UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter - 7th January 2022
Dear all,
Welcome to 2022. We hit the ground running with the Covid testing taking place in school over the last 2 days. Thank you to the Covid testing team and yourselves for your support and understanding.
This term focuses on assessments. The feedback to year 13 and year 11 on their recent PPEs starts with a mock results collection day on Monday 10th January for year 11. In class, revision focuses on topics that were poorly answered and guidance on how students can maximise their potential. Year 10 and year 12 will have their midterm assessments in classes during the fortnight beginning 25th January. This is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and for us to identify gaps in learning.
We are anticipating external exams to be run this year, but we need to be prepared with evidence should the situation change.
National Day
After the feasting over the Winter break you may be pleased to know that today is National Tempura day.
On January 7th, National Tempura Day encourages us to celebrate with a dish made with a tempura batter. This Japanese fare includes either seafood or vegetables dipped in batter and deep-fried.
Where did tempura originate? No one really knows. What we do know is back in 1549, Portuguese sailors arrived in Japan and introduced a way of battering and frying food that is now infused into the culture. Today, chefs all over the world include tempura dishes on their menus.
Elements café
Whilst Jen and her team won't be serving tempura next week the following menu will be available: -
Covid update
We will again be acting as a vaccination centre for students in years 10 and 11 who, with parent consent, would like their second Covid vaccine. This will take place on 18th January in school. Please find links below to the consent letter and the information pack. No student will be vaccinated without consent. Alternatively, parents can book vaccinations for their student, if aged 12 or over, through the NHS booking system.
Covid-19 Vaccination Parent Info Pack
UTC Oxfordshire PARENT LETTER 12-15 Dose 2 Covid Vaccination
PCR tests to be temporarily suspended for positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results
PCR tests following positive lateral flow device (LFD) test results are to be temporarily suspended from Tuesday 11 January. This will mean that anyone who receives a positive LFD test result will be required to self-isolate immediately and will not be required to take a PCR test.
Please continue to test twice per week and record the information on both our school site and the government website: https://www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result and UTC Oxfordshire Lateral Flow Test Result Form
Face coverings are still required around the school and in lessons. The government will be updating this guidance at the end of the month. If students have reusable masks, please ensure they are washed regularly.
Opportunities
As students begin to think about their journey beyond UTCO, we publish careers opportunities on a secure part of our website. We have recently updated the Opportunities pages where the current vacancies are now listed.
The password is UTCOpps2022
Element Christmas Quiz - Answers
Dates for the diary
- Monday 10th January - Year 10 dress code inspection
- Monday 24th January - Mid Term exam fortnight for yr10 yr12
- 16th May until 28th June – A Level/Level 3 exam period
- 16th May until 28th June – GCSE exam period. Please note students will not be able to finish school until after 28th June.
- Thursday 18th August – A level results day
- Thursday 25th August - GCSE results day
Term dates for 2021 to 2022
- 21st to 25th February is half term
- Monday 28th February INSET, no school for students
- Friday 8th April End of Term 4
- 25th and 26th April INSET, no school for students
- Wednesday 27th April start of Term 5
- Monday 2nd May is a Bank Holiday
- Half term is 30th May to 3rd June 2022
- Monday 6th June start of Term 6
- The last day of term is Wednesday 20th July 2022
Have a fabulous weekend.
Stay safe
With good wishes
Sam