Student Handbook - Tyne Metropolitan College

Tyne Metropolitan CollegeStudentHandbook2013-14

A very warm welcome toTyne Metropolitan College andthank you for choosing to study with usAs the top performing college for young people and adults studying FE qualifications in Tyneside*, we provide some of the bestteaching in the country and we are committed to ensuring that your time at college is both educational and exciting, with plentyof support to achieve your goals.Your student handbook contains essential information that you will need during your time here. You will find contact details fordifferent College services in the ‘Useful Contacts’ section in this booklet as well as lots of information about exciting activities youcan get involved with outside of the classroom.While you are at college, your safety is of paramount importance to us. You will have been issued with a College ID card andlanyard. Please remember you are required to wear this all times on college premises.I hope that you find answers to any queries you have in the information provided and during your course induction; however ifyou do have any further queries, our dedicated team of student advisors are available to help answer your questions and pointyou in the right direction. Visit the Gateway (next to reception at the Coast Road Campus) to speak to a student advisor. Most ofthe College’s publications are available for you to download on the website and course documents on Moodle, your dedicatedonline learning portal.Best wishes for an enjoyable and successful year.Yours sincerelyJon VincentPrincipal and Chief ExecutiveTyne Metropolitan College*Source: HM Government data 2011-12, top for 16-18s on Level 3 long courses and highest success rates for adults 19+ on long courses.1

ContentsMission, Vision and Values 4Your Timetable 5Term Dates, Holidays and Bank Holidays 6College Charter 7Being a TyneMet StudentOur Commitment to You 10Enrolment 10Student ID Badges ` 10Collecting Your Work 10Personal Learning Plan 10Rules and Regulations 11Attendance and Punctuality 11Non-smoking Policy 11Examinations 11Moodle 12Computers and IT Services 12Student Emails 13IT Acceptable Use Policy for Students 14Library Services 15Support for StudentsLearner Services and the Gateway 17Advice on Careers and Higher Education 17Tutorial and Pastoral Tutors 17Learning Mentors 17Additional Learning Support 18Counselling and Welfare Service 19TyneMet Chaplaincy 19Childcare 19Health and Wellbeing 202

Our Mission‘Raising aspirations; changing lives’Our Vision‘To excel in everything we do so that more individuals, businessesand communitiesactively plan their futures in partnership with us’Our ValuesExcellencePartnershipAspirationProfessionalismInnovationInclusion4

Tyne Metropolitan College - TIMETABLE9.00 - 10.00 10.00 - 11.00 11.00 - 12.00 12.00 - 1.00 1.00 - 2.00 2.00 - 3.00 3.00 - 4.00 4.00 - 5.00 5.00 - 6.00MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday5

Term 1:Monday 2nd September 2013 – Thursday 24th October 2013(October half term holiday: Friday 25th October 2013 – Friday 1st November 2013)Monday 4th November 2013 – Friday 20th December 2013(Christmas holiday: Monday 23rd December – Friday 3rd January 2014)Term 2:Monday 6th January 2014 – Friday 14th February 2014(February half term holiday: Monday 17th February 2014 – Friday 21st February 2014)Monday 24th February 2014 – Friday 4th April 2014(Easter holiday: Monday 7th April – Monday 21st April 2014)Term 3:Tuesday 22nd April 2014 – Friday 23rd May 2014(May half term holiday: Monday 26th May 2014 – Friday 30th May 2014)Monday 2nd June 2014 – Friday 18th July 2014(Summer holiday: Monday 21st July 2014 – Friday 29th August 2014)Other ClosuresLearning & Development Days (teacher training) - College closed all day on:Friday 25th October 2013Thursday 27th March 2014Wednesday 9th July 2014Bank holidays 2013-14:Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th December 2013Wednesday 1st January 2014Friday 18th and Monday 21st April 20146

Our College Charter sets out how we strive to achieve high standardsin all our activities at Tyne Metropolitan College for our students, staff,employers and the local community. Tyne Metropolitan College iscommitted to ensuring equality of opportunity for all students, andthe health and safety of all students, staff and visitors to the College.According to our Equality and Diversity Commitment, no member ofthe College community shall be treated less favourably than others.For Students:Before you join the College we will explain:• The entry requirements you will have to meet for yourcourse and if previous experience can be taken into account• What qualification you will gain on achievement of the course• How the course is delivered and assessed• Any enrichment opportunities available to youWe will also:• Offer and arrange for further advice and careers counsellingwhere it is felt appropriate• Encourage you to visit the college to meet staff, view thefacilities and ask questions• Arrange support at interview for students whose first languageis not English to meet their requirements. (Please inform us priorto interview if you require this service.)• Provide information and advice for part time students toassisting selecting the most appropriate course for their needs• Publish and distribute summaries of our examination results andresults of other award bearing courses, and the destinations offull time students for the last and previous years and any currentinspection reportsWhen you join the College you will receive:• Detailed advice and guidance on the day of your enrolment toensure you select the best course for you• A Learning Agreement which sets out your agreed programmeof study• Up-to-date information regarding welfare benefits, grants andfinancial assistance, plus tuition fees and transport information• Details of any special requirements needed during the course,for example periods of work placement, or equipment purchases• An induction programme for your course and additional facilitiessuch as the library, support services and gym7

Once you are enrolled at the College we will:• Provide you with high standards of teaching and support from well qualified staff• Provide quality teaching facilities, appropriate to your learning activities• Ensure we safeguard and protect your welfare, by providing a safe environment and identify additional activities whichwill educate and encourage a healthy lifestyle• Support your progress into higher education, training and employmentWhat you are entitled to:• Commitment from staff to give you feedback on your work within an agreed timescale• Assistance from other college staff to access college services• Tutorial support including reviews of your progress and a Personalised Learning Plan (PLP)• Private appointments with the in-house councillor should you require assistance• To have your voice heard through opportunities such as the Student Council and Learner ForumsWhat if things don’t go smoothly?We hope that you will find everything to your satisfaction, however if you do have any complaints or are dissatisfied, please contactyour personal tutor in the first instance.If you remain dissatisfied, you may complete a complaints form which is available from reception, or put your complaint in writing to:Head of Quality Improvement, Tyne Metropolitan College, Battle Hill Drive, Wallsend NE28 9NL.Support for Students with Learning Difficulties/Disabilities:Students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities will have an interview with a member of staff to determine which requirements/adjustments can be put in place to support them through their course.Although we would encourage you to tell a trained member of staff if you require additional support due to a learning difficulty and/ordisability, you do retain the right for the disclosure of this information to be kept partially or wholly confidential.Please be aware if you choose not to tell the College about a learning difficulty or disability, we cannot make adjustments to supportyour learning and this may affect your prospects of success.For the local community we will:• Provide access to information about the College’s educational, recreational and other facilities which are available, vialocal libraries, the local press, on the College’s websites and from the Gateway at the Coast Road Campus and Receptionat Queen Alexandra Campus.• Provide opportunities to become involved in education and training through work placements, education, businesspartnerships and membership of the College Corporation and Centre Councils.• Endeavour to keep ourselves aware of, and responsive to, the needs of the local community.For employers we will:• Encourage and enable all who may be interested to visit the College, to view our facilities and to talk to staff and students.• Provide opportunities to become involved in education and training through work placements, education, businesspartnerships and membership of the College Corporation.• Make available examination results and formal end of course assessments, information on student destinations andmembership of the Corporation.• Help you identify and deliver the skills and training needs of your workforce.• Provide regular feedback on how your employee is progressing.8

aTyneMetStudent9

Our Commitment to YouWe are here to help you succeed, right from the first day you walk through our doors to the day you leave. Throughout your time with uswe will be on hand to offer help, advice and guidance on a whole range of issues that might affect you. And when it comes to a career,we have strong links with many employers and we work closely with them to offer courses that will help students get that dream job.EnrolmentEnrolment for your course with TyneMet College will be completed by a student advisor in the Gateway at the Coast Road Campus or theQueen Alexandra Campus. When you enrol with the College, you will be asked to sign a Learning Agreement which is proof for you thatyou are a student with us, but it is also required by the College for audit purposes.Learners must be enrolled, have provided any relevant proof of benefits/income and have signed their Learning Agreement prior to commencingtheir programme of study. Learners who are studying a programme that covers two or more academic years will be expected tore-enrol at the beginning of each academic year. The enrolment teams will contact you to organise re-enrolment.Student ID BadgesYou will also be given your learner ID card and lanyard at the time of enrolment. You are required to wear your badge at all times whilston campus. Your ID card is also your library card and will be required when you are sitting exams. It also helps us to ensure that onlyauthorised people are on campus in order to keep you safe. If you forget your ID card, the reception team will issue you with a temporarypass. If you have lost your ID card, replacement cards are available from the Gateway at the Coast Road Campus and Queen AlexandraCampus for a charge of £5.Collecting Your WorkIt is your responsibility to make sure you collect all of your student work and files at the end of your course. Your tutors will remind you todo this. Any files that have been retained for more than 6 months after the end of a course will be disposed of by the College.Personal Learning PlanAs a full-time student or on a longer part-time course, you will have a Personal Learning Plan (PLP) while at TyneMet. These will beelectronic documents containing personal details, but will also record your goals and aspirations and will track your progress in yourstudies.You’ll find out more about PLPs during the first month of your course. They will be ‘live’ documents which are updated regularlyafter reviews with your teacher or personal tutor and will eventually record your final achievement and your progression to employmentor the next stage in your education.The College uses a system called Pro Monitor Personalised Learning Planner, which is a monitoring plan and mark book system. It isweb-based and can be accessed from home. Pro Monitor is regularly updated by teaching staff, giving students a chance to see an up todate progress report throughout their course.Students who do not progress at the rate of expectation and where targets are not being met are required to forfeit scheduled holidaysand attend College to bring their work up to expectation and to maintain the set performance target.10

Rules and RegulationsWe want everyone to enjoy life at TyneMet and to succeed. To do this, all of us must follow a few rules. We won’t accept behaviour which:• Breaches health and safety rules• Goes against the College’s Equality and Diversity policy• Threatens or causes violence to another member of the College community• Damages College property or disrupts College life• Breaks the law• Breaches the code for computer use.The College operates a zero tolerance policy regarding alcohol and drugs. No one is allowed on College premises under the influence ofalcohol or drugs. Anyone found in possession of illegal drugs will be reported to the police.Food or drink is to be consumed in designated areas only, never in corridors, stairways or classrooms. Bottled water in teaching areasmust have sports-tops.Students must remove hats, hoods and coats when inside the classroom. In addition, all students must wear their ID badge and lanyardaround their neck at all times when on campus.Attendance and PunctualityThe College has an expectation that 100% attendance is set as a target for all students on all courses.Non-smoking PolicyTyneMet and Queen Alexandra are designated as NO SMOKING areas. When you enrol as a student you accept this regulation.Smoking on the Coast Road Campus is only allowed in a specially designated area outside ‘B’ Block. There is a total smoking ban atQueen Alexandra. You must not smoke in your own vehicles when parked within the College grounds.Smoking in non-designated areas will be treated as a disciplinary offence. The College has drop-in stop smoking clinics; everyone iswelcome - students, parents, teachers and other members of the public.ExaminationsInformation relating to Examination Policy and Procedures can be found by speaking to the Gateway at the Coast Road Campus,Reception at Queen Alexandra Campus or the MIS and Examination Office on both sites.11

MoodleMoodle is an on-line support tool to assist your learning. It’s a Virtual Learning Environment and accessing Moodle is easy.• Inside college you just click on the desktop icon• Outside college you type ‘moodle.tynemet.ac.uk’ into your browser (no www)When you use Moodle inside college click the desktop icon and you will be automatically logged in. Moodle from home will ask youto log in using only your username which is your person code and password which you set yourself.Moodle has the following features:• Resources to help you with your studies• Forums to chat about your course with your class mates• Personal Learning Plan (PLP)Talk to your teacher about which resources and features are available for your course. If you have any problems logging inor accessing Moodle please contact the IT Helpdeskon 0191 229 5111, by going to the Helpdesk located in C block, C223 or email service.desk@tynemet.ac.ukDuring enrolment you will be accessing Moodle and enrolling onto your course.To enrol on your course you will be taken to a computer room and asked to open Moodle, from here you should locate your course andenter the enrolment key given to you by your teacher. When you enrol onto a course it will be added to ‘my courses’ in the top left handcorner of your Moodle homepage.Computers and IT ServicesHere at TyneMet we believe you should have as much access to a computer as you need for your course. We have PCs around both campusesavailable for ‘drop-in’ use. These are places for study and you shouldn’t disturb others. Get logged-on at:• The Millennium building at Queen Alexandra Campus• IT Workshop at the Coast Road Campus on the 1st floor of C Block• In the libraries at both Queen Alexandra and Coast Road Campuses.Opening hours:8.45am–5.30pm Monday to Thursday8.45am–4.30pm Friday12

Logging onYour user name is your person code which is both on your ID card and your Learner AgreementYour password is your date of birth in the following format: dd/mm/yyyy, e.g. 01/02/1992Printer creditsAll learners are given £10 of printing credits on their network accounts when starting at the College. Please note:• 2 pence – one black and white A4 sheet• 10 pence – one colour A4 sheet.More printer credits can be purchased from the library.All users of the College network need to adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy (see the following page for more details). You can checkit out on the following page or on Moodle. To safeguard learners from accessing inappropriate websites, and in line with our e-safetyprocedure, the College uses web filtering software. To gain access to blocked sites students should contact their tutor or the IT Helpdesk.Contacting the IT Helpdesk:Email: service.desk@tynemet.ac.uk | Telephone: 0191 229 5111Student EmailsAll students are given a student email account and your email address will be@My.Tynemet.ac.uk.You will be provided with your person code when you enrol and will be on your ID card.13

IT Acceptable Use Policy for StudentsI know that I must use the computers safely• I know that the College can remotely monitor what I do on the computers• I will not let anyone else use my username and password, and I will not use theirs• I will be aware of my personal safety when I am communicating online, and will not share personal informationabout myself or others• I will tell a member of staff immediately about any unpleasant or inappropriate material or messages on thecomputer, or anything that makes me feel uncomfortable when I see it.I know that I must use the computers responsibly• I understand that the computers are here for college work• I will only upload pictures or videos from inside the college if I have permission• I understand that the college’s security and Internet filter is there to protect me, and protect the computer network,and will not try to bypass it. If I need access to a blocked website, I will ask a member of staff• I will not download any copyrighted music or videos onto the computer• I understand that I must not download or display inappropriate pictures or other material from the Internet.I know that I must help look after the computers• If I have a problem with my computer, I will tell a member of staff immediately so that the problem can be reported – I won’tleave it broken for the next person• I will only use programs that are already on the college’s computer. If I need a new program, I will ask a member of staff• I will not try to connect my own computer or mobile phone to the network other than through the college’s wi-fi connection• I know that food and drink is not allowed in the computer rooms, and that I should not eat or drink around any computer.I know that I must respect others when using the computers• I will always treat others the same way I would want them to treat me – just as I would when not using the computers.I will not use the computers to harass or bully anyone• I will be polite online, and I will not use strong, aggressive, or inappropriate language and I appreciate that others mayhave different opinions• I will not take or distribute pictures or videos of anyone without their permission.14

Library ServicesWe’ve got extensive library facilities on both campuses, with a wealth of books for reference use, borrowing and a wide rangeof e-books available online.Facilities available to help students with their studies include:• Lending of books and DVDs• Enquiry service• Reference library• Set text book issue• Wide range of e-books and e-journals• Online databases on e-Library• Off-site access to resources on e-Library - 24/7• Library and information skills training• Newspapers and magazines – including loaning back copies• Computers• Photocopying• Stationery sales• Online catalogue of resources.At the Coast Road Campus, the library is located on the ground floor of C block. Opening hours are:8.45am–6pm Monday8.45am–8pm Tuesday to Thursday8.45am–4pm FridayAt the Queen Alexandra Campus, the library is located on the ground floor of Hawkeys Lane building. Opening hours are:9am–7pm Mondays and Wednesdays9am–3pm Tuesdays and Thursdays9am–1pm FridaysThe e-library is open 24 hours a day, every day.To borrow books and DVDs and to access the computer facility, you will need to use your student ID card which acts asyour library card too.There’s a more detailed guide to library services available from each campus library. Library staff are very happy for studentsto contact them for further help or guidance:Email: library@tynemet.ac.ukTelephone: 0191 229 5243 or 0191 229 5150 (Coast Road) or 0191 229 2718 (Queen Alexandra).15

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Learner Services and the Gateway TeamAs a student at TyneMet, your learning and development is of paramount importance to us and we take pride in offering the highestlevel of support and guidance. The Learner Services team has dedicated student advisors who can help you with any questions or concernsyou may have in relation to college life and education. They can also give you advice about other services available in college andrefer you to external organisations that may be able to support you.The student advisors are based in the Gateway at the Coast Road Campus and Queen Alexandra Campus.You can contact the Gateway Team on 0191 229 5000(option 1 for Queen Alexandra Campus and option 2 for Coast Road Campus),or by emailing enquiries@tynemet.ac.uk or enquiries@queenalex.co.ukAdvice on Careers and Higher EducationIf you have any queries about progression or Higher Education, speak to an advisor in the Gateway Team. Also, look out for informationabout our Higher Education (HE) and Careers Fairs across the year. For HE advice and guidance, speak to your Learning Mentor or theGateway Team.Tutorial and Pastoral TutorsDuring your time at the College, you will be assigned a pastoral tutor and take part in a tutorial programme designed to help you tomake the most of your time at the College.Each department in college has a Pastoral Tutor who delivers the tutorial support core programme. This member of staff works closelywith students as well as academic teaching staff to ensure all learners receive appropriate support with their academic targets and canmanage their studies.Learning MentorsLearning Mentors are there to help achieve the best possible results on your chosen course. They can help you in a numberof different ways including:• Keeping you on track by helping you to manage your workload• Helping you to plan revision for exams• Help you to improve your study or research skills• Help you organise and plan essays, assignments and course work• Work with you to improve your Literacy and Numeracy, including support with Functional Skills• Support you when you’re thinking about progressing to employment or further Study, including Higher Education andhelp with UCAS applications.You can contact a Learning Mentor through your Subject or Pastoral Tutor or you can contact them directly byemailing mentors@tynemet.ac.uk17

Additional Learning SupportDuring enrolment or induction students are asked to complete a short screening assessment in Literacy and Numeracy. The purposeof this is to give your teacher important information about how they can support you in developing essential skills and achieving yourmain programme of study.The Additional Learning Support (ALS) team provides support and services for learners with a wide range of learning support needs.Individual needs differ and the college is committed to responding to individual learner requests wherever possible.The College supports learners who:• have learning difficulties, physical disabilities or medical conditions• have specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia• are deaf or hard of hearing• are blind or partially sighted• have emotional, behavioural and/or mental health difficulties.We encourage learners to tell us as soon as possible about any specific needs so that we can offer the right support.These are some of the ways we can support learners:• Signer/Communicator for the deaf or hard of hearing• Provision of materials in a range of formats for blind or partially sighted• 1-1 tutor support• Learning support assistants/scribes/readers/selected activities in class• Social and/or physical help around college at lunchtimes and breaks• Assessment for exam concessions• Diagnostic assessment of Literacy and Numeracy difficulties by Teacher in Dyslexia Support• Support to address Literacy and/or Numeracy difficulties• Support from a learning mentor• Organise examination access arrangements where appropriate• Arrange for specialist ICT equipment and adaptations of resources after identification of needs• Personal care needs and administration of prescribed medication• Wheelchair access, designated parking spaces and toilets at both campuses.If you would like to discuss your support needs for studying at the College please contact:Sam Carter or Margaret McPhee on 0191 229 5279 or email als@tynemet.ac.uk18

Counselling and Welfare ServiceStudents use the Counselling Service when they are experiencing difficulties that are preventing them from getting on with their liveseither at college or home. Sometimes we face difficulties we cannot sort out on our own and it’s sometimes too difficult, embarrassingor painful to share with friends, family or a tutor. Coming to see a Counsellor can help in order to avoid things getting worse.This service is available to all of our students. Most students refer themselves for counselling, or some may be referred by their tutor orby a member of staff.At TyneMet we think that your health, welfare and the lifestyle choices you make are really important. To help you with any issues thatmay arise we have a variety of services in place that you can access in college. If you are worried about anything contact the StudentWelfare Co-ordinator.Jude Fletcher – Student Welfare Co-ordinator0191 229 5227 or email judith.fletcher@tynemet.ac.ukChildcareThe College has its own nursery, based at the Coast Road Campus run for us by Tynemouth Nursery Group. Learners can choose toput their child in the College nursery if places are available. Having your child close-by will give you peace of mind and allow youto concentrate on your studies.TyneMet ChaplaincyAs part of the overall support for our students we provide pastoral and spiritual support. We currently have a chaplain, Janet, whose aimis to provide an additional source of pastoral support, if needed, for students or staff experiencing difficulties, such as bereavement orother life concerns. There is also a multi-faith room available on the Coast Road Campus for quiet reflection and prayer.The College respects all cultures and offers support for all faiths or none.For more information, contactJanet Appleby 0191 262 7518 janet.appleby@tynemet.ac.uk19

Health and WellbeingYoung Persons Contraception & Sexual Health SessionsThis service operates a drop-in system (appointments can be made). Both male and female students are welcome. Advice onhealth issues, contraception and sexual health including STI testing (sexually transmitted infections) is available.The nurses offer a full contraception service (including depo, implants and coils).The nurses also offer pregnancy decision making, emergency contraception, Chlamydia screening, education and health promotion.Drop in sessions run weekly at the Coast Road Campus: Mon 8.30am–1.30pm & Thurs 11.30am–1pm in the Medical Room, oppositethe main Reception.Drop in sessions run weekly at the Queen Alexandra Campus: Wed 3pm–5pm in room H019, Hawkeys Lane Building.The staff running the sessions are Michele and Lisa, from the 1-1 Centre in Shiremoor.C-Card Session/Chlamydia TestingThis service offers all our students advice on sexual health, condoms and Chlamydia testing. Sign up to the scheme and receive your Cardwhich can also be used at many different outlets across North Tyneside.Drop in sessions run at the Coast Road Campus on Fridays 11.30am–1pm in the Student Common Room.Drop in sessions run at the Queen Alexandra Campus on Tuesdays 12–1pm in room H019, Hawkeys Lane Building, by Vince Billcliffe,Youth Worker, North Tyneside Youth Service.MESMACMESMAC works with gay and bisexual young men offering the opportunity to talk informally to a youth worker about issues or problemsthey may be facing.Drop in sessions run at the Coast Road Campus on Tuesdays 12–2pm in room A123a, by Ian Addison, Youth Worker, MESMAC.Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender forums are held at the College, please contactJude Fletcher on 0191 229 5227 or email judith.fletcher@tynemet.ac.uk for further details.20

Fees and FinanceTuition fees must be paid for all courses by students unless you’re entitled to free tuition. Details are published in the College prospectusor please contact the Gateway Team at the Coast Road Campus or Reception at Queen Alexandra Campus for more details.Fees should be paid to the College at the Finance Office once you’ve enrolled. If this will cause financial problems then it may be possibleto negotiate a staged payment of fees or other financial assistance.TyneMet Maintenance Award (TMA)TyneMet has created a fund to help students facing financial obstacles and to demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting learnerswith the costs associated with studying such as: travel costs, equipment, books and more.TMA is available to all learners studying on full or part-time courses at TyneMet College. Students who meet the eligibility criteria (seethe Gateway team for full details) could receive up to £1200 a year.For more information on TMA, contact a student advisor in the Gateway Team or pick up the ‘Guide to Fees & Financial Support 2013-14’leaflet which is available in the Gateway.24+ Advanced Learning Loans24+ Advanced Learning Loans are similar to Higher Education loans, but are being introduced for Further Education students.If you’re 24 years old or older, you can apply for a loan to help with the costs of a college or training course.The course must start on or after 1 August 2013 and be at level 3 or 4 Certificate or Diploma, such as A levels, Access to Higher Education(HEFD), other Diplomas and Certificates, Advanced Apprenticeships or Higher Apprenticeships.For more information, contact a student advisor in the Gateway Team.Financial Support for ChildcareCare to Learn is an incentive to assist parents under 20 years old (on the learner’s start date) who would like to start learning but wouldface difficulties due to childcare costs. You could receive up to £160 per week per child towards registered childcare. More informationcan be found on the direct.gov website or by calling the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989If you are aged 20 or above (at the start date), you could still apply to the College for support to assist with the cost of childcare througha support fund. If you have any financial queries, contact the Gateway Team on 0191 229 5000 (option 2).22

Absence from CollegeStudents are expected to attend all lessons and to be on time. If you can’t get to a lesson you must call your pastoral tutor or followthe procedures outlined to you by your course team.The College has an expectation that 100% attendance is set as a target for all students on all courses. All students are expected to attendall timetabled commitments promptly. Accurate attendance figures are recorded by class teachers and personal tutors. Failure to attendat an acceptable level may result in you being asked to leave the course.Your pastoral tutor will support you to have good attendance. Please bear in mind that non-attendance without a good reason couldresult in the loss of your financial support payments.If you’re away for a week or more or absent frequently because of a repeating illness, then you’ll need to give us a doctor’s note.Funding rules require the College to remove any student with an unexplained absence of four consecutive weeks.If it is unavoidable that a family holiday can only be taken during term time owing to parental/ partner/work/other commitments, youshould request leave in writing to the College Principal. Holidays during term time will only be approved by exception.Changes to Personal InformationYou must tell your Pastoral Tutor and the Gateway Team, in writing, of any change of address or circumstance so that Collegerecords can be kept up to date.Feedback and Learner InvolvementIf there is something you want to say about any aspect of life at the College, whether it is a complaint, a compliment or some othercomment, then please complete a Comments and Complaints form. These forms are available on Moodle or from the Gateway Team atthe Coast Road Campus or Reception at Queen Alexandra Campus.If you have a complaint it will be investigated and the outcome will be discussed with you. If you’re not satisfied and want to take yourcomplaint further, then you can make a formal complaint using the College complaints procedure. Details are available on Moodle orfrom the Gateway Team at the Coast Road Campus or Reception at Queen Alexandra Campus.24

Student Council and theNational Union of Students (NUS)TyneMet is committed to supporting you to make the most of your time outside the classroom as well as inside. We offer awide variety of extra-curricular activities, volunteering opportunities and access to professional coaching from our North EastSports Academy (NESA).Student CouncilTo help make TyneMet a great place to study we want to hear what you think about the College. The Student Council is the perfect wayto get involved by representing your course, attending college committees, becoming a student governor or simply providing a voice torepresent your fellow students.The Student Council is a voice for you to help shape your experience while you study. Have a say on a wide range of topics from whatgoes on in your classroom to what extra-curricular activities you want to do. Being involved in the Student Council is good to highlighton your CV or personal statement as it shows your ability to work as part of a team or individually as an ambassador for other studentsand the College overall.National Union of Students (NUS)You will automatically become a member of the National Union of Students (NUS), if you are aged 16 or over, when you enrol ona course at TyneMet College.You can also access hundreds of discounts exclusively for students with an NUS Extra card from just £12. Discounts include greatdeals on travel, clothes, entertainment, food and technology from a wide variety of high street shops and online retailers.For more information and to order your NUS Extra card, visit www.nus.org.uk/nus-extra25

26at TyneMet

Travelling to College and ParkingTravelling to College by Public TransportThere are frequent and convenient bus services from across North Tyneside to the campus at Battle Hill Drive. Buses from the main towncentre and Newcastle Haymarket leave every few minutes (journey time 15-20 minutes).Services available may change across the year, so for up to date travel information visit www.traveline.infoCar Parking, Bicycles and MotorbikesThere are student car parking places at both campuses. There are also designated areas for parking your bike or motorbike.Parking is free.Enrichment and Extra ActivitiesThere’s never been a better time to make more of your skills and talents. A course at TyneMet or Queen Alexandra can help you be thebest and give you the edge when it comes to finding that dream career.We put added value into everything we do and every course we offer. And you can play your part too. Student enrichment covers a widevariety of activities that you can get involved with alongside your studies, aimed at developing and enhancing your experience here atthe college.Student enrichment covers anything from sports clubs to arts classes to volunteering in the community – basically anything that studentscan get involved in outside their course.Life after college in the world of work can be very competitive, so we are committed to ensuring you have that bit extra to add to your CVto help you stand out. Extra activities can include:• Societies, groups, sports clubs and lunchtime activities• Volunteering within the college or within the local community• Extra-curricular classes and workshops• Fundraising• Enterprise schemes• Residential breaks• Career and employment workshops.For more information on enrichment activities, contactMark on 0191 229 5242 or mark.mccutcheon@tynemet.ac.uk27

North East Sports Academy (NESA)The North East Sports Academy (NESA), is designed to offer you the perfect environment in which to develop your sportingand academic skills.You can become a NESA student in one of the following Development Centre sports:• Badminton• Men’s and Women’s Basketball• Men’s and Women’s Football• Rugby Union• Rugby League• Mixed Martial ArtsAs a NESA student you can study any of Tyne Metropolitan College’s or Queen Alexandra Sixth Form’s fantastic courses, and receive up to10 hours of high level coaching in your chosen sport, all within your college timetable. In addition to this great coaching you will alsoreceive a sport specific strength and conditioning programme from our strength and conditioning coach, free gym membership, freephysiotherapy and a subsidised NESA sports clothing pack.Our partnerships with Team Northumbria, Newcastle United Women’s F.C, The Newcastle Eagles, The Newcastle United Foundation,North Tyneside Council, local amateur clubs and Sporting Governing Bodies offers NESA students a real opportunity for progression, bothin their academic studies and in their Sport.For more details about joining NESA, contactMark McCutcheon on 0191 229 5242 oremail mark.mccutcheon@tynemet.ac.ukFlex Gym and Fitness SuiteNORTH EAST SPORTS ACADEMY@Flex Fitness at the Coast Road Campus is a fully-equipped gym with professional trainers to help you develop a personalisedfitness plan or take part in classes at a fraction of the cost of other private gyms.To arrange a gym induction and find out more, contactChris on 0191 229 5103 oremail chris.bunten@tynemet.ac.uk28

Move It: Fun and FitAre you looking for a new way to lose weight or get fit? Something that’s fun and you can do it with your mates?Then look no further ‘Move It!’ is for you!Move It! Is the new programme of activities organised by NESA and our new College Sport Maker, Sarah Bennett. The programmeaims to offer you the opportunity to take part in activities at college during your free time. Some of the activities on offer to namebut a few are:• Dance and fitness classes• Rounders• 5-a-side Football• Netball• Boot Camp• Badminton• Dodgeball• Archery• And many more!If there is anything that you are interested in doing on the Move It programme,contact Sarah on 0191 229 5314 or email sarah.bennett@tynemet.ac.ukRelaxationOur award-winning hair and beauty team offer a whole range of treatments and relaxing therapies at incredible prices at our campussalon, Retreat. With a Hairdressing Salon and Barbering services, you can get that new hairstyle or have a change of colour. Or you canrelax and unwind with a massage, hot stone treatment, nail extensions or manicure right here on campus.ReligionWe recognise the importance of understanding and appreciating all cultures and religions. We also realise that all of us need time andspace to reflect on life from time to time. At both campuses we provide a multi-faith room for any faith or none; for prayer, worship oras somewhere quiet and peaceful to sit for a while.29

CateringYou won’t go hungry when you’re in college! We’ve places to eat to suit all tastes and budgets. At the Coast Road Campus, there is aRefectory which is open for breakfast and lunch - anything from the classic Full English to a delicious salad selection. You can also bringyour own lunch to eat in the Refectory. Close-by is Café Direct which sells hot and cold snacks and Fairtrade tea and coffee.Fancy a real treat at really great price? Then visit our Retreat Restaurant on the 4th floor. Throughout the year you can enjoy athree-course lunch or dinner on selected evenings at Retreat Restaurant. The food is prepared by our catering students andaward-winning teaching staff. There’s a licensed bar – if you’re old enough – and great views from the fourth floor setting.They’ve even got a coffee bar menu and meal deals.Flowers and GiftsFor special occasions or simply to brighten someone’s day, there’s Flourish, our on-campus floristry and gift shop next to reception.Flourish sells a wide range of beautiful flowers, cards, accessories and gifts as well as a number of workshops across the year to giveyou a taste of flower arranging for yourself!Shopping and Discovering the Local AreaLess than five minutes’ walk away, there is a range of shops at Battle Hill, including Tesco, Greggs, and other fast food outlets, an opticiansand a chemist next door to the NHS GP Surgery and Walk-in Centre.In the other direction, there’s the Silverlink shopping and leisure complex where you’ll find some of the biggest names on the HighStreet, places to eat and a multiplex cinema.There is also a huge range of shops, restaurants and theatres in North Shields, Tynemouth and Whitley Bay.30

Equality and Diversity: Respecting OthersHere at TyneMet we want all our learners to feel welcomed and valued. We are really committed to making sure everyonehas the chance to fulfil their potential and we love the fact that we have a very diverse community of learners.We do our best to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between members of different groups in college and want allour learners to recognise that they share a responsibility with us to ensure that no learner is prevented from enjoying their right toeducation.Our college pledge is that all will be treated with respect and dignity within a positive learning environment free from discrimination,harassment and victimisation.In particular, no member of the College community shall be treated less favourably than others for reasons of:• Gender• Transgender• Race, colour or national origin• Religion or belief• Age• Sexual orientation• Social class• DisabilityIf you have any concerns about our commitment to Equality and Diversity or wish to discuss any related matter with a senior manager,please contact Head of Quality Improvement on 0191 229 5262Details of our full Equality and Diversity Policy are available in the Gateway Team at TyneMet College’s Coast Road Campus or Receptionat Queen Alexandra Campus. It is also available on the College website www.tynemet.ac.uk31

Accident Reporting and First AidIn the event of an accident the College has a number of qualified First Aiders ready to assist.All accidents which happen on College premises or grounds must be recorded in an accident book. Books are held in Reception, by FirstAiders and by the Health and Safety department. If you witness, or are involved in an accident/incident of any kind on College premises,please inform College Reception, or any member of staff, immediately who will take appropriate action.All details of the accident/incident, including any hospital treatment required, must be reported to the Health & Safety Advisor as soonas possible.If you need to leave the College premises because of an accident/illness, please inform your Pastoral Tutor.Just a short distance away is the Battle Hill Health Centre which is a GP Practice and Walk-in Centre. The Walk-in Centre isopen every day between 8am–8pm.For more information contact:0191 229 5113 or email health.safety@tynemet.ac.ukFire Practice and Fire AlarmsWhen the fire alarm rings, calmly go straight to the nearest fire exit and then to the nearest fire assembly area. Please do not waitaround doorways or on the roads especially near the College entrances.If you find a fire:• Break fire alarm glass• Evacuate, by the nearest safe route, to the assembly area, as marked on the map in the back of this booklet.Students must not tamper with fire safety equipment such as extinguishers and fire alarms or give false information to the Fire Brigade.These are disciplinary offences and could also lead to prosecution.SafeguardingThe College is committed to safeguarding anybody using its services, particularly the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.All visitors must report to Reception to sign in to the College. They should also sign out when leaving.In pursuit of this commitment, the College has a suite of safeguarding policies which can be found on Moodle.33

Expectant and Nursing MumsIf you think that you may be, or know that you are pregnant, or you are a new ‘nursing mum’, please advise your tutor who willinform the health and safety section. This is particularly important where you may need to use chemicals, carry equipment orwhere posture may become difficult during your course.Students Under the age of 16The safety of all students, staff and visitors on site is of paramount importance to the College. There are occasions whenstudents under the age of 16 are on campus and we take the safeguarding of these individuals very seriously, ensuring allsafeguarding practices are adhered to and promoted.33

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