WELCOME

Welcome to our Preparing for College page. This is where we’ll be posting updates on events, activities, advice and useful information for all our new students who will soon be starting their journey at Hopwood Hall College.

First of all, we’d like to thank you for applying to study with us and tell you that we are really looking forward to meeting you at enrolment.

Here at Hopwood, we want to make sure that you are as well prepared as possible to make the most of your time with us and feel at home from day one.

We understand that the transition from school to college can be daunting but there’s no need to worry. We have plenty of activities in store which are designed to prepare you and make your transition as smooth as possible. All the information you will need is in our welcome booklet.

INTRODUCTORY SESSION

This is an online introductory session with your tutor. In line with current government guidelines this will take place virtually on Microsoft Teams. This is a great opportunity to get to know your tutor and to make sure that this is the right course for you.

Microsoft Teams is a safe way to communicate that’s easy to use. If you haven’t used Teams already to access school lessons then use this handy guide to learn how to get onto your session. You can also find the guide at the bottom of this section.

You will have received letter inviting you to attend the Introductory Group Session via Microsoft Teams. Please make sure you have downloaded the FREE Microsoft Teams app. You can do so by using the following link: https://teams.microsoft.com/_#/school//?ctx=teamsGrid
A link will be available below for you to follow and attend your meeting. Please click the link that corresponds to your chosen course.
Once you have clicked on the link and through to the app, please mute your microphone and send your date of birth and name in the chat to confirm your attendance to the session.
Be sure to click the link next to your chosen course, in order to be taken to the correct induction session.

A link will be available on our website for you to follow and attend your meeting. Please click the link that corresponds to your chosen course as well as the date and time allocated to you in your letter.
Once you have clicked on the link and through to the app, please mute your microphone and send your name and date of birth in the chat to confirm your attendance to the session.

Click on the chat tab to open the session conversation.

Then type your first name, surname and date of birth to confirm your attendance and send your message.

During the session, please use the ‘raise your hand’ function on the top banner if you have any burning questions. There will be a Q&A session at the end of the meeting so make a note of anything you need to ask and please wait until then.

If you experience any issues please call 0161 643 7560.

Pre-enrolment learning

One of the activities is PRE-ENROLMENT LEARNING. Before you join us in September, we want you to begin to develop your skills.

We have brought together useful information, signposting to helpful reading and relevant websites, as well as some activities for you to complete. Don’t worry if you get stuck on anything, just try to complete as much as you can.

Click on the course you have applied to study from the list below in order to download the study pack. Complete the tasks and bring this with you when you start in September.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our Student and College Services Team on 0161 643 7560 who will be happy to help.

You can also join our online community by following our social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.

FIND YOUR COURSE, DOWNLOAD YOUR PACK

ACCOUNTING: Download your pack HERE

ANIMAL NURSING ASSISTANT: Download your pack HERE

ART & DESIGN: Download your pack HERE

BEAUTY THERAPY: Download your pack HERE

BRICKWORK: Download your pack HERE

BUSINESS: Download your pack HERE

CARPENTRY & JOINERY: Download your pack HERE

COMPUTING & DIGITAL: Download your pack HERE

CREATIVE MEDIA: Download your pack HERE

DENTAL NURSING LEVEL 3: Download your pack HERE

EARLY YEARS LEVEL 1: Download your pack HERE

EARLY YEARS LEVEL 2: Download your pack HERE

EARLY YEARS LEVEL 3: Download your pack HERE

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION: Download your pack HERE

FITNESS ACADEMY: Download your pack HERE

GAMES DEVELOPMENT: Download your pack HERE

HAIRDRESSING & BARBERING: Download your pack HERE

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE LEVEL 1: Download your pack HERE

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE LEVEL 2: Download your pack HERE

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE LEVEL 3: Download your pack HERE

HOSPITALITY & CATERING: Download your pack HERE

LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN WORK-BASED ANIMAL CARE: Download your pack HERE

LEVEL 3 APPLIED SCIENCE: Download your pack HERE

LEVEL 3 TECHNICAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT: Download your pack HERE

LAND BASED STUDIES: Download your pack HERE

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: Download your pack HERE

MEDIA MAKE UP: Download your pack HERE

MOTOR VEHICLE: Download your pack HERE

MULTI SKILLS: Download your pack HERE

PAINTING & DECORATING: Download your pack HERE

PERFORMING ARTS: Download your pack HERE

PLASTERING: Download your pack HERE

PLUMBING: Download your pack HERE

SCIENCE: Download your pack HERE

SPORT: Download your pack HERE

TRAVEL & TOURISM: Download your pack HERE

UNIFORMED PUBLIC SERVICES: Download your pack HERE

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

Before you begin your course, you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared with the right equipment. Some courses require a mandatory uniform to be worn, click HERE to see if your course requires a uniform.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

All stationery items are available on campus at discounted prices, or you can purchase them on the high street from other stationery retailers.

For most courses we recommend that you will need:

Lever arch folder with dividers to organise your work and assignments
Notepad for use in class
Pen
Pencil

QUALIFICATION RESULTS

We understand that many school-leavers and their parents are anxiously awaiting Results Day. Many people are naturally feeling unsure about what this will entail given that many exams were cancelled due to the pandemic. We would like to recommend that all school-leavers and their parents download the following handy guide (from Sep 2020) full of helpful information supplied by Ofqual. It can be read HERE. Please note that special arrangements have been put in place to make sure that the vast majority of students will receive calculated grades, so they can progress to further study as expected. It is worth knowing that we will assess every student application on its individual merit and circumstances at Hopwood. We will seek to ensure that no student is disadvantaged because of the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves in. We will help you to find the right course for you based on your results. Our team is on hand to offer advice and guidance if you need to change your course. We are always happy to work with you to find the right path for you.

FAQs - a guide for school-leavers

You all came armed with some great questions during our Virtual New Starter Day! We realise that many of you - whether you're an existing applicant or thinking about joining us - are still curious about some aspects of life at Hopwood Hall College.

Therefore we've put together a handy guide full of FAQs for our school-leavers to read ahead of September. As always, if you can't find the answer below then please 'like' us on Facebook and send us your question through Messenger.

What if I don't get the grades I was expecting?

Given recent developments, it is worth knowing that we will assess every student application on its individual merit and circumstances. We will seek to ensure that no student is disadvantaged because of the extraordinary circumstances in which we find ourselves in.

We will help you to find the right course for you based on your results. Our team is on hand to offer advice and guidance if you need to change your course. We are always happy to work with you to find the right path for you.

I HAVE A LEARNING DIFFICULTY AND/DISABILITY. WHAT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ME AT COLLEGE?

The College has a Learning Support Team to provide the support required to learners who have a learning need eg. Special Educational Need (SEN) and/or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). If you have an EHCP, your Local Education Authority SEN Team should provide a copy of your EHC plan to the College.

You can also contact the Learning Support Team by email at: Learning.Support@hopwood.ac.uk

Can I get help with my learning?

Yes. We have a team of staff ready to help. We can arrange all the support needed prior to the start of your course. Make sure you let us know on your application and we’ll be in touch.

Otherwise you can contact our Student and College Services team or the Learning Support team for a chat about what help is available before you start in September. Drop them an email at enquiries@hopwood.ac.uk.

What will my day be like at Hopwood Hall College?

The majority of our College courses are three days a week but this does vary depending on which subject area you choose.
Our timetables usually run between 9.00am - 4pm, and 3pm on a Friday. Within that time we have allowed for individual study time and comfort breaks.

You will be given a personalised timetable at enrolment so you will know when you have time for free study during those days.

How do I get to Hopwood Hall College?

Both Middleton and Rochdale campuses are very accessible. The College is well served by a combination of public bus routes, Metrolink, trains and our 8 FREE college bus service routes too (see p10 of our Course Guide for School Leavers for routes and timetables).

What financial support is available?

We have a range of financial bursaries available depending on your individual circumstances. Visit our Fees/Finance page here for further details or contact our Student and College Services team by calling 0161 643 7560. You can also email enquiries@hopwood.ac.uk to discuss your options.

How do I get in touch with someone when Hopwood Hall College is closed?

We regularly update our website and social media channels with all the latest information as we receive it. We have also set up live chat options and our telephone lines operate Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm.

Call 0161 643 7560 to be put through to a member of staff.

What else is there for me to do at Hopwood Hall College?

All our students have access to FREE gym membership and fitness classes at our Sports Arena, which can be used any time the gym is open. You can even use it even on weekends and evenings.
Our enrichment programme is varied and offers something for all types of learners to enjoy while helping you to build your employability skills and resilience.

We firmly believe that your College experience is about more than what you do in the classroom. Our enrichment activities range from kayaking to Sing Your Heart Out sing-along sessions, regular employer events, challenges, yoga, cookery, gaming, field trips and student voice sessions.

They also provide a brilliant opportunity to make new friends!

When will exam results be announced?

GCSE results will be published on Thursday 12th August.
More information about how we will be on hand to offer support and guidance on these days will follow. Please keep checking our website for more updates.

When will I start my course on campus?

As we are in such exceptional circumstances, we are working hard to ensure that it is safe for learners to be back on our campuses. We will do this as soon as it is safe to do so but in the meantime, learning is taking place remotely.

How will I get my uniform?

If your course requires a uniform this information, you will be able to order this and collect it ahead of starting your course. For information on how to do this, click here.
Uniform can be paid for by our financial support packages or bursary if funding is an issue.

What will happen if I need to continue to study Maths and/or English GCSE?

When you enrol at College, if you need to continue to study (as you have not yet achieved a grade 4) you will be given a timetable that will have your group for English and/or Maths based on your current level of achievement in these subjects.

It is mandatory that you attend your English and/or Maths classes in order to be able to continue to study your vocational subject.