ADULT STUDENT HANDBOOK
See inside for • Important contacts • Student support services • College facilities • How to’s • Keeping safe • FAQs
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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Welcome
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What to Expect
Digital Equity and Inclusion
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Learning Support Services
Free for Every Student
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Accessibility
Here If You Need Us
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Wellbeing Advice Services
Study for Free
Financial Support While You Study
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Staying Safe
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Other Courses
Food Services
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Get Involved
Important Contacts
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Digital Learning Quarter
If you would find it easier to read this guide in larger type or a different format, please call 01752 305300 or e-mail info@cityplym.ac.uk .
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Whether you’re re-skilling, upskilling or trying something new just for you, we’re so pleased that you’ve chosen City College Plymouth as part of your learning journey.
From short skills courses to university degrees, courses to build your career, to leisure and hobby pursuits - there’s something for everyone at City College Plymouth. Including fantastic facilities, subject expert lecturers and an incredible range of support services and personal development opportunities. We’ve put together this Adult Student Handbook to help you make the most of everything that’s on offer to you as an adult student. So, take a good look through all of the fantastic services, support and opportunities that you can access during your time at the College. And keep this guide handy for future use!
Whatever your future goals and ambitions, remember that we’re here to help, we’re behind you every step of the way, and we’re always open to your feedback and suggestions to help you be bold, be bright, and be brilliant!
Lee McQueen Director of Adult Education
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Everything you need on our main corridor…
Reception info@cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305300 For general enquiries
Careers careers@cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305388 Course and career information, advice and guidance
Learning Support learningsupport@cityplym.ac.uk Assistance and/or resources for students with support needs
Safeguarding safeguarding@cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305296 Reporting safety and safeguarding concerns for yourself and others
Apprentice Point apprenticeships@cityplym.ac.uk 01752 856825 Vacancies, information and guidance for students and employers
Info Point adminhub@cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305835 Student support eg timetabling, class access, lost lanyards
Student Funding studentlearningfund@cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305110 To apply or follow up on your student bursary
Finance and Enrolment cashoffice@cityplym.ac.uk 01752 305701 For payment of course fees, material fees, trips, printing tokens etc
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
as a student at City College
Getting here
There are lots of different ways to travel to and from the College. We provide a free bus service for students, the 36 Citybus, which runs between the College and Royal Parade in the City Centre, stopping at Plymouth Station along the way for students travelling by train. The College also hosts a bay of Beryl eBikes that can be rented via the Beryl app and docked at various sites across the city. We encourage sustainable travel where possible, but for those students who wish to drive there is parking available on site, at a cost of £1 per day at the machine, or £1.40 via the Ringo app.
What will happen on my first day?
You will receive an e-mail before you start to let you know where to meet your tutor on your first day. Once you have been met by your tutor, they will usually carry out an induction to the College site and services, as well as a presentation on the details of your chosen course.
What do I need to bring with me?
Your tutor will let you know if you need to bring anything special for your first day, but you may find it useful to bring in a notebook and pen, a reusable water bottle to fill up at our refill stations around the College, and a reusable coffee mug to help us reduce the use of single-use cups.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Access and safety around the College site
Once you have enrolled, we will provide you with a lanyard to hold and display your student photo ID card. All students and staff must wear their lanyards at all times whilst on the College premises. Students are easily identifiable by their orange or purple lanyards, and you’ll be able to see who is a member of staff by their blue or green lanyards. The safety of our students and staff is very important to us, which is why we have installed gates and card access systems around the entrances to our College sites. To move freely around the site, you will need your student ID card, and we ask that students help us to keep the College safe for all by reporting anyone moving around the site without a lanyard.
Communication
Most communication from your tutor will be sent via your Google Classroom, which your tutor will help you to access. Don’t worry if you haven’t used this before, your tutor will explain how it all works and how to find everything you need. You will also find useful information, such as your timetable, on the Student Portal.
Attendance policy
Term dates
If you are unable to attend a lesson (eg due to illness) please let us know by calling us on 01752 305300 . To help you get the most out of your course, we encourage an attendance target of at least 90% . If you are struggling with your attendance, please speak to your course tutor.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Free meals on College days
Free period products
Available in toilets throughout the College. If you require support with extra period products for use outside of College times, please e-mail su@cityplym.ac.uk or visit the Students’ Union.
Free breakfast for daytime students. Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 11.00am
throughout term-time in the student food court. Free dinner for night school students. Monday to Thursday 5.00pm to 7.30pm throughout term-time in the STEM cafe.
Free bus travel
Show your College ID card to enjoy free travel on the 36 Citybus between the College, Plymouth Railway Station and the City Centre.
Free careers advice The College’s Careers team is here to support you on your career path.
make appointment with a College Careers Advisor attend a CV writing and interview skills workshop look at volunteering opportunities check out employer events and recruitment drives. To do:
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CityPlym Community pport Hub
To equip our adult students with everything you need to succeed during your time at the College, our award-winning CityPlym Community Support Hub offers mentorship, guidance, pastoral care, advice and all kinds of practical support if you need it.
CityPlym Community Support Hub
Pastoral support pastoralsupport@cityplym.ac.uk
Household help and fuel poverty pastoralsupport@cityplym.ac.uk Whether your family is struggling to keep up with the costs of heating, or you’re unable to access day to day essentials, please speak to us about how we can support you if financial hardship is impacting your living situation. Homelessness pastoralsupport@cityplym.ac.uk If you’re facing homelessness, please speak to us for support. We will be able to help you with practical items like food and clothing, as well as with support to access the right services.
This service provides help and support with things like relationship problems, sexual health, pregnancy testing, pregnancy support, eating disorders, body image, self harm, loneliness, stress, anxiety, referrals to other services, and more.
College Foodbank foodbank@cityplym.ac.uk
If you’re facing financial hardship and poverty, we’re here to make sure you don’t go hungry. Our foodbank service provides fresh, frozen and dry provisions as well as food vouchers to help in emergencies. We also have a plentiful supply of clothing and personal hygiene products which are easily accessible via this service.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Did you know that most of our students study for free?
Don’t let the cost of studying stand in your way! Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to join one of the thousands of adult students who study for free at City College Plymouth.
We have over 100 FREE level 1 and 2 skills courses to add to your CV and help you build a career. Here are some popular options ...
Microsoft Excel, Word & Powerpoint
Gym Instructing & Personal Training
Cooking & Kitchen Skills
Sustainability & Green Skills
MIG, TIG & OXY Welding
Hair & Beauty Skills
Film, Photography & Digital Media
Plumbing, Electrical & Construction Skills
Business, Marketing, Bookkeeping & Accounting
Health & Social Care
* If maths and English weren’t your thing at school, we’re here to help! Let our friendly maths and English teams show you that you CAN actually achieve your grades - even if you’ve always believed you can’t.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
If the course you want to study isn’t free, you might qualify for an advanced learner loan* to study things like:
There are other ways we can support you as well, with things like grant funding or instalment plans. Just get in touch - our friendly advisors are always happy to help.
• nursing • teaching
• counselling • computing • and more ...
* These are loans that you only pay back once you start earning over a certain monthly salary.
REMEMBER we also offer Apprenticeships which are another fantastic way to access training, gain skills that are in demand from employers and get paid.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Don’t let financial worries get in the way of accessing education and building that brighter future you’ve been dreaming of. Our Student Learning Fund has been created to offer extensive support to students who need it. This is all part of our ongoing efforts to remove barriers to education and help you build that brighter future you deserve.
Find out if you qualify
FREE Financial Advice Supporting your student journey
Make an application and find out if you qualify for support with things like: • childcare costs • compulsory course-related costs • IT equipment voucher • meals.
Scan here to tick off your ‘to do’ list:
To do:
download FREE ‘Finance for non-financial people’ tools pack (help with budgeting, planning, etc) watch the Student Learning Fund presentations at www.cityplym.ac.uk to see if you’re eligible make an appointment with a Student Learning Fund advisor if you need help make an application to the Student Learning Fund.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
You can also contact the Student Learning Fund team on 01752 305110 , or drop them an e-mail at studentlearningfund@cityplym.ac.uk .
Is the cost of living crisis affecting you? We can help - visit page 7 of this guide for details of support with fuel poverty, as well as the College Foodbank and Clothing Bank.
Education opens new doors for Sahar Sahar and Bamdad joined the College as ESOL students in 2022. Sahar’s childhood dream was to become a robotics engineer. But, as a girl growing up in Iran, engineering courses weren’t accessible to her. After flying through her English courses, Sahar joined the Access to Science and Engineering course in September 2023 and will progress to university to pursue her dream next year. Meanwhile, Bamdad joined the Diploma in Marine Engineering as he works towards his goal to progress to university.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
We’re proud of our fantastic food and catering services on site, providing delicious and nutritious meals throughout the day and evening, as well as coffees, teas and snacks at various locations throughout the College.
STEM Cafe
Join us at the STEM Cafe behind the main reception for Costa Coffee, sandwiches, snacks and light meals. If you’re here for an evening course, scan your student access card to enjoy your free evening meal, or pick up a freshly prepared pasty, panini, sandwich or salad at great prices.
Opening Hours:
Term-time
8.00am - 7.30pm Monday to Thursday 8.00am - 6.00pm Friday
Half-term and holidays
8.00am - 2.00pm daily
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Student Food Court
If you’re in College during the daytime, come and enjoy freshly prepared hot meals, sandwiches, snacks and a selection of hot or cold drinks. Breakfast is free for all students on timetabled days, and delicious hot lunches are available for just £4.10.
Opening Hours:
Term-time*
7.30am - 3.00pm Monday to Thursday 7.30am - 2.30pm Friday
* Reduced service available in half-terms and holidays.
Breakout spaces
Vending machines and water coolers are available throughout the College, including breakout spaces for your convenience between sessions or during breaks.
get your free daily meal before your next class (morning breakfast in the Food Court, or evening meal in the STEM Cafe) find out where the nearest water bottle refill station is to your classroom take a look at part-time courses on the College website, like Nutrition and Health or Improving Personal Exercise have a look at the free nutrition resources, videos and recipes available on nutrition.org.uk for help with eating well, losing weight or getting healthier, book an appointment with oneyouplymouth.co.uk. To do:
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Whether you enjoy some time socialising in our Students’ Union, join a club or team for some fun activities, come along on an organised trip, or take advantage of your discount in Stars Hair & Day Spa and PL1 restaurant, we’d love you to be a part of our College community. Adult students who get involved are always more successful in their studies, so come and get stuck into College life.
If you’re studying during the daytime, you’ll find things like pool tables, table tennis, board games and more in our Students’ Union which is open until 4.30pm daily. Join one of our growing sports, craft clubs or interest groups for adult students to meet new people and enjoy the lighter side of College life.
Keep an eye on our Students’ Union notice boards for details of College-wide activities for events like Plymouth Pride and Remembrance Day.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
In the evening, look out for dedicated Students’ Union chill spaces with books, games and more in our breakout spaces, along with information about trips, activities and enrichment opportunities. Come along on an organised adult student trip to shows, industry events, conferences, or even just for fun - like our annual trip to the Bath Christmas markets!
Our student gym is open to all students for £40 per year and includes use of the pool facilities at Plymouth Life Centre.
Gym opening times for adult students are:
7.00am to 8.30am Monday to Friday 4.00pm to 8.00pm Monday to Friday
sign up to the College gym for just £40 per year make an appointment with a personal trainer book a massage, manicure or more at Stars get a session with a sports therapist book lunch with a friend at PL1 join a trip to a show, event or something fun sign up to help with the College stand at Plymouth Pride. To do:
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Our Digital Learning Quarter offers library services, both online and on the shelf - including digital resources like laptops to support your learning, equipment for assessment and recording evidence, printing services, and more. It’s also the hub for all things digital, offering IT help and support throughout the day.
Visit the DLQ during these hours:
• Monday 8.30am - 6.30pm • Tuesday 8.30am - 6.30pm • Wednesday 8.30am - 6.30pm • Thursday 8.30am - 6.30pm • Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm.
To support your learning when you’re not in College, we have over 4,000 digital e-books that you can access from anywhere, so you can always find all the resources and information you need to succeed.
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The College is committed to recognising the dignity and unique nature of each individual, and strives to create a safe and affirming environment for all. We promote equality of opportunity so that all students and staff can thrive together, creating an environment that values and nurtures difference, and in which all forms of prejudice, unfair discrimination, bullying and harassment are never tolerated. Our aim is to provide and promote an inclusive and welcoming environment that meets the needs of all students, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, nationality, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, relationship status or pregnancy. If you have any EEDI concerns, or if you would like to find out about championing EEDI at the College, please contact our Student Voice team at studentvoice@cityplym.ac.uk .
join the College EEDI group come along to events like Plymouth Pride e-mail suggestions and feedback to studentvoice@cityplym.ac.uk look at the College EEDI webpage. To do:
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
It’s important to us that every student has the digital skills they need to succeed in today’s tech-enabled world. That’s why the DLQ staff, along with student volunteers, are available to support students who need help with anything digital, from setting up your computer or smartphone to accessing College material, to completing forms and assignments online.
The College also offers free courses in:
Remember!
Laptops are available to borrow while you’re in College, either from the DLQ or from our self- service laptop lockers located in the main corridor. AND if you qualify for financial support from the Student Learning Fund, you may be eligible for an IT voucher which you can use to buy your own laptop or other tech to help you with your studies.
• Computer Confidence • Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams • Organising Your Life on Your Smartphone • Digital Skills for Employability.
Come and see us in the DLQ!
www.cityplym.ac.uk | info@cityplym.ac.uk | 01752 305300
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book onto a FREE course to build digital confidence join a Google drop-in to update your skills on the platform watch the Google classroom videos to learn more about how to use your resources find out if you qualify for free tech through the Student Learning Fund - see page 10. To do:
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Many of our students have additional needs which we’re fully equipped to support through our learning support services.
Our team can support you with:
Speak to us about:
• autism • dyslexia
• specialist assessments for dyslexia • or exam concessions • in-class support • support with reading, writing • and maths • group study, exam prep and • revision sessions
• hearing impairments (signer • communicators available) • visual impairments • physical disabilities • continuing illness (epilepsy, • diabetes, ME, etc) • and more - please speak to us.
• assistive technical advice • individual sensory support.
Book an appointment for advice and an assessment
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
We are always working hard to make sure that every student has the facilities, resources and support they deserve.
To help you with your studies if you have disabilities or difficulties, we offer:
• learning support and resources for students with declared SEND • tailored provision for young adults with an ECHP • specialised support and resources for deaf and hearing impaired students • facilities, resources and support for visually impaired students • facilities that have been assessed and approved by AccessAble • personalised arrangements to support your unique needs as much as possible.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Lighthouse The Wellbeing Centre
We know how vital your mental health and wellbeing is to your success while you study, which is why we have a team of dedicated wellbeing advisors and counsellors to support you.
Get in touch for wellbeing advice, counselling services, mindfulness programmes, tools to manage stress and build resilience, support to maintain a healthy balance between academic and personal life, and resources to help you bring all of our support home into your everyday life. We even have a therapy dog in from time to time to help alleviate exam stress! Have you met our therapy dogs, Grace and Peaches?
All of our support is focused on helping you to find practical solutions and strategies, so please book an appointment if you need it - we’re waiting to hear from you!
Scan this code to complete our self-referral form.
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You can also access 24 hour mental health support by calling 0800 0283766.
if you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or like you could use some resources to manage the pressures of daily life, get in touch with the wellbeing team by e-mailing wellbeingsupport@cityplym.ac.uk take a look at part-time courses on www.cityplym.ac.uk, like Mental Health Awareness or Substance Misuse browse the free mental wellbeing advice and resources available on www.mind.org.uk/information-support explore Livewell South West’s wealth of info-podcasts, videos and self care resources at www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/self-care-resources. To do:
You’re never too old, says Kerry
Adult student Kerry was in the same job for 25 years, and had thought she was too old to change her career path. With the support of the College, Kerry took the leap back into education, and exceeded her own expectations to pass her Access to Counselling course with flying colours. She’s since moved on to study an Integrated Psychotherapy and Counselling Masters degree at Plymouth Marjon University, so she’s well on her way to the brighter future she once felt was so out of reach.
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Every student deserves to feel safe when they’re at the College, so it’s important that you work with us to protect yourself and your fellow students at all times.
Safeguarding
If you have any concerns about your safety or the safety of another student, please bring it to the attention of the Safeguarding team immediately so that we can take the appropriate action as soon as possible.
Things to look out for and report to us include:
• bullying, including online bullying and prejudice-based bullying • hate crime, including racist, disability and homophobic • or trans-phobic abuse • peer-on-peer abuse • signs of neglect • physical, sexual or emotional abuse • gender-based violence and/or violence against women and girls • substance abuse • technological abuse e.g. sexting
• child sexual exploitation and/or trafficking • radicalisation and/or extremist behaviour • teenage relationship abuse and/or coercive control • domestic violence • female genital mutilation • forced marriage.
Call or text 07891 573177 , 07800 810593 or 07971 943034 . E-mail safeguarding@cityplym.ac.uk .
www.cityplym.ac.uk | info@cityplym.ac.uk | 01752 305300
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College security
First aid
Our College security team is present on site Monday to Friday from 7.00am until 10.00pm. If you feel unsafe at any time or notice anything suspicious, please don’t hesitate to approach them. There will usually be a security guard stationed near Reception, but if you can’t spot them then just let a member of staff know and they will contact them by mobile.
If you find yourself in need of first aid, our first aid trained staff are identifiable by their green lanyards . Alternatively, details on how to contact your nearest available first aider can be found on the back of every classroom door.
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While you’re here, you may like to have a look at what other courses we have on offer. Many of our students go on to study several courses one after the other, as new and interesting career-building qualifications, skills-based courses or even hobby courses are being added to our growing list of programmes all the time.
Have a look at some of our most popular courses:
AAT Accounting
Cyber Security
Project Management
Boat Outfitting
Film & Photography
Fashion & Textiles
Digital Marketing
Culinary Skills
First Aid
Painting for Beginners
Basic Car Maintenance
Hairdressing & Barbering
www.cityplym.ac.uk | info@cityplym.ac.uk | 01752 305300
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Adult Student Handbook 2024/25
Don’t forget about maths and English!
If you:
• always believed you’re no good at maths • didn’t enjoy English at school • think you’re just not able to do either subject • left school without a GCSE grade C/4 or above … come and meet our friendly team who are ready to help change the way you feel about these essential subjects so you can achieve your GCSE grades for FREE!
Our maths teachers are trained in helping you overcome maths anxiety.
How English changed Steve’s future
English student, Steve, had limited access to education when growing up in Nigeria, so he never had the
opportunity to achieve a formal qualification.
After enrolling at the College, Steve flew through his level 1 exams, passing on his first attempt, and quickly progressed to level 2. Before we knew it, Steve was delivering his final presentation to us about his first love, music, before securing a place at university to study his passion.
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“The highlight of my time so far is, to simply put it, the course itself. It has everything I possibly need for the future and it’s very enjoyable”
“The staff are so welcoming and I’ve had some really great support from my tutor”
“I’ve really enjoyed my experience at College so far. The atmosphere is very welcoming and it’s really easy to get settled in”
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Reception For general enquiries, information and the absence line Safeguarding If you’re worried about yourself or someone else Student Assistance Programme Support with stress, anxiety, relationships and more Student Learning Fund For support with course equipment, meals, transport and more CityPlym Community Support Hub If you’re facing financial difficulties and poverty, including food bank Careers Advice To help you find the right study and career path
Call 01752 305300
Call or text 07891 573177 , 07800 810593 or 07971 943034 E-mail safeguarding@cityplym.ac.uk
Call 24/7 0800 0283766 or self-refer: link on page 22
Call 01752 305110
Call 01752 305062
Call 01752 305388
Support For in-class support or assistance
Call 01752 305082 or 01752 305885
The Digital Learning Quarter For information about our library services
Call 01752 305366
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