Information for Parents & Carers
Helping you support your son or daughter
A Message from our Principal
As a student at Wakefield College, your son or daughter will enjoy great classes led by experienced and dedicated teachers, access to a host of activities, trips and events that will develop their skills and knowledge outside of the classroom, and first-class facilities.
Many students come to Wakefield College because it is very different from school. Our students are young adults and we expect them to use their time with us to develop independence and self-motivation, as well as knowledge and practical skills.
The College environment provides an excellent stepping-stone for students making the transition from school to higher education or employment.
We aim to work in partnership with parents as we firmly believe that parents have a key role to play in ensuring that young people achieve the best results they can, and get the most out of their time at College.
Sam Wright,
Principal
What will they be doing at College?
Coming to College is more than just a course. All of our students enrol on a Study Programme, which includes the main qualification and a range of other activities to prepare them for the future.
If your son or daughter didn’t achieve A*-C (or new grade 9-4) at GCSE for English or Maths they will study this alongside their main qualification.
We also provide PEEP (Personal, Employability, Enrichment and Progress programme), Employability and Enterprise, online learning and HEAT (Higher Education, Ambition and Transition).
How we support our students
We aim to develop independence in our students, but we also recognise that young people might need some support along the way.
We have dedicated teams of support staff in our Student Central, including a financial support team, pastoral team, counsellors, careers advisors, student experience managers, sports activators, mentors, and of course, the ongoing support, guidance and encouragement students receive from their subject teachers.
The College environment provides an excellent stepping-stone for students making the transition from school to higher education or employment.
Your son/daughter’s progress
After enrolment, you’ll get a Parents’ Welcome Pack. You’ll then have plenty of opportunities to come into College and meet tutors through meet and greet nights and parents’ evenings to discuss your son or daughter’s progress and what they are doing in College. But, if there is anything you would like to discuss about their course, please contact us.
Moodle
Moodle is the College’s Virtual Learning Platform. It’s the first point of call for students to access information about their Study Programme with us.
Students can log on in College and at home too, where they can access details of events and activities in College, any course materials their tutors have shared and keeps them up to date with records of their attendance, progress, timetables and exam dates.
Parents’ Progress Portal
The Parents’ Portal is a great way to monitor attendance and progress through College life. There’s lots of other information too, and you’ll get details on how to access the Parents’ Portal in the Parents’ Welcome Pack.
You can download the Parents’ Portal userguide for further information - user guide [pdf] or click here to visit the Parents’ Progress Portal.
Support for your son or daughter
Whilst we develop independence in our students, we also recognise that young people need support in many ways. We have dedicated teams of staff to support students in all areas of their lives. These include a financial support team, pastoral team, counsellors, careers advisors, student experience managers, sports activators, mentors, and of course, the ongoing support, guidance and encouragement students receive from their subject teachers.
Student Support
Our student support services are staffed by professionals who have a wealth of experience, and all students are encouraged to take advantage of the support on offer. Our student support services were also highly praised in our last Ofsted report.
Additional Support
Support in and out of class by assistive technology or adaptation by tutors.
Tutors
As part of their Pastoral Tutor Group, students will develop academic, personal and employability skills which will both enhance their overall College experience and improve their prospects for progression.
Careers Guidance
Information on careers, higher education and the jobs market to help prepare for the next step.
Student Experience Managers
Dedicated Student Experience Managers are located at each campus and ensure that all students are given the best learning experience in both their subject areas and the campus environment.
Key Dates
September
Meet and Greet - you will be invited you to a Meet and greet evening at the end of September, when you can meet your son/daughter’s teachers and find out more about what they are doing in lessons.
December
Progress Report - in December you will receive your son/daughter’s progress report detailing how they are doing on their course.
December
Parents’ Evening - you will be invited to a Parents’ Evening where you can discuss your son/daughter’s progress report in more detail with the subject teachers.
March 9th
There will be Higher Education, Jobs and Apprenticeships fairs available to attend.
March
Progress Report - in March you will receive your son/daughter’s progress report detailing how they are doing on their course.
March
Parents’ Evening - you will be invited to a Parents’ Evening where you can discuss your son/daughter’s progress report in more detail with the subject teachers.
August
A Level results day.