COVID Update
23.02.22
Updated COVID-19 guidance following the Prime Minister’s recent announcement and information about the upcoming mock exam weeks.
Dear student and parent/carer,
I hope you and your families are well.
Twice-weekly lateral flow testing
The Government has removed the guidance for staff and students to undertake twice-weekly asymptomatic testing.
Face coverings
The government no longer requires face coverings to be worn in classrooms, other teaching environments or communal areas. However, to protect members of the college community, including those who are more vulnerable, we recommend that face coverings continue to be worn in enclosed and crowded spaces where you may come into contact with people you don’t normally meet.
Changes to self-isolation rules
From Thursday 24th February, the Government will remove the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test. However, people who test positive are still advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days, after 5 days, they may choose to take a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) followed by another the next day – if both are negative, and they do not have a temperature, they can safely return to their normal routine.
If you have symptoms of COVID (high temperature and/or a new continuous cough and/or loss of or change to normal sense of smell or taste), you are expected to remain at home, book a PCR test in the usual way and isolate until you receive the result.
If you have been a close contact you are no longer required to self-isolate. The government will soon publish further guidance giving details of the precautions that those who live in the same household as someone who has COVID-19 are advised to take to reduce risk to other people.
Coronavirus has not gone away
The global pandemic is not yet over and it is clear there is considerable uncertainty about the path that the pandemic may now take in the UK. New variants of COVID-19 will continue to emerge and this could include variants that are resistant to vaccines and antivirals, or there may be variants that cause more severe disease.
Given this uncertainty, we all still need to reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 by:
- getting vaccinated, if eligible
- increasing ventilation/flow of fresh air when meeting indoors
- wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet, and when rates of transmission are high
- staying at home if you are unwell with symptoms of COVID-19
- staying at home and avoiding contact with other people if you test positive
- washing or sanitising your hands frequently
- following the ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’ advice
Stuart Ormson
Assistant Principal – Student Support
COVID Update
Dear student and parent/carer,
I hope you and your families are well.
As you may have heard, the Prime Minister announced last week that many of the additional Plan B measures are to end on Thursday 26th January. This letter clarifies what these changes mean for members of the college.
Face coverings
Face coverings are no longer required to be worn in classrooms and from Thursday 26th January, the government no longer recommends that face coverings be worn in communal areas. However, as cases are still high in the local area, we advise that face coverings continue to be worn in enclosed and crowded spaces where you may come into contact with people you don’t normally meet. This includes on buses to and from college, when moving around in busy corridors or when queuing in dining areas at busy times. This will help to protect all members of the college community, including those who are more vulnerable.
Changes to self-isolation rules
Self-isolate straight away and book a PCR test if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, however mild. You must also self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.
Those who have a positive LFD test result are no longer required to have a follow-up PCR test, and they should stay at home and self-isolate immediately.
The self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started (or the day you had the test, if you did not have symptoms) and the next 10 full days. You may be able to leave self-isolation early if you take daily LFD tests from day 5 of your self-isolation period. You can stop self-isolating after you have had two consecutive negative LFD tests which should be taken at least 24 hours apart and you do not have a high temperature.
You do not need to do any more LFD tests after day 10 of your self-isolation period but If you have a high temperature after the 10 days, or are feeling unwell, keep self-isolating and seek medical advice.
What if I have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive?
If you live with or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, you will not need to self-isolate if any of the following apply:
- you’re fully vaccinated – this means 14 days have passed since your final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine
- you’re under 18 years old
- you’re taking part or have taken part in an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
- you’re not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
If you have been a close contact and are not required to self-isolate, you are strongly advised to take daily LFD tests for 7 days.
And finally
It is still important to follow the other COVID mitigations; use hand sanitiser on entering and leaving the college and classroom or other areas, try to maintain social distance where possible, take part in the twice-weekly testing
Thank you again for your ongoing support and patience. We will keep you updated on any further developments.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart Ormson
Assistant Principal – Student Support
03.01.2022
Dear student and parent/carer,
I hope you and your families are well and that you have had an enjoyable Christmas. I wish you all the very best for the new year. Please see below for an update on changes to the measures currently in place at college to manage the risks due to the spread of the highly infectious, aerosol transmitted Omicron variant of coronavirus.
The timetable and January exams will continue as normal.
The college reopens on Tuesday 4th January – students should attend all the sessions on their timetable. January exams are going ahead as planned for students studying some vocational qualifications – individual exam/external assessment timetables were shared with students via email before Christmas.
Face coverings to be worn in classrooms from 4th January
In line with new government guidance, face coverings should now be worn in classrooms as well as in all other indoor communal and learning areas at college, unless exempt or in situations where wearing a face covering would impact the ability to take part in the activity, for example during sports lessons or other physical activity. This measure is short term only and will be reviewed on the 26th January in line with government guidance. Please can all students ensure that they bring a face covering each day.
Testing before returning to college
Students should take one self-test at home either the evening or morning before they return to college in January, then continue to test twice weekly at home. The latest guidance advises that even if you have tested positive for Covid-19 within the last 90 days, you are strongly encouraged to continue with the lateral flow tests as soon as you have completed your isolation period – this is a change to previous guidance. Details of how to report the results can be found on this page under the ‘Covid Testing’ tab.
Changes to the self-isolation period for those testing positive
The isolation period for those who record a positive PCR test result for COVID-19 has been reduced to 7 days. Individuals now need to take lateral flow device (LFD) tests on day 6 and day 7 of their self-isolation period. If both these test results are negative, and you do not have a high temperature, you may end your self-isolation after the second negative test result and return to college from day 8. Anyone who is unable to take LFD tests will need to complete the full 10 day period of self-isolation.
Daily testing for close contacts
Adults who are fully vaccinated, or young people up to 18 years and 6 months, identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19, should take an LFD test every day for seven days and continue to attend college as normal unless they have a positive test result or develop symptoms at any time. Anyone developing symptoms should stay at home and arrange to have a PCR test as soon as possible.
Vaccines
Vaccination reduces the likelihood of infection, helps break chains of transmission and is safe and effective – so we encourage all those eligible to consider taking up the offer.
And finally..
We will continue to do all we can so students can continue to learn on-site. However, there may be occasions when students might be required to work remotely. If this happens, arrangements will be made so students can continue to work effectively from home.
I understand this isn’t an ideal start to the new term but, once again, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support in these challenging times. We will keep you updated on any developments as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Stuart Ormson
Assistant Principal – Student Support
COVID Update 15.12.2021
As you will have heard on the news, the new ‘Omicron’ variant of coronavirus is a cause for concern nationally and on Wednesday 8th December, the Prime Minister announced the implementation of Plan B of the COVID-19 response to reduce transmission and the pressure on the NHS. This letter gives an update on the measures currently in place at college.
The timetable will continue as normal. This means that students should continue to attend all the sessions on their timetable. We will continue to do everything we can to limit any disruption to learning.
Remember though to stay at home if you feel unwell with any of the symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, and book a PCR test. Please let your pastoral mentor know the reason for your absence and the result of the PCR test.
Face coverings
Face coverings should continue to be worn by students, staff and visitors in communal areas, unless exempt. Students must also wear a face covering when travelling on public transport or on dedicated transport to and from college. Students do not need to wear face coverings in classrooms but can, of course, choose to do so.
Your support with wearing face coverings is appreciated. There have been a small number of students who need to be asked repeatedly to wear one. Remember, wearing a face covering protects others. We have some members of the college who are extremely vulnerable so we ask all students to respect others and wear a face covering in the recommended situations.
Please remember, students are expected to bring their own face coverings and make sure they are worn correctly, covering both your mouth and nose.
IMPORTANT: Students should complete a lateral flow home test before returning to college in January – students should take one self-test at home either in the evening or morning before they return and report the result to college and the NHS. Students should then continue with twice-weekly tests. Details of how to report the results are on the college website, https://www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/coronavirus/.
Also, any students participating in extracurricular college organised trips/visits must provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test that has been taken within 48 hours of the start of the visit, unless exempt. The test must be taken at least 30 minutes before the visit starts. The evidence required is the text message or email sent from NHS Test and Trace. This can be shown on the student’s device. Students will not be allowed to board the coach or train without this evidence.
Testing for visitors to the college
From Monday 13th December, we request that any parents/carers and other visitors who are coming into college take a lateral flow device (LFD) test within 24 hours of arriving.
Do I have to self-isolate as a close contact?
From Tuesday 14th December, a new national approach to daily testing for contacts of COVID-19 is being introduced (including until the end of this term). All adults who are fully vaccinated and children aged 5 to 18 years and 6 months, identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 – whether Omicron or not – should take a lateral flow device (LFD) test every day for 7 days instead of self-isolating. Daily testing by close contacts will help to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Vaccinations
We are pleased with the number of students taking up the vaccine service at the college, coordinated by the NHS. Vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19. They help protect the individual who has been vaccinated and those around them. We encourage everyone who is eligible to have the vaccine. Information about pop up vaccination clinics are available on the link below:
https://www.blackpool.gov.uk/Campaigns/Coronavirus/Vaccine-Van.aspx
Anyone over the age of 18 years and 6 months who is not vaccinated, must isolate in line with government guidelines if they are a close contact of a positive case.
Thank you for continuing to follow all the guidance in place to minimise the risk of transmission. It is particularly important that we all remain vigilant at this time when the impact of the new Omicron variant is unknown.
And finally…
Students finish for Christmas on Thursday 16th December and the timetable starts again on Tuesday 4th January
We wish you a safe and relaxing Christmas and many thanks again for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
Stuart Ormson
Assistant Principal – Student Support
COVID Update 30.11.2021
The Government has announced new temporary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the UK.
The DfE has also updated its guidance on face coverings, meaning that face coverings should be worn in all indoor communal areas at college.
This means that from now:
- Unless except, face covering should be worn by students and staff in corridors, dining areas and other indoor communal areas at all times (of course, face coverings can be removed when seated and eating/drinking in dining areas).
- Students and staff are not required to be worn in classrooms but they may, of course, choose to do so.
- Students are required to wear a face covering when entering all exams venues and until they are seated.
A letter has been sent to all students and staff explaining this change in guidance.
COVID Update 06.10.2021
The college has issued important information about the timetable and assessment pattern for this academic year. Please CLICK HERE for this information. This will also be sent to all parents and carers.
Updated COVID guidance 02.09.2021
Since 19 July 2021, most of the laws that were in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 have ended and there is new guidance in place about self-isolation.
It is important to stress that Coronavirus hasn’t gone away – you can still catch it and spread it – so there will still be a need for staff, students and visitors to follow basic measures to avoid the spread of the virus.
Please take time to read the COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). The document gives details about how COVID-19 will be managed in college. It includes essential information and answers to frequently asked questions.
PLEASE NOTE: This information reflects our current plans which, of course, could change if there is a change in the government’s advice or advice from the local public health team. We will give as much notice as possible of any changes.
Remote Learning
Delivery arrangements
Whether students are in college or learning remotely from home, the timetable will remain the same; this means the same groups, the same teachers and the same times. The rooms will be the same when students are in college for face-to-face lessons.
Remote learning sessions will be delivered using a combination of live lessons (Google Meet) and other remote learning such as videos and tasks set using Google Classroom. The remote lessons will follow the normal timetable. Students should be ready to begin online learning at the time their lesson usually starts. Teachers will send a Google Classroom message explaining exactly what students should be doing. Whatever the method, we will endeavour, as far as is possible to mirror the effective practice that takes place in face-to-face education. For example, providing frequent, clear explanations of new content, delivery by a teacher or through high-quality curriculum resources, providing opportunities for interactivity and intentional dialogue, including questioning, eliciting and reflective discussion and enabling students to receive timely and frequent feedback on how to progress.
During remote learning, students will continue to be assessed regularly on their work and given feedback on their progress that helps them improve. Teachers will share assessment information with their classes. It is important to note that assessment of practical subjects is more challenging remotely; we will provide the students with the best experience possible in a remote learning situation. This varies from subject to subject, so for information on specific courses, please contact the individual teacher. NB: This refers to ongoing assessment as part of day-to-day learning and NOT to any “teacher assessment” that may replace examinations at the end of a student’s course.
College staff will:
- provide students with clarity on the arrangements for how remote education will be delivered, timetabling, the use of a virtual learning environment (that allows interaction, assessment and feedback)
- teach planned and well sequenced remote education to give students the best chance to build their knowledge and skills
- confirm with students the different ways in which they will receive assessment and feedback and provide students with individual assessment and feedback to support progress
- maintain regular communication with vulnerable young people to ensure that they are safe and are accessing remote education
- take account of home learning environments and the support that students may need to engage and learn remotely and safely
- be sensitive to the wellbeing of students when they are learning remotely
- have systems in place to check, at least weekly, for persistent non-attendance or lack of engagement with remote education and to quickly agree ways in which attendance and participation can be improved
- ensure both staff and students are trained and confident in their use of digital platforms
- set clear expectations of students concerning their participation in remote education, so they know when and how they are expected to engage and demonstrate their learning
Expectations of students
Students will:
- maintain regular contact with their teachers and pastoral mentor using the college systems such as email and Google Classroom
- check their email and Google Classroom regularly (as a minimum twice per week) – students are responsible for checking their emails and Google Classroom as this is where key messages will be shared
- “arrive” (virtually) on time to lessons
- complete the work set to a high standard
- demonstrate respectful conduct in all online learning
Please also see the following links to some important documents:
● Student video call expectations
● Positive behaviour policy (and addendum)
● Safeguarding policy (and addendum)
● Acceptable use of computers policy
Arrangements for students studying courses that require specialist equipment or facilities
In the vast majority of cases, students studying courses that require specialist equipment or facilities have the relevant software on their device. Students studying these subjects also have access to specialist equipment or facilities on site wherever possible, however, when remote education is the only option, the subject departments provide the very best next alternative. For information on specific courses, please contact the individual teacher.
Support for students without devices, connectivity or a suitable environment for learning
Blackpool Sixth operates a “Bring Your Own Device” scheme so all students have a device that they can use in the physical or virtual classroom. Any student who is struggling to pay for the costs of a device can apply for support, or access a loan device, through the college bursary scheme or the access fund. Please see the financial support section of the college website for more information about the bursary and the online application process
There will be provision in college for students who have a problem accessing remote learning from home, including connectivity issues. Students should speak with their pastoral mentor if they are in this position.
Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
We recognise that some students, for example some students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), may not be able to access remote education without support and we work with students and their parents/carers to support those students in the following ways:
- An assigned key support worker to support students (in addition to their pastoral mentor).
- Attendance and engagement will be monitored daily using EMRIS and absences followed up in a timely manner.
- At least weekly, the key support workers make contact with their students to check on progress and provide support and guidance. This may be via email, phone or Gmeet.
- Key support workers will liaise with parents/carers, offering advice as required.
- Students with EHCPs will be able to access face-to-face support in college. They will be supported by a key support worker, as required, whilst they are in college.
- Some students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or with more complex needs will have additional ‘in-class’ and support within their ‘live’ video lessons, this allows the student to receive additional help during the ‘live’ lesson.
- Out-of-class additional support sessions will be provided to students, as required, in the form of GMeets and/or telephone calls, this supports students to consolidate their learning and/or further develop their skills.
- Some students e.g. those with EHCPs and more complex needs, will receive face-to-face support in college, depending on their need.
- Staff at college will work with the local authority to ensure that annual reviews of students with EHCPs continue to be provided via GMeet.
- Prospective students (applicants) who disclosed a learning need will be allocated a key support worker. The key support worker will make contact with the student via phone or email to discuss their individual needs and the support that can be provided. Transition meetings will be held via GMeet for applicants with more complex needs to agree a transition plan.
Gail Yeadon, Deputy Principal
(The Deputy Principal is the senior leader with overarching responsibility for the quality and delivery of remote education)
Update 20.05.22
Here are some useful links provided by the exam boards about preparing for exams.
Update 19.04.22
Update 08.03.22
Guide to grading
The DfE have produced a guide for students on how GCSEs, A levels, vocational and technical qualifications are graded and awarded in the academic year 2021 to 2022. You can access this here.
Update 09.02.22
Dear Blackpool Sixth student/parent/carer,
I hope you are well.
I wanted to update you that the exam boards have, on 7th February, published “advance information” for the summer exams.
Advance information is intended to provide a revision aid for students. It is intended to make the exam experience less daunting for students, while also preserving the integrity of the content coverage as well as of the assessments themselves.
Exam boards are providing advance information on the focus of the summer exams to support students’ revision in the majority of A level and GCSE subjects. Some of these changes will also apply to the November 2022 GCSE English language and mathematics re-sit exams.
You can find links to advance information on each of the awarding body websites, on the JCQ website and on our own website (under the exams and assessments tab) Links for the main awarding bodies are here: AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), Eduqas (WJEC), OCR. Advance information varies across different subjects and specifications. Subject teachers will go through the advance information that is specifically relevant to students during lessons and what it means in terms of guiding and prioritising revision.
2022 will be a transition year to reflect that we are in a pandemic recovery period and students’ education has been disrupted. In 2022 the aim, therefore, will be to move grading to a point close to midway between 2021 and pre-pandemic profiles. Grade boundaries for each specification will be set by senior examiners, critically, only after they have reviewed the work produced by students.
Ofqual requires exam boards to secure, as far as possible, that students studying vocational and technical qualifications are neither disadvantaged or advantaged compared with their GCSE and A level peers. To this end, adaptations for these qualifications have already been confirmed and incorporated into internal assessment for vocational students, as appropriate. Awarding organisations will also review student work following external assessments to ensure grade boundaries are set at appropriate levels.
Results are likely to be higher than in 2019, but not as high as in 2021. Ofqual aims to return to results that are in line with pre-pandemic years in 2023.
It is clear that the government is committed to and confident that exams will go ahead in May and June 2022. However, the pandemic has been unpredictable and for this reason we continue to collect evidence of student performance just in case exams cannot go ahead.
Finally, the next progress review data will be shared in April and will incorporate results from the mock exams in March.
Please contact the class teacher or Head of Department, should you have any questions.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Gail Yeadon
Deputy Principal
Update 21.01.22
The exam board Pearson have issued information about student appeals for BTEC UTAGs.
Please see the links below if required.
Application form to appeal a BTEC UTAG:
CTEC UTAGs:
Update 15.12.21
We have recently heard further information from the government around summer assessment, so we wanted to update you to keep you in the picture. We also wanted to outline the impact of the government’s plan B Covid-response on the January exams in vocational subjects.
January exams in vocational subjects
Some students (across all year groups) studying vocational qualifications have formal exams/external controlled assessments timetabled for January. These exams and formal assessments will go ahead as planned, unless the government informs us otherwise. Consequently, it is essential that students continue to prepare for these assessments.
Individual exam/ external assessment timetables will be shared shortly.
To enable students who are sitting exams to prepare they will be permitted half a day of study leave prior to the exam, i.e. the morning for an afternoon exam and the afternoon prior to a morning exam. This does not apply to all external assessments and teachers will confirm with students what arrangements are in place for each assessment.
Spring term mocks
Please note the dates for the spring term mocks have changed – they are now one week later than originally planned.
It is also important to note that should exams be cancelled due to the pandemic then students’ performance in these mock examinations would be used as part of the evidence to determine a TAG.
U6, R3 and GCSE mocks – week commencing 28 February: students studying A levels, GCSEs and vocational subjects that have formal exams in summer 2022 will undertake a mock exam.
L6 mocks – week commencing 7 March: students studying A levels, and vocational subjects that have formal exams in summer 2022, will undertake a mock exam.
Planned remote learning 2021-2022
During the mock week of 28 February, most upper sixth students will work from home (unless they are told differently by their teacher) studying for their mock exams and learning remotely; they will attend college for their mock exams. Lower sixth and Route3 students will attend college as normal during this week but will be excused from a lesson if and when they have a GCSE mock exam.
During the mock week of 7 March, most lower sixth students will work from home (unless they are told differently by their teacher) studying for their mock exams and learning remotely; they will attend college for their mock exams. Upper sixth and Route3 students will attend college as normal during these two weeks.
We have four remaining remote learning days in the academic year where students will learn from home to:
- ensure we are all (staff and students) prepared and confident to work remotely for any enforced remote learning should the need arise;
- specifically plan opportunities for and deliver high quality technology-based teaching, learning and assessment to enhance our students’ learning experience;
- prepare our students for further study and work in a digital world.
These days are as follows:
19 January 2022
16 March 2022
10 May 2022
22 June 2022
How will students be assessed in summer 2022?
Ofqual and the DfE have now published some of their guidance on summer 2022 grading and assessment. Please find the key points and links to key documents below.
The government is firmly committed to exams going ahead in 2022 with some changes to exams and changes to non-exam assessments (NEA).
The changes to exams include advance information, designed to provide some help for revision ahead of the summer exams. Exam boards will publish this no later than 7th February 2022; the college will let you know when this is available.
For more information, please see the open letter from Ofqual explaining the arrangements that the government has put in place for 2022.
When grading exams in 2022, Ofqual will aim for a grading standard that reflects a midway point between 2021 and 2019. Grade boundaries will be set so that more students will receive higher grades than was the case before the pandemic. This will provide a safety net for students who might otherwise just miss out on a higher grade in this transitionary year,
If exams cannot go ahead as planned, students taking GCSEs or A levels will receive grades determined by their teachers, using teacher-assessed grades (TAGs) similar to the process used in summer 2021.
For GCSEs, AS and A levels Ofqual has published guidance for colleges on how to collect evidence from students in the remainder of the academic year, so that this evidence is available in case TAGs are needed.
Results for vocational qualifications in 2022 will be based on the outcome of internal assessments and exams/external assessments. Awarding organisations have identified some adaptations that we are currently able to apply to some assessments to assist in mitigating the impact of the pandemic. In the event of any worsening of the public health situation that significantly disrupts students’ ability to undertake the assessments then they may make additional contingency arrangements and in this case we would notify you of these arrangements.
If exams/external assessments cannot go ahead as planned, students studying vocational subjects will also receive grades determined by their teachers, using the range of evidence available to formulate TAGs.
It is important to note that any grades awarded during the academic year for assessments, mock exams, assignments or for UCAS are not TAGs. Teachers are unable to determine a TAG unless the government publishes specific guidance on the determination of TAGs for 2022.
Please ensure that the pastoral mentor is informed immediately of any events outside of a student’s control that might affect their performance in an assessment.
Anxiety/mental health support
We understand that this has been a difficult time for students; the resilience our students have shown in the face of challenges posed by the pandemic has been remarkable. However, if a student is feeling anxious or is struggling with their mental health, there is a great deal of support available at college. Each student has a pastoral mentor who can help signpost them to the best source of support. We have counselling, the Blackpool Sixth Thrive website (www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/thrive), academic support, pastoral support, careers guidance and much more. Just ask the pastoral mentor.
You can also contact:
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
Mind
Young Minds
NHS 111 – they can assist in providing the mental health support you may need.
And finally…
We will keep students informed of any further developments via their college email address but please also check this page on the college website regularly because this is where we will post any significant new information relevant to all students.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the content of this letter.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely,
Gail Yeadon Tina Cooper
Deputy Principal Vice Principal
Update 05.07.21
Update 15.06.21
We have now published our centre policy for summer 2021 for A levels, vocational qualifications and GCSEs which has recently been approved by our designated awarding body. You can read it here.
Update 27.05.21
Ofqual has released a “student guide to awarding summer 2021”, which can be found here. The booklet covers a range of topics, for example, timelines, how teacher-assessed grades are determined, quality assurance and appeals. Whilst we don’t anticipate many appeals due to the transparent and rigorous approach we have taken, we will share with you our appeals process in the near future. There is a web-friendly version the guide which you can access here.
Update 15.04.21
The government has announced that the summer exams will not go ahead as planned and will be replaced with teacher-assessed grades (TAGs) instead. Now that we have received guidance from the Department for Education, Ofqual, the Joint Council for Qualifications and from some of the exam boards we can clarify what this means for our students. Upper sixth students, Route3 students and any student who is sitting their GCSE English or GCSE Maths with us will receive a letter explaining this in more detail, so please ensure you read this carefully.
The FAQs: summer results 2021 document explains what this means for our students and should give answers to any questions you may have about how the grades are going to be determined.
The graphics below explain also cover the key details for different types of qualification:
We recognise this is an anxious time for students and we will do everything we can to support the students at college both now and on/after results days. We have counselling, academic support, pastoral support, careers guidance and much more. A student’s pastoral mentor can help signpost them to the best source of support. It may also be useful to read this blog by Professor Kevin Woods and psychologists at Manchester University.
Update: 26.02.21
Vocational assessment announcement
Ofqual has published their “Alternative arrangements for the award of VTQs and other general qualifications in 2021 – Approach to awarding qualifications where exams do not take place”. We are currently reviewing this information in detail and we will keep you informed when we have further information about what this means for our students at Blackpool Sixth.
Updates: 25.02.21
GCSE and A Level assessment announcement
Today (25th February 2021), Ofqual has published their “Decisions on how GCSE, AS and A level grades will be determined in summer 2021”. We are currently reviewing this information in detail and we will keep you informed when we have further information about what this means for our students at Blackpool Sixth.
Further update on vocational exams 07.01.21
**UPDATE FROM awarding bodies, OCR AND LIBF
OCR – Cambridge Nationals (CTEC engineering and applied science):
Our priority is to ensure students are not disadvantaged. If students do not take our exams this January, there are options:
There may be an opportunity to take their assessment at a future date. If this is not possible due to arrangements still to be announced for this summer, we’ll work with the DfE and Ofqual to make sure they are treated fairly.
LIBF – Level 3 Finance Studies
Learners who do not sit exams in January will not be disadvantaged and may be able to resit the paper in July. Should this not be possible, we will put in place alternative arrangements for your learners to ensure that they are not disadvantaged.
Update concerning exams: 06.01.21
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – External/exams assessments
In the light of the Secretary of State’s announcement yesterday evening whereby colleges have been given the authority to make the decision whether or not to run external exams/assessments due to take place in January and February, Blackpool Sixth has decided to cancel all exams from 7 January 2021.
We have made this decision considering the increasing rates of positive cases locally, the safety and wellbeing of both the college and our wider community alongside the updated statement from the government last night. Furthermore, we have had reassurance from the main awarding body, Pearson, this morning, which states:
- “We will certificate any learner who is unable to take their exams and has enough evidence to receive a certificate that they need for progression.
- Learners unable to take their assessment this January may be able to take their assessment at a later date. If that is not possible, we will put in place arrangements to ensure no learner is disadvantaged.”
Whilst we are not yet clear what the alternative assessment methods and arrangements are we are confident that this is the right decision for the college and we will keep you informed about this as more information is shared nationally.
For your information, many other local colleges have taken the same decision.
If you have a concern about the wellbeing and safety of any Blackpool Sixth student, please see here for details of what to do.
Covid-19 Testing (Updated February 24th 2022)
Covid-19 Testing (Update January 2022)
Covid-19 home testing
We expect all our students and staff to test for COVID-19 twice a week. New research shows that lateral flow testing is more than 80% effective at detecting any level of COVID-19 infection and likely to be more than 90% effective at detecting those who are most infectious when they use the test. Regular testing means we will:
- Identify and isolate those who have the virus
- Reduce the spread of the virus
- Keep college open and covid-secure
- This measure will work even better if everyone does it.
Important: Lateral flow tests are for testing without symptoms. If you have symptoms, stay at home and book a PCR test.
Covid-19 home testing FAQs:
When should I take the tests?
Test twice every week. We recommend a Sunday and Wednesday.
How do I record my result?
The result needs to be reported using the NHS Test & Trace self-report website:
You also need to tell college. Use this link to report your result to college.
Please note: the student will need to be signed in on their college Google account to be able to access the college reporting form
Report your test regardless of the result – positive or negative.
What if I need more test kits?
If you ever run out, test kits can be collected from the front desk in The Link at any time.
Should I test during end of term breaks?
Yes, continue with twice weekly testing as normal.
Covid-19 vaccination
Vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19. They help protect young people, and benefit those around them. Vaccination makes people less likely to catch the virus and less likely to pass it on. See here for more information about the vaccination programme.
Everyone age 16 and over can now get their first COVID-19 vaccination. Here’s how you can get vaccinated:
Head to the Blackpool vaccine van that is visiting locations across town. No appointment needed, just drop-in.
If you would prefer to book an appointment then contact your GP or visit this link.
Privacy notice
Please click this link to access the college’s privacy notice regarding Covid-19 testing in college.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please click here for answers to frequently asked questions about the college’s arrangements in response to the Coronavirus situation.