Student Support
Help when you need it
College life can sometimes seem daunting, but don't worry! We have a team of people who work alongside your subject teachers to make sure you get help when you need it.
Tutorial Support
Starting College can be daunting for some and exciting for others. Your Student Support Manager (SSM) will be there to help you settle in and guide you towards achieving your potential from your first day until the day you leave.
Your SSM is a central point of contact for you. Our aim is to empower you to take responsibility for your own learning and be an advocate between you, your subject teachers and home. We’re also here if you have any personal issues or just fancy dropping in for a chat.
We believe you are a young adult and our tutorial programme focuses on enabling you to best plan and develop your studies so that you may leave St Brendan's with a much clearer vision of yourself and the variety of options that are open to you.
You will be timetabled to meet regularly with your SSM and your tutor group. We will be monitoring your attendance, progress and attainment as well as preparing you for the next stage in your life; be it university, an apprenticeship, gap year or the world of work. We will help you to set targets and to prepare C.V.s.
We are keen to maintain close contact with home. The College encourages your parents to contact SSMs if they are concerned about any aspect of your progress or welfare.
The College actively promotes equality of opportunity, regardless of such characteristics as gender, ethnic group or disability. Mutual respect is encouraged and expected in all relationships.
Attendance at tutor periods will be an essential commitment for you and an integral part of your time at St Brendan's.
Learning Support Team provide extra help with communication, numeracy or IT skills on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. They also support any student with a learning difficulty or disability.
With our Careers Team you will be able to plan your next step beyond College life using the information provided on the careers programme.
Our own careers officer works closely with Connexions staff to provide a comprehensive service. Advice and guidance are provided on progressing to employment, Higher or Further Education or work-based training, including careers fairs organised by the College.
Specialist help is available to you when you complete your UCAS form, write your C.V. and practise your interview technique.
The Chaplaincy, led by our lay Chaplain John Williamson, offers support to staff and students in their day-to-day lives. We have a lovely quiet chapel at the heart of the College, hold regular services, and have a new library/study/prayer room for students' use.
Our Student Counsellor can give confidential help with personal problems of any kind.
If you have money worries, please let us know as early as possible, as special funds may be available.
The Student Union may also be able to help with any queries you have. The current Officers are Chad Barley, President; Leigh-Ann Clarke, Vice President; Marisa Heredia, Secretary, Sam Bromiley, Treasurer; Ben Malin, Student Governor; Aureen Ferrão, Equality & Diversity Officer; Katie Brown, Communications. Their term runs for one year from May 2008.