A SOUTHAMPTON college is set to reopen in September - but students will have an earlier finish time.
Richard Taunton Sixth Form College in Southampton will provide all students with full time, face-to-face learning hours.
A number of measures have been implemented on site to help ensure the safety of students and staff, including a one-way system; enhanced cleaning schedules; a shorter day; and a new timetable.
Paul Swindale, Acting Head of College from September, said: “Over the last few months, our successful online teaching provision has exemplified that the college is ready for any eventuality.
“As always, our top priority is the safety of students and staff, and we have developed a robust plan which lines up with the government’s Covid-19 alert levels, and can be adapted to suit any change in circumstances. Our smaller size, the unique layout of our campus, and our new timetable makes it easier for us to maintain the current social distancing rules.”
The newly-developed timetable means just over half the student body are on campus during any one day.
Students will finish at 3.30pm each day to adjust to the timetable but will receive all their hours of teaching as usual.
Paul added: “Over the next few months, we will focus on nurturing students back into full-time education, which will help give them the confidence to succeed and progress with their plans for the future.
“Our students definitely have an appetite for returning to the classroom, and their engagement with digital and online learning proves that.
“We have also seen a fantastic uptake on our transition activities for year 11 students, so their love of learning is still intact, despite the cancellation of exams.
“We recognise the prolonged period of remote learning may have impacted students’ confidence and mental health. Our Student Care Guarantee highlights our commitment to ensuring every student receives the right support, in all aspects of their studies, to help them fulfil their potential.
“We cannot wait to welcome our new and continuing students back to Richard Taunton.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here