Help sixth-formers make up lost learning, say UK college leaders
Students who have fallen behind during pandemic should get six months to a year to repeat studies, Association of Colleges recommends
Sixth-form students should be allowed to repeat part of the year to make up for lost learning, college leaders have said, as research showed three-quarters had fallen between one and four months behind during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Association of Colleges (AoC) warned that students aged 16 to 18 needed extra support to help them cope with the pandemic’s toll on their mental health. They said colleges were receiving increased reports of suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety and eating disorders. One reported four suicide attempts by students during the last term.
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In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.