YOU SAID WE DID

You Said: Lessons should not be cancelled without cover.

We Have: Introduced a new Access cover schedule which consisted of double class teaching, online lessons or full guided-learning packs.

You Said: Independent learning should not just be reading slides.

We Have: Introduced structured learning packs with narrated teaching, tasks, and model answers.

You Said: Please communicate through text, not only email.

We Have: Enabled SMS alerts for cancellations, room changes, and urgent updates.

You Said: Students need more timed exam practice and clear guidance on what top-band answers look like.

We Have: Built an Exam Practice Cycle that will be delivered in all subjects – this includes one timed paper per subject, exam-walkthrough lessons, and banded model answers (Bands 1–5) with annotations.

You Said: Students would like feedback to be faster and more actionable.

We Have: Adopted a 2-week turnaround for assessed work introduced WWW/EBI (What Went Well/Even Better If) plus a feed-forward task in the next lesson to close gaps.

You Said: Students want staff to publish a clear scheme of work and the independent learning we should be doing each week.

We Have: Published a half-termly scheme of work (SOWs) on Teams with weekly IL including links to textbook chapters, videos, and exam board specs.

You Said: Some lessons move too quickly; others are too slow.

We Have: Introduced checkpoint quizzes to inform pacing

You Said: Heating is inconsistent and the common room doesn’t feel secure.

We Have: Logged heating with Estates and bought heaters. We are looking to upgrade the common room with access controls, CCTV signage, and student stewards during peak times.

You Said: Students would like teachers to show us real essays at different grades and how to improve them.

We Have: Provided anonymous banded essays with annotation overlays. Plus, we have run co-marking homework sessions using exam criteria.

You Said: Students want a reading list linked to themes.

We Have: Published a reading list (core + extension) aligned to each unit and used seminar-style Independent Learning to discuss links to set texts.

You Said: The NEA [coursework] needs a clearer structure and checkpoints.

We Have: Issued an NEA scaffold with checkpoint deadlines and academic guidance.

You Said: Students enjoy Excel, can we have more computerised accounts.

We have: Spoken to teachers who will schedule where possible more lessons using computerised accounting software.

You Said: Students like structure- a starter, clear lesson topics and an ending.

We Have: Discussed this with teachers as they should be planning lessons so that for the majority if not all lessons you will have starter activities that link to progress, a range of activities to support the middle part of the lessons and increase plenaries at the end of the lesson so that you know what you are doing well, what you need to improve on, to consolidate your learning.

You Said: Students would like teachers to through questions more than one time and provide some examples.

We Have: Feed this back to the teachers and will ensure that we model some correct answers so you can see the steps involved in reaching the correct answer, not just the final result.

You Said: Students would like for the class to be quieter at times so we can work in silence.

We Have: Incorporated times within in lesson where students are expected to work quietly.

You Said: The class could be better at listening more to each other so we can appreciate each other.

We Have: Planned lessons into our delivery that will explore the benefits of listening to each other and your teachers, we plan to deliver lessons that are interactive and thought provoking, promoting active listening skills that will support you as part of your personal development goals and future careers.

You Said: L2 business students sometimes find it challenging to meet work deadlines and manage our time.

We Have: Arranged with SPTs some time to explore some solutions with you and the groups during tutorials for example - we will look at how you plan your week and identify times when you could complete independent work (Time-Blocking Techniques) and explore Tools such as Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or even a paper planner.

You Said: There is a lack of practical examples in L2 Business such as real-life scenarios / case studies.

We Have: Developed an enrichment programme for the new academic year where you will be visiting a business environment and we will be inviting in some guest speakers in to bring your subjects to life in a real-world context.

You Said:

Facilities & Environment

• Learners feel that facilities need improvement, particularly cleaner and consistently accessible toilets, better maintained and sufficient tools and equipment, warmer and more comfortable classrooms, improved workshop organisation, and stronger on-site safety and security.

We Have:

• Requested that Curriculum leads (Deputy Heads of Curriculum) conduct termly learning environment walks with Course Reps starting from January to ensure students feel safe and supported.

• Implemented tool audits aligned to curriculum needs and assessment requirements so that these take place a minimum of twice a year. We will also ensure through Tutorials that SPTs regularly seek feedback from students in relation to log issues, tools, temperature, cleanliness, and safety via a member of staff so that individual concerns can be dealt swiftly.

You Said:

Teaching & Learning Resources

• While teaching is generally viewed positively, learners want clearer communication, more consistent delivery across staff, improved digital and classroom resources, and more structured feedback to support their learning.

We Have:

• Started to (and will continue to) share and standardise high-quality lesson resources within curriculum teams.

• Increased the use of digital platforms to support independent learning.

• Embedded clear learning intentions and success criteria in lessons.

• Asked each tutor to provide regular opportunities for structured feedback.

You Said:

Curriculum Experience

• Learners would like a more engaging and varied curriculum with increased practical activities, real-world tasks, clearer lesson structure, better pacing, and more consistent expectations across courses.

We Have started, and will continue to:

• Review schemes of work to increase practical and applied learning.

• Introduce realistic work-related tasks and projects.

• Improve lesson pacing and balance between theory and practice.

• Ensure expectations are clearly communicated across all courses.

You Said:

Communication & Support

• Learners feel communication could be improved, particularly around timetable changes, lesson expectations, and staff availability, and they would benefit from stronger guidance and more opportunities for collaboration and peer support.

We Have:

• Spoken to all teachers and set clear expectations so that there is consistent communication channels for timetable changes and course information. These will recommunicated to students from January. We have also given staff clear guidance for communications given to students at the start of lessons and assessments.

• Worked with staff and timetabling to ensure there is increased visibility and availability of teaching staff.

• Planned opportunities for collaborative and group learning which will be cascaded across the department from January.

You Said:

General Student Experience

• Learners want a more positive and respectful learning environment, with clearer behaviour expectations, better enforcement where needed, and increased recognition and encouragement for their efforts and achievements.

We Have:

• Reinforced with staff clear expectations for behaviour and professionalism, and will ensure staff address issues consistently and fairly.

• We have asked all staff to use praise, feedback, and recognition to celebrate progress and effort.

• We have asked all staff to actively embed teamwork and peer support into lesson activities.

You Said: Some of our equipment is outdated, looking very old and tired, sometimes there is not enough to go around.

We Have: Spoken to staff and technicians who will review out current stock and refresh some items.

You Said: The lockers are often broken and need updating.

We Have: Repaired the broken lockers and replaced keys when you need them, please ensure you keep reporting broken lockers to staff so we can rectify as soon as we know.

You Said: Changing rooms can get stuffy, there is no window for ventilation and can get smelly, we would like air fresheners in the room.

We Have: Started to meet with Estates to explore some solutions and see if we can fix a deodoriser in the changing rooms. ‍

You Said: Tutorials are not linked enough to our specific course.

We Have: Spoken to the student experience team to feed this back, and where possible look at where wider personal development themes (which tutorials focus on) can link to your main Curriculum. We have also asked curriculum teams to look at ways to offer more relatable content.

You Said: Students need more access to books.

We Have: Asked the staff team to speak directly to all student groups to know what type of books you would like so we can work with the library team to look at options.

You Said: In Games Development – The software applications were not working from the beginning of term and are still not working with some sites blocked for games research.

We Have: Feed this back to Head of IT to help allow learners access to systems/sites required.

You Said: In Media, Students said 5pm is too late to finish particularly for those who need to get buses. Students would also like more equipment: cameras and headphones.

We Have: Spoken to the team to consider if timetables can be adjusted to help with this. For timetabling next year this will also be taken into account. For equipment we have taken a list of required equipment to the HoC who will liaise with the Assistant Principal to see what can be purchased in year.

You Said: Art Print credits of £15 is far too little, and that Art courses need to be treated differently to other courses due to research and printing for Sketchbooks. Students also said they would like more clarification from tutors as to why they are doing tasks.

We Have: Raised the Print Credit issue with Head of IT to see if this can be adjusted and will let you know what is possible. In terms of task clarification, we have asked the Team to offer more detail and advice to their direction and to help offer students clearer tasks.

You Said: IT – Students would like the barrier lowered that cuts EV311 in two, as this does not allow for group discussions. You would also like Chairs with arms as you sit in front of PC’s for long periods.

We Have: Raised the barrier issue with estates and are currently awaiting feedback. Charis with arms have been requested but Estates have indicated it is unlikely that new chairs can be purchased in year. As an interim measure we are seeing if we can source some from within the college.

You Said: Regarding trips, Students would like more notice, as have recently only known 2 days in advance.

We Have: Spoken to all Curriculum teams as any trip should be planned well in advance. Occasionally opportunities arise for one off experience that students may attend if they can which may be shorter notice, but these aren’t compulsory.

You Said: In Eversley House, the Hazel court end door is not open to be able to leave the building or come into the building.

We Have: Reported this to estates and are awaiting feedback. Interim discussions have identified that these doors would need to have security system fitted to make them compliant for visitors to come in and out. Currently these require access controls which are costly to retro fit.

You Said: The streetlights at King’s drive end not working.

We Have: Reported to estates team to be checked.

You Said: Students have some concerns about the weight and difficulty of fire doors and accessibility – doors on the top corridor are difficult to open with crutches/wheelchair.

We Have: Raised with estates team to check openers and ensure doors are functioning properly and to consider better accessibility for those who are less mobile.

You Said: Can neurodivergent students be given prior knowledge of fire drills, as the noise can cause some anxiety.

We Have: Raised with health and safety for consideration. We will speak to the health and safety team to see what notice we can give.

You Said: Students want clipped lanyards not around the neck.

We Have: Feedback to SLT for consideration particularly for those learners who have sensory issues with the lanyards being around their neck. We will also hold a focus group with learners to know a little more about the reason behind this to ensure this helps. The lanyard acts as a very visual way to identify students and staff at the college.

You Said: Wi-Fi is either too slow or doesn’t work.

We Did: This was also raised at the main student council, and feedback has been given to Director of IT. Investment is planned to improve the service at the college.

You Said: Toilets are often vandalised, broken, not working.

We Have: Spoken to the estates team are working hard to repair and keep on top of this challenge – college senior leadership team are considering best ways to manage this situation but are very aware of the problems. The course team in Eversley are trying to do what they can to preserve our facilities.

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You Said: Some classrooms do not have a projector or a whiteboard, which makes some lessons difficult.

We Have: Now installed projectors and a whiteboard to all classrooms in ECAT.

You Said: In some lessons, there has been a change of teacher which we have found disrupting.

We Have: Acknowledged that any change in-year of teachers can be disruptive, however sometimes this is inevitable, and we have ensured that all lessons have remained consistent and have been delivered.

You Said: Students would like more opportunities to do group activities in lessons using some of the ‘hands-on’ experiences that we will use on placement.

We Have: Passed this feedback onto teachers who will ensure that where possible there are more opportunities to do this.

Communication

You Said: Students would like better communication about meetings to empower more learners to attend.

We Have: Improved communication by sending meeting reminders via teachers and email.

Teaching & Learning Resources

You Said:

• Smart boards in classrooms to support engagement.

• Student books to help organise learning.

• More speaking practice (Pre‑Entry).

• More homework for those who want additional learning (Pre‑Entry).

• More reading aloud opportunities.  

We Have:

• Added ESOL smart board installation request to the IT review, so are hopefully these will be purchased and in place for next academic year.

• Taken your feedback on board and will review the possibility of providing student books. We have spoken to all teachers about setting additional speaking/homework resources which will be issued as much as possible.

• Spoken to teachers and have asked them to embed more speaking and reading‑aloud opportunities across levels.

Facilities & Environment

You said:

• Carpets are old and need replacement.

• Walls in classrooms need painting.

• Requests for more hand dryers, cleaner toilets, and improved ventilation.

• Wi-Fi weak—needs faster, more reliable connection.

• More regular cleaning of toilets.

• More fans in summer (one or two are not enough).

• Partition wall in GH213 / GH215 means these classrooms are quite noisy.

• Water cooler desired in corridor.

• Afternoon learners need access to food between 3:00–3:15pm.

• The portion size of vegetarian meals is too small. 

• In some rooms the radiators are cold (broken).

We Have:

Taken on board your feedback and will:

• Log carpet and wall‑painting requests with Estates.

• Request additional hand dryers and an increase in scheduled toilet cleaning.

• Submit Wi-Fi improvement request to IT Services.

• Investigate installation of an additional water cooler.

• Raise the issue of food availability for afternoon learners and vegetarian meal portion size with Catering.

• Escalate temperature/ventilation concerns for classrooms and toilets.

• Ensure radiators are repaired where reported.

You Said: Some classrooms do not have a projector or a whiteboard, which makes some lessons difficult

We Have: Now installed projectors and a whiteboard to all classrooms in ECAT.

You Said: Students would like clarity on lesson content and links to assessment in assignment.

We Have: Spoken to teachers who will ensure that lesson aims and tasks are linked to assessment criteria and related to any assignments.

You Said: In specific lessons, Students would like more opportunities to do exam questions to help you.   

We Have: Fed this back to teachers who will ensure that as more content is now being covered in these lessons, that exam questions are now set.

You Said: Students would like to go on more trips together.

We Have: Looked at our 2026 planning and will include some trips.

You Said: We would like a wider vocational choice on a Wednesday morning - slime making, clay, gardening which includes science and history.

We Have: Looked at our 2026 planning and will broaden our Wednesday vocational offer from January onwards.

You Said: Students would like more outside lessons and explore the campus more.

We Have: Looked at our lesson delivery from January and will include more out and about and also sessions in the immersive hub.

You Said: In Maths, Students would like more structured lessons and video explanations with more detailed explanations on PowerPoint slides and feel that extra work could be done in tutorial.

We Have: Ensured Maths support has been put in place to ensure presentations during lessons are more detailed with occasional videos to help in areas needed. We are working towards more digital resources, so independent work is more available.‍

You Said: Students would like more revision sessions not the lessons themselves – one maths and one English instead of combined I.e. The first half to be Maths and the second half to be English. Not an extra lesson on the timetable.

We Have: Added extracurricular revision on the Wednesdays which are available for students who want additional revision sessions in both subjects.

You Said: Generally, lessons are too long and not engaging. Students would like lessons to be timetables to be 1 hour instead of an hour and a half. If this is not possible for this year, we would like to have lessons (the 1hr and a half) to be split into 2 with a short break (15 mins) in between.

We Have: We cannot edit the timetable for this year, but for the next academic year we will investigate this further. Staff are aware that these lessons may feel too long and will offer 10 minutes breaks inside the lesson at their discretion dependant on work completion. In addition, we are rolling out CPD for staff throughout this academic year so that lessons are made as active and as engaging as possible.

You Said: On some occasions, lessons are used to work on assignments and that this can be repetitive.

We Have: Made sure that in the new year, that lessons will be solely used for lesson delivery and not assignment work.

You Said: Where possible, to have some practical sport on the timetable.

We Have: Spoken to teachers and depending on progress with schemes of work, and against assessment planner, course teachers will try and offer some practical sport within the week.

You Said: Where possible, Learners would like to link theory activities and undertake these as practical for example in the expedition unit.

We Have: Spoken to staff and are looking into organising an expedition for Level 2 students to go on.