Research shows that young people are influenced by many factors: their parents/carers, their teachers, their peers, their siblings, careers advisers, current trends and the media to name but a few. If you are a parent/carer you will want the best for your son or daughter, and therefore it is important to encourage them to keep an open mind during the decision making stage. Always encourage them to consider all their options before making their final decision.

At The College we extend a warm invitation to you to our Information Evenings. These events give you the chance to speak to curriculum specialists and to ask them lots of questions to ensure that you are as fully informed as possible. It is perfectly acceptable to submit an application to several different institutions and to make a final decision following interview.

Both the Lansdowne site at Bournemouth and North Road site at Poole are well served by local bus routes. Bournemouth, Parkstone and Poole railway stations are in close proximity to The College’s main sites.

The Bournemouth & Poole College has excellent support services and is highly inclusive. A member of the Learning Support team will be happy to discuss a student’s individual needs with you and, if requested, would be present at their college interview. Further information can be found in The College’s Disability Statement which describes the varied and wide range
of support available. A copy can be obtained from the Learning Support Team on (01202) 205956/205359

Email: learningsupport@thecollege.co.uk

The College offers both individualised and structured programmes for learners who are not yet ready for our mainstream courses.

The main source of help will be from personal tutors and lecturers. However, many learners benefit from additional help and support, which is available through the Study Advice Centres. We also have fully equipped Learning Resources Centres at our Lansdowne, Constitution Hill and North Road centres.

There are no tuition fees for learners aged 16 – 18 on full time courses.

What about books and materials? Will there be a charge for exam entries? What about travel? Are grants available?

These questions are asked frequently and their answers are not always straightforward.

To receive more information please telephone (01202) 205300 or call into Student Services. You can call The College helpline on (01202) 205205

Some learners are eligible for financial assistance.

Please call (01202) 205205 for current information.

Yes, very carefully. At The College we have strict rules and codes of conduct. We expect learners to be dedicated and to work hard and have a mutually respectful approach to their tutors and fellow students. Good manners are highly valued. As with everything in life, the more you invest the greater the final reward. Students are encouraged to form a bond with their personal tutor, who is responsible for monitoring their progress, attendance and for dealing with any issues, worries or concerns.

In most cases classes will be much smaller than at school. Generally classes have an average of 18 students - large enough to generate a lively exchange of views yet small enough to ensure personal attention. Every student belongs to a small tutorial group led by a personal tutor.

“The principal, governors and senior leadership team provide good direction for the college.
They have devised an ambitious strategic plan and are generally achieving improvement Targets”
ofsted 2011

Classes for full time learners will not normally be timetabled to begin before 9am or finish after 5.30pm but this may vary according to the course. Each learner has an individual timetable and it’s a good idea to make sure you have a copy of this so that you know when they will be in college.

On average, a learner will have between 15 - 16 hours a week of contact time (teaching hours) spread through the week. Every learner will also have college work to complete at home. This will include, for example, course work, assignments, research and individual study.

We expect every learner to have 100% attendance and to give 100% commitment to completion of all coursework, homework and class work. Registration is taken at every lesson. Learners must notify their tutor of any absence. Poor attendance and/or punctuality will be dealt with through the ‘Shaping Behaviour and Performance’ procedures. A copy of this document can be obtained from Student Services.

We keep you informed through parents’ evenings and/or written reports. Student’s progress is very carefully monitored and regular tutorials will ensure learning goals are being met. Every full-time learner works towards their Individual Learning Plan. If you are concerned at any stage we encourage you to contact the relevant Head of Curriculum.

Your views and comments will always be welcome.

There are many advantages to college life. It very much depends on the individual concerned. The benefits of moving on from school to a more adult learning environment will vary from one individual to another. Many young people by the end of year 11 find they are ready for a college environment, which offers greater experience of the ‘real world’ and acts as a great preparation for employment or university.

The College offers the widest selection of courses in the area and our post 16 teaching professionals have specialist expertise and, where applicable, recent industry-related knowledge. The breadth of qualifications and The College learning experience is valued and recognised by employers and universities.

We think our size is our strength as it allows us to offer a very wide range of courses. This, together with staff whose responsibilities include tutorial/pastoral support, ensures that all students will belong to a small part of a large organisation. We also ensure individual needs are not overlooked by keeping class sizes relatively small and giving every learner a personal tutor. Our most recent Ofsted report highlighted that.

The internet is a marvellous source of information on schools, colleges and training providers. The Looking Ahead Prospectus for Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole is available for parents and young people to look at. Please go to www.lookingahead.info.

Local libraries will have information as will the Careers adviser at your son/daughter’s school. Try to visit The College on one of our Information Evenings and encourage the young person to do a Shadowing Day at The College. Call The College helpline (01202)205205 for more information. It is worth taking the time to research all the options available.

For an impartial careers, or advice and guidance interview please contact (01202) 205312.

The most important thing is that a young person is on the course and in the environment that is most suited to their career ambitions and personality.

Leaving school is a big step, but we believe that the right course is the most important factor. College life is different from school in many ways, especially as The College gives students extra independence providing an excellent stepping-stone to higher education or to employment.

Please check that, if a teenager is thinking about staying on at school, that he/she has access to the right type of qualification and course and is given every opportunity to consider alternatives. We can give them impartial careers advice and guidance to help them make the right choice.