UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter – 21st July 2023
Dear all,
We’ve reached the end of term and the end of the academic year, and what a great year it has been.
We have had many things to celebrate, especially our employer engagement partners, who have either worked in school with us or we have visited them in their 'home' environments. These include and are in no particular order: The Royal Navy, Autodesk, Reading scholars (3rd place), REME engineering cup (we had a winning team), EDT engineering development trust (high sheriff award- reaction engines team were winners), National satellite testing centre, F1 in schools, The Army, Crown packaging, Immunocore, Amazon, Dyson, Oxford university museum of natural history, Kingsgrove estate, Graham Caleb et speaker, LEGO and primary outreach. So many wonderful contacts into the world of work and there are some new ones on the horizon for 2023/24 too!
It has been a busy year with Work Experience for Y10 and 12, End of Year Celebrations for Y11 and 13, Transfer days for Y10 and 12, a Staff vs student rounders match (sadly the students won by 1 rounder), Race for life, Sports day vs Swindon UTC (which we won!), an assembly from the Oddballs foundation, ALET sailing trophy (a week’s residential on a boat), the Ski trip, Geography fieldtrip's, Food bank donations, UK Math's challenges, with one student getting through to the next round and achieving a merit! And so much more.
As a school we have celebrated mental health awareness week, British science week, international holocaust memorial day and Pride month. Students have approached each of these events with maturity and sensitivity, something we are very proud of.
It has not all been plain sailing though. We have fully opened or offered online learning during the industrial action days that some of our teachers have been supporting. The students have sat 6 Pre-Public Examination (PPE) seasons, which come with their own ups and downs. And year 11 and 13 collectively have completed 70 GCSE or A level exams this summer, with the vast majority of students approaching them and completing them in a considerate and professional manner.
We look forward to welcoming our Y11 and 13 students back onsite for their results days. This offers us the opportunity to share in their success, lend a shoulder if things have not gone their way and guide them onto the next stage of their learning, ensuring that they have every possible opportunity shared with them.
I am excited about what 2023/24 will bring and am very much looking forward to working with our existing students and the new Y10 and 12 cohorts.
Looking ahead to September
Before we all head off on our summer break, just a reminder about the start of term in September. Our new Year 10 and 12’s will be joining us from 8.30am on Tuesday 5th September, giving them a chance to settle into school before years 11 and 13 return on Wednesday 6th.
A reminder that on Fridays we will be finishing at 14.00hrs. The minibus routes will be in operation from the Tuesday morning, and we will be in touch with more details towards the end of the summer.
Boardroom ready
I would like to take the opportunity to remind you of our expectations regarding dress code and attendance.
Students are expected to be ‘boardroom ready’ when they return for the new academic year. If students arrive at school in clothing outside of our dress code, will either be given something to change into, sent home to change or will spend the day in the Reflection Room.
Phone use
From the new term we will be launching a new policy around phone use. See it, hear it, lose it! This applies to lesson times and excludes break and lunch.
6th form Update
Please note that from September, Sixth From students returning for year 13 will only be allowed off site during break and lunch time.
Attendance
There is a clear correlation between attendance and attainment, and we are committed to supporting your student to achieve the best outcomes. School attendance is one of our key priorities. There have been two very difficult years due to Covid, which has had a huge impact not only on students’ physical health, but their mental health too. The government recognises this, but is also clear that we must listen, understand and empathise, but not tolerate poor attendance at school. We work closely with families to understand the barriers causing poor school attendance and ensure all necessary support is in place to minimise the impact of these barriers. Our attendance policy is here. If you are experiencing any difficulties with regards to your student’s attendance, please contact us as soon as possible.
Penalty Notices for Term-Time Holidays
Please read the following letter with regards to penalties for taking term time holidays: Penalty Notices for Term-Time Holidays
UTC Oxfordshire vs UTC Swindon Sports Day
Our annual sports against UTC Swindon took place this week with a fantastic turnout by both schools. UTCO were triumphant across all areas winning the majority of track and field events and the football tournament. Well done Team Oxfordshire!
Race for life
On Thursday, student participated in the Race for Life event which this year was focused on the oddballs foundation Raising Awareness of Testicular Cancer – oddballsfoundation (theoddballsfoundation.com) as our designated charity. The day was accompanied by a raffle, an ice cream van and the opportunity to throw a wet sponge at some of our teachers. It was a fantastic team effort to end the term with.
Dash-CAE Trip
Our F1 in Schools group were lucky enough to have a look round Dash-CAE. They learnt all about the process of making F1 carbon fibre parts, right from the initial designs to the final quality checks.
They were able to experience first-hand one of the greatest advantages of using carbon fibre by lifting up the chasse made entirely of composites. Can you guess how much it weighed?
Massive thank you to Ryan and Ash who shared their knowledge with the group - they are really excited to put their newfound understanding of composites into practice!
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.
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
Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Youth Ambassadors
https://fisd.oxfordshire.gov.uk/kb5/oxfordshire/directory/advice.page?id=TeBEgo0hv-A
Oxfordshire County Council are looking for Youth Ambassadors to help them with developing and delivering the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme. Preferably they would be in receipt of benefits-related free school meals and aged between 13-18 years, but if you think you would thrive in this opportunity, please encourage them to consider the role.
To express an interest, the young person should mail activitiesoxfordshire@oxfordshire.gov.uk explaining why they would like to be a HAF Youth Ambassador and what they could bring to the role. In the above link there is lots of information about what we are looking for and the roles the young person would/could be doing.
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
- A level results day - Thursday 17th August - Students will be able to pick up results from 10:00hrs to 12:00 hrs
- GCSE results day - Thursday 24th August - 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
- Reward trip to Thorpe Park - Thursday 14th September.
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 lovely summer and see you in the new academic year.
Stay safe
Best wishes
Emma