A Look Back at Learning During Lockdown
What a year! The 2019/20 academic year certainly wasn’t what any of us were expecting as our students and tutors had to rise to the challenge and adapt to unprecedented changes to their ways of working. So, as our tutors and students enjoy a well-deserved summer break we’re taking the opportunity to look back on a ‘different’ final term.
From March our students entered the final stages of the academic year with a complete change of routine. Faced with limited resources, a change to remote learning and virtual lessons with their tutors and a host of distractions that come with working from home – learning during lockdown certainly wasn’t easy. However, our students showed how creative, adaptable and resourceful they could be — and we couldn’t be prouder.
Here are just a few of our students’ highlights during lockdown…
Aspiring Artist Creates Lockdown Inspired Rainbow Series
Level 3 Art and Design student Amber Griffiths used the new normality of social distancing and being in lockdown as inspiration for her final project. Amber, who studies at Retford Post-16 Centre, drew on the experiences of her local community as they adapted to the many changes caused by the lockdown.
The Rainbow Series was created by asking her followers on social media to submit drawings or photographs of their lockdown experiences. Amber then created a series of ten different pieces that were then gifted to ten people who were nominated by her social media followers.
Amber said: “This project was about doing something that would have a positive effect on people. It wasn’t about having an extravagant idea or reaching a massive audience, I just wanted to create something that would brighten someone’s day or put a smile on their face. Hopefully, those that receive one of the finished pieces will enjoy their new piece of art!”
#Letyourbeautyglow – National Competition Success for Media Make-up Student
Phoebe Longworth, who studies Level 3 Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-up at the Retford Post-16 Centre, celebrated success in a national competition organised by Warpaint magazine.
The Dr Paw Paw sponsored #Letyourbeautyglow competition ran through the magazine’s Instagram account and attracted entrants from across the country. Each entrant was challenged to create a vegan-inspired look that took inspiration from what is grown on our planet.
The competition was judged by Armand Beasley, a cruelty-free Make-up Artist who has worked with famous faces including Goldie Hawn, Nicole Scherzinger, Michelle Keegan and Gok Wan. His work has been featured in magazines including Grazia, Harper’s Bazaar, Now and Closer.
Armand loved the way Phoebe incorporated nature into a striking beauty look. He said: “The pop of contrasting colours that frame the features along with the delicate freckles merge human with Mother Nature. I also love the stunning artwork on the neck – a cross between a Van Gogh summer meadow and the fiery depths of the earth. Bravo!”
Returning Safely
Our students did a tremendous job working from home and really bought into online learning utilising their College Google Account, to access Google Classroom and a range of resources and tools available through G Suite.
In June we were thrilled to be able to welcome back a limited number of students to complete practical elements of their courses. Of course, College looked very different on their return to how it looked when they left in March; with social distancing, hand sanitising and one-way systems in place. But, as our students have shown throughout this uncertain period, they adapted to the changes fantastically and were able to complete the practical elements of their course.
Looking Ahead to September 2020 and Beyond
We can’t wait to welcome students back to North Notts College in September. We’re committed to delivering career-focused courses that engage, educate and inspire our local communities. So, whilst College may look different due to the safety measures we’ve put in place, and teaching will take a blended learning approach, you can be assured that our commitment to education remains as strong as ever.
You can find out more about the steps we’ve taken to make College safe here: