Support For You
Our professional staff are very experienced at helping you get the most from your time at Bishop Auckland College.
Bishop Auckland College encourages applications from all people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
We want Bishop Auckland College to be as accessible as possible to our whole community.
That is why we are committed to providing sensitive and individualised support for all our students.
What Kind of Support Can We Offer
We can provide…
• Extra tuition through one-to-one and small group work.
• Support for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia
• Learning Support Assistants who come into classes and help you with your work
• Help with personal care needs, both inside and outside the classroom
• Assistance if you have a sensory impairment
• Notetakers
• Reader/notetaker
• Mentoring programme
• Special arrangements for examinations/assessments
Equipment and Technological Support
We have a wide range of specialist equipment including:
• Computers with specialist software such as Read and Write
• Spell checkers and thesauruses
• Dictaphones
• Specialist monitors and keyboards
• Text reader
• Screen software for blind/low vision computer users
• Scanners and digital cameras
• Magnifiers, glare guards
• Hearing loops
Specialist Advice
Bishop Auckland College can provide potential students with specialist advice and support. We also have links with a range of agencies.
Examination and Assessment
You may need to take an examination or assessment as part of your studies. It is essential that you discuss your needs with us as soon as possible in order to meet examination board deadlines.
The range of special arrangements may include:
• Extra time allowance
• Alternative papers e.g. Braille, modified layout or enlarged text
• Use of low vision aids
• Modification of language
• Use of a reader
• Signed communication
• Amplification
• Tape recording
• Answering in Braille
• Use of a scribe
• Alternative accommodation
How to ask for support
We want you to let us know as soon as possible if you require support. You can do this before you start College on your application form. This will give us the maximum time available to make arrangements.
You can start this process from your first visit to the College. A tour of the college will show you the buildings and identify any accessibility queries. After this time, we will be able to offer a much more informed assessment of the provision that may be available to you and begin a support plan aimed at meeting your individual needs.
Should you start your course and you feel you need support, you can still contact us at any time.
Please contact Victoria Russell on 01388 443132 for more information
We are here to help you if you have a problem or need confidential advice and information on:
- Transport
- Finance
- Childcare
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Relationships
- Mentoring/Professional Counselling
- Leisure Activities
Call 01388 44 30 51 for more information.
Childcare
We have a fully OFSTED inspected 112 place Nursery providing excellent childcare facilities. Students do not have to pay to use the College Nursery.
Activities
You will be able to take part in a variety of activities in your leisure time while at College. Perhaps you would like to join our gym or take part in sporting activities organised by our Sports Co-ordinator, enjoy an outing with other students or display your skills in table tennis, pool or Wii competitions.
Personal Tutors
Your personal tutor will help you make sure you are on track with your studies, receive any extra learning support you may need and generally help you settle in at College.
Learning Support
If you have a disability or are concerned about your existing skills - don’t worry we offer learning support to all students wishing to improve their skills.