This induction pack is designed to give you all the information that you will need while you are studying with BCT. For you to gain maximum benefit from your course it is essential that you understand all of this information. If you have any questions, then please ask.
Learner Induction Pack
Digital Media Level 1
Welcome Big Creative Training (BCT) and your course.
Aims and Objectives
Your training course is tailored to meet your individual needs and is based on the assessments and interviews carried out during your induction and initial assessment. Should you have any queries regarding your training then please ask the lead tutor on your course.
Staff Members
- Tutor: James Millington
- Support tutor: Will alexander
- Curriculum manager: Jon Crabbe
- Maths: Elaine Smith (Manager)
- English: Zainab Jenkins (Manager)
Useful Numbers
- BCT Campus – 0203 873 5800
- Support Tutor/Tutor – 07878 001 795
Length of Course
Your training programme lasts for 38 taught weeks
Your Qualifications
You will work towards the following qualifications:
- BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Creative Media Production
- Maths and English
Your chosen programme includes the following areas
- Maths and English
- Self-Development Programme
- Work experience
- Vocational study
Training Centre Address
BCE Uplands House, Uplands Business Park C
Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow
London, E17 5QJ
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Course content
Digital Media Level 1
Digital Media Level 1 will teach you all the essential skills, knowledge and experience you will need to begin your extensive career in Media. You will learn about the whole production process; from pre-production, production to post-production. Throughout the year, expect to delve into the world of photography, videography, film editing, digital marketing, print media and web design. You will learn how to use a range of cameras and equipment, as well as a variety of computer software programmes that will all become essential for your creative media journey.
Induction and initial assessment
Induction is the six-week period at the beginning of the course that enables you to find out all about the course and also helps BCT to evaluate your learning needs. It will also be the period where you get to know your fellow students, the BCT staff and find out what you will be learning.
Individual learning plan
At the end of induction you will have a one to one with one of your tutors and at this time you will create your individual learning plan (ILP).
The ILP is the document that will accompany you throughout your training with BCT and will hold all the details of your individual training programme, your hours of study, personalized targets and outcomes from your monthly reviews and progression information.
Maths and English
At BCT we offer GCSEs and functional skills (FS) in maths and English. FS are practical skills in English and maths that will help you get the most out of work, education and everyday life.
You will need the functional skills you learn in order to be able to fully benefit from your course.Students who are exempt from maths and English will take part in the gifted and talented programme.
| Prior qualification | You will study |
| GCSE at C/4 or above | Exempt |
| GCSE at D/3 | Re-sit GCSE |
| GCSE Grade E or Functional skills at L2 | GCSE or Functional Skills |
| Functional skills at L1 | GCSE or Functional Skills |
| FS Entry 3 or No qualification | Functional skills |
Student Services Department
Located in Room 20
Financial support
If you are in need of financial support you will be able to access the 16-19 bursary and the BCT hardship fund. You may also be eligible for a free meal. You will have an induction to the bursary and free meals from the BCT student services team who will assess your circumstances and let you know if you are eligible and how much you can receive.
If you have any questions about the bursary or free meals please call into the Student Services team in room 20.
Health & Wellbeing
If you need any help with your health or wellbeing, including contraceptives, toiletries, food or emotional support please call into the Student services team in room 20.
Travel support
Travel is free on buses and trams for all 16 and 17 year olds who permanently reside within a London borough and are in full-time education. You will need to apply for a 16-17-year-old Oyster photo card to claim free travel and the application form needs to be authorised by BCT.
Students aged 18 or over can apply or a student Oyster photo card and get 30% off Travel card and bus pass season tickets. Students who are aged 18 on 31st August before starting their course can use the 16 and 17-year-old application online.
Job or training search
One of the purposes of BCT courses is to provide you the skills needed to help you find a job of further training in today’s competitive market. In order to prepare you for this an important part of your course includes sessions where you will cover:
- Effective CV writing
- Letter writing and application forms
- Interview practice
- Practical job and course search
This is a compulsory part of the course and you must attend all sessions. You will also be supported by the BCT careers and progression officer who is there to help you find a suitable job or further training course for when you leave BCT.
Careers and progression day is on the 7th May 2020. All learners attend to find out more about careers options. Take part in exciting workshops and network with creative companies. All learners and staff are expected to attend.
Work Experience placements
All learners will take part in a 5-day work experience opportunity as part of their course. BCT has a well-established network of industry contacts that offer the valuable opportunity of work placement to those students who have demonstrated the commitment, willingness to learn and enthusiasm necessary to operate effectively in the creative industries. Your placement will be designed to move your skills forward and will be appropriate for your previous experience. You can also source your own work placements and BCT will support you in this.
Personal problems
If you have any personal issues, either practical or emotional, please talk to your lead tutor, support tutor, curriculum manager or a member of the student services team, who will help you in every possible way. If you feel you need further assistance, we can arrange for you to meet with a professional in the relevant area.
Childcare
If you need help with childcare in order to attend your training course, then speak with the Student Services team. They will check if you are eligible and help you apply.
Breakfast club
There will be a free breakfast club available to all BCT learners every day from 8.30am to 9.15am. If you arrive between these times you will be able to have a free healthy breakfast provided by BCT. You will be required to tidy up after yourself.
General Conduct
Attendance
Whilst you are on your course it is essential that you attend all of your training sessions and that you are on time and ready to start at the beginning of the lesson. This is to prevent you from falling behind in your course work and to ensure that you do not lose your entitlement to bursary payments.
Timekeeping
Whilst you are in training or work placement we will treat you as though you are employed. Consequently, you are expected to attend all training sessions and be on time. In the morning you will be expected to be in your room and ready to start the session by 9.30am. If you are not ready by this time or you are late back from lunch or a break you may lose some of your entitlement to bursary.
Assembly
You will be invited to regular assemblies with the BCT team. The assembly will be an opportunity to meet with other learners, find out about forthcoming opportunities and share the work you have been doing on the course.
Parent / carers evening
After induction your parents or carers will be invited to come in to the centre to meet your tutors and see some of the work you have been doing. This is great chance to share your work with the important people in your lives. If your parent or carer is not able to come you could bring a friend or other relative.
Enrichment opportunities
There will be a range of opportunities for you to take part in during the year. This will include sports day, trips and industry guest speakers. There will also be evening opportunities, master classes, lots of events and other exciting things happening.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones are banned from all training sessions. If someone close to you needs to contact you they can phone the training centre number which is 020 8498 3300. The reception team will get an urgent message to you straight away.
Behavior and attitude
Whilst you are on your training course you will meet other trainees from a variety of different backgrounds and abilities. You are expected to be respectful of others at all times. Any disruptive or abusive behavior will be dealt with under the terms of the disciplinary procedure (see below).
Disciplinary procedure
Good discipline is essential for effective training and you are expected to act in a reasonable and disciplined manner at all times. Persistent or serious misconduct will lead to disciplinary action being taken. The standard procedure is as follows:
- Your tutor will discuss the problem with you.
- You will be given one formal verbal warning.
- You will be given a first written warning with targets and a weekly follow up by your Tutor. This is called a special measures contract.
- You will be given a final written warning with targets and a weekly follow up by Your Curriculum Manager. This is called a final measures contract.
- If misconduct persists, then you will have a meeting with the Deputy Director of Study Programmes and you may be terminated from the training programme without further notice.
- If you are not happy with the decision that has been taken you can complain or appeal using the policy here http://bcepolicies.com/public-documents
In the case of gross misconduct (e.g. acts of violence, weapons, theft, drugs, racism, sexism, harassment, intimidation etc.) trainees will be instantly terminated from the programme without recourse to the above procedure. If you are on a work placement, then the disciplinary procedure of the employer will apply.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as submitting as your own work something which is in part or completely from the work of others without acknowledging the source. If you use someone else’s work as part of your own, for example in researching a subject, you must make that clear. Your tutors can help you with this. Learners caught cheating will be subject to the disciplinary procedure. As a result, this could mean a suspension from the individual qualification or a possible total ban from all qualifications with that awarding body. If you are in any doubt about this please ask for help.
Appeals regarding your qualification
If you’ve any queries or problems with your qualification you should first talk to your tutor or assessor, the internal moderator or another member of staff at your centre. If you’ve got a complaint about the way your work has been assessed, or the support you’ve been given, please use the BCT complaints procedure (see below).
Health and safety
We regard your welfare, health and safety as very important. Please ensure that you:
- Read and obey all the notices concerning safety
- Report any hazards or dangers which you see to a member of staff
- Report any defects in facilities or equipment to a member of staff
- Report any accidents which befall you to your course tutor and ensure that they are entered in the accident book which is held by your first aider
- Read your copy of the health and safety policy
- Comply with all health and safety requirements of your placement provider
- Details of your first aider will be given during your health and safety induction
Fire
In the event of a fire, leave the building in an orderly fashion by the nearest exit and assemble outside the main gates. Wait there until a roll call has been taken and you are given further instructions. Under no circumstances must you stop to collect your personal belongings or make any attempt to re-enter the building unless you are given permission to do so.
Equality and diversity
We are committed to ensuring that we provide equal opportunities for everyone. You will take part in the BCT equal and diversity induction in the next few days. A full copy of our equal and diversity policy will be given during induction and looked at during our equal and diversity sessions.
Complaints procedure
We hope that you will enjoy your time with us, however, if at any time you have a grievance relating to your training then you should use the complaints procedure which is available on the BCT website.
Attendance information
This information has been designed to help you understand attendance rules at BCT.
Illness and authorised absence
We understand that from time to time people are ill or need to be away for other reasons and require time off from their training course. Should this happen please let your tutor know as soon as possible. You must consult your bursary handbook for more information about what to do and how illness and absence can affect your entitlement to bursary.
Extended absence
If you are absent for four weeks or more and have not been in contact with us then you will be automatically taken off of the course and your bursary will be stopped. Good attendance and timekeeping are essential if you wish to gain and keep a job and reflect a positive attitude to work. No employer will keep a member of staff who is unreliable. Persistent absence and poor timekeeping will not be tolerated and may result in you losing your place on the course.
Unauthorised absence
This is when you do not attend and do not let your tutor know your reasons in advance.
Lateness
You must attend all your classes on time. If you have a valid reason for your lateness you must discuss this with your tutor who will decide if your reason is acceptable or not.
Some other reasons for which you would be authorised are listed below. This list is not exhaustive, and there may be other occasions when you are authorised that are not detailed here.
- A medical or dental appointment which cannot be arranged outside provider hours.
- A one-off caring responsibility for a close family member.
- A religious holiday.
- A visit to a university either to attend an open day or for interview, or a career-related interview.
- An appointment with an adviser (although these should normally be scheduled to avoid disruption to studies).
- A work experience placement which is an integral part of a learning programme
- Participating in a significant extra-curricular activity, such as drama, music, sport or volunteering, which has been agreed in advance with the Learning Provider.
- Attendance at a probation meeting.
- Attendance at a funeral of a close family member.
- National Union of Students official business.
- Territorial Army/ Cadet Forces/ Reserve Forces events.
Deception
In the event that any learner deliberately attempts to deceive BCT staff in connection with attendance, details of this behaviour will be passed on and you will be subject to BCT’s disciplinary procedure.
What is authorised absence?
There are specific times when you will be authorised if you do not attend training and these are listed below. At least two day’s advance notice should be given to your tutor for all of these occasions if you wish to receive authorisation. You will not be authorised if you provide evidence of these events after they have happened.
| Reason | Evidence Required |
| Holiday | Only allowed during timetabled holiday periods |
| Medical or dentist appointment, which cannot be arranged outside attendance hours * | Appointment letter or doctor’s note and tutor authorisation |
| Occasional care for a person if the learner has agreed caring responsibilities * | Course manager must be informed when caring responsibilities begin |
| Religious holiday * | Tutor authorisation |
| Relevant career-related open day or an interview * | Invitation letter and tutor authorisation |
| Appointment with Connexions advisor * | Appointment letter and tutor authorisation |
| Extra-curricular activities (taking part in an event that is linked to your course) | Tutor authorisation |
| Funeral or wedding (1 day per occurrence) * | Letter from parent or guardian and tutor authorisation |
| Severe disruption to transport | Tutor authorisation. Checks will be made to confirm disruption |
| Driving test * | Appointment card or DVLA letter |
| Court attendance, probation meeting, police station appointment or similar * | Letter from court, probation officer, police and tutor authorisation |
| Territorial Army or cadet’s event * | Invitation letter |
| Centre closure due to training or other closure such as heating failure | You will be notified by your tutor |
Absences marked with a * must always be authorised by your tutor at least two days in advance if you wish to be authorised. You will not be authorised if you provide evidence of these events after they have happened.
Tutors and Curriculum Managers are entitled to turn down any applications for authorised absence if they are considered to be unreasonable. Consideration will be given to number of absences, repetitions of the same or similar absence as well as other relevant factors.
If I know that I will be absent what should I do?
You need to let your tutor know as soon as you become aware you will not be able to attend for any reason. You will need to give your tutor a reason for your absence and provide proof of this absence as detailed above. Your tutor will check this evidence, mark the register accordingly and if necessary discuss any concerns with you.
Authorised sickness
If you are ill and cannot attend training you will need to let your support tutor know on the first morning of your sickness, using the number given to you at the start of the year. If you are ill during the day and have to go home you must also let your tutor know.
Attendance, behaviour, standards and disciplinary
Ensuring good attendance and behaviour is an essential part of supporting learners to progress and achieve. BCT aims to strike a balance between rewards to encourage good behaviour, and sanctions to ensure that poor behaviour is challenged and that there are implications for learners who don’t comply.
Attendance, punctuality and registration
You must attend all lessons including vocational and maths and English. Please arrive five minutes early in order to ensure you are punctual and ready to learn for the start of the lesson
Behaviour and standards
Group rules must be agreed during induction and printed out A3, signed by all learners and placed on the wall of the classroom for reference. The following headings are to be used:
- What learners can expect from BCT
- What BCT can expect from learners
- What learners can expect from each other
Mobile phones
All mobile phones are to be given in at the beginning of a session and returned at the end.
- Phones are to be stored in a secure box in the class.
- Tutors are to supervise the dropping off and returning of phones to ensure that the phones are given back to the correct person.
- If anyone needs to contact you in an emergency, please give them the centre number and we will immediately take a message to you 020 3873 5800
Positive reinforcement scheme
All classes are to use the reward system for reinforcing positive behaviour from learners. Points are given and once every half term two prizes are awarded: one for the learner with the most points and the other for the most improved learner. Points are reset each time the prizes are awarded so that all learners start the new half term from the same place. All tutors take part in awarding positive behaviour points.
Big Creative Training ID Card Policy
You will be issued with an ID card on completion of enrolment. The expiry date on the card will be the anticipated end date for your programme of study at the time of issue.
As an ID card holder you are expected to:
- Wear your card visibly at all times when you are on college premises.
- Show your card on request to staff. You will be asked to present your card when accessing facilities and to gain entry into formal examinations.
- Use your card responsibly. The card is unique to you and is non‐transferrable. You should never allow anyone else to borrow or use your card.
- Only have one card. If you lose your card and get a replacement and then find your old card, you will need to hand in the old card to the reception.
Please note:
- ID cards remain the property of Big Creative Training at all times.
- If you find a card on campus, please hand it immediately to reception
- If you have lost your card or it has been stolen it is important that you report it straightway to reception.
College card photo
- You are required to provide a photo for your card. Your photo will be taken on the day that you complete your college enrolment.
Interruption of studies, suspension or withdrawal
- All cards must be surrendered if a learner is suspended, withdrawn or excluded.
Forgotten cards
- If you forget your card you will be issued with a temporary pass which must be worn at all times while you are on the premises, and must be returned at the end of the day.
Lost or stolen cards
- We know things don’t always go to plan so we offer one free replacement if your card is lost or stolen during your programme of study. Visit reception and we will be able to issue you with a replacement
Damaged cards
- If your card is damaged as a result of reasonable wear and tear, please bring the card to the reception and we will replace it free of charge
BCT Acceptable Use Policy
This acceptable use policy is intended to ensure: That young people will be responsible users and stay safe while using the internet and other communications technologies for educational, personal and recreational use.
Social networking
Social Networking sites, like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram, are websites where you can create a profile all about yourself and send messages to other people. It’s important to know how to stay safe online and what to do if you feel bullied or some is being inappropriate towards you.
Safe surfing
The Internet is a great place to chat to friends, show all your photos and have fun, but it’s important to know how to stay safe too.
Cyber bullying
Cyber bullying is when people are nasty or threaten someone online or via mobile phone and other devices.
Mobile phone safety
Mobiles are a great way to keep in touch with your mates. If someone you don’t know gets in touch with you on your mobile, or if you are being bullied through your phone, you should tell someone who can help you.
- I understand that I must use BCT Media Centre systems in a responsible way, to ensure that there is no risk to my safety or to the safety and security of the Centre and other users.
- I understand that the BCT Media Centre will monitor my use of the equipment, email and other digital communications.
- I will treat my username and password with care – I will not share it, nor will I try to use any other person’s username and password.
- I will be aware of “stranger danger”, when I am communicating on-line.
- I will not disclose or share personal information about myself or others when online, except in line with my programme of study.
- I will immediately report any unpleasant or inappropriate material or messages or anything that makes me feel uncomfortable when I see it online.
- I understand that everyone has equal rights to use technology as a resource and I understand that the BCT Media Centre systems are primarily intended for educational use and that I will not use the systems for personal or recreational use unless I have permission to do so.
- I will not steal, disable or cause any damage to BCT media Centre equipment, or the equipment belonging to others.
- I will act as I expect others to act toward me.
- I will respect others’ work and property and will not access, copy, remove or otherwise alter any other user’s files, without the owner’s knowledge and permission.
- I will be polite and responsible when I communicate with others, I will not use strong, aggressive or inappropriate language and I appreciate that others may have different opinions.
- I will not take or distribute media resources of anyone without their permission.
- I recognise that BCT Media Centre has a responsibility to maintain the security and integrity of the technology it offers me and to ensure the smooth running of the Centre.
- I understand that, if I do use my own devices in an educational environment, I will follow the rules set out in this agreement, in the same way as if I was using
BCT Media Centre equipment.
- I understand the risks and will not try to upload, download or access any materials which are illegal or inappropriate or may cause harm or distress to others, nor will I try to use any programmes or software that might allow me to bypass the filtering / security systems in place to prevent access to such materials.
- I will immediately report any damage or faults involving equipment or software, however this may have happened.
- I will only use chat and social networking sites with permission and at the times that are allowed within the BCT media Centre rules when using the internet for research or recreation
- Where work is protected by copyright, I will not try to download copies (including music and videos)
- I understand that the BCT media Centre also has the right to take action against me if I am involved in incidents of inappropriate behaviour or misuse of equipment, that are covered in this agreement, when I am out of school and where they involve my use of the BCT media Centre facilities (examples would be cyber-bullying, use of images or personal information).
- I understand that if I fail to comply with this Acceptable Use Policy Agreement, I may be subject to disciplinary action. This may include loss of access to the BCT media Centre, detentions, suspensions, and contact with parents and in the event of illegal activities involvement of the police.
BCT Search and Confiscation Policy
Advice for learners
Key Points
- BCT security staff can search a learner for any item banned under BCT rules, if the learner agrees
- BCT security staff are authorised to search learners or their possessions, without consent, where they suspect the learner has certain prohibited items. The items that can be searched for under this power are knives or weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs and stolen items. (Referred to in legislation as ‘prohibited items’)
- BCT security staff can seize any banned or prohibited item found as a result of a search or which they consider harmful or detrimental to BCT discipline.
- BCT security staff will conduct random searches during the college day, throughout the year.
Refusal to agree to a search
- If a learner refuses to be searched, then BCT will suspend the learner and a meeting with parents/carers will be arranged.
Who can carry out a search
BCT Security Staff (Genesis)
BCT Course managers / BCT Course Tutors / BCT Site Manager
The member of staff conducting the search must be the same sex as the learner being searched; and there must be a witness (a BCT staff member).
Establishing grounds for a search
- BCT security staff can only undertake a search without consent if they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that a learner may have in his or her
- possession of a prohibited item. The BCT security staff / tutor must decide in each particular case what constitutes reasonable grounds for suspicion. For example, they may have heard other learners talking about the item or they might notice a learner behaving in a way that causes them to be suspicious.
- BCT staff can view CCTV footage in order to make a decision as to whether to conduct a search for an item.
The power to seize and confiscate items
- BCT security staff have the power to confiscate, retain or dispose of a learner’s property as a disciplinary penalty, where reasonable to do so.
- The member of staff can use their discretion to confiscate, retain and/or destroy any item found as a result of a ‘with consent’ search so long as it is reasonable in the circumstances. Where any article is thought to be a weapon it must be passed to the police.
Items found as a result of a search
- If any prohibited items are found during a search, then the learner will be subject to the BCT disciplinary policy and may receive a written warning or be suspended or excluded.
- If a student is found to be carrying a weapon or drugs then this is gross misconduct and the learner will be excluded immediately and reported to the police.
Student’s Terms and Conditions
I confirm that I have read and understood the induction pack relating to my course and that I have understood the course terms and conditions in relation to the following areas:
- Hours of participation and timetable
- Qualification hours and employment, enrichment and pastoral hours
- Absence and what to do if I am unwell
- Bursary, free school meals and childcare support and the other support available
- Grievance and disciplinary procedures
- Search and confiscation policy
- ID Policy
- Acceptable use policy
- I understand that I will not be charged any fees for attending my course
- I confirm that I have had the opportunity to discuss the following with BCT staff
- My choice of learning programme
- The entry requirements for each learning aim within my learning programme
- My suitability of the learning programme,
- The specific support available to me
- The nature of the procedures involved in the process of advice and guidance.