Student Support

inroduction to student support

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.

PROGRESS and support tutors

Your progress and support tutor will be your first point of contact at college. They will provide you with one-to-one care and attention, and will support you in the following ways:

  • Facilitate your weekly Upskill session
  • Talk through any personal or academic support needs
  • Discuss your attendance, behaviour and performance grades
  • Refer you to other services in the college
  • Help you apply to universities, apprenticeships or jobs
  • Provide you with a reference.

Weekly tutorial sessions will help develop your independent study skills, including:

  • Revision Tips
  • Note Taking
  • Time Management
  • Reading for Effectiveness.

You will also be given the chance to explore issues such as staying safe online, money management, alcohol and drug awareness, and career pathways.

Your Progress and Support Tutor works closely with the Progress and Engagement Team Leader as well as the Curriculum Manager for your study programme. You will have a number of Progress Review Days during the academic year where you will be able to meet with your tutor to discuss your progression in all subjects and set targets to ensure you achieve your potential.

WELFARE: MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING AND LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN SUPPORT

Supporting students with mental health, medical or emotional barriers access learning, whilst developing the life skills to progress.

  • Open door policy
  • Point of contact for parents/carers and outside agencies
  • Liaising with academic staff and support
  • Mentoring
  • Accessing counselling, outside support
  • Personal development
  • Student, parent and carers information and advice
  • Holistic support, supporting students to support themselves

FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

Parents and carers are sent a guide at the start of the academic year. This guide gives detailed information about the college and who to contact if you have any questions or need to let us know something about your young person. The college keeps in touch with you in various ways:

  • By sending you regular information about your young person’s attendance
  • By inviting you to meet your young person’s teachers at parents’ evening
  • 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.

We welcome parent/carer liaison so please feel free to contact us on 02392 588 311 should you have any queries.

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 teachers will tell you how to do so for that particular subject. However, you may find that you need extra help. Your teacher can help you to book extra 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.