The Omicron variant is highly contagious, and across the UK is leading to unprecedented numbers of absences from workplaces and educational institutions.
As current learners have already been informed, staying open is our priority, and, in order to ensure this during the current situations, some adjustments may be made to class schedules. Some remote delivery of occasional sessions in order to maximise staff availability may also be required. Despite these necessary adjustments, BAJ continues to follow the schemes of work that will lead to the successful completion of all qualifications offered. The content overall remains the same, even if the order of certain modules is adapted.
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Taking into consideration national and government guidance in relation to the developing Covid-19 pandemic, it is expected that people wear face masks on all public transportation and in enclosed spaces and in situations where they may not be able to adhere to social distancing precautions.
According to Public Health England, UK cases are rising again, particularly in relation to the new variant, Omicron. Given the newest developments, it is extremely important that the British Academy of Jewellery continues to proceed with caution and takes all possible measures to safeguard learners and staff.
All learners and staff will continue to be required to wear face masks whilst in the Academy and adhere to social distancing measures.
Learners are expected to carry on with their lessons and take part in activities during their normal timetabled hours and full attendance remains mandatory. BAJ continues to monitor the attendance and participation of learners, as well as offer full individualised support and access to pastoral care so that they continue to work towards their qualifications.
BAJ regards the safety of its learners and staff as paramount, and we are continually consulting Government guidelines for how to conduct learning safely. We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to adapt to the situation and provide regular updates.
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Outside periods of national lockdown, the British Academy of Jewellery is operating face-to-face learning for the 2021 academic year, in line with continued advice from the UK Government and Public Health England. Courses are being run with a blended online/offline delivery method to ensure the health and safety of learners while still allowing them to acquire practical skills in the workshop with the same amount of time at the bench. To help minimise the risk of increasing Covid-19 infection rates, the numbers of learners present within the college are controlled and limited to ensure social distancing.
The British Academy of Jewellery has undertaken the appropriate risk assessments and continues to prioritise the health and welfare of students and staff.
Safety on campus
Find out more about how we are ensuring safety on campus and our Covid-19 health and safety measures here.
2021/2022 term dates
Term dates for the year remain the same. Social distancing measures will be in place and we are working to plan for every contingency to ensure that all courses are as effective as possible.
Elements of all courses will be delivered via tutor-led online virtual classrooms where possible to minimise the risk to students and staff.
To find out more about these measures in practice, watch our video here.
Applications
BAJ is currently accepting applications from new and progressing learners to courses scheduled for the next academic year, 2021/2022. Interviews for prospective learners are being held via video conferencing. If you are interested in applying please follow this link.
Open Days
BAJ is scheduling virtual open days which you can register for here.
Accredited courses
All current Diploma courses continue to run. BAJ closely follows advice of all exam boards and awarding bodies and will make adjustments as seen fit.
Online courses
BAJ’s online courses are accessible here.
Short courses on campus
A list of short courses currently running is available here for Birmingham and here for London.
Communication with current students
BAJ is communicating regularly with current students by email. Students should check their emails and Canvas messages for the latest updates and contact details of BAJ staff should they have further questions. We are on hand to support you with any safeguarding concerns you may have.
Further information
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