I hope you and your families are safe and well at this time. I wanted to update you on the progress of Harrogate College since our physical closedown and our expectations of students while studying at home.

The overarching story from Harrogate College is that staff have been working incredibly hard to adapt to teaching fully online, while juggling the care of children and family members. The levels of student engagement have exceeded our expectations and those who have been struggling have been in contact with our pastoral support staff.

You will be aware that all examinations and controlled assessments have been cancelled for this summer. The grading for student qualifications will be done on predictions based on coursework completed and mock examinations. Ofqual are still working with awarding bodies on the exact detail for each qualification type, but be reassured this situation will not impact on your child’s ability to progress.

While learning away from college all students have access to either Google Classroom or online portfolios where teachers are publishing content to support learning and setting assignments to be submitted online. As I explained above, all grades this year will be awarded based on coursework completed and mock examinations, therefore students must continue to commit to their studies in the same way they would in college. Learning online is different to the classroom and our guide to staff and students is designed to support students to achieve their target grades.

Each student will have access to online learning relative to their timetabled lessons in college. Therefore if your child has 10 lessons per week, then there will be 10 lessons each week for them to complete including their vocational subject area and where applicable English and maths. The expectation is that each lesson will have two activities and one assessment as a minimum. We do not expect the lessons to take up the same real time as a timetabled lesson. In addition to the online lessons students will be set assignments to be complete.

Interactions with teachers is important, therefore your child’s teacher will be online two hours per day to speak directly to your son or daughter through Google Hangouts. This will be one hour in the morning and one in the afternoon and the times will be published on Google Classroom. In addition, students can leave messages on Google Hangouts at any time, which staff will respond to during working hours.

Although the use of Google Classroom and Hangouts may be new to you, this is familiar practice for your son or daughter. For students who do not engage, our teachers and pastoral staff will be following up to ensure they do not fall behind with their learning.

I would ask at this time, you check that your child is engaging with Google Classroom and if they are struggling ask them to make contact with their teachers.

If you have any questions about the progress of your son or daughter, please email their teachers, using firstname.lastname@harrogate.ac.uk.

Harrogate College will remain closed for the Easter Holidays on Friday 3 April until Monday 20 April. We are encouraging staff to take leave over that period, so the content on your child’s Google Classroom will be reduced over the Easter period. If your child is in need of support at that time, we still encourage them to make contact with teachers and pastoral staff as help will be available. From Monday 20 April, all staff will be working and expecting students to fully engage with their learning.

I will be in touch over the coming weeks to provide further updates.

Kind regards,

Danny Wild – Principal Harrogate College

The government has made the decision to cancel the 2020 summer examinations. We realise there will be a lot of unanswered questions as the guidance is quite limited at this stage, but we wanted to share with you what we do know or expect to happen.

This information is applicable to the summer exams for GCSEs, A levels, BTEC and some other equivalent vocational qualifications. Other qualifications’ awarding bodies may require students to sit an exam and/or assessment at a later date.​

Students will be awarded grades which fairly reflect the work they have put in. Please rest assured we will be doing everything we can to ensure that each student is awarded the grade they deserve in recognition of their hard work. It is clear from the announcement that every effort will be made to make sure that students will not be disadvantaged and will be able to progress as appropriate, to the next stage of their lives. 

Teachers will be asked to submit judgements about the grades students would have received if exams had gone ahead. This judgement will be informed by a range of evidence and data which could include; 

• A wide range of assessments completed by students over the course of the year 

• Mock examination grades 

• Class work and coursework

This will then be combined with prior attainment data and expected pathways to produce a calculated grade that is fair and expected. We will work closely with the exam boards to ensure that every one of our students achieves the right outcomes based on what is fair and reflective of their performance. This is important for adult learners or students who have only been studying their subject in this academic year.

For those who have exams as part of a vocational or technical qualification, some units will have already been assessed and completed. These will be important evidence in informing the final awarded grade. We will follow the guidance and work with the awarding organisations to ensure there is a flexible and pragmatic approach, so these students are not disadvantaged in any way. 

It is intended that students will be awarded their calculated grades before the end of July. Be reassured that grading and certification will look the same as in previous years.

Where students feel that their calculated grade does not reflect their performance, the option to sit an exam at the earliest reasonable opportunity will be available, or in the summer of 2021.

Students should continue with their remote learning as planned and supported by their teachers. This will make a difference in readiness for their next steps, and in completion of any assessments that may be used to inform the calculated grades. You should contact your tutor/s if you need any support.

We would like to offer assurance that although our ‘in college’ normal way of working has been interrupted, you can still apply for your next steps at college. We are doing different types of (safe) interviews and you will hear from us in due course.

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of all our current students and meeting those who are yet to join us, as we plan for the new academic year ahead.

We are taking temporary measures to address concerns about coronavirus. Our priority is our staff and students and we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close Harrogate College from 3pm on Friday 20 March.

We will be facilitating the continuation of all learning electronically using Google Classroom and other digital platforms. Your teacher will have provided all the details you need to continue your learning remotely and can be contacted directly via Google Hangouts or email.

Some of our provisions have already started working remotely, so if that includes your course, please continue your studies as instructed.

If you think you might have coronavirus or if you have been in close contact with someone who has, please follow the government and NHS advice. Further information can be found here.

We understand that this is an unsettling time for us all. Below are some useful links if you are struggling with your mental health:

mindmate.org.uk/

mindwell-leeds.org.uk/

leedsmind.org.uk/

There is also support available for anyone living with domestic abuse northyorks.gov.uk/domestic-abuse

While our campus is closed, we will still be available to offer advice and guidance to potential and existing students, parents and members of the public. You can contact us via web chat here or by email at contact@harrogate-college.ac.uk

If you’re having difficulties at home such as financial issues or general worries, contact your PAL (pastoral staff)  via phone, Google Hangouts or email for help and support.

We look forward to seeing you back at college soon.

Yours sincerely

Danny Wild – Principal Harrogate College
 

In light of recent developments and advice from the government, I wanted to let you know how we are preparing for every eventuality to ensure that students’ safety and learning are our priority.

If the situation changes, we will communicate to students via text and email and clear information will be available on our website.  We are monitoring our staffing levels as well as following the advice of Public Health England and the Department for Education.  I am sure you understand that much of this is outside of our control.

We are protecting students and staff through:

• Enhancing cleaning and encouraging handwashing, including additional cleaning of rails and door handles throughout the day
• Ensuring that toilets are checked regularly and that there is adequate soap available
• The postponement of some student events such as open evenings

We have been planning for the possible disruptions COVID 19 could bring and there are a number of possibilities, including partial closure to full closure of the college. We will keep our website updated as regularly as we are able and will work with as many students as possible to ensure they are able to continue their learning on a range of online platforms. As yet, we have no further guidance regarding summer exams and the advice from OFQUAL is to prepare as usual.

We appreciate that this is a difficult and worrying time for our students, their families and communities and we thank you for your support in this matter.

Thank you,

Danny Wild – Principal Harrogate College

On 11 March 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) officially named COVID-19 as a pandemic.

Public Health England (PHE) and WHO are working with other international partners to constantly monitor the situation.

We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that Harrogate College takes the health and safety of its students and staff very seriously. We are carefully monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any updates. In the meantime, students and colleagues are encouraged to continue to attend as normal.

Infections such as colds and influenza are very common in the UK at this time of year. For the time being, if you develop viral symptoms, you should manage these as you usually would. 

Advice for travellers and returning travellersBelow is nationally recognised advice for anyone due to travel or returning travellers.

Returning travellersStay indoors and avoid contact with other people (self-isolation) if you have travelled to the UK from the following locations in the last 14 days, even if you do not have symptoms:

• Iran
• Italy
• Hubei province in China
• Special care zones in South Korea (Daegu, Cheongdo, Gyeongsan)

Stay indoors and avoid contact with other people if you have travelled to the UK from the following places in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath, even if your symptoms are mild:

• Cambodia
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Laos
• Macau
• Mainland China (outside the Hubei province)
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• Singapore
• South Korea (outside of the special care zones)
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Instead, use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to find out what to do next. In Scotland, call your GP or NHS 111. In Wales, call 111 (if available in your area) or 0845 4647.

Advice to travellers to and from mainland ChinaThe Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s (FCO) latest travel advice is that all Brits in China should leave the country if they can, to minimise their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Additionally, the FCO advises against all travel to Hubei Province and all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China (not including Hong Kong and Macao).

Advice to travellers

Brits travelling or living overseas should check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s official travel advice. 

Frequently asked questions

Q:What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?A: Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that are common across the world. The coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China. 

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?A: Typical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and a cough that may progress to severe pneumonia causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Generally, COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people and those with long-term conditions such as diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Q: How does coronavirus spread?
A: As this is a new illness, we do not know exactly how it spreads from person to person, however, similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. It’s very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.

Official advice emphasises the importance of hand hygiene to protect yourself from infection and important hygiene practices to follow include: carry tissues and use them to catch coughs and sneezes, then bin the tissue and wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser if this is not available.

Q: Should I really be worried about COVID-19?A: We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that we recognise the seriousness of this situation. Though we would urge staff, students and parents/carers not to panic, we do encourage everyone to continue to follow government advice such as maintaining good hand hygiene.

Q: Is there a vaccine or cure for COVID-19?A: At the moment there is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19, though a vaccine is being researched and developed. Antibiotics will not help as they do not work against viruses. Treatment aims to relieve the symptoms while your body fights the illness and you will need to self-isolate until you have recovered.

Q: What does self-isolate mean?A: If you are advised to self-isolate this means you should stay at home and avoid contact with others for 14 days after your arrival. You should contact NHS 111 for advice and should not visit your GP or hospital. Anyone in self-isolation can resume normal activities after the two-week period as long as they have not developed a fever, breathing difficulties or cough. If you feel unwell during this time, contact NHS 111 immediately.

Q: Is my immigration status affected?A: The Home Office recognises that some individuals in the UK are unable to return to China. The guidance states: “Due to travel restrictions because of coronavirus some individuals may be facing uncertainty in relation to the expiry date of their current visa or leave to remain in the UK. The Home Office understands that in many cases this is because of circumstances outside of your control. Subject to guidance, most people in the UK whose immigration status is affected by coronavirus will get an automatic visa extension until 31 March 2020. More information on visas is available on the government website.

Q: What is Harrogate College doing about COVID-19?A: We are following official advice from the UK government and Public Health England. Additionally, we are taking precautionary measures such as cancelling our March events and ensuring all staff and students can access hand sanitiser. We are monitoring the situation and putting in place contingency plans, all necessary information will be communicated to staff and students as required.

Q: How will Harrogate College keep me updated with information?A: Students will receive any important updates via text. We have spotted some fake new stories circulating on social media, if you spot any fake news stories or have any queries feel free to contact us.

Contacts and resources
If you are a member of staff and are concerned that you (or another member of staff) are affected by the situation please contact your line manager. 

The below general resources are trusted sources that may be helpful if you wish to learn more about coronavirus and keep up-to-date on the situation.

Please note, we encourage all of our staff and students to act based on advice from official channels such as those listed below.

NHS COVID-19 page
Official NHS information and advice on coronavirus can be found on the official COVID-19 page on the NHS website. This includes an overview, recommendations for self-isolation, information on the 111 coronavirus service, information on the disease and how to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus.

UK government guidance
The UK government continues to update its official website with new advice, guidance and policies relating to the coronavirus outbreak.

Government responseUpdated information relating to the government’s response to COVID-19 including stay at home guidance, NHS information, guidance for health professionals, travel advice and the number of cases can be found here.

Government action planMore information on the government’s action plan including existing measures and potential future actions as well as information on the contain, delay and mitigation phases can be found here.

Government information for the publicInformation on the number of cases and risk level in the UK, advice on what to do if you have symptoms and details on the government’s response can be found here.

WHO updates
To see a summary of the COVID-19 timeline alongside rolling updates from WHO on the coronavirus disease, click here.

National Apprenticeship Week is fast approaching and Harrogate College will be joining the celebrations again this year.

It will have a stand at the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair (LARF) taking place at Leeds Direct Arena on Monday 3 February.

LARF is the largest apprenticeship exhibition in the north and the college will be among approximately 100 companies recruiting apprentices.

Harrogate College offers a wide range of apprenticeships at every level, from entry to degree. Successful candidates split their time between work and college, combining learning, earning and gaining experience needed to develop throughout their career.

The college will also be running an apprenticeship roadshow at its campus on 5 February.

The Apprenticeship team will be available to talk to potential apprentices about the steps involved, as well as information for employers looking to take on an apprentice.

Lee Pryor, Director of Apprenticeships at Harrogate College said: “We’re are excited to be getting involved in the Leeds Apprenticeship Recruitment Fair that brings together leading companies to offer potential apprentices opportunities to kick-start their careers.

“Employers are also at the heart of what we do and will gain insight and information on how we can work together to bridge the skills gap in a number of sectors. This includes engineering, health and social care, digital & IT and more.”

Pryor added: We are committed to bringing employers and young people together to provide real opportunities for them to find out what career path they want to take and to help employers find the right candidates for their organisations.”

National Apprenticeship Week 2020 is running until 9 February this year. For the first time, the week has been extended to include the weekend, giving the entire apprenticeship community more opportunity to get involved with activities.

See bus schedule below:

Wednesday 5 February

Harrogate College

9am – 2pm

At the start of the academic year, 12 young people including Harrogate College students met once a week during term time to learn about policing and the law. They were involved in sport and drill sessions and at the end of December, they took their cadet oath in front of senior officers, family, friends, special guests and college staff. 

The students will now be expected to volunteer an additional three hours per month to policing activities to help their local community.

 Helen Garnham, Director of Curriculum at Harrogate College, said: “We are extremely proud to be able to support this fantastic project, giving young people of Harrogate as well as our students a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in something so worthwhile.

“It benefits them personally as well as our local community. We look forward to following their progress over the coming year”. 

Harrogate is the fourth volunteer police cadet unit opened by North Yorkshire Police and aims to encourage confidence and positive citizenship among young people.

Our Childcare tutor, Susan Robson, would like to recognise two of her students for their outstanding achievements. Chloe Jackson and Annie Everson both studied the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare & Education.

Chloe passed her course above her target grade with an overall A and successfully secured her place at Leeds Beckett University to study social work.

She said “I have really enjoyed my two years at Harrogate College. I have learnt a great deal on my course and developed my study skills; I am much better at time management, and can now prioritise my work and am better organised. I have also passed my GCSE English, which is another goal that Harrogate College has helped me to achieve. During my course, I completed a work placement and this experience increased my confidence and developed my work skills.”

Annie also successfully completed her course and achieved above her predicted grade, with an A. This has resulted in Annie receiving a scholarship award to progress to university to study child psychology.

She said; “I really enjoyed my experience at college; I have felt very welcomed by all my tutors and peers on my course. The course was exactly what I thought it was going to be and helped me to develop many skills such as my organisation and time management. My placement developed my work skills and I now feel more confident in new situations and when communicating with people.”

Harrogate College has enjoyed a rich year of public theatre performances by the students working towards an award or diploma in performing and production arts.

Late May saw the premier of Zero for the Young Dudes! performed by a cast of 10. The students included a mix of both Level 1 and 2 students in their first year. The play was set against a political backdrop of tension between younger and older generations, resulting in a rebellion of the millennials which landed them in prison camp.

In June, the Level 3 second years took us back to 1930s’ Berlin in their production of Cabaret the Musical at Oatlands Mount Club. Students Fred Cash and Ella McCann played the leading man and lady in post-world war I Germany, as the Nazis were gaining power. The story centred on the doomed lovers in this dark period.  

Other performances included Artaud, Brecht & Grotowski Project and Want by the Level 1 and 2 students. Second year Level 3 students working for their extended diploma performed Status Update and Specialist Projects – Comedy, Improv, K-Pop and Voice Over.

All of our performing arts students were able to display their talents at Saint Wilfrid’s Church Hall for the 2018 Christmas Variety Show. 

The success of all our theatre performances this year shows the confidence, professionalism and determination of our students.

Keep checking for updates about any upcoming performances for the 2019-20 academic year!