UTC Oxfordshire
February 2017
Welcome from the Principal
Dear all,
Welcome back after half term; with Spring well on its way we look forward to a productive and enjoyable time in the weeks leading up to Easter. With exams and parents' evenings coming up shortly please visit the parent portal on our website for timetables, booking etc. Lots has happened since the last newsletter as you can see below; thank you to all employer partners and staff for organising these events and to the students ambassadors who continue to create a good impression and help us build lasting relationships within the community.
Owain Johns
Dates for the Diary
March
- Thursday 2nd - Geography field trip to Oxford
- Monday 6th - Year 11 Parents' Evening (3pm finish for students)
- Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th - STFC Apprenticeship open evening book here
- Wednesday 15th - Bletchley Park Awards Ceremony - TBC
- Wednesday 15th - Y10 Parents' Evening (3pm finish for students)
- Friday 17th - Monday 20th: trip to CERN
- Tuesday 21st - Café Scientifique talk on creative engineering (7.30pm, UTC)
April
- Thursday 6th - last day of term
- Monday 24th - first day of term
May
- Tuesday 16th - GCSE and A level exams begin
June
- Monday 5th - study leave begins. Supported study still available in the UTC during normal lesson times
- Monday 26th - final exams take place
July
- Friday 21st - last day of term
Recruitment
As we gear up for another intake of new students this coming September, we will be expanding our staff team accordingly. If you (or someone you know) would be interested in joining us, please do register an interest here.
TRIPS
Product Design Trip to Brompton Bikes
11 students accompanied Sim on a trip to the Brompton Bicycle factory in January. 9 Year 12 students have been using a Bromptons as a case study in their product design lessons whilst two Year 10s won their trip by designing excellent accessories for the company.
"We were given open access to not only the factory but the design studio and testing facilities. We got to chat to experts in every stage of the design and manufacture of these miniature marvels from bending and brazing tubes to make the frame to designing the next set of components.
This was an inspirational trip for all concerned and has opened up the world of manufacture to our aspiring product designers. Our thanks to Brompton for going out of their way to make us feel welcome."
Y12 Engineering Trip to RAF Benson
24 Year 12 engineers joined Alan and Sim on a trip to RAF Benson to investigate how the RAF maintain their aircraft.
"We were allowed access to see how Chinook and Super Puma helicopters are tested non-destructively including processes like magnetic particle inspection, dye penetrant (this photo shows students using penetrant dye to examine helicopter components for cracks) and ultrasonics. This provided a fascinating insight into this vital aspect of engineering and the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep these incredible machines in the air. We were given a first class tour by our Army and Airforce hosts – many thanks!"
CareersFest
FUTURES
STFC Talk about Apprenticeships
John and Lisa brought with them Katherine Mordecai, Aaron Scott and Andy Eagles who are all at various stages on the apprenticeship scheme. Each of these apprentices spoke about what they were learning and how much they are enjoying it. For Aaron (who spent several weeks at Cern on a placement) it was "the best thing I have ever done - it has played such a major part in getting my career started and gaining knowledge and experience to move on further. The opportunities are endless". For Katherine it has been "the best career start I could hope for, gaining the important skills and qualifications that employers seek: hands-on work and academic teaching all in together", while Andy says it has given him "lots of variety and skills that I never thought I'd have. I was stuck with the decision about whether to study for A levels or move into the world of work. This was the right choice!".
Science Oxford
On 25th January Katie Yates from Science Oxford set up a stand in reception. She was promoting various activities run by the organisation:
- STEM Horizons is a web-based careers resource featuring Oxfordshire STEM businesses and individuals.
- Science Oxford's Science Experience Week is an organised week of work experience at a variety of STEM businesses for Year 10 students.
- STEM research placements are 3-4 week work placements for year 12 students during the summer holidays.
- STEM apprentice placements are 2-4 week work placements for students in years 11 and 12 or first year of college. Details about all of these can be found here
Didcot B Power Station
Dan Newstead from Didcot B gave a talk about routes into the power industry in the whole school meeting on 25th January. Didcot B has a future for at least another 10 years, and as a gas-fired power station it helps to keep the lights on regardless of whether there is any sun or wind to generate supply. It is one of a new generation of highly efficient power stations; much cleaner than coal-fired stations and producing enough power for 1 million homes. Dan's career has progressed steadily during his many years there and he was pleased to talk about work placements, apprenticeships and graduate routes into work there. Apprenticeships take 4 years, geared towards a BTEC Level 3 Diploma, with much of the first 2 years spent at college in Loughborough, before returning to Didcot or to one of the other RWE power stations. During the programme, apprentices can choose their path in mechanical, electrical or control/instrumentation engineering. Starting salary £13, 250 rising to £24,000 in year 4. www.rweukjobs.com
BMW Mini Apprentices Visit
On Thursday 23rd February twenty two of our sixth form engineering students signed up for a careers talk from Mini-BMW. Three final year degree apprentices from the Mini Plant in Oxford spoke to our students about their experiences of the technician and mechanical engineering apprenticeships available locally. Duncan Balloch (business apprentice), Max Fenton and Zack Robinson (engineering apprentices) explained how their apprenticeship programme worked, including college/university attendance, working job rotations around the factory, the financial advantages and the all important car scheme. There have been a record number of applicants this year and the Oxford plant expects to take 25-30 new apprentices. Watch this space for news of successful applicants from the UTC.
This Year's NCS
Young Carers National Awareness Day
Sharmaine Iles put together a PowerPoint presentation to explain to Owain about the national awareness day and her wish to be able to raise awareness in the school. She put forward a proposal to hold a charity cake sale on the Thursday and a non-uniform day and teachers versus students basketball on the Friday. During these 2 days money was raised for the South & Vale Young Carer Group (rebranded Be Free YC at the end of January). A cheque for £122.60 was presented to its MD, John Tabor, seen here with Sharmaine and his colleagues Carly and Chrissy.
Be Free FC offers free, friendly, confidential advice and support to young carers; it's an established Oxfordshire charity (governed by a team of 7 Trustees and employing 4 part-time staff) which provides:
- a sympathetic ear and emotional support
- expert advice and information
- free respite trips and activities for young carers (for more details please contact their office)
A Carers Trust survey of young carers revealed that 80% of young carers carry out their caring role every day, with 50% helping to administer medicines to family members and 41% helping with personal care, such as washing and helping the person they care for to get dressed. 82% of those questioned said they miss out on seeing friends; 60% said they miss attending events and other activities.
Many congratulations to Sharmaine for a brilliant fundraising effort!
A New Member of Staff for UTC Oxfordshire Sport
Spotlight on... Dave Langston, our Site Manager
He says the best part of his role is helping people, particularly the students, but he's always saddened by a minority not taking care of the lovely facilities we have here. Money and time wasted in sorting out issues is also money and time that could be spent wisely on creating an even better environment.
Dave worked for the RAF (he rose to being a Sergeant) for 23 years from the age of 17, mostly as a mechanic/technician on aircraft such as chinooks, hawks, jaguars and buccaneers. He also worked at one time for the Ambulance Service, which is a great background for one of our registered first aiders! As often as he can, he cycles the 7 or so miles to and from work each day. We are all very grateful for the cheerful way that Dave goes about his work and for his great 'can do' attitude.
TRAIN Youth Work
EMPLOYER LED PROJECTS
Vex Robot Challenge: D.I.Y in a place that’s radio active?
Our students rose to the challenge by designing robots using VEX robotics kits. They produced some creative solutions with the winning team able to pick up a tile, move it 3 meters and carefully place it on a peg in just 25 seconds. This photo shows Teegan Taylor demonstrating how to do that! Our thanks to all from CCFE for setting such an interesting task and helping our students learn new skills.
Science Communication
One of their teachers said afterwards, "The children absolutely loved it and many of them expressed that they want to come to UTC when they are old enough. Please let me take this opportunity to commend your pupils on displaying such knowledge, understanding and confidence. They are a real asset to you." They certainly are: well done to all the UTC students who took part.
VISITORS TO THE UTC
History Talk
The Bishop of Oxford
Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire
Employment Action Group
Linda Champion is the Manager of the Employment Action Group (based in Berinsfield), a charity aiming to raise aspirations and create opportunities. She also runs the work experience scheme (on Saturdays in the summer) for Williams Jet Tenders, and is working towards setting up a similar scheme with a local builder. She came to visit the UTC to look around and discuss any opportunities to assist our students. Her visit took quite a while because she is so well connected in the county that she kept bumping into staff that she knew from previous roles! As with all of our visitors she was very taken by our 21st century collegeand said she wished a lot of other schools could replicate much of our best practice.
Rowse Honey
Didcot Railway Centre
COMMUNITY NEWS
Cafe Scientifique
‘What’s in a name? The curse of stereotypes in product design and development’
In March 2016 the UTC hosted Didcot First's Café Scientifique when Richard Noble gave a fascinating talk about the Bloodhound Project. On Tuesday 21st March at 7.30pm the UTC will again be hosting one of these local Café Scientifique talks and are pleased to announce that Mike Ayre from Crucible Design will be giving a talk that challenges our stereotypical perceptions of design and engineering and explores holistic approaches to product development.
Mike is an engaging speaker and a quick look at the Crucible Design website shows the high level of creativity that his company has demonstrated over many years: this is a subject which is very relevant to many local businesses and to the skills that are being grown across the region so everyone is very much looking forward to this event. Ticket and booking information is available here.
Didcot Community Bank
Didcot’s community bank was launched in September 2015 as the local branch of the Swan Credit Union. The community bank is part of a not-for-profit financial co-operative, owned by its members. It is free to join and provides affordable loans and saving accounts for people living or working in this area.
Many people who have had financial difficulties in the past and cannot get an account with the high street banks are able to open one with the community bank. Anyone who saves a small amount on a regular basis for 3 months can apply to take out a loan at reasonable rates, which will cost much less than one provided by a payday lender. There are no arrangement fees or hidden charges.
The Didcot Community Bank invites all local people and businesses with an interest in their community to become savers. The aim is to pay savers a dividend each year depending on the bank’s performance (2015/16: 1% of savings balance); and junior savers (under 16’s) are guaranteed a dividend. Saving helps the community bank lend to those in need so we are encouraging local organisations to make a deposit. The community bank is also a safe place for savings as they are guaranteed under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the same scheme that covers savings with a high street bank or building society.
The bank is also asking businesses to help by setting up a pay deduction scheme for their employees with the community bank. This helps employees to save money every month from their wages.
You can join on-line www.swancreditunion.org.uk or by sending a completed application form in the post. For more information call in at Citizens Advice (11 High Street) or SOHA (99 Station Road).
- apply on-line
- check your account on-line, or receive text messages
- use a chip ‘n pin debit card to pay for things and get cash
- make cash deposits via Paypoint
- junior savers accounts
- immediate loans of up to £500 for parents receiving Child Benefit
- borrowings of up to 3 times savings after 3 months saving
- payroll deduction starter loan of up to £2,000 straightaway
- loan advice hotline (03030 300 147)
We have the support of a wide range of organisations including Citizens Advice, housing associations, local churches, schools, the Rotary Club, Didcot Town Council and Didcot First, as well as many local residents.
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UTC Oxfordshire
Email: admin@utcoxfordshire.org.uk
Website: www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk
Location: UTC Oxfordshire, Greenwood Way, Harwell, Didcot, OX11 6BZ, United Kingdom
Phone: 01235 391587
Facebook: facebook.com/utcoxfordshire
Twitter: @utc_oxfordshire