Starting the transition to college is a really exciting time – but it can also be daunting and difficult to know what to expect. The information on this and following pages will give you some key advice, introduce you to support teams and also give you some key contacts to help with this transition and while you are settled in college.
Explore our key teams below and see how they can support you throughout your Cambria journey
Here at Coleg Cambria we strive to support and educate learners regarding their mental health and wellbeing. By introducing healthy support and wellbeing techniques into our routines, the more resilient we can feel.
We know that mental health and wellbeing can have a significant impact on your college experience.
Our Mental Health & Wellbeing Team are passionate about providing the best support and resources that promote your wellbeing and good mental health, which include;
Support from dedicated trauma informed wellbeing staff across all college sites
Bespoke transitions into and out of college
Wellbeing Hubs and pop up hubs across our sites providing safe, quiet locations for you to relax and take part in mindful activities
Support from our Resilience Coaches and Wellbeing assistants to help identify and overcome barriers to learning
Face to face counselling
Mental health and wellbeing activities throughout the year
1:1 mental health and wellbeing sessions and support, tailored specially to meet your needs and helping you to succeed
Support with overcoming anxiety related to socialising, accessing college or travel to college
Multi agency working including referrals and social signposting
All learners also have access to both resilience coaches and external counsellors as additional levels of Mental Health support.
Our dedicated ALN team work closely with the learning support team and support coordinators to ensure the additional learning provision detailed in your IDP or EHCP is in place when you enrol.
If you have an IDP/EHCP please speak to the ALSCO at the site you are studying at or contact idp@cambria.ac.uk.
Full details are available here:
The Progress Coach team is here to support your progression and development throughout college. Regular one-to-one sessions are available to help you plan your next steps and personal growth. The team also delivers the MADE programme, an exciting opportunity to develop knowledge and skills beyond your curriculum.
Our approach will be tailored to you and your individual needs. Details of your learning needs can be shared with us before your course starts or at any time during your course of study.
We have a range of roles within the team including specialist tutors, support coordinators, targeted support, mentors, and in-class learning support. You can drop in to speak to us in the inclusion areas or by emailing the specialist tutor directly.
Full details are available here:
The Transitions Officer at Coleg Cambria will support you during your transition into college.
They can provide bespoke transition support and one-to-one guidance to help you feel comfortable and confident as you start your journey at Coleg Cambria.
Support is available to ensure a smooth transition into, out of, and across college for young people with Additional Learning Needs. Working closely with schools and local authorities, the transition team helps make sure your move to college is seamless, with the right support in place to help you progress in your course from the moment you enrol.
Remember that you’re not alone - almost everyone will be new. It’s normal to be nervous. Big changes are nerve-wracking. But remember to be excited too!
Unlike at school, you get to pick the subjects you want to study; and that means you have something in common with your classmates straight away.
Responsibility is key. You’re expected to do coursework in your own time, and do independent study in your free time.
Teaching won’t end bang on when it’s timetabled to, so don’t expect to leave straight away at busy times; and at quiet times, you might finish early.
There are no bells or buzzers to tell you when classes start or finish. Make sure you know where you need to be and when, so you’re on time. Think about getting a diary for your first day, or use the calendar on your phone.
If you miss a class, you’ll need to approach your tutor or a classmate to check what you’ve missed.
You may only have one or two tutors for the whole year, so a good relationship will be helpful.
Getting to every class you possibly can is the easiest way of making sure you don’t fall behind and get snowed under with work.
If you feel overwhelmed or unsettled at first, this is totally normal, and you won’t be the only one. Try not to panic or be too hard on yourself. Talk to your tutor, counsellor, Wellbeing assistant, or someone you trust.
Need information fast? Use the links below to explore key resources like transport options, wellbeing support, and student services.
Whether you’re planning your journey or looking for guidance, everything you need is just a click away.
