COVID-19

Teacher Assessed Grades

Dear Parent/Guardian/Carer/Learner,

As you will be aware, as a result of Covid 19 the process for completion of academic and technical qualifications has again this year changed and TAG (Teacher Assessed Grades) will be used to finalise qualification outcomes.

That said, there are various degrees as to which this process will work, dependent upon the qualification being taken. The big difference this year, compared with last year’s process,  is that there is much more emphasis on the grade being determined by an evidence-based approach and that work completed, whether that be in-class assessments, completions of modules, mock or full exams sat, or coursework completed will be used to support the TAG outcomes.

All learners will have had this explained to them, and have been working towards completing as much work as possible to ensure they are awarded the grade they deserve. In some qualifications (e.g. Functional Skills) there are no modifications to assessment and exams need to still be sat and achieved to gain the qualification.

The College is working closely with awarding bodies to ensure that the evidence required is in place to support the TAG grades awarded.

Learners must communicate with their tutors and ensure that they have completed all necessary elements their programme, to the standard required to ensure that they leave with the qualification they deserve.

GOV.UK Summer 2021 Student Guide to Awarding

Yours sincerely,

Damian Stewart

Assistant Principal (Teaching and Learning)

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m worried about travelling to College, what do you suggest?

When you’re attending College you may be worried about public transport. 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'd been given access to IT equipment, what now happens with it?

You will need to return any kit you have been given and will be sent a text message about returning your kit/IT equipment.

You will also get an email to your College email address. You must make sure you return the kit in your allocated time slot or follow the instructions in the email/text to arrange an alternative time.

I've lost my lanyard/ID card. What do I do?

You will be able to access a new lanyard and ID card from the Beacon Centre Reception. These will be issued for FREE during the weeks of Monday 8th March 2021 and Monday 15th March 2021. After these dates new lanyards and ID cards become chargeable.

Will a register for face-to-face sessions be taken?

Yes. We will take a register for all the sessions that take place. This is so we can see that you are engaging with your studies and know that you have returned to College.

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

Your Maths and English classes and Tutorials will also take place face-to-face following your normal timetable.

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

If you are eligible for Free College Meals we will re-start making the associated payment to your College account so that you continue to be able to purchase food from our onsite restaurants.

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

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.

Information is being released now about these qualifications and we will be back in touch in due course. Until then, it is critical you continue to attend your A-Level and GCSE classes.