UCAS Information – Sport and Public Services

Across the previous academic year 2020/21 the most significant impact of COVID on our first year students of a 2 year study programme who are currently applying for entry 2022, was the reduction of face to face teaching during lockdown restrictions. Communication, and socialisation were affected as students attended a hybrid of online and at-college sessions. Some learners found it challenging as their domestic space needed to be shared with other family members also working/learning from home. A percentage of students also experienced problems with internet connection resulting in difficulties working online. Some students found it difficult to engage during live online interactive sessions instead of the normal classroom environment, however some students preferred this approach. 

Students were worried about completing practical assessments and role plays when restrictions were in place. This was because some could perform better in practical, or physical, group activities in opposition to academic desk-based activities. 

Most significantly, many students at this time were worried about their mental health. Some learners found they felt lonely, isolated, and depressed and found it difficult to cope with learning and trying to maintain normality whilst at college. 

However overwhelmingly our students have displayed resilience as well as endurance during these testing times of the ongoing pandemic.  We indisputably believe that if the learners had the opportunity to attend college for both years of their 2 year study programmes on a full-time basis without the pressures of COVID, they would have realised their full potential.