Evening for Parents of ApplicantsSupporting students into adulthood

Don’t forget questions for the panel!

The 16-18 rite of passage

• The final stage in primary and secondary education • The shortest phase in the schooling of a young person:

just 22 months at Godalming College• Almost all students at Godalming College will have an

18th birthday whilst they are here and reach adulthood• Also many, after their 17th birthday will learn to drive

which is a symbol of increasing responsibility• Many will be heading for university or employment,

extensive travel in a gap year – in other words leaving home for the first time

The Godalming College Experience

Our aims for all our students are to:-• Ensure they achieve academic success and excellent exam

exam results with great teaching and learning• Be considerate and caring in the support and guidance we give

taking into account different personal needs• Offer a wide and exciting range of opportunities and activities

so that they experience a broad education• Provide a lively, stimulating and friendly environment which is

also safe, secure, open and free• Help them become independent, confident, well-informed

people ready for the challenges of adulthood

KEY FACTSStudents in 2013-14 have a

95% satisfaction rate in relation to the quality of

teaching and learning

The secrets of academic success

• Helping students enrol onto the right courses• Great teaching with a variety of activities in lessons• Godalming On-line (VLE) to support learning• Regular assessment including two benchmark

assessments per term in the Autumn and Spring• One-to-one academic reviews between teacher and

student at least once a term• Parents portal, reports to parents, parents evenings• Effective and comprehensive system of pastoral support

Big emphasis on teaching and learning• Teaching students to – Think for themselves– Know ‘what makes a good learner?’– Know what to do when they don’t know what to do– Know where to use skills elsewhere, not in isolation– Have the ability to connect ideas together– Know how to be ‘assessment capable’ – to understand

their progress and how to move forward– Make the best use of their time in a 30 hour working

week plus homework

What does a ‘normal’ timetable look like?

First class results - first class student services• Excellent IT network including Godalming Online

(GOL) and Student Electronic Learning File (SELF)• Well stocked Independent Learning Centre with

around 1500 devices across College• Learning and study support with over 400 students

receiving support of various kinds• Counselling Service – Sue and Caroline have

extensive experience and success with this age group

• Careers department with specialist careers advisers supporting an holistic careers education

KEY FACTSLatest government figures show

a higher proportion of Godalming College students

achieve First or 2:1 degrees in Russell Group universities (86%) compared with students in the

independent sector (75.9%), the state sector (75.3%) or sixth

form colleges generally (76.5%)

Pastoral support: a personal approach• Every student has a tutor group which meets once a week• The personal tutor also acts as a mentor with one to one meetings

which focus on academic performance• ‘Shaping Futures’ to enhance study skills, life skills, develop

independence, maturity, moral and political awareness • The personal tutor will write the UCAS reference for the student• Safety net: we have a support and disciplinary system administered

with consistency, fairness and respect

Shaping Futures Lecture Programme• Ties in with our

responsibility to provide students with a broad education which goes beyond their main studies

• At least 10 lectures a year to help students develop their understanding of moral, political and social issues

24-Aug ENROLMENT31-Aug

07-Sep 1

Making the best of yourself - values

and respect

Settling In

14-Sep 2 Managing success

21-Sep 3 Getting involved

28-Sep 4 Social Conscience

05-Oct 5 Smart Study techniques

12-Oct 6 Is there such a thing as freedom of speech?

19-Oct 7 The first half term

26-Oct 8 AUTUMN HALF-TERM

02-Nov 9

Making the best of yourself - life skills

Secrets of a healthy lifestyle09-Nov 10 Driving16-Nov 11 1-1s23-Nov 12 1-1s30-Nov 13 1-1s07-Dec 14 Growth Mind Set14-Dec 15 The first term audit and review21-Dec 16 XMAS HOLIDAYS28-Dec 17 04-Jan 18

Becoming a good citizen

Managing Feedback - Dr Naomi Winstone11-Jan 19 The relevance of feminism today18-Jan 20 Student Auschwitz presentation

25-Jan 21 Careers

01-Feb 22 Careers - finding your path

08-Feb 23 Revision - working smart!

KEY FACTS

97% of students say

“teachers and personal

tutors help ensure that

College is a safe and

pleasant place in which

to learn.”

Involving parents• A key aim: to promote student independence and

personal responsibility • If there are problems we will always work with students

in the first instance to help them find solutions• At the same time we always encourage students to talk

with parents – you are one of their most important resources

• We involve parents directly when it is appropriate

Involving parents• Parents’ Portal• Department letters and communications• Attendance Officer and absence emails• Student Reviews – 17th November, 8th March

• Parents’ evenings– 26th November , 2nd December, 15th March

• Internal reviews– 12th October, 18th January

Involving parents

Your college is outstanding … a warm and

personal place where every student is

noticed, helped and motivated to move

forward to their best ability. I am so

grateful to you all for accepting my two

kids: they have both matured, gained

knowledge and thrived academically.

Thank you! -a parent 15/6/2015

KEY FACTS99.4% pass rate at A level

61% A*-B grades at A level89% merit and distinction

rate at BTEC