Message From the Principal – Students Return to College

Message to Students from the Principal

Following the news that students can return to College from Monday 8th March, we have finalised our plans for the safe return of our students and staff.

Colleges have been asked to offer mass testing for their students to facilitate a safe return, so we have set aside Monday 8th, Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th March for testing. As a large sixth form college we plan to offer one test to all students and then move to providing home testing kits. We feel confident that our students will be able to test themselves effectively after one on-site test, though we will have testing available on-site for longer should anyone feel they need more reassurance.

During these three days all lessons (both online and in person) will be cancelled. Students should use this time to complete any outstanding work and to plan how to make the best of the rest of the college year.

Online and in person lessons will then resume on Thursday 11th March and we will return to the blended learning timetable we were following prior to this lockdown. This will see students physically attending lessons at College two days per week – so Year 12 students will attend College on Thursday 11th March (with Y13 staying online) and Year 13 will attend College on Friday 12th March (with Y12 having online lessons).

In line with new guidance we are asking students to wear masks in class.

While testing is voluntary, I strongly urge you to play your part in helping to keep students, staff and the wider community safe. The instructions of how to book a test can be found here.

It will be great to welcome you all back and I am confident we can do so safely and successfully.

Best Wishes
Nick Burnham
Principal

Testing Information

If you wish to take a test before you return to College you can now book one via the button in your email from the College, the deadline to book a test is Friday 5th March at 1pm. For a step-by-step guide to booking a test, click here.

When you attend College for your test you MUST:

– Bring your student ID card
– Bring your mobile (Smart Phone)
– Wear a face covering
– Keep socially distanced from others
– Not attend if you have any COVID-19 Symptoms and follow the Government guidelines
– Not bring any food or drink
– Have minimal personal belongings with you

Testing will take place in the St Augustine’s building, with limited parking available on campus. There will be staff available to direct you to the test location, with the entrance being on the left hand side of St Augustine’s building, not the main entrance.

You will only be able to access the St Augustine’s building for a test, the rest of the College campus site will remain closed until students return on the 11th & 12th March.

There is a short step by step video which you can view here, which gives an insight into what to expect from a Covid-19 test from the Department for Health & Social Care.