UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter - 8th April 2022
Dear all,
Spring break is upon us and we have had a successful term with plenty to celebrate. We have managed to have visitors on site from Employers, guest speakers and primary schools and we have taken some trips out. All these things haven't been possible in the last 2 years, but we hope to enhance our programme in the remaining 2 terms, whilst of course, focusing on final qualifications for our year 11 and year 13.
We have a number of staff leaving us today. Raheema and Lucy have been with us as Science Interns from Oxford University. They have brought a depth of knowledge to the science classrooms and have supported in our extra-curricular events alongside honing their teaching skills. We wish them the best in their next placements and then on into their teaching careers in September.
Rosie leaves us to take up a promotion as Head of Physics in a local school. Her dynamic, cheerful disposition will be missed, alongside her can-do attitude and of course her reputation for cake and cryogenic ice cream. We wish her well in her next steps.
Daniel, our IT technician also leaves us for a promoted position in industry. Dan joined us in the Sixth Form as a student and went onto become an apprentice technician with us and is leaving to take up a position as a Senior Network Manager. We are proud of the way he has grown and developed into an IT professional with outstanding employability skills.
Trips
The trip to the Globe Theatre this week to see Macbeth was amazing, thank you to the English department.
Year 12 went to the UCAS convention - who knew that you could do a degree in Surfing? Is this a science though?
Red Nose Day
The money raised from Red Nose Day last week was £217.55. Thank you for the contributions.
Year 11 Product Design Exhibition
We are working hard behind the scenes on a Year 11 Product Design Exhibition. Further details to follow but it will be a great opportunity to see the students work on display.
Events
Spring Break Boxing Club – Brennan Boxing are offering a free half term activity week during the Easter Half Term (dates 11th - 15th April inc) for children aged 14-16 years old in Vale. The aim of the week is to provide physical activity (boxing) and fun for young people whilst educating them about eating a balanced diet, planning meals and budgeting to maximise the amount of nutritious food they can enjoy even with limited funds. Some focus will be on minimising food wastage, again to make more out of their budget. Further details can be found here or via their website: www.brennanboxing.com
Hagbourne Fun Run and Walk - Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd May. The course is just under 4 ½ miles over footpaths around East and West Hagbourne, Upton and Blewbury: the course is marked and there are marshals strategically placed to direct and offer assistance if needed. Further details can be found here.
As well as being a great family event, the money raised by the Fun Run is divided between Cancer Research, and the Village Fund which supports local deserving causes and projects. Entry is only £1 for children. For adult runners entry is £7 online (£8 on the day) and £5 adult walkers. Online entries are open now at www.evententry.co.uk/hagbourne-fun-run-walk
Elements Café
Our elements canteen has retained their 5* rating from Environmental Health
After the break
School starts back on Wednesday 27th April at normal time. Students should return to school wearing the correct dress code. Two-piece suit including a jacket and smart shoes. Skirts, if worn, need to be no shorter than an ID card or cell phone width above the knee. We are restricting the use of cell phones on school site in line with businesses. There will be a cell phone zone in the LRC for sixth form to use their phones in but for year 10 and year 11, cell phones will not be permitted to be used as this is having a negative impact on student productivity and social interaction.
Dates for the diary
- Wednesday 27th April Year 11 Progress consultation Evening, school will finish at 15.00
- Monday 16th May to Tuesday 28th June – GCSE/A level/Level 3 exam period - please note that BTEC Level 3 coursework may still be required after this end date. Please note students will not be able to finish school until after 28th June
- Monday 27th June -Year 13 Leavers Celebration at The Garden House Venue. Tickets can be purchased via ParentPay by 31st March.
- Thursday 30th June - Year 11 prom at Milton Mill House. Dinner and disco included! More details to follow soon.
- Monday 11th July 2022 to Friday 15th July New York Science, Engineering and Business Trip
- Thursday 18th August – A level results day
- Thursday 25th August - GCSE results day.
Remaining Term dates for 2022
- Monday 25th and Tuesday 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. Lunch time finish
Have a good break,
Stay safe
With good wishes
Sam