Full-Time Student Guide
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Welcome to Telford College
This is your student guide/handbook for full time students. Please click the headings below to jump the the relevant section on this page, or scroll down to see all the information. It is important that you have read this guide by the end of your induction week – but don’t worry this information will be here in your student portal all year for your to refer back to.
Contents
Principal's welcome
Welcome to our Ofsted-rated Good college – we are delighted that you have chosen us to help you achieve your ambitions.
With exciting new courses, investment in the latest technology, and partnerships with dozens of local businesses, we can give you the best possible preparation for your future.
Our aim is to make your transition and introduction to Telford College life as smooth as possible.
This is your college – and we want you to take full advantage of the friendly and supportive environment we have created, to enable you to learn, study and achieve.
You’ll soon realise just how far you can go here at Telford College, and discover that our fantastic team will go the extra mile to support you every step of the way.
No question is too big, or too small – if there’s something you’re uncertain about, or want to double-check, please just ask.
And if there’s something you feel we can do differently, or better, please do share your ideas and suggestions through our Student Voice process.
You are about to start an important journey into either employment or higher education. What you do and achieve with us here at Telford College will influence the rest of your life, so please do make the most of your time.
Our campus is very diverse: It’s home to our A level centre as well as a wide range of vocational students, adult learners and apprentices.
This creates a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new ideas, and discover exactly what you want to do with your future.
Sometimes, what students really need most of all is support with their confidence, self-esteem, or a greater focus on how best to match their true skills, creativity, or technical abilities. We recognise this, and are here to help.
Our team are constantly looking at innovative ways to engage and inspire you, so if you have any questions at all regarding your courses, please talk to your course tutor or learner manager.
Telford College has taken the challenges of the pandemic very seriously, and we continue to ensure that student safety and achievement is paramount.
I look forward to meeting you soon. If you see me around the college, come and say hello, and don’t be afraid to suggest anything you feel we can do to improve your college experience.
Graham Guest, Principal and CEO
Term dates
Below are the term dates for the academic year 2023-24.
- Tuesday 5 September 2023 - Start of teaching
- Thursday 26 October 2023 - Last day of teaching for first half term
- Monday 30 October - Friday 3 November 2023 - October half term
- Monday 6 November 2023 - Teaching restarts for second half term
- Friday 22 December 2023 - Last day of teaching for second half term
- Monday 25 December 2023 - Friday 5 January 2024 - Christmas holiday
- Tuesday 9 January 2024 - Teaching restarts for third half term
- Friday 9 February 2024 - Last day of teaching for third half term
- Monday 19 February 2024 - Teaching restarts for fourth half term
- Monday 12 - Friday 16 February 2024 - February half term
- Wednesday 20 March 2024 - Staff development day (no teaching)
- Friday 22 March 2024 - Last day of teaching fourth half term
- Monday 25 March - Friday 5 April 2024 - Easter holiday
- Monday 8 April 2024 - Teaching restarts fifth half term
- Monday 6 May 2024 - Bank holiday
- Friday 24 May 2024 - Last day of teaching for fifth half term
- Monday 27 - Friday 31 May 2024 - May half term
- Monday 3 June 2024 - Teaching restarts for sixth half term
- Friday 28 June 2024 - Last day of teaching for sixth half term and start of summer holidays
The campus
Entrance to the college
The entrance and exit of the college is located in E block, where main reception is situated.
Car park entrance and exit
Our college has a large car park which is free for students to use. Students who drive to college will be given a car park pass which must be displayed at all times. Click here to update your vehicle details.
We also have an area to store your bikes and motorcycles, this is located in the main car park.
The car park is supervised by security. Entrance is gained by having your pass on display.
All property is left at the owner’s risk. We cannot take responsibility for any loss or damage. Where possible drop-offs should be made in the layby off Haybridge Road.
Cafes and restaurants
The college has various spaces for you to eat and drink.
The Haybridge Restaurant and Rendezvous are located centrally in college, by the Student Hub. We also have a Starbucks Café, also located within Rendezvous.
You might also be eligible for support with the cost of food while at college, see our financial support section – click here
Multi faith room
The college has a Multi Faith Room for students and staff to access. The room is located in the Student Hub. The room is in a quiet location where students and staff of differing religious beliefs or none at all, are able to spend time in contemplation or prayer.
Your programme of study
Main vocational, technical or academic qualification
- This is either a collection of A level qualifications, or your vocational/technical qualification.
- The majority of your timetabled lessons will be for your main vocational/technical or academic qualification.
- You’ll be supported by tutors and mentors with a wealth of industry and subject experience, learning in university-standard facilities.
Emerge - A student focused personal development programme for the student journey
Emerge is a new and comprehensive, student focused, personal development programme that runs alongside your main qualification(s) and follows your journey with us.
Your chosen course of study
Your interview to college
Keeping in touch transition
Induction to college
Enrichment whilst at college
Maths and English
Independent study
Work experience and work related activity
Part time jobs
Industry placement
As part of Emerge, you will benefit from experienced staff who will ensure that our pre-enrolment interaction is effective and fun, an induction that is exciting and offers the skills and behaviours to be successful.
You will learn what to expect from us and what we expect from you.
- Ongoing tutorials that develop the skills necessary to live in modern Britain;
- informed wraparound support,
- high quality enrichment,
- bespoke, expert careers information and guidance and
- credible work experience/work related activities for you on your individual pathway.
You will benefit from an academic year full of potential and opportunity measured by psychometric testing, a ever increasing CV, an Emerge platform, work experience/work related activity hours and external achievements including Princes Trust, Duke of Edinburgh etc.
All of which will lead you to greater achievement, a positive destination and continue to develop you into a well-rounded individual.
Maths and English
- All students will be supported to continually develop those, all important, maths and English skills.
- You may be enrolled onto relevant maths and English qualifications depending on any GCSE grades achieved prior to college.
- All students in need of additional support will be supported by their tutors and learning support where appropriate.
- Our subject specialist maths and English learning support assistants and facilitators will be available to support you if needed.
Tutorial
You will be supported by your personal tutor during your weekly tutorial session. You’ll receive ongoing academic and pastoral support for all aspects of your programme of study. Additionally, your tutorials will combine learning and developing new skills with regular individual progress reviews to ensure you’re making progress and feel supported with your study and career aspirations.
Work experience/industry placements
As part of your study programme, you will be required to complete a work placement with a company related to your course. Selected courses will include industry placements. Your timetable will allow for one or two days per week.
Careers
Preparing you for your next steps is integral to everything we do at Telford College. We have a dedicated team to support you with your next steps whether it be employment, apprenticeship, higher education or further studies at college.
Telford College works with over 700 employers locally and nationally through our partnership, industry placements, apprenticeships and mentoring scheme. This enables us to support you to build links with your career aspiration. Alongside our employers, Telford College works with universities throughout the UK, with many universities from the region coming in regularly to work with students to support their choices. Students can access one to one careers advice appointments.
Code of conduct
Dress code
Although we don’t have a formal dress code/uniform we do ask all students to be mindful that the college is a professional environment and we are committed to the safeguarding of all. We ask you not to wear:
- Clothing with offensive, discriminatory slogans or images that cause offence to others
- Items that expose significant amounts of flesh such as crop tops, excessively short skirts or shorts
- Hoods, helmets or hats whilst inside
Please note, this list is not exhaustive.
We follow an industry standard dress code which you must abide by for health and safety, and personal protection reasons. These specific dress codes are for those studying courses including PUS, hair and beauty, automotive, construction and catering.
We have high expectations for all our students during their time with us at college. We expect exemplary behaviour in all learning and enrichment activities on and off campus and especially in shared spaces. All students who have been successful in securing a place at Telford College are required to read, understand and follow our student code of conduct.
What you need to do
Students are required to comply with the following:
- Dress appropriately for your professional college environment
- Wear your lanyard and colour coded college ID badge at all times. The process for forgotten lanyards is available here
- Attend each and every timetabled lesson and maintain a minimum of 90% attendance
- Arrive on time for all lessons – including remote lessons
- Inform your teacher or learner manager if you have any circumstances that will affect your attendance or punctuality
- Demonstrate respect and exemplary behaviour at all times
- Follow the college guidance for using our IT systems for both on campus and remote learning. All student IT usage is monitored and any inappropriate use may result in your place at college being placed at risk
- Discuss and agree with your teachers regular targets to achieve continuous improvement
- Treat others with respect regardless of their: age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, level of ability, religion, culture or background
- Bring in appropriate equipment/PPE to enable you to complete and achieve your studies and qualifications
- Smoking or vaping must be in the designated areas – guidelines are available here
- Use the student voice forum to feedback your experience with us at the college
- Use college support services such as bursaries, financial, welfare and BeSafe to support you achieving your studies
- Abide by the regulations of the relevant examinations awarding body for your qualifications
- Be kind, be the best version of yourself, support others and be proud!
Telford College will provide you with:
- A full induction to the college and your course
- A safe learning environment in which to study
- High quality teaching
- Regular assessment and feedback on progress
- Feedback on your work that signposts how to improve
- The use of industry level equipment in a simulated workplace environment
- Opportunities to work with leading employers and industry experts
- Access to a range of enrichment activities and resources
- Examination entries where you have shown the required level of commitment
- Study support to meet your needs
- The chance to express your views through student surveys, student voice, student ambassadors, class rep meetings and student governors
Let’s work together to make our college an even better place.
Reporting an absence
You must let us know if you are going to be absent. You can do this in the following ways:
- Report your absence by Telford College app
- Complete the online form
- Email absences@telfordcollege.ac.uk informing us of the reason for your absence
- Call the absence line and leave a message on 01952 642244
- Visit reception to inform us of any planned absences
Failure to report absence or persistent poor attendance may put your college place at risk.
Please talk to your personal tutor if you have any difficulties that may affect attendance.
BeSafe - keeping you safe at college
Telford College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. We expect the whole college community to share this commitment. If you have a concern about your own or another student’s wellbeing, safety or rights, you can talk to any member of staff or ask to speak to a member of the BeSafe Team. While we cannot promise to keep confidentiality, we will support you to find solutions to your issues and concerns within the agreed local policies and procedures.
You can call us on 01952 642220 or send an email to besafe@telfordcollege.ac.uk
To ensure security and the smooth running of the college, it is essential that you wear your ID badge and lanyard around your neck at all times.
Please be assured:
- We will help you to reach your full potential
- All suspicions of abuse and neglect will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly
- All students, regardless of ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability have the right to a safe environment
- All students have the right to learn in an environment free of harassment or inappropriate behaviour
- Child on child abuse including sexual abuse, sexual violence and online sexual harassment will not be tolerated at Telford College
- Bullying and harassment, including physical, emotional, online and verbal, either directly or indirectly, is unacceptable and the college has a zero-tolerance policy. If any students are found to have carried out bullying, the college will use The Positive Behaviour policy, which may result in them being withdrawn from college
Emotional health and wellbeing
The college takes the emotional health and wellbeing of our students and staff very seriously. Having the chance to access the support we offer when you need it can make a big difference to your college experience. We offer a range of different support services that you can access and you can self-refer.
Our BeSafe team has counsellors and mentors that work in college and they are here to support you. You can contact them or book an appointment by ringing 01952 642220 or email besafe@telfordcollege.ac.uk alternatively visit the BeSafe office near main reception.
Fundamental British Values
We’ll discuss British Values throughout your college journey with us. These values define how all members of our community should act – we treat each other and the college with respect, promote individual liberty and want you to contribute to the successful organisation of the college. Here are some examples:
Rule of law
- College behaviour policy
- Equality, diversity and inclusion policy
- Acceptable use of IT agreement
- College lanyards
- Classroom respect code
- Smoking policy
Democracy
- Student council
- Focus groups
- Fundraising
- College surveys
- Student governors
- Staff recruitment
Individual liberty
- Appropriate dress code
- Student voice
- Wide choice of subjects
- Student-led enrichment
- Complaints process
Democracy
- Multi-faith days
- Tutorial topics
- College positive behaviour policy
- Guest speakers
- Religious observance
Financial support
Guidance on financial help is available from the financial support team based in the Student Hub. They can help you navigate any funding or financial support you may be entitled to.
Enhanced award
You may be eligible for enhanced award if you are:
- In care or a care leaver
- Receiving income support or universal credit in your own right
- Receiving employment support allowance and disability living allowance or personal independence payment
Discretionary award and childcare fund
You may be eligible if you/your parents/carers have a gross household income of below £35,000.
We may be able to help with:
- College meals, travel expenses and trips
- Essential books, materials, equipment and uniform for your course
- Professional fees (e.g AAT), exam fees and UCAS fees
- Help with childcare fees for when you are at college or work/industry placement
- Additional costs
Travelling to and from college
Local public bus travel
We work closely with Arriva to bring you better bus routes to ensure you can make your way to college. You can find timetables at www.arrivabus.co.uk
Arriva route 7
Telford - Priorslee - St Georges - Oakengates -Trench - Donnington - Trench - Hadley - Wellington
Arriva route 4
Leegomery - Wellington - Ketley - Oakengates - Priorslee - Telford - Randlay - Stirchley - Woodside - Madeley
Arriva route 4A
Wellington - Telford
Arriva route X7
Newport - Church Aston - Lilleshall - Muxton - Donnington - Trench - Hadley - Wellington
Arriva route 17/17A
Leegomery - Wellington
Arriva route 15
Arleston - Wellington - Adamaston - Shawbirch - Leegomery - Hadley - Oakengates - Priorslee - Telford
Telford College bus routes
To help you get to college easier, we are running our own college bus routes from certain areas.
TC route 1
Bridgnorth - Broseley - Ironbridge - Madeley - Stirchley - Dawley - Horsehay - Lawley - College
TC route 2
Newport - Shifnal - Priorslee - Muxton - Donnington - Trench - College
Train travel
There are several direct trains to Wellington Train Station which is 1 mile away from Telford College. You can then catch the number 7 or
4/4a Arriva bus to college, or walk from Wellington Train Station.
Travelling from Shrewsbury
There is a direct route from Shrewsbury to Wellington that takes 13 minutes with no stops. You can view timetables here: nationalrail.co.uk.
Travelling from Wolverhampton
There is a 36-minute direct train from Wolverhampton to Wellington which calls at: Bilbrook, Codsall, Albrighton, Cosford, Shifnal, Telford
Central and Oakengates. You can view timetables at nationalrail.co.uk
Road travel
Travelling by car
We are proud to offer a free on site car park for students who will travel to us by car, with a designated area for motorbike parking. We offer over 200 spaces and 10 disabled spaces outside our main building, with other car parks nearer to our other facilities. So if you’d
like to make your way in by car, we’ve got you covered!
Please see further information in our campus section regarding car park passes.
Travelling by bike
There’s a variety of cycle routes from all over Telford and the surrounding areas if you’d like to come into college by bike, with many quiet residential routes. You can visit Shropshire’s Great Outdoors website for details of cycle routes in the area: shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk
We offer storage for bikes on campus, directly below the college entrance. We recommend you securely padlock your bike and bring it
to college at your own risk. You can insure them separately or under your existing household policy.
Enrichment
As part of your course you may take part in external visits and residential trips. College trips are a great way for students to connect with each other, develop interpersonal skills and gain valuable learning experience outside of the classroom.
An external visit can support your learning by contextualising subjects in a real world setting. They may help you make an informed decision regarding your chosen career path.
You will have the opportunity to engage in a range of additional enrichment activities to build your skills and knowledge through our careers and enrichment based programmes.
From a careers development perspective, you will be able to access UCAS events and university visits, meet with industry experts, take part in work experience placements and engage in business enterprise and work related activities to enhance your employability and/or industry skills. For selected courses you will be required to participate in industry placements.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet with former students who have been through the programme to inspire you with your studies.
You’ll be able to enjoy taking part in a range of enrichment activities that build employability skills. Whether it is demonstrating teamwork through representing a sports academy team, or showing leadership and communication through running a student club, there will be a wide range of activities to become involved in.
Students leave Telford College with highly developed employability skills and relevant experiences which will help their progression and next steps.
You can visit the enrichment hub for an up-to-date calendar of enrichment activities. If you want to find out more or get involved, you can also contact the enrichment coordinator on enrichment@telfordcollege.ac.uk or visit in the Student Hub.
Student voice
We value your views and ask for feedback regularly
- Every course will have an elected and trained course representative. They’ll gather the views of the class and offer feedback through course rep meetings and focus groups.
- You can speak to or join the student council, who meet often with the members of the Senior Leadership team. Elected members will attend the college governor meetings to pass on any feedback from the student body. They’ll be part of our decision-making process.
- Throughout the year, a range of cross-college student surveys take place to offer you an opportunity to provide detailed feedback on your college experience.
If you have a concern
Your first step is to talk to your course tutor. They will help or signpost you to the most appropriate support. There is lots of support available for all our students. Whatever you might be concerned about, we will always help!
IT access
Logging into your college account
Our IT systems are closely monitored, it is important that you do not share your username and password with anyone.
Your username will be the same as your student ‘a’ number.
When logging onto a campus computer your username is just your ‘a’ number, but when accessing your email, Microsoft365 portal you need to use your college email which is ‘a’ number @telfordcollege.ac.uk (eg. a123456@telfordcollege.ac.uk)
Your can view our support articles below:
Accessing your college emails
As a college we communicate with you often through your college email (as well as the email address provided in your personal details – click here to see which email you provided).
You must check your emails regularly, we would recommend at least once a week. There are certain things for security reasons which we can only contact you by via a @telfordcollege.ac.uk email.
You can access your emails by logging into your college account via Outlook outlook.office.com
Accessing your document
All your documents when working on college computers will be saved to your college Microsoft OneDrive.
Please always check that your OneDrive when you sign in is connected and syncing – click here to see our support article.
You can access these documents anywhere in college, but also though the OneDrive app on mobile devices (when logged into using your college account) or through portal.office.com.
Accessing your Microsoft teams
You will be a member of a team for each course you are enrolled onto. This is where lesson resources, assignments and any remote lessons will be delivered from.
When logging onto a computer in college Teams will be installed on your desktop, but we would recommend you set Teams up on your laptop and/or mobile device at home. Visit teams.microsoft.com and click download Teams app, or search Teams in your app store. You will log into Teams with your college email and password.
Accessing the college wifi
To connect to the college wifi please see information around the campus regarding how to access the Wi-Fi or visit our support article by clicking here.
When connected to the college wifi using your own device, all usage will be monitored.
Printing
All students have access to the college printers, across the college campus.
To print, on your device please go print, and select ‘followme’ printer (sometimes shown as \\papercut\followme or followme on papercut).
This will then send your print job to any printer in the college. Simply walk up to the printer, scan your college ID badge and release your print job.
For further information please view our support article – click here.
Students will automatically be issued £3 print credit each term (£9 per year). But you can top-up your own credit by visiting the digital and IT Helpdesk.
To see the latest costs per print please click here.
Digital and learning resources
The college has a range of resources available for you in lesson and outside lesson for independent study, socialising and enrichment.
Our student hub at the heart of the college is over two floors. On the upper floor you will be able to access study area with 100 computers fully equipped for your independent study. The study area is drop in, so no need to pre-book!
Our student hub is the home of our digital champions for digital support based at the support desk. This could be how to use your OneDrive, through to support on how to format a document in Word and more.
We also have a range of help guides and videos in our IT support section, and here you can also raise a support request.
The college has a range of resources available to you from eBooks to online journals and other packages specific to your curriculum area. Please see the digital hub for further information.
We want you to have access to the latest technology and the most engaging and effective ways of learning. The college has a a range of technologies and facilities to host immersive learning.
Process for forgotten college ID badge
Below outlines the process if you forget your college ID badge once, twice, three or four times in an academic year.
If you feel you are likely to forget you badge, ensure you keep your badge safe and make it part of your morning routine to pick up.
1st time you forget your badge
Visit reception for temporary 1 day badge
2nd time you forget your badge
Visit reception for temporary 1 day badge
Personal tutor issues a verbal warning to student
3rd time you forget your badge
Visit reception for temporary 1 day badge
Personal tutor to issue student disciplinary as stage 1 of the positive behaviour process
4th time you forget your badge
Visit reception for a new ID badge and pay £5
Curriculum manager to issue student disciplinary as stage 2 of the positive behaviour process
Process for smoking and vaping in undesignated areas
Below outlines the process if you smoke or vape in undesignated areas. The level of disciplinary will be communicated to your parent/carer as per the positive behaviour process.
It is important that you only smoke and vape in the designated areas which are clearly sign posted:
- Outside area back of Starbucks on the upper level
- Benches near S block in internal quad (only benches by security barrier)
- Shelter back of S block by the dome
- Outside automotive and engineering on the concrete designated area
- Outside construction centre, near roller shutter
1st offence smoking/vaping in undesignated area
Personal tutor to issue student disciplinary as stage 1 of the positive behaviour process
2nd offence smoking/vaping in undesignated area
Personal tutor to issue student disciplinary as stage 2 of the positive behaviour process
3rd offence smoking/vaping in undesignated area
Personal tutor to issue student disciplinary as stage 3 of the positive behaviour process
4th offence smoking/vaping in undesignated area or any smoking/vaping indoors
Duty manager to issue student disciplinary as stage 4 of the positive behaviour process and suspend the student pending hearing
Stage 4 hearing held (potential exclusion) and targets met
Any further offences following this or not meeting the targets would conclude in exclusion.
Please note, if you are already on a stage of disciplinary, an office would move you to the next stage of the process.
