UTC Oxfordshire
Newsletter - 27th May 2022
Dear all,
It’s hard to believe that we are already at the end of term 5, and whilst it feels like a short term, it has been filled with some really focussed learning ahead of exams for all, both before and after the half term break.
Next week gives us all a chance to relax a little and celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, ready for the challenges ahead in term six.
National Paper Airplane Day - May 26
On May 26th each year, National Paper Airplane Day honours the simple aeronautical toy that has been around for thousands of years.
National Paper Airplane Day provides an excuse to play! This inexpensive, healthy, and stimulating form of entertainment brings lots of joy, too. In other words, put down your smartphones and get outside for some primitive fun!
Did you know?
- Many believe the use of paper airplanes originated 2,000 years ago in China.
- The earliest known date of the creation of modern paper planes was said to have been 1909.
- The largest paper aircraft had a wingspan of 59.74 ft. Students and employees from Germany created it on 28th September 2013.
- Joe Ayoob recorded the longest distance flown by a paper airplane in February 2012. His plane flew 226 feet, 10 inches.
- The longest-lasting paper airplane flight flew 29.2 seconds.
- There is more than one way to fold paper for a test flight. Find tips for designs at www.foldnfly.com.
Quiz
Q: The four forces that influence the flight of a paper airplane are thrust, lift, gravity, and drag. How do these forces impact your paper airplane?
Answer at the end of the newsletter….
Staff Farewells
As this term ends, we say farewell to Julie White-Zamler who has a promotion to Deputy Head Teacher; Tom Griffin, who is leaving us for a career in industry and Emma Garrety who is taking a career move to recruitment. We wish them all the best, every success in their new roles and thank them for their service with UTC Oxfordshire
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.
Opportunities
Science Oxford STEM Summer Experience (free)
Open to students in years 11 & 12, it will take place in the first two weeks of the summer holidays 25th July–5th August 2022 and will be jam packed with events and interactions with leading STEM organisations in and around Oxfordshire. It will be run in a mixed setting of face-to-face visits and online sessions. Applications open now: Science Oxford STEM Summer Experience
Great Western Hospitals Virtual Work Experience
Registrations are now open for the next virtual work experience programme. Further details can be found here: GWH NHS virtual work experience - July 2022
Spaces are limited so book soon!
They received excellent feedback from our previous cohorts who found the programme very insightful as it made them aware of the 350 job roles available in the NHS and supported them with decisions about their future career paths.
Great Western Hospitals / Allied Health Professionals Webinar
Great Western Hospitals are hosting an online webinar on Wednesday 22nd June 2022, 5pm – 6pm. This will be an opportunity to meet with staff and join other Allied Health Professionals, whilst introducing you to the unique, exciting and varied careers available in this field. You can find out more here: Great Western Hospitals Online Webinar or scan the QR code to register your interest and receive a meeting link.
Volunteer week 1st-7th June 2022
It’s volunteer week at the beginning of June 2022, if you’re interested in taking part you can find out more here: https://volunteersweek.org/
Elements Café
Dates for the diary
- Monday 16th May to 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
- 30th May to 3rd June 2022: half term
- Monday 6th June: start of Term 6
- Wednesday 20th July 2022: last day of term is, lunch time finish.
Answer to the quiz:
- When you throw the plane forward, this is called thrust.
- Lift is a force that acts on the wings and helps the plane to move up. Big wings increase lift.
- Gravity pulls the plane down. The right materials create a lighter aircraft that stays up for longer.
- The tail of the plane causes drag. It is the opposite of thrust, and it makes the plane slow down.
Have a great half term.
Stay safe
With good wishes
Sam