How do I choose the right course?

This is a crucial decision if you are to be successful. We will provide as many opportunities as possible for you to obtain the advice and guidance you need on your choice of course, as well as opportunities to visit the College.

Careers Guidance
The Careers Guidance Team offer an impartial guidance service to students of all ages. If you are considering a course at Derwentside College, or if you are requiring information, advice or guidance on any aspect of education, training or careers, please contact them to arrange an interview.

In addition, the College Guidance Team work in partnership with the Connexions Service to provide support to young people. A Connexions Adviser is based in College to provide both personal and careers support to 16 - 19 year olds. Interviews can be arranged through the Guidance Team.

Connexions County Durham
Guidance Services to adults are offered through membership of County Durham Nextstep service. This plus accreditation to the national quality standards, Matrix, ensures students have an impartial and high quality service.

Our services available include -

• Individual Careers Guidance Interviews
• Jobsearch Techniques and CV preparation
• Advice on Higher Education
• Application to Higher Education (UCAS)
• College Course Information
• Work Based Learning
• Career Choice Research

Click here to view the full Statement of Service

The Careers Advisers are available Monday - Thursday 8.30 - 5.00 pm and 8.30 - 4.30 pm on Friday or by appointment.

Interviews can be booked by telephoning (01207) 585970 / 585974 or by e-mail to George

Tutorial Support
Learners on full-time courses are attached to a tutorial group, taken by one of our Learning Advisers and Personal Tutors. They will meet with you individually to review your development and to help you progress through College. They will also arrange group sessions on matters which are important to you.

Learning Support
If you are to succeed in your chosen course your literacy and numeracy skills are vital. If you need some extra help to develop these skills, then we will provide additional learning support for you. We also help with problems, such as dyslexia, together with physical problems and hearing or visual impairment. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Personal Support
Sometimes you may experience a personal problem, such as ill health, bereavement or family issues. Your learning adviser will assist you and, with your agreement, enlist specialist support if it is necessary. This might be via our on-site, personal Connexions Adviser or by referral to organisations, such as SHAID for housing issues and the Primary Care Trust for sexual health matters.

Student Committee - Peer Support
The Peer Support Group is a group of students that can provide confidential counselling and support, as well as being able to provide advice on specialist services that are available. You may like to join this group!

For all categories of support, students should contact Reception in the first instance for advice and application forms or contact Caroline Swainson direct on (01207) 585971. Applications will be treated in confidence and the College will provide help, wherever it can.

You have the right to ask for confidentiality and under the Data Protection Act the College will not pass on sensitive personal information without your express consent. However, if your needs are kept completely confidential it might be difficult for our staff to put the necessary support in place.

If you feel that you need additional support in any way please contact your Personal Tutor or Lyn Howdill of the Additional Learning Support Team on (01207) 585913.