We provide additional, personal support to help you in your studies and to achieve your qualifications.
As well as course-specific assistance from tutors and help with planning for your next steps via our careers advice team, we also offer personalised day-to-day support through our Progress Coaches.
Student Achievement Mentors (SAMs)
SAMs are a key part of the college-wide support service, providing tailored assistance to learners who may face barriers to their education. Since 2021, BDC has had a dedicated team of support staff committed to helping students overcome challenges and success in their studies.
SAMs also play a vital role in supporting student with attendance and delivering weekly tutorial sessions based on key topics. All 16-18 learners at the College are assigned a dedicated SAM within their specific curriculum area of study.
They support students with:
- Disengagement from the course
- Confidence
- Time management
- Wellbeing
- 1-2-1s
- Remove barriers and obstacles to learning
- Refer to Support Services
Group Tutorials
Group tutorials focus on helping you to be a successful student and on preparing you for life after college.
Your Progress Coach will work with you in groups to develop your personal and employability skills and assist you with achieving goals. They’ll also help with your progression to Further or Higher Education, apprenticeships and/or employment.
Your group tutorial is also an important opportunity for you to discuss any other issues affecting you.
Individual Tutorials
Throughout the year, your Progress Coach will ask to meet with you on an individual basis.
During these sessions you will work together to review your progress, identify your strengths and improvement opportunities, and set them as SMART targets and action plans to help you successfully achieve your goals.
This is compiled through the eTrackr ILP (Individual learning Plan).
Individual Learning Plan
The Individual Learning Plan allows all tutors and support staff who are working with you in college to give you feedback, help you set and meet targets, and develop an ongoing report of your progress and achievement on your course.
