1. My son/daughter wants to get into one of the UK’s top universities. How can you support them in achieving this?
We introduced our ‘Gifted and Talented' programme in 2004, designed to stretch the ambitions and talents of our very brightest AS and A Level students.
The Gifted and Talented programme is specifically tailored to pupils who achieve 8 or more GCSEs at grades A or A*. In Year 1 of their studies at NULC Sixth Form Centre, these students enrol on a combination of 5 AS Levels including an AS in Critical Thinking.
In Year 2, students continue to A2 Level in Critical Thinking plus 3 other subjects - leading to a final achievement of 4 A Levels and 1 AS Level. The additional academic achievement is supported by a varied and stimulating tutorial programme designed to motivate each individual and enhance their chances of gaining entry to one of the UK’s top universities.
2. How can you support my son/daughter to ensure he/she achieves their true potential?
We have an extensive tutorial and pastoral support system designed to support our students through every aspect of their education and their personal well-being. See the Student Support section for more details.
3. How will I be kept informed of my son/daughter’s progress?
As soon as your son or daughter joins the College, they’ll be allocated their own Personal Tutor and become part of that tutor’s group, meeting weekly during timetabled sessions. Each student will also have regular one-to-one progress meetings with their Personal Tutor.
As part of their induction at the College, each student will be asked to record their goals and ambitions for their course and future career. Matched with their previous academic achievement, this will form the basis of an Individual Learning Plan that sets challenging yet realistic learning targets for your son or daughter.
Progress against the personal learning plan is reviewed regularly - each student can access a copy of their own learning plan online and should regularly record their own thoughts on their progress. Progress is also regularly reviewed through exam and coursework results, and parents evenings are held each year.
4. My son/daughter has a learning difficulty. How can you support them?
We have an extensive team of specialists known as the Additional Learning Support team who can provide specialist equipment or adapt materials to alternative formats as needed. Contact Denise Dunn on 01782 254249 or email ALS@nulc.ac.uk for details.
5. Who do I contact if I have any concerns?
At the beginning of the first term, you should receive a letter and/or telephone call from your son or daughter’s Personal Tutor.
The purpose of this contact is to provide an introduction between tutor and parent, and to confirm a direct telephone and email contact for you to contact the Personal Tutor when you need to, during term time. The provision of a direct telephone and email address for each tutor is an important part of the college’s tutorial and pastoral care system.
6. What happens if my son/daughter is ill or absent?
We have a designated Student Absence Line, operating from 8am to 9.30am daily. It is important that any absence is reported to the absence line on 01782 254333 before 9.30am on each day of absence.
Please note that any students who qualify for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will find that they may not be eligible to receive their weekly EMA payment if their absence is not officially reported before the 9.30am deadline.