Thursday 04 June 2020
Completing practical assessments was a priority for the Guernsey College of Further Education, as some of its students returned to College this week.
The largest member of The Guernsey Institute welcomed the first 65 students and 40 staff back across its three campuses, with the aim of having them complete assessments on technical and occupational competence. It was the first States-run education facility to open its doors after lockdown.
While the College is not yet operating its full timetable, those students who do not need to come in yet are continuing to engage with their courses from home, through the successful distance learning programme.
The nature of the practical skills and competencies assessments meant that students have had to attend in small numbers, and a rigorous cleaning regime had to be put in place.
A one-way system around all of the sites was also introduced, with a significant amount of guidance written up to help keep everyone safe. As the College moves into the rest of June, it is planning on bringing in more students. They will have been told when and where to attend so that the numbers of students and staff on any campus at any point can be safely managed.
Louise Misselke, the College of Further Education's Principal, said:
"It is really wonderful to see students and staff back in College this week, albeit in small numbers to ensure we meet Public Health Guidance. Our teams have carefully planned and managed the opening of the College and we are confident that we can deliver learning while keeping everyone safe. I know the last few months has been a very different kind of teaching and learning experience, but our students have risen to the challenge and really engaged with the idea of a virtual College. The College team have been really encouraged with the amount of student engagement and 'at home' learning taking place, whether from our full time, apprentice or from our part time students. We are now looking forward to the next few weeks, seeing more students and supporting those who are completing qualifications. Importantly, we are busy planning for next year and will be very much looking forward to meeting the current year 11 students who are coming to College in September."
Jacki Hughes, Executive Principal of The Guernsey Institute, said:
"I really cannot stress enough how proud I am of all the team who have enabled students to continue learning during the lockdown period, and whom have now made the first students' return a success. The strength of the team at the College is clear from the time they put into distance learning, and the time they have now put into working with Public Health to ensure the campuses are safe."
If students at the College of FE have any questions about what they should be doing, they are asked to get in touch with their tutors.
The College is one of three organisations which make up The Guernsey Institute. While it currently has three campuses, the long term aim is for the entire TGI to be housed in one, purpose built facility at Les Ozouets.
