Academy Statement – COVID-19 (08/06/2020)
Study with Confidence : Flexible Booking Policy
0% Cancellation fees and more flexible options so you can plan your travel & study safely.
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Staying Safe Advice for Students
We understand that this is a difficult time. We have put together a guide to help you stay safe and keep positive
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Self-Isolating Help for Students
We understand that this is a difficult time. We have put together a guide to help you self-isolate.
Download Help GuideCeltic English Academy Statement on Covid-19
Latest update: Monday 21st December 2020
Wales has started it’s level 4 national lockdown from Sunday 20th December. Non-essential shops and services have stopped and people are not allowed to meet up with other households.
There will be a temporary relaxation of the rules for Christmas Day only (Friday 25th December). This will allow 2 households to form an exclusive Christmas bubble. Read more about Christmas Day here.
Level 4 restrictions are expected to continue in the New Year, after the holidays, but schools and education will remain open. The Academy will reopen from Monday 4th January for face-to-face and online classes. See the green box below for what is staying open.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about studying in the New Year. You can write on the website chat or email [email protected].
Read here for frequently asked questions on the Welsh Government website.
Read here for more information about the level 4 restrictions.
Latest update: Thursday 14th December 2020
Wales has announced the self-isolation and quarantine period is shortened to 10 days (from 14 days).
You can read the full BBC Wales article here.
This is positive news for our students who travel from non-exempt countries (not on the travel corridor list) and need to quarantine on arrival to Wales.
Celtic will continue to offer free standard residence accommodation for 10 days quarantine on arrival (reduced from 14 days) for students travelling from countries outside of the travel corridor list. This is valid until March. Please contact us for more information if you want to make a new booking. Current student bookings will not be changed if the 2 weeks (14 days) free accommodation was applied.
Who does the self-isolation rule apply to?
From Thursday, people in Wales should self-isolate for 10 days if they:
- Received a positive test result for Covid-19
- Have symptoms of Covid-19 and are waiting for a test result, or have not been tested, but do not require hospital treatment
- Live with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or is showing symptoms that may be caused by the virus
- Have any close contacts who have tested positive for coronavirus
- Are returning/travelling from a non-exempt country
- The cut from 14 days to 10 applies to people currently isolating as well as new starters
Latest update: Tuesday 1st December 2020
Wales has a new rule that from Friday 4th December Welsh pubs, restaurants and cafés will not be allowed to sell alcohol. Also, from Friday, Welsh pubs, restaurants and cafés will have to close at 18:00.
Businesses can offer a takeaway service after 18:00 when pubs, restaurants and cafés have closed doors.
4 people from 4 different households can still meet indoors in pubs, restaurants and cafés in the daytime.
This will continue until further review by the Welsh Government. The next review is planned for December 17th.
Here is the summary and the Welsh Government regulations can be found here.
Latest update: Monday 9th November 2020
The Academy has reopened following the end of the Wales 2-week “firebreak” lockdown. Face-to-face classes have resumed and online classes continue.
England has started a 4-week national lockdown until December 2nd, but this does not include Wales.
Wales has new national rules to help with Covid-19 health and safety. These include:
- Re-opening of non-essential businesses e.g. pubs, restaurants, cafés, hairdressers
- 4 people from different households can meet outside or inside in pubs, cafés or restaurants
- People cannot meet inside homes (unless 2 households make a bubble together and this must be the same bubble all the time – you can’t change bubbles)
- Residents can travel around Wales
- Residents cannot travel around England (unless there is a reasonable excuse. Students can arrive and depart from airports and England and transfer to Wales by bus, train or taxi)
- Schools are open
- 30 people can meet outdoors for organised activities
- 15 people can meet indoors for organised activities
- 2-metre social distancing, hand hygiene, and staying home continues to be recommended
If you are a current student and want to talk to us about daily life in Cardiff please contact us on the website chat. We care about your wellbeing, so you can contact us any time. The Celtic Family is here for you and when you are in Cardiff, you are part of our community.
If you feel unwell or have symptoms of Covid-19 please contact us and Celtic staff will help to tell you what to do next: +44 (0)7803 495 154 is the 24/7 emergency number.
Latest update: Tuesday 20th October 2020
Following the announcement of the Welsh Government on Monday 21st October, Wales will have a fixed 2-week “firebreak” lockdown to help to control Covid-19 infection rates in Wales. Read more here.
During this short, national lockdown, Celtic English Academy will be closed for face-to-face classes but all teaching will continue online. The “firebreak” lockdown will be from 18:00 on Friday 23rd October until Monday 9th November, when the Academy will reopen.
All non-essential shops and services will be closed and everyone in Wales will be encouraged to stay at home, as much as possible. You can read the rules in Wales during the “firebreak” lockdown here.
Students currently in Cardiff studying at the Academy have all been informed and Celtic staff will keep in contact with them for the 2 weeks “firebreak” lockdown, to ensure their wellbeing.
Students due to arrive in Cardiff during these 2 weeks can still arrive and start their classes online, then join face-to-face classes from Monday 9th November.
Any student that wishes to postpone their arrival or needs to change their plans, for whatever reason, can still use the Study with Confidence terms for maximum flexibility.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to respect government rules to keep everybody well and safe. Please remember that the UK has a national government but the devolved nations of Wales, Scotland and N.Ireland follow the governance of regional government for health and education. Therefore you might observe that different decisions are being made in different parts of the UK, for this reason. We will be happy to talk with you about the comparative situation across the UK if the national or international media is confusing for you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please write to us on the website chat, send an email to [email protected] or call Reception +44 (0)2920 344 805. If you need to contact us outside of office hours the 24/7 emergency number is +44 (0)7803 495 154.
Latest update: Friday 2nd October 2020
The UK travel corridor list has been updated. From Saturday 3rd October visitors arriving from Poland and Turkey will need to self-isolate for 2 weeks on arrival.
Students that need to self-isolate on arrival can have free standard residence accommodation for 2 weeks with Celtic English Academy and can study online during this period, before joining face-to-face classes.
Please refer to the Welsh Government website link below to check countries that require quarantine on arrival:
- No 2-week quarantine for international visitors to Wales from these countries
Latest update: Friday 25th September 2020
- Education continues – students can still come to school and face to face classes continue at Celtic. All students must wear face coverings.
- Essential travel in and out of the Cardiff area is permitted – if you are arriving to start your course or are departing when your course finishes this is fine.
- Non-essential travel is not allowed – you cannot go to other places outside of Cardiff, for example on a day trip or for sightseeing.
- You can only meet people outdoors – you cannot go into other people’s houses to socialise indoors. Friends and family cannot meet indoors
- You can go to restaurants, pubs and cafes outdoors – if you are with other people you must keep to social distancing which is 2m in Wales
- You cannot go to restaurants, pubs and cafes indoors – unless you are with people from your household (in your homestay, or in your residence flat bubble)
- Shops stay open – you can go to the supermarket or essential shops in Cardiff and you must wear a mask, it is compulsory indoors
- Wear face coverings – in any indoor public space and on public transport (bus, train, taxi, plane)
- Wear face coverings in school –all students must wear face coverings in class and teachers also wear face shields
Latest update: Friday 10th July 2020
- No 2-week quarantine for international visitors to Wales from these countries
Following the recent announcement from the UK government that there will be no 2-week quarantine for international visitors arriving in England from certain countries and the same now applies for international visitors arriving in Wales.
Currently these include mainly Europe, island nations and some countries in Asia. Visitors arriving from these countries will no longer need to isolate in quarantine for 2 weeks on arrival.
The UK and Welsh Government will continue to monitor and update the list which you can check here.
We will continue to check the list for the Middle East and Latin & Central America in the future. International visitors from any country can arrive in the UK, but if they are not on the list they have to follow a 2-week self-isolation quarantine on arrival.
Of course, if anyone experiences new symptoms with potential to be Covid-19 they will have to follow self-isolation rules, as usual. Please inform a member of Celtic staff who can support students that may be feeling unwell. We also have this guide for helping students.
We hope that this update will help Celtic students to plan their in-person courses with us in Cardiff, along with our Study with Confidence flexible booking policy (see FAQ12 below)
Latest update: Tuesday 9th June 2020
- Face-to-face teaching from September 7th
- Pre-opening to limited VIP students from August 3rd
- Study with confidence: Zero cancellation fees
Thanks to the incredible efforts of millions of people, the world is slowly beginning to re-open, and the UK is no exception.
At Celtic English Academy, our values at this time are the same as they have always been, putting our student and staff wellbeing at the centre of all that we do.
A limited number of students will be able to study face to face from August 3rd in our exclusive pre-opening for VIP students. Please register your interest here.
We have three buildings with 22 well ventilated classes that allow our students to learn again in person, whilst staying as safe as possible.
Using guidance from English UK, the Welsh and the UK Government as well ideas as our own staff, we have been working to minimise the risks of virus transmission in our academy.
We are interested in your thoughts too, especially since together we are able to draw on the knowledge and experience of our international community. If you have any questions or suggestions, please send them to [email protected].
These last few months have put lots of things into perspective, and many people will have looked hard at what their values are and what they want for their futures.
At Celtic our values are as strong as ever. We have adapted quickly and successfully so that we can continue to help you realise your dreams as we move forward together into a changed world. This is why we launched “Study with Confidence” campaign to offer zero cancellation fees. To learn more about this, please look at FAQ 12 below.
“We teach English today, so you can start your tomorrow”
FAQ 1: What date will the academy re-open for face-to-face blended learning classes?
Monday 7th of September
Limited VIP students can study from Monday 3rd of August
With current UK government’s measures, you need to arrive by 20th of July to complete 2 weeks quarantine in order for you to start face to face lessons on Monday 3rd of August. You can quarantine at our self-catering student residence accommodation. You can study online classes that we provide during your quarantine period.
FAQ 2: Will your online lessons continue to be offered?
Yes! Our online classes have had excellent feedback from students and will continue to be held. In the near future we will have options for students to enjoy blended learning, with some classes online and some classes face-to-face each week.
We encourage all students to enrol on online classes before they start their face to face lessons and after they return home. This will help you get used to studying and being in an English speaking environment before you arrive, and cement your learning once you return home.
FAQ 3: How will Celtic English Academy reduce the risk of virus transmission in the academy?
The wellbeing of our students and staff is our priority. There are a large number of measures we will take so that students and staff are in an environment that reduces the risk of virus transmission.
- Class sizes will be reduced so that they meet the recommended social distance, which is currently 2m.
- Break times will be staggered so that staff and students don’t crowd stairwells and corridors.
- Reception will have a screen between students and staff.
- Many student services will be able to be booked online, so you don’t need to wait at reception.
- Automatic hand sanitisers will be available in each classroom and in communal spaces.
- The school building will be cleaned and sanitised every day.
- In good weather windows will be open to aid ventilation.
- Classrooms and internal doors that are not fire doors will be left open for ventilation and to minimise contact with surfaces.
- Students will have their own personal course book or e-book.
Our COVID-19 precautions follow the advice of the English UK, Welsh Government and UK Government. We will adapt our measures as the advice is updated.
FAQ 4: What can I expect on my first day at the academy?
- You will have already completed your written and speaking tests online prior to arrival, meaning you can be placed in your class more quickly.
- You will be able to watch our first day presentation online prior to arrival, so you can learn all about the academy and how to access our student services.
- You will be able to update your contact details online, rather than complete a paper form.
- We will use gloves to handle and take copies of your passport.
- We will offer online credit/debit card payment.
FAQ 5: Will I have to quarantine on arrival?
The UK government has announced a two-week quarantine period for anyone arriving in the UK from the 08 June 2020. The government is reviewing this decision every 3 weeks. It may not be necessary for you to quarantine, but for the latest border control advice, please check here: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
If you are asked to quarantine, then you can do that with your homestay host or at our student residence Lumis. You will need to give border control the address of where you are staying and how you are travelling there.
FAQ 6: What are my accommodation options?
You can stay in our residence or with one of our homestay providers from 19th of July.
FAQ 7: What procedures are in place to reduce the likelihood of virus transmission in the accommodation?
Residence
- 24 hour security staff the building for any assistance needed.
- Students will have their own kitchenware for shared kitchens. Students will be encouraged to use a self-managed rota system for kitchen use.
- Shared kitchens will be deep cleaned once a week.
- As before, over 18s only in residences.
- If you need to quarantine at any point during your stay, Celtic English Academy will provide support and help with food and essential items.
Homestay
- Homestay providers have been informed of our guidelines on social distancing, which will be based on the advice of the Welsh and UK Government.
- Hosts will ensure communal areas are maintained to a high degree of cleanliness.
- If you need to quarantine at any point during your stay, hosts will provide support and help with food and other items that you need.
- Hosts will be aware of what to do if a student is unwell and how to access additional support from Celtic English Academy
FAQ 8: How will I get to and from the airport safely?
The safest way to travel from the airport is in a private taxi transfer which we can arrange at your request as part of your booking.
Public transport in the UK is currently running with a reduced timetable, and if you choose to take a train or a bus, we advise that you take your own precautions by staying 2m away from others and washing or sanitising your hands more frequently and for at least 20 seconds.
It is also mandatory to wear face coverings on public transportation.
FAQ 9: What is the best way to travel to the academy?
The best way to travel to the academy is by walking or cycling. Cardiff is a very accessible city. Our residence accommodation is only a 20 minute walk away.
Cardiff Council is working to increase pedestrian and cycle access in the city centre, which will make your travel to the academy easier and safer.
If you want to hire a bike, Cardiff has large network of docking stations. To find out more see https://www.nextbike.co.uk/en/cardiff/. Remember that you should wear a helmet and cycle on the left and be cautious when approaching junctions.
Public transport in Wales is running, and if you choose to take a train or a bus, we advise that you take your own precautions by staying 2m away from others and washing or sanitising your hands more frequently and for at least 20 seconds.
FAQ 10: What if I become unwell whilst studying at Celtic English Academy?
We are here to help students with their health and wellbeing whilst at the academy. If you are feeling unwell or if you think that you have the symptoms of COVID-19, we will help advise you on what to do next.
If you are feeling unwell whilst at the academy, let a member of our staff know. We have a procedure to follow which all staff are aware of.
If you are feeling unwell outside of class time, our emergency number is available for students 24 hours a day, so you can be sure you can access help if you need it.
FAQ 11: What social activities are available?
Cardiff is a very compact city, and it is easy to walk and bike to many of the attractions we have to offer including Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, the Principality Stadium, the National Museum, Cardiff Bay, St Fagans’ Museum and many more!
Our activities coordinator will be sharing lots of ideas about where you can visit locally, so there will be lots of opportunity for you to explore our historic capital whilst you are here.
Under the current guidance, it is not advisable to run day trips to other cities, as it involves prolonged shared transport on coaches. We will begin running these again as soon as we can based on what is recommended by the UK Government.
FAQ 12: What is the cancellation policy if I book a course but am then unable to travel or change my mind about my studies?
We are offering zero cancellation fees for any new individual bookings that will start within 12 months from our reopening date to make it easier for our partners and students. This means:
- Waived postponement fees
- If a student wishes to postpone their course we will give them a credit voucher valid for two years from the course start date.
- Students may cancel up to 5 working days before the course start date. Students may choose between a credit voucher (as above) or a full refund of fees (course, accommodation and any other services such as airport transfer), less any bank charges.
- If the student cancels under 5 days before the course start date, we will give a credit voucher valid for 2 years from the course start date.
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