2. New Parent Information Evening
BHASVIC
New Parent Information Evening
Welcome to BHASVIC
Busy Schedules
Introduce Self – New Principal
Like new students – I’m finding my feet
HOWEVER – 15 years in SFCs, very familiar environment
Delighted to take up post here
Inherited a college in great shape
Purpose of tonight – inform, reassure and names to faces.
Myself and Alison in the hall, Guidance Managers in separate groups where many personal tutors will also be.
Students have had over one week of lessons now; positive experiences
Students will be settling in to travel journeys, new teachers, friends.
Recognise it does take time to settle in and bridge the gap btw GCSEs and A level
Welcome to Parents and Carers of New Students
Changing Lives Through Learning

3. Rite of Passage BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning
The final stage in primary and secondary education and the shortest phase in the schooling of a young person
Students will become adults at BHASVIC with an 18th birthday whilst they are here
Many will be heading for university or employment, or a gap year – in other words leaving home for the first time
They will not be with us for long!
Transition – formative years – they will leave as adults
Legally; start a business, take out loans, vote, marry without your consent – they’ll even be able to watch 18 certificate films…
Many will probably take the most important test of their lives… their driving test; represents freedoms that are on the horizon
Ultimately leaving here may mean leaving home – or not given the state of the economy, rental market and house prices…
It’s out job to get that transition right…
Rite of Passage
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

4. Three way relationship
BHASVIC
Student
Parent
Relationship we have with you (college/parents) and your child – three way.
As they journey towards adulthood and we are bridging the gap between adult life (work/uni) and school.
Always try and resolve any difficulties with our students first, but do bring parents in for support if we cannot move forward.
There are a number of safety nets here that make sure students are quickly flagged if there are problems to resolve
Three way relationship
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

5. The ability to manipulate knowledge
A test of maturity
The ability to manipulate knowledge
I’ve said this to students when speaking to them…
Maturity – manage workload and busy lives… discipline
But also knowing when not to panic
Key difference between GCSE and this level = manipulation
A test of two things
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

6. High Challenge Low Threat
I’ve also shared this phrase with both students and staff
A learning culture exists here
An environment that encourages students
to think for themselves,
to know what to do when they don’t know what to do
to leave here equipped to be a lifelong learner
Learning takes time, it takes failure to get things right
Access to outstanding teaching and support
Our job is to provide a lively, stimulating and friendly environment which is also safe, secure, open and free
A Safe Place to Learn
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

7. What they need to do to get there.
Where they are…
Where they are going…
What they need to do to get there.
Key questions we ask students in their subjects and in guidance sessions
Are they joining the dots
Are we helping them do that?
Leave here ready for the next stage.
And it’s OK if they don’t know what the bigger picture is – the ultimate goal
It’s our job to help them through that process too
Students need to know…
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

8. A Contemporary Creative
Learning Community
My aim is to ensure BHASVIC is a CCLA
An outstanding college doesn’t stand still – we need to adapt and evolve
Encourage staff and students to be creative in their teaching and their learning.
We belong to a creative city.
And we have a community within the college but also outside of these walls as part of the city.
It is a real pleasure having your sons and daughters at BHASVIC
Fun people to be around – keep us young
Want them to have the best possible experience here
To help them become independent, confident, well-informed people ready for the challenges of adulthood
Wish them the very best for their time here
Our Aims for BHASVIC
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

9. Student Services & Guidance
Hello – I’m Alison – I’m Director of Student Services
I’m here to talk briefly about Student Services & Guidance
We place great emphasis on guidance and support for students in their time here. We know that students are making a transition from school to College and preparing for adult life, independent living and career success. They will need support along the way, to navigate their way through mistakes.
As the Guidance team we aim to support students and parents through this process
Welcome to BHASVIC
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

10. The role of the Tutor & Guidance Manager at BHASVIC
“Gentle (and sometimes less gentle) nudging in the right direction; helping students to make decisions; enabling them to understand College more widely.”
“Objectively helping students to make well-informed and realistic decisions.”
“Supporting and encouraging the student towards greater independence, and facilitating growth to achieve their potential.”
The role of the Tutor & Guidance Manager at BHASVIC
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

11. The learning journey through BHASVIC
Students have just begun their learning journey at BHASVIC.
The Core of the experience at is in the Study Programme – made up of qualifications (A levels, BTECs), Maths & English (where appropriate), and a clearer focus on developing career plans. There is also an emphasis on personal and social development - understanding rights and responsibilities and becoming a more rounded citizen – what we call, at BHASVIC “E4L” Education for Life”. The personal tutor provides impartial advice to help students develop study skills across all your subjects, make the most of the enrichment opportunities, trips, work experience, and student societies available at BHASVIC. Photos ‘hot off the press’ from yesterday’s enrichment fair.
3. And devise a clear pathway and progression plan to further study at HE or FE, an Apprenticeship or Employment
The learning journey through BHASVIC
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

12. Student Services & Guidance at BHASVIC
All students have a Personal Tutor who they see once a week
Tutorial sessions are all held in the Student Services building – where there are a range of other support and resources:
Careers Advice & Work Experience
Counselling & Welfare Services
Financial Support, Bursaries, Travel Information
We work in partnership with the student, to help them find their feet and make the most of the opportunities available at College
Student Services & Guidance at BHASVIC
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

13. Information For Parents – Main Website
Latest News & Information is updated regularly & key College dates informs you of essential term dates
There is also a Parents & Carers page on the website where we post the latest letters and all other information
ATTENDANCE & ABSENCE – What to do if your child is absent from College
CALENDARS & GUIDES – there is a parent calendar online to help you plan for the coming academic year
All information which is mailed out is also posted on the Parent Carer page of the website
Information For Parents – Main Website
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

14. Information For Parents – updates on Academic Progress
Subject Reviews – THREE times a year & due to be published 25th November; 7th February; 22nd March
A1 Parents’ Evenings – 30th November; 5th December
Online Parent Advantage – Personal login/passwords will be sent out shortly
Subject Reviews happen 3 times a year – reflective comments from students and progress comments and grades from teachers.
These are followed by Parents’ Evenings – giving opportunities for conversations with teachers. There are also follow up HE Info evenings / Progression option evenings in the Spring / Summer terms
Online – Parent Advantage allows you to look at attendance, timetable, exam details, subject reviews
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning

15. Finally…information about Parent Networks
Keep in touch
Stay informed
Get involved
Contribute
College life
@BHASVICparents
BHASVIC Alumni & Parents
BHASVIC Alumni & Parents
Contact Nicola Twaites - or speak to your Guidance Manager this evening.
Finally…information about Parent Networks
BHASVIC Changing Lives Through Learning