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NCFE Level 1 Diploma in Public Services

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Public Services

BTEC Level 3 Diploma and Extended

Diploma in Public Services (Uniformed)

COURSE HANDBOOK

2013 – 2014

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BOSTON COLLEGE

UNIFORMED PUBLIC SERVICES (UPS)

COURSE HANDBOOK

Section 1

WELCOME Boston College, and particularly the UPS teaching team, extend a warm welcome to learners who wish to prepare themselves for employment in the public services or progression to higher education programmes. Business organisations operate in an environment of continual change: potential employees need to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes which equip them for a range of opportunities throughout their career. STAFF Jo Wright – Programme Area Manager Ext. 3273 joanne-w@boston.ac.uk Alan Brickwood Ext. 3254 alan-b@boston.ac.uk Paul Waterson Ext. 3254 paul-wa@boston.ac.uk Chris Spencer Ext. 3254 chris-s@boston.ac.uk There may also be input from both full time and part time staff from other sections of the College.

Please note – DRESS CODE All Uniformed Public Services courses at Boston College wear a uniform comprising of a course polo shirt with black trousers, reversible fleece and clean black shoes/boots. A course sweatshirt is optional. A PE t-shirt is also optional but preferable – if not a suitable plain blue t-shirt must be worn. NO baseball caps or beanies, Ear-rings should be small studs, ‘hoop’

style not permitted. This is mandatory and non-negotiable and will be enforced through the department disciplinary process. The uniform can be purchased from the ‘School Uniform’ shop in Boston Market Place.

VISITS

The course will include, where possible trips/visits/residentials, these are planned as an

integral part of the course and are mandatory. There will be a charge payable at the beginning of the academic year, which is outlined in an introductory letter given out at enrolment. This will go towards all trips, equipment and adventurous outdoor activities.

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YOUR PERSONAL TUTOR All full-time and some part-time learners have a Personal Tutor. Your tutor will welcome you to the College, help you to settle in and be there to give you help and information. Your tutor is usually your first point of contact with the College and your main source of help. You will meet your tutor every week, as part of a group session or for a one-to-one discussion and review of your progress. It is important that you attend your tutorials as they will support you and make sure you to get the most out of College. You will meet your tutor at Induction. The Induction programme introduces you to staff, other learners, your course and the College. A more detailed description of the tutor’s role can be found in your handbook.

Section 2

INTRODUCTION All our UPS courses are designed to help you develop the knowledge, skills and personal qualities required for a successful career in the Public Services. The courses can lead to a variety of occupations in various services, such as Police Force, Army/Navy, Ambulance Service, Fire Brigade etc. The Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 ‘A’ levels and can be used to gain entry into University to gain between 120 to 360 UCAS points. We run three levels of qualification:

NCFE Level 1 Diploma for Entry into Public Services The Level 1 Diploma must be completed over one year. Requirements: A good attitude supported with good recommendation from school. Selection will be by formal interview. The qualification earns 37 credits at Level 1and includes:-

Public Service Careers

Self Discipline

Map reading and navigation

Wellbeing and Fitness for Public Services

Adventurous activities The year will be split into 3 terms of 12 weeks.

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Progression

The NCFE Level 1 Diploma provides progression to the BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Public Services or employment/apprenticeship. Learners will also be expected to undertake functional skills in Maths and English.

Supplementary Studies

Learners will also study the EDI Award in Personal Safety.

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Public Services The Level 2 Diploma must be completed in one year. Requirements: A good attitude to work and good school recommendation. A good standard of literacy and numeracy supported by general education equivalent to 4 GCSE Grade C or above to include Maths and English. The qualification earns 60 credits at Level 2 and includes:- ▪ Career planning for the Public Services ▪ Improving health and fitness for entry into the UPS ▪ Public Service skills ▪ Employment into the UPS ▪ Citizenship ▪ Adventurous Activities ▪ Sport and Recreation for the Public Services The year will be split into 3 terms of 12 weeks. You will study 2 modules per term. Learners will also be expected to undertake functional skills or GCSE Maths and English if they do not have a grade C or above at GCSE in these subjects.

Supplementary Courses

Learners will also study the Level 1 Award in Exercise Studies.

Progression

The Level 2 Diploma in Public Services can provide progression to the Level 3 Diploma in Public Services or employment/apprenticeship in related industry sectors.

BTEC Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Public Services (uniformed) Requirements: A good standard of literacy and numeracy supported by general education equivalent to 5 GCSE Grade C or above, to include Maths and English. Learners will enrol onto the Level 3 Diploma in Public Services in the first year and after successful completion of this and other criteria, are eligible to enrol on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services for a second year of study.

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The Extended Diploma earns 180 credits at Level 3 and modules include:-

Government, Policies and the Public Services

Leadership and Teamwork in the Public Services

Citizenship, Diversity and the Public Services

Understanding Discipline in the Uniformed Public Services

Fitness Testing and Training for the Uniformed Public Services Each year will be split into 3 terms of 12 weeks. The Level 3 Extended Diploma course is recognised as being equivalent to 3 traditional A levels. The course provides real opportunities for learners to develop relevant skills that can be applied to many work situations. You will be able to use what you learn to make better decisions about your future career. Careers guidance is offered through Tutorial sessions and individual learning plans and individual appointments with the Careers Advisers can be arranged through Learner Services. If you are considering moving on to Higher Education, you should talk to your Personal Tutor as soon as possible so that the most appropriate complementary studies can be chosen and your UCAS application can be completed within the given timeframe.

Progression

The Extended Diploma provides progression to HNC/D and degree programmes or employment/apprenticeship in related industry sectors. Your tutors will discuss with you your progress throughout the courses and there will be formal reviews. On these occasions you will, together with course tutors, record areas of achievement and also areas where there is need for help and improvement.

Assignment hand-in Assignments must be handed in on time, so you need to learn to manage your time and organise your work. Presentation is important and tutors will not accept poorly presented assignments. It is very important that you submit your assignments on, or before the deadlines set. Please read and follow the programme area Assignment hand-in policy, a copy of which will be given to you by your tutor.

Appeals against Assessment decisions Assessments are very carefully monitored by the Course Team, all assessments are internally verified. However, there may be rare occasions when a learner disagrees with the assessment outcome. In such cases the learner must talk to the assessor and/or Personal Tutor and follow the College procedure to resolve the problem.

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ATTENDANCE MONITORING:

We want you to be successful on your course and to achieve your qualifications. It is therefore important that you attend all classes as good attendance is the key to being successful. The Attendance Monitor will work with you and your Tutors to promote good attendance. What will they do?

offer support if you are having problems which affect your attendance

refer you to Learner Services who can help with a range of personal problems and barriers to learning and attendance

refer you to your Tutor who will discuss your attendance and take action where appropriate

What can you do?

Avoid unnecessary absences, for example, by making appointments outside College hours

Inform the Attendance Monitor if you are going to be absent for any reason

Telephone (01205) 365701, option 2, or e-mail absent@boston.ac.uk, or text “BCABSENT” to 88020. Texts are charged at standard network rate. This information is also on the back of your ID badge

Please remember to give your name, ID number and reason for absence

The Attendance Monitor is: Gail Bevan

Absence and Punctuality Learners must arrive punctually for classes. Late arrival will be recorded and an apology and explanation should be given at the end of the session. Your Personal Tutor will monitor both attendance and punctuality. These requirements apply to the main course of study and also to complementary studies undertaken. If learners know in advance that they are unable to attend, then they should ask for a leave of absence form from Reception. This should be completed, and if the learner is under 18 years of age, signed by the parent. This should then be submitted to the Personal Tutor for approval.

Extended absence requires self certification and/or a medical certificate. Holidays in term

time will not be approved.

When learners are absent they should follow the College absence reporting procedures.

LEARNING STYLES

You will take part in a wide range of learning experiences. There will be classroom sessions in each subject area where learners will gain the knowledge and understanding they need to support achievement in assignments. These sessions will be supported by up-to-date textbooks, videos and documentation used in the public services. You will also learn independently through research activities undertaken in the College and externally. These activities may be undertaken as teams, in pairs or individually.

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PROGRESS REPORTING

Parents Evenings Parents are invited to visit the College regularly to find out more about your course, how you are progressing, options after your course has finished routes and any other details. There will be an opportunity to speak to key staff as well as your Personal Tutor.

Progress Parents are encouraged to visit the College with or without their son/daughter to discuss progress with your Personal Tutor and teaching staff.

Reports All College learners are assessed by the course team 5 weeks after enrolment to confirm continuation onto the full programme. If there is any doubt as to suitability to continue, learners and parents will be consulted as early in the term as possible.

Section 3

COLLEGE CALENDAR 2013/2014

2013 September 2nd Autumn term starts. Learner Services Induction week September 3rd Spalding Enrolment September 26th Higher Education Fair at BCUC October 3rd HE Parents’ Briefing ‘Going to University’ BCUC October 8th Spalding College in Action October 10th Boston College in Action October 16th Volunteer Fair at BCUC October 21st – 25th Half term October 29th HE Open Event October 30th & 31st Parents’ evenings November 5th School Taster day November 7th Boston College in Action November 14th Spalding College in Action November 15th Closing date for UCAS applications (internal) December 19th End of Autumn term

2014 January 6th Spring term starts January 23rd HE Open Event February 6th Boston College in Action February 11th Spalding College in Action February 17th - 21st Half term for learners March 3rd - 7th Careers week March 4th & 5th Parents’ evenings April 4th End of Spring term April 22nd Summer term starts May 5th Bank Holiday May 26th Bank Holiday June 10th Spalding Open Event (Information) June 12th Boston Open Evening (Information) June 26th Summer term ends

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Note Any learner taking holidays outside of holiday periods will be considered absent from the course. Learners receiving support from the College Bursary Fund need to be aware that they will not be paid for holiday periods taken outside the academic breaks.

DRESS CODE The dress code for the course will be as a minimum a course polo shirt, black trousers and clean black shoes/boots. Strictly no baseball caps or excessive jewellery – plain stud ear-rings and NO ‘hoop’ style ones as these can be a safety hazard. See page 2 for further details. At times this dress code may change to facilitate different modules eg. Sports/outdoor activities, instructions will be given to ensure all learners are aware of appropriate clothing and equipment which must be worn and/or bought. Failure to do so may result in learners being unable to complete the modules and therefore, not complete the course.

Financial Assistance If you have financial difficulties you can apply for help from the College Bursary Fund, 19+ Learner Support Fund or 24+ Advanced Learning Loans Bursary Fund. This may help to meet the costs of: 1 Travel 2 Books and equipment (16-18, 19+ only) 3 Food (16-18, 19+ only) 4 Specialist clothing required for your course (16-18, 19+ only) 5 Childcare costs whilst at College (19+ and 24+ only) 6 Exams/tuition costs (19+ only) Some learners aged 16-18 are guaranteed help from the Bursary Fund – this includes:

learners living in care

recent care leavers

learners receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in their own right

learners receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment in their own right.

For further details please check with Learner Services staff

Childcare If you are under 20, you may qualify for Care to Learn payments for childcare costs. Please go to Learner Services for more information, or contact Care to Learn on 0845 600 7979 or visit the website at www.gov.uk/caretolearn

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RECREATIONAL SPORTS (WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS) You may wish to represent the College on one or more of the sports teams if your timetable allows. You will be able to choose from a range of sport such as, Basketball, volleyball, netball, tennis, hockey, swimming, football plus more, please ask your tutor for more information.

Section 5

SUPPORT SERVICES The College Mission Statement The College Mission Statement describes the type of College we provide for all our learners and staff.

‘to be a brilliant college that transforms people’s lives and makes an

outstanding contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of

Lincolnshire’.

All learners at the College attend voluntarily so there is not a set of ‘College Rules’. We do however have a range of policies which describe the standards we expect and what we offer in return. To access all the learner related policies and procedures please look on Moodle, or ask your Personal Tutor for details.

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Section 6

POLICIES At the College we have a range of policies detailing what the College will offer you and how we ensure high standards are maintained. To access the policies click on the links below. If this is not possible please ask your Tutor to provide you with a copy. Admissions Assessment and Examinations Assessment Malpractice Bullying and Harassment Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Car Parking for Residential Learners Compliments & Complaints Procedure Computer Services Unit: Code of Conduct and Practice and Equality Impact Assessment Coursework / Self Study Drugs and Alcohol Financial Support for Learners Functional Skills Hall of Residence Disciplinary / Sanctions Higher Education Admissions Induction Code of Practice Information, Guidance and Support International Student Late Enrolment Learner Attendance Learner Disciplinary Policy and Procedure for Further Education Learners Mobile Electronic Equipment Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Safeguarding Learners Skills for Life and Learning Support Tutorial – Full Time Learners – Appendix 1 Weapons and Search Work Experience Equality and Diversity – see our page on Moodle Examination Policy Students Copy Important Exams Information for Candidates Access arrangements – General Access arrangements – International Students Examination Clashes Conduct of Exams Internal Appeals Procedure – Students Copy Appeals Procedure – Externally Marked Exams

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THE GYMNASIUM

No person will be allowed to use the gym without the correct clothing and non marking trainers. Food is strictly prohibited and drinks are only allowed when in proper containers and with the permission of staff.

OTHER If you require any other information regarding this course, or the College itself, please contact your Personal Tutor. I am sure everything will fall into place as the year progresses. Remember, we want you to work hard and develop skills and knowledge which we know will bring you success. Success will bring you enjoyment during and after your College course. Aim high and ‘Be Brilliant’!

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Boston College places a high priority on the safety and wellbeing of our learners. We are

committed to creating and maintaining a friendly, welcoming and safe working environment

for all young people and vulnerable adults, whether learning is taking place on or off College

premises. We have a duty to safeguard all learners, and we will respond immediately if

there is a concern that a learner might be the victim of bullying, harassment, abuse or

neglect. All staff are trained in safeguarding and there is a designated specialist Safeguarding Team to help with any concerns you might have about your own or someone else’s safety. If you need to contact the Safeguarding Team please go to:-

Main reception

Learner Services

The ‘Stay Safe’ button on Moodle

E-mail staysafe@boston.ac.uk If you need to contact someone out of College hours about safeguarding contact:-

Children’s Social Care on 01522 782333

In an emergency situation dial 999 and call the police An important part of safeguarding is making sure only authorised people are on our College premises. Please help us with this by carrying your ID badge at all times and showing it if asked by a member of College staff.

At Boston College we respect everyone within the College community. We also emphasise

respect for personal property and for the facilities of the College. We therefore, expect

learners to work with us to create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued

and can work to achieve their full potential.

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Boston College

Skirbeck Road

Boston

Lincs PE21 6JF

Telephone: 01205 365701