Updating you on your teaching and learning for terms 2 and 3
For term 1, we’ve operated a campus-based, blended learning experience enabling us flexibility in supporting diverse student needs and in responding to any changes that may have arisen, while ensuring our community on campus have remained safe.
Reviewing our approach
We have reviewed our approach to blended learning working with the Students’ Union, using the latest data and guidance, and taking note of your feedback, including findings from the SU survey that ran during week 2 of this term.
It is clear from your feedback that a majority of you would value more face-to-face learning and interaction, but there are still some of you who value online and a continuation of our blended learning approach.
We’re also pleased to note positive progress on vaccination take up in our community and beyond. Vaccinations on campus are progressing well: 84% of students are double-vaccinated, rising to a projected rate of 97% by the end of November.
What does this mean for teaching and learning in term 2 and 3?
In response to this feedback, the decision has been taken to remove the 1.5m social distancing restrictions in teaching spaces effective from term 2. The SU support this decision as it means there is the opportunity for more face-to-face learning and interaction, which will be valued by many of you.
What the change in social distancing restrictions means at an individual level will vary according to your department, module selection and year of study. We are confident this relaxation of restrictions will allow more larger group teaching to take place face to face. And it is likely to allow reductions in the amount of online delivery, although as part of our blended model we will retain certain types of online delivery where there are benefits to your learning outcomes, specifically when there is a limited discursive element to teaching, and to enhance levels of inclusivity across our community.
Making this change from term 2 also allows us a little more time for the uptake of the second vaccinations – not least for those who are due to arrive later in the term.
Update from your academic department
Your academic department is working with central timetabling and will be in contact with you to update on how these changes impact your timetable for term 2.
Jointly, the Students' Union and the University hope you welcome the return to a more recognisable teaching approach while continuing to embrace and enhance progress we’ve made with online learning. Please do continue to feed into feedback mechanisms such as student representation, SSLCs and relevant surveys both from the SU and the University so we can keep your feedback central to our joint efforts. And while we look forward, we’re still strongly encouraging wearing face coverings when moving around indoor spaces, particularly if they’re enclosed or crowded spaces.
With best wishes,
The Student Communications Team
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