How do I find out more information about courses at St Helens College?
When are the Open Evenings?
What if I can’t decide which course to go on?
Can I come and have a look around the college before I decide what to do?
What happens to my application when I’ve sent it in?
When is the deadline for applications?
How do I get to the College?
Will I receive any help with travel costs?
Do I have to wear a uniform when I start College?
Will I need to buy any special equipment for my course?
Will I get any money for coming to College?
Is College the same as school?
Will all my study take place in the classroom?
What happens on my first day at College?
How do I find out more information about courses at St Helens College?
If you would like to find out more about a particular subject area, or programme of study, call Student Services on 0800 99 66 99 or visit our website www.sthelens.ac.uk and access the School Leaver section. You may also like to attend one of our Open Evenings.
When are the Open Evenings?
For young people leaving school in summer 2011, or those aged 16-19 years, the Open Evenings will take place on Monday 8 November and Monday
14 March from 5.30pm-8pm. They will be held at the Town Centre Campus, Newton Campus and the Technology Centre.
What if I can’t decide which course to go on?
As the range of options open to you is continually increasing, we feel our support in helping you make the right decision for your future is more important than ever. If you are unsure which course would be the best choice for you it may help to discuss your concerns with a Guidance Advisor who will be able to tell you about the courses on offer at the College. Phone any of the following numbers; 01744 623 235 / 623 236 / 623 237 to make an appointment.
How do I apply to St Helens College If you decide you would like to study at St Helens College, follow the application procedures on page 136 to complete the application form which you will find at the back of this prospectus. You may also apply online through the Common Application Process, please see your Connexions Advisor of Careers Teacher for advice about this.
Can I come and have a look around the college before I decide what to do?
We are pleased to offer Year 11 pupils the opportunity to come to one of our College Open Evenings. This means that you can have a look at the facilities, meet the staff and students, and receive advice and guidance on financial matters. See page 132 for details of dates and times.
What happens to my application when I’ve sent it in?
When you send in your application form it will be acknowledged within 48 hours of receipt. See the step by step guide to applications on page 136.
When is the deadline for applications?
There is no set deadline, but you need to bear in mind that some of the more popular courses can fill up very quickly.
How do I get to the College?
All College sites are served by excellent bus and rail links. Your local bus company or railway station should be able to provide you with up-to-date information about routes and timetables.
Will I receive any help with travel costs?
The College offers a subsidised travel scheme for the majority of its students under the age of 19. Further information on this will be available during your interview.
Do I have to wear a uniform when I start College?
No, not generally, although certain courses such as those in hospitality, catering, hairdressing or travel and tourism will require a particular dress code. You will be advised of this by your lecturer.
Will I need to buy any special equipment for my course?
It very much depends on which course you choose, but generally most of the equipment you require will be provided by the College. Your lecturer will advise you if there are any particular items which you need to purchase.
Will I get any money for coming to College?
In some cases you may be eligible for an allowance such as an Education Allowance (EMA). See page 26 for details.
Is College the same as school?
College is quite different from school in that you will have much more independence and freedom. You will be treated very much as an adult, which means that you will be expected to take responsibility for your own studies, time-keeping and for meeting deadlines. However, we recognise that there may be times when you need additional support and guidance and for this reason you will be allocated a Pastoral Tutor with whom you can discuss any concerns about coursework. In addition, Student Services offer a valuable support mechanism which you are free to access should you need to. We also offer counselling services and a chaplaincy if you feel you need to talk to someone about problems which are not necessarily related to your particular course.
Will all my study take place in the classroom?
No, not necessarily. Because we are a vocational college, you will have the opportunity to study in a Realistic Working Environment (RWE). For example the College has its own silver service restaurant ‘Colours’ which is open to the public and is used for training our students. In this way your training will be of a practical nature and is very similar to being in the industry of your choice.
What happens on my first day at College?
First days can always be a bit nerve racking, but here at St Helens College we help to make it as worry free as possible.
Your first day will be your college induction and will be spent with your Pastoral Tutor and the rest of your tutorial group. This first induction session covers such areas as college locations, health and safety, student support services, ground rules, setting your personal goals, looking at equality of opportunity and at students’ rights and responsibilities.
By the end of this day you will know how to find your way around college, and you will probably have made some new friends as well. What’s more you’ll receive a Student Handbook that includes important college information and which you can use throughout the year as your own personal organiser.
If, at the end of your first day you still have questions that you don’t feel were answered don’t forget you can always speak to your Pastoral Tutor who will be happy to help or who will be able to put you in touch with someone else who can.
