Dear students,

Due the Government’s announcement on Monday 4 January 2021, we will move to remote learning for the majority of our teaching and learning activities until at least Friday 12 February 2021. In light of this you will need to access your College email each day.

If you have an exam scheduled during this period and have not been told that it is cancelled, you should still presume you should attend your scheduled examination unless you are told otherwise. Any examinations will be conducted in a COVID secure environment.

We hope to be able to resume face-to-face classes as soon as possible. However, this is a changing situation and I ask for your patience at this time.

Until we are able to confirm otherwise, you are no longer required to attend face-to-face classes or work placements. For the courses you are studying, your tutors will guide you remotely.

You should continue to follow your existing timetable and attend sessions online/remotely as per your timetable. Your tutor will then guide you as to the activities you will be undertaking in that session.

Although the Coronavirus has now changed your learning to be delivered remotely, Blackburn College remains committed to helping you achieve your qualifications.

Open if you need us

Blackburn College remains open for children of keyworkers, students who are vulnerable and/or have an Education, Health and Care Plan and for a select number of courses, which train future critical workers. If this applies to you, you will be contacted by a member of our team.

Keeping in touch

It will be essential that you check your Blackburn College email account on a very frequent (at least daily) basis.

You will also need to access Moodle.

Please also check the College website on a regular basis, because this is where we will post any significant new information relevant to all students.

The next days

We do not know what further announcements may come from the Government in the days ahead.

However, I ask that you continue to follow Government advice during the days/weeks ahead and that you continue to look after yourself, and those around you.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Fazal Dad

Principal and Chief Executive

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m attending an exam, but I’m worried about travelling to College, what do you suggest?

If you’re attending an exam but are worried about travelling to College we recommend you read the following guidance from the Government. This document is entitled ‘Safer Travel Guidance for Passengers’. Should you still have concerns, we recommend you speak to your Personal Tutor in the first instance. Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

I want to access my Maths and English online session, how do I do that?

A link to your Microsoft Teams Maths and English class will have been sent to your student email account. If you are struggling to access your student email account then you may find this video helpful.

If you are still struggling, then then please contact your Maths and/or English tutor.

I’m really struggling with the technology, who can help me?

If you’re having any problems, then please email helpdesk@blackburn.ac.uk and a member of our Computer Services team will help you.

I need access to IT equipment, is any available?

If you need access to IT equipment, you need to contact your Personal Tutor in the first instance and discuss what you need. We have some equipment that is available for you to use during this period or may be able to advise the best way of accessing this equipment for you.

Will a register be taken?

Yes. We will take a register for all the online sessions that take place. This is so we can see that you are engaging with your studies and keep in touch with you.

What will happen with my Maths and English classes and tutorials?

Your Maths and English classes and Tutorials will take place online. You will access these through Moodle.

I’m eligible for Free College Meals, how will I get this payment?

If you are eligible for Free College Meals we will make the associated payment to your bank account so that you continue to be able to purchase food during this period.

This payment will be made to your nominated bank account rather than your Blackburn College account.

You can contact the Student Finance team using StudentFinance@blackburn.ac.uk if you have any queries about this.

I’m the child of a keyworker, a vulnerable student and/or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). What should I do?

The College will be open for vulnerable students and if you have an EHCP. The buildings that will be open to you during this time will be the Harrison Centre and the University Centre.

You will be contacted shortly about the arrangements if this applies to you.

If you are the child of a keyworker, you will need to tell us that you wish to attend College by emailing keyworkers@blackburn.ac.uk.

I’m an adult student and am in receipt of support for childcare, what will happen?

If this applies to you, your payment will still be made to your registered childcare provider.

I was due to sit GCSE and A-Level examinations this year, what will happen?

The Government has announced that GCSE and A-Level examinations will not take place as previously planned in summer 2021.

As yet however we do not know how the grades for your course will be generated. We will update you when we know more. Until then, it is critical you continue to attend your A-Level and GCSE classes online.