UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter - 15th January 2021
Dear all
We have made it through a full week of Covid lockdown number 3. I am really pleased to report that we have switched to online learning for all year groups and the level of attendance is extremely high. Our students on site are working hard and being supported by both teaching staff and the pastoral team to access their lessons.
I have some amazing statistics for you - 647 lessons and meetings took place online last week 192,973 minutes of audio time, alongside 108 lateral flow Covid tests since the start of term, and we ran the external BTEC exams with the support of our exams officer and invigilators.
Our staff are finding ways to make online lessons more engaging and feedback is always welcome
Exam Years
There have been numerous questions and speculation about how final grades will be produced for students in exam years. At this time, we are still waiting on a plan from the DfE. Our advice for students in year 13 and in year 11 is to continue with their learning as though final exams were to be taking place. Working towards the March PPE's is really important as this all provides evidence for those final results. Applications for University, apprenticeships and post 16 study should all continue as though external exams were still happening. We strongly feel that it is important for students to continue to plan for the future and not consider standing still. A quote from Franklin J Roosevelt is appropriate here:
‘There are many ways of going forward,
but only one way of standing still’
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship opportunities are beginning to open up and we have a secure page on our website where these can be viewed please follow the link here and use the password UTCOpps2020.
An example can be found here from STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, based on the Harwell campus will be holding a virtual apprenticeship open evening during National Apprenticeship Week on Thursday 11th February 2021- 18:00-19:00 where attendees will have the chance to learn about our wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available. Attendees will also have the chance to discuss our apprenticeship opportunities with the apprenticeship team and current apprentices. Attendees can register here https://ral-apprenticeships2021.eventbrite.co.uk
Events
Year 11 Destinations Event
We have a virtual event four Year 11 students to find out more about their post 16 options on Wednesday 20th January. You should receive an email early next week with details of how to join.
Sixth Form Open Event
We have a virtual Sixth Form open event on the 28th January, tickets will be available on eventbrite next week. This will have an introduction from Sam (Principal) and Lynn (Assistant Principal and Head of Sixth Form) followed by a Q&A session.
New Staff Welcome
In addition to Ruth who joins the Business department we welcome Ruben to the Science department and Michael who will be teaching Geography. This is a challenging time for anyone joining a new school, let alone virtually. Please welcome them and be kind.
National Hat Day
One of my grandmothers was a milliner and so I thought I would share with you todays National day. We wear hats for numerous reasons. Many hats protect us from elements or harm. Others were worn for ceremonial or religious reasons. Some hats just make us look good or cover up what we think doesn’t. Through the centuries, we’ve given our hats a lot of meaning.
- In the Middle Ages, hats indicated social status.
- In the military, hats may denote one’s nationality, branch of service, rank, and/or regiment.
- A Thebes tomb painting depicts one of the first pictorials of a hat. The painting shows a man wearing a conical straw hat.
- Structured hats for women began to be worn in the late 16th century.
- Millinery is the designing and manufacture of hats.
- The term “milliner” is derived from the city of Milan, Italy. The best quality hats were made in Milan in the 18th century.
- Millinery traditionally began as a woman’s occupation, as the milliner created hats and bonnets and chose lace, trim, and accessories to complete any outfit.
- In the mid-1920s, to replace the bonnets and wide-brimmed hats, women began to wear smaller hats that hugged their heads.
If you are outside today for your fresh air walk and exercise you may definitely want to wear a hat on National Hat Day!
As an engineering process you may be interested in the video below
It just remains for me to wish you the best for the weekend
Stay safe
With good wishes
Sam