Student Association

The Student Association exists to represent all full-time students in advising the College
Management of educational and recreational matters that are of interest to the students.
Students are automatically members of the PCSA unless they choose not to be.

The Student Council is elected at the beginning of the Autumn Term.
No Association membership fee is charged. Membership is not compulsory.
One member of the Association acts as Student Governor, representing student views at
relevant Board of Governors meetings.

Refreshments

Penwith College offers a wide variety of reasonably priced meals, breakfasts, sandwiches,
drinks and snacks on site.

Learning Resource Centres & the E-Library

We have a comprehensive Learning Resource Centre. In this area traditional printed resources sit alongside our expanding electronic provision. There are open-access computers with access to a wide range of software. Staff are always available to support your use of the facilities.

Books

Course texts are provided by the College and must be returned in good condition. Students are asked to pay a resources deposit of £25.00, which will be refunded if all course texts and library materials are returned. Students can order their own copies of course texts through the LRC at a discounted rate if they wish.

Information Technology

The College has a large number of computers capable of using an extensive range of software available for students to use on a drop-in basis. Students are expected to improve their awareness of and skills in Information Technology whilst studying at the College.

Learning Support

Many students discover during their course that they require some additional help with an aspect of their studies.

The College will always endeavour to meet your needs and in the Study Centres you will fi nd staff that can help with Literacy, Numeracy and general Study Skills.

College Shop

Many of the materials needed for your course should be available through the shop. Prices are very competitive compared to retail outlets. Products available include photographic, electronic and computer consumables.

It also has a range of art and stationery materials. Details of opening times will be published on notice boards and plasma screens around the College.

Provision for students with learning difficulties and disabilities

The College welcomes applications from students with learning difficulties and disabilities. Students can access a wide range of externally accredited and College certificated courses through programmes that are developed to meet individual needs. Learning support and specialist equipment is provided as required.

College Day

The College day for full-time students will usually last from 9.00am to 4.15pm. Students will have more private study time than is the case with pupils in school. Full-time students can normally expect a minimum of 17 hours per week in classroom-based learning. All courses, however, will require a commitment of at least 15 additional hours of private study, both at College and at home. Some students will finish earlier than 4.15pm on some days and a small number of students may choose to include study at an evening class within their programme.

College Regulations

All full-time students are required to follow College regulations which may be obtained from Reception.

Drugs & Alcohol

This College does not condone the use of drugs or alcohol.

We seek to educate students about drugs and alcohol related issues and provide help to those who ask for it.

Fees

If you are aged over 16 or under 19 on 31 August 2009 you will not normally be charged fees for tuition. Overseas students or mature students will be liable for fees and details will be available from the College on application.

Examination Fees

Full-time students who do not pay tuition fees would not normally be asked to pay examination fees for examinations which are taken as part of the course with the College's approval. Students who pay tuition fees will need to pay their own examination fees. More details will be available on application.

Fees Waiver

Over 19 year old students who are in receipt of an income related tested state benefits (or who are unwaged dependants of a benefit claimant) are not normally required to pay tuition fees. If you are concerned because you think you may have to pay tuition fees then please contact Student Services on 01736 335000.

Tutor Support

Penwith College is a small College and you will get to know many members of staff and other students easily. You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who usually will be one of the people to teach you. Your tutor will get to know you well and will usually be the first person you go to if you need advice or help. You will also join a tutor group of students for which a senior member of staff will be responsible.

Data Protection Act

Any information that you provide during the application process is protected under the 1984 Data Protection Act.

Equal Opportunities / Racial Equality

The College acknowledges its legal duty to ensure that unlawful discrimination does not take place. It is committed to promoting a policy of equal opportunity when enrolling, teaching, assessing and counselling students.

Access

Where possible all buildings may be accessed by people with limited mobility and within the College there are a number of lifts designated for their use. There may be some areas of the College which are not accessible and every effort will be made to accommodate students and visitors with limited mobility.

Part-time Courses

Truro and Penwith College offers something for everyone, whether you are aiming to improve your skills and knowledge, gain a qualification or meet new people - we can make it fun. From Art to Yoga, you can be sure to find a wide variety of daytime and evening courses designed to inspire you. Courses are held at various locations in and around the surrounding areas of Penzance. Equally, if you are looking to gain a qualification or if it has been a while since you studied, our extensive range of courses from Introductory to A2 Level will encourage you to achieve your aims and / or improve your skills. Employees will find a wealth of professional courses tailored to their needs including NVQ Business Administration, Certificate in Personnel Practice, AAT Accounting and a variety of Legal Executive programmes.

Worried about tuition fees?

The tuition fee for qualification courses may be free for students who fall into any of the following categories:

Unemployed and in receipt of a means tested state benefit: Income Support; Housing/Council Tax Benefit; Disabled Person's Tax Credit; are aged 16-18 years old or if you are the unwaged dependent of someone claiming one of these benefits. Please contact the Part-time Courses Office for guidance.

Contact

Would you like to know more? Please contact the Part-time Courses Office for more information and to request a copy of our current brochure, packed full with ideas to stimulate your imagination on 01736 335000 or write to Part-time Courses, Penwith College, St Clare Street, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 2SA or email ptinfo@truro-penwith.ac.uk.

Truro and Penwith College Business Centre

Truro and Penwith College Business Centre offers a wide range of services to support the business community of Cornwall. We are committed to providing high quality training and support that is relevant for businesses in today's competitive world, through a team of experienced professionals, which can improve the performance of individuals and organisations. Services available include Business and Training Needs, Analysis, Business Mentoring, Individual and Company Based Training programmes and Consultancy. Our myriad of learning opportunities ranging from short Business Seminars to Professional Qualifications are available as taught programmes, self-study /distance learning, on the job assessment, online learning and one-to-one support. There is a possibility that you may qualify for subsidised training - contact us for more information.

Vocational Training Opportunities

We operate a highly successful Apprenticeship recruitment and training programme, enabling young people (16-25) to gain relevant qualifications whilst employed in business (throughout Cornwall).

What Apprenticeships are available?

We offer a full range of NVQs including: Accounting; Administration; Advice & Guidance; Barbering; Child Care, Learning & Development; Cleaning; Customer Service; Food Processing & Cooking; Hairdressing; Health & Social Care; Hospitality; Information Technology; Management; Motor Vehicle; Retail; Sale of Residential Property; Sales; Teaching Assistant; Team Leading; Tourism; Warehousing and Youth Work.

Support for Apprenticeships

A wide range of vocational training and skills development specifically tailored to enhance employer and employee needs. Superb training facilities and support during training help to match learning objectives.

Where does the training take place?

This depends on the type of training required. The majority of vocational training is conducted in the workplace. There is no substitute for experience! (Off the job training is typically one day per week although some block release may be available if appropriate). For further information please contact: Truro and Penwith College Business Centre, Palace Building, Quay Street, Truro TR1 2HE T: 01872 242711 E: businesscentre@truro-penwith.ac.uk