Open Evenings
The most important part of deciding whether or not you want to go to College is
discovering what you want to do when you get there.
Lots of people might give you advice on the type of course you should be studying
and where you should be going but the most important thing is that you choose the
right course programme for you.
This prospectus contains all the options available to you for the coming academic
year and gives you some idea of what to expect from a course, but the best way to
find out what is involved is to come to one of our Open Evenings. We hold three
Open Evenings a year, two in October and one in March. They are specifically designed
for Year 11 pupils and their parents/carers to help give you as much information
about South Downs College and our courses as you need.
It is important that you take time to visit all the colleges you are considering,
to decide if the environment and facilities are what you want. Not only do you get
to have a good look around the College but you’ll also get to talk to the people
involved in the courses you are interested in - not just the tutors, but other students
who are already taking the subject.
Shadowing Opportunities
Shadowing tours are for Year 11 students only and are aimed at those people who
are unable to decide which course is right for them. They can be held during a morning
or afternoon and give you the opportunity to meet with one of our Student Ambassadors
(a current student) to take a tour around the College and find out more about the
subject or subjects you are hoping to study.
Shadowing tours are particularly useful if you are unable to decide between two
vocational courses or are unsure about your AS level choices.
For further information, or to arrange a shadowing visit please contact the Advice
& Guidance Team through Reception on 023 9279 7979.
Year 10 Taster Days
Our Taster Day programme is run in conjunction with lots of local schools. You and
your year group will spend the day at South Downs trying out different subjects
and getting experience of general College life.
If your school does visit South Downs for a Taster Day it will be in the summer
term of Year 10 so it’s the perfect time to see us before you start Year 11. You
will pick your sessions in advance, so we know you will be doing things that interest
you and get to spend some time taking part in ‘hands on’ fun activities. You might
decide you want to spend the day in subjects you are good at or enjoy at school,
or you might want to take the opportunity to try something completely new.
Student Voice
The South Downs College ‘Student Voice’ is a chance for our students to be heard.
Whether it is groups of students or individual opinion the Student Voice lets us
hear their views on College life, courses and student experiences.
By using the Student Voice, students are able to give honest and genuine opinions
which help us to continually improve all the courses, facilities and services we
offer across the College. Throughout this prospectus you will see we have added
the views we gathered from our students to give you a greater insight into life
at South Downs College from the people who experience it every day.