UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter - 17th September 2021
Dear all,
I have to say that I am so proud of our students and staff. Our facilities are second to none and as I showed a visitor around the building today, she was amazed at not only the equipment and instruments the students have access to but also the way in which they conducted themselves in lessons and private study time; and how smart the business dress was. We saw peer learning, high level interactions and student focus, while some were taking base line assessments. Students were articulate in speaking with our visitor and she kept saying ''Wow, these facilities are what you would find in universities. Do the students know how lucky they are?'' I think this speaks volumes about what we are trying to achieve here and I thank you for your ongoing support.
National Tradesman Day 17th September
On the third Friday in September, National Tradesman Day honours the men and women whose skills and hard work build our country. Their skills keep it running strong. The day recognises the professionals who maintain the complex infrastructure of our roads, cities, water systems, and power grids.
While these experts work, day in and out maintaining skills unique to their trade, our nation continues to operate smoothly without pause. The skills and knowledge of those in the trades keep businesses, homes, and entire nations running. Whether walls go up or come down, roads cross rivers or the water flows, electricians, plumbers, masons, mechanics, carpenters, and everyone in between ensures the job gets done.
A number of our students go onto to do apprenticeships which is a great way to learn a trade. Please our website for the current apprenticeships available.
Summer Challenge Answer
LIQUID NITROGEN COOLED LEVITATING SUPERCONDUCTOR!
The video clip is showing you a levitating magnet. The air flow is the liquid nitrogen evaporating.
Parent App and Parent Pay
Parent App is a portal where parents can view information about their student including assessments and attendance. Parent Pay is the software which enables parents to add money for students to access the café till via their ID card and pay for trips, the minibus and other items. If you have had problems with accessing Parent Pay, please contact admin@utcoxfordshire.org.uk and we will resend your login details.
Parent App
On Monday 20th September, parents of Year 10 and Year 12 students will receive an activation email from Sarah Mayers following the instructions shared today via Heads of Year. Please respond to this activation link as soon as possible and inform us if you have any concerns or problems.
For parents of Year 11 and 13 students, we encourage you to log in to the parent app and email smayers@utcoxfordshire.org.uk if you have connection issues.
Governor vacancy
We have an opening for a governor to join our governing body. If you are interested in finding out more and how this position helps to support the school, please contact clerk@alet.org.uk.
Covid Update
Whilst there have been reports in the press that agreement has been reached within government that the vaccination programme will be extended to 12-15 year olds, we have yet to see what precise role there will be for schools and colleges in this process. As such, it would be inappropriate to provide assurances or otherwise as requested when the request is based on speculation. We will, as always, act in the best interests of the young people in our care and work with you to minimise any risk to those students. We will provide an update when more information is available.
Students should continue to test twice weekly using the kits provided and record results on the appropriate forms as shown below. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe. We are focusing on hand sanitation and cleaning down of desks using the recommended products to combat these germs. Anyone, both students and staff should not attend school if they have Covid symptoms and if in any doubt then a PCR test should be booked.
Please ensure you record your results on both
- the government site: Report a Lateral Flow Test
- and on our school site: Covid Test Result Form
Secondary Schools Health Update
Health and Fitness
- Gym - Monday, Wednesday, Friday lunchtimes and after school
- Netball Club - Mondays 16.00 - 17.00
- Badminton - Wednesdays 16.00 - 17.00
Basketball - Thursdays 16.00 - 17.00
Football - Fridays 16.00 - 17.00
Elements Café
Dates for the Diary
- Supporting Success Evening for Y11 parents - Tuesday 28th September (information to follow)
- Year 12 Progress Consultation Evening - Wednesday 13th October 16.15 to 19.30 (Virtual)
- Year 10 Progress Consultation Evening - Wednesday 20th October 16.15 to 19.30 (Virtual)
- Last day of term Friday 22nd October 2021
- Half Term is 25th to 29th October 2021
- Term 2 is Monday 1st November to Friday 17th December 2021
- Christmas break is 20th December to 31st December 2021
Further information can be found our website here: www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk/term-dates/
Have a lovely weekend
Stay safe
With good wishes
Sam