During the national lockdown, BAJ students are continuing their courses from home, with BAJ having tailored teaching to cater to online learning during this time. Our students’ wellbeing is of the utmost priority for us and their creative and professional development remains paramount, even as they work from home. We are extremely proud of how our students have risen to this challenge and continued to produce innovative work during this challenging time.   

Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma student Ellie says about her lockdown experience: “Although lockdown came in quickly, the academy responded well by rescheduling our lectures. Our Gemmology module was brought forward and we have learnt a huge amount about the varieties of precious and semi-precious gemstones – learning through interactive drawing and fact finding. Alongside this Gemmology module, we have also been working hard on our Alex Monroe collaboration project, creating our final designs for our transformative, sustainable piece!”

Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma student Seán says: “I was anxious at the idea of learning from home to begin with; the dedication and attentiveness I’ve seen from all staff helped me put that aside quite promptly. Glad to still have the opportunity to learn from tutors and staff with a wealth of knowledge and talent.”

Cheyenne says: “I am currently generating ideas and designs for the Alex Monroe live project, and I’m loving it along with the amazing support and creative freedom that BAJ tutors allows for their students.”

BAJ Jewellery Design and Manufacturing Diploma student Cat says: “Our BAJ tutors have been working so hard to ensure that our learning experience is affected as little as possible by lockdown. Our design classes have continued online via Zoom and we are being inspired by thoughtful projects and briefs. While we all can’t wait to return to the workshop, we are learning new skills and adaptability by designing pieces using card, wax and found objects.”

We look forward to sharing more student work during lockdown and beyond, and to welcoming our learners back to the workshop when it is safe to do so. We have adapted our class schedules to ensure that students will still get the same number of hours at the bench to manufacture jewellery when the campus reopens. Lockdown distance learning has been a valuable experience but BAJ remains ever committed to practical, in-person education.