Frequently Asked Questions - Lancaster and Morecambe College

Frequently Asked Questions for parents

My son/daughter is looking to achieve straight As at GCSE; is there anything for them at college?

Yes! If your son/daughter knows what career path they would like to follow, or what subject they would like to study at university, Lancaster & Morecambe College can offer them a career-led route to achieving their ambition. National Diploma courses at Lancaster & Morecambe College are equivalent to 3 A-Levels and provide practical skills and experience alongside the theoretical understanding and underpinning knowledge required to progress to university or employment in their chosen subject area.

LMC offers an adult environment where, with appropriate support, students can take responsibility for their own learning.

If my son/daughter completes a vocational qualification can they still go to university?

Yes! National Diploma courses at Lancaster & Morecambe College are equivalent to 3 A-Levels and provide practical skills and experience alongside the theoretical understanding and underpinning knowledge required to progress to university or employment in the chosen subject area. Many of our National Diploma students choose to progress to university locally, nationally and internationally.

What happens if my son/daughter requires some additional learning support?

All students complete an initial assessment as part of their induction programme which will help them identify, in conjunction with college staff, any learning support requirements they may have. Support may include one-toone support in the classroom, access to specialist equipment or learning materials provided in Braille, large print or audio files. It may also include help getting around or a sign language communicator.

If you are aware of additional learning support requirements for your son/daughter, please highlight this on their application form, or discuss the topic at your interview. You can make us aware of any particular needs prior to your son/daughter starting college or indeed, at any time during their studies. If you are able to make us aware of additional needs prior to starting at college we can arrange for support or specialist equipment to be available from their first day with us.

See Learning Support for more info

The college is so big – won’t my son/daughter get lost in the crowd?

Although the college campus is large in comparison to most schools, your son/daughter will certainly not be lost in the crowd. It may surprise you that each individual student actually has access to more help and support than in the traditional school environment.

Each student has a personal tutor who will meet with them regularly to discuss their progress and any issues that may arise. Tutors will also stay in touch with you via regular progress reports, celebration events and parents evenings. Due to the nature of the courses at college, strong team bonds are formed by students studying the same subject, creating an informal support network within each programme area.

Student Services are available every day to answer any questions your son/daughter may have during their time at college. Student Services also offer advice and guidance on progression routes, higher education and financial assistance, as well as information on volunteering, applying for jobs and completing a CV.

We value your feedback on all aspects of college life and will ask for your opinion on our services via parent surveys.

What if my son/daughter doesn’t do as well as expected at GCSE?

Don’t worry! Contact the college and one of our friendly Student Service Advisers can help you explore your options. We have a GCSE results open day Friday 28 August 2009 where you and your son/daughter can talk to tutors and find out what options are open to you at college.

We live out of the area – is there any help with transport costs?

Yes, if you live outside Lancaster and Morecambe the college provides transport to and from college on college buses for all full time students.

If you live in Garstang or the surrounding area, your son/daughter may be eligible to receive a bus pass that can be used on scheduled bus services.

See Bus Service for more info

I’ve heard that students take control of their own learning at college, how can I be sure my son/daughter is doing enough work to pass?

Each student has a personal tutor who will meet with them regularly to discuss their progress and any issues that may arise. Tutors will also stay in touch with you via regular progress reports and parents evenings.

The Programme Mentors will automatically get in touch with your son/daughter if they are regularly absent, miss coursework deadlines or their tutor has any concerns about their commitment to the course. The Programme Mentors are available to assist with any difficulties your son/daughter may have with attendance, accommodation, their course and their achievements. If you have any concerns or questions about your son/daughter’s progress at college, you can contact their personal tutor at any time. You will be provided with the relevant contact number/e-mail address when your son/daughter starts at college. We value your feedback on all aspects of college life and will ask for your opinion on our services via parent surveys.

Does the practical emphasis of college courses limit my son/daughter’s future options?

Courses at LMC are designed to offer our students the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to begin their career in their chosen subject area or to progress to higher level study. Many of the skills gained are transferable and can be used to help support your child through their future progression. Universities and employers often welcome the additional competence and skills gained on vocational courses where students gain practical experience of the industry and workplace, not just an ‘academic’ understanding. Indeed, a number of employers have been quoted in the press stating that they are increasingly focusing on the skills of an individual rather than traditional academic qualifications.

The practical nature of our courses does mean that your son/daughter will focus on the subject area they have chosen e.g. Business, however the self discipline, commercial awareness, practical skills, initiative and confidence developed will be invaluable in a number of career paths and progression opportunities. Numeracy, Literacy and ICT are embedded in all our programmes.

If your son/daughter has a clear idea of what they would like to achieve, be it university study, employment or particular skills they’d like to master, LMC can offer the course that’s right for them.

How much do college courses cost?

Students aged 16-18 can study a full time programme at college FREE of charge. Students aged 19-24 working towards their first full level 3 qualification may be eligible for FREE study. Students aged over 19 working towards their first full level 2 qualification may also be eligible for FREE study.

Students aged 19 and over who do not meet the eligibility criteria for FREE study will be asked to contribute to the cost of the course, currently £297 per year for a full time programme. Courses may be FREE to those in receipt of income based benefits – please check eligibility with Student Services.