Guernsey – classroom courses
Following the States of Guernsey’s decision to move into Phase 5 of the lockdown exit, the Guernsey centre fully re-opened on Monday 22 June. Classroom courses are now being held in-centre where these are delivered by a local tutor.
Courses with a UK-based tutor will continue to be delivered via our online virtual classroom until travel restrictions are lifted.
Students will be contacted by their tutor prior to their course to confirm the arrangements. We understand that some students may not feel comfortable attending courses in-centre at this stage, so students will have the option to join the class virtually.
Any students experiencing cold or flu symptoms should not attend their course in-centre, and should instead join virtually for the duration of their symptoms and for 48 hours after they have cleared.
If you, or a member of your household, have travelled off-island in the last 14 days, we also ask that you advise your tutor and attend the course virtually until the 14-day period has passed.
Please note that provided you continue to attend your course and submit your mock exams as required, your Retake Scheme is not affected whether you choose to attend a course in person or via the virtual classroom.
Guernsey - enhanced safety measures in-centre
We want all students and staff at First Intuition to feel safe and comfortable returning to classroom courses.
The following measures have been taken in line with Phase 5 Public Health guidance to protect everyone from the risks of Covid-19.
- Hand sanitiser will be provided throughout the premises and students will be encouraged to use this regularly;
- Enhanced and more regular cleaning of touchpoints (door handles, handrails, desks, kitchens etc);
- Students and staff must not come into the centre if they have cold/flu symptoms or if they or a member of their household have travelled off-island in the last 14 days.
Jersey - classroom courses
We are pleased to announce that the Jersey centre is now in the process of reopening.
Under Level 1 guidelines, our staff will be operating onsite during our normal business hours (8am-5pm Monday to Friday) and classroom courses delivered by local tutors will be delivered in socially-distanced classrooms.
As we resume classroom courses we understand that some students may not yet wish to attend courses in-centre and some students may be unable to if they are shielding, have cold/flu symptoms or have recently travelled (see below). Each class will be set up so that students can attend virtually if needed.
Students will be contacted a few days before their course to ask whether they are attending in-centre or would prefer to continue attending virtually. Links will then be provided to those students attending virtually.
Please note that provided you continue to attend your course and submit your mock exams as required, your Retake Scheme is not affected whether you choose to attend a course in person or via the virtual classroom.
Jersey - enhanced safety measures in-centre
We want all students and staff at First Intuition to feel safe and comfortable returning to classroom courses.
The following measures have been taken in line with Level 1 Public Health guidance to protect everyone from the risks of Covid-19:
- Socially distanced classrooms – students will be directed where to sit to take account of the minimum 1m controlled environment distancing requirement.
- Hand sanitiser is available throughout the centre and students should use this regularly throughout the day.
- Students have designated toilet facilities to be used on a one in one out basis.
- Touchpoints will be regularly wiped down.
- Kitchens will operate on a one in one out basis.
- A collection box for material will continue to operate and is located in the foyer of the premises.
- Computer based exams are sat on a 1 student per sitting basis. Students are provided with, and must agree by email, to the policy for these exams.
- Attendance is not permitted for exams or for courses if a student has any cold or flu symptoms. Students will be able to attend virtually instead in these circumstances, see below.
- Attendance in person is not permitted if a student or anyone in their household has travelled within the past 14 days.
- Courses will in-centre only when the tutor is locally based. Courses delivered by off-island tutors will continue to be in an online live (virtual) format.
Computer-based exams (on-demand)
Guernsey
The Guernsey centre is now open for pre-booked computer-based exams for all students. Please email guernsey@fi.co.uk if you would like to book your CBE with us; you do not need to have studied with FI to sit your exam here.
Jersey
Our Jersey centre is now open for pre-booked computer-based exams for First Intuition students. We are reviewing this policy following the move to Level 1 in Jersey.
Remote exams
Some examining bodies are now allowing students to sit computer-based exams at home with remote invigilation. For more information about this option, please contact your tutor.
Cancellation of exams
We are in contact with the examining bodies to keep up-to-date with the status of sessional exams. Please see below for the updated information on exams:
ACCA: Students who planned to sit in the now-cancelled June 2020 exam have been transferred to courses to prepare them for the September exam sitting. Revision courses will be held over July and August. All course dates have now been confirmed to students.
Should the local exam centres not be operational for the September exam week, ACCA have confirmed that they plan to run the exams using remote proctoring.
ICAEW: Students who planned to sit in the now-cancelled June 2020 Professional exam session have been transferred to courses to prepare them for the September exam sitting.
ICAEW Advanced exams in July have been deferred until August.
Students have been contacted to advise the alternative arrangements for their courses.
Should the local exam centres not be operational for the September exam week, ICAEW have confirmed that they plan to run the exams using remote proctoring.
Chartered Governance Institute (ICSA): All Chartered Governance Institute June 2020 exams were cancelled – student have been transferred automatically onto courses towards the November exams and will receive new joining instructions for these courses.
The Institute has confirmed that exams in November 2020 and for all sessions going forward will be conducted via remote proctoring.
Our ongoing support to clients and students
As we gradually transition back to classroom courses, the health of our students and staff is our key concern. We want to reassure all our students that your success in your exams remains a priority. The delivery method and period of our courses has changed but our support hasn’t – your tutor will still mark all your course and mock exams and any additional homework.
We have introduced the First Intuition Bridging Programme for both ACCA and ICAEW students who are studying over a longer period than originally planned. We are also utilising ‘top up’ days to provide extra support to our students during this extended study period.
Our tutors and staff remain fully contactable. If you need to see a tutor to talk through any concepts, we are happy to hold one-to-one sessions via the virtual classroom or in person, if that is appropriate.
