Student Services

Tutor Support

Each student will have a personal tutor who will almost always be one of the lecturers
who will 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.
Students will have regular meetings with their tutor each week and will have contact with them
at other times both in and outside the classroom.
Each tutor is supported by a Programme Team Leader (PTL) who will provide additional
support and guidance for you.

Key Skills

The continued development of Key Skills, particularly in Information Technology,
Communication and Application of Number, is an important part of all post-16 learning.

In general, work on Key Skills is incorporated within your chosen course but some students will need to
undertake some additional classes in IT.

Tutors will monitor and support your progress and specialist additional support is provided through Study Centres.

Student Services

The Student Services Area is a guidance, support and problem-solving centre.

Support is offered in a number of areas including careers, counselling and welfare, bursaries, finance and accommodation.
It is a drop-in facility for students to gain help from one of the Student Services team or to use the resources, both literature and computer software.

Careers

There are several ways in which we hope to help you make realistic and satisfying decisions about the academic and vocational routes that are open to you.

Tutors will take you through a detailed tutorial guidance programme, supported by extensive careers, library and IT resources.
PTLs will give individual careers guidance to students within their curriculum team.
The Careers Adviser will offer guidance and support as well as group work and help you make sense of the careers literature and software available in the Student Services Area.

On your journey into, through and out of Penwith College, you are entitled to:

1. Impartial, individual guidance from College staff and Connexions Cornwall and Devon Advisers.
2. Group sessions and workshops with the Careers Advisers and other College staff.
3. Access to a full range of physical resources.
4. Close supervision of your personal career decisions and support for applications, testimonials and references.
5. Attend a variety of appropriate careers events as advertised in bulletins and meetings.
6. Contribute to College Careers Policy and delivery via: Evaluation/Quality Surveys, Academic Board, Student Council, direct suggestions to the Team Leader of Student Services or Careers Adviser.

Counselling Service

Some students, whilst studying, may experience emotional and personal issues that would benefit from sharing with a trained counsellor.

Penwith College offers a completely confidential counselling service which is free of charge to students and an appointment can be made in Student Services.

Personal/Health issues

If there are any issues that you feel you need advice and support with, such as anxiety, relationships or drugs and alcohol you can see Student Services who can also support with housing matters or assist in finding accommodation from the College Accommodation List.

Personal Tutors will also support you in any of these matters.

Financial Matters

Advice and help can be sought in Student Services on numerous financial issues, for example the Educational Maintenance Allowance, Bursary and Access fund for FE students, sponsorship, scholarships and financial support at university.

Learning Support

The Study Centres are a learning resource provided for all students and offering support in Mathematics, IT, Communications and Study Skills.
The Study Centre environment removes classroom restrictions and constraints enabling you to study at a pace and in a style appropriate to your needs.
Study Centres are staffed by specialists in each discipline mentioned and you can either drop-in and work or arrange an individual learning plan with the staff.
These are friendly, comfortable places to improve your skills. If you have received help in the past please let us know so that we can continue to provide help and support with your learning.

At Interview

At interview you will receive a card offering you a place on a course.
Please return this acceptance card, either by signing and handing it back to your interviewer, handing it in to College Reception or returning it by post within two weeks, to have your details included on our provisional list of next year’s students.
If you change your mind after interview please let us know of your new plans without delay.

Contact After Interview

You will receive two letters after interview, one in May and one in July. The letter at the end of July will detail what to do when you receive your GCSE results. This will involve phoning the College either on the day you receive your results or the day after. The letter will explain details of when and where to phone.

Induction Days

These are usually held a few days prior to start of term. We will notify you with the dates in the letter you receive in July.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a national scheme and is continuing next year. Forms will be circulated via your school.