Universities Physical Teaching 2021-09-06
2021-09-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises due to concerns about the impact of the pandemic on international students' ability to attend classes physically. The University of Stirling has implemented a supportive isolation accommodation scheme for red-list country arrivals.
What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential effect of (a) covid-19 quarantine requirements for international students and (b) outbreaks of covid-19 in universities on the safe return to physical teaching in the 2021-22 academic year?
We have worked closely with the sector to ensure that international students will be supported and welcomed. Universities UK International has published bespoke self-isolation guidance for universities. The Government's approach to the lifting of restrictions has been guided by data analysis and advice from public health and the scientific community.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a recent assessment but mentioned general support measures.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The University of Stirling provides free on-campus isolation with meals, PCR tests and airport transfers saving students over £2000. This has significant economic benefits.
Given the huge economic benefits that international students bring to this country, will the Government consider financially supporting universities to replicate the good practice at Stirling?
We work with the university sector throughout the United Kingdom to attract the highest-quality talent from around the globe to study at our universities. The hon. Lady is absolutely right to point out the important economic benefits that international students bring to the whole United Kingdom.
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Assessment & feedback
Acknowledged economic benefits but did not commit to financial support for isolation accommodation.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The school sends pupils to university for vocational courses and qualifications. Two schools in Rossendale have received funding for rebuilding.
With that in mind, I thank the Secretary of State for the funding to rebuild two schools in Rossendale—Whitworth Community High School and All Saints' Roman Catholic High School; will he also fund a new building at the Valley Leadership Academy for all the pupils who want to go on to vocational courses?
I would be more than happy to sit down with him to discuss it and see what can be done. He is absolutely right about the value of technical education and how it delivers so much not only for youngsters themselves but for the economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit funding but offered a discussion.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
In November, a report showed that covid outbreaks could be reduced with the provision of air ventilation. The Welsh Labour Government committed funding but the UK has not.
Why have the UK Government not provided funding to make campuses safe?
The hon. Gentleman seems to have missed quite a significant difference between this year and last year: we have rolled out one of the most successful vaccine programmes anywhere in Europe.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address funding for air-ventilation filters but talked about vaccination efforts instead.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
International students had to queue at a food bank in London last year due to economic opportunities drying up. Concerns about similar issues this academic year.
What provision has the Secretary of State put in place to support international students should there be similar lockdowns during this academic year?
Such students have always had access to hardship funding, which is available to them as it is to domestic students.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific new provisions but mentioned existing hardship funds.
Response accuracy