A Safe Return to College from 8 March 2021
Capel Manor College will return to face-to-face teaching from Monday 8 March 2021. This will include a mix of outdoor practical classes, indoor classes and home study that will already be familiar to students who started in September 2020.
Students will be given timetables to show when and where they will study. The College will also use staggered start times to ensure students do not arrive at the College at the same time.
COVID-19 testing
As part of plans to return to face-to-face teaching it will be important for students to take what is called a “lateral flow test” to identify anyone who may have the virus but not have any symptoms. This will help people know when to self-isolate and reduce the spread of the virus.
These tests are voluntary, but the College will encourage all students to have one in order to help protect the community and keep everyone as safe as possible.
In line with Government guidelines and scientific advice, the College will offer students three tests in the first two weeks when they return. The tests take up to 30 minutes to complete and our staff will be on hand to support students and guide them through the whole process.
After the first two weeks, students will then be given tests to take home each week.
Keeping students safe
Testing and the wider use of vaccines does not mean we will relax our rules that have worked extremely well in minimising the spread of the virus within the College so far.
It will be vital for everyone to remain vigilant and continue to follow our Covid-secure rules, especially the “hands, face, space” rules which involve wearing a mask, sanitising and washing hands regularly, and maintaining a safe two-metre social distance.
Exams
The Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, has announced initial plans for exams in 2021. More information about how qualifications will be awarded can be found on the Government website.
As a result of the disruption students have faced due to the pandemic, the Government has said that many exams and assessments cannot be held this year in a way which is fair. This will mean that many exams will not go ahead, with some qualifications receiving teacher assessed grades based on alternative assessments, where appropriate.
We are in close contact with individual Awarding Bodies to discuss the outcomes for individual courses and tutors will discuss with students the details for specific courses. Awarding Bodies have confirmed that no student will be disadvantaged and other forms of alternative assessments will be available where exams cannot go ahead, to allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and achieve their qualifications and target grades.
Student support and counselling
Capel Manor College’s student support and counselling team provide a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space for students to discuss any concerns they may have.
- If you have a safeguarding concern email safeguarding@capel.ac.uk or call 01992 707027
- If you have queries relating to learning support email learningsupport@capel.ac.uk
- If you are worried and would like further support email counselling@capel.ac.uk
Further support for wellbeing can be found on the Mind website.
It is ok to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too. You can find further information on recommended mental health helplines on the NHS website.
