National lockdown: arrangements for learning from Tuesday January 5
Important announcement for the attention of all students, parents and carers
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement tonight of a further national lockdown, the vast majority of tuition will now be conducted fully remotely.
Teams links will be provided to students in advance of online lessons taking place from tomorrow (Tuesday January 5).
Unless you identify yourself in one of the following groups, you are NOT to attend college from tomorrow (Tuesday January 5). Current guidance indicates this is likely to continue until February half term.
Vulnerable learners
Young people (16-24 year olds) who are considered vulnerable, including those with EHCPs, can attend the College campus.
Critical worker parents/carers
Those learners whose parents/carers are critical workers who wish to take up this offer can also attend the College campus. To make arrangements for this, parents/carers should email their request to
start@bacoll.ac.uk, identifying the name of the student and the course attended.
Arrangements for specific groups
Students on the following courses have been selected to attend College:
• Aspire
• Vocational Access Group (VAG)
• Hairdressing - All Level 1 groups
• Beauty - Level 1 groups
• Early years - Level 1 Childcare
• Construction and motor vehicle
All students in motor vehicle, brick, joinery, construction and painting & decorating should contact their tutor to find out plans for these groups.
Reasons for this could include, for example:
• Students may require additional support than can be provided remotely, including any students who are vulnerable.
• Or because fully remote learning is less effective at engaging students on certain courses/subjects.
• As before, strict health and safety measures will be in place, including two metre social distancing within all learning areas, compulsory face masks within communal areas, one way systems, hygiene measures, sneeze screens, etc.
Again, unless you identify yourself in one of the above groups, you are NOT to attend college from tomorrow (Tuesday January 5) as the campus is closed to all other students.
Maths, English and Grade Enhancement classes
Due to the complex nature of timetabling for English, Maths and grade enhancement, these lessons will be cancelled for one day on Tuesday January 5 to allow staff time to implement full online learning
for these subjects following the Government announcement.
Free School Meals
Further information regarding arrangements for free school meals will be given once Government guidance has been received.
Bishop Auckland College Nursery
The College Nursery will remain open to all children, in line with Government guidance.
Examination on Thursday January 7: Award in Number and Measure
This mathematics examination will not be going ahead.
What should I do if I suspect I have Coronavirus?
Even if you are eligible to attend, please do not attend College if you or anyone in your household is showing Covid-19 symptoms.
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus:
• Get a test to check if you have coronavirus as soon as possible.
• You, and anyone you live with, should stay at home and not have visitors until you get your test result – it is critical that you only leave your home to have a test.
• Anyone in your support bubble should also stay at home if you have been in close contact with them since your symptoms started or during the 48 hours before they started.
• If you are eligible to attend, let the College know you have symptoms and the result of the test once you have received it. The College requires you to stay at home and self-isolate for at least 10 days as per Government guidance if you test positive for the virus.
I am sorry if the extremely short notice for these changes to tuition causes inconvenience, but I am sure you appreciate we are responding swiftly to a fast moving situation during a national crisis. Thank you for your co-operation and if you have
any questions or concerns please contact your tutor.
Natalie Davison-Terranova
Principal/Chief Executive
