Screen and Film School update on teaching and learning delivery in September 2021

You may have recently seen and heard announcements from some UK universities of their decision to continue delivering online teaching from September 2021. We thought this would be a good time to outline our delivery plans for September and reassure you of our bespoke approach and detailed planning.

As a specialist Film School, each of our Screen and Film Schools has a unique approach to teaching and learning. We are smaller specialist institutions, which allows for us to be responsive and proactive in a fast paced and ever-changing environment. Our courses are practical, hands-on and allow for the development of industry skills. We are informed by, and replicate Film and TV industry practices and processes, in order to ensure students and staff are safe and are working to industry standards.

We have planned meticulously for a full return in September and at this stage we expect that all teaching and learning can take place on campus and in our colleges. As the UK Government continues to issue updates to its guidance, we anticipate that we will continue to emerge from restrictions and social distancing as the Summer months progress.

Nonetheless, it’s important that we are prepared for the possibility that this guidance will change and we may have to respond to changes in the current and future restrictions. Therefore, we have prepared for any eventuality in developing our online learning community and virtual learning environment if a blended approach is required. This is an approach we have already adopted successfully at points where it was necessary during the lockdown period, and consists of a mix of carefully shaped online learning along with physical delivery in our buildings focusing on the most practical aspects of your course. This year we have invested in additional equipment and resources and extended access to our studios over weekends and summer holidays, to ensure that all planned productions are shot and that students have not been disadvantaged. We have also been able to issue our specialist kit for long term loans, to encourage creative development in the form of independent projects. Our industry engagement team delivered world-class masterclasses, and are now working with our industry partners to support graduates and alumni in securing many more emerging opportunities.

In short we have, alongside our industry partners, evolved our practices to create even greater opportunity and reassurance for our students. Being part of a smaller community allows for your voice to be heard, your ideas and suggestions to be listened to, and for you to feel your contribution is valued. We have taken valuable input and feedback from our students and placed it at the centre of our planning.  We will continue to plan for live practical teaching, studio access and film productions, confident in the knowledge that we are able to respond to change, whilst continuing to maintain an outstanding learning experience.

We are hosting a number of ‘Ask the Principal’ online Q&A webinars in June where the College Principals for each of our Birmingham, Brighton and Manchester campuses will be sharing all the details you need regarding our plans for the delivery of our September 2021 courses. Whether you’re an applicant or a parent, we invite you to join these exclusive events where the following topics will be discussed, followed by an open Q&A session so you can ask any questions you might have:

• Teaching plans and curriculum delivery for the academic year 2021/22
• How you can access financial support through our Fair Access Fund
• How we can support your wellbeing and transition to Higher Education
• Plans for Fresher’s Week and Induction

 

When?

Wednesday 2nd June, 12-1pm

David Thompson, Manchester College Principal

Wednesday 2nd June, 1-2pm

Itziar Leighton, Brighton College Principal

Thursday 3rd June, 12-1pm

Hannah Stevenson, Birmingham College Principal

 

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