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2
College Contact Details
Please call 0207 225 0577 to talk to the following people who will be able to help with any matter regarding
the College.
Joanna Walsh: Attendance Officer
Lauren Davies: Admissions Manager
Chanelle Armand: Student Services Manager
Marcia Denning: Senior Administrator
College Address
Duff Miller Independent Sixth Form College
59 Queens Gate
South Kensington
London SW7 5JP
Boarding Accommodation Address
Princess Beatrice House
192 Finborough Road
Earls Court
London SW10 9BA
Term Dates 2014 2015
Autumn 2014
Start: 8th September
Finish: 17th December
Half Term: 27th October 31st October
Spring 2015
Start: 5th January
Finish: 27th March
Half Term: 16th February 20th February
Easter Revision 2015
Week 1: 30th March 4th April
Week 2: 6th April 10th April
Week 3: 13th April 17th April (mock week)
Summer 2015
Start: 13th April
Finish: 26th June
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Dear Student,
Welcome to Duff Miller Sixth Form, a College which I believe to be a unique educational setting.
At Duff Miller we strive to create an environment which inspires our students and gives them the
confidence and enthusiasm to achieve the highest possible results. Our tuition is structured for
our students, based on the demands of their exams and closely tailored to the specific needs of
the individual.
We are very ambitious academically and we ensure that your results secure you a place at some
of the worlds best universities and on to careers of significance, influence, and service.
The traditional values which have been central to Duff Millers success for more than sixty years are
still relevant today as we enable our students to become involved, focused and independent learners.
The sense of community at the college is stronger than ever and no better illustrated than by the
excellent rapport that exists between all staff and students.
In this booklet is information relating to your travel and boarding arrangements and full details of
your induction programme. Please read it carefully, and if you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to contact the college directly.
Wishing you an enjoyable end to your holidays and we look forward to welcoming you to Duff Miller
this September.
Chris Kraft
Principal
WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL
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All students are expected to arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before the start of term. If you cannot do so,
you must let the Admissions Team know in advance before the first day of term. Please do not arrive early.
You should arrive in London on Saturday 6th September or Sunday 7th September before term begins,
between 8am and 10pm. You need to go directly to Princess Beatrice House (192 Finborough Road,
Earls Court, London, SW10 9BA) where you will be directed to your room and given an accommodation
induction. If you are arriving in London outside of these hours you will need to phone our 24 hour hotline
07525 593395 for assistance. You will register and start your College Induction on Monday at the College.
Please let us know if you want us to arrange a taxi to collect you from the airport on arrival. The cost of this
will be added to your invoice. To book a taxi, email your flight details to marie.lovett@astrumeducation.com
at least 72 hours before you are due to arrive.
Even if you do not need a taxi, it is very important that you give us your flight details as soon as they are
booked. Please email your flight details to marie.lovett@astrumeducation.com.
If you have any concerns when you arrive at your accommodation please speak to your
House Parent or call our 24 hour phone telephone:
Princess Beatrice House 07525 593395
COLLEGE ACCOMMODATION
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Visas
Please refer to the UKVI website for visa information
Tier 4 Child https://www.gov.uk/child-study-visa/overview
Tier 4 General: https://www.gov.uk/tier-4-general-visa/overview
If you need a Tier 4 General or Child visa, you will need to obtain this before you travel to the UK (even if
you do not need an advance visa to visit the UK as a tourist, you must get your Tier 4 visa before travelling).
In this case, you should have received a CAS statement (Confirmation of Acceptance to Study) from us.
If not, please contact us. If you are going to join us on a Student or Child Student visitor visa, you should
have a Visa Letter which you can use to support your visitor visa application. If you do not need a visa at all,
you will also have a Confirmation of Enrolment document.
Insurance of personal property
The College cannot accept responsibility for the loss of, or damage to, your personal belongings.
You are strongly encouraged to arrange insurance cover with the College or by arranging your own
private insurance.
Dont bring highly valuable possessions or equipment to your accommodation or College.
Passports and other important documents can be left with staff in the boarding house for safekeeping.
Security boxes are provided in all rooms. Your House Parent will be able to show you how to operate
these. You are strongly advised to use these.
Insurance of fees
You may wish to take out insurance for your fees. Unfortunately, the College cannot arrange this
for individuals.
Examination results
Please fax +44 (0) 207 589 5155, post or email copies (not originals) of your exam results to
lauren.davies@duffmiller.com if we have not already received them.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
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International students
Please make sure that you have the following with you when you travel:
Passport with visa, if required.
If we have sent you a Consent to Travel letter, your parents must complete this and you must bring
this with you.
Tier 4 visa students must bring their CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) statement or
Visa letter.
ORIGINALS (not copies) of documents listed on the CAS statement which were used to support
your visa application.
Proof of your last official IELTS/Pearson/ iGCSE English examination.
If you bring any medication into the UK, also carry a letter (translated into English) from your doctor
explaining what the medicine is and what it is for.
A warm sweater or jacket for your arrival.
A UK travel adaptor for electrical items.
KEEP ALL OF THE ABOVE IN YOUR HAND LUGGAGE
Do not bring meat/dairy products; it is illegal to import these into the UK.
New students should purchase in their home country, two concise PAPER BASED bilingual dictionaries.
One copy is given to the Exams Office for use in all exams. The other copy is to be used to assist
the students with their learning in their subject classes. If you prefer to use an electronic device,
please ensure it does not allow for data saving or you will not be able to use it in examinations.
Money
You should bring cash for your arrival and for the first two weeks only. We suggest around 150.
Do not carry large amounts of cash on you or in your personal belongings.
Other items to bring
Spare pair of glasses or contact lenses if you wear them and a copy of your prescription.
Medicines prescribed by a doctor and also a copy of prescriptions, preferably with generic names.
Please do not attempt to bring high volumes of medicine to England. Enough for your first four weeks
will be sufficient and these items must be disclosed to the Health Centre staff upon your arrival.
A medical report of any diagnosis and current treatment, to help the College Nurse give continuous care.
A UK travel adaptor.
Photographs and reminders of family and home.
Towels.
Essential toiletries.
Four passport size photographs.
Do not bring bed linen because it is provided in your accommodation.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
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ARRIVAL IN THE UK WHAT TO EXPECT
Immigration Control
On arrival, you will be checked through Immigration Control. If you have any problems,
contact the accommodation at:
Princess Beatrice House 07525 593395.
If you are aged 16 or under you may not be allowed to leave immigration until the person meeting
you has been located. If you have booked a transfer make sure you have the information with you.
Baggage Reclaim
Go to Baggage Reclaim to collect your luggage. Check the monitors for the belt number.
Customs
Students from European countries should use the Blue Channel.
Students from all other countries should use the Green Channel.
If you have anything to declare use the Red Channel.
If you are uncertain about whether to use the Red Channel, please go to:
http://www.visitbritain.co.uk/about-britain/practicalinformation.
If you are bringing a bank draft or cheque for fees of over 8,800 then you must go through the Red
Channel and declare it. For this reason, it is easier to pay fees by bank transfer before you come.
Arrivals
If you are being met by a taxi, look for your name on the boards held by the drivers as you come into the
Arrivals area. If you cannot see your name, go to Airport Information and ask them to put a call out for your
driver then wait at Airport Information. If they cannot help, ring the accommodation on the numbers above.
If you have booked a transfer through the College, do not leave the airport without it, you will be charged
for it.
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ACCOMMODATION
Your first day in boarding
If you have any problems with your accommodation speak to the Head of Boarding, Tony Tayson
or one of the duty House Parents.
During your first full day in the accommodation you will attend an induction session, this will include;
Staff roles and names
Who to talk to if you are worried and/or homesick.
How to contact your family.
Fire procedures.
Routines of boarding including meal times.
The local area and the best places to shop.
How to use London public transport.
The Social Activities Programme.
How to set up a bank account.
Police registration.
Registering with the local doctor.
An opportunity to discuss boarding rules and regulations.
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YOUR FIRST COLLEGE DAY
On your first college day (this applies to all students under 18), a House Parent will show you the way
to the College and you will also be given a map with directions. Those over 18 students will also receive
help and support from the House Parents in your accommodation and will be given directions on how
to use the underground train system and buses.
College Induction Programme
During the first few days you will:
Meet your Personal Tutor who will be responsible for communication with your parents/agent
and general well-being throughout the year.
Be shown around the College facilities and meet College staff, including your Personal Tutor.
Take part in Social Activities in order to meet your fellow students.
Get your College ID Card, which provides:
Proof of Identity, Entrance to College Facilities, Proof of Entitlement to Meals.
Be given information on IT.
Be given health and safety talks.
Discuss the rules and regulations at College.
Meet with your Tutor to confirm your course and subject choices.
Receive your timetable.
When you first arrive or within the first few weeks you will be given a test from Durham University (ALIS)
which helps us set your target grades in all your subjects.
Both the Accommodation and College Induction Programmes are very important to help you
settle in quickly and give you all the necessary information to live and work successfully in London.
It is compulsory for you to attend these sessions.
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HEALTH
Homesickness
To start with, everything is new, exciting and different, but as time goes by you may begin to wish things
were the way they were back home. This is quite normal.
Dont despair as this stage will pass and much more quickly if you talk to someone about how you are
feeling. Talk to your House Parent, Personal Tutor, the Nurse, the College Independent Listener, or the
Head of Boarding.
Keep in touch with home by telephone or email.
Remember to bring photographs or ornaments that are familiar to you.
Make friends with other students and take part in College/Accommodation sports and activities.
Health, counselling and personal support
If you have a personal problem, worries or concerns of any kind (such as relationships, health,
depression, anxiety, etc.) and you would like to talk to someone other than your Personal Tutor,
members of the Pastoral Team are keen to support you.
They are:
The Nurse on 07712 325036.
The Principal Head of Boarding and Welfare (Designated Person for Safeguarding),
Paul Ludlow on 07710 306066.
The Head of Boarding, Tony Tayson on 07712 321406.
The Heads of Year: Tim Maher and Claire Greenwood (A Level) or Philip Perry (GCSE)
are also Designated Persons for Safeguarding and can be called on 0207 616 4400
Medical information
All students have access to our Nurse who will see them at a surgery time in the accommodation before
the college day.
All students can also have free emergency hospital treatment in Accident & Emergency Departments,
but other entitlements depend on where you live and how long you are here for. Please ensure you
have informed College of any medical condition or illness and any medicines you may be taking,
prior to your arrival in the UK.
All students are entitled to free emergency treatment
in NHS hospitals and free treatment with the General Practitioner (GP) AND can register with the
GP/Doctor at the start of the term, the Nurse will help you with this.
Continued...
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Many services are free of charge
Consulting a GP and most other GP services (e.g. visiting a clinic)
Emergency and non-emergency treatment in a hospital.
This however depends on the reciprocal arrangement your home country has made with England.
Therefore it is always advisable to research this first and consider taking out private medical.
Others you will have to pay for
Medicines prescribed by your GP under the NHS - is currently 7.85.
Prescriptions as a private patient will be considerably more.
Some GP services such as travel vaccinations.
Dental treatment.
Any EU national students
should apply for a European Health Card EHIC, prior to travelling as this gives those that are eligible
free health care. Students with EU nationality but who normally reside outside the EU will usually have
to pay for health care in the UK and should take out private medical insurance.
Do I need medical insurance?
If you are not entitled to free NHS treatment, you should ensure you have adequate medical insurance
to cover medical costs and the possible additional costs resulting from that illness such as a flight home.
Even if you are entitled to free NHS treatment, you may consider taking out private medical insurance.
Sometimes it can take several days to get an appointment with an NHS GP and there are long waiting
lists for non-emergency NHS services. Private medical insurance could give you much quicker access
to the treatment you need.
Medication
If you bring any medication into the UK, also carry a letter (translated into English) from your doctor
explaining what the medicine is and what it is for.
This letter must be shown to the Nurse when you arrive in London, you may then be referred to relevant
further specialist care. A scanned copy should be emailed, before you travel, to the below address.
If you are undergoing any long-term medical treatment, you should also bring a letter from your doctor,
counsellor, or hospital specialist. This letter can be shown to a relevant UK specialist if further medication
is needed.
Some medicines that may be legally prescribed in your Home country may not be licensed for use in
England. Therefore please contact our Nurse for clarification, prior to travelling.
If you have any (confidential) health information you would like to disclose email: nurse@duffmiller.com
HEALTH
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COLLEGE RULES
The College encourages students to be responsible and to learn to manage their own time. This is almost
certainly a different learning environment from your previous school but we will help you to adapt. You will
receive a student handbook for both College and the Accommodation that sets out all College rules and
guidance for your stay with us in your first week.
The College tries to keep an informal atmosphere but this is not at the expense of good manners
and behaviour. You are expected to treat your fellow students and all staff with respect.
We have three very strict rules
Attendance
Authorised attendance must be over 95%, with a minimum of 85% actual attendance at lessons. If it falls
below this, then sanctions are applied and you may not be allowed to sit the final public examinations.
You must be here for the start of each term and not leave before the end. Make sure your travel
arrangements comply with this. Some examinations take place at the end of June 2015 and you must not
make travel arrangements for the end of Summer Term until individual examination dates are known.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed inside the College or in your Accommodation.
Smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces in the UK. This includes places such as restaurants,
airports, railway stations, cafes and museums.
Drug Misuse
Illegal drugs are not allowed under any circumstances. Legal drugs that are sold or misused will be dealt
with as illegal drugs. The Principal may, at his discretion, exercise a zero tolerance policy and expel anyone
caught in possession of, or having taken illegal drugs, or may suspend the students, allowing them to return
only under strict conditions. These may include:
A minimum of 95% attendance.
Frequent drug testing (on average monthly) with costs to be covered by the fee payer. Any positive
reading will result in immediate expulsion.
Participation in drug counselling and education programmes as deemed appropriate by the College.
Costs may be incurred for this.
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IMPORTANT
Financial Matters
You will need to have the money for:
Living costs outside of the College e.g, clothes, music, eating out
You will be helped to open a bank account.
Expenses inside College
During the year you will need to pay for trips, books, taxis, etc.
Catering (Food)
All boarding students are catered for fully. Meals are included in the accommodation fees and the
College is unable to refund any element of the fees if meals are not taken.
Princess Beatrice House has its own catering facilities so you will have breakfast and your evening
meal in the accommodation and your lunch in the college canteen. All weekend meals will be taken
in the accommodation. This ensures we are able to offer our younger students a greater level of
supervision and care, ensuring they eat well.
Accommodation during holidays
Students wishing to stay in College accommodation during weekends and half terms need to provide one
terms notice to do so. Charges apply.
Please speak to the Head of Boarding, Tony Tayson for full details.
Sports
You will be able to take part in sports such as football, basketball, martial arts and dancing.
You will learn more of what is available during induction.
For GSCE students weekly sport is compulsory as part of your curriculum and your attendance to these
sessions will be monitored as for other subjects.
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SPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES
Study Trips
Over the year there will be several UK based trips, both for study and for learning more about the UK.
A single trip can cost from 15 to 150 and you must pay before booking.
We will ask for your parents authorisation for any trips outside of London, so please make sure that
the college application form is completed correctly.
There will also be outings in and around London. We ask that your parent/guardian give permission
for you to go on these without having to get their authorisation each time.
Leisure Activities
We arrange many leisure activities throughout the year, such as bowling, theatre and cinema visits,
and organise Accommodation/College social events such as fancy dress parties and games evenings.
These will be advertised.
Duff Miller students are able to access the Imperial College (London University) gym, ask for details
at the college reception.
Based on student interest, clubs are also run like drama, debating, business enterprise and chess.
Music lessons are also available.
The College Student Council meets regularly and gives voice to Students needs and points of view.
It provides an important contribution to the planning of events.
Likewise in Boarding, there is also a student council to address the needs of boarding students.
London
If you wish to learn more about London before you arrive, go to the following website:
www.visitlondon.org
15
Gloucester Road
Hammersmith
South Kensington
Earls Court
KENSINGTON
GARDENS
HYDE
PARK
Notting Hill Gate
Princess Beatrice House
Fulham Broadway
FULHAM
CHELSEA
KNIGHTSBRIDGE
WESTMINSTER
Bayswater
Queensway
MAP
59 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JP
Admissions
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3667 6640
Email: admissions@astrumeducation.com
www.duffmiller.com