UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter – 19th May 2023
Dear all,
With exams well underway our students have shown resilience and maturity with their approach so far. We have a busy few days coming up but booster sessions and extra support are still available to them if they need it.
Exam Information
There seems to be confusion around registering students and when they leave P4 for exams.
- AM exam- if they do not have an exam, they will be in tutor group and need registering.
- PM exam- if they do have a PM exam, they should leave p4 at 12;50 hrs for lunch and be ready to start their exam at the location by 13:20 hrs
Year 11 Exam Equipment
A reminder that your student requires a scientific calculator for their science and maths exams. It is essential that students are correctly equipped. Please can you make sure your student comes to their exams with a scientific calculator, black pens, a ruler, pencils and any specialist maths equipment all in a clear pencil case.
Parent Survey
Some of you have asked us to extend the period for the Parent survey so please do submit a response if you haven’t done so already. It will remain open until the end of term. Your answers will help us to shape the future of UTC Oxfordshire and we appreciate you taking the time to complete this. Please note that only one survey needs to be completed per household.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 15 – 22 and the theme for this year is 'Anxiety'. Our school health nurse has provided the following anxiety tip sheet which you may find useful: Coping with anxiety
Visit to Immunocore
This week our Immunocore ELP winners visited Immunocores site in Milton Park to see their scientists at work. We visited 4 different areas of their site, meeting the scientists who had come to UTC during the ELP and seeing what work they were doing. Immunocore develop novel biotechnology to help address cancer, infections and autoimmune diseases.
Our visit included four labs, donning full PPE, and saw how scientists investigate these new technologies and analyse their results using cutting edge technology. It was fascinating to see the real-life implications of the science being carried out, and there were some gasps when we were told it took them 12 years of research and trials to get a drug safely to market.
Two of our students, Keigan and Adam are both going to Immunocore next week for their work experience placements.
We’re really happy with the connection we have now between UTC and Immunocore and are looking forward to running the ELP next year.
EDT Gold Industrial Cadets
Congratulations to our year 12 students who have completed their EDT Gold Industrial Cadets project with Reaction Engines. The feedback has been fantastic particularly the closing statement ‘Your levels of comprehension and understanding of the project display an advanced affinity for engineering and we have no doubt that you are deserving of the title of Gold Industrial Cadets. Congratulations!’. Well done to Hannah, Floyd, Maddie, Thomas, Charlotte and Cambell.
These students are also going to a celebration event at Bath University in June to display their project and network with industry professionals.
Year 13 Prom
The year 13 prom is being planned for the 6th July. More details to follow but the students have asked if anyone has any decorations, balloons, tablecloths etc that they are willing to donate to help create some atmosphere for the farewell celebrations. please let us know if you can help by emailing admin@utcoxfordshire.org.uk
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Engineering Apprenticeships
The Engineering Trust - are currently advertising a wide range of engineering apprenticeships in Oxfordshire with companies like FMB Oxford, Viridor, Oxford Instruments, Chiltern Railways, Zircotec, ICE Oxford, Paintbox Banbury, SI Pumps and Barrus. https://apply.theengineeringtrust.org/#/vacancies
Science and Technology Facilities Council – have readvertised their Advanced Engineering Machinist Apprentice. More details can be found here: Advanced Engineering Machinist Apprentice - Careers Portal Careers
STEM Insight Weeks
Science Oxford STEM Insight Weeks aim to inspire year 10 students to pursue further education and STEM careers.
Run during half terms, they are aimed at providing the skills needed during higher education and the broader world of work, whether this is writing an up-to-date and engaging CV, how to find out about particular jobs and methods of work to suit individual students, or even mindfulness and stress management.
The next Insight week will run from 30th May to 2 June 2023.
You can find out more here: May half-term STEM Insight Week
Virtual Insight Event with RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) Thursday 25th May, 18:00 – 19:00
Students can find out more about what this career could look like, what it involves and how to take the next steps. RTPI are running another Work Experience programme in the summer too which they will be talking about including, how to apply and tips on applications for students. Find out more here: Virtual Insight Event with RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute)
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.
Elements Café
Westmill Open Day
Westmill sustainable energy trust are hosting an Open Day this summer on Saturday 10th June from 1:30pm. This is to be a fun day for all the family celebrating community energy and how you can make a difference.
To celebrate community-owned energy, there will be a schedule of presentations and workshops for visitors together with a range of engaging activities for all ages. You’ll also have a chance to experience on-site tours. Plus, there’ll also be live music, food and refreshments and much more!
Find out more on their website: https://www.weset.org/visit/specialevents/
U16 National League and U17 Girls Basketball trials
Abingdon Eagles National League are holding their girls U16 National League and U17 trials on Monday 22nd May at 6:30-8pm and looking to reach more players with a desire to compete in all girls basketball. You can find our more here: Abingdon Eagles Basketball Trials
Dates for the diary
- Monday 15th May up to and including Wednesday 28th June 2023 - Year 11 and Year 13 Exam Period
- Thursday 17th August – A level results
- Thursday 24th August - GCSE results
Term dates for 2022 to 2023
- Summer Term 1: Wednesday 19 April 2023 – Friday 26 May 2023
- Summer Term 2: Monday 5 June 2023 – Friday 21 July 2023
Term Dates 2023/2024
- Autumn Term 1: Tuesday 5 September 2023 – Wednesday 18 October 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/
Enjoy your weekend
Stay safe
Best wishes
Emma