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Dates for your diary! Current students at Derby College Term Dates Parents Evening Dates 17/18 Prospective students of Derby CollegeInformation Evenings and general events

English and maths - Do you know the difference between GCSE & functional skills? Your son or daughter will now be working towards GCSE or Functional skills in English and or maths. The main difference between GCSEs and Functional Skills qualifications is that the former are there to assess academic ability, and the latter assess how students can apply the English and maths knowledge in everyday situations.

Functional Skills look at the ‘functional’ side of maths and English. They focus on providing realistic contexts, scenarios and problems; specific tasks that are relevant to students; problem solving; and the applications of knowledge, skills and understanding for a purpose. They enable individuals to operate confidently,

effectively and independently in life and work. Functional skills qualifications are aimed at students who have a GCSE grade E/2 or below in maths or English, and will support and develop their understanding and knowledge. They will support student’s progress towards GCSE. "Good English and maths grades are fundamental to young people's employment and education prospects⠀ "Individuals with very low literacy and numeracy are severely disadvantaged in the labour market." Prof Alison Wolf. We want to support your son or daughter in meeting their potential not only in education but also in employment. We have a number of maths and English (ME) employer events with local employers attending to talk with students about the need for good maths and English skills. Your son or daughter will be informed of the date by their tutor or personal coach. If you have any questions regarding English or maths please email the English and maths team.

Careers At the beginning of this month we held a Volunteering Fair at our Ilkeston Campus. The fair was attended by a number of local organisations, all of whom have a range of volunteering opportunities available for students. Over 130 students attended the event.

Organisations who attended included the Guide Dogs Association, Derbyshire Police Support Volunteers, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Umbrella, the Girl Guiding Association, Derbyshire Fire Service Volunteers and New Life for Disabled Children. This year's UCAS application cycle is well under way and parents/carers are asked to please remind students who wish to make an application for Higher Education this year, that they need to complete and submit their online UCAS form as soon as possible. In addition, they also need to pay the UCAS fee at Student Services and see their personal tutor to have their application and personal statement checked and their hand-in checklist signed. All applicants should have a paper copy of the comprehensive 'Applying to HE' guide to help them with this process. A limited number of extra paper copies are available from Student Services and it is also available electronically on the 'My Career' site on Moodle.

Student Voice Derby College values the Student Voice. Students’ views and ideas are key to how we develop life and study at Derby College. The Post-Induction survey is currently live, of which your child will be asked to participate. This survey will ask Students their views on admissions, enrolment and the first few weeks at College. If your child would like to tell us about their experience at Derby College, they can email Student Voice Co-Ordinator or call 01332 387400. Student Ambassadors We continue to encourage every student to become a Student Ambassador. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience and learn new skills including event management, public speaking and marketing. Volunteering is an excellent addition to any CV or UCAS application. For further information please email Student Voice Co-Ordinator or call 01332 387400. Parent Voice Your views matter to us and the feedback you provide will help us shape the service we provide your child at Derby College. If you would like to tell us your views please email Parent Voice.

#Helloyellow - World Mental Health Day 10th October 2017 On the 10th of October the Mental Health Task Group supported the Young Minds #Helloyellow campaign to celebrate World Mental Health day. Staff and students were encouraged to wear yellow in order to show young people that they are not alone when it comes to their mental health.

Each campus had a stall with information about support for mental health and a photo booth for students to have their pictures taken to share via the #Helloyellow hashtag. Students were also encouraged to write a positive mental health message to their peers. A short 15 -30 minute Mental Health Awareness presentation has also been delivered during the tutorial sessions to raise awareness of Mental Health issues and to highlight the support that is available to students at Derby College. For more information about support for your child’s mental health email the Intervention Support Team or call on 01332 836613

‘HALLOWEEN THEME’ OPEN DAY The Animal Unit at our Broomfield Hall campus will be getting visitors into the Halloween mood on Saturday 21st October with the chance to get up close and personal with some of the creepy crawlies who are looked after by students there.

Millipedes, cockroaches and sun beetles will be just some of the insects that visitors can handle at the family open day between 10am and 4pm as well as some of the reptiles who are resident in the animal unit with special sessions on how to care for them at home.

Entrance is £3 for adults and £1 for children (cash only) and, for more information visit the event page

Macmillian Cancer Support On the 29th September, students, staff and visitors at our Joseph Wright Campus took part in the World's biggest coffee morning for Macmillian Cancer Support. The 'call' went out to both students and staff to bake, buy and bring cakes to the event and for student volunteers to work on the stall. A massive thank you to everyone that got involved raising £215.30 for the charity.

Fully qualified hair stylists now work in the SENSI Roundhouse salon offering you a wide range of professional hair services. Take advantage of our introductory offers: Receive 10% off any hair service with a Graduate Stylist at your first appointment. Or, book your appointment for a Monday when we drop our prices! View introductory offers. View full price list and opening hours. To book an appointment at Roundhouse SENSI call 01332 387474

It's never too late to learn

Do you want to improve your skills and prospects? Do you need an up-to-date maths or English qualification on your CV? Have you been away from education for a while and are now keen to refresh your skills? Would you like to be confident in helping your children with their homework? Then why not consider a FREE Adult Maths and English course at Derby College? Read More.

Career Learning Ladder opportunities for adults 2017 - 2018Our Career Learning Ladder guide is full of inspiration for anyone who wants to take the next step on their journey to success in work and life. Whether you’re keen to upgrade and update your skills, looking for a promotion at work, planning a change of career, hoping to launch your own business or considering university-level study, Derby College will put you on the right pathway. Read more online about study programmes or download your copy of the Career Learning Ladder.

Learning for Leisure Take a look at our part-time learning opportunities. Our courses have been designed for adults who are looking to pursue a hobby or learn a new skill. This year we also have a selection of adult and child learning workshops to inspire the whole family. Read more.

Your mind and well-being Yoga promotes relaxation and reduces those everyday stresses. Come and regain control of your mental health and personal well-being, all within a supportive and non-judgemental learning environment. Book a yoga and relaxation session held at our Joseph Wright Centre campus: Yoga & Relaxation (4-Weeks) Yoga & Relaxation (6-Weeks) Yoga & Relaxation (7-Weeks)

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