Student Handbook 2021-22

STUDENT HANDBOOK
2021-22
Dv8 is proud to be one of the only independent providers
in Sussex offering creative courses for young people. Our
mission is to empower creative thinkers, to embrace the
idea that anything is possible if you approach it with an
open and creative mind. We encourage you to be
problem solvers, to take risks without fear of failure and
to work together to overcome challenges. We are here to
help and support you every step of the way to make the
most of every opportunity in the year ahead.
Amazing, Cannot recommend it enough
- Parent, 2021
1

BE READY
Miracles come in moments. Be ready and willing
BE RESPECTFUL
Treat others how you would like to be treated
BE SAFE
Be cautious, be careful and be well prepared
2

CONTENTS
4. WELCOME
5. OUR MISSION, VISION & VALUES
6. LEARNING AGREEMENT
8. TERM DATES
9. BE COVID SAFE
10. RULES
11. SAFEGUARDING & STUDENT SUPPORT
12. HEALTH & SAFETY
13. BEHAVIOUR & DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
14. PREVENT, BRITISH VALUES, EQUALITY &
DIVERSITY
15. ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY
17. AWARDS & PRIZES
18. YOUR LEARNING PROGRAMMES
19. COURSEWORK & PLAGIARISM
20. EXAMINATIONS
21. WORK EXPERIENCE
22. CAREERS & UCAS
23. PERSONAL & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
24. TRIPS & ENRICHMENT
25. STUDENT VOICE
26. LEARNER SUPPORT & BURSARIES
27. OTHER STUFF
3

WELCOME
Welcome to Dv8 Sussex! We are proud to be entering our 19th year as
one of the only independent providers in Sussex offering creative
provision for young people.
Dv8 students learn in small class sizes, in an environment that is inclusive
and supportive, where everyone will know your name and where
expectations are high. Our courses are a unique mix of creative projects,
enrichment activities, cross-course collaboration, work experience and
English and Maths qualifications, all delivered by tutors who have been
there and done it in the creative industries. Our learning environments are
designed to help you succeed and progress onto the next stage of your
education equipped with all of the skills needed in the modern digital
workplace.
We hope that over the next one, two or three years with us you share
many amazing experiences at Dv8 whilst building friendships and
professional links that can last a lifetime. We look forward to supporting
you on your journey and helping you achieve your potential in your
chosen subject.
This Student Handbook is filled with useful and essential information
about the College aiming to guide you through your time as a Dv8 Student.
If there is anything you would like to know that’s not in here, please talk to
your Tutor or a member of the Centre Team, Student Services or Learning
Support.
4

OUR MISSION, VISION &
VALUES
OUR MISSION
Empowering creative thinkers to be successful in work and life.
OUR VISION
Dv8 Sussex is a specialist college offering young people aged 16-24
personalised, industry-led training in the most vibrant & exciting creative
sectors. Through practical project-based learning, our students gain real-life
experience to develop skills in a supportive and ambitious environment,
where there are continual opportunities to work and think differently.
OUR VALUES
Ambitious - We believe anything is possible. We encourage our students
and staff to take risks, make the most of opportunities, think creatively
and problem-solve to reach their goals.
Excellence - We love learning. We strive to be excellent in all that we do
and recognise and celebrate success throughout the organisation.
Creativity - is at the heart of everything that we do.
Collaborative - No one can change the world alone. We all need a team
around us that can function to achieve shared goals.
Inclusive - We are committed to your individual journey. No matter what
your starting point at Dv8 we will help you achieve and progress.
5

LEARNING AGREEMENT
We want to make sure you achieve everything you set out to do at Dv8
Sussex both academically and personally. Knowledge and information are
crucial to achievement, and we want to ensure you understand how Dv8
Sussex works, what our expectations are of you as a learner and what you
can expect from us. This agreement underpins the main points of the
college rules given to you as part of your induction and relates specifically to
your Study Programme.
Please read the following carefully and seek clarification/ advice on any
points that are not clear.
The College will provide you with:
An introduction to the learning spaces and Dv8 Sussex within your first
week. This will include information on your course and qualifications,
available facilities, support staff, how to keep yourself safe and health
and safety procedures
Opportunities for regular assessment, tutorial reviews of your progress
both vocational and personal and clear systems for recording your
achievements
A curriculum that stretches and challenges you to achieve all you can
Individual support at all stages of your learning including additional
support from external agencies if required
Reasonable access to appropriate facilities, resources and equipment
Agreed learning outcomes and learning support
Opportunities to comment on and provide feedback on your learning
programme and course or Centre facilities
Clear and timely information, advice and guidance relating to your
personal progression plan into further /higher education and training or
employment or future career
Explicit confirmation of the qualifications that you are being entered for
Inclusivity, Equality of Opportunity and ensuring you are treated fairly
A safe, comfortable and friendly environment in which to learn
6

You will have signed a copy of this agreement at enrolment. By doing so, you
agree:
That you have received appropriate advice and guidance from staff to
assess your suitability for your choice of programme and level.
To accept responsibility for your own learning and to review your
progress with the support of your tutor(s).
That you understand your place can be withdrawn within the first 6
weeks if attendance, punctuality and/or attitude to learning are
considered well below that deemed acceptable.
To attend all required activities regularly and punctually and to account
for any absences.
To take responsibility for your behaviour in and around the centre and
whilst involved in trips or activities associated with Dv8 Sussex.
To complete your work to the best of your ability and within specified
deadlines, as required by your tutor(s).
To attend all examinations and other forms of assessment, and to follow
the rules of the awarding body with regard to your conduct within the
examination, failure to do so may result in repayment of the Exam fee
(as specified in the Examinations Policy). Alternative arrangements
cannot be made for students on holiday during examination periods.
To follow and respect published Dv8 Sussex policies and procedures
(copies of which are available from the Centre Team office and on the
Dv8 website)
That the information provided to create your ILR (Individual Learning
Record) is correct and that you will inform Dv8 Sussex of any changes
immediately.
To look after all resources and facilities and return any borrowed
equipment on time.
7

TERM DATES 2021-22
Be Ready, Be Respectful, Be Safe
These are the three simple rules of Dv8.
Think about your actions, behaviour and
language and if they are not respectful or
safe, or you are not ready and prepared
to learn, then you are breaking the rules.
8

BE COVID SAFE
9

BE SAFE
We want Dv8 to be a safe and welcoming place for all students, staff and
visitors. In order for this to be the case, there are a few rules that need to be
followed at all times.
The Rules
Do NOT Bring alcohol or drugs, including legal highs, onto the College
site. If you are suspected of being under the influence of anything whilst
on our premises, or that you are in possession of a substance or alcohol,
you will be asked to leave immediately. We do not need to prove that
this is the case, only to suspect it. A meeting with the senior team will
follow and possibly a week’s suspension. You may be required to attend
a substance misuse referral in order to remain on the course.
No Smoking or vaping anywhere on the College site, apart from the
designated smoking area. This also applies to any entrances/ doorways
of this building or any others in the area.
Participating in gambling of any kind whilst on site is not allowed.
Do NOT bully or harass any member of the College community. Our
policy on bullying and harassment is available on the College’s website. If
you experience, or witness, bullying at Dv8 the most important thing to
do is tell someone. You can speak to your tutor, a Learning Support
worker, Centre Manager, a Student Services worker or any member of
staff.
Do NOT invite non-Dv8 students onto College premises. Only Dv8
students are allowed on site.
Please remember:
To use the bins provided for litter and recycling, both in College and in
our local community.
To stay away from the nearby loading bays, our neighbours’ doorways
and be mindful of the taxis turning around in the area (Brighton site)
Failure to abide by the rules above may lead to disciplinary action,
suspension and/or meetings with parents/carers.
10

Safeguarding
Dv8 Sussex aims to create an environment in which students and staff feel
safe and protected. We have a duty to safeguard our students from a
number of risks which include: sexual abuse and inappropriate
relationships, physical and emotional abuse or neglect, domestic violence,
bullying, self-harm and victimisation due to race, sexual orientation, faith,
gender, gender identity, age, marital status or disability. If you are affected
by any of these issues or are concerned about someone else, we
recommend you speak to your tutor or a member of the student support
team.
Please note, members of staff will not be able to promise to keep something
confidential or a secret if they feel your safety is at risk and there may be
times where we have to tell someone else about what you have told us. We
will discuss this with you first however. This will happen if we think or are
told that:
1. You, or other(s) are experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) emotional
harm, sexual harm, physical harm or neglect.
2. If we think that something you have told us may compromise, threaten
or undermine the safety or security of learners, Dv8 staff or property.
If you’re worried about your safety or the safety of a friend call the Student
Services team or email n.lombardo@londonlc.org.uk who is the Designated
Safeguarding Lead or j.tooley@dv8learn.org.uk at the Brighton Centre or
r.kamara@dv8learn.org.uk at the Bexhill Centre
Student Support
Dv8 Student Services and Learning Support Teams are here to make sure
you have the best possible experience and outcome during your time with
us. There may be occasions when you need to talk confidentially about
some aspect(s) of your college or personal life. Student Services are there to
help you and can offer advice and guidance or just be there to listen.
Structured Support
Structured support has been developed to help all DV8 students to
overcome issues they may be having with the subject content of their
studies. We can provide expert guidance and support to ensure student's
work is reflective of their abilities and help them stay on track. Learning
Support will also help those that need a little extra to further develop their
English and Maths studies. To find out more please get in touch with
Learning Support or make a referral through the Google Forms link that will
be distributed.
11

You can access support, either directly by going to the Learning Support
team, speaking to your tutor or speaking to the Student Services team in
your centre. If you are finding anything difficult that is impacting on your
learning, we will support you with a personalised plan for your needs which
may include 1-2-1’s in and out of class, group work, regular check ins,
mentoring, drop ins, referrals to outside agencies and advocacy. We care
about your welfare and learning experience above all else.
Sickness
If you are feeling unwell whilst at College, you should go to the Centre Office,
either to sign out or to call a First Aider. Please do not leave the site without
telling a tutor or the Centre office.
Health and Safety in the College
Be Safe - All areas at Dv8 Sussex have Risk Assessments covering the
activities that students are asked to participate in. These assessments
reduce the risk of injury to a minimum, by the use of control measures.
These controls will be communicated to you for each activity.
Take care! Accept personal responsibility for your own safety and watch
out for your fellow students.
Follow the rules and warnings given to you in your lessons, in specialist
areas (e.g. Green Screen room, music studio) and in other situations
which may be hazardous – e.g. outside fieldwork or work experience.
Do not misuse, neglect, damage or interfere with any safety equipment.
Your own safety, or that of other students, may depend on them
working on another occasion.
Report hazards to teaching staff or Centre Management teams. This
could prevent other people from accidents and injury.
Accidents or Serious Illness - In the event of an accident or serious
illness, please speak to any member of staff. If you are involved in an
accident, even if it is relatively minor, please see a First Aider to complete
an Accident Report Form.
First Aid - There are green and white First Aid posters in every room.
Ensure that you have read and understood the instructions. You can
contact a First Aider by going to the Centre Office.
Fire and Emergency Procedures – In the event of a fire or other
emergency, a siren will sound continuously and you will be asked to
leave the building immediately, using the signposted fire exit (main
doors at the front of the building).
12

It is your responsibility to know the routine thoroughly. You must meet at
the designated assembly point (Brighton: on the pavement by Domestic &
General offices. Bexhill: the corner of Wilton Road and Endwell Road -
towards Bexhill station). Wait at the Assembly point until you are given
further instructions. Do not re-enter any buildings unless instructed to do so
by a member of staff. Please remember:
Do not stop to pick up your coat or bag.
Do not smoke whilst the fire alarm is sounding.
Stay with your class and your tutor at all times.
Once you have been told to re-enter the building please do so
immediately, it is not a break time
Student Disciplinary Processes
To ensure all students Stay Safe, are Ready and show Respect to all at Dv8, a
four-stage Student Contract is used to help support students who are
experiencing difficulties in various areas of their education including
attendance and punctuality. Each stage of the contract will be a mutual
process agreed between tutor and student so Plan of Action or Support
Plan is agreed and signed and is then reviewed at scheduled dates. More
information on the process can be requested from Student Services or
Centre teams.
Student Behaviour and Consequences Process
C1: This should be considered as a formal verbal warning that is beyond a
minor, everyday telling off. This could be the consequence of such behaviour
as: flatly refusing to follow an instruction, acting in a way which causes a
negative impact or disruption to learning or college life, or causing offence
with inappropriate language or actions.
C2: This can be as a result of an accumulation of C1’s, or as the immediate
result of more serious bad behaviour towards, or witnessed by, the
classroom teacher, or other members of staff. A C2 can be issued for a
variety of reasons, examples include; continuing to not follow teacher
instructions, continuing to disrupt learning, rude or abusive language,
persistent lateness, an incident that is clearly beyond expected behaviour
standards.
C3: These are issued immediately for serious misconduct or dangerous
behaviour, such as being suspected, for any reason, of being under the
influence of drugs and alcohol or violence towards others. Depending on
the severity of the incident relating to the C3 being issued, students could
be suspended or permanently excluded. Any student receiving a C3 must
attend a behaviour meeting with a member of the Senior Teaching Team,
13
Student Services team and parent/carer to support improved behaviour and
attitude before they can return.

BE RESPECTFUL
Prevent and Values which Britain support
We promote what are known as ‘British Values’ at Dv8. These include:
democracy.
the rule of law.
individual liberty.
mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and
beliefs and for those without faith.
We also follow the Government’s ‘Prevent’ strategy, designed to keep us safe
from the dangers of radicalization or extremism of any sort. Radicalisation
involves developing increasingly negative views influenced by a political or
religious ideology or cause.
As outlined in our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy we treat
radicalisation and extremism with the same level of attention as any other
safeguarding issue.
We will run sessions on the national Prevent Strategy and ‘British Values’ as
part of your induction and PSD education. To keep you safe, we use
Lanschool software to check and monitor online activity (on college
computers/ network) for signs of extremist, harmful or inappropriate
content and offer targeted support through the Student Services team.
Equality and Diversity
One of Dv8’s values is inclusivity and the belief that all people are of equal
worth, entitled to be treated fairly and without prejudice in every aspect of
College life. We expect all our students to show consideration for
themselves, and for others, at all times. More information about our Equality
and Diversity Policy can be found on the College website.
14

BE READY
ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY
Part of the experience of coming to Dv8 is to prepare you for the demands
and challenges of adult working life; where the expectation is that you arrive
on time and attend every day that you are required to. At Dv8, you are
expected to attend all timetabled lessons and tutorials. You must also be
available for 1 to 1 meetings, given suitable notice, with members of staff
throughout the College day.
If you are absent without notice, you will
be contacted by a member of staff. If your attendance falls below 90% we
may need to hold a meeting with you to agree on targets to improve. If no
improvement is seen we may need to call a meeting with your parents or
guardian to further discuss the issues around your poor attendance. If your
attendance does not improve, without good reason, your place on your
course will be at significant risk. Your attendance will be discussed at your
Learner Progress Review meetings each term and parents and carers will
also be informed if you are often absent or late.
What to do if you are absent?
You must call the Centre to inform us that you will not be coming
into college before 9.30am on the morning of your absence. You must
also provide evidence supporting your absence. If you fail to inform us in
advance, your absence will be listed as unauthorised. Only the college can
decide if an absence is authorised or unauthorised.
Types of Absence - We reserve the right to consider issues on a case-bycase
basis, but below serves as our general guide to what could be seen as
acceptable reasons to miss college. You should only miss college for serious,
unavoidable reasons. Usually acceptable reasons include:
You are too ill to leave the house
You have a hospital appointment or a medical emergency
You have a day of religious observance
There has been a family bereavement
University and Employer Open Days
Work experience – requests for term-time leave for essential work
experience will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. These requests
should be submitted at least two weeks in advance
15

You will need to provide evidence to support this such as a doctor's note
or letter from another establishment. Please note that persistent absence
through illness will be investigated to see how we can best support you to
continue in your learning.
Authorised absence: If you have a medical appointment or have another
unavoidable reason for being absent please provide written evidence to
the Centre team outlining the reason for your absence.
PUNCTUALITY
It is essential that you arrive on time and well-prepared for all timetabled
commitments. You should be in the classroom at least 5 minutes before
the start of the session.
Arriving late to a lesson is not acceptable and disrupts your own and
others’ learning. Regular lateness will result in communication home to
parents and possible suspension from the course.
Missing or arriving late at planned sessions will lead to you falling behind
in your studies and may affect your final grading and achievement.
If you arrive late in class for any session take your seat without disrupting
the class. The tutor will speak to you at the next available opportunity to
discuss why you were late.
16

AWARDS & PRIZES
We have a number of prizes and rewards for good attendance and
exceptional behaviour, which are held throughout the year.
Termly Attendance Prize
The top 5 best attenders in each campus will receive a £10 voucher
Yearly Attendance Prize Draw
All of the top attenders for the year will go into a prize draw with the
winner (one for each Centre) being drawn at the End of Year Show.
Prize TBC
‘Good News’ Postcards
All staff members are able to hand out personalised postcards which
celebrate a student going above and beyond what is expected of them.
These can be saved up and traded in for prizes:
6 postcards = £5 voucher
9 postcards = £10 voucher
15 postcards =£20 voucher
We love to celebrate our students at Dv8!
Each term and year we have special awards which highlight those students
who go above and beyond during their time with us.
17

YOUR LEARNING
PROGRAMME AT DV8
Upon enrolment, you will be asked to sign your “Learner Agreement”
confirming your planned hours of attendance and main vocational
qualification aims. You will be provided with your timetable detailing all of
your planned teaching and learning at Dv8.
Vocational Course Content
You will be provided with information during induction outlining the key
elements of learning within your course as well as key work submission and
assessment deadlines. Please be sure to read through all the information
given.
If you have any questions please ask your Tutor or someone from the
Centre Team or Student Services and we can ensure you have all the
information you need.
English and Maths
Your English and Maths aims may be confirmed at enrolment or following an
initial assessment period in the first half term. Learners that start on roll in
September and have a D/ 3 at GCSE or a Functional Skills Level 1 will be put
in for GCSEs. Learners joining later in the year e.g (past December/ January)
may be put on GCSEs depending on prior attainment (qualification level
achieved before coming to Dv8) or a stepping stone qualification e.g.
functional skills in line with ESFA English and Maths conditions of funding.
Self Directed Study
If you have already achieved Maths grades 4-9 and English grades 4-9,
you will use this timetabled slot to complete independent study towards
your vocational qualification. Your tutors will provide more detail on this at
induction. You will be registered for independent study so you are expected
to remain in college and work in a quiet space to complete the study time.
18

COURSEWORK DEADLINES
It is essential that you meet all your coursework and assignment deadlines.
Your tutors will confirm any deadlines with you and you can also check the
College calendar on Google Classroom. Make a note of the relevant dates in
your calendar and allow time to complete these. Late submissions may not
be marked or will achieve a lower mark due to lateness. All coursework
should be submitted to your tutor as agreed unless alternative
arrangements are made by the Curriculum Area Lead.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE
The Induction period provides time to see if the course you are on is right
for you. If you feel at any time during the induction period that you may not
be on the right course, or if you feel that there is another course at Dv8
more suitable, or at another level, please be sure to raise this with your
tutor as soon as possible. We can then discuss options with you as soon as
possible to make sure that you are on the right course for your level of work,
career aspirations and interests.
PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism means taking someone else’s words, thoughts or ideas and
copying them or trying to pass them off as your own. It is a form of cheating
that is taken very seriously. It is alright to make reference to other people’s
work, as long as you have given it credit in a bibliography and used
quotation marks where appropriate. There are many ways that Teachers
and Examiners detect plagiarism:
Changes in the style of writing and use of language
Familiarisation with the topics they are marking, and a good chance they
may have read the source you have used
Internet search engines and specialised computer software can be used
to match phrases or pieces of text with original sources and to detect
changes in the grammar and style of writing or punctuation
If it is discovered that you have broken the regulations, one of the following
penalties will be applied by the awarding body:
The piece of work will be awarded zero marks
You will be disqualified from the unit for that exam session
You will be disqualified from the whole subject for that exam session
You will be disqualified and barred from entering again for a period of
time
It’s your qualification, it needs to be your own work.
19

EXAMINATIONS & ASSESSMENTS
- APPEALS
After your initial assessments at enrolment, it will be decided what level of
English and Maths you will be taking, either Functional Skills or GCSE. If you
are following a GCSE pathway and will have to sit an exam you will be issued
with a statement of entry.
In the exams the following rules must be adhered to:
No mobile phones, MP3 players, products with electronic
communication, storage devices or digital facilities are allowed in the
exam room
No water bottles with labels on
No food
Only clear pencil cases
Any infringement of these rules could result in disqualification. Please
remember to bring your student ID to all timetabled exams.
If you would like to appeal any of your exam or assessment outcomes
please follow the guidance and procedures outlined in our Assessment
Appeals Policy and Procedure document, available on our website or speak
to your Tutor or a member of the Centre Team.
GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Google Classroom can be accessed from the college computers and from
home, with your usual log-in name and password on any browser. The
classroom contains material uploaded by teachers in your subjects including
homework assignments and has important information, notices and
updates on the front page. You can also communicate with your tutors
through this platform.
20

Certificates
All exam certificates will be available to collect after exam results have been
published at the end of the Summer break. Along with your certificates, you
will get a Statement of Results. Students need to collect their certificates in
person from the Dv8 site they attended. If this is not possible the certificate
can be posted home if you let us know in advance and we have your correct
address. Uncollected certificates will be destroyed after 1 year. After this
time you will have to contact the awarding body.
CEIAG
(CAREERS, EDUCATION,
INFORMATION, ADVICE &
GUIDANCE)
As a vocational College, it’s our aim to help prepare you for life after Dv8,
whether that’s employment, further or higher education or an
apprenticeship. We do this in a number of ways:
Work Experience
Work Experience is an essential part of your course and the college will
support you in securing appropriate placements. It's a great opportunity to
broaden your skills, build confidence and help you stand out from the
crowd. Students are required to actively seek out work experience
opportunities for themselves throughout the year. We can give you advice
on how to research and approach businesses, how to put together a CV,
how to apply for positions and how to present yourself well.
Specialist Industry Placements
This year Dv8 continues to run a special pilot programme on behalf of the
government to trial a new type of work experience called ‘Industry
Placements’ which will eventually become a mandatory part of the new T
Level qualifications. These Industry Placements are much longer than
normal work experience opportunities, involving a weekly commitment of
approximately 45 days over the course of the academic year. They will
deliver meaningful, high-quality placements where you will use the technical
skills and knowledge you have learnt in the classroom and apply this in the
workplace.
21

This is a new, exciting opportunity that will grow your confidence, provide
you with genuine industry experience and help you network in your
specialist vocational area. Previous participants have even gone on to get
paid work with their placement provider. These placements will be a weekly
commitment of 1 day per week in addition to your college days, over the
academic year. There are however limited places available so if you are
interested in taking part in this programme, either speak to your tutor or
email the Student Services Manager n.lombardo@londonlc.org.uk as soon
as possible giving your name and course title to find out more.
Careers Events
Dv8 offers a great mix of career-related opportunities from guest speakers
to interactive workshops and masterclasses, trips out and visits from
industry professionals from all curriculum areas, sharing their career
journey and talking about opportunities and careers within their creative
sector.
Careers Advice & Guidance
During your time with us, you will have the opportunity for an appointment
with a professional Careers Adviser who can help you to look at the most
suitable progression options for you after your course at Dv8, write a CV and
cope with job applications and interviews.
Support for UCAS Applications
You will be encouraged to consider all progression options after Dv8. We are
ambitious for all our students and will encourage you to aim for and apply to
university. There will be talks and workshops, advice and support about the
HE route and application process through the PSD programme and tutorials
as well as visits to UCAS events as appropriate. If you have any questions or
need more information about this please speak to your tutor or email the
UCAS Lead n.lombardo@londonlc.org.uk
22

PERSONAL & SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
This is an essential part of the course which is all about your development
as a person.
To succeed in life, you need more than expertise in your chosen area in
Music/Media/Games, you need other 'soft skills' as well, to be able to
communicate, work with others, look after yourself, apply for and obtain
employment, conduct relationships and be aware of the difference in people
and society - all things which contribute to you having a successful and
fulfilling life. It will cover key areas like how to keep yourself safe,
homelessness, drugs and alcohol, health and wellbeing, equality and
gender issues, current and global affairs, mental health and resilience,
sexual health, relationships and careers and employability. It will also
celebrate key dates in the calendar or themes throughout the year like Black
History Month, World Mental Health Day, Anti-Bullying Week and
National Careers Week, with visiting speakers and organisations to help
raise awareness, reinforce learning and bring topics to life.
23

TRIPS & ENRICHMENT
To ensure that you get the best experience possible we organise and
arrange a number of trips and enrichment activities in and out of the
College timetable. The College offers a wide range of enrichment
opportunities throughout the year including:
Theme Days
Visiting speakers
Careers events
Specialist workshops
Special projects
Off-site visits
You will hear about these from your tutors, the screens, via your email and
Student Services.
Trips
Some trips may require a financial contribution, you may be able to access
the Learner Support Fund to go on a trip. You must apply well in advance to
the Centre Office.
24

STUDENT VOICE
We value your input and views at Dv8, and in line with the emphasis we
place on the value of Democracy, feel that it is important that your opinions
are heard. This is done in a number of ways; at certain points in the year you
will be asked to complete surveys or questionnaires and it is important that
as many of you respond to these as possible otherwise only a small number
of learners’ views are represented. We need students to sit on interview
panels when we recruit new staff and on occasions will require specific
student feedback on new premises perhaps or other college development.
A Student Forum meets termly and you will be asked to nominate and elect
a course representative during induction week. From time to time Student
Voice focus groups are held where learners get the chance to come
together and provide feedback either on specific issues or on the wider
student experience at Dv8. If you would like to get involved or find out more
please contact j.tooley@dv8learn.org.uk in Brighton or
r.kamara@dv8learn.org.uk in Bexhill.
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LEARNER SUPPORT FUND
AND BURSARIES
There is money available to help you with your studies. We offer three types
of bursary that can be accessed to help with different aspects of being at
Dv8:
1. 16 -19 Bursary
Discretionary Bursary
This is a small pot of money designed to enable students, who would have
difficulty otherwise, to access education. This includes help with travel,
equipment, food and trips. This bursary is assessed and based on the
individual student's need and circumstance and we cannot guarantee that
the full costs will be met.
2. Vulnerable Bursary
This is a bursary for students who are living in care, care leavers or in receipt
of specified Government support. This will be assessed based on your
specific needs up to a total of £1,200 a year. As this is based on your needs
you may not receive the full £1,200.
All bursaries are dependent on attendance and behaviour.
3. Free College Meals
If you or your parent/ guardian receive income support, Child or Working
Tax credits or universal credit you may be entitled to a free meal each day
you attend college. Learners in receipt of Free College Meals will receive a
voucher from the office each day to buy a sandwich, a snack and a drink
each day they are in.
For further information on how to claim all the funds, please check the
website under Student Services & Information
Please note you will need to provide evidence of your parent's/carer's
benefit entitlement.
To apply, please visit our website for a digital form or speak to the Centre
Co-ordinator.
For any information on the financial assistance available and other options;
such as how to obtain an NUS Card and associated discounts, plus various
travel options, please talk to the Centre Team.
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OTHER STUFF AT DV8
Wi-Fi login details
Dv8 Brighton: Dv85uss3X17!
Bexhill Guest: Hon3ycomb
Things to remember – it is very important that you:
Wear your College Identity card lanyard at all times when you are in
College and produce it at the request of any staff member. You will also
need it on any exam days.
Check your College email account daily and the Google Classroom for
your course for important news and information.
Bicycles
There are nearby public bike racks, we advise you to lock it with a secure D-
lock and take out insurance cover for your bicycle.
C-Card
C-Card enables young people up to the age of 25 to access free
contraception in Sussex. We are able to offer the cards and contraception in
our Bexhill campus, please speak to a member of the Centre Team or the
Student Services Coordinator. For free contraception in Brighton, please talk
to a member of the Student Services team.
Communicating with Staff
You will be given an email address for use with the college. We will use this
to send vital information to you. Please check this email daily. When emailing
a member of Dv8 staff, or emailing anyone from your Dv8 email address,
please consider carefully the tone of your message and be considerate and
polite.
You can expect a response from a member of staff within five working days.
You should not normally email a member of staff over a matter which
requires an immediate response – in these instances you must find
someone and speak with them.
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Library
As part of your course, you will be introduced to your local library and have a
full library induction; this will include signing up for a library card.
Lost Property
You must take responsibility for anything you bring to college, Dv8 cannot
take any responsibility for loss or damage, however caused. Make sure you
have appropriate insurance cover for items such as musical instruments,
mobile phones and anything else of value. We strongly advise that you do
not bring large amounts of money into college.
If you lose any items, please go to the Centre Office where it might have
been handed in. If you find someone else’s lost property, please bring it to
the Centre Office where it will be logged and stored. Unclaimed lost
property will be disposed of at the end of each year.
Mobile Phone use
Mobile phones are banned from class completely at Dv8 Sussex. If
you wish to use your phone or are expecting a phone call, please arrange
this for break times only. If you use your phone in class you will be asked to
put the phone away in a pocket or bag, if you become disruptive you will be
asked to leave the classroom.
Online Media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Blogs, Forums
etc.)
When communicating as a Dv8 Student, consider your online reputation and
digital footprint. Always write professionally, with accurate spelling and
grammar. Use the right level of formality.
Remember that online, anyone can read what you say and it can be
reposted anywhere. Imagine an employer, a university, or a parent was
going to read your comment and then write it.
Part-Time Jobs
Many students have part-time jobs and gain personal and financial benefits
from them. However, we ask that you take on no more than a maximum of
10 hours a week. You must not arrange to undertake paid work at any time
during the college day, as you may be required to attend meetings with staff
at any time.
Student Spaces
In both Bexhill and Brighton campuses, there are spaces for students to
work and relax. We expect these spaces to be looked after and respected by
all, if they are found to be left in a consistently bad state access will be
restricted.
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10 minutes before the end of each session you will be expected to help tidy
the space and leave it in a usable state for the next session.

Study Support
If you require extra learning support outside of your timetabled sessions
please talk with your tutor who can arrange this with you. Learning Support
is also available throughout the week to help with your college work if you
need it.
You can study independently in the Learner Lounge in Brighton and the
Foyer in Bexhill.
Use of the College Computer Network
The network at Dv8 Sussex is provided for you to carry out work related to
your college work only. You will be asked to sign a Code of Conduct (user
agreement) when you start which means you are agreeing to abide by the
college’s rules concerning the use of the computer network and equipment.
You have access to a College server drive which can be accessed by a
username and password, this will be given out at the start of the year. If you
have any problems accessing the drive or your work, please report this to
the Centre Team.
Please ensure you read and understand the IT/ Equipment Housekeeping
rules below:
Only use software that is provided for your use by the College. Any
attempts to install software will result in disciplinary action.
The internet is for educational use; you must not access unsuitable
material. All internet activity is monitored via our secured filtered
domain and improper use can result in disciplinary action.
Do not download executable files, music, movies, or any copyrighted
material. If you need to download something to support your
coursework, please consult your tutor first.
Report any faults to the tutor, Learning support assistant or other
supervising member of staff.
You must not use the system in such a way as to cause inconvenience to
others.
When you leave a computer, ensure that you tidy up after yourself,
placing unwanted print outs in the recycling bins and logging out.
No eating or drinking is allowed in the vicinity of computers under any
circumstances.
You are responsible for making backup copies of all work in case
of a system failure.
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LASTLY
Enjoy your time at Dv8, you will get out of college experience what you
put in.
Work hard, attend every day, be on time, turn up for lessons and keep up
with assignments and you WILL SUCCEED!
Many of our students have gone on to have fantastic careers in the
creative industries and we want you to do the same.
For more info don't forget to check the Dv8 Website:
www.dv8sussex.com
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