We are very proud of our inclusive values at Chesterfield College and it is really important to us that students feel able to be themselves.
We know that it can be hard for some students to ask for support, as they may have experienced some stigma prior to college, but we want to help change that.
We are focusing on diversity in our current influencer project. We caught up with some students who have experienced the benefits of discussing their additional learning needs with their tutors and peers.
Joseph Jones, a Level 2 Digital Technologies student, is in his second year at Chesterfield College. He told us how college have supported him with both his ADHD and his stutter. He said:
“College have helped me with everything from exams to help in class from the Learning Support Assistants. They allow me to type up my answers or I type my answer up and they speak for me. It’s important that we have these conversations around support so that people don’t feel left out and don’t feel like they’re outcasts.”
Earlier this year, with support from his class, tutors and LSAs, Joseph presented his plan for a game in front of the class. Joseph said he got to the point of feeling comfortable presenting by getting to know his class and using his tutor Harold as a speaker.
Jordan Parker, a Level 2 Digital Design student, told us about his time at college over the past two years. He started at college on a Level 1 course but is now well on the way to completing his Level 2. He said:
“I heard that Chesterfield College did a game design course and I’ve always been interested in that, so I thought I’d give it a go.
I’m dyslexic and I’ve had great support from college. From the beginning of this year, I was given a headset with a microphone, and it makes it much easier for me to do my work. I usually struggle putting words together but with the microphone I can just speak it in and it comes straight up. Having the autocorrect on really helps as well in case it misunderstands what I say.”
Sam Formela is also currently studying Level 2 Digital Technology. Sam has thrived on the Level 2 course. He told us that college really understands his ADHD and Autism and have helped him prepare for a successful future:
“I’m really enjoying my course. I’m finding it challenging but that’s how I learn, so it’s going well.
College have been supporting me well. They’ve given me a helper called Lee Knight. He helps me a lot and gives me the support I need when I’m finding something difficult.
I chose to come to Chesterfield College because I wanted to become an expert in this kind of industry, since I’m good with computers and smart with technology.
After this course, I’m looking to become an apprentice for a Web Design company. College have supported me by helping me look into different apprenticeships that I might be interested in.
If I’m lucky and I’m working at my everything to get to Level 3, I can go on to have a successful chance at getting a well-paid job that I enjoy.”
We also spoke to Sam’s LSA, Lee Knight. He told us:
“I love working here at college. The students I work with are so enthusiastic, they really want to learn so it makes my job easier. There’s a great ethos and it’s very progressive in terms of working with SEND students.
I think it’s important to talk about neurodiversity and make sure students are having more open conversations about the additional learning support they need to thrive. It’s not something that should be hidden. All students should feel included, and everyone should have the same opportunities to learn and succeed.
The support I provide ranges from student to student because each person I work with has different needs and we tailor support to match those specific needs.
Most of the students I work with have autism but how that manifests itself differs from student to student. Some students might need support in terms of confidence, some can get very frustrated and upset if they can’t do a task. For them, it’s all about helping to understand how to manage the situation and calmly talking it through. Other students will ask for help in terms of interpreting tasks.”
For more information on the support we offer, please see: Additional Learning Support – Chesterfield College