Student Charter: A Promise of Quality

At Derwentside College, we aim to provide education and training of the highest standard. In order to meet this aim, we regularly seek feedback from our students. As a result of this feedback, we have revised our Charter to give you clear details of the standards we have set ourselves. The Charter tells you what you may expect -

• before you start at College
• at the beginning of your course or programme
• while you are studying at College
• towards the end of your course or programme
• what parents may expect of the College

Our Charter applies to all our learners. We aim to provide the same level of service, whatever the course and wherever it is delivered.

We hope you find this Charter useful.

Albert Croney
Principal and Chief Executive

Before you start your course

We will provide you with -

• relevant up to date information, on which to base decisions on your choice of courses and programmes
• relevant and up to date information on eligibility and the types of support that are available to help you complete your choice of course successfully
• opportunities to access advice and guidance to help you decide on your choice of course

The beginning of your course

We will provide an Enrolment process that -

• provides access to advice and guidance to support you in your choice of course
• ensure that your qualifications and experience match the entry criteria for courses
• provide opportunities for you to apply for forms of additional support to help you complete your course successfully

We will provide you with a planned programme of Induction which -

• provides an introduction to the College and to your course in a way which is motivating and informative
• provides opportunities for initial assessment designed to identify your potential and prior achievement in order to negotiate a programme of learning and assessment
• identifies your rights and responsibilities, the main parts of which are set out in the Student Agreement

While you are studying

• We will provide you with a course of study which is effectively planned and organised to meet your learning needs
• We will deliver your course in such a way that ensures learning is effective and maximises your learning potential
• We will provide regular, appropriate and fair assessment opportunities within your course or programme
• We will provide access to effective personal and learning support to help you to be successful
• We will provide a safe and healthy learning environment conducive to learning
• We will provide an effective Quality Assurance process to ensure the continuous improvement of course provision and delivery

At the end of your course

• We will provide effective systems for providing the results of examinations and other assessments and for the collection and distribution of certificates and coursework
• We will provide opportunities for further advice and guidance on progression routes from the completion of College courses
• We will provide an effective system for the provision of references as they are requested

What parents of 16-18 year old full-time and work based learners can expect from us

Before courses start -

• information events for prospective students and their parents, in local schools and the College
• a welcome to your son/daughter's interview
• an opportunity to view the College and meet College staff
• course leaflets and a prospectus

During the course -

• reports on progress at least twice a year
• two parents' evenings a year
• prompt consultation, if we or you need to discuss aspects of progress, through the Personal Tutor or Course Coordinator
• a parents' newsletter
• careers and Higher Education application advice
• a complaints procedure

At the end of the course -

• post exam/assessment advice and guidance including Higher Education entry support