Agenda item

Report of the Principal – Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

The Board received a report of the Principal which provided an update on the actions taken by the School in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governors were reminded that the School had closed its buildings on 2 March 2020, for a period of one week, after a staff member was diagnosed with COVID-19.  As a result of this swift action, which included tracking and tracing those at risk and a deep clean of the School, only one student was diagnosed with COVID-19.   The Deputy Chairman praised the School’s handling of this situation which very likely helped to save lives. 

Although the School had re-opened briefly, it was subsequently closed again as part of the Government’s lockdown on 23^rd March 2020.  This had necessitated a move from face-to-face teaching to virtual learning, for which an innovative and challenging programme had been developed in partnership with students.  A Cobra Group, consisting of a number of Board Members and members of the School’s leadership team had been established to discuss overarching issues; i.e. - the City, the Office for Students, the welfare of students and staff, the status of the sector and industry and the likely financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the School in both best and worst case scenarios. 

In response to a question, the Principal confirmed that there had not been an increase in the number of students deferring or cancelling on-line auditions.  This had been welcomed by both staff and students and was likely to form the basis of a new, efficient model going forward.  Work was underway to develop a robust teaching and learning programme for the 2020/21 Academic Year, which was likely to include a mix of virtual and face-to-face learning.  A range of scenarios were being planned and it was likely that elements of the Summer programme would be brought into the Autumn programme.

The Chairman thanked the Principal, students, student representatives and staff for their excellent work in supporting the Guildhall School in developing its virtual model of provision.   The Principal also thanked staff and the student representatives for their hard work and valued contributions.

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.