Tuesday 12th January, 09:07
We are happy to say that our lateral flow testing facilities are now operational at our Ipswich and Suffolk Rural campuses.
These facilities will allow our teams to regularly test students and staff who are on-site to help our College and community contain the virus.
Currently, the tests are only available to students and staff who are working on-site.
Tuesday 5th January, 19:20
Examinations:
In light of the serious COVID situation (and a change in the government’s stance which has only just been announced) we have taken the decision to postpone the January 2021 examinations (including BTEC exams) scheduled to take place.
We believe that it is the most sensible decision to safeguard our staff and students.
We know from enquiries that we have received today that this will be a relief for some, however, we also know it will cause some disappointment for others who have worked hard to prepare for these.
We will provide further information as soon as it becomes available on when these will be rescheduled to.
The College continues to operate and is delivering our teaching online. Whether you were due to take an exam or not during this period, it is important that you continue to engage with your learning even under these exceptional circumstances.
If you have any queries about the impact of this decision please liaise with your tutor or contact the college on 01473 382200 from 9am tomorrow, or email info@suffolk.ac.uk
Suffolk New College
Monday 4th January, 21:20
In light of this evening’s government update by the Prime Minister, we have revised our plans for the return of learners into our buildings and have outlined some additional updates:
Information for Tuesday 5th January:
- As of 05/01/21 we are moving all learning online, including vulnerable learners. Links to access our online services as well as guides for learners parents are located here.
Support for Learners:
- Our student support team will be contactable through email support@suffolk.ac.uk learners also have access to a range of virtual resources on our virtual support hub http://www.suffolk.ac.uk/virtualsupport
- If vulnerable learners are not able to access online learning then dedicated open access areas will be available at our Ipswich and Suffolk Rural campuses to provide access to this technology. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that LSA support will be available.
Please continue to follow government guidance, stay home and stay safe.
Suffolk New College
Previous Updates:
Friday 1st January 2021
On the 30th December 2020, the education secretary set out the plans for learners returning to schools and colleges in a statement to the House of Commons.
As Suffolk remains in Tier 4 (along with 75% of England) we have outlined our plans below for our students, apprentices and adult learners.
Returning to College
Week commencing 4th January – We will maintain our existing arrangements for this week. This means a shift to online learning for all with some exceptions to include Supported Learning, ESOL and students who are either sitting an exam next week (or who have an external exam in January where revision sessions have been planned for next week).
Week commencing 11th January – We are extending the arrangements for w/c 4th January to w/c 11th January as well.
Week commencing 18th January – This is when we have planned return to face-to-face learning for all, these plans may develop and change over the coming weeks as we receive government guidance and updates.
Adult programmes - Any courses due to start at Suffolk Rural w/c 4th January will be postponed to w/c 18th January.
Apprenticeships - Apprentice off-the-job learning will now be online w/c 4th January and w/c 11th January.
Exams & Support
Exams - Students who have exams in January will be in College, either taking their exams or in revision sessions in preparation for these exams, which are still going ahead. The first one of these to take place will be the BTEC Information Technology exam on Tuesday 5th January.
Support & Resources for learners - Spaces will be made available for students to work from College where they are unable to work from home. This will include the Learning Curve on both sites with the DigiHubs in Ipswich and IT areas at Suffolk Rural.
English & maths sessions - These will be online from w/c 4th & 11th January for both students and apprentices
PD Sessions - Progress Tutors will run online PD sessions and make welfare calls to learners who are working from home for w/c 4th & 11th January
Student support - Our student support advisors will be available via phone and email, students and apprentices can also access our virtual support resources.
MySNC - Students and apprentices can continue to make use of the resources and online services (moodle, google classroom, webmail) within MySNC by visiting https://student.suffolk.ac.uk/
Please continue to follow government guidance to keep yourselves, your friends and your families safe.
Suffolk New College
We are asking all our students and staff to wear face coverings in College communal areas.
Code of Conduct & Risk Assessments
Please refer to the below documents.
- Suffolk New College Remote Education Offer
- Student Health & Safety Induction
- Covid 19 Student Code Of Conduct
- Covid 19 Risk Assessment Building Opening And Use
- Covid 19 Information And Risk Assessment Overall
Official Information
As the situation is complex and may evolve, we also recommend using the following resources to stay up-to-date with the latest advice:
Public Health England Advice on the coronavirus for places of education
For the latest information and guidance please see the official Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response
If you are unwell and not able to attend College please report your absence through the normal channels outlined here.
