parent connect (february 2016)
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Parent Connect (February 2016)TRANSCRIPT
PARENT CONNECTFebruary 2016
DOUBLE WIN FORSUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGEIN THE 2016 ROYAL OPERA HOUSE DESIGN CHALLENGETURN TO PAGE 14 FOR FULL STORY
NEWSINFORMATIONGUIDANCEEVENTS
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w w w . s u s s e x d o w n s . a c . u k
National Apprenticeship Week is coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service designed to celebrate and raise awareness for apprenticeships. Sussex Downs College, will be running a series of candidate and employer focused events, cross-campus, as well as an event at the Arndale Centre, in Eastbourne.
Drop in workshops will run as follows at both our Eastbourne and Lewes campuses: What is an Apprenticeship?10-10.30am and 12.15-12.45pm How to Secure a Job?10.45-11.15am and 1-1.30pm How to be Successful in an Interview?11.30am-12pm and 1.45-2.15pm
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A LIST OF OUR NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK EVENTS
3Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
FEBRUARY 2016
Welcome to PARENT CONNECT
GET IN TOUCH
@SussexDowns
sussexdowns
T. 030 300 39551
www.sussexdowns.ac.uk
DIARY DATES 5
GUIDANCE & ADVICE 6MyFuture 6Events & Opportunities 7Advice for students 10
COLLEGE EVENTS 12Academy of Music events 12Students’ Union events 13
COLLEGE NEWS 14News highlights 14And in other news... 16Business Studies news 17Attendance Roll of Honour 18
GENERAL INFORMATION 19Exams Offi ce, 19Study ProgrammeAgreements & Financial Support
Attendance Information 20Absences and Closures 21
In this issue...
Click on the video below to watch an interview with Mike Hopkins, Principal & Chief Executive of Sussex Downs College.
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
reprographics
The Reprographics team at Sussex Downs College in Eastbourne and Lewes can now off er you high quality print and design at a highly competitive price.
Recent upgrades to our print equipment means we are able to off er a wide range of print and fi nishing services, including:
• Colour and black and white copying• Business stationery, NCR forms, fl yers & leafl ets• Large format printing • Binding & laminating• Wedding invitations, order of service etc.
We are able to use your own artwork or create some for you to suit your requirements (charges may apply).
Please feel free to give us a call or email us for further information
Eastbourne030 300 [email protected]
Lewes030 300 [email protected]
photo prints business stationery document printing laminatingfinishing poster printing flyers banner graphics ncr binding
Black and White Copying A4 A3
Single Double Single Double
Cost per sheet up to 999 copies (please contact us for a quote on higher quantities)
5p 8p 8p 10p
All prices are per copy on 75gsm FSC approved paper.
Colour Copying A4 A3
Single Double Single Double
Cost per sheet up to 99 copies (please contact us for a quote on higher quantities)
14p 20p 18p 25p
All prices are per copy on 100gsm FSC approved paper.
Large Format Printing on 235gsm Satin A4 - £2 A3 - £3 A2 - £4 A1 - £8 A0 - £15
Photo Prints 6” x 4” on 170gsm Gloss 8p per print minimum 20 prints per order
Business Cards on 300gsm Silk (per card) Single Sided - 4p Double Sided - 5p
NCR 250 sets 500 sets 1000 sets
2pt-£30.80 3pt-£39.46 4pt-£63.97 2pt-£51.59 3pt-£79.58 4pt-£107.94 2pt-£91.23 3pt-£136.32 4pt-£187.94
Laminating A4-30p A3-70p A2-1.50
Comb Binding 65p including clear acetate & card cover
Thermal Binding 50p including clear acetate cover
Wire Binding 50p
Colour Custom Bunting (waterproof) From 25p per letter 210mm high
All prices exclude VAT
www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/about/open-for-business/reprographics
Follow us on Twitter @SDCPrintDept
Find us on facebook at facebook.com/sdcprintdesigndept
Our popular Kings Bistro & Restaurant is open for lunch and evening dinner, featuring a range of speciality events with the fi nest quality food and wine in intimate surroundings at the Eastbourne campus.
Award winning students prepare, cook and serve guests in the restaurant as part of their training under professional supervision.
It is open to the public, staff and students throughout term time. Booking is recommended.
Coff ee Shop Opening
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday9:00am – 11:30am
Kings Bistro Opening
Open for lunch
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday11:45am (last orders 12:45pm)
2 Course Lunch – £5.00 per person
3 Course Lunch – £6.50 per person
No booking required. Tables of six or more can be reserved in advance.
Kings Restaurant Opening
Wednesday & FridayLunch is served at 12 noon
Three course lunch with coff ee – £10.00 per person
Booking required
Themed Events
Thursday evenings,£22.50 per person
Booking required
Please see website for more information
w w w . s u s s e x d o w n s . a c . u k / k i n g s - b i s t r o - r e s t u r a n t
Hair, beauty& complementary
therapies
Our vibrant hairdressing and tranquil treatment rooms off er a variety of professional treatments at value for money prices.
Choose from a wide range of services and treatments including:
Haircuts - £5.00 Colouring from - £20.00 Facials - £15.00 Manicures - £6.00 Body massage - £13.00
Refl exology - £10.00 and much more.
Please call 01323 637323 for more information or to book your appointment
www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/eastbourne-graduations-hair-and-beauty-salon
www.sussexdowns.ac.uk/lewes-graduations-hair-and-beauty-salon
In our Floristry Studio we are pleased to be able to off er beautiful fl oral arrangements, wedding fl owers, or just a thank you bouquet, all available to order.
For prices and more information please call 01323 637355.
floristry
5Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
FEBRUARY 2016
DIARY DATESFebruary - May
HALF TERM15th - 19th February
PARENTS CONSULTATION EVENINGWednesday 24th FebruaryEastbourne and Lewes,15:00 - 19:30
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAYTuesday 8th March
COLLEGE INTERVIEWSWednesday 9th March13:00 - 17:00
NO SMOKING DAYFriday 11th March
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK14th - 18th March
EASTER HOLIDAYS25th March - 10th April
COLLEGE INTERVIEWSWednesday 13th April
13:00 - 17:00
MENTAL HEALTH WELL-BEING MONTHThroughout May
Promoted by the Students’ Union
BANK HOLIDAYMonday 2nd May
1ST EXAM ON GCSE/GCE TIMETABLEMonday 16th May
COLLEGE INTERVIEWSWednesday 18th May13:00 - 17:00
BANK HOLIDAYMonday 30th May
HALF TERM30th May - 3rd June
FEB
F
MAR
APR
MAY
BE WELL MONTHThroughout March
MYFUTURE AT SUSSEXDOWNS COLLEGE
My Future
MyFuture is a service at Sussex Downs College that demonstrates our commitment to supporting students and parents/carers with all aspects of progression. This includes going into university, finding voluntary work, apprenticeships, mock interviews, 1:1 careers advice, developing personal employability skills such as team work, and finding a job. If you, or your child would like to find out more please contact the team at: [email protected]
PARENTS CONSULTATION EVENT FOR 2ND YEAR STUDENTS The Parents’ Consultation Event for Year 2 (Level 3) students will take place on Wednesday 24th February 2016, 3.00pm to 7.30pm, at which you may discuss your son or daughter’s report and general progress with relevant teaching staff. Invitation letters and booking slips have been sent out to parents/ carers.
“WHAT CAREER LIVE?” This is a new, free event for 15-19 year olds taking place on 26th & 27th February 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham. “What Career Live” is sponsored by the National Apprenticeship Service. Companies who will be at the event include IBM, NHS, PwC, Unilever, HSBC, Jaguar Land Rover, Civil Service and many more. Universities at the event include Aston University, DeMontford, Exeter University and more. The event is designed to assist schools and college leavers with the next stage of their careers, whether it be through working or higher education.
There will also be expert advice from careers experts, CV clinics, a Job Matching Zone and skills experiences such as a STEM challenge where prizes can be won.
You can register to attend here: https://registration.n200.com/survey/0n7ahewcb1qgu.
For any further information please visit www.whatcareerlive.co.uk
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE LAUNCHES ITS NEW “CHECK MY CV” SERVICEWe are excited to let you know about a new service we have for all our students to help bridge the gap between college and the world of work.
Using “Career Coach” on the Sussex Downs College website you can use the “CV Builder” to develop a great CV. The CV Builder will guide students to enter relevant information in a professionally laid out format.
Once students have completed their CV they can send it to their e-mail address. Students can also use our new [email protected] email address to send their CV to a member of staff to review.
CAREERS ADVICE FOR SDC STUDENTSSussex Downs College offers all our students one to one, impartial careers guidance from a qualified careers advisor. Students can book appointments through their Progress Tutor. Appointments are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30pm – 4pm.
CAREERS COACH IS NOW LIVE ON OUR WEBSITECareers Coach is a tool designed to help students find a career by providing the most current local data on wages, employment, job postings and associated education and training. Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk select “Students” from the top menu bar and then select “careers coach” and start searching!
CAREERS ADVICE FOR STUDENTS AGED 19+The National Careers Service will have an adviser on campus in Newhaven and Lewes delivering careers advice to students who are 19+. They will also see students who are 18 provided they are on Job Seekers Allowance.
Lewes: Lotte Torp will be available for appointments on Wednesdays from 9am-12pm. Contact Student Services in Cliffe Building room 147 to book appointments
Newhaven: Charlotte Jakins will be available for appointments on Mondays from 9am-2pm. Contact Karen Sim or any of the reception team in Newhaven to book students in for appointments.
Charlotte and Lotte will be here to help with:
• Career Choices
• Course Choices
• CV Writing
• Career and Skills Assessment
• Interview skills and application forms
• Job searching
• Helping students to identify their strengths and skills and match them to local job and learning opportunities
7Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
GUIDANCE & ADVICE
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
THE SUSSEX YOUTH COMMISSION Opportunity for our students
The Sussex Youth Commission is a project designed to enable young people to support, challenge and inform the work of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne. The project allows young people to get involved and influence the future of policing and crime in Sussex.
The Sussex Youth Commission is looking for participants aged 14-25 years from Sussex, including Brighton & Hove, West Sussex and East Sussex. The role is open to anyone in this age group from one of these areas. They are seeking to recruit new Youth Commission members to start in 2016 and looking for people who will be good team players, who will be committed to the project and willing to do all the activities involved. The Youth Commission is also very keen to ensure that it is made up of a diverse group of young people who broadly reflect the make-up of the local population, including those who may have direct experience of the police and justice system.
If you have any questions or would like to request an application form please contact the Office of The Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner on 01273 481561 or email [email protected]
VOLUNTEERINGAside from the obvious feel good factor from giving your time to a worthy cause, volunteering has a number of key benefits for your child’s career which make it well worth considering. Not only is it a great way to gain practical experience (something which can be extremely frustrating when lacking from a CV), volunteering can also help your child stand out from the crowd and learn practical skills which will make them more desirable for prospective employers.
Here are just a few of the key benefits to your child of volunteering:• Work in an industry that interests them• Gain valuable skills and experience• Improve their CV and become more successful at interviews
• Volunteering helps your child to stand out from the crowd, demonstrating commitment and enthusiasm
Visit https://do-it.org/ to find out about volunteering opportunities in your area.
For worldwide volunteering and work opportunities visit www.bunac.org.uk
APPRENTICESHIP EVENT – CAREERS TALKSussex Downs College in partnership with “Inspiring the Future” (www.inspiringthefuture.org)
Come along and find out more about Apprenticeships and meet with representatives from different business areas who all have an interest in Apprenticeships.
There will be an introductory talk from our Employer and Recruitment Advisor, followed by industry specific talks. If you would like to attend please email [email protected] confirming which event you will be attending and how many spaces you would like reserved.
DatesMarch 15th 2016 – Lewes campus, Lecture theatre, Cliffe building 5.30pm-6.30pmMarch 16th 2016 – Eastbourne, A level centre, A level Hall 5.30pm – 6.30pm
HIGHER EDUCATION EVENTWe are pleased to invite parents of Year 12 students to attend a Higher Education information evening, being held at Lewes Campus on 11th May or at Eastbourne Campus on 16th June, 18:30 – 20:00.
The evening is primarily for parents of students who will be thinking of applying to University in September 2017 with talks about the process and finance.There will also be the opportunity for parents to talk to the Business Development Team, who recruit to apprenticeship vacancies, as an alternative progression route.
Further details will be issued nearer the time.
Creative ArtsTRIPS & EVENTS
Art and Design students at Lewes Show at the Foundry Gallery (Lewes) later this month.This will bring together students in the double award in applied art and design, fine art, graphic design and textiles design and digital design. Private view Thursday 25 February; show until 28th.
Media and Photography Trip to New York (Lewes) Between February 22nd and 29th, 39 students from the Media, Photography and Film section are going to New York. Whilst Film students will benefit from a three hour film-making session at the prestigious New York Film Academy, Media Students have a chance to make their own TV show at NBC TV studios, and Photography students can check out the latest works of art at MOMA. The trip also includes numerous tours, a Broadway show and a trip to the top of the Empire State building.
The Performing Arts and Dance departments (Lewes) are taking nearly 80 students on their annual four-night trip to New York From Friday 4th March to Wednesday 9th March. The students will take part in performance workshops at the New York Film Academy, Alvin Ailey Studios and the Broadway Centre, as well as watch three evening shows. It is a fantastic learning and cultural enrichment opportunity.
A BRAND NEW
EVENT FOR
16-19 YEAR OLDS
26 & 27 FEBRUARY 2016, NEC BIRMINGHAM
Meet with some of
the UK’s top employers
and universitie
s
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
SCHOOL LEAVER JOBS
What Career Live? in association with What University Live? in association with
whatlive.co.uk
A BRAND NEW
EVENT FOR
16-19 YEAR OLDS
26 & 27 FEBRUARY 2016, NEC BIRMINGHAM
Meet with some of
the UK’s top employers
and universitie
s
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
SCHOOL LEAVER JOBS
What Career Live? in association with What University Live? in association with
whatlive.co.uk
Advice for...HAPPY, HEALTHY,SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
CONTROLLING BEHAVIOUR IN RELATIONSHIPSIt’s important that we talk about what is acceptable behaviour in relationships with our children. We can make them aware of what healthy relationship and love really look like. Some teenagers are embarking on their first major relationship when they come to college and they may not realise that attempting to control something through threats and fear – called ‘coercive control’ – is at the heart of domestic abuse and that they can get help if this is going on. In 2015 the government implemented a law to make coercive control illegal.
In many relationships, there are occasions where one person will make a decision on behalf of their partner, or when one person will take control of a certain situation. Within a supportive and healthy relationship this is not an issue. It is unhealthy when control of a person’s day-to-day life is stripped away by their partner, and when they have ‘rules’ to live by so they don’t make their partner angry. A young person, especially a teenager in love may not recognise that they are experiencing coercive control. As a parent, it is understand and look out for signs of coercive control. Remember, your child can have an unhappy relationship without it being abusive. You need to watch for repeated instances of your child being controlled and ongoing changes in their behaviour.
The sort of things to look out for if you think your child is being controlled by their partner are;
• Being put down and told they are worthless• Being stopped from working or going to college• Having their money taken away or controlled• Being isolated from friends and family• Having access to food, drinks and day to day products restricted• Having to spend their time and who with being monitored• Having their social media accounts monitored or controlled• Being tracked by their partner via
mobile devices or spyware• Being told what they should wear• Being threatened with violence if they don’t behave in a certain way• Having threats made to loved ones or pets• Being threatened with damage to personal property.
This sort of behaviour could make them feel;
• Anxious and nervous and not free to make their own decisions• Like they are walking on eggshells and scared that they do not have access to money• Worried that they lack close relationships other than with their partner• Sick, experiencing headaches or have other ongoing physical health symptoms• Isolated from friends and family and that they have no one to talk to.
Anyone experiencing controlling behaviour within an abusive relationship can start to shut down, and withdraw from their family. The more isolated they are, the more dangerous the situation is as this gives their partner more control over them It’s really important that if your child is experiencing coercive control, they know that you are there to help and support them.
• Let your child know that you support for them will always be there so they don’t become totally isolated. Maintain contact with them, even if they don’t respond or become angry.• Let your child know that you are worried, and that you are there if they need to talk.• Give them time. It might take a while before they can open up to you. Create a confidential, relaxed environment to have a conversation, perhaps away from home if this makes them more comfortable.• Make sure they know that it is not their fault, tell them that they deserve a healthy relationship free from coercive control and abuse.• If your child isn’t ready to talk to you, let them know help is available. Pass on information but let them know that you are there for them too.
Where can you go for help?
• If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger then call the police using 999• Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)• Speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team at the College• Access the Refuge website, which has some useful information (refuge.org.uk) or This is Abuse (http://thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk/)
11Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
GUIDANCE & ADVICE
SAFEGUARDING - WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE E-SAFETY OF YOUR CHILDREN?With all of the potential that the online world and new technology offers, young people now have access to huge opportunities. They use technology to express themselves, explore, and be creative; it has changed the way they communicate.
You might wonder whether what they are doing is safe, and how you can help them if you find they are having difficulties online. The CEOP Safety Centre contains valuable information on how to help your child stay safe, worries that you might have and how to deal with any concerns.
www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/Parents/
SAFE DRIVE STAY ALIVE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTSSafe Drive Stay Alive (SDSA) is
produced by a road safety partnership including Thames Valley and Hampshire Police, local councils and emergency services. Each partner has been working for years to reduce the number of people dy-ing and injured on the roads. The Safe Drive Stay Alive campaign is for new and pre-drivers and reaches them in an emotive and hard-hitting way, influencing behaviour and attitude on the roads.
See the following link for more information:www.safedrive.org.uk
Sessions are scheduled around tutorial times and are com-pulsory for first year students in the same way that their tutorial is. Students are advised to check details with their tutor in advance of the session.
For more information please e-mail [email protected]
EDUCATE AGAINST HATEWe all want our children to live in a safe and loving environment so that they can grow up to become happy, confident adults. You will already know that your children can be vulnerable to risks both inside and outside the home, and will have taken steps to protect them so they can grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.
Protecting your children from radicalisation and extremism is similar to protecting them from the other harms you may be more familiar with, such as drugs, gangs and sexual exploitation.
Visit www.educateagainsthate.comparents for further information.
EAST SUSSEX ACADEMY OF MUSIC EVENTS 2016
BTEC SOLO RECITALSTuesday 1st March & Thursday 3rd March, 18:00, Lewes PAC HallSolo recitals from our BTEC students on their main instruments.
BTEC COMPOSERS CONCERTMonday 14th March, 18:00, Lewes PAC Halll
Our song writing students get the chance to showcase their own material in this evening performance. A lot of students are on soundcloud, YouTube and gig
throughout the county so it promises to be an evening of fi rst come fi rst head songs! Free entrance.
AS FINAL RECITALSTuesday 15th March & Thursday 17th March, 18:00, Lewes PAC Hall
The AS students perform their fi nal recitals which are marked and sent o� as part of their fi nal grade.
EASTER CONCERTWednesday 23rd March, 19:30, Lewes MPH
Our second concert of the year for our ESAM ensembles.
A2 FINAL RECITALSTuesday 19th April, Thursday 21st April & Thursday 28th April
18:00, Lewes PAC HallThe A2 students perform their fi nal recitals of 20 minutes each which are marked and
sent o� as part of their fi nal grade.
EVENSONG AT CHICHESTER CATHEDRALWednesday 27th April, 16:30
Every year our Academy Voices ensemble get the chance to perform Evensong at Chichester Cathedral.
AS COMPOSITION CONCERT Thursday 5th May, 18.00, Lewes PAC Hall
We give the AS students a chance to perform their own composition (or provide musicians for them) as part of their coursework which can be sent o� to the examiner
if they wish. Free entrance.
PRE-PROFESSIONAL ENSEMBLES CONCERT Tuesday 17th May, 18.00, venue TBC
The last concert of the year for the pre-professional students.
BTEC FINAL SHOWCASE Thursday 26th May, 19.30, Lewes Con Club
We take over Lewes Con Club for all our BTEC students to perform for the last time. Tickets £5.
MUSICAL FUTURES DAYMonday 13th June, Lewes PAC Hall
We hold a careers fair for all AS student. We invite representatives and ex-students down from a range of conservatoires and universities so students get the chance to
talk advice. Open all day.
SUMMER CONCERT Wednesday 22nd June, 19.30, Lewes Town Hall (TBC)
We reach the end of the year with our fi nal ESAM performance. Tickets £8.
13Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
COLLEGE EVENTS
Student’s UnionNEWS & EVENTS
SECOND HOME PROJECTThe teams continue to push on with their ‘Second Home Project’ and after meetings with Governors and the College Leadership Team we hope to be seeing some of their ideas come to life very soon.
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEThree of our team members travelled to Sheffield to take part in the NUS Women in Leadership Conference last week, where they were the only FE representatives in attendance! Jade Ayino, Students Union member, commented, “The conference was so inspiring I learnt so much not only about myself but how to actually be a respected young woman with no limits in the world of today”.
CHIT YOUR CHATOur new debate society…Chit Your Chat, inspired by our Peoples Assembly debate continues to grow with our next topic up for discussion being “What is Freedom of speech?” Staff and students are welcome to join us for these session on Wednesday’s, 13.00-14.30; the next Chit Your Chat will take place on 24th February (room tbc).
NUS CAMPAIGNSOn Monday 8th - Thursday 11th February the SU joined the #cutthecost campaign, a national campaign launched by NUS highlighting student debt. A giant inflatable pig was knocking around the Lewes and Eastbourne campus throughout the week and teams collected signatures on the giant #cutthecost postcard in support of the cause. We will also be playing a major part in the #Unplugged campaign and travelling to our regional conference at NUS headquarters at the end of February.
LGBT HISTORY MONTHWe also like a party and we are really looking forward to our LGBT History Month Quiz night celebration with the amazing Drag with No name.
Tickets are on sale via Barry Hacker for staff and students to take part in one of the funniest most outrageous nights of the year!
END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONSLooking ahead and although its only Feb we are starting to plan our end of year party, which hopefully will be a carnival themed event with paint dome tent, dance tent and fairground rides all in conjunction with our party partners Brighton Rox… watch this space.
After a totally full-on first term, with Fresher’s Night, Fresher’s Fairs, White Ribbon events, student conference, Open Events, Area Review consultation and an incredible snow storm Christmas party amongst other things the Students Union had planned to have a slightly more laid back half term! Not to be, already this term we have hosted a student conference on each campus kicking up plenty for us to work on for the student body.”- Kitty Tucker, Student Participation Officer
“
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DOUBLE WIN FOR SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE IN THE 2016 ROYAL OPERA HOUSE DESIGN CHALLENGE
The Production Arts, Art & Design and Digital Media departments at Sussex Downs College are celebrating as two of their students win categories in the 2016 Royal Opera House Design Challenge.
The College has been involved in the Royal Opera House (ROH) Design Challenge since it was established in 2010, evolving from an extra-curricular activity to becoming firmly established and embedded into the curriculum across all three departments.
Phil Rose, Production Arts Lecturer at Sussex Downs College Lewes Campus, said, “This national annual competition gives our students the opportunity to test and develop their marketing, production and design skills, based around an opera or ballet production – this year our students excelled once again.”
Sussex Downs College has previously enjoyed astounding success in the competition with Lydia Parsons scooping Set Design runner up in the 12/13 Tosca challenge, OIllie Jagot winning Set
Design in the 13/14 Sleeping Beauty challenge and last year scooping a double victory: Luke Adlam winning Set Design and Elise Illett winning Marketing Strategy for Madama Butterfly.
This year the College experienced their best results to date. Out of 800 entries nationally, ten SDC entries reached the finals of the challenge. Our two winning students were Luke Hopkins and Eddy Wilson.
Luke’s success in Set Design has made it the third year running that Sussex Downs College has won this category, whereas Eddy’s win of the Director’s Choice Award is a first for the College. Phil continued to say, “Both of the set designs created by Luke and Eddy were exceptional. We are extremely proud of what each of them has achieved.”
The Director’s Choice Award is presented to a design which fully realises one of the set director’s visions. This year Eddy’s design made Director and Judge David Stevenson think, “I want to direct that!” David said of Eddy’s design, “The final model is of an exceptional standard – very professional – and offers great potential for staging.”
Student Eleanor Brown, who reached the finals of the Costume Design category, was thrilled she had the opportunity to take part, “This was a great experience, I learned lots of new skills and this will be fantastic for my portfolio for University interviews!”
Both Luke, 16, and Eddy, 17, study at the Lewes Campus of Sussex Downs College, and will be attending a special day at the Royal Opera House where they will see their designs in an exhibition, take a backstage tour and visit a specific Royal Opera House department before watching a performance of The Royal Opera’s Il trittico.
James DiBiase, Visual Arts Lecturer at Sussex Downs College, said, “A huge congratulations should be sent to all of our students who designed entries for this year. The amount of effort that goes in to these pieces is extraordinary and the quality of work our students produce is truly exceptional. Year on year our students continue to impress and astound us all, and I simply cannot wait to see what is produced next year.”
15Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
COLLEGE NEWS
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE LAUNCHTHE PRINCE’S TRUST TEAM PROGRAMME AT THE LEWES CAMPUS
Sussex Downs College at the Lewes campus has launched The Prince’s Trust Team programme this year that will hopefully be going on to run up to three times a year.
it is a welcome programme to Lewes that is and has successfully been running from our Eastbourne campus. The Team programme that runs for twelve weeks focusing on the personal development of each individual young person. It is a programme open for young people aged between 16 and 25 that are currently not in education, employment or training. Our current team of young people are in week four of their course and have been focusing on community fundraising action as they are about to embark on a community project in the heart of Lewes. Their fundraising eff orts which are taking part at a Lewes FC match and throughout the college will all culminate into a brilliant project at the Nutty Wizard Café in Lewes, a café that is a safe haven for young people in and around Lewes to come and visit the drop in centre every Wednesday. The café is currently having a reshuffl e with their volunteers and so the Prince’s Trust team programme is coming at a welcome time, coinciding with the relaunch. The young people democratically decided to decorate the interior of the café giving it a new lease of life and serve as a space that is both inviting and fresh.
There are many diff erent elements of the course in which the young people are involved and local voluntary organisations are welcome to get involved, including the following activities: Week 1 : Take action (planning for personal progression)
The course is open to anyone and everyone as mentioned above, from someone that has completed college but doesn’t have confi dence or motivation, to a young person that hasn’t got any qualifi cations but is a team player and would benefi t from gaining some essential life skills.
Week 2: New experiences
The team go away to an activity centre as they begin to bond. Weeks 3 – 6: Community project
The team decide on a project to benefi t the local community and carry it out, from inception to completion, fundraising and getting their hands dirty!
The Prince’s Trust would love to know about all the local organisations/ charities that would benefi t from such a project, especially for future teams. Weeks 7 – 8: Work Placements
An essential part of the programme, where the young people start to put together all the skills they have learnt into practice within the workplace. This is not only benefi cial to the team member but to the employer also, often our young people can go on to work full time at the places that they have been able to do work placements at, or even apprenticeships. The more support shown to the young people by giving them that lift onto their career ladder the better! Week 9: Planning for the future
Local businesses, charities and organisations are invited to talk to the young people during this week as the focus is on improving their CVs, practice interview skills and start to think of progression post trip. It is a great week to have discussions around budget and independent living.
Weeks 10 – 11: Team challenge
This is when the young people again challenge themselves by taking up an action which is purely helping others. This in the past has ranged from working for a few days in a home that caters for the elderly, or learning what it is like to teach at a school with children with special educational needs. It is an essential part of their qualifi cation but also their personal learning. Week 12: Having their say
All those that have helped the young people along the way are invited to a celebration and presentation. Please keep your eyes out for this bubbly group about town as they complete each part of their programme and keep in mind young people that might benefi t from taking part in this course. We are beginning our TEAM TWO on May 2nd. Local voluntary organisations along with friends and families of Sussex Downs College are welcome to get involved, too! If your organisation or business can take on a young person on the scheme for a few weeks and/or if you would be interested in being part of one of the Prince’s Trust Community Challenges, please contact Henrietta Valler-Still, Team Leader at the Prince’s Trust, at [email protected] or on 07342 065 442. For more information, please click on the image below to watch a video clip of young people talking about their experiences on the ‘team’ programme.
AND IN OTHER NEWS...Click on a headline to read the full story.
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE STUDENT SUPPORTS BBC GET INSPIRED’S BODYPOSITIVE INITIATIVE
SUSSEX DOWNS CATERING AND HOSPITALITY STUDENTS VISIT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
PHOTOGRAPHIC SUCCESS FOR SUSSEX DOWNS STUDENTDISNEY ERRIDGE
EASTBOURNE’S ROTARY CLUB YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE CHOSEN
UK SKILLS IS ‘PLANE’ SAILING FOR SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE JOINERY STUDENT
SUSSEX DOWNS ENGLISH A LEVEL STUDENTS VISITTHE BRITISH LIBRARY
17Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
COLLEGE NEWS
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE STUDENTS VISIT PORTSMOUTH UNIVERSITY
FOUNDATION LEARNING STUDENTS’ DESIGNS SHORTLISTED FOR BEACH HUT INITIATIVE
SDC STUDENT JACOB CRANCH ADVANCES IN YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
Click here to view
all of our other
news stories onour website...
Level 2 Business Students ran a pop-up café (Cupid’s Café) and raised £60 for Vasculitis
“Running the café was a fabulous experience – a chance for us to
work together as a team and put our business knowledge in to practice. In addition we were able to raise funds for a charity close to my heart. From a business point of view we learned the following: selling prices need to be cheap because teachers and
students don’t bring much money to college!, chocolate cakes sell better than healthier treats like fruity fl apjacks and service needs to quick (as well as friendly) as teachers and students have limited time to eat and drink!”Quote from Amber Stubbs (student)
Level 3 Business Students spent two weeks in Germany They attended business lessons at a vocational college in the morning and worked in various social institutions in the afternoon.
“This was an amazing experience in so many ways. It was fascinating to learn more about the German culture and I couldn’t believe how early they get up in the mornings – college starts at 8am! I thoroughly enjoyed my social placement working in a support centre for Syrian refugees. The people I met were extremely friendly and hopeful despite their very diffi cult circumstances. The whole trip was totally exhausting but something I will remember and treasure for the rest of my life.”Quote from Callum Camille (student)
BUSINESS STUDIES NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR STUDENTS WHO ACHIEVED 100% ATTENDANCE FOR THE AUTUMN TERM. WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOUR
COMMITMENT TO STUDY. MANY THANKS TO PARENTS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.Aaron Foord, Aaron Harris, Aaron Howe, Aaron Miles, Adam Halliburton, Adam Wallis, Adrian Srodek, Alex Primrose, Alexander Turner, Alexandra Howard, Alexandra Marsh, Alfi e Ridgway, Alfred Andrews, Alice Barber, Alisha Malik-Ridley, Alisha Willson, Amber Forrest, Amber Hibbitt, Amir Kamrani, Amy Baldwin, Amy Harris, Amy Kincade, Amy Linley, Amy Turner, Amy Willett, Anastasia Sadler, Andrew Diack, Anna Harris, Annabelle Dale, Arron Wilder, Ashlea Samuell, Ashleigh Hayward, Ashleigh Stocker, Aujuman Basith, Aymen Qader, Barnaby White, Ben Ralph, Ben Smith, Benedetta Rivolo, Benjamin Morley, Benjamin Sadler, Benjamin Staniford, Beth Baldock, Bethany Virgo, Brandon Watson, Cain Blissett, Caitlin Knevett, Callum Fryers, Callum Gibson, Callum McQueen-Bartlett, Callum Nattress, Cameron Fyfe, Camron Whitten, Carys Ryan, Catherine Mears, Cathy Tojo, Charley Robertson, Charlotte Cole, Charlotte Robinson, Charlotte Taylor, Chase Hayden, Chloe Blake, Chloe Fogg, Chloe Hunt, Chloe Sell, Chloe Snelgrove, Christie Groom, Christopher Ricketts, Christopher Skelton, Chun Ting Chan, Ciaran Keff ord, Connie Spain, Connor Barnes, Connor Edwards, Connor-Jay Allchorn, Conor Barnaville, Daisy Pettitt, Daniel Emsley, Daniel Hagan, Daniel Joseph, Daniel Sawkins, Danielle Hearn, David Joly, Deborah Smith, Dominik Grochowski, Dylan Morgan, Dylen Tucknott, Ebony Burns, Edward Chrusciel, Ela Moreno, Elena Vidal-Cervera, Elisia Da Silva, Elize Charrett-Dykes, Ella Benson, Ella Robertson, Ellen Beer, Elli Meekings, Ellie Beattie, Ellie Hoadley, Ellie Morgan, Ellie Muzzall, Ellis Jones, Elysia Russell, Emily Crudge, Emily Raper, Emily Shepherd, Emma Carr, Emma French, Emma Newton, Emma West, Eneo Kalemi, Fabienne Andre, Faye Daubney, Fern Pettitt, Florence Piccinini, Gabriella Taylor, Gabrielle Barkley, Genesis Gecana, George Harley, George Pallister, George Stride, George Sweeting, Georgia-Anne Hill, Grace Allen, Gracie Maddison, Hal Taylor, Hana Moloney, Harriet O’Callaghan, Harry Covell, Harry Croft, Harry Gross, Harry Hipgrave, Harry Ives, Heledd Evans, Holly Humby, Huw Curry, Imogen Hood, Jack Chaffi n, Jack Jobling, Jack Lister, Jack Redgate, Jack Weston, Jacob Cranch, Jacob Smith, Jaime Haslip, Jake Barton, James Bradford, James Brand, James Kirk, James Richards, Jamie Baker, Jamie Banks, Jamie Barber, Jamie Francis, Jamie Funnell, Jamie Hoey, Jamie Turner, Jan-Emmanuel Gabat, Jared North, Jasmine Armstrong, Jasmine Colkett, Jasper Godin, Jed Humphrey, Jeremiah Dolayba, Jeremy Lock, Jessica Hoskins, Jessica Lowdell, Jessica Scott, Jessica Turnham, Jessica Woodhams, Joaquin Subagan, Joe Cassidy, Joe Maryan, Joel Emmerson, Joel Lock, Jonathan Down, Jordan Dennehy, Jordan Mills, Jordan Penny, Joseph Clements, Joseph Hacker, Joseph Hutchinson, Joseph Miller, Joshua Bradford, Joshua Buss, Joshua Coombs, Joshua Hill, Joshua Hooper, Joshua Miles, Joshua Speltz, Joshua Wood, Jossy D’Souza, Junzhi Yan, Kaho Ueno, Kai West, Kamen Cooley-Greene, Kati Rogers, Katie Widgery, Ka-Wing Wan, Kayleigh Mackay, Keiko Teramura, Kevin Russell, Khevane Byroo, Kimberly Leadbeater, Kristian Kosc, Kristopher Baumber, Krystian Szmytkowski, Lara Johnson-Smith, Laura Churchyard, Lauren Beer, Lauren Matthews, Laurence McCartney, Leila-Mae Rummery, Leonids Cepcovs, Leonids Cepcovs, Lewis Greenwood, Lewis Massie, Lewis Steele, Lois Winwright, Lorcan Taylor-Hood, Louie Horne, Louis Thompson, Louisa Phillips, Louise Bailey, Louise Darcy, Louise Etwell, Louise Owen, Lucinda Dopson, Lucy Bassett, Lucy Wheatley, Luis Gouveia, Luka Glisovic, Luke Gardner, Luke Smith, Luke Teague, Lydia Bannister, Madeleine Considine, Maegan Parsons, Maria Tayao, Marina Takashima, Mark Browning, Mark Constable, Mary Parker, Mason Brannigan, Mathew Patterson, Matthew Fricker, Matthew Simmons, Matthew Willis, Maxine Cameron, Megan Rudd, Meghan Shoesmith, Melanie Vines, Melissa-May Sergeant, Michael King, Michael O’Doherty, Michael Tsenti, Mikaela Ivanova, Millicent King, Millie Cade, Milly Jeff ries, Milo Gibson, Misuzu Kuze, Mohammed Miah, Mohammed Rokan, Mollie Havard, Monika Stoyanova, Natalia Nikolova, Natasha Bird, Natasha Culling, Nathan Hover, Nathan Thomas, Nele Gewert, Nicola Mitchell, Nicole Nobrega, Norbert Kuczma, Olivia Gatt, Oscar Williams, Owen Wood, Paegan Ashton, Paige Azzopardi, Patrick Gough, Patrick Marriott, Patsy Agrela Cornwall, Pauline Schou, Peter Shakir, Rachel Carter, Rachel Wilson, Rajina Shahi, Ralph Mason, Ranya Al-Schama’a, Rebecca Bradley, Rebecca Martins-Tudor, Rebecca Timmis, Rebecca Turner, Rebecca Vick, Rebecca Wyatt, Reece Flux, Reuben Lazarou, Rhianna Fishenden, Rhys Lavender, Robert Wooler, Rosie Smith, Ruby Fuller, Ruby Hilton, Ryan Gregory, Ryan Marriott, Ryan Purchase, Ryan Turner, Sam Marchant, Samuel Neads, Samuel Say, Sarah Willcocks, Sean Chapman, Sophia Franklin, Sophie Roberts, Stephanie Hollis, Steven Benge, Taisia Clare-King, Tanieth Kerr, Tayar Rockett, Tegan Inch, Teige Dillon, Tess Burdon, Tessa Obungu, Tharindu Gardi Arachchige, Thomas Blakeney, Thomas Cheale, Thomas Cottington, Thomas Newton, Tia Allen, Tia Holman, Tobias Ward, Toby Hacker, Toby Hayward, Toby Martin, Urjit Soni, Vanessa Turner, Verity Webb, Victoria Cleaver, Vien Chao, Will Roberts, William Marsden,
William Nicholls, Yianna Sifakis, Yu Nakanishi, Zaher Alkabbani, Zoe Shapcott
19Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
EXAMS OFFICEPlease note that in order to make efficiencies Statements of Entry and Results for GCSE/GCE exams will no longer be posted home but sent to students’ College email accounts.Students are personally responsible for providing their own equipment for their exams and the Exams Office will not be able to supply equipment (calculators, etc). We provide a minimal amount of ‘spare’ equipment in each venue but this will only be available to students who have a problem with their own equipment (eg. breakages during the exam).
The Exams Office will charge a standard non-attendance fee (to post-16 students) of £10 for any timetabled exam or assessment missed without supporting evidence.
Students will be asked to present their Student ID card in all examinations in order to prove identity.
IMPORTANT DATES
Summer exam results for GCE – Thursday 18th August 2016.
Summer exam results for GCSE – Thursday 25th August 2016.
RE-SITS
Students now have the ability to book and pay for their GCE/GCSE re-sits online. The system is now live and is accessible from the Exams Office page of the main SDC website. Alternatively students can visit the Exams Office and complete a re-sit application from.
STUDY PROGRAMME AGREEMENTSStudents who are 16 – 19 years old or 19 – 25 years old with a Learning Difficulty Assessment or Education Health and Care Plan are following what is known as A Study Programme, which is funded in a particular way by Central Government. In order to access this funding, one of the key pieces of evidence that the college needs to retain is a Study Programme Agreementsigned by the student and their allocated Progress Tutor. This agreement, outlines the course the student is following and the number of planned learning hours this involves. These forms are now ready for signature with the Progress Tutors. Please can we ask you to encourage your son or daughter to go to their tutor before 20 November, to check the details of these forms are correct and to sign them. Thank you.
FINANCIAL SUPPORTFOR STUDENTSWe have a number of financial support funds available to help students who are experiencing financial hardship with the costs of coming to college.
We may be able to help with travel, books, equipment, kit, uniform, materials, childcare, in some cases tuition fees/exam fees.
Some students may also be eligible for Free Meals whilst at college.
If you are facing financial difficulties please contact Student Services for more information
Eastbourne 030 300 39900 or Lewes 030 300 38765
ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
WHY ATTENDANCE?There have been numerous studies in recent years into the effects of poor attendance on achievement.Information published by the government states that of school children who miss less than 5% of lessons, 73% achieve five GCSEs at A* - C. This reduces right down to only a 35% achievement rate where children’s attendance is between 80% and 90% and just 3% of children get 5 GCSEs A* - C where their attendance is 50% or lower.
It is this significant statistic which drives our attendance monitoring process. We are determined to support students to attend because we know the impact on their potential to achieve.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES AT SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGEAt Sussex Downs College we expect students to have an attendance record of at least 95% and are quick to chase up when the figure begins to drop.
In the first instance students will receive an email to alert them that their attendance has dropped to below 95% (amber alert) or 90 (red alert) and to advise them to speak to their progress tutor about any significant issues which are impacting on them maintaining full attendance.
This is followed up with a letter to parents/carers if concern continues to help open up dialogue between home and college, and then a further letter may be sent to arrange a meeting between student and progress tutor in order to set relevant and measurable targets in line with the college student concern procedures, with regular review of these targets and progression through the student concern procedure where appropriate.
WHAT THE NUMBERS MEANIn order to monitor student attendance we look at a weekly attendance figure combined with the attendance dat for the previous 8 college weeks. Students are contacted when both criteria for concern are met.
For a student on a standard level 3 program, attending approx. 10 sessions per week this means:
%Lessons
missed in 1 week
Lessonsmissed in 8 weeks
Lessonsmissed in
a year
95% 0.5 4 17.5
90% 1 8 35
85% 1.5 12 52.5
80% 2 16 70
75% 2.5 20 87.5
70% 3 24 105
65% 3.5 28 122.5
60% 4 32 140
55% 4.5 36 157.5
50% 5 40 175
IMPROVING ATTENDANCEWith such a high college expectation it is very easy for attendance records to slip with just a few missed classes. There are times where absence is unavoidable, but there are some small steps that students can take to help prevent missing classes unnecessarily which you can help encourage:
Where there is control, arrange appointments outside of timetabled lesson times. Remember the time needed to travel.
When late to a class, it is better to still attend than to decide to skip it entirely. A late mark will not have a negative impact on attendance like an absent mark will.
Good planning of time between classes is beneficial. Students should avoid going too far from the college campus where possible. They should be using the library to complete homework or the common room or outside areas to take breaks. If they are finding it hard to manage their time, please encourage a meeting with their progress tutor who can help them with this. College differs
from school in the greater freedom afforded to students. Managing independent study time and breaks between classes is a new skill for many young people, but an important ability that will be taken forward to further study or the workplace.
If missing classes is due to something more serious, such as a feeling of not coping with the workload, it is vitally important that you speak to your teachers or your progress tutor as soon as you can to give you the best chance of turning the situation around. They are here to help.
AUTHORISED VS UNAUTHORISEDIn the past schools were criticised by the government for having high levels of unauthorised absence where children missed school with no explanation. The unintended consequence was that schools got better at authorising absence, but this focus on unauthorised absence deflected attention away from the most important issue - that all absence is bad for a young person’s education.
At Sussex Downs College we look at our students’ attendance as a whole. It is important that any unavoidable absence is authorised, but this is a separate issue to attendance monitoring, and even though there will be cases where we know there are good reasons for missing classes, we will still take steps if this has had a significant impact on attendance. In some rare cases the 95% expectation will not be realistic for a student, but it is important that this is addressed with tutors, teachers, students and parents in order that we can make sure appropriate measures are in place to support achievement.
21Visit www.sussexdowns.ac.uk for more news and information
GENERAL INFORMATION
ABSENCES ANDCLOSURES
THE ABSENCE LINEIt is really important that any unavoidable absences are reported to the absence line so that we can record these, help inform tutors and teachers, and make sure registers are accurate, Please contact:
Eastbourne:Tel: 01323 637417Email: [email protected]
Lewes:
Tel: 030 300 39808 (local rate call)Email: [email protected]
SEVERE WEATHER NOTICESIf the weather is poor please check the Sussex Downs College website regularly. It is your primary source for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding any College closures. We will aim to update the website from 7.00am each day.
Updates will also appear on the College Twitter and Facebook Sites.If the website is unavailable for any reason you should check these for the latest information (a Twitter or Facebook account is not required).
In the event of snow/ice staff, students and visitors should take care on campus, for example by wearing appropriate footwear, and keeping to cleared pathways. Be aware of your surroundings and take care.
EXAMSUnless there is complete College closure, students entered for exams should attend them as planned. If a student is unable to attend their examination for any reason then they should phone the appropriate Examinations Office for advice on 030 300 39310 (Lewes) or 030 300 38220 (Eastbourne). The Exams Office will not be staffed when there is a full College closure.