Temporary move to online learning after the festive break

Students timetabled to attend campus during that period have been asked to remain at home. Online teaching will continue through the College’s Virtual Learning Environment.

The College is operating a blended learning model throughout 2020/21, with access to facilities carefully managed and a limited number of students timetabled for classes on campus as learning is delivered predominantly online.

Principal Neil Cowie said: “The priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of our College community.  Following a period in which some restrictions will be eased across the UK, albeit on a limited basis, the delayed return to campus for those who were due to attend will provide additional protection against the spread of Coronavirus.

“The second important factor is the potential for a change to the level of restrictions in place for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. This would require additional measures to be implemented within the College and the short period of online learning will provide a window for those to be rolled out and communicated if required. I must stress, we have not been informed of any imminent change to the current Level 2 status but it is important to be prepared for that scenario.”

Any student travelling to a different part of Scotland or the UK for the festive break is eligible for free testing prior to that journey. Testing will also be available after the break, from 7 January 2021 to 5 February 2021, to allow for the safe return to the North East. The College has partnered with the University of Aberdeen to provide access to testing.