keep up-to-date with what’s going on at St Helens College.
/StHelensCollege
AS AST STUDENT AT ST HELENS COLLEGE, REALLY DO VALUE YOUR HELENS COLLEGE VALUES WE YOUR FEEDBACK, FEEDBACK, SUGGESTIONS, OPINIONS, COMPLIMENTS AND COMPLAINTS .
SUGGESTIONS AND OPINIONS.
There are a number of different channels that you can use to have your say about
Run for Student Council represent the views of ANYTHINGand that affects YOU. students on your course.
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND The Student Council ensures that students’ opinions are heard and
considered to Mind make is a valuable to their experience at St Helens What’s On Your a direct difference channel to the senior managers of St Helens College. College. Just hit the button and you can easily submit your ideas or feedback online. You will always receive a response to let you know what we are doing.
AS A STUDENT REP YOU’LL ALSO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT FORWARD NEW IDEAS FOR:
STUDENT SURVEY STUDENT We run a student survey eachLIFE term to help us understand your experiences on your course and at College. We analyse the results from these surveys and then use this to make change and EVENTS improvement for future years. COLLEGE STUDENT REPS COLLEGE DEVELOPMENTS Each course area has a nominated student rep who will attend Student Council meetings. If there isSUGGESTIONS something you wish raise, let them know and they can FOR toIMPROVEMENTS
WORD ON THE TWEET... Great to see @StHelensCollege motor vehicle department getting an award from @The_IMI @ConorMcGinn Wouldn’t be where I am today without @StHelensCollege @PrincesTrust BTEC: Got in university/law school #sthelenshour @michaelegan86
41 groups spoken to, 422 students. One day. Thank you so much @StHelensCollege for a fantastic day with your amazing faculty and students! @AlexThinkBig
Great morning @StHelensCollege the improvements to the building & new library are fantastic. @JulieMorri77
take it to the next meeting. These are fed back to senior managers and governors of the college.
PERSONAL TUTOR
22 / Have Your Say
Keep in Touch / 23
LIBRARIES Our newly refurbished libraries at both campuses are vibrant, supportive learning spaces with state-of-the-art study pods and computer suites to help you succeed with your studies. We have a substantial collection of learning resources including books, newspapers and magazines as well as DVDs, fiction and graphic novels. Our 24/7 library of online databases, journals and eBooks means that you can study at home or anywhere in the world (as well as on campus) at a time to suit you.
STARBUCKS
WE PROUDLY SERVE STARBUCKS IN OUR LIBRARY CAFE AT THE TOWN CENTRE CAMPUS. Take a break between your studies and drop in for a coffee!
24 / Libraries
Starbucks / 25
TRAVELLING TO COLLEGE
32, 32A - Clinkham Wood
Town Centre Campus
Our Town Centre and STEM Centre campuses are less than a 10 minute walk from the central bus and train stations, linking to public bus routes across Merseyside.
TOP TOWN CENTRE LOCATIONS!
352 - Billinge / Wigan
37 - Eccleston 38 - Rainford
Supported by fantastic transport links, our town centre location means that getting to St Helens College couldn’t be easier.
The STEM Centre
10, 10A - Rainhill / Thatto Heath / Liverpool 33 - Sutton Heath 35, 35A - Gillars Green 89, 89A - Speke 97 - Prescot 297 - Kirkby
St Helens Bus Station
5 minute walk to the Town Centre Campus and 10 minute walk to The STEM Centre campus from St Helens Central Train Station
20 - Earlestown 31 - Parr 34, 34A - Leigh 320, 620 - Haydock / Wigan 329 - Daresbury
St Helens Central
17, 17A, 17B - Widnes 32 - Sutton Manor 32A - Clock Face 33 - Widnes 35, 35A - St Helens Junction
By Train WIGAN
15 MINUTES
WARRINGTON
30 MINUTES
LIVERPOOL
MANCHESTER
21 MINUTES 50 MINUTES
St Helens College’s campuses are only 10 minutes walk from St Helens Central train station. This station is on the main line between Wigan North Western station and Liverpool Lime Street station.
As a student, you’ll receive a FREE first-term bus pass and a heavily discounted bus pass for terms 2 and 3.
For timetables and costs, visit www.nationalrail.co.uk 26 / Travelling to College
Travelling to College / 27
PARENT/ CARER INFORMATION We are delighted that your son or daughter is considering St Helens College to further their studies. We will ensure that they receive a first-class learning experience and have access to the support they require to help them successfully achieve their qualifications and make plans for future progress. Keep up-to-date with your son/daughters college application by joining our dedicated Facebook group St Helens College Parents/Carers of 2017 Starters. Your son/daughter is allocated a Personal Tutor whilst they are studying with us and they will monitor their progress throughout their course. If you have any questions, concerns or issues that you would like to discuss regarding their studies or their experiences in College, please do not hesitate to contact them directly.
PARENT PORTAL
You will have the opportunity to review your son/ daughter’s in year progress at any time by logging into our online tracking system, Proportal, which can be found on our website. You will be able to view their attendance and punctuality, comments from tutors relating to performance and also review their achievement to date for academic progress.
PROGRESS REVIEW
We have an ‘open door’ policy should you wish to speak to us. We also host a termly Parent Meeting. 168 / Sport
Parent/Carer Information / 29
ST HELENS COLLEGE
OPEN EVENTS DISCOVER WHY IT’S SO GREAT TO BE A STUDENT AT ST HELENS COLLEGE! DROP IN WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR COURSES, VIEW OUR FACILITIES, SPEAK TO TUTORS ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE INTERESTED IN STUDYING AND RECEIVE CAREERS ADVICE AND GUIDANCE.
5
WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER 2016
5PM - 7PM
WEDNESDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2016
5PM - 7PM
WEDNESDAY 8
TH
5PM - 7PM
For courses in Engineering, Construction, Motor Vehicle and Animal Management:
The STEM Centre, Technology Campus Pocket Nook Street, St Helens WA9 1TT
30 / Upcoming Events
FEBRUARY 2017
For all other courses and A Level Academy:
Town Centre Campus Water Street, St Helens WA10 1PP
ENROLMENT
SAY HELLO AND HAVE A GO TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHAT TO STUDY AFTER YOUR GCSE EXAMS, WE’RE RUNNING SOME FUN, INTERACTIVE TASTER SESSIONS. YOU'LL GET TO MEET OTHER STUDENTS ON YOUR COURSE, CHAT TO TUTORS AND GET A FEEL FOR STUDENT LIFE AT ST HELENS COLLEGE.
BECOME AN OFFICIAL ST HELENS COLLEGE STUDENT ONCE YOU'VE COLLECTED YOUR GCSE RESULTS, COME ALONG TO OUR ENROLMENT EVENT AND SECURE YOUR PLACE. YOU WILL THEN BE ALL SET TO JOIN US IN SEPTEMBER!
JULY 2017
AUGUST 2017
4
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TUESDAY
9AM-11AM
THURSDAY
9AM-5PM
Where to go: For courses in Engineering, Construction, Motor Vehicle and Animal Management:
The STEM Centre, Technology Campus Pocket Nook Street, St Helens WA9 1TT
For all other courses and A Level Academy:
Town Centre Campus Water Street, St Helens WA10 1PP
Upcoming Events / 31
APPLY NOW
APPLY NOW
TO SECURE YOUR PLACE AT ST HELENS COLLEGE JUST FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS. BE QUICK – SOME COURSES ARE VERY POPULAR AND FILL UP FAST.
INTERESTED IN AN APPRENTICESHIP? FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS TO GET STARTED.
APPRENTICESHIPS
A LEVELS, BTECs AND VOCATIONAL COURSES
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32 / Apply Now
Have a look at what courses we have on offer and decide what you would like to do. If you aren’t sure what to choose or which course is right for you – drop in to one of our Open Events to chat with our careers advisers and course tutors.
Submit your application. You could apply by completing an online application form on our website or by filling out a paper-based form which you can collect from either the Town Centre Campus or STEM Centre, Technology Campus reception.
Once you have sent your application form, we will then write to you to let you know that we have received your form. You will be invited in for an interview or information session with your course tutor.
If you are successful in securing a place at St Helens College you will need to confirm acceptance of your place and then finalise this by attending an enrolment event. We will let you know what this date is nearer the time. At enrolment, you will be given your start date and information about your first class.
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Have a look at what apprenticeship frameworks we deliver and decide what you would like to do. Also, take a look at our current vacancies to get an idea of what apprenticeships are available. If you aren’t sure – drop in to one of our Apprenticeship Information Sessions or an Open Event.
Submit your application. You could apply by completing an online application form on our website or by filling out a paper-based form which you can collect from either the Town Centre Campus or STEM Centre Technology Campus reception. We would also recommend that you register your details on Get My First Job at www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk
Once you have sent your application form, we will then write to you to invite you in to give you advice and guidance on finding an apprenticeship, applying for vacancies and getting ‘apprenticeship ready’. We will support you through the process.
BEGIN YOUR CAREER
Apply Now / 33
UNIVERSITY CENTRE ST HELENS
SEE YOURSELF WITH A DEGREE
Once you have finished your studies at St Helens College you could progress and continue by studying for your degree at...
UNIVERSITY CENTRE ST HELENS
Degree courses in: • BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting • BA (Hons) Graphic Design
• FdA/BA (Hons) Social Policy, Health and Housing • FdSc Exercise, Health and Fitness
• BA (Hons) Game Art • FdSc Applied Computing • BA (Hons) Photography • FdA Theatre and Performance • FdA Music Production and Performance • HND Creative Media Production • FdA/BA (Hons) Criminal Justice
• FdSc Applied Microbiology • BA (Hons) Business Administration and Management (Top-up) • HND Business • FdA Spa Therapies and Management
BE YO U BE U N I QU E uc.sthelens.ac.uk /UniCentreSH
0800 99 66 99 www.sthelens.ac.uk /StHelensCollege
