UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter – 26th May 2023
Dear all,
It’s hard to believe that we are already at the end of term 5, and whilst it feels like a short term, it has been filled with some really focussed learning ahead of exams, both before and after the half term break.
Next week gives us all a chance to relax a little and enjoy the sunshine, ready for the challenges ahead in term six. But you may be wondering why do we have a bank holiday at the end of May?
The second bank holiday in the month of May exists because it used to be held on the day-off in the Christian calendar after Whit Sunday or Pentecost. Whit Sunday always falls seven Sundays past Easter Sunday. Since 1971 however, this bank holiday has always been held on the last Monday of the month. Enjoy the fine weather forecast for this long weekend and the break perhaps making paper aeroplanes and flying them outdoors would give some photo opportunities.
National Paper Airplane Day - May 26
On May 26th each year, National Paper Airplane Day honours the simple aeronautical toy that has been around for thousands of years.
National Paper Airplane Day provides an excuse to play! This inexpensive, healthy, and stimulating form of entertainment brings lots of joy, too. In other words, put down your smartphones and get outside for some primitive fun!
Did you know?
- Many believe the use of paper airplanes originated 2,000 years ago in China.
- The earliest known date of the creation of modern paper planes was said to have been 1909.
- The largest paper aircraft had a wingspan of 59.74 ft. Students and employees from Germany created it on 28th September 2013.
- Joe Ayoob recorded the longest distance flown by a paper airplane in February 2012. His plane flew 226 feet, 10 inches.
- The longest-lasting paper airplane flight flew 29.2 seconds.
- There is more than one way to fold paper for a test flight. Find tips for designs at www.foldnfly.com.
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Quiz
Q: The four forces that influence the flight of a paper airplane are thrust, lift, gravity, and drag. How do these forces impact your paper airplane?
Answer at the end of the newsletter….
Remaining Summer exam period
A reminder that all students should arrive on site for their exams at least 15 mins before they start (8.45am for a 9am start and 1.15pm for a 1.30pm start). Students should ensure that they have the correct equipment with them (clear pencil case/bag, black pen, pencils, ruler, rubber, calculator, compass, protractor.) They should also be wearing full professional dress, there are no exceptions for this.
They should make sure they bring a clear water bottle with them and leave all phones, smart watches and revision notes outside of the exam hall.
We hope they all have a well-deserved rest and come back refreshed and revitalised to face the remainder of their exams.
Degree Apprenticeship Success
Many congratulations to Henry who has secured a degree apprenticeship in Project Management with Lockheed Martin. Henry was determined to get the best apprenticeship possible and applied for 60 opportunities, which resulted in around 50 online assessments, 30 online interviews, 15 final interviews and 4 apprenticeship offers.
We have been very impressed by Henry's determination and resilience. He also has 4 university offers but has decided to take the degree apprenticeship because it offers training and a degree without debt, an attractive salary and 4 years of work experience learning from experts.
School Health Nurse – All you need to know for a great summer!
Please see the attached SHN summer flyer which provides information for students about how to keep safe during the summer months: Summer Flyer
Year 11 Prom
Tickets to the year 11 prom are now live on ParentPay. Please note the new date for Prom is Thursday 22nd June.
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
Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship
Oxford University Hospitals Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship posts are now live and open to applicants. These posts are for 16 month fixed term contracts, starting in September, available in Elective & Emergency Surgery across the Churchill & John Radcliffe Hospital. To apply for these posts please go to: Oxford University Hospitals Apprenticeships
The closing date for these posts is 6th June 2023.
‘Your Route to Professional Qualifications’
EDT (Engineering Development Trust) are running an online masterclass for students in Years 12 & 13 on ‘Your Route to Professional Qualifications’ over the May Half Term.
The Masterclass will be run on Zoom by a Senior Professional Development Advisor for the IET and will provide students with an excellent understanding of the routes to Professional Qualifications in Engineering and Computing that are available to them and how they can plan the next steps in their personal and professional development. More details ca be found here: ‘Your Route to Professional Qualifications’
Year 12 Future Cities (Virtual) - 24 July to 26 July 2023
Future Cities is a virtual course, run in collaboration with experts from the University of Southampton and generously sponsored by the Ove Arup Foundation who are committed to promoting education and knowledge in the built environment through the interdisciplinary nature of design.
Students will get to explore how Civil Engineers design and develop these amazing structures, making our cities clean, safe and energy efficient. From skyscrapers and bridges to water and waste services, civil engineering is all around us.
This three-day virtual course will explore how Civil Engineers work on environmentally friendly infrastructure, but also manage existing public services and work to improve future sustainability.
Students will learn the social value of a career in Civil Engineering from leading academics and improve their CVs and UCAS applications.
Cost: £99
More information here: Small Peice Trust - Future Cities
Year 10 Human Habitat on Mars (virtual) - 29 August to 31 August 2023
Human Habitat on Mars will involve students in space exploration, how to get to Mars, how the journey would impact the human body, and look at Quantum Computing.
This course – which starts August 29 - is for Year 10 students and is run with the support and input from experts in their field from City, University of London.
Cost: £99 All kit included
More information here: Small Peice Trust - Human Habitat on Mars
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
Year 10 Online Chess Tournament on 29th May 2023
We have received an invite for students in year 10 to join a 3-hour online chess tournament taking place on Monday 29th May from 1pm – 4pm.
This is an opportunity for students to showcase their chess prowess and compete against their peers on the online Chess Lite platform. Students will join the tournament via an Ms Teams link where they will be provided with instructions for joining the tournament.
Students should register for the tournament by 6pm on Friday 26th May.
Registration link: https://forms.office.com/e/Yqi2Kbghs3
This tournament aims to ignite their passion for chess, encourage sportsmanship, and enhance critical thinking abilities with the added incentive of Amazon gift vouchers for the winners. There will be an opportunity for students to compete with other students of similar ability ranging from beginners to advanced.
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
Remaining 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
Answer to the quiz:
- When you throw the plane forward, this is called thrust.
- Lift is a force that acts on the wings and helps the plane to move up. Big wings increase lift.
- Gravity pulls the plane down. The right materials create a lighter aircraft that stays up for longer.
- The tail of the plane causes drag. It is the opposite of thrust, and it makes the plane slow down.
Have a great half term break
Stay safe
Best wishes
Emma