UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter – 14th July 2023
Dear all,
This week we welcomed our new year 10 cohort into school for a Transition Day.
On Tuesday we welcomed our new year 10 cohort in for their transition day ahead of joining us in September. They got to enjoy some Science and Engineering sessions as well as meeting staff and peers. It was so good to see their enthusiasm and show them a bit more about what UTC Oxfordshire has to offer.
We also welcomed some of our new staff who will be joining us in the next academic year, Carina - Head of Science, Danny – Teacher of PE / Sport Science / English, Karen – Teacher of Science, Unais – Teacher of English.
It was a great day all round and we look forward to welcoming them all back in September.
End of Term
A reminder that school finishes at 1pm on Friday 21st July. Students will need to empty their lockers so please ensure they have an extra bag to take things home.
Students will also need to bring sports kit and wet weather gear for the Race for Life on Thursday.
UTC Oxfordshire vs UTC Swindon Sports Day
This year’s UTC Oxfordshire vs UTC Swindon Sports Day will be on the Wednesday 19th of July, a fun filled and jam-packed event, which will be hosted at the Foundation Park, County Ground in Swindon. There will be fundraising on the day for the British Heart Foundation. Good luck to all those involved, we’ll report back next week as to how they got on.
Race for life
We are now fast approaching that time of the year again, where UTC participate in the Race for Life event which this year will focus on the oddballs foundation Raising Awareness of Testicular Cancer – oddballsfoundation (theoddballsfoundation.com) as our designated charity. Part of the Event at UTC involves running a raffle with a selection of amazing and wonderful prizes. We would really appreciate any kind contributions that you may have. Anything and everything would be useful.
Personal Fundraising
Cambell in year 12 is doing his own charity fundraiser for OddBalls, he is going to dye his hair Pink- stage 1 of bleaching it has happened and then he will have pink hair next week.
You can show your support here: Cambell's fundraiser for OddBalls Foundation
Accounts Assistant Apprentice - Ricardo
Ricardo plc is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. They are currently seeking an Accounts Apprentice to join the Finance team, to provide accounting support to ensure the smooth running of the business whilst working towards an AAT qualification. As an Accounts Apprentice, you will be responsible for maintaining the purchase ledger, processing employee expenses, initiating bank payments and supporting sales invoicing.
This opportunity would suit an individual who wishes to develop a career in finance. The role is designed to be an AAT Level 3 Apprenticeship, but we would also welcome applications from those looking to do a Level 2 Apprenticeship who have previous experience working in a finance team. This is a permanent career role with Ricardo, subject to successful completion of your probationary period. More details of the role can be found here: Accounts Assistant Apprentice
Electronic Engineering Apprentice - Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd
Crowcon Detection Instruments are looking for an Electronic Engineering Apprentice who will support with the electrical composition of bespoke Gas detectors and environmental monitoring instruments that are sold to a Global market.
As a member of the Electronics R&D Team, you will work closely with our experienced technicians and engineers to gain hands-on experience and develop a strong foundation in electronic systems, equipment, design documentation and processes, alongside gaining qualifications and being paid to learn. This is a 4-year apprenticeship and will follow the Engineering Technician L3 standard. More details can be found here: https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/Crowcon-Detection-Instruments-Ltd/jobs?jk=010418cae5a5f650&start=0
Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Halma plc. Halma’s purpose is growing a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day. Halma is a market leader in specialist safety, health, and environmental technologies, a global group of businesses developing solutions that push the boundaries of science and technology. Headquartered in the UK, Halma is one of the top performing businesses in the FTSE 100 index with many years of recorded revenues and profits.
Apprentice Print Finisher - Holywell Press
Holywell Press Apprentice have a position for a Print Finisher to work in their bindery, turning printed sheets into everything from brochures to books. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to apply their practical skills to start a career in the printing industry under the well-established BPIF (British Print Industry Federation) scheme. Ideally, it will lead on to full-time employment with them when the training is complete. Full details of the position are available here: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/1000173774
Holywell Press is one of Oxford's oldest and best-loved commercial printers, located in Osney Mead, close to the city centre. They are a successful family-run business with an impressive local and national client base. Blending state-of-the-art graphic design and printing technology with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail, they make it their mission to exceed customer expectations – all the time and every time! The business is growing, and this new position will be a fantastic addition to their busy professional team.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Neurodiversity conference - Saturday 15th July
Vet Mentor’s first-ever conference on Neurodiversity in the Clinical World is open to anyone considering a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other clinical roles, to attend!
Led by second-year vet student at the University of Edinburgh and Vet Mentor Scholar, Heather, this conference will discuss the realities of working and studying as a neurodivergent clinician.
Date: Saturday 15th July
Time: 10am - 1pm
Registration Link: https://airtable.com/shr2MDecXEQ2AxdrL
STEM Summer Experience for Years 11, 12 & 13
The 2023 STEM Summer Experience provides an incredible opportunity for students to gain skills, experience and expertise over two weeks in the summer holidays, all while having fun. It's free to attend, but places are limited, so encourage your students to apply now! Applications close on 30th June.
Apply here: https://scienceoxford.com/schools/secondary-schools/stem-summer-experience/
With this year's theme focusing on coding and robotics, students will build and code their own robots and put them to the test (no previous experience necessary). They'll also meet inspiring people with visits to and from local STEM companies and gain various skills important in the world of work.
When: 24th July – 4th August 2023; 9am to 4pm (daily Monday to Friday over the two weeks)
Where: Science Oxford Centre in Headington, with visits to and from local STEM companies
Cost: It’s FREE
Who should apply: Students in Years 11, 12 and 13, interested in careers in STEM.
YouMove Summer
Just a reminder that in less than 2 weeks YouMove start their free programme of summer activities.
YouMove is there for free and low cost activities for FSM, Young Carers, Universal Credit Families, Children in Need or in Care, Foster Families, PIP and Refugees. Families can apply here: https://www.getoxfordshireactive.org/you-move or follow the steps on the leaflet here.
More details of the activities can be found below:
https://www.southoxon.gov.uk/school-holiday-activities/
https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/school-holiday-activities/
This will continue to be updated and edited over the next few weeks as more events are added.
Parents as Partners
Parents as Partners is an online course designed for Parents or Co-Parents who are currently experiencing conflict which is impacting on their children. To attend the course you must have at least one child who is under 11 years of age.
Running from the 12th of September for 16 weeks Parents can self refer via the e-mail address pap@oxfordshire.gov.ukMore information can be found here: https://www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Leaflet-for-parents.-Parents-as-Partners_.pdf
Didcot Garden Party coming this summer
From 22 July to 30 August, this year’s Didcot Garden Party is bigger and better than ever and has a great selection of FREE community events, performances, arts and crafts, sports and active sessions to suit everyone.
Events and activities will be taking place at Cornerstone, across Didcot and in nearby villages, including Sutton Courtenay, Hagbourne and Blewbury.
You can download the brochure and find out about all the free activities, performances and community days on the Didcot Garden Party website – www.southoxon.gov.uk/didcotgardenparty
Dates for the diary
Wednesday 19th of July - UTC Oxfordshire vs UTC Swindon Sports Day
- Thursday 17th August – A level results day - Students will be able to pick up results from 10:00hrs to 12:00 hrs
- Thursday 24th August - GCSE results day - Students will be able to pick up their results from 10:00hrs to 12:00 hrs and enrol into the sixth form. Further communication about enrolment will be sent in due course
- First day of term - Tuesday 5 September 2023 Year 10 and 12 only. Wednesday 6th September 2023 whole school in attendance
- Friday 21st July - Last day of term, 1pm finish
Remaining Term dates for 2022 to 2023
- Summer Term 2: Monday 5 June 2023 – Friday 21 July 2023
Term Dates 2023/2024
- Autumn Term 1: Tuesday 5 September 2023 (year 10 and 12 only) – Wednesday 18 October 2023. Whole school in attendance from Wednesday 6th September 2023
- Autumn Term 2: Monday 30 October 2023 – Wednesday 20 December 2023
- Spring Term 1: Wednesday 10 January 2024 – Friday 9 February 2024
- Spring Term 2: Monday 19 February 2024 – Thursday 28 March 2024
- Summer Term 1: Tuesday 16 April 2024 – Friday 24 May 2024
- Summer Term 2: Monday 3 June 2024 – Wednesday 24 July 2024
Further details can be found on our website: https://www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk/term-dates/
Have a great weekend.
Stay safe
Best wishes
Emma