I hope you and your families continue to remain safe and well.  I am writing to confirm the arrangements for the start of the autumn term, including the measures in place to respond to risks associated with coronavirus (COVID-19).

Robust procedures are in place to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of students and staff are prioritised at all times. This will include a full induction to ensure that every member of the Blackpool Sixth community understands their personal responsibility for keeping the college a safe and healthy environment.

Please take time to read the COVID-19 information and guidance about the additional measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus. The guidance includes essential information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Induction days – Tuesday 1st to Friday 4th September

(Upper Sixth students are not expected to attend college on these days.)

All Lower Sixth and Route3 students will attend a 2-3 hour induction session in college on one of the four induction days. You will be informed of the day/time of your induction session once you enrol at college. Attendance is compulsory as the 2-3 hour session will ensure that you are fully prepared to make a successful and safe start to your studies at Blackpool Sixth. As part of the induction session you will receive:

  • essential information about college facilities, support and procedures;
  • health and safety arrangements, such as measures to minimise contact between individuals and maintain social distance;
  • your individual timetable;
  • your college membership card;
  • an opportunity to visit the catering facilities and other common areas of college;
  • a hands-on introduction to the online learning resources at college. 

Monday 7th September – normal timetable starts for all students

The timetable has been planned to limit the number of students and staff in contact with each other. You will stay in one class-size group each day, studying one of your chosen subjects each day. This daily class-sized “bubble” will reduce mixing and make it quicker and easier in the event of a positive case to identify those who may need to self-isolate, and keep that number as small as possible. You will be expected to attend college only on the days you have a timetabled lesson or when attending a pre-arranged meeting. 

A student studying three subjects or equivalent eg triple BTEC will be required to attend college on three days per week. The other two days per week will be study days and students will work from home completing independent study and tasks set by their subject teachers. Some students, for instance those taking GCSE Maths or English alongside three other subjects will attend college on four days a week with one study day.

There will be staggered starts and breaks each day, which will vary depending on the choice of subjects.  Exact timings will be issued along with your individual timetable during the induction session.

PLEASE NOTE: The timetable and other measures could change if there is a change in the government’s advice or advice from the local public health team. We will endeavour to give as much notice as possible of any changes.

Travelling to and from college

Government guidance is that we should  limit use of public transport where possible. 

Please consider all other forms of transport before using public transport – choose to walk, cycle or drive to and from college, where possible and only use public transport when no other option is available. 

You are reminded that it is the law that you must wear a face covering when travelling on a public bus, college bus, coach, train, tram, or other forms of public transport, as per the safer travel guidance for passengers. Transport providers will determine what appropriate protective measures will be put in place on transport and you must comply with any requirements set. 

Please see www.blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/student-support/transport/ or contact a member of the student services team on student.finance@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk if you would like more information or have any questions about travelling to or from college.

Welcome Evening for all parents/carers of new students

On Wednesday 16th September there will be a welcome evening for all parents/carers of Lower Sixth and Route3 students. This will be a virtual event and further information will be provided following enrolment.

We are really looking forward to welcoming you to Blackpool Sixth. We will do everything possible to ensure that everything is in place to make sure you make a successful, safe and positive start to the next step in your education.

Yours sincerely

Stuart Ormson

Assistant Principal – Student Support