ALL STUDENTS & Apprentices programme 23/24 


tutorial & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT 

Here you will be able to source and access a variety of resources, used by tutors, which cover a range of mandatory and optional topics as set out in the tutorial calendar for 2023/24. 

1. Students' Union Induction

Students’ Union Induction

The Students’ Union induction is a mandatory part of the joining process. All tutors are to ensure that they bring their students to the SU for a familiarisation session by 8th September 2023. No booking is required, with all students having full access to all of the resources and activities within. The Student Experience team will also be on hand to provide information, help and support throughout the induction process. 

Chill Out Zone

It is important that we provide every opportunity for students to feel relaxed and encourage them to meet their peers from other areas of the college. To support this the car park area outside the Student Union will be blocked off and will become an area for students to relax outside. There will also be opportunities for music students to perform during the lunch hour in this area. 

Freshers Week 2023 (25th - 29th September 2023)

Instead of running bookable activities and events across the first three weeks of the new academic year, it has been decided to consolidate into a freshers week. This will enable all students to get involved in all a variety of activities and events, without the requirement to book. 

PL1 Courtyard - BBQ (27th September 2023)

Bring your students along to get a free burger / hotdog. Vegetarian and vegan options will be available. These will be held from 1130-1300 on the two days stated.

Three Day Fun Zone (26th - 28th September 2023)

This will be set up in the SU carpark from. No booking required, just turn up from 1000-1400 daily. Students will be able to meet with peers and have some fun on a range of activities:

Freshers Fair - Wednesday 27th September 2023

Food vendors, support agencies, service personnel and organisations from around the South west will be joining us and setting up a stand. There will be products available to buy as well as freebies, advice & guidance and support information from several different organisations. The fire service will be here talking and demonstrating road safety, The Royal Navy will be on hand to speak to students, local food businesses and much more. We plan to have an inflatable zone, live music and live dancing. All students are welcome between the hours of 1000-1400. No booking required. Please note, it's a first come first serve basis (for freebies) so the earlier students get there, the better experience they will have. 

Digital Learning Quarter

The Digital Learning Quarter encompasses the library, ‘The Core’, The Maths Centre of Excellence and the Collaboration Hub in KS101. We provide a wide range of resources, information, support and guidance for staff and students to enable everyone at the college to achieve their full potential. The DLQ is a space to explore new technology, get out of (or into) your comfort zone and it’s a place where learning can happen outside of the traditional classroom or workshop and all of this is facilitated by the Learning, Teaching and Innovation team. 

When your students arrive at the college, please bring them along to experience the DLQ space (First floor of the tower block) within the first three weeks. No need to book. The DLQ team will be on hand to make further appointments for a more thorough induction to everything we can offer once students have settled in. Contact library@cityplym.ac.uk

 

Additional Induction Activities

As part of the induction process we want students to feel comfortable and welcomed to the College. We want students to engage with their ‘ Student Journey’ from the start, so Academy areas will also be providing specific industry focused fun ad hoc activities and events that will be available throughout the induction period. This will help to create an exciting buzz around the College and start the process of engaging our new students in learning. Please refer to the BIG Welcome document for further information on activities available. 

2. Induction ACTIVITIES

To many, the prospect of joining college, particularly an environment as large and intimidating as ours can be overwhelming. It is therefore important they have time to adjust, become familiar with the site, get to know their peers and establish how everything works. Therefore, the induction programme will support a safe and smooth transition into the college for all students including apprentices. This transition will be supported predominantly by staff, but also accessible through the Student Journey Support site.

TO START, a detailed presentation, broken down into 4 individual themes, for tutors to deliver to students will be available and should be used by all tutors as it will cover the basic key information that new and returning students will need to know;

NEXT, the Individual Learning Plan (ILP) puts the learner at the centre of their learning and gives them control over their achievement. They can use the information there to review their progress and plan their future achievement. The ILP can be accessed by going to Student Central and then logging in to ProPortal.

It is ESSENTIAL that the learner completes the following sections of their ILP:

About My Course

My Career Aspiration & Goals

My Strengths & Personal Development

Induction Information

My Plans After My Course

It is ESSENTIAL that tutors review these sections, either with the learner during a 1:1 or remotely and in bulk, by completing the following section of the ILP:

Manage Learner ILP Pages

The ILP can be accessed by going to Staff Central and then logging in to ProMonitor.

Please use the video resources attached, which shows the process of completing this task for both the learner and the tutor. During this session encourage learners to complete the learner ILP pages.

A weekly report will run to check progress, so please ensure that you are engaging with this process.

FOR NEW STUDENTS ONLY

Please find attached the group tutorial resource for the ETF Online Courses, which MUST be delivered to all student groups during the INDUCTION week.

It is important that we help to build our students resilience to extremist narratives by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguements. 

Try to facilitate conversations about extremism and radicalisation in an age-appropriate way, as well as other social and political issues and revisit frequently to ensure retention of knowledge.

Please do get in touch with me if you have any questions: tutorials@cityplym.ac.uk 

Student Induction - Expectations

Student Induction - Study Programme

Student Induction - Support Services

Student Induction - Keeping You Safe

Get Ready To Learn - ETF Online Courses

ProPortal for Learners

Managing the Learner ILP Page

3. RUN, HIDE, TELL

It is important that our students are prepared and know how to protect themselves if the need arises.

RUN, HIDE, TELL

4. 1:1 CAREER PREP & PROGRESS REVIEW MEETING

Throughout the whole of September and October you have the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with your tutor about your work, your personal development and your future career. Successful 1:1 Career Prep & Progress Review Meetings benefit the you, the teaching team, the department and the College as a whole by ensuring that every student receives high-quality career guidance to make informed decisions about their future. The Gatsby Benchmarks serve as a framework for improvement in careers provision and have been adopted as part of the Government's Careers Strategy and statutory guidance for schools and colleges.

The eight Gatsby benchmarks of Good Career Guidance are:


1. A stable careers programme

2. Learning from career and labour market information

3. Addressing the needs of each pupil

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers

5. Encounters with employers and employees

6. Experiences of workplaces

7. Encounters with further and higher education

8. Personal guidance


1:1 Career Prep & Progress Review Meetings provide an opportunity for you to have time with your personal tutor:

Please ensure that your tutor reviews any previous SMART targets before setting new ones with you. SMART targets should be academically themed.

It is important that all students attend the session and that they participate in personal development activities which will allow them to develop new skills, improve themselves, change their lives and be happier. 

5. Prevent & FUNDAMENTAL BRITISH VALUES: A DISCUSSION

There is a requirement that we continually promote and revisit Fundamental British Values, and talking about these values can help build student’s resilience to extremist narratives. However, it’s not always easy to start the discussion. The aim of this session is to support you in facilitating these discussions, providing examples and ideas for Q&A.

Prevent & Fundamental British Values: A Discussion

6. RADICALISATION & Extremism: A Discussion

In 2015, the UK Government placed a duty on specified authorities to have, in the exercise of their functions, “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

Simply put, Prevent is about safeguarding individuals from being drawn into terrorism, ensuring those vulnerable to extremist and terrorist narratives are given appropriate advice and support at an early stage. Prevent is no different to any other form of safeguarding from harm.

We have an important role to play by providing a safe space for our learners to explore, discuss and debate the range of social and political issues in our rapidly changing world. Therefore, it is important to develop young people’s skills to be able to engage as active citizens in a democratic society, developing critical thinking skills so that they become resilient to and equipped to challenge divisive viewpoints and hate speech.

Radicalisation & Extremism: A Discussion

7. 1:1 CAREER PREP & PROGRESS REVIEW MEETING

Over the next 3 weeks you have the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with your tutor about your work, your personal development and your future career. Successful 1:1 Career Prep & Progress Review Meetings benefit you, the teaching team, the department and the College as a whole by ensuring that every student receives high-quality career guidance to make informed decisions about their future. The Gatsby Benchmarks serve as a framework for improvement in careers provision and have been adopted as part of the Government's Careers Strategy and statutory guidance for schools and colleges.

The eight Gatsby benchmarks of Good Career Guidance are:


1. A stable careers programme

2. Learning from career and labour market information

3. Addressing the needs of each pupil

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers

5. Encounters with employers and employees

6. Experiences of workplaces

7. Encounters with further and higher education

8. Personal guidance


1:1 Career Prep & Progress Review Meetings provide an opportunity for you to have time with your personal tutor:

Please ensure that your tutor reviews any previous SMART targets before setting new ones with you. SMART targets should be academically themed.

It is important that all students attend the session and that they participate in personal development activities which will allow them to develop new skills, improve themselves, change their lives and be happier. 


8. alcohol & drugs awareness

This week covers alcohol and many different types of drugs - what they look like, what they are called and the risks, but for further reading you may want to have a look at the TALK TO FRANK website. This resource is about the risks that come from being intoxicated – whether from alcohol or drugs - and how you can stay safe. 

Alcohol & Drugs Awareness: Know the risks & make informed choices

9. KNIFE CRIME

With a steady rise in knife related crimes being reported over the last few years, there is a concern that it is fast becoming an epidemic across the country, specifically impacting on young people, families and communities therefore, this week the group tutorial theme focuses on ensuring that our students are aware of the very serious legal and personal risks and consequences of carrying a knife or any offensive weapon - young people are often unaware of the legal consequences of carrying a knife and the impact that knife crime can have on individuals, families and communities. 

Young people often think that carrying a knife offers them protection when in fact it puts them more at risk. That our students are more aware of the influences, fears and pressures that can lead to the decision to carry a knife and how these can be managed or avoided. Finally, that our students are aware of the importance of telling someone if they know that someone else is carrying a knife - this is an important aspect of prevention work and is relevant to all young people.

Victims of Knife Crime

10. 1:1 CAREER PREP & PROGRESS REVIEW MEETING

Over the next 3 weeks you have the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with your tutor about your work, your personal development and your future career. Successful 1:1 Career Prep & Progress Review Meetings benefit you, the teaching team, the department and the College as a whole by ensuring that every student receives high-quality career guidance to make informed decisions about their future. The Gatsby Benchmarks serve as a framework for improvement in careers provision and have been adopted as part of the Government's Careers Strategy and statutory guidance for schools and colleges.

The eight Gatsby benchmarks of Good Career Guidance are:


1. A stable careers programme

2. Learning from career and labour market information

3. Addressing the needs of each pupil

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers

5. Encounters with employers and employees

6. Experiences of workplaces

7. Encounters with further and higher education

8. Personal guidance


1:1 Career Prep & Progress Review Meetings provide an opportunity for you to have time with your personal tutor:

Please ensure that your tutor reviews any previous SMART targets before setting new ones with you. SMART targets should be academically themed.

It is important that all students attend the session and that they participate in personal development activities which will allow them to develop new skills, improve themselves, change their lives and be happier. 

12. sexual harassment & Consent

There is an urgent need to challenge the seemingly harmless attitudes towards women and girls that contribute to a culture within which gender-based violence is normalised and even accepted. It is crucial that our students learn to recognise how these seemingly harmless attitudes, actions and beliefs serve as gateways to sexual harassment and eventually more extreme forms of sexual violence.

This session that is not a “nice-to-have” addition to the personal development and planning programme but is instead an urgent, critical session required to keep our students safe and to disrupt the patterns of harassment, abuse and violence that exist.

Sexual Harassment & Consent

13. sexting & consent

This week focuses on encouraging students to discuss consent and to identify the difference between expressed and implied consent. 

Students should also learn about sexting and the legal consequences. Students should discuss cause and effect and also the reasons why people are pressured into consenting/sending nude images/videos. 

Finally, students will be challenged through problem-based scenarios to demonstrate their knowledge.

Sexting & Consent

14. intended Destinations Meetings 

To ensure that our students are prepared for their next steps, or have planned for life beyond City College Plymouth, it is important that we support our students to secure a positive destination, whether that is a place at college, university, an apprenticeship, employment, volunteering or something completely different, we must endeavour to help all of our students to find the right pathway for them. 

Over the next 3 weeks you have the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with each of your students about their plans for the next academic year 2023/24. All students must have a Destinations and Progression Review.

Destinations and Progression Review Meetings provide an opportunity for the student to have time with their tutor:

Please use the attached video or ‘how to’ guide to ensure that you are completing the Destinations and Progression Review in line with College expectations. 


15. mindfulness & exam preparation


As many learners are preparing for exams in the summer term, media reports focus on the stress and anxiety that some learners can feel at this time. For some, the effects of stress can be minor or even positive but research suggests that one in seven learners can feel highly anxious about exams.


This weeks tutorial is designed to help learners see the signs of exam stress in themselves and their peers, and to support each other to cope.


Mindfulness & Exam Prep

16. The big all topic quiz

This week the group tutorial theme focuses on continuing to build knowledge and understanding of a range of issues that can and do affect young people. These issues have been covered in previous tutorials this year and the quiz should be used as a tool to revisit and promote discussions around these topics.


Ofsted short inspection 2020


Safeguarding: 

“regular posters and video campaigns keep learners up to date with matters relating to safeguarding, radicalisation and extremism, but too many learners have not learned about these topics in enough detail in their lessons and tutorials”

The tutorial will take the form of a Kahoot quiz, for which there will be a prize for the top player score from each academy, so please ensure that all students participate and that you send me a screenshot of the podium (to include names and scores) at the end of the quiz and by Friday 19th May. This is an ideal opportunity to promote discussions within the group but please be mindful that these topics may affect people in different ways, so allow time for reflection and conversation.

17. 1:1 CAREER PREP & PROGRESS REVIEW MEETING

Over the next 3 weeks you have the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion with your tutor about your work, your personal development and your future career. Successful 1:1 Career Prep & Progress Review Meetings benefit you, the teaching team, the department and the College as a whole by ensuring that every student receives high-quality career guidance to make informed decisions about their future. The Gatsby Benchmarks serve as a framework for improvement in careers provision and have been adopted as part of the Government's Careers Strategy and statutory guidance for schools and colleges.

The eight Gatsby benchmarks of Good Career Guidance are:


1. A stable careers programme

2. Learning from career and labour market information

3. Addressing the needs of each pupil

4. Linking curriculum learning to careers

5. Encounters with employers and employees

6. Experiences of workplaces

7. Encounters with further and higher education

8. Personal guidance


1:1 Career Prep & Progress Review Meetings provide an opportunity for you to have time with your personal tutor:

Please ensure that your tutor reviews any previous SMART targets before setting new ones with you. SMART targets should be academically themed.

It is important that all students attend the session and that they participate in personal development activities which will allow them to develop new skills, improve themselves, change their lives and be happier. 


18. health & wellbeing

It's fair to say the past 2 years have not exactly been easy, and many of us are feeling uncertain or anxious about the future.

But there's loads of things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing, and taking any time you can for self-care is massively important, especially now.

Knowing what steps we can take to support our mental wellbeing can help us feel better, sleep better and have better relationships with the people around us – and that goes not just for today but for the future too.

Health & Wellbeing

19. Being Active & staying healthy


Encouraging young people to be active and stay healthy is essential for their overall well-being and development. Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among young people has numerous benefits, including improved physical and mental health, disease prevention, enhanced academic performance, the development of social skills, and the establishment of lifelong habits. Encouraging regular physical activity and healthy habits early on sets the stage for a healthier and more fulfilling future.


We are running a competition this week where participants will be acknowledged and celebrated for their commitment to wellness. There will be prizes awarded to individuals who have shown outstanding dedication or improvement during the competition, so please make your students aware of this amazing incentive to start or continue their fitness journey, and how to get involved in an exciting week of wellness exploration and personal growth!


Please do get in touch with me if you have any questions: tutorials@cityplym.ac.uk 


Being Active & Staying Healthy

20. Exit Meetings/Targets & Careers meeting

Over the next 3 weeks your tutor will meet with you to complete the Exit Tutorials, your responses will support teams to ensure that you are fully supported and ready for your return in September, or your transition into Higher Education or the workplace.