Student Support

We do everything we can to help you succeed. We treat all our students as individuals, so we’ll help and support you during your time with us in whatever way suits you best. Whether you need lots of help or a little, our outstanding support systems will help you to achieve your full potential.

Student Services is open all year round and based at the front (Main Reception) area of the College’s Westoe campus.  Opening times are:

• Monday – Thursday: 8am to 8pm
• Friday: 8am to 4.30pm

Please note: hours are reduced during holiday periods

Call: 0191 427 3900, email: info@stc.ac.uk

Personal Learning Coach

When you start your course, we’ll give you a learning coach who will personally support you during your time with us. You can have one-to one discussions with your learning coach about any issues you have regarding your course. This provides you with a great opportunity to get feedback on your work and to discuss any problems you may have and learn how to do even better.

ProMonitor

Tutorial support will use ProMonitor, a web based resource you can access 24/7, either in college or at home.  ProMonitor alows you to create your own learning plan, recording your hopes, fears, strengths and areas to develop.  You can see your own personal ‘targets’ and make sure your work hits the right level.  Your tutors can monitor your attendance and punctuality.  Your parents can see ProMonitor too!  Why not encourage them to see how well you are doing? 

Moodle Tutorial Framework

Your group tutorials will be set in your timetable and will be supported by a Moodle resource containing ‘Every Learner Matters’ themes.  These include; Being Healthy, Staying Safe, Making Positive Contribution, Enjoying and Achieving at College and Economic Well Being.  Group tutorials broaden your college experience and attendance is compulsory.

Learning Mentor

If you experience difficulties with your work, talk to our learning mentors who are on hand to give you extra support and encouragement. You can discuss any problems you have with your mentor who will give you the advice and guidance you need to fulfil your potential both academically and socially.

Counselling

If you’re having a difficult time personally or academically, our Counselling Service is here to help. All interviews are confidential and with a trained counsellor. Whatever your problem we will work with you to give you the help you need.

Careers and HE Guidance

Whether you want to go straight into employment after college or continue your studies at university, our advisers help you with advice on the options available to you to help you achieve your career aspirations.  We also have a careers library with information on employment opportunities, as well as a range of prospectuses for various universities.

Parental Contact

Parents or Guardians are regularly kept informed of your progress. Reports are frequently sent and our parents’ evenings help them find out how you are progressing.  Your parents can also request a private meeting with a tutor at any time throughout the academic year.

Student Handbook

Every year we produce a handbook that outlines the service you can expect us to provide you.  We want you to enjoy your time at South Tyneside College and to succeed. By letting us know when we are achieving our aims – and if we fall short – you can help us to help you.

Students aged 16 -18 - help with your course fees

If you are aged 16-18 and you are not studying elsewhere, you do not have to pay for your course fees. This includes all our school leaver courses, both A Levels and Vocational qualifications, for students in this age group. You may also be able to claim extra money to learn. Please see below for details.

Help with study costs

If you are aged 16-18, you may be able to gain financial help towards the costs of coming to College. This can include money for extras such as travel, books, childcare, equipment and course trips.

The following sources of help are available:

We want to make coming to college as affordable as possible. New for 2011-2012 South Tyneside College has created a bursary scheme that will help with the costs associated with studying. The scheme is available to 16-18 year old full-time FE students starting in September 2011 who would have previously been eligible for the full Education Maintenance Allowance of £30 per week. The package of support includes:

• Free transport from various routes across South Tyneside
• Subsidised meals
• Free protective equipment and course kits
• Free use of gym and sport facilities
• Free haircuts
• Reward for good attendance (£50 voucher per term)
• End of year bonus (£50 voucher subject to achievement and good attendance)

Applications to the bursary scheme are subject to a means test, forms are available from Student Services on the front main reception desk or by telephoning 0191 427 3711.

Childcare Support

Your local council can provide you with a list of all OFSTED registered childcare provision in your local area. Our nearest provider is Westoe Kindergarten. Further information is available from their website.

Support for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

We have tried to make College as accessible as possible for anyone with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Lifts and ramps for wheelchair access can be found throughout the College. If you need additional support to study your course, our Learning Support team is on hand to help. They will discuss any requirements you have and put an individual support package in place.

Learner Support Fund

There is financial assistance for students to help with the ongoing cost of studying, e.g. equipment, child care or travel to College. You do not have to be receiving benefits to receive this help, many students on this scheme are also working. Priority is given to learners experiencing financial difficulties.

The fund is means tested and you will be required to provide evidence of your household income.

Regardless of your income, you may also be eligible for the fund if you feel you need assistance. For example if you are medically ill, in-care, adults on first Level 2 qualification, have a disability, have learning difficulties or are a skills for life learner.

The funds are limited so if you wish to apply, please do so as early as possible. Application forms are available from Student Services or telephone 0191 427 3711.

Free Travel

Free travel from various areas around South Tyneside to and from College - check out the latest timetable.

Tips on Surviving Exam Stress

Download our simple guide on surviving exam stress.

Get yourself ‘Hyped Up’

Hype is a new website for teenagers letting you know about what’s going on in South Tyneside. The website contains useful information, like where you can get information on lots of things from sports and work to sexual health.