As we reopen our doors for the new academic year, we’ve taken measures to make sure that Leeds Sixth Form College is as safe as possible. 

Thanks to the success of the NHS vaccine programme rollout and ongoing safety measures, students can safely return to college to begin an exciting new year of learning. You can find our latest campus rules and safety measures below.

Face coverings

Students are expected to wear face coverings in communal areas, such as the canteen, corridors, lifts and toilets but not in classroom or workshop areas (unless students or staff want to).

Other safety measures on campus

Studying in college is important for the quality of our students’ learning and wellbeing. We will continue to take safety measures seriously to keep our students and staff safe. 

This includes:

• Ensuring good hygiene for everyone by using hand sanitiser stations.
• Maintaining appropriate cleaning regimes, such as wiping down workspaces after use.
• Keeping occupied spaces well ventilated.
• Following public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of Covid-19. Staff or students awaiting a PCR test should self-isolate until a negative test is confirmed.

The safety measures we’ve had in place have proved a real success at controlling the spread of Covid-19. We want to reassure you that we are teaching in a Covid-19 safe environment and we will continue to implement measures to ensure student and staff safety. 

Testing

To keep everyone even safer on campus, it is expected that all students should take and have evidence of two negative lateral flow tests during induction or soon afterwards. You can either take these tests on site or at home. You can ask for Covid-19 tests at your local pharmacy or you can order these via the Gov.uk website.

During induction, all students will be provided with testing kits and reminded how to undertake these tests. Positive lateral flow tests will be reported to Track and Trace.

For any students who are self-isolating, remote education will continue. If you are a student and have any questions, please speak with your teacher.

Bubbles and close contacts

We will no longer use bubbles to ensure students and staff who may have been in contact with an infected person isolate.

For those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive – if you are double vaccinated or under the age of 18, you do not need to isolate unless you display symptoms.

Students over the age of 18 who are unvaccinated will be notified via the NHS Track and Trace app; therefore it is essential that we continue to support the use of this while on campus.

If you are notified by Track and Trace that you are a close contact of a positive case, please access a PCR test and self-isolate until you have confirmation of a negative result.

How to take a test

Taking a test is quick and easy. Watch this video from Public Health England to see how it’s done. You can also read the guides below.

Vaccine information

If you’re offered the vaccine, please take this opportunity as it is proving effective against Covid-19. You can find more information about the vaccine here.

Many of us take measures to keep physically fit, whether that’s through going to the gym, joining a local sports team or working out from home. However, are we doing enough to keep ourselves mentally fit?

Now is a more important time than ever to start looking after our mental health and wellbeing, given the impacts that Covid-19 has had on our mental health, with a particular focus on students.

The Association of Colleges Mental Health Report in Colleges 2021 found that nearly half of colleges say that mental health referrals have been significantly higher since the pandemic began and 85% of colleges have seen a significant number of students with undiagnosed mental health difficulties.

Bringing change to college

The pandemic has brought about a need for change, urging us to reflect on our mental health and wellbeing within education.

By putting students’ wellbeing at the heart of their learning experience, Leeds Sixth Form College has introduced the Fika mental fitness app.

Fika

Fika focuses on developing seven skills of your mental fitness: confidence, positivity, focus, connection, meaning, motivation and stress management. It improves these areas to build mental fitness in just five minutes per day. 

Short courses build your social and employability skills, earning you certificates that can even boost your CV.

Fika is easily accessible through the app or a web browser. You can download it from the App store or Google Play store. You’ll just need your college email address to log in.

Find out more about Fika through this short video. 

If you have any questions about Fika, please email Gemma Williams, our Student Wellbeing Manager.

An exciting new college year is almost upon us and preparations are underway to ensure we can all enjoy it together.

A vital part of that will depend, as efforts continue to contain the pandemic, on as many students and staff as possible being vaccinated against Covid-19. 

The government is now offering walk-in vaccinations to 16 and 17 year olds and we would strongly encourage students to have a vaccination before starting their studies with us in September.

Keeping safe and having fun

Doing so, and following our  Covid safety measures – which include continuing, for now, to wear face coverings in corridors and open spaces, or where distancing can’t be maintained – will help us all stay safe.

It will also mean students can feel confident as they try out the many rewarding and fun events we will have going on, across our campuses, during induction week and beyond.

If you’re 18 years old or over, you can book a vaccination here. We are also looking into hosting ‘pop-up’ vaccination clinics at our main campuses in the coming weeks.

When term starts students will need to take two Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests  each week (like they did before the summer break) and to record their results via the Gov.uk website.

For more details about Covid-19 vaccinations visit the Gov.uk website here. This guide here also includes information on what to expect after having a Covid-19 vaccination.

Find out more information about vaccinations for under 18 year olds here.

A science teacher at Leeds Sixth Form College has been awarded £3000 of funding for his skills development project as part of the Let Teachers SHINE competition.

Luke Helstrip, who has been with the college for a year, has developed a project that supports students to enhance their soft skills, such as creative thinking, communication, problem solving and collaboration, enabling them to make faster progress in lessons.

Run by education charity SHINE and Times Education Supplement, the competition offers a funding lifeline to innovative teachers with pioneering project ideas. With the aim to boost the attainment of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, the organisation provides advice and training to allow teachers to make a difference within the student community.

Luke hopes his ‘Impact of STEM 7’ project will help students improve exam results and apply for jobs and university places. He said: “I grew up in an area of high deprivation, so I appreciate the challenges that students face when completing applications and progressing through education. I hope to develop students’ self-confidence and ability to reflect on their own skill development by making changes to teaching practices which highlight soft skill development. 

“Information on students’ skill reflections will then be analysed, providing us with data on progress over time and the impact of the strategy. Initially, I will be running the programme as a pilot study within my own class. If this is successful, we hope to roll this scheme out across all A level subjects at Leeds Sixth Form College.”

All grantees will receive one-to-one sessions with the School of Social Entrepreneurs and the University of Manchester to determine individual needs and develop a bespoke training package.

Helen Rafferty, interim chief executive of SHINE, said: “Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Let Teachers SHINE competition. This year’s awards were held during some of the most challenging times teachers have ever faced, making the quality of the applications all the more impressive. 

“Each of the teachers who took part in the competition demonstrated their innovation and commitment to really make a difference to the futures of children from low-income families. 

“We look forward to working with the winners to help them develop their ideas and help hundreds of children to succeed at school.” 

Organised by the Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place from 10 to 16 May.

Founded in 1949, the Mental Health Foundation is the UK’s leading charity for mental health.

Throughout the pandemic, millions of people across the UK have experienced a mental health problem. This week helps us to understand more about mental health, how it affects us, the different conditions and support available.

Nature

This year’s focus is on nature, as many of us have found the outdoors to be helpful in improving our wellbeing during the pandemic. 

Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in people gardening, going on walks and exploring the outdoors – all of which have been essential for our mental health. 

Research from the Mental Health Foundation showed that going for walks outside was one of our top coping strategies, with 45% of us reporting how being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.

During lockdowns, people have not only spent more time in nature, but have learnt to appreciate and notice it more; highlighting a fundamental need to connect with our outdoor environment.

Benefits

Bringing nature into your everyday life can have positive effects on your personal wellbeing. It can:

• Enhance your mood
• Reduce feelings of stress and anger
• Help you take a break and feel relaxed
• Improve your physical health
• Build your confidence
• Encourage you to be more active
• Helps you make new connections 

Getting involved 

Support the Mental Health Foundation by taking part in half an hour of outdoor exercise each day in May. This can include anything from walking, running, jogging and skipping – and remember to appreciate the nature surrounding you.

You are also encouraged to share your experiences by taking a photo or video and joining the discussion on how you’re connecting with nature by using the hashtags #ConnectWithNature #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

To discover the best walks in the local Leeds area, have a read of these articles on Leeds List and Yorkshire Evening Post.

College activities

At Leeds Sixth Form College, we’ll also be celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week through a series of events. 

Our Academic Coach and MindMate Champion, Chris Flint, is running a Mental Health Self Help Google Classroom for staff and students from 10 May. These sessions will discuss mental health, how to find support, coping mechanisms and self help tips. Students can get involved in these sessions by using the Google Classroom code: Xllslsb.  

As part of the Virtual World of Work and Work Experience Week, the morning timetable for Wednesday 12 May has been dedicated to ‘Upskill Yourself’ activities. This is an opportunity for positive reflection, where students can build on their strengths and attributes. Examples of these sessions include managing stress and anxiety, motivational techniques, understanding your strengths and overcoming fear.

Students will also be campaigning this week as the student unions elections take place on campus. This will be a great opportunity for students to have their voice and bring about positive change.

We are raising money for Mind, the mental health charity, through a 24 hour gym session fundraiser. From 9am on Thursday 27 May to 9am on Friday 28 May, colleagues are invited to either pedal, cycle, cross-train or row in a 30 minute slot during the 24 hour period. The fundraiser will take place in the brand-new Eco-Powr gym, where the exercise machines are specially designed to generate power for our college. 

All sixth form tutorials will have a mental health awareness focus, based on this year’s theme of nature.

International Women’s Day is an annual celebration of the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women.

On 8 March each year, people come together across the globe to rally for women’s equality through widespread activities. 

Why is this day important?

Although the world has made significant progress, no country has yet achieved gender equality. 

According to the United Nations, legal restrictions have kept 2.7 billion women from accessing the same choice of jobs as men. As of 2019, less than 25% of parliamentarians were women. Additionally, one in three women experience gender-based violence. 

This day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the progress made, raise awareness of women’s equality and celebrate acts of courageous women who’ve made an imprint on our history and communities.

Clearly, there is much more to be done in the fight for gender equality, so we want to strive to  make a positive difference for women. 

Themes

This year’s official theme, #ChooseToChallenge, encourages people to speak out against gender bias and inequality. From challenge comes change, so by embodying this theme, we can help create an inclusive world.

The United Nations has also announced the theme ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a Covid-19 World’. The current pandemic has demonstrated how effectively women leaders and women’s organisations have been leading the Covid-19 response through their skills, knowledge and networks. This theme focuses on the recent acceptance that women bring different experiences, perspectives and skills to the table.

How are we celebrating International Women’s Day?

At Leeds Sixth Form College, we will be holding an International Women’s Day challenge and activities through our group tutorials.

Women in leadership

We spoke to Rachael Booth, Principal at Leeds Sixth Form College, to find out her thoughts on International Women’s Day.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

“It reminds me of how far we have come as women, but also how far we still have to go. A time for reflection and action!”

What does the 2021 theme #ChooseToChallenge mean for you in your work life?

“Inclusivity – empowering us all to speak up about gender bias and challenge it.”

Why did you choose the career that you’re in?

“I first trained as a museum curator but found that whilst working in the museum, my favourite role was getting dressed up as a Victorian teacher with my school visit groups and helping them learn about the past.

I had been advised at school by a careers advisor to go into teaching but after studying for so long at university, I wanted to leave the education environment and try something else. However, I later realised it was something I enjoyed doing and felt passionate about.”

Why did you decide to work within the education sector?

“Having decided I wanted to teach, I then had to decide which age group I wanted to work with. I realised I wanted to work with secondary age pupils and above, so then went on to specialise in Key Stage 5 as I preferred studying at a higher level.”

What does Leeds Sixth Form College do to overcome gender stereotypes?

“Leeds Sixth Form College’s culture and vision includes a strong emphasis on inclusivity and creating opportunities for everyone, enabling staff and students to realise their full potential. 

Women are also well represented in the leadership and senior leadership team, acting as role models for both staff and students. Stereotypes are challenged on a daily basis by teachers, tutors and support staff.”

In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up leadership roles?

“When I first started out in education 24 years ago, my leadership team were all male and I never for one moment thought when I first started out that I would be part of a team like that.

It is important that women lead, so that they can empower future generations of leaders. If I can do that for other women, then that to me would be so rewarding.”

What more do you think can be done to encourage more women into leadership roles?

“Tackling the media stereotyping of women is really important. I am increasingly concerned about the way in which women and girls are portrayed as the main childcare providers or are objectified, which is having a negative impact on mental health of women and their sense of wellbeing.

I would like to see a greater focus on women as strong leaders, rather than constantly reinforcing female stereotypes.”

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

“Think big, go high!”

Take a look at the International Women’s Day resources here.

Following the Prime Minister’s recent announcement that colleges will be reopening, we really look forward to welcoming most of you back for a phased return from Monday 8 March. 

Although all students have been working incredibly hard from home, we’re pleased that we can start to invite everyone back to college in line with our phased approach and plans for testing. 

Why is it important to come into college?

As you’ve been remote learning for some time, returning to campus is really important for your wellbeing. You’ll be able to spend time with your peers, join in with college activities and access face-to-face support from tutors, college counsellors or the Safeguarding team. 

What safety measures will be in place?

We want you to feel safe at college, so we’ve implemented many safety measures to help this happen. 

Our safety measures include:

• Testing for staff and students (as described above)
• The continuation of 2m social distancing measures
• Wearing face coverings in all areas of the college (including classrooms), unless you are medically exempt 
• The ‘bubble’ grouping system
• Increased hand sanitiser stations on campus

The government lockdown guidance states that you must stay at home and only leave your house when necessary, such as for basic necessities, exercise, work (where you cannot work from home), meeting your support bubble or to seek medical assistance or avoid injury. 

Testing

We have been following government and Public Health England guidance on our Covid-19 safety measures. College Covid-19 Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests are another measure that help in creating an even safer environment.

College testing

On returning to college, you will be expected to take three Covid-19 tests on campus, which will help to identify anyone who may be infectious.  These tests in college will happen three to five days apart.

Anyone who has taken their first test will need a negative result before coming into the classroom. After your second and third test, you can return to lessons while you wait for your results. 

Home testing 

After your three tests at college, you will be expected to take tests at home twice per week. 

Results

You will receive your test result on your phone or by email. If this is negative, you will be told when to begin your timetabled sessions. 

If positive, you must not return to college. You must self-isolate and book a test through the NHS website.

Before getting tested, you will need to complete a consent form with your tutors. You can find the NHS’ helpful guide to testing here.

There will be a different approach to testing and returning to learning for higher education students and apprentices. If this applies to you, please get in touch with your tutor for more information.

We’ve created this video to show you how to take your lateral flow test at college.

Questions?

We’d like to thank everyone for their hard work and determination during such a challenging time. We’re really looking forward to welcoming you back into college next month and hope to return to normality soon. 

If you have any questions about attending college, please get in touch by emailing courses@leedssixthform.ac.uk. You can also take a look at our student FAQs here.

Rachael Booth

Principal at Leeds Sixth Form College

The government’s national lockdown announcement means working and learning is currently taking place online. This is because of the rising Covid-19 infection rates and this will allow our college to prepare Covid-19 testing for our students. This is because of the rising Covid-19 infection rates and this will allow our college to prepare Covid-19 testing for our students. 

Key changes are below:

• We have made the decision to cancel all exams to keep our students and staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. Students should not attend college for their exams. 

• Apprentices will be contacted by their tutors/assessors as different arrangements may apply to them.

• When the national lockdown is lifted, all students will return to college in line with our plans for mass Covid-19 testing.

We will provide further information, including details of our mass Covid-19 testing plans, once confirmed. 

If you are a student and have further questions, please contact your tutor.

Over the past twelve months, we’ve been busy transforming areas of the building to make way for exciting new facilities.

Fusing innovation with excellence, these dynamic  spaces will allow you to learn in an inspiring and independent way. 

Our new engaging environments include:

Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

Our new Learning Resource Centre brings learning to life where you can study, learn and be inspired. Exclusive to sixth form students, the centre offers a quiet space for you to complete work and develop your knowledge. 

More than just a library, the centre can help enhance your abilities. A member of the iLearn team will always be based here to offer support and help you improve important independent skills.

The LRC is also home to the Achievement Centre, where you can have one-on-one sessions with subject staff to support you in achieving your aspirational targets . 

Take a virtual tour of the new LRC here.

Natural Press coffee shop

If you fancy a break from your studies, our modern coffee shop gives you the opportunity to relax in an exclusive social space. As part of our green pledge, we will adopt an eco-friendly theme, and have plants throughout the space.

Due to open early in the new year, Natural Press will offer hot drinks, hot food and quick snacks.

Auditorium

Our large, open plan auditorium has been specially designed for assemblies, exams, external guest speakers, enrichment activities and student life projects. We can also separate the area into two sections depending on the activity. 

If you’d like to use the auditorium for an activity, get in touch with your personal tutor.

Look and Feel Project (B Block)

As part of our exciting ‘Look and Feel Project’, each level of B Block has been divided into distinct faculty zones. 

We know how important colour is for changing the dynamics and feel of a space, so we’ve given the entrance to each floor a unique feature wall, inspired by themes from the subject areas. 

In these spaces, we’ve also created dynamic and independent learning and seating spaces to shape an engaging environment. 

We hope these new facilities will invigorate your learning and strengthen your academic abilities.