UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter - 17th June 2022
Dear all,
Summer seems to be well and truly here and we hope you have all been able to enjoy the sunshine. During the hot weather we have amended the dress code to allow students and staff to be more comfortable in school but please remember that we still need to be dressed in professional attire. Unprofessional dress will be challenged and there will be a requirement to change into something more suitable for a business environment.
The weather looks to be returning to more manageable temperatures next week so our usual dress code policy will apply from Monday. Please remind yourself of the details here: www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk/dress-code/
Global Wind Day – June 15
Global Wind Day is celebrated on June 15 every year. It’s an international event to raise awareness of the importance of wind energy and the power it holds to change the world, improve energy systems, and decarbonise economies. Investing in wind energy means spending less money on fossil fuel imports, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint and minimised CO2 for cleaner air on our planet. On this day, we learn not just about how wind power leads to a greener planet, but also about job creation and employment opportunities for many people.
The history of wind energy as a power source traces back thousands of years. As early as 5,000 B.C., Egyptians had already been using wind power to propel their boats on the River Nile. This was improved upon by the Chinese in 200 B.C. as they invented wind-powered water pumps.
Interesting Facts About Wind Energy
- The wind industry employs 650,000 people in different capacities around the world.
- The first modern turbine was built in Vermont, U.S.
- One commercial wind turbine can provide power to 600 homes.
- The largest wind turbine was created in Hawaii, which stands 20 stories tall and each blade is as long as a football field.
- Wind energy is the only power source that doesn’t need water.
Exams
We are drawing to the end of the GCSE and A level exam period and wish our students the best for the last few subjects they are studying for.
Our year 10 and Year 12 exam period will commence the week of 27th June and timetables will be sent out early next week.
Train strike info
I am sure many of you will have heard through the media that there will be disruption to the rail network next week. If your student travels to school by train, and they have an exam on one of those days, please can you ensure that they can get to school in time for their exam.
Results Day
A level results day is Thursday 18th August and GCSE results day is Thursday 25th August. Further details will be communicated with you shortly. If students are not able to come and collect their results, they need to give pre-permission for someone else named to collect. (That person needs to bring ID)
If students want their results e-mailed to them they need to request this in advance and they can only be sent to their school email address
Chromebook Return
Year 13 and Year 11 students who are not returning for 6th form in September will need to return their Chromebook to us after their last exam and before the end of term (20th July). They will need to be returned in the same state they were in when they were given out, complete with charger. Once the devices have been checked for damage etc your deposit will be refunded, minus any costs, when we return after the summer break.
Opportunities
Engineering Open House
Engineering Open House Day is taking place this year on Friday, 29 July 2022 and is all about highlighting the important roles that engineers play in everyday life, with well-known venues and organisations across the UK demonstrating the creativity and excitement behind engineering careers.
Take a look at who’s taking part and sign up for an event today: https://www.engineer-a-better-world.org/
Future Railway Engineering Summer Course (Virtual)
Students on this course will work in teams to build and crash a scale-model
train, testing how their design responds to stress and learning what it takes to
be a rail safety engineer. This course is for Years 11/12. Using your smartphone, you will record the crash and analyse the footage to see how your design protects passengers. This course combines fun, interactive learning online with access to leading academics from the University of Birmingham, and the chance to learn more about a career in engineering. Future Railway Engineering Summer Course
Structural Engineering Summer Course (Residential)
This course gives a flavour of the daily life of a structural engineer via team activities on how to manage an engineering project. This course is for Year 12. More details can be found here: Structural Engineering Course
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 by 30th June 2022.
Exam Invigilator Opportunities
We are always open to applications to be an exam invigilator so if this interests you, or you know someone who it might suit, please ask them to visit our staff vacancies page of our website for more information: www.utcoxfordshire.org.uk/about-us/joinourteam
Elements Café
Dates for the diary
- Ongoing until Tuesday 28th June – GCSE/A level/Level 3 exam period - A reminder 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 – Friday 1st July – end of year exams for year 10 and 12.
- Monday 27th June - Year 13 Leavers Celebration at The Garden House Venue.
- Thursday 30th June - Year 11 prom at Milton Mill House. Dinner and disco included!
- 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
- Wednesday 20th July 2022 - last day of term is, lunch time finish
Stay safe
With good wishes
Sam