Frequently Asked Questions

New Students 

Do I need to book for the Open Events?

If you are attending an Open Evening, then you do not need to book. 

If you are attending a Saturday Open Morning, then you will need to book. Please follow the link, which will direct you to the Open Event page to reserve your spot. Click here.

 

What is the age limit? 

Our courses are for 16–19-year-olds.  

We have a great range of courses in our adult learning department for students aged 19 and above. Please follow the link to see what courses we offer. Click here.

 

How much does the course cost? 

Our courses for 16–19-year-old students are free. There may be some additional costing for things like transport, food, equipment and trips. 

We offer a Student Financial Support Fund for students who are eligible. More information on this can be found on our Student Financial Support Fund page. Information on the Financial Support Fund is posted out to all Applicants prior to the summer so we can put plans in place for students ready for the start of term in September. 

The cost of our adult learning courses may vary depending on the course. Please visit our adult learning page for more information. 

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Classes, Lessons & Your Timetable

How long will my lessons be / am I in lessons all day like school?

Each subject has three 90 minute lessons.

Two of the three are placed together to help us manage the college spaces safely. The third lesson will be an afternoon lesson of 90 minutes.

Double and Triple courses have two or three times as many classes, but all are timetabled to the same format.

Your timetable will include sessions of independent study and opportunities to do non-class work.

 

How much work am I expected to do outside of lessons? What is Independent Study?

The amount of work to be done outside class will vary a little through the year, but you should expect to be, as a full time student, doing a similar number of hours outside of class time as you  in timetabled classes.  

Work outside of the lessons will include 90 minutes per subject of independent study which you will place on your weekly timetable – this is work set to help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject, plus any completion/catch up you need to do, or developmental work set by teachers alongside your own research.

 

What equipment do I need? How can I prepare for the course?

Basic stationary pens, pencils, paper and folder for starters. Each course may have additional equipment expectations such as calculators and text books.

The art based courses required cameras.

You will have been sent a guide to what you need and what to do to prepare in your ‘Studying@Franklin’ lessons.

If you can’t find this go to the Bridging Work Section of the Website or email the College.

 

How long is the college day?

Classes start at 9 am and will finish no later than 4.15pm

 

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Enrolment

How many subjects can I do?

Almost all students will do three subjects, if these are single choices for example three A levels. Some of our courses are available as double and triple options, so students will take one double course and another subject, or will take one triple course as their full study programme.

 

What happens if I’ve change my mind about my courses?

We are aware that things can change. This might be because your results are not exactly what was expected, or because of a change of plans for the future. Some students start on courses and realise that they are not what they expected.

At enrolment, you will be able to have a full discussion about choices. We are usually able to accommodate course changes because we have a much bigger curriculum choice than other local schools & colleges. It is important ot talk to us as quickly as you can if there are any changes you wsant to discuss.

During the first couple of weeks you can talk to your Progress Coach if you need to clarify options. It is more difficult to change the longer the term goes on and all bridging work must be completed if a change is agreed.   

 

What happens if I don’t get the grades for the courses I want to do?

We understand that this year has been very different and we want to be as flexible as possible. We will work with you to get you on the best course. In some cases, if your studying@Franklin work is good, and you’ve just missed the entry thresholds by a little, we may let you start the course and see how you go or we may conduct some tests to see if we believe you can cope with the demands of the course.

 

What happens if I have not completed the Studying @Franklin activities?

Studying @Franklin is a series of task-based activities that perfectly prepare you for all of your courses and life as a Franklin student.

If you have been unable to complete the Studying @Franklin activities for your courses then all activities will be made available on our website. You must let us know if there is any reason you are unable to complete this work as you will be unable to enrol on a course if you have not completed it. 

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Rules

Is there a dress code or a uniform?

There is no uniform and you can express your own style as long as it is appropriate.

 

Why do I have to wear a lanyard?

We need to ensure we know who our students and staff are. This is a part of our safeguarding policy and is really important. It is also good practice as many employers also require identification to be displayed in this way.

 

Will I be able to take a holiday during term time?

No. Holidays are not allowed during term time under any circumstances. The College will, in some cases, remove students from roll if holidays mean attendance is significantly affected. It is important to note that poor attendance seriously affects grades.

  

Is it possible to have a part time job whilst also a student at the College?

Yes, but you need to ensure the hours do not interfere with college time and that you can balance the work requirements for your job and your courses so all college work can be completed.

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Support

Is there any financial help I can get for equipment, books and trips? Or for Free School Meals?

There is a range of financial support for students that are eligible to help with costs such as food, travel, trips and equipment. Applicants were posted this information in July.

 

Is there free WiFi at college?

Yes, there is free WIFI. Access codes are provided at enrolment.

 

Will college help find a university course and provide advice on a personal statement?

Progress coaches and Careers Staff will help and advise you and assist in writing your personal statement.

 

If I am ill how will I catch up on missed work?

Subject tutors will be able to set catch-up work, independent study exercises and support you wherever possible. It is really important that you put effort into catching up any work missed through sickness absence.  

 

Can I get a free bus and what bus routes are available?

Yes, there is free travel if you are eligible and many different bus routes across the Lincolnshire area. If you are not eligible for a free pass, College buses are subsidised and charged at only £1 per journey.

 

Who can I talk to if I have a problem or a concern?

The short answer is ‘any member of staff’ who you feel comfortable to talk to. 

For most students this is usually the Progress Coach. This person is the main point of contact in College and can liaise with subject areas and make any necessary referrals depending on the problem or concern.

 

Will college help me out with creating a CV?

Yes, we offer advice on CV writing and interview skills through tutorials.

 

I got extra time in exams at school - will I still get that?

Our Learning Support team will identify any support arrangements, including extra time with you. This may mean undertaking assessments to ensure we get the right support for your needs in place.

 

What do I do if I don’t have internet access or a laptop/computer at home?

We asked all applicants to complete a home-working survey and are aware that there are likely to be some students in this position. We may be able to loan some equipment depending on our resource availability in the new term, so you should raise this with you Progress Coach in the first instance.