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City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Travel & Tourism

BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Travel & Tourism

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Travel & Tourism

COURSE HANDBOOK

2013 – 2014

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BOSTON COLLEGE

C&G LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL & TOURISM

BTEC LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL & TOURISM,

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL & TOURISM

COURSE HANDBOOK

Section 1

WELCOME Boston College, and particularly the Travel and Tourism teaching team, extend a warm welcome to learners who wish to prepare themselves for employment in business or the professions or progression to higher education programmes. All organisations operate in an environment of continual change: potential employees need to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes which equip them for a range of opportunities throughout their career.

STAFF The courses are managed by a course team made up of all the lecturers who teach you. A learner representative will be elected to the course team to represent your views. Specific roles are taken by - Wendy Poole Programme Area Manager Ext. 3256 wendy-p@boston.ac.uk Mandy Mayne Lecturer Ext. 4416 mandy-m@boston.ac.uk Kaley Boothby Lecturer Ext. 4416 kaley-b@boston.ac.uk Sarah Colbert Lecturer Ext. 4416 sarah-c@boston.ac.uk

YOUR PERSONAL TUTOR: All full-time and some part-time learners have a Personal Tutor. Your tutor will welcome you to the College, help you to settle in and be there to give you help and information. Your tutor is usually your first point of contact with the College and your main source of help. You will meet your tutor every week, as part of a group session or for a one-to-one discussion and review of your progress. It is important that you attend your tutorials as they will support you and make sure you to get the most out of College. You will meet your tutor at Induction. The Induction programme introduces you to staff, other learners, your course and the College. A more detailed description of the tutor’s role can be found in your handbook.

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The course tutors for 2013/2014 are:- Level 1 Travel & Tourism - Sarah Colbert Level 2 Travel & Tourism - Mandy Mayne Level 3 Year 1 Travel & Tourism - Kaley Boothby Level 3 Year 2 Travel & Tourism - Kaley Boothby

Section 2

During your studies on your Travel and Tourism course you will investigate the wide range of employment in visitor attractions with hospitality providers, transport organisations, travel agencies and tour operators. All of these could be future opportunities for you, or you may prefer to study further.

C & G LEVEL 1 DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM

You will study eleven units including:-

UK Travel Industry Customer Service Promotional Materials Planning for a visit

Plus: FUNCTIONAL SKILLS/GCSE

Mathematics English ICT

BTEC LEVEL 2 DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM

You will study eleven units over one year. The UK Travel & Tourism Sector Understanding Customer Service in Travel & Tourism Understanding the nature & effects of World Travel Developing Customer Service Skills in Travel & Tourism UK Tourism Destinations European Holiday Destinations Worldwide Holiday Destinations Exploring Marketing in Travel & Tourism Preparing for Employment in Travel & Tourism Introduction to Cruise Operations Organising a Travel & Tourism study visit Plus: FUNCTIONAL SKILLS/GCSE

Mathematics English

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SUPPLEMENTARY STUDIES

NCFE Level 2 Certificate for Resort Representatives NCFE Employability Skills

BTEC LEVEL 3 SUBSIDIARY DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM (YEAR 1)

You will study 6 units in the first year including: Investigating the Travel & Tourism Sector Marketing Travel & Tourism Products and Services Long Haul Travel Destinations

BTEC LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN TRAVEL & TOURISM (YEAR 2)

You will study a further 6 units in the second year including: Retail Travel Operations UK Destinations European Destinations SUPPLEMENTARY STUDIES City & Guilds Award in Travel Destinations & Support Services (Technical Certificate) Level 2 Certificate for Airline Cabin Crew Award in Spanish (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening) Learners will be given the opportunity to resit English and/or Maths GCSE if they do not have a C grade or above in the subjects. Learners are strongly advised to take this opportunity as GCSE Maths and English are often required by Universities and employers.

Assignment hand-in

It is very important that you submit your assignments on, or before the deadlines set. Please read and follow the programme area Assignment hand-in policy, a copy of which will be given to you by your tutor. The academic year will be divided into three twelve week terms. All assessments for the term must be submitted by the deadline given. Learners may be offered the opportunity to take part in any trips or visits in the year. If assignment work is not submitted on time learners will be expected to remain at College and complete any outstanding work. If learners have not completed all assignments to a minimum Pass standard in year 1, their progression to Year 2 will be discussed at the end of year academic board.

Assessment and Grading All units will be assessed internally. All units carry grades ‘pass’, ‘merit’ and ‘distinction’. To achieve a grade the learners must meet assessment criteria set out in the specifications. The units will have a standard format which is designed to provide clear guidance on the requirements on the qualification for the learners.

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If a learner is having problems understanding what is required of them to successfully complete any assignment task, then early consultation with the tutor concerned is strongly advised.

Appeals against Assessment decisions

There may be occasions when a learner disagrees with the assessment outcome. In such cases the learner must talk to the assessor and/or Personal Tutor and follow the College procedure to resolve the problem (see Learner Handbook for detail).

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE You will take part in a wide range of learning experiences. There will be classroom sessions in each subject area where learners will gain the knowledge and understanding they need to support achievement in assignments. These sessions will be supported by up-to-date textbooks, videos and documentation used in the industry today. You will also learn independently through research activities undertaken in College. Learners need to note that they will be expected to research and study independently and complete assignment tasks at Level 2 and 3 in their own time.

Attendance Monitoring We want you to be successful on your course and to achieve your qualifications. It is therefore important that you attend all classes as good attendance is the key to being successful. The Attendance Monitor will work with you and your Tutors to promote good attendance. What will they do?

offer support if you are having problems which affect your attendance

refer you to Learner Services who can help with a range of personal problems and barriers to learning and attendance

refer you to your Tutor who will discuss your attendance and take action where appropriate

What can you do?

Avoid unnecessary absences, for example, by making appointments outside College hours

Inform the Attendance Monitor if you are going to be absent for any reason

Telephone (01205) 365701, option 2, or e-mail absent@boston.ac.uk, or text “BCABSENT” to 88020. Texts are charged at standard network rate. This information is also on the back of your ID badge

Please remember to give your name, ID number and reason for absence

The Attendance Monitor is: Gail Bevan

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Absence and Punctuality Learners must arrive punctually for classes. Your Personal Tutor will monitor both attendance and punctuality. Repeated lateness will become a recorded action planning point for the learner and be entered as such in the personal file. Persistence in this respect could also result in examination entries being restricted or a disciplinary procedure being implemented. These requirements apply to the main course of study and also to complementary studies undertaken. If learners know in advance that they are unable to attend, then they should ask for a leave of absence form from Reception. This should be completed, and if the learner is under 18 years of age, signed by the parent. This should then be submitted to the Personal Tutor for approval.

When learners are absent they should follow the College absence reporting

procedures.

Extended absence requires self certification and/or a medical certificate. Holidays in term

time will not be approved.

PROGRESS REPORTING

Parents Evenings Parents are invited to visit the College regularly to find out more about your course, how you are progressing, options after your course and any other details. There will be an opportunity to speak to key staff as well as your Personal Tutor.

Progress Parents are encouraged to keep in regular contact with the course tutor and/or programme area manager to discuss their son/daughter/ward’s progress and any other issues.

Reports All College learners are assessed by the course team 5 weeks after enrolment to confirm continuation onto the full programme. If there is any doubt as to suitability to continue, learners and parents will be consulted as early as possible after the start of term.

Progression - what comes after BTEC? BTEC Level 2 Diploma learners gaining a Merit or Distinction grade may be eligible to move on to the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Travel and Tourism or other higher level courses. After successful completion of the Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma, learners are eligible to progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism, providing other entry criteria has been met.

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Level 3 Travel and Tourism learners awarded higher grades have progressed to HNDs or degrees in Tourism or Leisure Management or other relevant subjects. Perhaps you will prefer to find a job at the end of your BTEC, as Travel & Tourism is now the world’s largest industry there is no lack of opportunities. Jobs with accommodation providers, information services, tour operators, transport companies, travel agencies and visitor attractions are all possibilities.

Section 3

COLLEGE CALENDAR 2013/2014 2013 September 2nd Autumn term starts. Learner Services Induction week September 3rd Spalding Enrolment September 26th Higher Education Fair at BCUC October 3rd HE Parents’ Briefing ‘Going to University’ BCUC October 8th Spalding College in Action October 10th Boston College in Action October 16th Volunteer Fair at BCUC October 21st – 25th Half term October 29th HE Open Event October 30th & 31st Parents’ evenings November 5th School Taster day November 7th Boston College in Action November 14th Spalding College in Action November 15th Closing date for UCAS applications (internal) December 19th End of Autumn term

2014 January 6th Spring term starts January 23rd HE Open Event February 6th Boston College in Action February 11th Spalding College in Action February 17th - 21st Half term for learners March 3rd - 7th Careers week March 4th & 5th Parents’ evenings April 4th End of Spring term April 22nd Summer term starts May 5th Bank Holiday May 26th Bank Holiday June 10th Spalding Open Event (Information) June 12th Boston Open Evening (Information) June 26th Summer term ends

Note Any learner taking holidays outside of holiday periods will be considered absent from the course. Learners receiving support from the College Bursary Fund need to be aware that they will not be paid for holiday periods taken outside the academic breaks.

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Section 4

REQUIRED PURCHASES It would be advisable for you to purchase:-

a course file for coursework data stick(s) a supply of A4 ruled paper a ruler, pens, pencils, felt tips a calculator Learners will have access to course texts through the Library loan service. There will be an opportunity during Induction to register as a Library user.

Financial Assistance

If you have financial difficulties you can apply for help from the College Bursary Fund, 19+ Learner Support Fund or 24+ Advanced Learning Loans Bursary Fund. This may help to meet the costs of: 1 Travel 2 Books and equipment (16-18, 19+ only) 3 Food (16-18, 19+ only) 4 Specialist clothing required for your course (16-18, 19+ only) 5 Childcare costs whilst at College (19+ and 24+ only) 6 Exams/tuition costs (19+ only) Some learners aged 16-18 are guaranteed help from the Bursary Fund – this includes:

learners living in care

recent care leavers

learners receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in their own right

learners receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment in their own right.

For further details please check with Learner Services staff.

Childcare If you are under 20, you may qualify for Care to Learn payments for childcare costs. Please go to Learner Services for more information, or contact Care to Learn on 0845 600 7979 or visit the website at www.gov.uk/caretolearn

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Section 5

SUPPORT SERVICES The College Mission Statement The College Mission Statement describes the type of College we provide for all our learners and staff.

‘to be a brilliant college that transforms people’s lives and makes an

outstanding contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of

Lincolnshire’.

All learners at the College attend voluntarily so there is not a set of ‘College Rules’. We do however have a range of policies which describe the standards we expect and what we offer in return. To access all the learner related policies and procedures please look on Moodle, or ask your Personal Tutor for details.

Section 6

POLICIES At the College we have a range of policies detailing what the College will offer you and how we ensure high standards are maintained. To access the policies click on the links below. If this is not possible please ask your Tutor to provide you with a copy. Admissions Assessment and Examinations Assessment Malpractice Bullying and Harassment Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Car Parking for Residential Learners Compliments & Complaints Procedure Computer Services Unit: Code of Conduct and Practice and Equality Impact Assessment Coursework / Self Study Drugs and Alcohol Financial Support for Learners Functional Skills Hall of Residence Disciplinary / Sanctions Higher Education Admissions Induction Code of Practice Information, Guidance and Support International Student Late Enrolment Learner Attendance

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Learner Disciplinary Policy and Procedure for Further Education Learners Mobile Electronic Equipment Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Safeguarding Learners Skills for Life and Learning Support Tutorial – Full Time Learners – Appendix 1 Weapons and Search Work Experience Equality and Diversity – see our page on Moodle Examination Policy Students Copy Important Exams Information for Candidates Access arrangements – General Access arrangements – International Students Examination Clashes Conduct of Exams Internal Appeals Procedure – Students Copy Appeals Procedure – Externally Marked Exams

CODES OF PRACTICE Learners are expected to take due care for their own safety and the safety of others at all times. Health and Safety procedures eg the fire drill, will be explained during Induction.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Boston College places a high priority on the safety and wellbeing of our learners. We are

committed to creating and maintaining a friendly, welcoming and safe working environment

for all young people and vulnerable adults, whether learning is taking place on or off College

premises. We have a duty to safeguard all learners, and we will respond immediately if

there is a concern that a learner might be the victim of bullying, harassment, abuse or

neglect. All staff are trained in safeguarding and there is a designated specialist Safeguarding Team to help with any concerns you might have about your own or someone else’s safety. If you need to contact the Safeguarding Team please go to:-

Main reception

Learner Services

The ‘Stay Safe’ button on Moodle

E-mail staysafe@boston.ac.uk

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If you need to contact someone out of College hours about safeguarding contact:-

Children’s Social Care on 01522 782333

In an emergency situation dial 999 and call the police An important part of safeguarding is making sure only authorised people are on our College premises. Please help us with this by carrying your ID badge at all times and showing it if asked by a member of College staff.

At Boston College we respect everyone within the College community. We also emphasise

respect for personal property and for the facilities of the College. We therefore, expect

learners to work with us to create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued

and can work to achieve their full potential.

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Boston College

Skirbeck Road

Boston

Lincs PE21 6JF

Telephone: 01205 365701