UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter - May 2020
Dear all,
I can’t believe that it is the end of my first term at UTC Oxfordshire. I want to say a huge thank you for all your support over the last term. It has had many challenges but, with the ongoing commitment from staff, students and their families, we have achieved great success in providing valuable learning opportunities and pastoral support for all our students both on, and off site. We will continue working to ensure the support is ongoing over the next term. Please ensure that you read the information regarding learning next term further down this newsletter.
We know students have been working incredibly hard and have adapted to the ongoing challenges. For students who would like some additional work, or would like support in preparing for 6th Form, there are some great transition tasks on our website here, while further learning resources for all year groups are available on the ALET website here
I would like to remind you that, if your circumstances have changed, you may now be entitled to free school meals. If you think this might be the case for your family please contact us to let us know at admin@utcoxfordshire.org.uk.
On a personal level, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term and have been made to feel very welcome and supported by the team at UTC Oxfordshire. I am so proud to be the leader of a school that is leading the way in virtual learning, embracing technology and being creative at every turn to provide an ongoing education. I look forward to getting to know all of you over the coming months and will be dropping into tutor time to meet our students “in person”.
We keep in touch in a number of ways and we would love for you to follow us on social media where you can see more about the things happening on a daily basis, links are at the bottom of the page.
This week has been mental health awareness week and with that in mind I would like to remind you all to be kind to yourselves and make sure you find the opportunity to relax and unwind over the half term break.
With good wishes,
Sam
INFORMATION FOR YEARS 10 AND 12
Following the recent communication from Jo Harper, CEO ALET, we are considering and planning on how we can continue to support our students in the best way possible prior to the summer break.
We have our student and staff safety at the heart of our decision-making and we continue to look to the government for clear guidelines on the safe opening of schools and how this might look. In order for us to plan effectively and provide the best decision for each student we will be assessing students online in the week after half term. We want to see what they have learned over the last term and where they need to focus their efforts.
Teachers will choose the appropriate formats and they are assessing what has taught between 20th March and now.
In the meantime, have a restful safe week.
INFORMATION FOR YEARS 11 AND 13
We are still on hand to provide support in taking your next steps. If you need any support or information please let your tutor know so they can put you in touch with the appropriate person.
We have resources to support in all sorts of ways including how to prepare for online interviews which is particularly useful at this time and relevant whatever your chosen path.
UTC Virtual 100km Challenge
Some of our sixth form students have organised a UTC virtual sporting challenge to take place on Friday 5th June 2020.
UTC students and staff haven't been together since lock down started. This virtual sporting event is an opportunity for our school community to have some fun and work together to raise some money for a local charity.
Students and staff will be running, cycling or walking from home on the 5th June and submitting their distances via an online form at the end of the day. We hope to smash our "100 km in a day" target!
We would like all UTC students to take part. To enter, please follow our Just Giving link and make a minimum donation of £1.00 for each student taking part. Make sure you add the name of your student next to your entry so that our 6th form students can send them an online form.
HELP AND WELLBEING
FINANCIAL SUPPORT INFORMATION
Please find below the factsheet from the Local Community Support Service (LCSS) with information on support which may be available to you should you find yourselves under financial strain during this time.
Please note that if your circumstances have changed you may be entitled to free school meals, you can find details of eligibility below. If after reading this you believe you are entitled please email proof of this to admin@utcoxfordshire.org.uk who will be able to confirm and if appropriate set you up on our systems. While the UTC is closed Vicki, our Safeguarding Lead and Head of Year 11 is organising for vouchers to be sent home through an online system – Vicki will contact you directly to discuss this.
STUDENT APPLICATIONS
If you are a Year 11 student who is not yet sure of your plans for September and would like to discuss your Sixth Form options, please speak to Lynn who will be able to advise you on the pathways we can offer.
For information on how to apply please click here.
UTC Oxfordshire
Email: enquiries@utcoxfordshire.org.uk
Website: www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk
Phone: 01235 391587
Facebook: facebook.com/utcoxfordshire
Twitter: @utcoxfordshire