Frequently Asked Questions

What time does College start and finish?

What GCSE results do I need to get offered a place at College?

Are there any compulsory courses at College, like PE or Learning to Learn at school?

Why don’t you do practical courses like catering or hair and beauty?

Can I take 5 AS levels in my first year and 4A2 levels in my second year?

When will I know if I have got a place at College?

What happens at enrolment?

I’ve heard there are free periods at College, what can I do at these times?

What else can I do at College?

What if I don’t like my course?

What happens if I feel sick while I'm at College?

Are we allowed to go down town during the day?

Can my mates come and see me in College?

Can we wear what we like to College?  Is make-up/piercing/coloured hair allowed?

Can you get a detention at College?

What time does College start and finish?

The College teaching day starts at 08.50 and ends at 16.30, however, you will not be required to attend every session of every day as you will have personal study sessions built in to your timetable throughout the week.

What GCSE results do I need to get offered a place at College?

We offer a range of courses that suit students of all abilities – from no GCSEs to lots of A*s.  We work out what course level would be best for you by calculating your ‘Average GCSE Score’ – this ensures that you are on a course where you are going to succeed. You can do this yourself on our online calculator. There may also be specific entry requirements for courses in certain subjects, see individual course leaflet information for full details.

Are there any compulsory courses at College, like PE or Learning to Learn at school?

As well as your chosen programme of study you will be required to take part fully in our tutorial programme ‘Personal Learning and Development’.  This consists of two timetabled hours a week – one hour with a Personal Tutor who will share general information with you, conduct one to one meetings with you to help you plan to achieve your goals and will oversee your academic and general welfare at College.  The second hour is with a Personal Learning and Development teacher – you will cover a variety of modules specifically developed to help you prepare for and succeed in College, in the workplace and at university.  All physical activities and clubs are optional, we have a great range of activities and encourage all students to take part in something. 
If you have not achieved a grade C in English or Maths at GCSE you will be required to take a course that will help improve your skills to this grade.

Why don’t you do practical courses like catering or hair and beauty?

As a College we try to serve the demands of our community.  For example, over recent years we have established a thriving and well resourced Dance department.  In planning our courses we also look at subjects that are provided by other local Colleges.  The cost of putting on some practical subjects (including specialist buildings and equipment) makes it impossible to do so for the small number of students that request these courses.

Can I take 5 AS levels in my first year and 4A2 levels in my second year?

If this is right for you then it is a possibility.  However, we always remind students that employers and universities only ask for 3 A2 grades – it would be better to have three A grades than two A grades and two B grades (for example).   If you feel you can cope with more, it might be better for you to take on some volunteering or work experience that might help prepare you for the future.

When will I know if I have got a place at College?

The majority of students will be offered a place on an agreed course of study at their initial College interview.  This place will be subject to the entry requirements for that programme of study – if you do not gain the grades required we will always do our very best to find you a programme that will allow you to enjoy, achieve and progress.

What happens at enrolment?

Enrolment takes place after you have received your GCSE results from school. You will be sent an appointment date and time for the end of August and will come in to meet a member of the Enrolment Interview Team. If you have achieved the qualifications you need for the courses you have applied for you complete an enrolment form; if not you will receive further advice and guidance on what alternative choices might be available to you. If you have Additional Learning Support Needs, you will be able to meet someone from this team in order to set up the right support as you start at Alton. Following on from this, you will have your ID card made and you will be given all your access details for the College Computer network and email system. We also give you advice on what text books you should purchase and ask you to take a short on line test which looks at identifying your learning styles. This process takes around an hour, depending on your individual circumstances.

I’ve heard there are free periods at College, what can I do at these times?

In between your taught lessons for your subjects there are spaces in your timetable for you to carry out your independent study.  These sessions are not registered, so required your own self-management in terms of how you use them.  You can choose to work at home, in the Learning and Resource Centre, or in one of the many department work areas around College.  Of course you also need time to relax and there are some great student spaces where you can meet, chat and eat with friends, including the refectory, Amigos shop, coffee bar, Costa coffee, the patio area and the College Green.

What else can I do at College?

There is huge variety of additional  (enrichment) activities on offer at College and we strongly recommend that you get involved in activities other than just your subjects. There are many sports clubs, both competitive and for leisure; music enrichments have a high profile both within College and the local community; special interest groups meet and put on different events and a huge amount more. You can find out further details on this website.

What if I don’t like my course?

We work very hard to help all of our students choose the right course first time round.  However, if you start a course and you don’t like it you should talk to your teachers and personal tutor straight away.  There is a two week course freeze period at the start of the Autumn term, in the third week there is an opportunity to request a change to another course – however – you must have the entry requirements needed, it should fit in with your programme and future aspirations and there has to be space on the course requested. 

What happens if I feel sick while I'm at College?

If you are feeling poorly during the day and can either get home safely, or have someone who can collect you, then you should sign out explaining the situation at the Student Hub.  If you have had an accident, or are feeling very ill, you should ask a member of staff to call a First Aider, or dial 200 for reception (333 in an emergency) on any College phone.

Are we allowed to go down town during the day?

You must attend all of your lessons, ensuring that you arrive on time.  However, students are allowed on and off site during the College day, you do not need to sign in and out to do this. 

Can my mates come and see me in College?

If you have friends that are not currently studying at College they are not allowed on College site.  The College is private property and for health, safety and insurance purposes any visitors must have an official staff contact and sign in at reception.

Can we wear what we like to College?  Is make-up/piercing/coloured hair allowed?

There is no uniform at College, however we do expect you to dress in a way that avoids offending others – that means no rude slogans and no swimwear!  Make-up and piercings and any hair style is fine – just relax and be yourself.

Can you get a detention at College?

At College we don’t have detentions.  However, we do have high expectations of students with regard to attendance, additional personal study and attitude.  If any of these areas are not as we would expect we have a great deal of support services that we will use to help each student learn the skills to succeed in the independence of the College environment.  If there has been a serious issue of misconduct we may use the College Disciplinary Policy, which can ultimately ask a student to leave College.