Finding Your Feet: Welcome to Your College Experience!
Starting College Is a Big Step
Parents and carers, do you remember the excited feeling about starting somewhere new?
The first walk through a college entrance. Finding your classroom for the first time. Meeting the people you’ll be spending the next year with. Maybe wondering where you’re supposed to go – and hoping nobody notices that you’re not quite sure yet.
At RNN Group, we know that starting college is about much more than your young person simply turning up for your first lesson. It’s about feeling comfortable, meeting new people, discovering what you’re capable of and, most importantly, finding your feet.
An Eight-Week Welcome to College
That’s why, as we welcome a new generation of learners to Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College in our 10th year, our induction programme is designed to give everyone the time, space and experiences they need to settle in and start their college journey with confidence.
We know that starting college can feel like a big step – whether your young person has just finished school, are returning to education, changing direction or looking to develop the skills they need for their next career move.
So, rather than expecting everyone to find their feet in a day or two, our induction programme gives learners the opportunity to get to know their new environment over the first eight weeks of term.
Getting to Know Your College
There’ll be plenty of opportunities to meet course colleagues, get to know tutors and support teams, explore the campus and discover everything college life has to offer.
And there’s a lot going on.
Getting Involved and Trying Something New
Across our three campuses, learners can take part in everything from tours and curriculum activities to guest speakers, sports competitions, masterclasses, external trips and team-building challenges.
There are also opportunities to hear directly from employers and Employer Academy representatives, helping learners begin to understand the exciting possibilities that could lie ahead.
And yes, there are some activities that are simply about having fun and getting to know the people around them.
Making Connections and Meeting New People
For many learners, one of the most important parts of starting college is meeting new people.
That first conversation can sometimes feel awkward. But a shared activity, a team challenge or simply getting lost in the same corridor can be the start of a new friendship.
That’s why our welcome programme is built around bringing people together.
From sign up week clubs and activities to sports competitions and team-building opportunities, there are plenty of chances to step outside the classroom and connect with others.
Finding Your People
At Dearne Valley College, the sixth week will finish with a colour smash – and we’re making sure learners from Rotherham College and North Notts College can get involved too, with buses being organised to bring everyone together.
Because while our Colleges are based in different communities, we’re one RNN Group family.
Finding Your Way Around
We also know that settling into college isn’t just about knowing a learner’s timetable.
Knowing Where to Go
It’s knowing where their classroom is. Finding the library, student services, support teams, toilets and other key facilities. Knowing who to speak to if they have a question. And feeling confident enough to ask for help when they need it.
Knowing Where to Get Help
During the first week, tutors will help learners understand what is expected of them, while campus tours will help everyone become familiar with their surroundings.
It might sound like a small thing, but your young person knowing where they are going can make a huge difference to how they feel.
We want learners to leave that first week thinking: “I know where I need to be. I know who I can ask. I belong here.”
What Happens During the First Eight Weeks?
The welcome doesn’t stop after the first week.
Throughout the first eight weeks, there will be opportunities to get involved in activities, clubs, workshops, talks and events designed to support learners both inside and outside the classroom.
Week 5 – Careers and Skills Week
There will be careers and skills sessions in week 5, giving learners the chance to explore different industries, employers and future opportunities.
Week 6 – Wellbeing Week
Wellbeing Week in Week 6 will put a focus on learners looking after themselves, building confidence and making sure learners know where support is available.
Week 7 – Higher Education and Skills Week
Higher Education and Skills Week in week 7 will help learners gain information about the next steps in their education journey and whats available for them.
Week 8 – Celebration Week
And then, as the first half term comes to a close, Celebration Week in week 8 will provide a chance to look back at everything learners have achieved and experienced since arriving.
Because starting college isn’t something that happens in a single morning. It’s a journey.
Everyone Finds Their Feet Differently
Every learner arrives at RNN Group with a different story.
For some, college will be the beginning of a career they’ve dreamed about for years. For others, it might be the first step towards discovering what they really enjoy. Some will arrive knowing exactly what they want to do, while others will still be figuring it out.
And that’s okay.
There’s no single way to find your feet.
What matters is having the opportunity to explore, make connections, try something new, ask questions and build the confidence to take that next step.
That’s what our eight-week welcome programme is all about.
Welcome to RNN Group
So, to everyone joining Rotherham College, North Notts College or Dearne Valley College this year: Welcome to RNN Group.
Your young person’s classroom might be new. Their routine might be different. They might not know everyone’s name just yet.
But give it time.
How Parents and Carers Can Help
Parents and carers: Encourage them to get involved. Say hello. Try something they wouldn’t normally do. Ask for help when they need it. Take every opportunity they can.
Before long, they’ll know their way around, they’ll recognise familiar faces, and they’ll start to feel that this is their place too.
Learners: Welcome to RNN Group. It’s time to find your feet – and start your next chapter.
Find Out More About Welcome and Induction
Want to know what’s planned for Welcome and Induction at your young person’s college? Explore the latest information and activities: