IMMEDIATE SWITCH TO REMOTE LEARNING AT OLDHAM COLLEGE (JANUARY 4, 2021)

Dear Oldham College Learner, Parent, Carer or Guardian,

I’M WRITING to update you following the announcement that England is to enter into a national lockdown.

A new set of rules will immediately replace the Tier Alert system and apply to everyone nationwide.

It means that most people cannot leave their homes, except for very specific reasons, and you can read the Government’s full guidance on all these rules here.

Campus Closed to Learners

THIS NEWS also means that the majority of learners will not attend the campus for lessons for the next few weeks.

We will remain ‘open’ for any identified vulnerable students and those in key worker households, and we will explain more about this via email in the next day or so, if you are affected.

But for the vast majority of learners this means you will immediately switch to remote (online) learning from Wednesday this week.

What You Need To Do

DO NOT attend or visit campus unless you’re personally contacted by Oldham College staff and invited to come in.

We know that some learners are due to take exams this week and we are awaiting clarification from Government on whether these will go ahead or not. If you are affected by this, we will let you know the final decision about these exams as soon as we can on Tuesday.

If you are due to sit an exam soon, you should continue to prepare as if it will go ahead.

How Long Will Remote Learning Last?

THE Government has said that if the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine goes well, it is possible – but not certain – that colleges may be allowed to re-open after February half-term.

Whatever the case, it is vital that you engage straight away this week with our remote learning and are working hard to ensure that you continue to make progress.

If remote learning means that you will need additional help or equipment, you should talk to your tutor and they will do all they can to help you, wherever possible.

For now, please follow the guidance above, check your emails for updates, and keep in contact with us.Although this news is disappointing, Oldham College has lots of experience in delivering remote learning successfully.

Please do ‘your bit’ by committing to working hard – and keep safe by following the new national rules.