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GUIDANCE FOR 16-18 STUDENTS

We will update this page with new information from the Government and awarding bodies when we receive it.  

The following information will outline why and how we are committed to supporting your continued learning and how your course may be affected. 

It is essential that wherever possible you continue with your learning. The following information will explain why, and how College will provide students with the opportunity for you to continue with and/or complete you your studies.   

Updated information for students who were due to take their A Level and GCSE exams in summer 2020

Provisional examination grades for all students who were due to take their exams this year will be based on teacher assessment of student performance.

Currently your tutors are working extremely hard on your behalf to submit this information. These grades will then be moderated by Ofqual and the relevant examination board before you are awarded your grade.

Visit the Ofqual website for the most current news on A Level and GCSE grades

Video: Information for students expecting GCSE, AS or A level results in summer 2020.

Click here to view a British Sign Language version of this video

Why is it important to continue with your studies online?

  • If you wish to progress to the next level of qualification, from a level 1 or 2 programme you will need to complete as much learning as possible in preparation for that progression. Planning for next academic year will include ‘catch-up’ time but it will not be possible to cover all work from the summer term.
  • It is important to continue studying to avoid taking a big gap and slipping back with your study especially if you are planning to progress onto university or other study.
  • Try to remain focused on your overall goal, we are all unsure about how long we will continue in this way so it is a good idea to keep working hard towards your goal.
  • Keeping in contact with your tutor and up to date with your online learning will help with your own development and wellbeing.

How will I keep up with my learning at this time?

  • For the time being your learning with change to an online remote basis.
  •  You will be able to access the learning for College taught sessions in accordance with your existing timetable through the College Virtual learning Environment (VLE) . Look for the ‘Working at Home’ section where you will find instructions and resources. This will include maths and English as well as vocational learning.
  • Your tutors will provide support via College Email or other approved College communication system.
  • You can continue to submit any work and assignments in the usual way.
  • You will NOT attend any work placement position even if this is a mandatory part of your course. This would undermine the Governments social distancing strategy and increase the health risk.
  •  It may be a good time to review or learn the more theory–based elements of your course. Many awarding bodies have also added extra learning platforms on their websites to help you review and stay current. We know that in many cases practical sessions cannot continue during this period of learning from home. Videos and other resources will help you to be prepared for any further sessions in the future.
  • Please ensure you continue to submit your work, any assignments that you have already submitted, plan to submit or any modular exams that you have already done, may form an increasing part of your final grade if exams are confirmed as cancelled.
  • The College is working closely with awarding bodies and will advise you of any developments as these become known.
  • Don’t forget to review and revise any learnt skills or knowledge that might be helpful going forward. Research shows that revisiting information is fundamental in helping it stick in your memory.  

Which course are you enrolled on at College?

Entry and Level 1: Work online, completing any assignments set by your tutor.  This will prepare you for the next level of study. Where you have outstanding exams these will either be delayed into next academic year or in some courses not taking place at all. Details of how the marks will work in this circumstance will be coming out from Awarding Bodies in due course.

Level 2: Work online, completing any assignments set by your tutor. You will be able to complete some assignments through this on-line learning method which awarding bodies may take into account when considering qualification awards. We await more information from governing bodies with regards to the completion of any outstanding practical assessments and exams.

Level 3 One Year Courses (e.g. City & Guilds): Work online, completing any assignments set by your tutor. You will be able to complete some assignments through this on-line learning method which awarding bodies may take into account when considering qualification awards. We await more information from governing bodies with regards to the completion of any outstanding practical assessments and exams.

Level 3 Year 1 of 2 year courses (e.g. A Level programme, BTEC, UAL, CACHE):  Work online, completing any assignments and work set by your tutor, we await more information and confirmation regarding future dates for any externally set exams and assessments.

You are not able to complete any work placement activity we are awaiting to hear from the awarding bodies about the courses this affects.

Level 3, Year 2 of 2 Year Courses (e.g. BTEC, UAL, CACHE): We are awaiting to hear from awarding bodies with regards to any practical element or external exams on your course. In the meantime please continue to complete internally set assessment on-line as directed by your tutor.

Please see updated A Level information above

Functional Skills: We are awaiting additional information relating to this year’s tests. When this information is available we will ensure students have all the necessary support and guidance.

Please see updated GCSE information above.