2nd December 2020

We have today received news of two confirmed cases of Coronavirus at East Sussex College at our Eastbourne Campus.

Both the member of staff and student case have been required to self-isolate. Following the advice from Public Health England any potential students and staff members who may have had prolonged contact with either individual or are considered low risk have been informed and advised pending their individual circumstances.

I know that news of further confirmed coronavirus cases is concerning, but we want to reassure you that we continue to work very closely with Public Health England to monitor the situation and take all the required actions, and further reduce the opportunity of spread of COVID 19 to any students, staff or our wider community.

Our campuses will remain open so that students can attend lessons, and those that are self-isolating will continue to have their courses delivered virtually online.

We are continuing to strongly encourage students and staff to follow our safety and hygiene procedures so that we can reduce the spread of the virus.

Kind Regards,

Rebecca Conroy
CEO and Principal

We understand that this is a concerning time so if you have any queries or questions then please do email the email address linked to the campus you study at and we will answer these as swiftly as possible:

Eastbourne: COVID.Eastbourne@escg.ac.uk
Lewes and Newhaven: COVID.Lewes@escg.ac.uk
Hastings: COVID.Hastings@escg.ac.uk

Section 1: Teaching, Learning and Enrichment

Will lessons be taught on site?
We are aiming for as near to 100% of teaching as we can safely achieve. There will be some online delivery and some online attendance in lessons where we have bigger groups and where online delivery works well.
Our range of programmes mean that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ and so much will depend on group sizes, access to specialist facilities and learning spaces available.
Your tutor will explain your timetable to you as part of your induction sessions so that you understand what this looks like on your course.

When will students be able to return to full-time, on site learning?
As soon as it is safe. We are closely following the government’s guidance and will adjust our delivery in line with this guidance as it changes.

When do my lessons start in September?
Induction sessions will take place during the week of the 7th September for first year students and teaching will commence from the 14th September.

Will enrichment and extra-curricular activities be available?
Yes, we are planning to offer you a wide range of social, sporting, clubs and societies as soon as we can safely do so.
Please see our new ESC Portal (www.myescportal.co.uk) available on the College website from Tuesday 1st September. Please complete the Get Set Survey and tell us what activities you would like us to organise.

How is remote learning delivered at East Sussex College?
Your teachers will communicate directly with you about how remote working will be set. This will range from accessing recorded lessons, attending live lessons or working through set resources. The College uses Google Classroom and every student will be set up to use this platform during their Induction.

What would the college do if there was a local/national lockdown?
Students will be taught remotely through a variety of both interactive ‘live’ sessions and independent study that will be closely tracked. The Government have indicated they will do all they can to keep schools and colleges open.

Health Safety and Wellbeing

What should I do if I exhibit symptoms of COVID-19?
If you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 (a new, continuous cough, high temperature or loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell) we will look to send you home immediately to self-isolate, in line with government guidance.
If a student is vulnerable and requires personal care or supervision, we will support you until you can travel home safely.
In all cases of COVID-19 symptoms while on campus, or having recently been on campus, must be reported to our Safeguarding team immediately.

What would the college do if a student or member of staff tested positive for Covid?
If a case is reported, every effort will be made to identify staff, students, areas and facilities that the affected individual has been in contact with, take appropriate action to inform staff and students and deep clean areas as necessary. We encourage staff and students experiencing symptoms to access NHS testing facilities via the NHS website.
We will work closely with Public Health Authority and be guided by them in terms of the appropriate course of action including local or national tracing and testing processes.

If my teacher has to self-isolate, what will this mean for me?
If your teacher is self-isolating but not ill, you may be taught remotely by them or there may be cover arrangements in place. If your teacher is unwell, lessons will be covered under our usual arrangements.

If I am self-isolating and cannot come into college, how will I be taught?
If you are self-isolating you will complete all the work remotely as directed by your teacher. Where lessons are delivered online you will be asked to attend these. If your lessons are taking place in classrooms or workshops it is likely that most of your learning will be guided, independent study whilst self-isolating.

I have to quarantine and will miss some of the start of college – what should I do?
Contact our admissions team at 030 300 39699 and let them know. They, in turn will notify your teachers who will make contact with you to set up alternative arrangements and record your absence.

How will practical and group aspects of my course be delivered remotely?
With lessons occurring onsite, a lot of practical work will now be able to be completed in workshops.
If there is another lockdown, we have learnt a huge amount about what can be delivered remotely. Last term, even Catering and Hair and Beauty students were able to complete practical work remotely. The College will do everything possible to ensure academic continuity and deliver adapted study programmes to all our students.

Will I be assessed at the start of the course?
We are aware that the last few months of lock down will have impacted on your education. We initially assess all students every year to make sure that we can address any areas that need a boost as quickly as possible.
Ongoing assessment (including self-assessment) is a crucial part of the learning process and so each teacher and course team will be using assessment to help you with your progress from the start of the course.

A Level Students

I missed some aspects of my GCSE courses and feel behind on my learning for my post 16 Course– how will the knowledge & skills gaps in my learning be closed?
There is always a jump up between GCSEs and A level/BTEC Level 3 and our staff are used to helping students bridge this gap. In addition, students at college always come with a range of skills and abilities depending on their GCSE choices and experiences so we are used to working with students in this way. Teachers will set you a range of work tasks and activities and speak to you about your knowledge and skills. This will help us to assess your strengths and areas for development and set you work that both in lessons and for completion in your own study time to support you.

As an A2 student, my learning in the first year at East Sussex College has been disrupted – how will I catch up?
Your teachers know the progress you made in your first year and will work with you to assess any gaps in your skills and knowledge. Teachers will work with you to plan how any gaps in knowledge and skills will be addressed both in lessons and your own study time.
Departments are planning their schemes of work to ensure everything is covered before exams take place in the summer of 2021.

Will there be any adjustments to 2021 exams and assessments or the content we are expected to cover in recognition of the disruption this year?
Nothing has been formally announced. Ministers have said that exams will go ahead as normal in 2021 and we will ensure you are ready for them. There may be adjustments by the government to the style and timings of summer exams 2021, but this is still undecided at this time.

Will I be given a calculated grade as happened this summer?
At this stage there is no guidance available on this. However, we are working on the basis that it is likely that exams will occur come what may. Therefore, you need to prepare fully for them, and we will ensure you are ready for them.

Will there be formal Mock Exams at some point?
Assessment occurs in a variety of ways and this will include classroom-based tracking tests or centrally managed mock exams. First year students will take progression exams in exam conditions in Summer 2021 and second years will complete Mock exams in the Spring Term.

I need to retake my GCSE Maths/English – how will I be taught this?
You will attend English/maths classes as appropriate. We focus additional resource into these courses so that you get the support you need to gain these crucial qualifications.

Will GCSE Maths/English Retake Exams happen in November?
Yes. We are awaiting further guidance from the exam boards and we share this with students and parents/carers in due course.

I realise I made a wrong choice for one of my courses – what should I do?
Before College starts, call our Call Centre on 030 300 39699 and the team will help you find an alternative course(s). Once College has started you should speak first to your Tutor and they will talk to you about alternative courses. If you are uncertain about what alternative courses you would like to study, your Tutor might refer you to our Careers Team. For more information about our Career Team and their services click here.

Please take time to read the Returning to College Guide.

1. Only attend college for lessons or booked slots in libraries or with meetings with staff.
2. Wash your hands regularly during the day following the posters in toilets.
3. In addition regularly use the hand sanitiser stations at entrances and in all classrooms.
4. Work with your teacher to use sanitiser wipes at the start of each session and remain at the same desk during lessons.
5. Wear face coverings in corridors, coffee shops, refectories and indoor social spaces.
6. Protective, disposable gloves will be available for all students using practical equipment (ie construction, hair and beauty, art, engineering, motor vehicle, catering, science labs). Please wear them and dispose of them at the end of each session.
7. Follow the one way systems and maintain social distances wherever possible, including refraining from physical contact e.g. hugging or embracing your friends.
8. Make sure you have your ID card with you every day. This will help the College 'track and trace' should a further break-out occur.
9. If you do have COVID symptoms, report it immediately to your tutor and go home and follow the government guidance on self-isolation
10. Avoid being in large groups of friends and remain vigilent. If something doesn't look right, please tell us.

Click image to view full size poster (PDF) and see them all on campus.

www.gov.uk/coronavirus