Want to know more...

FAQ

I have a disability, will this prevent me from coming to College?

No, it will not. We are committed to enabling students with disabilities to gain the maximum benefit from College. Within Student Services, there is an Inclusive Learning Manager, who is there to offer support and guidance to any student with a physical disability, medical condition, mental ill health, dyslexia or general learning difficulty. We have a number of students who need a little extra help , we also provide extra staff and equipment if required.

What if I can’t afford it?

Don’t worry, we help students in financial hardship every year through our Learning Support Fund. If you are on a low wage or on benefits, we should be able to help you (depending on your circumstances). We may contribute to special clothing or equipment costs for your course, field trips or work experience, travel or childcare costs and applications to Higher Education. All you need to do if you have concerns about the financial aspects of studying is to contact the College Counsellor through Student Services. Don’t let the cost of studying put you off!

I have young children- what do I do about childcare?

The College is in partnership with Sure Start and the Dan Leisure Group in the provision of a nursery called Little Acorns located on the Rochford Campus. The Nursery offers care and educational opportunities to children aged from 3 months to 5 years. The Nursery has indoor and outdoor areas and is registered with Ofsted. If you feel you may not be able to afford childcare, get in touch because we have funding for childcare places for people on low incomes.

What if I can’t decide what to study?

No problem, we can provide an individual guidance interview to explore the areas you are most interested in, your abilities and ambitions. This discussion will cover the most suitable qualifications and employment opportunities. There is also a careers library in text and electronic format.

The quality of our careers guidance services was officially recognised recently when we gained Matrix accreditation from the Guidance Accreditation Board. We are also members of IAGA (Information And Guidance for Adults).In 2008 Boston College was awarded the Matrix Excellence Award for its work in advice and guidance of students, potential students, staff and partner organisations.

What if I haven’t got time to study?

Research among potential learners found this to be the most common reason for people not taking part in any learning activity. If time is short, we have a series of short courses that you can take part in, at times to suit you. For example, our IT courses can be completed in a few hours at a learning centre or in your own home. A Certificate in Numeracy or Literacy can be completed in as little as six hours, Level 2 is equivalent to a GCSE grade C. We also run a number of short courses in areas like electrical, plumbing and childcare. Lack of time should not be a reason for not learning!. For details of short courses throughout the year, refer to the college website.

I can’t come to college, I’m too nervous...

It is natural to feel nervous. Our own research shows that feeling anxious and nervous about coming to College is experienced by lots of people with anxiety increasing the older people get. There is no need to let this put you off coming to College because everyone is in the same boat.

What’s the point in studying; I already have a job?

There are lots of good reasons to study. Research shows that job prospects and pay are far better for people with qualifications than for those without. There is evidence that there are direct health benefits to studying including improved self esteem, reduced stress and a general feeling of well being. (Source: NIACE The impact of Learning On Health).

Employers consistently tell us that there is a skills gap in the local area with basic numeracy, literacy and IT skills being a particular problem.

What if I feel I’m not coping with the course or at home?

Try not to keep your problems to yourself. We have trained counsellors at the College who can offer support and advice. No one will know why you visited a counsellor and you can be confident that any information you give will remain private and confidential. You can pick up a leaflet in Student Services if you would like more information on counselling services.

I’m too old to learn!

You’re never too old to learn! We have learners of all ages who come to college. In fact, one of the visitors to the College Learning Centre in Boston is over 80!

What if I can’t speak English very well?

No problem, you will get extra support from our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) team. They can help you with your written and verbal English skills alongside your main studies.

My English & Maths is a bit rusty- will this affect my ability to do the course?

No, we provide additional Maths and English support to hundreds of students every year and we can arrange a confidential interview to discuss your specific needs; just call Student Services on the number below and we will arrange a confidential interview to discuss your needs.

You can access advice on all these areas by contacting one of the College Information Officers in Student Services.

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 8.45am – 5.15pm
Friday 8.45am – 4.45pm
Or telephone 01205 313128

We can also make out of hours appointments, if required.

Remember, everyone has something they are concerned about when considering starting a new course. Don’t let it put you off. Whatever you carry with you, together we can release your potential.

Page Last Updated : 14/08/2009 14:10:09