HANDBOOK

STUDENT

Welcome to College! This handy little you will need to know, while youre and wherever you need it.

eBook holds all of the information that here. Its available to download when

! y He
facebook.com/nwkcollege

Contents Page
Contents Help and Guidance Academic Calendar 2-3 IT 6-7 Support 10 Learning Support 4 Page Careers Guidance 8-9 12 Getting to College 14-15 Learner Voice 16-17 Meet the Student President Be Part of It 20 18-19

Stay up-to-date with whats going on at your College...

Join a Team 22 Sexual Health Clinic 24 Cafeteria and The Gallery Restaurant Inspirations Salons and Bright Beginnings Nursery 26 27

Like Us

Miskin Theatre and Radio 28 Safeguarding 30 Useful Info 34 Open Days 39

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Code of Conduct 32-33

@NWKCollege

Follow Us

Useful Contacts 36-38

www.nwkcollege.ac.uk

ACADEMIC
Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 (Tues) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) 27 August 2 September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 September 7 October 14 October 21 October

Week 15 Week 16 Week 17 Week 18 Week 19 Week 20

(Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon)

6 January 13 January 20 January 27 January 3 February 10 February

Teaching term begins

Calendar
FT Enrolment week FT and PT Enrolment week Teaching term begins Induction week Main Teaching begins

Staff Development Day: Wednesday 12 February (the College will be closed) Half Term: 17 - 21 February Week 21 Week 22 Week 23 Week 24 Week 25 Week 26 (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) 24 February 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 31 march Teaching term ends: Friday 4 April

Easter Break: 7 April 21 April Week 27 Week 28 Week 29 Week 30 Week 31 (Mon) (Mon) (Tues) (Mon) (Mon) 22 April 28 April 6 May 12 May 19 May *Mon 5 May Bank Holiday Teaching term begins

Staff Development Day: Tuesday 22 October (the College will be closed) Half Term: 28 October 1 November Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11 Week 12 Week 13 Week 14 (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) 4 November 11 November 18 November 25 November 2 December 9 December 16 December Teaching term ends: Wednesday 18 December

Staff Development Day: Wednesday 21 May (the College will be closed) Half Term: 26 30 May (with Bank Holidays on 5 and 26 May) Week 32 Week 33 Week 34 Week 35 Week 36 (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) (Mon) 2 June 9 June 16 June 23 June 30 June 7 July Summer Break Teaching term ends: Friday 4 July Administration week

The College will be closed from 25 December to 1 January inclusive

We have loads of services here to help you when you need it Reception Reception is like an encyclopaedia of College knowledge, if you have any questions while at the College you can find Reception in Dartford B Block and Gravesend R Block. Personal Tutor You can talk to your tutor about any course, career or personal concerns in confidence. Alternatively, you can contact one of the Student Services Team. The Learning Technology Centre (LTC) The LTC is great for all your study (library) needs. It is based in Dartford, DB119 and Gravesend, GC213.
You Can Borrow... Course books Fiction books eBooks Journals Magazines Newspapers DVDs You Can use... Computers Photocopier Scanner Quiet study area General study area Whats Offered... Printing Binding Laminating Stationery Shop Computer training

Help & Guidance

IT
Student IT Guide online This is just an overview of IT information, you can download the full student IT Guide from the Moodle homepage. Resources IT resources include access to: The College network from college and home Printing The internet email Online learning materials Online course tracking Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) - Moodle Your College Identity (ID) Well provide you with a College ID, which allows you to login and use our resources. This will be: Your name Printed on your student card Your student number Printed on your student card Your College email address created using your name Your College ID also provides you with access to: The Dartford campus via the entrance turnstiles The Cafeterias The FREE College Shuttle Bus services The Learning Technology Centres (Libraries) Logging on to the College network To log in to any device youll need your User ID and Network Password: User ID = Student Number (on your student card) Network Password = password
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Free Internet Access To access the internet, youll need to be logged into the College network via a College computer, or via the student wireless network using portable devices (i.e. mobile phone). Microsoft Office (MS) 365 The Colleges cloud service, Microsoft Office 365, gives you access to: Outlook Email Outlook calendar Office Web Apps for Word, MS SkyDrive Pro MS newsfeeds Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote to link with friends at College MS links to useful sites and resources Access Office 365: https://portal.microsoftonline.com Moodle - Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Moodle is the Home Page when you open a browser on any College PC. Moodle provides access to: Learning resources eBooks Course content Office 365 Personal Learning Plans Printing We provide you with 12 worth of printing. You can buy top-up cards from the Learning Technology Centres. Cyber Bullying We have a zero tolerance policy regarding bullying and cyber bullying. If this effects you; contact your course tutor who will report this to the IT Department.

Careers Guidance
The Careers Team can help you with; your career options, courses, job and uni applications, CV writing, interview skills, finding Apprenticeships and much more.
Think you are on the wrong course? Not sure what course to choose?

Contact your Careers Team:

Want help getting a job? Part-time/ Full-time

Careers
Need interview practice? Need help applying to uni?

Dont know what to do after College?

Dartford DM119 (LTC) 01322 629 400

Need help writing your CV?

Julia Ward Ext. 1362

Rosemary Keys Ext. 1330

Gravesend GC218 (LTC) Gill Smith 01322 629 637

While youre at College, you might need a bit of help with money, transport and even someone to talk to. This is where Student Services fit in Financial support is available for eligible students through the Student Finance Team. They can give you money advice and tell you what you could be entitled to. Apply online at: www.nwkcollege.ac.uk/college-life/student-finance * If youre on a Higher Education (HE) course, see your HE Advisor in the HE Centre, M Block, Dartford campus. Using public transport can work out cheaper too. Your Student Finance Team can give you information to help reduce the cost! For more information, see page 14-15. If you feel like you need someone to talk to, we have qualified Student Counsellors ready and waiting to listen. All this help is in one place Student Services. Dartford - located in B Block Gravesend - located in R Block and C Block Appointments can be arranged via reception, or if its a quick question just drop by!

Support

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Learning
disscuss your support needs.

Support

Need additional support at college?

We are here to offer support to any student with disabilities or Learning Support Team are more than happy to see you and

learning difficulties. If you need help or have any questions, the

Learning Support can help students with:

Dyspraxia, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, physical disabilities, deaf and visually impaired students, Dyslexia and English as an additional language.

We mainly support you in class and can check and continue special arrangements that you had in school for exams. You can find Learning Support at: Dartford DM015 - 01322 629 440 Gravesend GC067 - 01322 629 761

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Getting to

Both the Dartford and Gravesend campuses are easy to reach using public transport. Plus, we have loads of free parking if you drive. Getting to Dartford Campus We provide a FREE Shuttle Bus service to help get you to the Dartford campus from the town centre, with a service as follows: Dartford Station to the Dartford campus (return) Leyton Cross to the Dartford campus (return) If you live within the London boroughs you can apply for a Student Oyster Card, which will cost from 10 per year, depending on your age. You can benefit from a reduced travel cost of 10% through Arriva buses, with the South East Student Saver. Please speak to Student Services to find out more. Getting to Gravesend Campus There are plenty of Arriva public buses that pass the Gravesend campus, coming from the town centre, Valley Drive and Medway. You can benefit from reduced travel costs of 10% through Arriva buses, with the Gravesend Term Saver. Please speak to Student Services for more information on this offer.

College

Please see our website for more information on how to get to the College, transport deals and Shuttle Bus and Arriva timetables: www.nwkcollege.ac.uk/contact/getting-to-college

www.nwkc

ollege.ac.u

k/contact/g

etting-to-c

ollege

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Run for an Executive Committee or Student Governor position - contact your Student Engagement Assistant in Student Services. Run for Class Rep talk to your tutor. Something Bugging You? If you have a complaint while at College you can talk to: Your tutor The Students Union Student Services Make a formal complaint via reception Make a formal complaint via the website www.nwkcollege.ac.uk/contact/complaints-procedure You can download our complaints procedure on our website www.nwkcollege.ac.uk/policies-and-procedures

This is YOUR College and we want you to have your say, but it doesnt just stop there we want you to make decisions about the College too. The Students Union (SU) is run by you, for you and is affiliated to the National Union of Students (NUS). Its made up of students who form an Executive Committee, Student Governors, Class Reps and most importantly... you! The Executive Committee is the core of the SU and is led by the Student President, whos elected by students. They work on improving your college and thinking up fun ideas and events. Student Governors can be in term from 1-2 years and attend all College Board of Governor meetings. This keeps a vital link between you and the guys at the top who make all the big decisions. Class Reps are an important link to the Executive Committee. They are your voice at Rep Meetings, from which the minutes will head straight up to the College Senior Managers.

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Meet the

Student President
My personal goal for this year is to increase the popularity of the Students Union.
Creative Media Production Level 3

What do you think makes a good Students Union? A good Students Union starts with a good team to work with. Trust is really important, as is stable communication. Professionalism is vital to show that we can work to the highest standards. What are you aiming to achieve in your role as Student President? I will prove that I can provide what the Students need from their College, with professionalism and accuracy, to give the Colleges Students Union the boost it needs. What will be the first changes that you will make as Student President? I will advertise the Students Union to the whole college, to increase the awareness and productivity of the Union. What advice would you give to new students? What you put into your work with effort, you will receive back in achievements. Trust the College and its lecturers to give you the best education. What do you do in your spare time? I like playing computer games, so I guess I m just a regular student! If you could have a super power, what would it be and why? Definitely Super Speed, just so I can get round faster and get stuff done.

om Munson T

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SU Elections will run every year, so keep your eyes peeled for election details whether youre running for a position or voting. The Student Zone is for you to chill out with your friends and is located in the cafeteria. Theres comfy seating and pool tables, plus events and entertainment. Freshers Fayre will give you the chance to cram in heaps of info, offers and fun that we think youll appreciate. This will be held during September, so look out for the Freshers Fayre posters that will confirm the date! Thorpe Park is a trip we hold every year at a massively affordable price. Dates and prices will be confirmed later in the year. Have an idea?... If you have an idea for an event that you think students would like, then join the Students Union, or simply let them know. Contact the Students Union at the SU HQ or email: Dartford: Linsey Fry - linseyfry@nwkcollege.ac.uk Gravesend: Trevor Fox - Trevorfox@nwkcollege.ac.uk

Be partof it

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Join a Team
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s eam x2 t team d r o x1 artf @ D avesend r ns G @ rnoo . afte atches y a d m s e d n n Wed aining a r for t

Proud To Support NWK College......

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d x1 t eam Wedn esday aftern for tra o ining and m ons atche s.

@ Dar tfor

Fantastic Offers

Rugby
@ Dartford x1 team @ Gravesend x1 team Wednesday afternoons for training and matches.

Trials
Trials will be held t week he comm encing 23rd S t he eptem ber. Conta ct the Sports Depar tment for mo info. re

0800 542 8673

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Free Phone

0333 772 9603

Mobile Free Phone

Sexual health
Free condoms C-card registration The contraceptive pill The contraceptive injection Chlamydia screening Chlamydia treatment Advice

We have an outreach nurse who comes in for 2 hours a week providing a free and confidential sexual health service, offering:

Clinic

PLUS if you do a chlamydia test, you could nab yourself a free pair of undies! Dartford: Tuesdays 12-2 @ DKE002 Gravesend: Thursdays 12-2 @ GH104 Visit www.kentsexualhealth.nhs.uk for more information on local sexual health, alcohol and drug advice.

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Eat...
Cafeteria
Costa - 20% less than the high street! Meal Deals - sandwich + crisps + drink from 3 Snack Boxes - hot food on the go for just 1.50 Plus Paninis, Home-cooked meals and 24/7 vending machines.
Dartford
Breakfast Lunch Costa Shop Dartford 12-2pm 8.30-6pm 8.30-2pm

Inspirations Salons

Gravesend
8.30-10am 12-2pm 8.30-5pm

Gravesend

8.30-11am

Inspirations Hair and Beauty Salons are at both the Dartford and Gravesend campuses. They are open most weekdays and selected evenings for affordable hair and beauty treatments. For more information or to book an appointment contact: Dartford Inspirations: 01322 629 501 Gravesend Inspirations: 01322 629 602

Look Good
dcar e?

The Gallery Restaurant

The Gallery Restaurant is at the Gravesend Campus and is open to all! With dishes prepared by our Trainee Chefs and served by our Trainee Waiting Staff. Lunches are served Tuesday to Friday and dinner on Thursday evenings. Prices: Lunch 2 courses - 9.50 Lunch 3 courses - 10.50 Dinner 3 courses - 15.00 For reservations please email: thegallery@nwkcollege.ac.ukor call the Restaurant on 01322 629 601
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Bright Beginnings Nursery

Chil

Bright Beginnings offers a year-round Ofsted inspected nursery service, with a flexible schedule to meet the parents and childs needs. They also operate an After School Club where they collect children from St Johns Primary School from 3pm-6pm. For more information contact Bright Beginnings: Dartford: 01322 629 443 Gravesend: 01322 629 641

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The Miskin Theatre

The Miskin Theatre at Dartford runs drama, music and dance shows all year round that you are invited to. To find out whats on and to book tickets, check out The Miskin Theatre Website: www.miskintheatre.com

Love Thea tre?

Freshers Fayre
r bed m e t p e S n 24th Gravese r be m e t p e d r S o f art ie 26th @ D ld ricket F
o Recepti

12-2pm

Miskin Radio

Miskin Radio is a local radio station, Bringing you the music you want to hear and the stories you want to know! www.miskinradio.co.uk Get Involved! Fancy joining our team of volunteers on air or behind the scenes? E: info@miskinradio.co.uk

Radio

n & Cafe

teria

Like Us
facebook.com/miskinradiouk

Follow Us
@miskinradio

o f n i t e G t College...
abou
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enue & Miskin V

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! n u f e h t Join in

Safeguarding
Types of abuse are: Physical Psychological or emotional Sexual Financial or material Discriminatory Neglect We safeguard because we care and we want all of our students to: Be healthy Stay safe Enjoy and achieve Make a positive contribution Achieve economic well-being

The College has a legal duty to report cases of suspected abuse. If you have any concerns for your own safety or that of a fellow student, you must tell a member of staff.

Bullying is unfair and not tolerated at the College, and will be dealt with as a serious issue. If you are being bullied or harassed please speak to your tutor or a member of the Student Services team in confidence. If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact the Safeguarding Helpline on: 01322 629 423

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Code of

Please be aware that swearing, spitting and smoking outside of the smoking zones, are all considered disciplinary offences. Use of the Internet Use of the internet during lessons should be for work related tasks only. Plagiarism Copying material from other people, websites or books and passing it off as your own, is seen as plagiarism. A quote from a source should have a reference, such as the exact web address or book title. Plagiarism can result in disciplinary action or even expulsion. Deadlines Make sure you meet the coursework deadlines that are set. If you cannot meet a deadline, you must speak to your tutor who will decide if an extension is warranted. Respect Please respect all members of staff and fellow students. Consider others and abide by the College rules with regards to abusive behaviour, bullying, theft, violence, or being intoxicated through alcohol or drugs. Please also respect College property and facilities.

As an education facility we do have a code of conduct that you will need to follow while studing with us:

Conduct

Attendance Make sure you turn up to all of your timetabled classes and tutorials. Plus, additional sessions outside of your normal timetable, including exhibitions and trips. If you are unable to attend college, you must contact your Department Administrator or Personal Tutor, giving a reason for your absence and your expected return date. Punctuality Make sure that you turn up to your lessons and tutorials on time, with all of the equipment that you need. Mobiles and MP3 Players Mobile phones and MP3 Players should not be used during lessons and need to be switched off. Being Appropriate Although there is no dress code as such, please ensure that you respect those around you by not wearing offensive clothing, or hats, caps and hoodies indoors. Please also refrain from eating and drinking in teaching areas.
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Useful Info
Block and Gravesend R Block. call.

Reception Is a hub of useful information and is based in Dartford B

Absence if youre ill or cannot make it into college, you must contact your Department Administrator; this information will be given out when you start. However, you can contact reception who will forward your

Security is here to make sure the College remains a safe place for you to be. You can find the Security office in the lodge at the front of the Dartford campus, or by reception R Block in Gravesend. Lost Property can be found at the Security office. ID Cards you must wear your College ID Card at all times, this is for your own safety but is also handy for you as it means you can use all of our facilities without any problems. Smoking please smoke inside the smoking zones that are dotted around campus. Not everyone smokes, so please respect those who dont. The College website www.nwkcollege.ac.uk Helpline number - 0800 074 1447
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Useful
Bright Beginnings Dartford: Gravesend:

Internal Contacts
The main College number is: 01322 629 400 01322 629 443 (ext. 1443) 01322 629 641 (ext. 2641) Careers Advisors Dartford, Rosemary Keys: (ext. 1330) Dartford, Julia Ward: (ext. 1362) Gravesend, Gill Smith: 01322 629 637 (ext. 2637) Higher Education Officer Sharon Juty: 01322 629 580 (ext. 1580) Inspirations Hair and Beauty Salons Dartford: 01322 629 501 (ext. 1501) Gravesend: 01322 629 602 (ext. 2602) Learning Support Dartford: Gravesend: Reception Dartford: Gravesend:

Security Dartford: Gravesend:

01322 629 562 (ext. 1562) 01322 629 697 (ext. 2697)

Student Counsellors Dartford, Anna Knowles: (ext. 1032) Gravesend, Wendy Stribling: 01322 629 785 (ext. 2785) Student Finance Team Dartford Cathy Millar: Jane Barge: Gravesend Wendy Stribling: Sue Freeman: Students Union Dartford, Linsey Fry: Gravesend, Trevor Fox: The Learning Technology Centre Dartford: Gravesend: The Miskin Theatre Box Office: The Safeguarding Helpline

01322 629 581 (ext. 1581) 01322 629 428 (ext. 1428)

01322 629 785 (ext. 2785) 01322 629 706 (ext. 2706)

01322 629 511 (ext. 1511) 01322 629 708 (ext. 2708)

01322 629 431 (ext. 1431) 01322 629 615 (ext. 2615)

01322 629 440 (ext. 1576) 01322 629 761 (ext. 2761)

01322 629 422 (ext.1422)

01322 629 499 (ext. 1499) 01322 629 699 (ext. 2699)
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01322 629 423

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Useful
Local Taxi firms Dartford All Night Cars: Gravesend B&R Taxis:

External Contacts
01322 221 100 01474 532 222

Dartford & Gravesend Campuses

OPEN DAYS

NOV 6th 2013

The National Union of Students (NUS) 01625 413 277 www.nus.org.uk Kent Police non-emergency 101 www.kent.police.uk Job Centre Plus 0845 606 0234

MAR 12th 2014

3 - 8pm
www.nwkcollege.ac.uk
*Although paid advertisements may appear in North West Kent College publications, the College does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement.
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3 - 8pm

www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk

NHS Direct 111 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Childline (freephone) 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk The Samaritans Helpline 08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.co.uk
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www.nwkcollege.ac.uk
Dartford: Oakfield Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2JT Gravesend: Lower Higham Rd, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 2JJ

0800 074 1447