Student Support
We want you to achieve more than you expect! Everyone works best when they are happy and enjoying themselves. We work hard to create an environment where you are part of a successful team. Our students’ outstanding examination successes, high rates of entry into higher/further education, and the number of students who move successfully into their chosen career show the ongoing success of the Moorlands College.
Induction
During the first week we have an Induction Programme which helps you make
new friends, meet staff and find your way around. Confidence building activities
include day trips, BBQ and team work, sport and outdoor pursuits. You’ll also learn
about your course: the types of assignment you’ll be doing, types of learning
activity, and how you will be assessed. If you join after the initial Induction, you
need not worry as we have a specialist team who will help you settle in, make new
friends and find your way around.
Your Personal Tutor / Learning Guidance Advisor
We believe that your motivation is the key to enjoyable and successful study. A member of staff will take a special role as your Learning Guidance Advisor / Personal Tutor. Their role is to provide support and guidance throughout your programme. By working together you and your Personal Tutor / Learning Guidance Advisor can make courses both stimulating and interesting. With high levels of motivation and application you can gain examination success and personal achievement.
You will belong to a tutor group and will meet regularly as a group and on an individual basis to help you get the most from your learning. Your personal tutor will see you each day of the week and will oversee your progress and help with any problems. You will be given help to get the best out of life at college. Tutor groups also organise social events.
You will be set minimum targets for your academic performance based upon your existing GCSE grades. At the Leek Campus we have a system called ‘ON TRACK’ which is a target setting and appraisal system which is reviewed every half term during a formal discussion and written summaries of appraisals are agreed with you and sent to parents and employers.
Careers Advice
It is never too early to sort out your career goals. Getting the job or further course
you really want depends on more than gaining a qualification. The College provides a range of services to help you achieve your goals. The College has been accredited through Staffordshire Quality
Standards for the Quality of advice and guidance delivered and has achieved MATRIX Quality Standard.
FAST TOMATO is a web based package to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and will create a personal profile, action plan and suggest careers. You will have the chance to log on during Learning Guidance sessions. Most vocational courses include units which allow you to explore careers in your chosen specialism.
Extensive Careers information is available in the Careers Section in Learning Resources. The Intranet also contains a dedicated section with hot links to a range of essential sites. You can make contact with the dedicated Connexions Personal Advisor, Kay Cleary, through Learning Resources or via email.
University Links
The College has close links with Staffordshire University that allow you to progress smoothly from further to higher education. You can join the University’s Uni-Link Scheme, which will give you access to a package of special events and support.
Links will also lead to joint course developments, giving the local community access to higher education courses at their local college.
About 70% of our advanced level students go on to a degree course at university or a specialist course, such as an Art foundation pre-degree course. You may want to consider a GAP year to broaden your experience or progress directly into employment, often as a result of work experience placements arranged whilst at the College.
Learning Contract
Students have a Learning Contract which is the keystone to your successful learning. A group contract is signed by all course members and will be displayed in your base room. The contract sets out what is expected of you and what you can expect from staff.
Counselling and Welfare
There are times when you might to need help to tackle issues that affect you. Help is available at both campuses through a professionally qualified independent practitioner. The service is completely confidential. Your Moorlands College Student Handbook will give you detailed information to make contact with all specialist support services.
