Buckinghamshire College Group would like to reassure all staff, students, parents and business partners that it is following the Public Health guidance issued by the Government and its agencies.
Update: 11th January 2021
NCFE Vocational Exams will not go ahead
Dear Students and Parents
Similar to Pearson’s BTEC we have now received confirmation from NCFE Awarding Body that they will put arrangements in place to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by not sitting vocational exams in January. Therefore, NCFE vocational January exams are now cancelled. This mainly affects Childcare, and Health & Social Care January exams. We will work with NCFE to understand what the arrangements are and share with you in due course and support you with this.
Best wishes
Karen Mitchell
Principal and CEO - Buckinghamshire College Group
Update: 6th January 2021
BTEC Vocational Exams/Controlled Assessment Update – January Exams from 7th January 2021 will not go ahead
Dear Students and Parents
This morning Pearson’s Awarding Organisation (the Awarding Organisation for BTECs) has announced in agreement with the Department of Education and Ofqual that no student will be disadvantaged if they do not sit exams/controlled assessments in January 2021.
In light of this announcement and the continuing rise of infection rates, the remaining scheduled January BTEC and exams from 7th January will now not go ahead.
We apologise for the late notice, however we have acted as soon as we were provided with the certainty that no students’ qualification achievement would be disadvantaged by not sitting these exams. I know that you may be disappointed and will have worked hard for these exams, but please be assured that none of that hard work will be wasted. We will now be working with the Awarding Organisations to understand the next steps and will share updates with you as this becomes clearer.
We are waiting to hear an update from NCFE Awarding Organisation and will share this with you as soon as we hear.
There may be a few smaller practical or apprenticeships exams and assessments that can continue safely in the Construction areas and we will be in touch with those students and apprentices individually.
Best wishes
Karen Mitchell
Principal and CEO - Buckinghamshire College Group
Update: 5th January 2021
Student and Parent Update
In line with the Prime Minister’s announcement last night, Buckinghamshire College Group campuses (Aylesbury, Amersham, and Flackwell Heath) will be closed to most students from Tuesday 5th January until Monday 22nd February 2021.
The College will be open for some students with specific individual needs and the teaching team will work directly with students and parents regarding arrangements for teaching, learning and support. Our safeguarding and student welfare teams are available should you need any help.
All lessons from Tuesday 5th January will be taught virtually and you are expected to virtually attend your timetabled sessions as usual. If you have any concerns or difficulties with access to technology or equipment, please let your tutor know.
For those students who are coming into College (for example, exams) you MUST NOT come into College if you feel unwell or you have been told to self-isolate. You must also continue to follow the safer learning COVID rules; social distancing, hand washing and sanitising, wearing masks in all communal areas, corridors and toilets.
I know this is an anxious and frustrating time for us all and I hope that you all keep safe and well. Our focus is to make sure that you continue to receive great teaching, learning and support to be successful and we will continue to share further information and updates with you via the website, College Cloud, parent portal, social media and text messages where appropriate.
Keep working hard, and don’t forget to ask if you need some help.
Best wishes
Karen Mitchell
Principal and CEO - Buckinghamshire College Group
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For further information please refer to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public which is updated daily at 14:00.