UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter – 10th March 2023
Dear all,
It’s been a busy week this week with our Year 11’s and Year 13’s sitting their PPE’s (Pre Public Examination’s). These are the last ‘mocks’ before the final exams in the summer so will give students a good indication of where they are and the areas they need to work on. Feedback will be given to parents at the Progress Consultation Evenings later this month, (dates given below) and students will have feedback during the lessons following the PPE’s.
Employer Engagement – British Army
We were delighted to welcome the British Army in to school this morning to give a careers presentation to some of your Year 10 students.
Year 10 student Darci wrote the following: This morning the army visited us during period one and two, during period 1 we were in a classroom where we learnt the differences between a soldier and an officer. We also learnt about the different educational pathways you can take leading up to joining the army such as an apprenticeship or university. We were shown a couple videos of all the different career paths in the army and talked about basic training (the training that every position in the army needs to go through before starting their job). During period two we did four team building activities outside on the MUGA we were split into random teams and had 8 minutes to work through each activity, the team I was in all worked together and managed to complete all the teambuilding activities within the timeframe although we did need some hints on one of the tasks - which we had to run for.
International Women's Day - 8th March
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.
Marked annually on March 8th, IWD is one of the most important days of the year to:
- celebrate women's achievements
- educate and awareness raise for women's equality
- call for positive change advancing women
- lobby for accelerated gender parity
- fundraise for female-focused charities
International Women's Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900's - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies. You can read more about its historic commencement, right through to March 2023 here: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/about
Degree Apprenticeship Success
Congratulations to Beth, studying a BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business, who has accepted an offer for a degree apprenticeship in project management. While gaining high quality training in the workplace, Beth will study for her degree one day a fortnight and all expenses are met by the employer.
Well done Beth!
Alumni News
Former student Tom started in year 10 when the UTC opened in 2015, he went on to complete the Extended Diploma in Engineering and is now taking a degree apprenticeship in medical engineering at the Royal Berks Hospital. Tom is studying part time at the University of West England in Bristol and is on the Dean's list for 2021, having achieved outstanding exam results.
Tom is remembered for many things but particularly for his sterling work during the first covid lockdown when he used the school's 3D printers (as well as his own), to print PPE masks for the staff at the John Radcliffe Hospital https://www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk/utc-oxfordshire-use-design-and-engineering-skills-to-help-nhs/Year 10 Work Experience
A reminder to parents and guardians of all Year 10 students, that Work Experience week is from 22nd to 26th May 2023. Information has been shared by email, but as yet we only have a few placements confirmed by parents. Please remember to complete the online form to give your consent to the placement and provide full details, so a risk assessment can be sent to the employer. Work experience is invaluable for students to help them learn about the world of work, expectations in the workplace, what career might be of interest to them in the future, experience for CVs and interviews plus the opportunity to gain a reference. If your student is struggling to find a placement, please ask them to attend one of Gerrie’s drop-in sessions in FT37 on a Monday or Thursday lunchtime. We would love all our students to find a placement, but if they are unsuccessful, they will attend school as normal during work experience week. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to email Paula pramsbottom@utcoxfordshire.org.uk , your student’s tutor or Gerrie gfourie@utcoxfordshire.org.uk
Atom Science Market - Saturday 11 March 2023, 10am - 3pm, Abingdon Market Place
ATOM Festival always features interactive events designed for families to experience hands-on science activities for themselves. The Science Market offers science in the open air in the historic setting of the Abingdon Market Place.
For the 2023 festival the Science Market is concurrent with "ATOM presents at the Guildhall" which offers free science events.
Attendance
We are still seeing a high level of absence due to illness and whilst we appreciate that this may be as a result of more seasonal infections, we would like your support to enable students to manage their symptoms by using paracetamol (which can be carried in their bag) and other over the counter medicines. It is well known that symptoms are worse first thing in the morning and in the evening, so please encourage your student to attend if they are well enough.
If students are suffering from a fever or are acutely unwell then they should remain at home but please do send them in once they are in the recovery phase.
Your student’s Head of Year, tutor or I will be in touch with you about frequent absence due to illness. A referral to the School Health Nurse may be considered. Thank you for your support - Paula Ramsbottom, Attendance Officer
Industrial Action
Next week has another two days of Industrial action. Please be aware that the decision to strike is made via the Unions and not specifically by our school. When Industrial Action is announced, we must look at our staffing levels and produce a risk assessment as to whether we can safeguard our students effectively. Since next week’s action is during our second week of PPEs, year 11 and year 13 students will be on site for their exams and may return home when they are done for the day. The café will be open to provide cold meals for anyone on site and the minibuses will run as needed at the end of the day as normal
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Y12 Career Placement Opportunity
A widely recognised programme, Nuffield Research Placements, offer students the opportunity to be matched to a placement in line with their subject interests and future career. Find out more about the programme at https://www.stem.org.uk/nuffield-research-placements
Fully funded placements take place during the school summer holidays before Year 13, offering students the chance to gain real-life career experience, networking opportunities and receive accreditation to add to their personal statement/UCAS/etc.
With a 31st March deadline, now is a great time for students to apply: https://www.nuffieldresearchplacements.org/
Specsavers Apprenticeships
Specsavers offer a range of apprenticeship options leading to careers in Optometry and Audiology. Fields that are dynamic, rewarding and constantly evolving. Find out more here: https://join.specsavers.com/uk/about-specsavers-apprenticeships/
Oxford Instruments NanoScience
Oxford Instruments NanoScience design, make, supply and support market-leading research tools that enable quantum technologies, nano technology research, advanced materials, and nano device development in the physical sciences.
They have just opened applications for apprenticeships in the following areas:
- 2 x Manufacturing Technician Apprentices – Level 3-4 – could be post-16 or post-18
- 1 x NPI Technician Apprentice - Level 3-4 – could be post-16 or post-18
- 1 x Facilities & Maintenance Apprentice - Level 3-4 – could be post-16 or post-18
- 1 x Design Engineer Degree Apprentice – Level 6 – post-18
For more information about the apprenticeship scheme please visit: https://www.oxinst.com/apprenticeships
The application process is being handled by the Engineering trust: https://apply.theengineeringtrust.org/#/vacancies
Open event at Abingdon and Witney College
Common Leys Open Day, Wednesday 15th March from 5pm to 7pm
Common Leys Farm Open Day - Abingdon & Witney College (abingdon-witney.ac.uk)
Advanced Football Programme in partnership with Oxford United For more information about the course and to apply visit: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk
OAS Apprenticeship Open Evening - Tuesday 21 March 2023
Find out more about joining OAS and how to apply to their employer partners
Take a tour around their world class training centre
Hear from current apprentices on their experiences with OAS
Meet some of their employer partners and find out what they’re looking for in their next apprentices
You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions to our training team, employer partners and apprentices.
There will be two, 60-minute sessions at 5pm and 6pm. Spaces are limited to a total of 40 people per session.
Find out more here: OAS Apprenticeship Open Evening
Careers Fest Parent/Carer Twilight Session 22nd March 2023, 3.30pm-6.30pm - Kassam Conference & Events Centre, Oxford
Careers Fest is an opportunity to meet a range of Oxfordshire employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers. More information can be found here: Careers Fest
Registration link: https://careersfest2023.eventbrite.co.uk
Inside Diamond Days: Saturday 25 March 2023, Saturday 10 June 2023, Saturday 19 August 2023, Saturday 28 October 2023
· An Inside Diamond visit consists of an introductory talk, a tour of the amazing particle accelerator and a chance to talk to the people who work at Diamond and make the fascinating work done there possible. A visit lasts 2/2.5 hours.
· You can now register your interest to attend the next Inside Diamond Day by visiting their website: https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Public/VisitUs.html - spaces are allocated by a random ballot to ensure a fair allocation of places.
Join apprentices & colleagues from the RAF Logistics team on to find out more about the different roles available, how to apply and what it's like to be an apprentice with the RAF. Register here: Webinar Registration or visit their website: Logistics apprenticeships within the RAF
The Brilliant Club - Imperial Scholars Summer Schools
Are you a Year 12 student interested in studying Biology or Chemistry at university? We’ve got summer schools for you hosted by Imperial College London! Life Sciences 24 - 28 July Chemistry 31 July – 4 August More details here https://bit.ly/3ZmeITW
Work Experience
Deloitte Year 12
Aspire Work Experience Programme
Virtual: 26th-28th June 2023
Birmingham: 3rd-5th July 2023
Apply: https://pathwayctm.com/opportunity/aspire-programme-deloitte/
Deadline 31st March
University of Surrey Summer School Programmes
June – July
The summer schools are a chance for Year 12 students to experience University life:
Virtual Summer School: https://pathwayctm.com/opportunity/university-of-surrey-year-12-summer-school-programme/
Residential Summer School (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences): https://pathwayctm.com/opportunity/university-of-surrey-year-12-residential-summer-school-faculty-of-arts-social-sciences/
Residential Summer School (Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences): https://pathwayctm.com/opportunity/77757/
Residential Summer School (Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences):https://pathwayctm.com/opportunity/university-of-surrey-year-12-residential-summer-school-faculty-of-health-medical-sciences/
Deadline 2nd April
University of Bath
July – August
The summer school is a chance for Year 12 students to experience University life:
Discover Bath Residential Summer School
Apply: https://pathwayctm.com/opportunity/year-12-discover-bath-programme/
Deadline 17th April
Ever thought of being a governor?
Becoming a school governor is an invaluable role, contributing to “transforming lives through learning” of all Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET) learners. This is an extremely rewarding opportunity to make a difference and give something back to the local community. Becoming an ALET governor will allow you to use and develop your skills in a board-level environment. You would also be joining the largest volunteer network force in the country, with over a quarter of a million volunteers governing state funded schools in England.
To become a governor, you must be aged over 18 and have the necessary skills, attributes, and time to positively impact our learners. You do not necessarily need an understanding of education systems to be successful in this role as plenty of training and support is available and school governance benefits from a range of backgrounds such as from business, HR, legal, marketing and property. Our schools and University Technical Colleges in Theale, Bicester, Reading, Didcot, Swindon and Hillingdon need the benefit from a wide range of professional knowledge to provide a balanced and diverse range of knowledge, skill, and experience to be effective. As noted by Ofsted – the most effective schools demonstrate effective leadership and management, which includes the governing body.
Should you wish to discuss what this role entails in more detail, please contact Heledd Walker, Head of Governance and Compliance via email Clerk@alet.org.uk.
Maths Tutoring
We have been approached by Shakin Rai, a professional tutor with several years of experience with regards to any students who would like to have extra tuition with their GCSE Maths. If you are interested, please scan the QR code to find out more. Please be aware that we are just passing the details on and you will need to do your own background checks as a private arrangement
Elements Café
Dates for the diary
- Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th March – Industrial Action
- Wednesday 22nd March – Year 13 Progress Consultation Evening
- Wednesday 29th March – Year 11 Progress Consultation Evening
- Monday 8th May 2023 has been confirmed as a Bank Holiday in celebration of the coronation of King Charles
- Monday 15th May up to and including Wednesday 28th June 2023 - Year 11 and Year 13 Exam Period
Term dates for 2022 to 2023
- Spring Term 2: Monday 20 February 2023 – Friday 31 March 2023
- Summer Term 1: Wednesday 19 April 2023 – Friday 26 May 2023
- Summer Term 2: Monday 5 June 2023 – Friday 21 July 2023
Further details can be found on our website: https://www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk/term-dates/
Have a good weekend
Stay safe
Best wishes
Emma