Parent Communication
You can view correspondence sent out to parents and carers by using the links below.
Personal Progress and Development
As a part of your child’s education at Solihull College & University Centre, we promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive Personal Progress and Development (PPD) education program.
Personal Development runs through all curriculum subjects, and we also have a designated hour each week that gives young adults the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live safe, healthy, productive lives and meet their full potential. We design our PPD planner with influence from the students – their needs and requirements and through responsive actions to address concerns arising in our college and local community.
PPD is monitored and reviewed regularly by the staff and management. All PPD teaching takes place in a safe learning environment and is underpinned by our college values. A professional and factual approach is taken by all trained staff members when teaching these topics and students have a chance to ask their questions in a safe environment.
Wake Up Wednesday
The College will be sending regular supportive information to all parents/guardians. The information provided will allow the continuation of support outside of the college environment, it will also allow you to see what PPD topics are being explored.
The Mental Health Team have been delivering workshops on Body Image to students across the campuses as we found from our data that poor body image is one of the leading causes of deteriorating mental health in young people. It would be useful for parents to have an understanding of what affects Body Image and how to promote positive Body Image at home.
The attached guide from the Mental Health Foundation is really useful as well videos below that parents and their children can watch together:
- What Happens When Strangers Get Real About Body Image – Most people would say that they’re their own worst critics, listening too closely to that voice in their heads that judges, mocks, and belittles their appearances, bodies, personalities and lifestyles. But would saying these things aloud to a stranger give you a different perspective on your inner-critic? Here, six people exchange the most painful, critical things they think about their bodies, and try to find ways to be kinder to themselves.
What Happens When Strangers Get Real About Body Image
- Tips to promote positive body image – Practical advice for parents and carers
Help children and young people develop a positive body image by challenging idealised images on social media. Empower them to put value in more than just what they see in the mirror.
Promoting positive body image with young people | Internet Matters
- How Social Media Is Having Serious Impacts On Kids’ Body Image And Body Positivity – It’s no secret that social media is not always good for us, and that what we see online isn’t always real. But for young users, who can’t make that distinction, it can have serious impacts on body image.
How Social Media Is Having Serious Impacts On Kids’ Body Image And Body Positivity
There’s also a body image document attached that i presume needs adding here.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are pleased to inform you that you will be able to access the Student Checkpoint report by accessing Parent Portal, instructions have been attached.
The report can be used as part of your discussion during Progress Evening and will show attendance, punctuality and progress to date.
The report will illustrate how many assessments need to be submitted overall, how many have been submitted to date and those that were submitted on time.
There is also a section on the Personal Development Assessment, this is an online assessment completed at College, to assess understanding of nine personal developmenttopics.
It will allow all staff to support students in areas they may need to develop, and adapt teaching/assessment methods. A score of 16 is the highest level of understanding forthat theme.
If you have any queries regarding accessing Parent Portal, below is a link to our College website with additional instructions.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I’m excited to share an incredible opportunity for your young person this year: the chance to participate in skills competitions during their time at college.
Why Competitions?
These events provide a unique platform for students to showcase and refine their skills. Not only do they help build resilience, communication, and problem-solving abilities, but they also instil determination and boost confidence. The experience can be a valuable asset for future endeavours, whether it’s a UCAS application, apprenticeship, or their CV.
What are the Benefits?
Beyond technical expertise, competitions nurture crucial employability skills like time management, teamwork, and working under pressure-qualities that employers are actively seeking. Competitions encourage young people to push their boundaries, learn about themselves, and strive for excellence. Whether they’re honing technical abilities or learning to thrive under competition pressure, these experiences create well-rounded, career-ready individuals.
WorldSkills UK and Our Commitment
As a proud WorldSkills UK Centre of Excellence, we collaborate with industry experts to ensure your young person receives the highest level of skill development. Competitions provide an environment that mirrors the standards of global industry, giving students an edge in today’s competitive job market.
In fact, research shows that over 85% of past WorldSkills competitors increased their technical skills, and 90% gained a deeper understanding of their strengths and areas for growth. More importantly, these competitions boost ambition-encouraging participants to aim higher, whether through further training, career progression, or even representing the UK on a global stage.
How Can You Support?
We encourage you to have conversations with your young person about the benefits of competitions. Their subject tutor will be able to advise on specific competitions opportunities linked to the course they are studying. Your support can make a big difference in building their confidence and helping them to embrace this exciting challenge.
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As a part of your young person’s education at Solihull College and University Centre, we promote personal wellbeing and development through a comprehensive Personal Progress and Development (PPD) education program.
Personal Development runs through all curriculum subjects, and we also have a designated hour each week that gives young people the knowledge, understanding, attitudes and practical skills to live safe, healthy, productive lives and meet their full potential. We design our PPD planner with influence from the students – their needs and requirements and through responsive actions to address concerns arising in our college and local community.
Attached is an introductory booklet provided to students within College Induction, providing more information on the topics we cover throughout the academic year.
PPD is monitored and reviewed regularly by the staff and management. All PPD teaching takes place in a safe learning environment and is underpinned by our college values. A professional and factual approach is taken by all trained staff members when teaching these topics and students have a chance to ask their questions in a safe environment.
We are launching Wake Up Wednesday; the college will be sending regular supportive information to all parents/guardians. The information provided will allow the continuation of support outside of the college environment, it will also allow you to see what PPD topics are being explored.
Kind Regards
Beth Tite & Emma Scothern
Head of Personal Progress and Development
