Return to College

EASTBOURNE - BUILDING CONFIDENCE

The Eastbourne campus welcomed back Motor Vehicle apprentices, Catering & Hospitality, Foundation Learning, and Brickwork students from 22nd June. Jo Folwell, Assistant Principal, describes the mood on campus: “It feels really positive! Students and staff are smiling and happy to see each other again! It’s also really quiet and peaceful.”

Staff and students have quickly adapted to safety measures that have been introduced on site. “There are lots of 2m signs and reminders to socially distance,” Jo continues. “There are clear one-way systems in place and hand sanitiser stations in every building.” In addition, gloves and masks are offered out at ECAT reception.

Brickwork tutor Nigel Edwards has been working with a small group size of just 10 students. He reports a positive return to teaching and learning, with the new environmental factors being the only ‘challenge’ to overcome: “It’s slightly more tricky due to the one-way systems in the buildings and social distancing measures, but they’re all there for a very good reason.”

Heather Stokes, Foundation Learning tutor, took advantage of the nice weather and quieter campus to teach a session outdoors: “Our first day went very smoothly and I really enjoyed being back with colleagues and students! From a teaching point of view, it feels strange not getting close to the students to explain the work, but they were focused and keen to get going on their tasks. It’s been relaxed and fun. We gave all the students their own equipment bag so no items were shared, which worked well. The rooms we needed were open and prepared and included hand sanitisers and wipes. Risk assessments were comprehensive and clear so we felt very confident returning to college.”

HASTINGS - ENGINEERING WELLBEING

Eleven Engineering students returned to the Ore Valley campus this week to complete their Level 2 assessment. “It feels really well organised,” says one student about the new arrangements on campus. “I feel safe working on my assessment here today.”

Susan Bonett, Assistant Principal at Hastings talks about the measures in place, which mimic those in Eastbourne and Lewes. “The one-way system is clearly marked with arrows and signs, with one entrance and one exit. There are new hand sanitiser stations everywhere.” For their learning, students are being invited in to form small bubbles of just 4-6 students. Teaching spaces are all set out in socially distanced work areas, with one member of staff allocated to each bubble of students. Students and staff bring their own food and drink from home as canteens and shops remain closed. With the nice weather, it’s encouraged to take a break outside to eat.

“The mood is really friendly and positive, as small groups of teachers support students in their final assessments,” says Susan.

Travelling to college has also been reported as being hassle free. Keith Wood, Head of Curriculum for Engineering at ESC Hastings, says: “Around half of the students came in via public transport and indicated there were no issues with that.”

"Travelling here was fine,” one student adds. “I was the only one on the bus for most of the journey!"

Susan concludes, “It’s a shift towards some certainty after the uncertainty of lockdown. It’s fantastic that our students are still able to achieve their qualifications, after all the hard work they put in before lockdown, so they can progress to further study or the workplace.”

LEWES - A CLEAR PATH AHEAD

The positive mood is echoed by Kate Smith, Head of Curriculum for Business Services at the Lewes campus. “Working from home has been tough on us all. I finally gave in and sent my seven year old back to school last week for two days per week. This now means I can actually leave the house and go into work to complete tasks when required. Although I was excited by this prospect, I was still a bit apprehensive of what the process would be on arrival and how long it might take me to walk the one-way system! I have now been into college twice.”

On entering the building, new ‘touch free’ hand-sanitising stations are in place. Once you enter through the main doors you must sign in, and although the barriers are open, students and staff still need to tap their badge to the reader.

“Everywhere you look there are brightly coloured signs, reminding you of the systems and procedures in place,” says Kate. “The floors have yellow and green arrows to guide you through the one-way system; you can’t go wrong!

“Social distancing with colleagues feels strange, usually these people that I haven't seen for months would be greeted with a hug, instead you find yourself checking how far away you are standing from them!”

The cleaning team is present at all times on a continuous loop of cleaning the rooms that are in use, along with the toilets and communal areas.

“I felt totally safe throughout and enjoyed being able to come and complete my IQA tasks in my second home,” says Kate.

Andrea Essex, Deputy Exams Officer in Lewes, adds, “I’ve been back in the office 2-3 days a week since the beginning of June and feel happy with the measures introduced so far. It’s easy to move around and avoid other people as there are low numbers on campus at present, but you can see that things have been implemented for when numbers increase. Including the, such as the automatic hand sanitiser at the entrance and navigation arrows on the floor.We’re very lucky that we’ve got good Estates and cleaning teams who are always around.”

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

PRE-ARRIVAL HANDBOOK

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This is an exciting start to our full re-opening but please do remember that current government advice remains that we should stay at home as much as possible and staff work from home if they can.

Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, made clear his intention to reopen schools and college full time from September. We are working hard toward making this a reality, as well as preparing to take immediate action should a second lockdown happen.