Support for learning

All of our students are supported on an individual basis in terms of their learning and academic progress.

Personal Tutors

When enrolled at Godalming College you are allocated a Personal Tutor. Their priority is to ensure that you settle into College. They will support your academic progress and wellbeing. Your Personal Tutor will be your first port of call if you have any problems and will encourage you to take responsibility for your learning. You will have weekly meetings with your tutor in a group setting and  regular one-to-one reviews. They will monitor your progress and set you challenging targets. They will also guide you through your options after College and help you make those big decisions about your future, assisting you in applications to university, apprenticeships and employment throughout your time at College.

Senior Tutors

Our highly experienced Senior Tutor team are also trained safeguarding leads who work with students on their academic progress, wellbeing, and complex issues. The Senior Tutors know that welfare is key to academic progress and are committed to working with you to help you meet your potential. Senior Tutors have an open-door policy, you can either drop in or book an appointment with them via Student Services. They, alongside your Personal Tutor, will offer safe and non-judgemental advice and help signpost you to external forms of support where necessary.

Shaping Futures

Shaping Futures’ is the name we give to our tutorial programme which is designed to build your life and study skills as well as help you with planning for your next steps beyond Godalming.

We explore issues such as keeping you safe, career development, environmental initiatives, student voice, drugs and alcohol education, sex and relationships education, wellbeing and money management.

There are additional sessions in the first term to help you settle into College. There are also sessions built into the programme for one-to-ones with your Personal Tutor, so that you can review your progress on a more personal and individual basis.

Student Reviews

Student Reviews, which are issued to all students and their parents twice a year, give an account of progress in terms of attendance, approach to learning and performance. You will have an individual review of progress with each of your subject teachers four times across a two year A Level/BTEC programme.

In addition, you will meet with your Personal Tutors several times a year for a one-to-one review. There are Parents’ Evenings across the two years when parents can meet with subject teachers to discuss academic progress.

Curriculum Support

Departments run workshops which you will be able to access if you are struggling with a particular aspect of the course or if you feel that you would welcome the extra input. The Department may also place you on a supportive Action Plan in order to set you clear goals to get back on track. If you are finding multiple subjects difficult, you may also be teamed with a Learning Coach, who can work with you to discuss your vision and skills

Learning and Study Support

Learning and Study Support is available to every student, enabling learning and successful completion of courses. You will take part in an initial screening process and will complete a Learning Support questionnaire. This is to help us identify students who might benefit from extra support. Further in-depth assessment may be carried out, if necessary, to identify needs. Students are encouraged to make use of the support offered and to talk to us about any  concerns you may have.

It is a big jump from GCSE to A Level, and the Learning and Study Support department, located above the library, is dedicated to assisting students as they make this transition. There are important skills to be developed, particularly in critical thinking and evaluation. Our highly trained and experienced learning Support Facilitators liaise with teaching staff, and design individual programmes to enable students to develop the skills required for academic success. 

Throughout your time at College, you may need help in a variety of areas, such as organising your time, essay technique, or meeting coursework deadlines.

We offer:
Drop-in Support: Available to anyone who would like some help with their work.

1:1 sessions: Timetabled weekly lessons, long or short term.

Assessment for Exam Access Arrangements

Specialist help for students with a wide range of needs, ADHD, dyslexia, autism etc.