Grapevine
Weekly news and information
This week we look at World Autism Day, Easter and we ask your views on how the Student Governors are elected
World Autism Day 2nd April 2014
Raise autism awareness - Watch and share this video
Autism Myths and Facts
What is Autism?
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people and the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain areas of difficulty, their condition will affect them in different ways. Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. Around 1 in 100 people have autism, which means about 700,000 people in the UK are affected by it. Children with autism grow up to be adults with autism (some people think this is a childhood condition but in fact it is a lifelong condition). Some people with autism may be extra sensitive to light, sound or touch, they may find it difficult to interpret any hidden or assumed meanings in a conversation such as irony or humour, and they some may prefer routine and order, and become anxious without it. Some people with autism have interests that they think about a lot, which can make it difficult for them to focus on other things sometimes.
Daisy Chain will be in college during this week to help to raise awareness on their work and on World Autism Day. Go along and talk to them when you see them.
Living with Autism - Tom's story
Living with Autism
World Autism Day is Onesie Wednesday. See some 'onesie facts' about college below
We hope we are 'Number onesie' for support for autism (yes worth a groan)
The college work with a number of specialists in autism, incuding the National Autistic Society, Daisy Chain and Espa, and some of the staff even work with us. Every one of our students requiring support is met with as an individual and their needs discussed with them, which might include additional work with specialists such as Espa, as we know our students are full of potential and we want to help them achieve their goals!
We have 'onesie' person (more groaning) who can help if needed
The college have a specialist staff member, who is able to support students with austism and their tutors if this is needed in making adaptations to course work, teaching approaches or even just to talk to when things get tough! Contact andrea.pearson@stockton.ac.uk for more information.
We are supporting Onesie Wednesday- but some of us are feeling blue!
The theme of World Autism Day this year is Onesie Wednesday. Show your support for Autism awareness by wearing a onesie (if you are brave) or by wearing something blue (if you are not quite as brave- like most of the student services team!)
What's your next step?
If you are still considering your next step, make an appointment to speak to one of our careers advisors ASAP! We can help! While you wait, get ready to start thinking about your future by trying out the Skills Explorer (link below ) to match your skills and preferences to some of the best careers available today! The college will also be celebrating progression week during 6-9 May, and we want to make sure you know what you are looking forward to!
Term dates
Easter- from 7 to 21 April 2014 is the Easter Holidays. We look forward to seeing you back at college on 22nd (complete with your college ID!). College is actually open over Easter (apart from Good Friday) and the student services team are available. The Text Safe service is also available over Easter if you need it. (Text Safe to 81025)
Easter meaning
Easter is a Christian festival, honouring the death by crucifixion, and consequent resurrection of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe is the son of God. Christians believe that God allowed his son to be crucified to grant forgiveness to the human race for its sins. Christians prepare for Easter during Lent, a period of 40 days and nights of abstinence, matched to the 40 days and nights that Jesus was said to be in the desert battling against evil and resisting temptation from the devil. Eastertime also has some origins in the pagan celebrations of spring, which is where the tradition of Easter eggs originated. Many Christians will attend church on Good Friday (the day of the crucifixion) and Easter Sunday (the day Jesus was discovered to have been resurrected) to honour Jesus sacrifice.
Easter Competitions
Take part in our Easter Poetry competition to be in with a chance to win £20 to spend over the hols. Hand in your entry to the Core team. The winner will be chosen based on content, but must include accurate spelling, grammar, punctuation.
Do something good for someone else this Easter and tweet us to tell us about it. Tweet us on @studentsrc and we will share it with the world (or at least with our twitter followers). Remember to stay safe though! £10 prize for the best tweet.
Other stuff
Breakfast on us
Breakfast is the best meal of the day, and the one that helps you concentrate. People who don’t eat breakfast are statistically more likely to be overweight in adulthood. Get your breakfast free in room 604 (SRC2) from 8.30-9 each morning. The Student Services apprenticeship team take up the reins in running the club for a few weeks – pop along and put them through their paces! Toast - free! Tea/coffee - free!
Could you be the next student governor?
Share your views. What would you like to see changed? This week we are looking at the student governor role. Currently the Student Union choose a student governor, and it is normally the president. But should this be the case? Do you think the Student Governor should be the SU president or someone who wants to be the Student Governor? The Principal and Governors of the college are keen to get your take on it. Contact Lorna- lorna.mclean@stockton.ac.uk to share your view and even to put yourself forward!
Ofsted and You - Helping us to Improve
Ofsted are the Government organisation responsible for measuring and reporting standards in education - they look at everything from childminders to colleges, and are in place to ensure that high standards of education and experience are in place everywhere that delivers education. Help us to improve even further and keep up high standards by letting us know what we can do better, and how your experience is at college. Speak to your class rep, your tutor or the SU president, or come along to reception and ask to speak to a member of student services. Ofsted will attend the college some time before the end of the year.
Info from last week - reminder
What would you do with your Vote?
Do you know enough about what is going on in the world around you? Any idea which political party is most in line with your views on life? You need to think about this, as, if the law is changed to allow you to vote at 16, your votes will change the political world. Are you ready?
Get ready for Votes at 16!
The Youth Parliament, especially the Warwickshire constituency, are currently campaigning for a Political Awareness/Education being introduced into secondary schools. Government are very close to passing votes at 16 which means year 11/school leavers will be able to vote. We find that many of the older generation do not understand the basics of the British political system and how/why to vote, never mind 16+ year olds, although they are members of society and able to work so they should be able to vote. By signing this petition you are backing our campaign in trying to introduce the basic knowledge of British politics and voting into secondary schools. Click on the link below to add your signature to the e-petition and ensure that 16 year olds are well prepared to change the country, and even the world!
What can you do to prepare for Votes at 16?
Get involved in democracy at college ** Get involved in the Student Union ** Join the "Votes at 16" campaign and make your voice heard.
Other political news- sign an e-petition for free transport
Free Transport for 16 Year Olds
Young people now have to stay in some form of education or take a job which leads to a qualification for a further year starting with the current year 11 students who have just taken their GCSE qualifications. However, the provision for post 16 transport has not been altered to reflect the change. Local authorities are able to set their own criteria for transport charges, but these charges should be consistent for all young people until the time they are able to leave education, that being post 17 for the next 2 academic years, then post 18 thereafter. Click on the link below to register your vote to back the Free Transport for 16 year olds campaign. YOU can make a difference!
New Student Union President
The current Student Union President, Idrissa Barrie would like to make sure there is a new "president in waiting" to give you a headstart on next year. This would mean an early election for the president, who would then shadow Idrissa for the rest of the year and learn the ropes. Go along to reception this week on Wednesday at 1 and talk to Idrissa about his proposals. He is really keen to hear your views.
Are you an Enterprise Pioneer?
If you are aged 16-21 years of age, passionate about making a difference in your community, you could receive up to £500 to help start up your own social enterprise. The FE Pioneers project is about encouraging young people to think about setting up their own social enterprise and taking action to improve the lives of others. Already 10 College students have received funding to help them set up exciting ventures such as providing dance classes to vulnerable teenagers, art classes to victims of bullying, organised an event to help other people set up their own business and many other events and activities. If you have a passion to take action and would like to find out more, contact Nicola Errington at Nicola.errington@stockton.ac.uk
ENTERPRISE SOCIETY
We are looking for students to help organise a College event to promote enterprise to other students. It needs to be creative, fun, interactive and a little bit wacky! The event will take place in May or June. If you are interested, contact Nicola Errington at Nicola.errington@stockton.ac.uk
Other information
Your College ID
We ask all of our students to wear their ID in college at all times. This is to ensure our college stays a safe place, and that we can identify anyone who should not be in student only areas. If you have any concerns about wearing your ID, please speak to your tutor. If you need a different type of ID holder (e.g. a clip or arm band) go to reception /Information and Guidance who will arrange it for you. Staff will ask to see your ID if you aren’t wearing it visibly. If you want more information on staying safe in college, text Safe to 81025.
Student Services Teams
Who are we? Youth work * Learning Support * Careers * Core * Information and Guidance * Safeguarding
Email: lorna.mclean@stockton.ac.uk
Website: www.stockton.ac.uk
Phone: 01642 865464
Twitter: @studentsrc