College Policies

Equality Opportunities Policy (Students)

Equal Opportunities Statement

The College is committed to an Equal Opportunities Policy for all students.  All students will be encouraged to realise their full potential in a supportive environment conducive to study.  They are entitled to a curriculum which includes subject specialism, vocational opportunities, and access to a range of cultural and leisure activities.

No applicant or student will receive less or more favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, race, marital status, disability, age (over 16) religion or sexual orientation. Recruitment will take account of the existence of the Equal Opportunities Policy.  The Student Diary will include the Equal Opportunities Policy (students).

All members of the College should treat other members with respect, tolerance and understanding.  Discrimination or harassment of whatever form is unacceptable.

Barrow Sixth Form College willingly recognises its duty to comply with the legal requirements of key pieces of legislation, the Sex Discrimination Acts of 1975 and 1986, the Race Relations Act 1976, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and subsequent amendments.

Equal Opportunities Policy (Students)

Teaching and Learning

  1. Students have the right to expect that teaching methods and materials will reflect best current practice with regard to Equal Opportunities.  Teaching will pay attention to equal opportunities issues, and the exploration of related cultural, moral and social issues.
  2. Staff will actively promote equal opportunities e.g. by providing positive role models for all students.                            
  3. Group tutorial time will be used during term one to inform students about the Equal Opportunities Policy.  Students will have an opportunity each year in the tutorial review to comment on whether the college delivers equal opportunities.
  4. The needs of students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities are met through the College Disability Statement and Policy.

Student Achievements

Information will be collected and monitored on a number of variables including recruitment; subject choice; completion; destinations; retention; exam results; attendance; in relation to gender; ethnicity, school of origin and other relevant variables e.g. social class, if this becomes possible.  An annual report will be prepared and presented to the Corporation.  A copy will be placed in the college library.

The College is pleased to recognise all achievements whether at College or at work; in sport and in leisure activities.

Support for Students

  1. Students have the right to expect that careers and guidance in College, from link tutors, group tutors, subject tutors and careers staff (including Connexions Cumbria staff), will be impartial, and take account of all current equal opportunities legislation.
  2. Student performance will be monitored and they will be kept informed through a regular Review Process of the level of their performance in relation to targets and expectations.
  3. All marketing and recruiting materials and practices will pay due regard to the Policy e.g. by providing positive role models for all kinds of potential student.
  4. Effective learning support will be provided to meet the needs of each individual student.  This may include additional support for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.  (See Disability Policy and Statement)

Complaints Procedure

In the event of complaints regarding Equal Opportunities issues

  1. Students should refer to the Complaints Procedure published in the Student Diary. 
  2. If the issue is referred to the Equal Opportunities Committee, they will discuss it, and make recommendations to individuals, relevant College groups, or the Principal.
  3. If the issue is not resolved, it should be referred to the Principal.
  4. Some matters may become the subject of student disciplinary measures to be dealt with at the appropriate level e.g. subject tutors, group tutor, Head of Faculty, Senior Tutor, Director of Students, Principal.

NB. Where the complaint is against members of staff reference will be made to agreed Corporation procedures for employees.

The role of the Equal Opportunities Committee

The Equal Opportunities Committee is responsible for monitoring the Equal Opportunities Policy, & its achievement, using the tutorial review and CIS information.  An annual report will be prepared for the SMT.  An Action Plan for addressing issues identified in the monitoring of the Policy will be produced.    

The Committee’s role includes the organisation of INSET events involving equal opportunity issues.  The Director of Students has overall responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Policy (students) and its implementation.

Membership of the Equal Opportunities Committee

Representatives from teaching staff, SMT, support staff and students, chosen by the Student Union.  The Committee has the power to co-opt and/or invite contributions from other people.

Reviewed June 2004 by Equal Opportunities Committee.