Teaching in the summer term
Details about how teaching will take place in the summer term
Teaching for: Education (Initial Teacher Training), Physician Associates, Pharmacy and Speech & Language Therapy
We will continue our blended teaching approach, including providing some face-to-face teaching, for students taking courses at Reading that the government has already identified as being permitted to return to campus. These are Education - Initial Teacher Training, Physician Associates, Pharmacy, and Speech & Language Therapy. This means that for students on these programmes no changes are being made from your current teaching provision.
If you have timetabled face-to-face teaching in the coming weeks, you may travel back to campus and when you return to Reading, you should take three lateral flow tests at an onsite testing facility (3 - 4 days apart) to confirm that you have not inadvertently brought the virus with you. Book lateral flow tests at the SportsPark.
If you are travelling from overseas, you must follow the government rules which we have published on Essentials.
Teaching in the summer term (19 April – 11 June)
The government has advised that students should continue to study online until at least the 17 May (Step 3 on the Roadmap), unless they are undertaking a placement or practical and studio-based activities that cannot easily be replicated online. We wrote to you in the spring term to let you know if your programme had face to face teaching and/or placement activity or if your programme would continue to be delivered online only. Following the latest government announcement, the position remains the same for your summer term teaching, placement and practical activity. If you are unsure if this applies to you, contact your Support Centre (or Henley Helpdesk / ISLI Admin Office). We understand that this will be disappointing to those who were looking forward to a return to face-to-face teaching.
Your academic timetable for the summer term is live on CMISGo. Edits have been made to reflect the new government guidance and is available on your Outlook calendars and the new UoR student app by Friday 16 April. Please check your timetable each day to keep up to date with any changes which are made.
Students with online only teaching are encouraged by government to remain at your current address if possible. However, in addition to returning for face-to-face teaching, government guidance also says you may wish to consider returning for other reasons, for example:
- international students who cannot amend their travel plans
- if you do not have facilities to continue your studies online at your vacation address
- for health and safety reasons
- to continue to access specialist medical or mental health services.
Support
We continue to provide academic support through lecturer office hours, individual or small group support from Academic Tutors and our Study Advice Team, complemented by our range of specialist welfare support services accessible both on campus and remotely.
Accessing online interactive sessions
Please check each of your modules on Blackboard to find detailed information about all of your learning and activities. You can view your timetable in CMISGo and on your Outlook calendar. Live, online activities highlighted in grey are there for students who cannot attend on campus. You will need to attend at the scheduled time and these sessions will not be recorded, except in certain specific circumstances.
If you have any queries about how to access the online sessions, please contact your Module Convenor. Further information about all of your learning and activities within each of your modules is published on Blackboard and for more help with your timetable, please see our Essentials webpage.
You will need an internet connection and use of a computing device or tablet (relevant for your studies) in order to access online teaching materials required for your programme. We provide study facilities, including PC labs, on campus for you to use.
If you are worried about your financial situation preventing you from being able to access the technology you need, please speak to our Student Financial Support team.
Teaching and Learning support
You continue to be supported through our Academic Tutor System and we recommend you meet with your tutor at least once a term. This academic support is complemented by our range of specialist welfare support services (including Careers, Financial Support, Disability Advice, International Visa & Immigration Advice, Study Advice, and many more).
Our Library is open for Click & Collect and study space. You will need to book study space in advance and our system will allow you to choose your preferred type of space, subject to availability, including PCs, booths and armchairs. The Library offers a huge range of resources – both online and printed. Each subject has a dedicated Academic Liaison Librarian who can guide you to the best materials to support your studies.
Our Study Advice service is for everyone who wants to improve their academic work – whether that’s advice on raising the standard of your work, approaching your first assignment or managing your time more effectively. To learn more, visit the Study Advice webpage.
The Library also offers additional help with any maths queries relating to your course. Find out more about the Maths Support team on their webpage.
Assessment and exams
Much of our coursework and other in-year assessment for 2020/21 can be completed in your current location (whether on campus or remotely) and therefore the majority of assessments will remain unchanged for this term and the original deadlines set should be adhered to. Your School will be in touch in those cases where specific changes are required. If you have questions about your individual modules, please contact your Module Convenor to find out more specific information.
Please see further information about exams and assessments in 2020/21 and our assessment support package.
Frequently asked questions:
Can I study remotely for the rest of the 2020/21 academic year?
What support is available for online learning?
Will there be any reduction in tuition fees for 2020/21?
Can I travel home for the Easter vacation?