UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter - 21st May 2021
Dear all,
A wet and blustery May has meant that the grass is growing, butter cups are out on the school field and the frogs in the pond are maturing. Students in exam year groups have just completed their first week of final assessments and the vocational coursework assignments are almost done. There is a sense of summer excitement in the building and the relaxing of the use of face coverings in classrooms has brought a small level of relief. I am again, proud of the students in the school and in awe of our diligent and committed staff. The increased workload in marking additional papers, which would have normally been done by the exam boards, have added another level of pressure to our dedicated teams.
Today is national Bike to workday - though the weather is not conducive to this activity today, I'm hoping that the weekend will encourage some fresh air to be had.
National Bike To Work Day
National Bike to Work Day takes place on the third Friday in May, right in the middle of National Bike Month. The observance encourages us to bike to work, but it also raises awareness of cyclists as they commute to and from work each day.
As more and more people take to bicycles for transportation, it’s important for both cyclists and drivers to share the road safely. Both must be aware of the traffic laws and follow them. More and more communities are adding bike lanes to improve safety.
Some of the benefits of commuting to work by bicycle include:
- Physical fitness – Cyclists get an aerobic workout before and after work. It’s also low impact exercise that is easy on the joints, unlike jogging.
- Fuel savings – They save fuel costs which in turn puts more money back in their pockets.
- Smaller carbon footprint – By cycling, they reduce carbon emissions resulting in cleaner air.
- Automobile longevity – Get more life out of their motor vehicle by using it for more necessary trips.
- National Bike to Work Day promotes the bicycle as a healthy and safe alternative for commuting to work.
For the engineers amongst or just to satisfy your curiosity:
Updates On Science
Our scientists this week have been carrying out a really tricky experiment. They have successfully extracted DNA from Peas.
Opportunities and events
Elements Café
Post assessments
Although the formal assessments for years 11 and 13 will finish on Friday 28th May we have some arrangements for these year groups post half term
Year 13
- 7th - 10th June vocational students should be in school to complete assignments and assessments as directed by their subject teachers
- 11th June will be the Y13 Leavers Day which will consist of a Leavers assembly, Sports day events/challenges (weather permitting), a leavers lunch and Photo's. Times to be confirmed by Lynn.
Year 11
- 7th June functional skills exams for selected students
- 8th June Cadbury’s world trip, further details sent earlier this week
- 9th -10th June functional skills exams for selected students
- 11th June Thorpe park trip, further details sent earlier this week
- 14th-17th June students available for top up assessments if more evidence is required, but majority of students will be off site.
18th June Last day celebrations
All year 11 students on site 12:30-4pm.
Events to include; Music, Shirt signing. photos and memories and Final assembly
Year 11 Prom
The date for the Year 11 Prom is July 1st. Please begin dress hunting and suit shopping as we will make sure this goes ahead in whatever format COVID allows.
Enquiries and general ideas to lstone@utcoxfordshire.org.uk
Dates for the Diary
- 31st May to 4th June - Half term
- Monday 7th June term starts for year 10 and year 12. A programme of events will be published for year 13 and year 11
- Friday 11th June Last official day for year 13
- Friday 18th June last official day for year 11
- Wednesday 21st July - Summer break (finish lunchtime)
- Tuesday 10th August - A-level results (onsite)
- Thursday 12th August - GCSE Results (onsite)
Have a great weekend
Stay safe
With good wishes
Sam