Learner Support

Your success is important to us and there are lots of ways in which we can help to support you whilst you are at College.

Careers and Educational Guidance
Our careers advisers can offer you impartial guidance before you come to College, to help you in your choice of course or career. Once you are enrolled on a course, they will help you to decide on your next step, whether it is further study, training or employment, and will help you plan and manage your future career.

Counselling & Welfare Support
The Counselling Service is confidential and is a space to talk in privacy about anything that is bothering you. Our counsellors are professionally qualified and work to the BACP Code of Ethics and practice.

The Welfare Service is a signpost service available to give you support, information and advice on a range of welfare issues (accommodation, childcare, benefits, sexual health etc).

Financial Support
The service provides information and confidential advice on what student finance is available in Further and Higher Education. This includes information on the Education allowance (EMA), Adult Learning Grant (ALG), Study Allowance and Learner Support Funds. There may be an allowance or Student Loan available, or help, for example towards travel costs, meals, equipment or childcare costs depending on your circumstances, age and course level. For more information or to arrange an appointment contact us on 01924 789304, 789283 or 789517, or by email student.finance@wakefield.ac.uk.

Course Information
Course Information provides information, advice and guidance about our full range of courses. Telephone 01924 789111 or email: courseinfo@wakefield.ac.uk
You can also speak to an adviser in person at the Thornes Park Campus between 9am – 4pm Mon-Fri.

Your Personal Tutor
When you have enrolled on your course, you will be assigned a personal tutor. You will meet on a regular basis to discuss your progress and sort out any problems you may have.

The tutor is there to help and support you while you are at College. You will keep a Record of Progress and Achievement which will help you to update the National Record of Achievement you produced at school.

Additional Support
We strongly urge you to disclose any disability or other additional support need so that we can make reasonable adjustments to support you with your studies whilst you are at College.

We have specialist tutors with expertise in supporting learners with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, medical conditions, visual impairment, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia or who are Deaf or hard of hearing, have learning difficulties, mobility difficulties or English as a second language. Support may be in the form of support staff in or out of class, assistive technology or adjustments by your curriculum tutors.

The College has a Disability Statement, which outlines the access and support we are able to offer to learners. Copies are available from College Receptions, the Learning Centres and the Additional Support Office and can be produced in alternative formats - for example, large print, Braille etc - by request.

The College also recognises its responsibilities under part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act. If you haven’t been in touch with the Additional Support team, please contact them before you enrol to ensure that adjustments are in place at the start of your course. Phone 01924 789262 (V) 01924 789158 (T) 01924 789262 (F).

Learning Centres
Each of our main Campuses has a well-equipped Learning Centre, providing books, journals, multi-media IT facilities and access to the internet. Students can use our computers to produce their assignments and staff are always on hand to assist.

Safeguarding Children
Wakefield College has a Policy for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults to ensure that all young people and children attending activities in the College do so in a safe and secure environment.

The Student Intranet
As an enrolled student you will have access to the Student Intranet which contains a wealth of useful information including College news, events and details of student services. You will also be able to make use of your own personal e-mail account. To help you get the most from your studies you will have access to Blackboard, the College’s online learning environment.

Students’ Union
Our Students’ Union represents your interests both locally and nationally. Activities range from representing the students on the Board of Governors to arranging social functions such as the student ‘bash’. By joining the Students’ Union you can qualify for cheaper travel and discounts from some of the High Street shops!

Time Out
Do you want to play football, keep fit, play in an orchestra? Every Wednesday afternoon is given over to our ‘Time Out’ programme of leisure and cultural activities which are free to our full time students, and which will give you a well-earned break from your studies.

Connexions in College
Personal advisers from the local Connexions Service work with our staff in College to give 14-19 students access to the full range of support that is available to young people across the district. Welfare and careers advice is provided on college premises. There is a Connexions Access point at each Campus.