ps101f course handbook 2013 14

(PS101F) STUDENT HANDBOOK

2013-14 Public Services

Welcome to the Public Services department at Swindon College.

We are thrilled to have you within the department and look forward

to you experiencing a positive learning environment and having fun

whilst learning with your friends.

(PS101F) student handbook

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(PS101F) student handbook P U B L I C S E R V I C E S

Contents Page Overview of program The overview of the program includes credit values for units, progression routes, and unit certification

Meet the Team Public services staff and contact details

Induction information All the information regarding your induction into Swindon College

Health and Safety information Know the basic Health and Safety information required

Curriculum Plan Your selected units throughout the duration of the course

Functional skills Information regarding functional skills qualifications, lesson times and exams

Assessment/Assignment schedule Take a look to see when your assignments are due in!

Assessment Information Read about plagiarism, malpractice, and appeals procedure

Tutorials Information regarding your tutorial sessions


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Overview This handbook is intended as an introduction to the college and its facilities, as well as a source of information about the College as a whole. It is recommended that you read this handbook fully in order to gain an understanding of the nature of the work undertaken in the School and an awareness of the simple rules necessary to make the School function in the correct manner. While we have tried to include all details relevant to new students, if you feel further information would be of benefit, please make your suggestions to your course tutor. We hope your time at College proves both enjoyable and beneficial to your future career. WELCOME TO SWINDON COLLEGE Welcome to Swindon College and to your chosen programme of study within the public services department. We hope you will enjoy your time at College and take advantage of the opportunities the College offers. Our aim is to help you complete your programme successfully. We ask you to share this responsibility by working hard and taking part in the management of your own learning. All information was correct at the time of printing; however some details may have changed since then.


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Meet the team… The Public Services team consist of teachers with a passion for education and industry related learning. The staff are always on hand to help you with lessons, course work, UCAS applications, trips and future career pathways.

The staff are located in the Pegasus building 7.9 (Staff Room)

The Public Services lecturers are:

Hattie O’Driscoll Dawn Greenberg Sam Bramfitt You can contact the staff members using the following details:

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01793 498240

mailto:[email protected]




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Induction Information

The BTEC Firsts Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma in Public Services are designed to equip

learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success when moving towards a

career in the uniformed and non-uniformed services, for example, Police, Emergency Fire Services,

Security, Prison Services or the Armed Services.

Tuesday 9-12 Wednesday 10-2 (Fresher’s fayre) Thursday 9-5 (trip)


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Health and Safety Information Swindon College is committed to providing a safe and healthy work place for its staff and students and will endeavor to ensure that it meets the requirements of all applicable health and Safety at Work regulations. Lost Property Your belongings are valuable. If you lose property, enquire at the College Office on the ground floor. First Aid and Accidents and Incidents You should contact a member of staff in an emergency. There is a team of qualified First Aiders on each site, who can be contacted by reception. Smoking Policy No smoking inside the buildings. Smoking is only permitted outdoors in the designated areas. Drugs Policy We not only aim to provide appropriate prevention, counseling and support services, but also an efficient and comprehensive drugs education programme to all learners It is our aim to help all students to be able to take their place safely in a world where a wide range of drugs exists. We recognize that some drugs have beneficial effects, but also that every drug has potential harm. For this reason, all drugs need appropriate and responsible care and management. Crèche At the North Star site there is a crèche run by Swindon Child Carers. This is open from 8:45am to 5:00pm, from Monday to Friday in term time. Refectory Open daily serving a range of meals, snacks and confectionary. Located on the ground floor in the Pegasus.


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Curriculum Plan for Course: L3 Diploma Public Services

Course Code: PS001F

Year 1 Tri 1

Unit Number and Title QCF Credits Delivering teacher

5-Physical preparation, health and

lifestyle for the public services

10 a-new

b-new

1-Government, policies and the public

services

10 a-DG

b-HOD

12-Crime and its Effects 10 a-HOD

b-new

Year 1 Tri 1 credits 30

Year 1 Tri 2


3-Citizenship, Diversity and the Public

Services

15 a- HOD/new

b-New (lead)/DG

2-Leadership and Teamwork in the

Public Services

15 a-NEW

B-NEW


Year 1 Tri 3


32: Instructing Physical Exercise 10 a-new

b-DG

14: Responding to Emergency Incidents 10 a-HOD

b-new

Unit 16: Careers

5 a- HOD

b- New

Police Powers (TBC with new member of

staff)

5 a- HOD

b- New



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Functional Skills As part of your programme of study, you will be required to complete a course of Functional Skills study, this will be in either Numeracy, Literacy or ICT. Functional skills are a new type of qualification that were launched across England in 2010 and are available to study for learners 14+. They are designed to help you build the practical skills needed in order to get the most out of work, education and everyday life. Having a functional skills qualification makes you more employable for when you are no longer at college and like mentioned above, will enable you to function better as an employee and within the community as Numeracy, Literacy and ITC skills play a huge role in our lives. Furthermore, successfully completing your functional skills qualification can help provide a better level of these skills in order to complete your next level of study, and this is now a requirement of the college.


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Assessment Information ASSIGNMENT COMPLETION INFORMATION This is your record of how your work will be assessed. It will enable you to understand how you will be awarded marks for internally assessed assignments. It is your responsibility to understand the process – do not expect staff to explain it or “bend the rules” should you fail to abide by them. If you do not understand any of the information, ask now. The policy is:-

i) You will receive an initial deadline date for all internally assessed units. ii) Work which is completed by the initial deadline will be marked by staff and you will receive

feedback on how to improve your mark within a three week timescale. iii) A new (and final) deadline will be set – this will normally be during the study week of the

corresponding trimester. iv) Staff will re-mark work (if you decide to improve it) and the best mark will be submitted to the

examination board. It should be noted that staff will re-mark this work at a time convenient to their own assessment plans and schedules.

v) You must not miss and lectures in order to improve or complete outstanding work. vi) If you miss the initial deadline, you are penalizing yourself as your work will not be marked

by staff, prior to the final deadline – hence, you will have no opportunity to improve your work for at least one trimester.

vii) You will not be entitled to any extensions on final deadlines unless there are extreme circumstances. The extension must be agreed with the lecturer responsible for the unit and your tutor (if necessary).

These rules are to enable you to achieve the highest possible marks for each piece of work, without affecting the rest of your studies. You must make maximum use of class time as well as free periods. If you waste time, you cannot expect to achieve a good final grade. If you waste time in class and distract other students, you will be asked to leave the classroom and will face disciplinary actions. Staff will offer as much support and guidance as possible, but will not tolerate behaviour which affects the progress of others.

I have read and agree to abide by this policy

Student‟s Name ………………………………………………………….. Date …………………………

Printed name of student ………………………………………………………………………

Tutor‟s signature ……………………………………………………….. Date

………………………….

Printed name of tutor …………………………………………………………………………..


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GRADING OF ASSESSMENTS

The BTEC Extended Diploma qualification will be awarded an overall grade of a „pass‟, „merit‟ or „distinction‟. The overall grades will be calculated on the total points achieved from internally assessed units combined with the grade points from the external assessment. The following rules will be used as a basis for awarding each qualification. Assessment The course is assessed by coursework/assignments. These will be marked either

Pass

Merit

Distinction

You will receive a deadline for when your assignment is due in. You MUST stick to this. If you have a valid reason why you cannot submit on time you MUST contact your tutor and ask permission for an extension. To gain the overall grade for the unit:

To achieve a „pass‟ a learner must have satisfied all the pass assessment criteria

To achieve a „merit‟ a learner must additionally have satisfied all the merit grading criteria

To achieve a „distinction‟ a learner must additionally have satisfied all the distinction grading criteria

All assignments and assessments will have a set hand-in date, which you are required to adhere to. To give you the best opportunity to achieve the maximum grades available, all students will be able to upgrade assignments, provided they are submitted on time. In this case you will have a total of 3 attempts at each assignment (including your first submission); this enables your tutor to provide feedback and guidance to assist you when attempting to upgrade your work. If for any reason you cannot meet a deadline, you must inform and discuss your circumstances with your tutor prior to the submission date. Failure to submit work on time without informing your tutor will result in the late assignment(s) being marked once only – you will not have an opportunity to upgrade. In addition, any late submissions will result in disciplinary action.


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Assessment Flow Chart

I submitted my

assignment on time…

I submitted my

assignment after

deadline…

Once your work has been

marked you will have a

further 2 opportunities to

improve your grade using

the feedback provided by

your tutor

What happens when I submit assignments?

If you achieve a Pass, Merit

or Distinction in your first

submission, you will not have

the opportunity to upgrade

your work

If your work does not meet

the pass criteria, you have

just 1 more attempt to pass

the assignment. However,

the maximum grade that

you can achieve is a pass

Stage 1 Disciplinary


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BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma

Grade Points per credit

Pass 7

Merit 8

Distinction 9

Points range above pass grade Grade

1300-1339 MPP

1340-1379 MMP

1380-1419 MMM

1420-1459 DMM

1460-1499 DDM

1500-1529 DDD

1530-1559 DDD*

1560-1589 DD*D*

1590 and above D*D*D*

How to work out your grade:

Unit Level Credit Grade Grade points

Points per unit

=

credit x grade

Unit 1 3 10 Merit 8 10 × 8 = 80


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WHAT DO I DO IF I DON’T AGREE WITH THE GRADES I HAVE BEEN GIVEN?

There is an appeals procedure to follow should you not agree with the grades you have been given for your coursework.

Firstly you should meet with the lecturer who marked your piece of work to discuss the reasons why you were given the grade and in what ways you disagree with the grade given.

At this point you may agree that you were given the correct grade.

If however you still do not agree then a meeting will be arranged between you and an internal

verifier – this is a different lecturer who will look at the piece of work and talk to you about the grade.

At this stage the internal verifier may agree with the original assessor‟s decision.

If the verifier doesn‟t agree with your given grade they will then arrange a meeting with

members of the College Moderation Team who will look at the grading of the piece of coursework.

If the College Moderation Team agrees with the grading of the work they will then inform you of

their decision.

If the team do not agree with the original grading of the work they will then meet with the Public Services course team who will review their grading procedures.


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PROGRESSION

Following successful completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma students you could apply for any

of the public services or use your grades to apply for University.

METHOD OF TEACHING/LEARNING

How will you study?

You may find that the methods you use to study will be considerably different from those you have

used in the past. Much of the work you do will be activity-based, encouraging you to develop a wide

range of learning skills using a variety of learning materials. In some tasks and assignments you will

be required to work independently; however, in others, you may work in pairs or in groups.

The assignment programmes will enable you to develop progressively the skills you need and identify

skills which need strengthening. Your skills development and progress will be carefully monitored and

recorded.

STUDY TIME

To study effectively it is very important to plan your workload carefully to ensure that deadlines are

achieved. A careful work plan should:

Set out your main goals

Spread your study over the time available so that you don't end up doing it all at once

Help you concentrate on one task at a time

Stop last minute panics.

INDIVIDUAL ACTION PLANNING

You will be introduced to the process of action planning early in your programme. It is a very useful

process which will enable you to determine, manage and review your own learning as you progress

from the outset through to the conclusion of your programme.

Your action plans will be regularly reviewed with your Personal Tutor. This will enable you to discuss

openly together your progress with respect to the acquisition of skills, knowledge and understanding.

This process enables both you and your Personal Tutor to set realistic targets for each stage in the

learning process.


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PORTFOLIO

All evidence submitted and evaluated for work assessed by your lecturers is maintained in a Portfolio of Evidence. You will be introduced to the concept of keeping a Portfolio of Evidence at induction; it is, however, an ongoing and extremely important activity. Both you and your subject tutors should be able to track the progress on achievement throughout the programme, via your Portfolio. It is essential, therefore, that you keep your Portfolio up-to-date and accessible.


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WHAT IS EXPECTED OF YOU

Obviously your regular attendance is essential if you are to gain maximum benefit from your programme. You need to attend all classes both punctually and regularly. If you are unable to attend College or may be late you must telephone the Public Services staff room (7.9 Pegasus Building) on 01793 498240.

You will be expected to behave appropriately at all times whilst in College or during educational trips and visits and work experience. A basic copy of the student code of conduct can be found within this booklet.

The programme includes a number of assignments which you should hand in to your unit

lecturers by the agreed completion date. It is important to complete all work by the agreed

deadlines to benefit from the course, and enable you to obtain the qualification within the

allocated time. It must also be stressed that discipline procedures may be followed if you are

unable to meet agreed deadlines and you may put your place on the course in jeopardy.


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CONFIDENTIALITY

Any problems of a personal or serious nature will be treated with confidentiality and every effort will be

made to give you appropriate help and advice in line with your needs.

Your Personal Tutor is always willing to help but you may need to make the first step of asking for

some guidance.


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ABSENCES

If you are unable to attend lectures, you are required to telephone the Public Services team on 01793 498240. If you get no answer you are required to call 0800 7312250.

TRANSFER/WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COURSE

Please notify your personal tutor immediately either, if you feel you are on the wrong course and would

like to transfer to another course, or if you intend withdrawing from College.

RESIDENTIAL AND TRIPS

You will also be expected to participate in trips to support your studies. In the past, students have had

the opportunity to visit Army regiments, RAF Brize Norton, Marines Look at Life, Army Look at Life,

Houses of Parliament, Imperial War Museum, Go Karting and many more! Please note that some

activities may require a financial subsidy from the student.


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STUDENT LEARNING AGREEMENT

At the start of your course you will be given a Student Learning Agreement which you are required to

sign. This will inform you of your rights and responsibilities as a student. You will also be given a copy

of the Grievance Procedure for students.

A copy of the Student Disciplinary Procedure and Appeals Procedure is also available to you on

request.

Code of Conduct

Mobile phones must always be switched off in classrooms and other

designated areas.

Eating and drinking in classrooms is not permitted unless in special

circumstances which should be agreed with the tutor.

Show consideration to lecturers and fellow students.

Avoid language which can cause offence to others.

Respond to and comply with directions from members of College

staff.

Keep all areas tidy and free from litter.

Treat the property of students and College staff with respect.

Abide by the rules of the Swindon College Computer Code of

Conduct.


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STUDENT DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Stage 1 - Formal Written Warning

Students will be formally called to interview within 36 hours and a formal written warning will be given

by the Student‟s Personal Tutor, class teacher or learning support assistant and a member of the

Programme Area Management Team, using the College‟s standardised Stage 1 documentation.

Parents / Carers for under 18 year olds or for students for whom the College is deemed to be in loco

parentis, do not have to be invited to this Stage 1 meeting unless the Personal Tutor, class teacher or

learning support assistant deems it to be advantageous to all. However, Parents / Carers must be sent

notification of the outcome on the day of the disciplinary meeting. To this end, a copy of the completed

Stage 1 receipt form should be sent home with an accompanying standard letter (Code of

Conduct/SS02 Stage 1 notification letter http://portal2.swindon-

college.ac.uk/docs/SSVC/metcaj45b627ff4f8b7.doc.

Stage 2 - Second & Final Written Warning

The Personal Tutor will discuss the student with the Team Leader, Student Experience Manager or

Programme Area Manager. The personal tutor will then formally call the student to an interview.

The student should have 3 working days notice. Students under 18 should be accompanied by their

parent/carer.

The second formal and written warning will be carried out with the personal tutor accompanied by the

Team Leader, Student Experience Manager or Programme Area Manager. The required behaviour will

clearly be stated and a review date set. The length of the review period should normally be between

one and four weeks.

Students, and ideally carers for students under 18 year olds, will be expected to attend the scheduled review meeting. From this meeting one of the following options will be decided upon. Insufficient or no improvement so Stage 3 of the disciplinary procedure to be implemented

Stage 3 – Disciplinary Hearing

If the decision of the Stage 2 review is that Stage 3 should be implemented, or a serious breach of the

code of conduct as described in 9.2 occurs, the student should be referred to a member of the Senior

Management Team.

The student should have 3 working days notice. Students under 18 should be accompanied by their parent/carer.

The disciplinary hearing will decide whether the student is allowed to stay at College.

http://portal2.swindon-college.ac.uk/docs/SSVC/metcaj45b627ff4f8b7.doc

http://portal2.swindon-college.ac.uk/docs/SSVC/metcaj45b627ff4f8b7.doc


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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

There are a number of PCs available for students to use for course related work. (Some of the

machines can be booked, so that you can be sure a PC will be available when you need one –

otherwise it‟s first come first served.) Main packages include Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.

LEARNING SUPPORT WORKSHOP/WRITING CENTRE

This is based in the Learning Resources Centre. Staff will give help and guidance to any student

experiencing work difficulties. Opening times will be published at the beginning of term.

For more information ask your personal tutor.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

There is a well-established student counselling service within Swindon College. If you have any

problems of a personal, accommodation or financial nature which you feel you cannot discuss with

your personal tutor, then there is a Student Experience Manager attached to the department to

support you with any issues regarding your pastoral or welfare needs. For Public Services students

your Student Experience Manager is Jo Heaven and she can be found in room P126 of the Pegasus

Building. The contact number for Jo is 07771804365.

COUNSELLING, WELFARE AND HEALTH SERVICES

Counselling is about meeting and talking with a professional counsellor about yourself and your

worries in a confidential way.

The counsellor will listen to you carefully so that together you can try and make sense of difficult

situations and confusing feelings. Meeting regularly with your counsellor gives you time and space to

think about what is bothering you.

You can be sure that your counsellor will help you to think about your concerns at your own pace.


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ACCESS FUND

Access Funds are designed to provide help for students on low incomes and in particular to

those who face high childcare, travel or equipment costs. However, please remember that

every application is judged separately and therefore not all applications will be successful.

Who can apply?

You will need to have been a resident in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of your course.

You will need to have applied for a course at Swindon College. (Payment will not normally be

made until you have enrolled on and are attending your course.)

You can demonstrate financial hardship. For example, if you are in receipt of a means tested

benefit such as Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Family Tax Credit or have a spouse who

is in receipt of such benefits.

If you consider that you face other special circumstances, which you feel may make your eligible

for extra funds.

For more information contact Advice and Guidance.


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Tutorials PERSONAL TUTOR

Your Personal Tutor holds the front line responsibility for making sure that you maximise your

chances, and of progressing to the next stage of your career. The Personal Tutor‟s job is to support,

advise, guide and sometimes chivvy you along.

Specifically your Personal Tutor will arrange the following services:

Regular group tutorials. In addition to providing the opportunity for the exchange of information about what is going on in your course and the college, your tutor will introduce a programme of topics such as study skills techniques and career development activities. Details of this programme should be negotiated and agreed between all members of the tutor group.

One to One interviews. These private tutorials are designed to help you monitor and plan your

progress. They take place at least once a term. In addition you will receive unit tutorials from your

unit tutor, this will feed in to your eILPs and your overall progression on the course.

Drop in Times. Make sure you know the times during the week when your tutor is available for

informal consultation.

Writing References. Your Personal Tutor will write your academic references. In order to do

this effectively he or she will need to know as much as possible about you and your progress in

College.

Referral to Other Services. Sometimes you may require additional specialist information,

support or advice. Your Personal Tutor will be able to put you in touch with the range of services

available in the College, in particular the Student Experience Manager.


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How to access the VLE when you are in college

Log onto the computer

Click on the „home‟ button on Internet Explorer to take you to the VLE

Where to store my work

Everyone student has their own account which they can access work from on any computer in the

college.

This is called your Z drive. You can save work here by clicking

File

Save as

Save in: (Z:)

It is important that you save your work this

way so you can access it from any

computer in the college.

ps101f course handbook 2013 14

Documents

safety information

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source of information

public services team

public services welcome

public services department

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