Students and staff at an event at Dearne Valley College

Welcome to Dearne Valley College!

1 September 2025

We are so excited to have you join our community.

This is a huge milestone, and we understand that starting college can come with a mix of emotions – excitement, anticipation, and maybe a few nerves. Please know that you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!

We’ve designed the next two months to help you settle in, make new friends, and discover everything our College has to offer. We have 2 months full of activities planned for you throughout September and October.

Key events to look out for

Navigation Week (Starting Now)

This week is all about getting to know your new surroundings. You’ll meet your tutors, find your classrooms, and learn the layout of the college so you feel comfortable and confident.

Sign-Up Week (September 8th-12th)

Ready to explore your passions? This is your chance to discover and sign up for all the amazing clubs and activities we have available at our ‘Sign Up Fair’ on Thursday 11th September between 9:30am and 3pm. If you miss this sign-up fair, don’t worry! You can speak to one of our Personal Development team members who will be at the Find Your Feet stand on reception between 12pm-2pm each day this week.

Let Us Know What You Think (September 15th-19th)

There will be surveys and discussions for you to fill in to let us know how you are finding your time at college so far. On Thursday the 18th we are also inviting parents and carers in to attend an information session at the College which will be running between 5pm-7pm.

Swap Don’t Drop Week (September 22nd-26th)

We want you to be happy with your course choices. If the course you originally picked isn’t quite what you expected, this is the perfect time to make a change. We promote this week to help you make any necessary adjustments early on, so you don’t miss out on too much learning.

Careers and Skills Week (September 29th-3rd October)

A careers fair will take place on campus this week, where we will have workshops and stalls set up in the social space to help you think about your future. You can learn new skills, get advice, and explore potential career paths.

Wellbeing Week (October 6th-10th)

Take a break from your studies and focus on yourself and your wellbeing! We’ve planned some amazing talks and activities.

You can look forward to:

A talk from Kooth, who will be discussing online mental health support.

Relaxing sound bath sessions that you can book a spot for.

Lync Active will be holding sessions to boost both physical and mental wellbeing through fun activities.

A performance by singer Joel Foster.

A talk on mental health from Tom Talks.

Barclays LifeSkills will be coming in to deliver a talk around confidence and assertiveness.

We’ve got other activities lined up too! It’s a great way to relax and have a good time.

We also have a colour run on the 10th which you can take part in! You will need a white t-shirt to take part in the race and suitable clothing/footwear to run/walk in. You will also need a bottle of water, ideally one that can be refilled throughout the afternoon. Then finally, you will need a change of clothes for afterwards.

Higher Education Week (October 13th-17th)

Thinking about university after college? This week is for you. We’ll have taster sessions in the curriculum areas that offer Higher Education courses, mock interviews, and talks to give you a feel for what Higher Education is all about.

Celebration Week (October 20th-21st)

We’ll wrap things up with a celebration to honour you and your first few months here with us! It’s our way of celebrating all your hard work and welcoming you into the College.

We’re here to support you

Starting college is a big step, and it’s completely normal to have questions or feel a little overwhelmed.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support staff. They are here to answer any queries you might have and provide a listening ear if you’re feeling nervous.

And, for an extra dose of comfort, keep an eye out for our friendly therapy dog, Rufus, who loves to visit and say hello!