SCG Update 5.50pm Friday 20 March
Following the announcement from the UK Government on Wednesday 18th March, Shrewsbury Colleges Group can confirm that we will NOT be requiring students, other than those identified as Vulnerable, to attend any of the campuses effective from close of normal college hours on FRIDAY 20th MARCH 2020 and until further notice.
We will be issuing further statements throughout the coming days as we get further information from Government and related agencies on this rapidly changing situation. Please continue to check our website and social media for this information around 11am daily. We will be contacting students and parents via email and text periodically.
Students with exams and assessments in the summer and their parents
Following the announcement on Wednesday, all A Levels and GCSEs exams have been cancelled.
Further information about the process going forward following the cancellation of exams has been issued by the Department of Education and the Examination Regulator (Ofqual).
There are still some details to be finalised, but the approach will be:
- Students will be awarded a grade based on teacher judgments (which teachers will make based on mocks and non-exam assessment, guided by DfE/Ofqual advice) combined with other data
- The precise process will be decided soon and communicated as soon as possible
- Grades will be available hopefully by the end of July
- If students and parents disagree with the grade there will be the ability to appeal. Students will also be able to sit exams early next academic year if they wish or in summer 2021
- For vocational courses where work has already been completed and assessed, these grades are likely to form part of the judgment
We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time and that students & parents understandably will be wanting reassurance about the in-year assessments, mock exams, coursework and assignments and how these might contribute to the calculated grade(s). We will contact students once the details have been finalised and we are able to advise fully.
At the moment, we do not know how any of these forms of assessment will or won’t be used to determine the calculated grade(s) and therefore I’m sure that students & parents will understand we are not in a position currently to answer any questions that they may have at this time.
How will learning continue:
SCG will be providing lessons and guidance for students via online platforms to continue their studies during this period.
We expect all students to complete their course as this work may be used as part of the assessment process for the student’s final grades. We firmly believe that education is about learning and not just teaching to pass a test and would encourage all of our students to continue their studies to the best of their ability.
Vulnerable students and their parents & carers
We are currently finalising the plans for Vulnerable students and how we best meet their needs. We have been contacting the students, parents and carers directly to outline how we will be able to support their needs and education.
Students in first year of study and their parents
Students in their first year of study with us will continue with their education via online platforms. Information on tasks and course content will be available online and students need to contact their course leaders and teachers for further information.
Students who are on practical courses which require a physical presence at college will be advised on their requirements by their course leaders and tutors.
Higher Education Students
Students studying Higher Education courses with us on either a full-time or part-time basis will continue with their education on an online basis. The Higher Education facility at London Road will be closed effective from closure of college hours on Friday 20th March and until further notice.
Students should direct any questions about their course requirements to their Course Leader.
Apprenticeships
Where appropriate and applicable, young people on Apprenticeships will carry on with their work in company using Smart Assessor (for NVQ/portfolios), email or Moodle (as teachers and assessors will be uploading work remotely for them to access and continue their studies wherever possible). However, if their normal job role is affected by the Covid-19 virus, then the Apprentice should contact their Assessor for further details and plans for their ‘off the job’ element of their Apprenticeship.
Assessment and reviews will take place remotely over phone call, skype, Zoom or similar. This can be agreed on an individual basis between the company, apprentices and assessor.
Students applying to SCG for 2020/21 education year and their parents
SCG is still accepting applications from students wanting to study with us in the next academic year (2020/21). We will be working with schools and OFQUAL to determine the best way to assess the educational achievements of students now that GCSE exams will not be taking place.
Any student who was due to attend an interview in college for a place for 2020/21 will now receive an interview via telephone. We will contact you to arrange times.
Best wishes,
James Staniforth
Principal and Chief Executive
Covid-19 Virus: CLICK HERE for Guidance for Parents and Students