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When the COVID-19 lockdown began, final year students at University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) had only just started their final module: Sports Trauma Management. With only 6 weeks left of term, the university shut down and there was no final end date in sight. Some of the students were looking forward to starting new roles in the area of Sport and Exercise Therapy, some were awaiting their grades so they could confirm their places on a postgraduate course.
Dr Kate Williams, Programme Director at UWTSD, said:
‘It was an incredibly anxious and stressful time for students; we simply did not know how long this would go on for and what would happen with the outstanding module. We knew that this module was stopping students from completing their degree and starting their next chapter and we were hopeful that teaching would resume in time for the July examination board, but as the weeks skipped by we knew this was going to be unlikely.’
As a result, staff decided to take action and move all the theory content online with evening lectures via Microsoft Teams. A risk assessment was submitted to the university requesting permission to return to the classroom to deliver the practical elements and, with the amazing support of the estates team and the campus porters, luckily this was approved. As a result Kate, Module Leader Dan Martin and Lecturer Charley Keen were able to finish teaching the module.
The lockdown rules in Wales are different to those governing the rest of the UK and that played a part too. Kate noted:
‘The first day of teaching coincided with an easing of travel restrictions in Wales and this allowed us to travel more than 5 miles away from our homes. This was essential as both staff and students lived further than 5 miles from campus.’
Prior to leaving their houses, students submitted an online questionnaire regarding symptoms etc. Students arrived on campus at staggered times, and were temperature and symptom checked before being admitted to the building. Staff and students were given training on how to don and doff PPE and were required to wear a mask, visor, full apron and gloves for all sessions.
Lecturer Charley Keen said:
‘Teaching in full PPE was a challenge – it is hard to hear what people are saying clearly and it got quite hot and uncomfortable but it was worth it! We were able to deliver the practical sessions and also complete the assessment for the module. We are happy to report that all students passed the module too which was an amazing achievement given the circumstances.’
Kate added:
‘The students’ response to dealing with this crisis has been excellent. This was the final module of their degree, which is pressure enough for any student, but to add the COVID-19 pandemic on top created an exceptional situation. The fact that these students still managed to create online and socially distanced study groups to allow them to practice and study together is a testament to their attitude and resilience. We are all so very proud of them and we wish them all the best for the future.’
Kate has also noted that planning is well underway for delivery of courses for next academic year. She explained:
“It is likely that the PPE requirements will remain in place for our sessions starting in September as they require on-campus, indoor delivery with students working in close personal proximity and in contact with each other. It is something we are all going to have to get used to!’
For more information on the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy course at UWTSD, please visit https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/bsc-sport-therapy/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]