Online handbook

Part

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Welcome from the Principal

I’m delighted you’ve joined us at Bolton College. This marks the start of an exciting journey - one where you’ll be supported, inspired, and equipped with the skills and confidence you need for the future. This Learner Planner is an important part of that journey. Use it to set goals, plan your days, track your timetable, and reflect on your progress. It’s also here to help you think ahead - mapping out your career ideas, next steps, and the skills you want to develop along the way.

Please make it your own and keep it up to date. By the end of the year, you’ll have a clear record of your hard work and achievements, ready to support your next steps.

Liam Sloan

We’d love to hear about your experience as a learner with us. Scan the QR code and share your feedback - whether it’s about your course, your classes, or life at College. What you tell us makes a difference and helps shape the future of Bolton College.

Careers Team

Tel: 01204 482 194

Email: careersteam.email@boltoncc.ac.uk

Safeguarding

Tel: 01204 482 755

Email: Safeguarding@boltoncc.ac.uk

Pastoral and Wellbeing Mentors

Tel: 01204 482 560

Email: Mentors@boltoncc.ac.uk

Counselling Service

Tel: 01204 482 560

Email: CounsellingService.email@ boltoncc.ac.uk

IT Helpdesk

Tel: 01204 482 119

Email: itshelpdesk@boltoncc.ac.uk

Attendance Line

Tel: 01204 482 999

Email: Attendance@boltoncc.ac.uk

My Campus & Learning Centres

Find contact details and addresses for all of our locations by scanning the QR code:

MY TIMETABLE

Lunch

AM PM

• Be READY - Take pride in our surroundings and keep our spaces clean.

• Be RESPECTFUL - Keep noise levels low and treat others with kindness.

• Be SAFE - Help maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for everyone.

Start your journey in a college that puts its people first - including you.

Good attendance shows you’re committed, reliable, and ready to succeed.

WHY

Being in college every day, on time, gives you the best chance to keep up with your learning, build your skills, and achieve your goals.

Employers notice good attendance, and so do we - it’s one of the simplest ways to stand out for the right reasons.

If you have a genuine reason for being absent, let us know as soon as possible by calling 01204 482 999. The line’s open from 7.30am – 4.30pm (Mon – Thu) and 7.30am – 4pm on a Friday, but please try to call before 8.30am. Make every lesson count - show up, stay on track, and succeed.

MY SUPPORT SERVICES

My Learner Support

At Bolton College, you’ll have access to a wide range of support - from mental health to financial - ensuring a positive experience and helping you achieve your ambitions. Scan the QR code to learn more.

My Personal Development & Goal Setting

At the start of the year, you’ll complete your About Me page on ProPortal to help shape your SMART targets with your Progress Tutor - scan the QR code to log in if you haven’t done so already.

Planning for My Career & Progression

As part of your Study Programme, you’ll complete work experience to boost your skills, confidence and CV – scan the QR code to explore Navigate, an online careers platform with CV and interview tips.

E

N R I C H M E

College is about new experiences so our ENRICHME programme gives you 30 hours of exciting activities every year, built around what matters to you: trips, guest speakers, sports, fun clubs, volunteering, creative sessions and more.

It’s all about building confidence, learning new skills and making friends.

ENRICHME stands for everything from Employability to Enjoyment - helping you thrive at college and beyond.

View our ENRICHME timetable here:

MY TUTORIALS

If your course includes tutorials, they’ll be led by your own dedicated Progress Tutor or Work Based Tutor and give you space to:

• Set goals and track your progress

• Get support with personal, academic or career challenges

• Explore future options to further your career

• Build confidence, resilience and life skills

If you have tutorials, make sure you attend - they’re an important part of your course and a great way to get the most out of your time at college.

It’s regular, one-to-one support - helping you stay focused, motivated and ready for what’s next.

MY ENGLISH & MATHS

Need to improve your grade? We can help you work towards a grade 4 and above - at your own pace, with plenty of support.

Whether it’s part of your Study Programme or Apprenticeship, or something you choose to do alongside your course, it’s a chance to:

• Boost confidence

• Learn your way

• Get extra help if needed

If you have English or maths sessions, make every single one count - attending every lesson is the key to making steady progress, keeping on top of your learning, and giving yourself the best chance of achieving that all-important grade.

It’s all about building the essentials - and your future.

* www.gov.uk/government/news/higher-gcse grades-linked-to-lifetime-earnings-boost

At the start of the year, you’ll use ProPortal to fill in your About Me page - a space to share your strengths, interests and career goals.

This helps shape your termly SMART targets, which are goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. These targets are there to keep you focused, track your progress and help you achieve your next steps.

Scan the QR code to log in to ProPortal and get started if you haven’t done so already.

MY PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & GOAL SETTING

Scan the QR code to log in to ProPortal and get started if you haven’t done so already.

MY REVISION & STUDY TIPS

Acceptable Use of AI

AI can be a great study buddy - it can help you understand tricky topics, give examples, or quiz you on what you’ve learned. But remember, it’s there to support your learning, not to do the work for you!

Copying from AI or submitting work you don’t fully understand could count as academic malpractice, which can cost you marks, your grade, or lead to disciplinary action.

Always use your own words, and make sure you can explain your work without help. For full guidance, check the Bolton College AI rules here.

My Revision Timetable

A good revision timetable makes study less stressful. Break subjects into smaller chunks, set realistic times for each one, and stick to it. Include breaks and downtime so you can recharge - a little bit every day beats one big last-minute cramming session.

My Exam Techniques

When it comes to exams, read the questions carefully, highlight key words, and plan your answers.

Keep an eye on the time, and if you get stuck, move on and come back to it later. Stay calm - even a few deep breaths can help

TIPS

MY REVISION & STUDY

Achieving High Grades

High grades don’t just happen - they’re built over time through consistent effort and smart study. Here’s how to give yourself the best chance:

• Arrive on time and be present for every lesson - you can’t learn what you miss!

• Pay attention in class and avoid distractions so you take in as much as possible.

• Ask questions if you’re unsure - it shows you’re engaged and helps you understand better.

• Go beyond memorising facts - make sure you truly understand the topic.

• Test yourself regularly and revisit weaker areas until they click.

• Use past papers to practise applying your knowledge under exam-style conditions.

• Act on feedback from tutors straight away.

• Work actively - summarise notes, create mind maps, or explain topics to someone else.

• Be curious - read around your subject, watch videos, or listen to podcasts to deepen your understanding.

• Stay consistent - it’s what you do every week, not just before the exam, that makes the difference.

Avoiding Procrastination

Procrastination is when you put off doing something important by doing something easier or more fun instead.

Beat it by starting with a small task, setting short deadlines, and rewarding yourself when you’ve ticked something off.

Keep your phone out of reach or on ‘Do Not Disturb’ - it’s one of the biggest distractions when you’re trying to work. Short, focused bursts of effort are far more productive than hours of half-working, half-scrolling.

GCSE & Functional Skills English & Maths

English: read a variety of texts - books, news articles, blogs - and think about the writer’s style and purpose. Practise planning and structuring your answers so you make your point clearly. Work on expanding your vocabulary, and always check your spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Time yourself when writing so you’re exam-ready.

Maths: practise little and often - short daily sessions keep skills fresh. Focus on the areas you find tricky, not just the ones you enjoy. Use past papers to get used to question styles and timing. Show all your working out, and check your answers carefully - even small mistakes can cost marks.

Useful Websites & Tools

PLANNING

Depending on your course, you may get the chance to take part in work experience, an industry placement, or a volunteering opportunity - all great ways to boost your skills, confidence, and CV.

Navigate has tips on CV writing and interview preparationscan the QR code to explore this brilliant resource.

Login to Navigate: