Looking Back at Learning in Lockdown
As our students enjoy a well-earned summer break, we’re taking some time to reflect on the fantastic work they achieved during their last term at college.
With a change of routine, switching to remote learning and virtual contact time with tutors, limited resources and limitless distractions, there’s no denying learning in lockdown was tough – but we’re incredibly proud of the way our students and tutors rose to the challenge.
Here are just a few of our highlights…
Childcare Students’ Exam Success
In April, our Level 3 Childcare students proved hard work does pay off, with all of them passing their external assessments first time
Rotherham College Childcare tutor Gaynor Dodds said: ‘They all worked very hard and we are extremely proud of them all. This shows what they are capable of with hard work and dedication.”
Ready, Set, Bake!
In May, a student versus teacher bake-off competition saw a variety of skills put into practice and many delicious entries submitted. All were judged on the best use of ingredients and impressive presentation. The winner was Level 3 Catering and Hospitality student Kira Fowkes who baked a Malteser drop cake and the runner-up was Curriculum Manager Christine McManamon who created a tiramisu with chocolate fudge. Both entries will feature on The Wharncliffe restaurant menu once it has reopened. Read the full story here.
The Hairdressing Student Raising Care Home Residents’ Smiles
Prior to and throughout lockdown, Level 3 Hairdressing student Georgia Hosford continued to work at HC One Care Home in Swallownest. With strict social distancing rules in place, the care home managed to stay free of COVID-19 and as Georgia tested negative for the virus she was able to continue doing residents hair every Monday. Read the full story here.
ESOL Student Uses Skills to Help Others
Fatbardha Imeri (known as Bardha), one of our ESOL students, is a regular volunteer with both the Red Cross and the Refugee Council in Rotherham and has been helping others prior to COVID-19. During the lockdown, Bardha increased her voluntary work to support those in the Albanian community in Rotherham. She has helped others to access food banks, make doctor’s appointments, access food vouchers and, using her language skills learned at College, has translated for others.
Creativity Capturing Lockdown
The Art and Design department ran a project called Quaranthings inspired by American artist and photographer Gregg Segal who uses images in a powerful and positive way to give a narrative and an insight into his subject’s lives. Students were asked to create an image in the style of Segal focussing on items that have been most important to them during the quarantine.
Art and Design Curriculum Team Leader Richard Lyon said:
“Students have found lockdown challenging. Not being able to communicate face-to-face and work practically together has been a big change. However, the level of engagement, creativity and hard work the students demonstrated throughout such upheaval has been impressive. They have adapted quickly to online learning methods and shown excellent levels of resourcefulness and determination.
“Segal’s approach offered a way for students to engage creatively and positively in producing artwork about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The students have produced some fantastic and imaginative work, especially considering the limitations they have encountered due to the equipment and facilities available during the lockdown.”
Looking Ahead to September 2020 and Beyond
We loved seeing how our students adapted to working over some of the most challenging months and we can’t wait to welcome our students – old and new – to college next month. While things may be a bit different due to the safety measures we’ve put in place and teaching will take a blended-learning approach, you can be assured that we’re as committed as ever to delivering career-focused courses that engage, educate and inspire our local communities.
If you’re still unsure on your next steps for this upcoming academic year, don’t forget you can get in touch to discuss your options on 01709 362111 – it’s not too late to apply for this September.
You can find out more about the steps we’ve taken to make college safe here.