Your Questions Answered
What will my timetable be like?
Courses at the Leek Campus are grouped together, so that you may find you have whole or half days when you may continue with coursework, undertake work experience or take additional courses such as top up GCSE English and Maths.
What can I do when I'm not in a lesson?
At the Leek Campus, Learning Resources is open into the evening three days each week. You can also meet friends and relax in the Trading Post, or in the town. Make sure you use the pedestrian crossing on Stockwell Street if you leave the Campus.
How many students are there in each class?
The average is 16, and we take a lot of care to level out the size of groups to avoid any classes being too large or small.
How does work compare with the work I'm used to at school?
If you are taking an advanced level course you’ll find that you are being asked to think harder about the causes behind whatever you’re studying and about the effects as well and you will need to answer the question in more depth than at GCSE. You will find that your teachers are used to helping you to achieve this, and your induction into each subject will focus on these issues. Intermediate GNVQs and vocational courses will offer an alternative style of work to GCSEs.
In vocational subjects, you learn to apply new knowledge and skills to real situations set in the specific workplace. At Advanced level, you will need to show that you have developed the ability to analyse, can use your knowledge to generate new ideas, and that you can effectively evaluate a range of solutions to real problems.
How will I know how well (or not) my work is going?
Your tutors will be giving you a lot of work outside your lessons! This is fed back to you continuously with grades and comments. There are subject reviews of your progress several times during your course for you and your parents. Students taking AS courses will take examinations during the first year. On vocational courses, you will have opportunities to take external tests twice a year and you will clearly see your progress as you complete unit coursework.
Can I use a computer when I need one?
As Centre of Vocational Excellence for IT, the Leek Campus is well resourced.
What about sport and other activities?
We have a very wide range of activities on offer but you only become involved if you choose to; it is not compulsory.
What about contact with parents?
If we have any concern about your progress or welfare, your Learning Advisor or Tutor will talk to you first to help you work out a plan of action. You will be encouraged to involve your parents to help you solve any problems. Parents have a vital role to play in supporting you through your studies. Your Learning Guidance Advisor or Tutor will always endeavour to tell you if it is necessary to contact your parents.
What happens if I want to talk confidentially about something?
You can talk to your Learning Guidance Advisor or Tutor, saying that you want the matter to be confidential. Please be aware that all staff have a duty to protect you from harm if you are under 19. If you would rather discuss issues with someone else, you can talk to any member of staff you feel is appropriate at either Campus. A counsellor will be made available if needed.
What happens if I'm not happy with some part of my course or College life?
Talk! It is important that everyone concerned with your welfare and success knows about any problems.
What happens if I need help with my course?
Ask! Your Learning Guidance Advisor or Tutor will talk to you about what you need.
