Welcome to Oaklands College

Welcome to the College We are a large general FE college 2 main campus sites in St Albans Smallford and Welwyn Garden City 20 different subject areas Over 10,000 students Mention provision in BWD and community

We promote a positive and supportive atmosphere where your son/daughter can learn independently, have fun and achieve their potential.

Your Programme of Study Main Qualification English and Maths Work Experience Personal Development Review (PDR) sessions with personal tutor And a whole lot more……. Independent study expectation, work alongside taught sessions Manage time effectively – consider hours taken for part time jobs Tutorial sessions – talk about benefits, personal tutor role, what they cover, support – two way relationship This is a crucial time of your lives and will determine your economic future - ensuring that you are on the correct course is imperative

Get involved

English & Maths Integral skills to enable your son/daughter to progress in Education, Training, Employment and your Personal Life All students will work towards developing English and Maths skills and take the relevant qualification Your son/daghter will have already been enrolled on a GCSE or a Functional Skill. This will depend on: Prior Achievement (GCSE D grade or below) Diagnostic results BKSB results Employers and Universities want to see evidence of GCSEs and/or functional skills in these areas.

Keeping in Contact The college environment requires students to be more self motivated, preparing you for employment, training or University. Regular monitoring of progress and performance through PDR’s and Progress Reviews Regular contact with parents/carers and employers Progress and reviews Parent consultation meetings Early communication if any concerns College Contact Centre 01727 737000

High Performance Attendance and punctuality Is key – there is very strong correlation between good attendance and good results Complete all work to deadlines set (plan and manage workloads carefully) Attitude to learning will ultimately be the key to success We expect students to have the level of maturity to appreciate that this is for you –your future is in your hands and you have the ability to determine the outcome. Subject tutors are experts in their chosen field – here to guide and support you but ultimately it’s down to you Attendance is expected to be above 95% Meeting deadlines – implications for new BTEC’s if relevant to area

Independent Learning Support The Independent Learning Support (ILS) team can help students to access the right support at any stage of your programme. We work with students with a broad range of needs including: Dyslexia Sensory impairment Asperger Syndrome Autistic Spectrum Condition ADD/ADHD Dyspraxia Mental health problems Physical disabilities A general learning difficulty

Student Advice and Support Student Advisers can be found on each campus and they can help with a range of issues such as: Attendance issues Course difficulties Bullying Childcare Travel Financial assistance Health issues Accommodation Relationship difficulties Students can drop in to their student lounge to make an appointment or for a general chat.

Behaviour Expectations Whilst you are at college there are some general expectations on your behaviour ID badges must be worn at all times Excellent attendance and punctuality No eating or drinking in class apart from water Active participation in class All deadlines met All behaviour is in line with College standards

Student Behaviour Procedure 2 strands: Misconduct Course related performance Students may be put on the student behaviour procedure for a number of reasons Reasons : Attendance falls below 95% Continual lateness Poor attitude to learning in class Consistently poor performance Failure to meet deadlines set Homework not completed Disruption or rudeness in class

We will not accept Any form of bullying Any discriminatory behaviour towards others Any drug or alcohol consumption on College premises Any threatening behaviour or physical violence Any behaviour in class that prevents others from learning or staff from teaching