Principal's Question Time - 5 May

We have hosted Principal Question Time at the College for a number of years. But Tuesday 5 May saw our first virtual event! 

The theme was still the same where students could quiz Principal, dan on anything they wanted. Although given the current circumstances many questions were around how the Coronvirus would affect there studies. 

We will be continuing to host Principal Question Time, so if you would like to come along to the next one just email getinvolved@uspcollege.ac.uk. 

Below are the questions and answers at the last event! 

Is there anyway students can come in and complete practical tasks which are required for their course?

Assessments are being adapted and changed by examining bodies to meet new grading criteria because of COVID-19. It is very unlikely that you would need to complete the practical assignment and grades will be calculated using prior evidence of performance and attainment.

Will the College open next month as the government implied due to the traffic light system?

The Senior Management Team have been meeting regularly to discuss government updates. We will only open our doors when we feel it is safe to do so and we can follow the safety guidelines set by the government.

If we get our predicted grades but aren’t happy with the result, can we ask the teacher to review our work once we are back in College?

The grades given to students will not be predicted but will be calculated through a mixture evidence. Currently, the advice is that if you are unhappy with the grade you are able to appeal it and take an exam in the Autumn. If the result of the exam is higher than the previous calculated grade then this will be awarded but if less, the original grade would still stand.

We are monitoring grading very closely and will update students when necessary.

Will classes go back to normal once we are back in college or will there be restrictions towards how many hours we can spend on campus?

Lots of variables will need to be investigated and considered. We will provide clarity to students as soon as we know.

What will happen with students who are supposed to retake their GCSEs this year?

All GCSE and A-Level grades will be calculated using prior performance and attainment which will be moderated by Ofqual.

Is there anything planned for students who are leaving the College this year?

We feel that that it is needed for students to be able to say goodbye properly. We are looking into different options with the Student Union and we hope to be able to put on some kind of event whether that is virtually or face-to-face.

How do students who are leaving hand back their ID cards and Lanyards?

Clare White, Head of Student and Professional Services answered

A number of considerations are being investigated, we know that we can deactivate cards and change the colour of the lanyards for the next cohort should we need too.

Will first year students do mock exams so they can get predicted grades for UCAS?

For UCAS purposes all grades will be calculated based on prior work inside and outside of the classroom, including homework.