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UTC Swindon
Newsletter – 25th May 2023
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, both before and after the half term break.
Next week gives us all a chance to relax a little and enjoy the sunshine, ready for the challenges ahead in term six.
Year 10 Bird Box Fest
Well done to our year 10s who were involved in the Bird Box Fest earlier this month. They have achieved a great deal and have produced all of these to be installed in and around Wiltshire or Swindon.
Brand New LRC Hub
We are delighted to formally launch the brand new LRC (Learning, Resources and Careers) Hub where students can borrow books, complete quiet studies, find resources and see up-to-date information on career opportunities.
To mark the launch, a competition was held asking students to design a logo for it. Year 10’s Rufus was selected as the winner, with judges liking the simplicity of his design, which tied in well with other signage throughout the school.
Rufus’s logo has been adapted into a large vinyl decal and given pride of place on the wall above the lockers next to the LRC.
Well done Rufus and thanks to all students who submitted entries, utilising skills of design, communication, branding, technology and strategic thinking.
Employer Engagement - RWE
Last week we welcomed RWE into school to give students an insight into the world of Offshore Wind Engineering – A huge growth market in the UK.
RWE employ 1000 people in Swindon, and joined us to scope for their future talent
As well as the careers stand and assembly, they gave students the chance to engage in their virtual reality headsets.
A fantastic session for us all.
Year 11s summer Barbeque party!
The Year 11s BBQ party will be on Friday 23rd June here at UTC Swindon. Dress code is casual smart. This will be an opportunity for students to see their friends again before starting the new phase of their lives and celebrate their successes here at UTC.
There will be delicious food, soft drinks and games. An allocated space for pictures, cakes, etc.
We are asking for a minimum contribution of £5.00 to help buy the food, drinks, etc. Please make payment via parent pay:
Please complete this form to give your student permission to attend the party: Year 11s summer Barbeque party! Permission Form
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
ApprentiFest Swindon
Apprenticeship Event Swindon - meet potential employers, apprenticeship providers and find out all you need to know about apprenticeships.
Date and time: Wed, 7 Jun 2023 16:00 - 18:30 BST
Location: STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway Fire Fly Avenue Swindon SN2 2T
Open to parents/carers, students from any year group or adults wishing to study an apprenticeship. There will be the opportunity to meet a number of apprenticeship employers, some with current vacancies. You will also be able to meet the many colleges and apprenticeship providers who offer apprenticeship programmes locally.
Talks from apprenticeship professionals, include:
- Introduction to Apprenticeships and how to find them
- Apprenticeships in the NHS
To book your free place at this event, please order a ticket for each person who wishes to attend here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/apprentifest-swindon--tickets-627063552967
Enrichment clubs
The Student Leadership Board is providing a variety of enrichment activities to those in the
school community so that students can socially engage in non-curricular activities and have some fun. Each club has a designated leader and room. Equipment is not provided for some of the clubs, such as music and DnD, so participants need to make sure they bring their own items when needed.
Please ask your student to contact any of the Student Board Leaders or Dani for more information
If your student intends to join the DnD club, please can you give consent for them to stay after school hours: Parental Consent
The timetable for the clubs is as follows:
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.
The Fashion Event - Swindon
Former UTC Swindon student, Liam, is modelling for a Charity Fashion Show in Swindon on 1st July, as a friend of Liam's took his own life in March, they are raising funds for Young Minds Charity.
The Fashion Event in memory of Euan Schaub will be held at the Doubletree Hilton on July 1 from 4pm to 8.30pm. Guests are asked to wear something yellow, which is the colour associated with Young Minds UK.
For more information, visit The Fashion Event Facebook page and look for the Swindon date.
Heritage Action Zone - Tours of the Railway Village
Social Media
Please do join our Parent Facebook Group, this is a community page, giving you the opportunity to meet, help each other and discuss anything related to UTC Swindon. Please be aware that this should not be used to liaise directly with the school. You can join the group here: UTC Swindon Parents Group
Please also remember to follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as this helps with our marketing and publicity.
Dates for the diary
- Monday 15th May up to and including Wednesday 28th June 2023 - Year 11 and Year 13 Exam Period
- Thursday 17th August – A level results day
- Thursday 24th August - GCSE results day
Remaining Term dates for 2022 to 2023
- Summer Term 1: Wednesday 19th April 2023 – Friday 26th May 2023
- Summer Term 2: Monday 5 June 2023 – Friday 21 July 2023
Term dates: Academic year 2023-24
- Autumn Term 1: Tuesday 5 September 2023 – Wednesday 18 October 2023
- Autumn Term 2: Monday 30 October 2023 – Wednesday 20 December 2023
- Spring Term 1: Wednesday 10 January 2024 – Friday 9 February 2024
- Spring Term 2: Monday 19 February 2024 – Thursday 28 March 2024
- Summer Term 1: Tuesday 16 April 2024 – Friday 24 May 2024
- Summer Term 2: Monday 3 June 2024 – Wednesday 24 July 2024
Further details can be found on our website: Term Dates
Have a great half term break
Stay safe
Best wishes
Neil