The college continues to develop its ethos of inclusiveness and also to comply with all the legislation regarding disability and discrimination. We aim not only to meet the needs of individuals, but also to anticipate those needs. These aims are adhered to throughout all aspects of college life from enquiry to admission and enrolment and finally to moving on from college.
At St Vincent we want all our students to enjoy their courses and succeed to the very best of their ability. We aim to create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable to ask for any help you may need. One of the keys to success is knowing how well you are doing at different stages in your course and setting targets with your teachers and personal tutor.
Your Tutor
At the heart of all the support we offer you at college is your tutor. Their role is to guide you when you complete your timetable and keep an eye on your welfare. We have time specifically set aside for you twice a week to go to your tutor base. After registration you and your tutor have an opportunity to speak to each other about any matters of concern and your tutor will also pass on useful information about college events. Your tutor will also help check on your progress and help you research your future options. They will write references for you when you apply for employment or university.
Your tutor will also deliver a programme which will enable you to access some or all of the following qualifications:
- Improving Own Learning and Performance (IOLP) - Level 1 & 2
- AS General Studies - Level 3 (AS Year)
- Key Skills Communication - Level 3 (A2 Year)
These courses are beneficial to your studies in general and some of them even have UCAS points for university entrance attached. They will enable you to make the most of your time at college and actively encourage independent study skills and support for your own learning.
Reviews of Progress
During your college career you will be involved in evaluating your progress and setting targets for the next stage. You will collaborate closely with your subject teachers and tutor in the drafting of what we call your Reviews of Progress. They will include a grade to reflect your current performance and a target grade for you to aim for.
For Parents
The college keeps in touch with you in various ways:
- By sending you regular information about your son or daughter’s attendance
- By inviting you to meet your son or daughter’s teachers and tutor at parents’ evenings
- Through written Reviews of Progress at key stages of a course
- By letting you know of important dates in the college year and inviting you to public events
Study Skills
Many of the skills you need will be taught through your subjects. For example if you are required to write essays your subject teacher will tell you how to do so for that particular subject. You will also gain valuable skills through your Key Skills lessons in IT and Communication.
However, you may find that you need extra help. Your tutor can help you to book extra one-to one sessions with a specialist teacher in a study workshop for things such as:
- Essay structuring
- Spelling and punctuation
- Research skills
- Organisation of your study skills
- Revision techniques
- Stress management
- Tackling low self-esteem
- Reading speed
- Reading or writing problems associated with dyslexia
- Basic numeracy
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
If English is not your first language you can improve your spoken and written English through our free ESOL courses in our Adult Education programme. Phone for a brochure on 023 9258 3890. Click here for more details about Adult Learning opportunities at St Vincent.
Learning Support
At St Vincent we are committed to supporting our students so that they can achieve their full potential. Learning support in the college was seen as ‘very good’ in our latest Ofsted inspection. Specialist workshops are available for students needing support with SpLD (Dyslexia and Dyspraxia), hearing impairment, visual impairment and study skills. Outside agencies, including Physiotherapists, Educational Psychologists and Special Therapists, make regular visits to support students.
If you have Dyslexia:
- Assessment by an Educational Psychologist
- Voice activated IT
- Special exam arrangements
- One-to-one support from a specialist teacher
- Scribe
- Laptops
- Dictaphones
- Study support workshops
- Note takers
- Learning Support Assistants
- Filters
- Spell checkers
Additional Support
From time to time the college offers specific group sessions on topics such as exam preparation.
Support for Particular Difficulties
You tell us what you need and we will try to arrange support for you on an individual basis. Some examples of help we have offered students in the past are listed below.
If you have a Physical Difficulty:
- Voice activated IT
- Ground floor physiotherapy suite
- Support of a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) as needed
- Disabled toilets and closomat toilet
- Lift to first floor
- Lift to multi-gym
- Support of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists
- Key guard
- Ramps and access to classrooms
- Lift/lower tables
- Adapted equipment to aid independence
- Spare wheelchairs
Special Exam Arrangements can be made for you:
- Extra time
- Separate room
- Scribe
- Reader
- Use of laptops
If you have a Hearing Impairment:
- Note takers
- Radio and conference microphones
- Hearing loops
- Portable amplifier
- Support from advisory service
- Learning Support Assistants
If you have a Visual Impairment:
- Mobility training
- Enlarged texts
- Talking scanner
- Enlarged keyboards
- Screen enlargers
- Readers
- Scribes
- Support from advisory service
- Voice-activated IT
- Special exam arrangements
- Text enlargers (CCTV)
If you have other needs (eg Aspergers, ADHD,ADD, Medical etc)
- One-to-one study sessions
- Specialist LSA support worker
- Learning Support Assistants
- Counselling
- Note takers
- Individual timetables
- De-stress room
- Independence teaching