PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading

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CONTINUE READING
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
2014|2015

             COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
             EXCELLENCE FOR 14 –19 YEAR OLDS

PROSPECTUS
2020-21
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
ENTER A                                                                          TRANSFORMING                                                                                                    1

WORLD OF NEW                                                                     LIVES THROUGH
OPPORTUNITIES…                                                                   LEARNING
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH LEARNING				                                     1    I am delighted to welcome you to UTC Reading. It is an absolute privilege to be the Principal of such a
                                                                                 ground breaking and innovative learning environment where we like to do things differently.
ACTIVATE LEARNING EDUCATION TRUST				                                       2
OUR LEARNING PHILOSOPHY				                                                 3    UTC Reading offers you an opportunity to focus your education at the age of 14 or 16, so that you are
FIND OUT ABOUT UTCs				                                                     4    prepared for the world of work that faces you, when you progress from education into employment.
DIVERSITY IN STEM				                                                       6    We specialise in Engineering and Computing and deliver these specialisms through high quality technical
A WELCOME FROM OUR STUDENT PRESIDENTS                                       8    qualifications alongside GCSEs and A Levels. Our entire curriculum and student experience are built around
                                                                                 a STEM education, so that you are equipped with the vital skills and knowledge to help you accelerate your
STUDENT DESTINATIONS                                                        10
                                                                                 learning and career.
OUTSTANDING UTC AND WORLD CLASS SCHOOL                                      12
UTC READING – LEARN FOR THE REAL WORLD			                                   14   Alongside an exceptional, technical and academic education, you will develop important work-related skills.
                                                                                 You will have opportunities to work in partnership with high profile local employers who will open your mind
PIPELINE PROGRAMME                                                          15   up to the world of work that they can offer in the future. You will be able to enhance your CV with a variety
COTEACH                                                                     16   of different experiences that will make you stand out from the crowd when you apply for an apprenticeship,
                                                                                 university or employment.
SPECIALIST ENRICHMENT                                                       17
THE KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM 				                                             18   High quality destinations are our priority at UTC Reading. Whether you spend two or four years with us, we
STUDY OPTIONS POST-16				                                                   20   are confident that you will be equipped with everything you need to secure a destination that you are proud
                                                                                 of and will provide you with a springboard to the next phase of your life.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS				                                             22
REDEFINING CREATIVITY                                                       24   The facilities at UTC Reading are state of the art and provide a professional and
                                                                                 work-like environment for you to learn in. We expect our students to meet the
LEARN IN A STATE-OF-THE-ART ENVIRONMENT			                                  26
                                                                                 professional standards that we set in their dress, their attitude to work and the
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS				                                                    28   relationships they develop with their peers, the staff and our industry partners.
LEAD PARTNERS				                                                           29
                                                                                 We love using the latest technology at UTC Reading and we expect our
JOIN UTC READING				                                                        30   students to engage in using technology to enhance their learning. As we
FIND OUT MORE				                                                           32   grow into the digital revolution, the use of technology will develop at an
                                                                                 incredible rate but it cannot replace vital human characteristics such as
                                                                                 flexibility, empathy, creativity and enterprise. All of which you can develop
                                                                                 at UTC Reading.

                                           INNOVATIVE,       EDUCATING           Jonathan Nicholls, Principal
                                            EMPLOYER-         THE NEXT
                                             FOCUSED       GENERATION OF
                                          SCHOOL FOR 14     OUTSTANDING
                                         TO 19 YEAR OLDS     ENGINEERS,
                                                            TECHNICIANS
                                                           AND INDUSTRIAL
                                                            INNOVATORS
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

2
    WELCOME TO                                                                                             OUR LEARNING                                                                                             3

    ACTIVATE LEARNING                                                                                      PHILOSOPHY
    EDUCATION TRUST                                                                                        At UTC Reading, our approach to teaching and learning is driven by a distinctive Learning Philosophy.
    Activate Learning Education Trust is a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) established by Activate Learning,     This philosophy has been developed by members of the Activate Learning group and recognises
    which is run with the support of a number of industry and academic partners.                           three essential elements for effective learning:
    We transform lives through learning by providing exciting and innovative education for young people.
                                                                                                           „„BRAIN – our brains are capable of incredible things. From the study of neuroscience we know how the
    OUR VISION                                                                                                brain forms networks and how learning takes place when neurons connect. We know how to deepen
    Transforming lives through learning                                                                       these connections through ongoing practice and how to replace poor learning with good habits.

    OUR MISSION
                                                                                                           „„MOTIVATION – while our brains may be capable of learning anything, we are only likely to use them if
    To ‘transform lives through learning’ by igniting confidence, expanding opportunities, energising
                                                                                                              we are motivated to do so. Our approach to learning helps to demonstrate the relevance and impact
    the community and generating prosperity. Through our Learning Philosophy and core values of
    empowerment, enterprise, connectedness and transformation, we will provide our students and staff         of new skills and knowledge so that students maintain motivation.
    with a safe and supportive environment in which to thrive.

    OUR VALUES                                                                                             „„EMOTIONS – the biggest barrier to
                                                                                                              effective learning is our emotional
    Empowerment, enterprise, connectedness and transformation                                                 response. Learning involves taking risks
                                                                                                              and students must feel safe, secure and
                                                                                                              confident to do this.

                                                                                                           At UTC Reading, this philosophy translates into
                                                                                                           an educational experience which offers:
    Activate Learning Education Trust’s core purpose is to
    deliver excellent teaching, learning and assessment and                                                „„opportunities to test new skills through
    a high quality learner experience, underpinned by high                                                    practical, real-world projects
    expectations and fostering high aspirations for all.
                                                                                                           „„experiences of work which demonstrate
    UTC Reading provides a high quality technical                                                             the relevance and impact of knowledge

    education, co-created with employers, giving students                                                  „„a focus on developing independent
    a clear line of sight to work. Through the learning                                                       learning skills, communication and
    philosophy, students are able to fulfil their potential and                                               teamwork
    develop into positive, motivated, employable young                                                     „„a supportive learning environment which encourages students to take risks and learn from mistakes
    people when they leave education.
                                                                                                           Find out more about how our Learning Philosophy is inspiring new approaches to teaching and learning
    Joanne Harper                                                                                          throughout this prospectus.
    CEO, Activate Learning Education Trust
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

4

    FIND OUT                                                                                                                                                                                                 5

    ABOUT UTCs                                                                                                              79,000
                                                                                                                            ENGINEERING-RELATED ROLES TO ARISE PER YEAR.

    www.utcolleges.org
                                                                                                                            124,000
    A UTC is different from the average school because it has support and backing                                           ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS WITH CORE ENGINEERING
    from local, high-profile industry partners who are involved in the development
    of the curriculum. Each UTC also has academic partners who help make sure
                                                                                                                            SKILLS REQUIRED PER YEAR.
    that it really can offer students the best of both worlds.
    This means you can take advantage of real-world               The UK needs advanced technical skills at all levels if
    based study of a UTC’s specialist subjects while still        we are to prosper. Whether in manufacturing, wind          Caitlin Sutherland left UTC Reading in summer 2018, having
    taking the GCSEs and A-levels that you would at               farms, rail links or high-tech hospitals, we need a        secured a degree apprenticeship with Peter Brett Associates
    school.                                                       workforce that can develop new products, stretch and       (PBA), and a place on the civil engineering course at Kingston
                                                                  reuse existing resources, and meet the challenges of       University.
    UTCs are for students aged 14 to 19, as this is the age       the future. UTCs are meeting the needs of the skills
    when you’ll have a better idea of what you are really         gap and by 2018 around 30,000 students will be able        Caitlin joined UTC Reading in 2014, at the start of Year 10. She
    interested in and whether you would enjoy learning in         to follow this new technical education pathway.            said: “When I started at the UTC, I wanted to study computer
    high-tech surroundings.                                                                                                  science. It was during an open evening that I discovered that
                                                                                                                             I had a passion for engineering. It was something that I had
                                                                                                                             never tried and nowhere had offered me before, but the UTC
                                                                                                                             provided this and I have studied engineering ever since.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                CASE STUDY
                                                                                                                             “The links with industry that UTC Reading provide really
                                                                                                                             helped me. It gave me knowledge about the different
                                                                                                                             companies and an ability to work closely with them on
                                                                                                                             projects, and gain valuable work experience.”

                                                                                                                             “Since Year 10 I knew that I wanted to work for a civil
                                                                                                                             engineering company. UTC Reading has a partnership
                                                                                                                             with Peter Brett Associates and this helped me gain work
                                                                                                                             experience with them. After spending a week there, I knew

                                                                                                                                                                           CASE STUDY
                                                                                                                             that I wanted to go on and eventually work for them, and after
                                                                                                                             telling the UTC how much I loved it, they kept presenting me
                                                                                                                             with opportunities.”

                                                                                                                             Summing up her time at UTC Reading, Caitlin said: “I really
                                                                                                                             enjoyed my time studying at the UTC and I feel that the help
                                                                                                                             and support I got from the teachers have got me to where I am
                                                                                                                             today.”
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

6

    DIVERSITY IN STEM                                                                           WE WANT TO SHOW EVERY GIRL
                                                                                                IN THIS COUNTRY, AND HER
                                                                                                                                                                                                            7

                                                                                                FAMILY, THAT SHE COULD HAVE A
    UTC Reading celebrate diversity and create an inclusive community where                     WONDERFUL FUTURE IN SCIENCE
                                                                                                AND ENGINEERING.
    everyone can be successful.

    “WE ARE CREATING A PLACE OF LEARNING FOR EACH AND                                           HRH The Princess Royal, Royal Patron of WISE (WISE annual report 2016)

    EVERY STUDENT IN OUR CARE AND NOTHING WILL STAND
    IN THE WAY OF THIS ENTITLEMENT. ALL OF OUR STUDENTS                                         Year 13 students, Megan Williams and Sophie Denson,
                                                                                                secured a place on the prestigious ‘Girls Go Technical’ work
    HAVE THE RIGHT TO GROW INTO WELL-INFORMED,                                                  experience programme with BMW, joining a small group of
                                                                                                students from across the country.
    CONFIDENT INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE
                                                                                                The programme gave the students the opportunity
    INDEPENDENT LEARNING AND RESPONSIBILITY IN THEIR                                            to experience, first-hand, the day-to-day challenges
                                                                                                encountered by engineers and technical apprentices in their
    ATTITUDES TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER.”                                                             fascinating, world-class BMW factory.

                                                                                                Megan said: “It was an opportunity we just wouldn’t get
    One of the areas UTC Reading is committed to                                                anywhere else. It gave me hands on experience of working
                                                                                                life in the industry and a real insight into the theory side of it
    supporting is girls who choose to study STEM                                                as well.”
    subjects and build a career in technical industries.
                                                                                                Sophie said: “I was really keen to do work experience, so
                                                                                                was very interested when this opportunity came about. It

                                                                                                                                                                            ONE IN
    We are a member of WISE, a campaign to                                                      was fascinating to see how everything worked and I got a lot
    promote women in science, technology and                                                    from this programme”.
    engineering. UTC Reading joined WISE to                                                     Stephanie
                                                                                                   Marissa Mitchell,
                                                                                                            Ann Mayer,Executive
                                                                                                                        PresidentDirector of Specialisms, said:
    support the national issue that there are                                                   “It’s
                                                                                                   andan CEO
                                                                                                         absolutely fantastic programme, which gives girls
                                                                                                             of Yahoo!
    simply not enough women in STEM                                                             the exposure to engineering that they need. In the current

                                                                                                                                                                            FOUR
                                                                                                climate, seeing girls inspired by young, passionate role
    subjects. As a college specialising in    STEM SECTORS NEED TO BE                           models such as the BMW apprentices is key”.
    computer science and engineering, it
    is vital that we bridge the gap and can
                                              ABLE TO DRAW ON THE WHOLE
    provide an essential workforce of         OF THE UK TALENT POOL.
    women into these fields.                  ACCORDING TO THE ROYAL                                                                                                        GIRLS HAVE ONCE AGAIN

                                                                                                                                                               CASE STUDY
                                                                 SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH,                                                                                      OUTPERFORMED BOYS IN
                                                                 INCREASING THE PARTICIPATION                                                                               COMPUTING, WITH ALMOST
                                                                 OF WOMEN IN THE STEM
                                                                                                                                                                            ONE IN FOUR (24.9%) ACHIEVING
                                                                 LABOUR MARKET COULD BE
                                                                 WORTH AT LEAST £2BN TO THE                                                                                 AN A/7 OR ABOVE
                                                                 UK ECONOMY.                                                                                                WISE, 2019
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

8

    A WELCOME FROM                                                                               9

    OUR STUDENT
    PRESIDENTS
    To really thrive at UTC Reading, you need to have a passion and to want to develop
    yourself. Take advantage of all of the opportunities that come your way and always push
    yourself.

    The whole environment here is very different to anywhere else. We have access to
    leading industry partners, are given countless opportunities to take extra qualifications,
    such as the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) qualifications, and there are plenty of
    enrichment activities too.

    We are the Student Board President and Student Equalities Council President. Working
    alongside other students, we each align to a member of the Senior Leadership Team
    (SLT) and act as the voice for the student body, ensuring our ideas get heard and
    facilitating communications between staff, students and the SLT.

    For anyone interested in joining UTC Reading, I would say to come along to an open
    event to get a feel for life here. I would also say to come here with an end goal and to
    figure out what you want from the UTC.

    James and Frances
    UTC Reading Student Board President and Student Equalities Council President 2018/19
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

10

     STUDENT                                                                                                       11

     DESTINATIONS
      IN 2019:                                                     HERE ARE SOME OF THE EXCITING
                                                                   DESTINATIONS OUR STUDENTS
                                                                   PROGRESSED TO IN 2019:

     56%
     OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED
                                                                   UNIVERSITY
                                                                   Loughborough University – Aeronautical
                                                                   Engineering
                                                                   Cardiff University – Maths
     TO UNIVERSITY*                                                Brunel University London – Civil Engineering
                                                                   Staffordshire University – Gaming Design and

     22%
                                                                   Programming
                                                                   University of Portsmouth – Cyber Security and
                                                                   Forensics

     OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED
     ONTO AN APPRENTICESHIP                                        APPRENTICESHIP/EMPLOYMENT
                                                                   Google        Peter Brett Associates
     OR DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP*
                                                                   Microsoft     RAF

     4%
                                                                   BMW           BAE Systems
                                                                   Vodafone      Government Security
                                                                   CGI           IBM
                                                                   Fujitsu       UBS
     OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED                                        Prudential    Sandhurst Military Academy
     INTO FULL TIME                                                Cisco
     EMPLOYMENT*

     *All other students are either continuing
     their studies with us or are taking a gap
     year to travel.
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

     THE UK’S FIRST
     OUTSTANDING UTC
                                                                                                               13
12

     AND
                                                                             OFFICIALLY RATED BY OFSTED 2015

     WORLD CLASS SCHOOL
     In December 2017 UTC Reading became one of only 60 schools in the country to
     be awarded the prestigious World Class Schools Quality Mark.

     “To become one of only 60 schools in the country
     to achieve this award is incredible. It is an award
     that reflects the hard work and determination of
     our staff, the fantastic support we receive from
     our business partners but most importantly, it
     demonstrates the motivation our students have to
     set themselves apart and be prepared for global
     opportunities.” Jonathan Nicholls, Principal, UTC
                                                                       THE COLLEGE HAS AN ETHIC OF
     Reading                                                           EXCELLENCE, WHERE EVERYONE
     In May 2018, UTC Reading was awarded the                          (STAFF AND STUDENTS)
     prestigious Career Mark. This new accolade
     regonises the UTC’s unique approach to careers                    ARE EXPECTED TO BE SELF-
     advice and guidance using the exceptional
     links it has with industry partners. Importantly, it              REFLECTIVE AND STRIVE TO
     demonstates how the UTC meets the 8 Gatsby
     Benchmarks for what makes the best careers                        IMPROVE AND BECOME THE
     provision in schools.
                                                                       BEST THEY CAN BE
     In 2015 UTC Reading received its first Ofsted
     inspection which found us outstanding across all                  CAREER MARK, 2018
     indicators. Here’s what they had to say:

     “The curriculum in the sixth form is exceptional.
     Students flourish in the specialist environment.”

     “The inspiring leadership of the principal,
     supported and challenged by knowledgeable,
     highly effective governors and business partners,
     has resulted in outstanding achievement for
     students.”                                                      TEACHERS’ HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF ALL
                                                                     STUDENTS ARE MATCHED BY STUDENTS’
                                      2014|2015

                                                                     KEENNESS TO LEARN AND SUCCEED.
                                                                     OFSTED 2015
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

14

     UTC READING –                                                                                                            PIPELINE                                                                                                        15

     LEARN FOR THE                                                                                                            PROGRAMME
     REAL WORLD                                                                                                               We have recently launched our brand new
                                                                                                                              extra-curricular Pipeline Programme which does
                                                                                                                              not focus on academic learning, but instead on
                                                                                                                              preparing students for the world of work, providing
                                                                                                                                                                                       The benefits to our students is that it builds
                                                                                                                                                                                       confidence, trust, rapport and relationships with
                                                                                                                                                                                       a network of contacts within leading industry
                                                                                                                                                                                       businesses. It gives them a clear line of sight
                                                                                                                              them with a direct line of sight to a career with an     to a career and it enables students to build the
                                                                                                                              industry partner.                                        employability and technical skills needed to succeed
                                                                                                                                                                                       in the workplace.
     Our aim is to become a world-class centre of excellence in computer science and                                          Every KS5 student will have the opportunity to team
     engineering education for 14 to 19 year old girls and boys, who are committed to                                         up with a Pipeline Partner when they begin with us
     succeed in these areas.                                                                                                  in Year 12.

                                                                                                                                                            The Student Journey: Career Pathway
     Our students will be well-known for having the skills,        the working day. Enrichment takes place twice a
     attitude, behaviours, knowledge and experience                week and will give you a refreshing break from your
     that the world’s leading employers are looking for.           studies as you take on creative, sporting and social
                                                                                                                                                                                  Work                               Recruit
     You will be well connected with our industry partners         challenges of your choice. As well as being part of                    Launch        4 x Pipeline Days                     4 x Pipeline Days
     including Microsoft, Cisco, Peter Brett Associates            our broad curriculum, it will help you to enjoy life and
                                                                                                                                                                                experience                         Apprentices
     and Network Rail, which will give you access to great         to build up strong practical and social skills.
     opportunities to learn from the best in the business.
                                                                                                                                          A Pipeline Programme Partner invests in a student’s development in order to recruit
                                                                   NEARLY 3 IN 10 JOBS IN BERKSHIRE ARE
     THE LEARNING                                                  DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST ROLES.
                                                                                                                                            motivated, loyal, and highly skilled talent onto apprenticeships or as graduates.

     EXPERIENCE                                                    THIS IS WELL OVER TWICE THE NATIONAL
                                                                   AVERAGE AND EQUATES TO 14,300 JOBS
                                                                   IN 2017.                                                   Benefits to employers:                                   Benefits to students:
     Your learning experience at UTC Reading will be
     practical and engaging; you will work on exciting             THE NUMBER OF ANNUAL OPENINGS FOR                          „„TTP (Time To Productivity) gain                        „„Build trust, rapport and relationships with a
     and relevant projects that are similar to what goes           DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST JOBS IN                                                                                  network of contacts
                                                                                                                              „„Reduced cost of recruitment – captive audience
     on in the work place. During these projects you               BERKSHIRE IS PROJECTED TO BE OVER 550                         with expressed interest in your organisation          „„Clear expectations on what is needed to secure a
     will learn and work in a team in our purpose-built            BETWEEN 2017 AND 2024.                                                                                                 L3/L4/degree apprenticeship or graduate career
     laboratories and project spaces.                                                                                         „„Develop insight into students’ strengths,
                                                                                                                                 weaknesses, capabilities, team dynamics, and          „„Structured development programme that

                                                                   £25,880
     You’ll also have plenty of time and quiet desk space                                                                        aspirations                                              enables students to build employability skills
     to complete your independent study tasks. There                                                                          „„Rewarding and tangible CPD for staff in a              „„Building confidence in teams that can continue
     will always be someone on hand to help if you get                                                                           structured environment                                   into the employer’s work place
     stuck and at the end of the day you can go home
     without homework looming over you. Of course,
     like anyone with a rewarding job, you’ll take your
     interests home with you, and we can’t promise                 IS THE AVERAGE GRADUATE
     that you won’t sometimes want to do a bit of extra
     reading or programming!
                                                                   SALARY FOR ENGINEERING
                                                                   AND TECHNOLOGY,
     Because our day is longer, you will need to manage
     your time effectively. It also means that you have the        COMPARED TO £22,000 FOR
     opportunity to take part in clubs and activities within
                                                                   ALL GRADUATES
PROSPECTUS 2020-21 COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14-19 YEAR OLDS - UTC Reading
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

16

     COTEACH -                                                                                        SPECIALIST                                                                                                    17

     INDUSTRY IN THE                                                                                  ENRICHMENT
     CURRICULUM                                                                                       Outside the classroom you will have the choice of great enrichment activities, supported by industry. These
                                                                                                      are all highly competitive, and rewarded in some way by each of the partners involved.

                                                                                                      Engineering:
     Students at UTC Reading work with industry partners to cover our curriculum specialisms.

     Our current project partners are:

                    Cisco                     Sage                 Network Rail                 PBA   IET Arduino Hack Off            F1 in Schools         Royal Navy Challenge           Greenpower Cars

                       Thames Water                      AWE                 Army REME

                                                                                                      Computing:
     Our CoTeach programme covers the following:
     „„CoTeach Projects – projects within the curriculum

     „„CoTeach Talks – specialist talks within the curriculum

     „„CoTeach Workshops – practical activities within the curriculum
                                                                                                         Cyber Security              Microsoft MTA              Sage AI
                                                                                                                                                                                 Salesforce Trailhead Challenge
                                                                                                           Challenge                   Challenge              Innovation

                                                                                                      A range of other sports and art based enrichment activities are available too.
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

18

        THE KEY STAGE 4                                                                                                          19

        CURRICULUM
      CORE                          SPECIALIST                    OPTION                           ADDITIONAL
      SUBJECTS                      TECHNICAL                     SUBJECTS
                                    SUBJECTS                      (CHOOSE 2)

      „„English                     „„Engineering                 „„Business Studies               „„Personal and
                                                                                                      Professional
      „„Maths                           or                        „„Geography                         Development
                                                                                                      Sessions
      „„Science                     „„Computing                   „„History
                                                                                                   „„Sport Enrichment
                                                                  „„Art and Design:
                                                                        3D design

                                                                  „„Computer Science

     Life as a student at UTC Reading will be unlike any school experience you’ve ever
     had before.
     Using the latest technology, you will learn through
     projects and practical activities. Teaching staff run
                                                                      SPECIALIST OPTIONS
     lessons and seminars to introduce new topics and are             At Key stage 4, you will study one of our specialist
     always on hand to offer support in our independent               subjects. Over year 10 and 11 you will study a technical
     learning spaces. You’ll also work closely with our               qualification in either engineering or computing
     industry partners on projects and challenges they set.           alongside your core GCSE’s and Option subjects. This
                                                                      technical qualification will represent the equivalent of
     Alongside choosing your specialism, all students will            one GCSE.
     study the core curriculum subjects of mathematics,
     English, sciences.                                               Find out more about our specialisms on our website:
                                                                      www.utcreading.org.uk
     Visit www.utcreading.org.uk for details on all courses
     studied at GCSE level.
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

     STUDY OPTIONS
                                                                                                                       A-LEVEL SUBJECTS                                                                    21
20
                                                                                                                       Physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, further
                                                                                                                       mathematics, L3 core mathematics, computer

     POST 16
                                                                                                                       science, business studies and art and design 3D
                                                                                                                       architecture

                                                                                                                       Science and mathematics are key underpinning
                                                                                                                       subjects for both engineering and computer
                                                                                                                       science degree courses, and are highly regarded
      THE TECHNICAL ROUTE                    THE HYBRID ROUTE                        THE A LEVEL ROUTE                 both by employers and by universities. Therefore
                                                                                                                       alongside computer science, business studies and
      Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma          Choose 1 x Technical                    Choose 3 A Levels from the list   art and design 3D architecture, these are the A-Level
      in Engineering                         Qualification                           below                             subjects we offer at the UTC.
                                             Level 3 BTEC Extended
      OR                                     Certificate in Engineering, Or          Mathematics
                                                                                                                       Level 3 extended project qualification
      Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma          Computing or Applied Science            Further Mathematics
      in Computing                           In addition to 2 x A Levels from                                          This gives huge scope to work and study a topic of
                                             below                                   Physics
                                                                                                                       your own choice. It is equivalent to an AS-Level and
      both of these qualfications are
                                             Mathematics                             Chemistry                         is valued by universities as it will demonstrate your
      equivalent to 3 A levels
                                                                                                                       skills in project management, communication, time
                                             Further Mathematics                     Biology                           management, research and writing.
                                             Physics                                 Computer Science
                                             Chemistry
                                                                                     Business Studies
                                             Biology
                                                                                     3d Design with Architecture
                                             Computer Science
                                             Business Studies                        English

                                             3D Design with Architecture             Core Level 3 Maths
                                             English - ELA                           Extended Project Qualification
                                             Core Level 3 Maths                      (EPQ)

                                             Extended Project Qualification
                                             (EPQ)

     In year 12 you can tailor your programme to fit your individual interests, ability and ambition.                    Adam Carter, former UTC Reading student, Young
     All three routes of study in post 16 can lead to University, employment or apprenticeships.                         Engineer winner, member of the World Class Schools
                                                                                                                         winning team and Student Board President

     SPECIALIST OPTIONS                                                                                                  Former UTC Reading student, Adam Carter, secured a full
                                                                                                                         scholarship at Royal Holloway University this summer, and is
     Engineering                                                   Computing                                             studying towards an MEng and CEng in electronic systems

                                                                                                                                                                                              CASE STUDY
                                                                                                                         engineering.
     A Level 3 BTEC will open up engineering career                A Level 3 BTEC will open up technical career
     opportunities in civil, mechanical, electrical and            opportunities in IT such as programming               Adam joined UTC Reading in Year 12 after seeking a change in
     electronic systems. There are various qualifications          and software development, networking and              education and a different, more specialised subject area.
     you can work towards:                                         communications and cybersecurity. There are
                                                                   various qualifications you can work towards:          Adam said: “The UTCs focus on technical education and
     „„Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended                                                                            connection with industry gives students a massive opportunity
        Certificate in Engineering (Equivalent to one              „„Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended              to be exposed to the type of work they will be doing in later life
        A-level)                                                     Certificate in Computing (Equivalent to one         and the type of people they will be working with. I feel studying
                                                                     A-level)                                            at UTC Reading has really excelled my learning and has
     „„Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended                                                                            provided me with an edge over similar students. The exposure
        Diploma in Engineering (Equivalent to three                „„Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended              and networking you get to do with your specific industry is
        A-levels)                                                    Diploma in Computing (Equivalent to three           something you won’t find anywhere else”.
                                                                     A-levels)
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

22

     PROFESSIONAL                                                                                                                                                                                               23

     QUALIFICATIONS
     Alongside your studies, you will have                         qualifications. Self-study guides and practice tests
     the opportunity to work towards                               allow you to study at your own pace and on-demand
                                                                   exams mean you can choose when you are ready to
     professional qualifications that will set                     take your qualification.
     you apart from the crowd.
                                                                   You should expect to gain at least two professional
     The focus at UTC Reading is on independent learning,          certifications every year you attend UTC Reading.
     and you will work towards these qualifications in your        Some students have earned over ten professional
     own time and during enrichment.                               qualifications in one year.

     We provide you with clear pathway to follow with a            You will have the opportunity to gain professional
     mix of Microsoft Office certifications alongside              qualifications including:
     either specialist computing or engineering

     „„Microsoft Office Specialist           „„Autodesk Certified User               „„EC-Council Ethical Hacking
                                                                                         Associate (EHA)
     „„Microsoft Technology                  „„Autodesk Certified
        Associate                                Professional                        „„Cyber Forensics Associate
                                                                                         (CFA)
     „„Adobe Certified Associate             „„CISCO

     In the 2018 academic year, we achieved over 150 professional qualifications!

       Jonathan Foot, Former UTC Reading student now studying Computer Science at
       Nottingham University
                                                                                                                                JONATHAN’S ACHIEVEMENT IN SECURING A PLACE AT THE WORLD MOS CHAMPIONSHIPS
                                                                                                                                IS EVIDENCE OF THE COMMITMENT THAT UTC READING PLACES ON THE SKILLS NEEDED BY
                                                                                                                   CASE STUDY

       Jonathan was announced as the UK and Ireland champion for MOS PowerPoint in June 2017
       after competing in the Four Nations Championships at Microsoft HQ. He went on to compete in                              INDUSTRY IN THE WORK PLACE.
       the World MOS Championships in California later in the summer.

       “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience at Microsoft and it was a very interesting day. I’ve managed                        THE COMPETITION THIS YEAR WAS OF A VERY HIGH STANDARD AND JONATHAN BEAT AN
       to put my skills to the test and prove my ability in PowerPoint to future employers.                                     IMPRESSIVE FIELD OF 40,000 COMPETITORS FROM ACROSS THE UK & IRELAND!

       “I am grateful to UTC Reading for providing this opportunity. They provide free MOS exams for                            Andrew Griggs, Country Manager for Prodigy Learning
       all students, which is what enabled me to earn my MOS and MTA certifications that gave me my
       place in the competition.”
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

24
     REDEFINING                                                                                                  25

     CREATIVITY
     Art; usually understood to be about drawing and painting but here we strive
     to challenge the conventional.
     We build our artwork that industry partners engage with; closing the gap between technical and
     creative subjects and developing employability skills. It is ever expanding into our specialised subjects
     and whole school ethos.

     At KS4, the students design and create 3D products such as lamps and speakers in addition to coding
     their own website. Enrichment offers them wider skill development such as in photography where they
     get the chance to organise an exhibition at our annual UTC has Talent Christmas event.

     KS5 students further enhance their skills at A-level by creating architectural buildings with the laser
     cutter and 3D printer. Engineering students can manipulate metal to create practical products.
     Computing students produce animation sketches and gaming designs.

     At UTC Reading, we continue to re-design creativity.
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

26

     LEARN IN A                                                                                                                     27

     STATE-OF-THE-ART
     ENVIRONMENT
                                                                                               IN 2015, THE COUNTRY’S FIRST
                                                                                               FUJITSU INNOVATION HUB
                                                                                               WAS OPENED AT THE UTC.
                                                                                               THE INNOVATION HUB AIMS
                                                                                               TO ENHANCE TEACHING
                                                                                               AND UNLEASH STUDENT
                                                                                               POTENTIAL THROUGH
                                                                                               THE USE OF DIGITAL
                                                                                               TECHNOLOGY. THE HUB IS
                                                                                               USED BY UTC STUDENTS,
                                                                                               LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS
                                                                                               AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

                                                                  UTC READING IS A STATE-OF-
                                                                  THE-ART LEARNING CENTRE
                                                                  FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE         THE UTC’S FACILITIES ARE TOP
                                                                  AND ENGINEERING. ALL THE     NOTCH, I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO
                                                                  EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES     HAVE STUDIED HERE. THE ABILITY
                                                                                               FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE AN IDEA
                                                                  AT UTC READING ARE HIGH
                                                                                               THEN DESIGN IT IN CAD/CAM, 3D
                                                                  SPEC AND OF THE STANDARD     PRINT IT AND THEN TEST IT OUT IN
                                                                  SPECIFIED BY OUR INDUSTRY    A WIND TUNNEL…IT’S AMAZING.
                                                                  PARTNERS.                    Kieran Saunders, Sales Engineering
                                                                                               Manager at Filemaker
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

28

     EMPLOYABILITY                                                             LEAD PARTNERS                                                                                                   29

     SKILLS                                                                    UTC Reading is very fortunate to be supported by sponsors and partners, who are working together to make sure
                                                                               we have everything in place for an exemplary computer science and engineering learning experience.
                                                                               Our lead partners are involved in a number of ways, including:
     Examples of how the Learning Philosophy (see page 3) is applied through
     activities in and out of the classroom                                    „„ Consultancy and advice on curriculum content           „„ Coaching and mentoring for staff and students
                                                                               „„ Product and services donations                         „„ Providing work experience opportunities
     „„ Skills Training Week                                                   „„ Employer accreditations                                „„ Participation in the governance of the UTC
     „„ Work experience                                                        „„ Employer-led projects and challenges
     „„ Project based learning
     „„ Competitions
     „„ Career talks
     „„ Site visits                                                                                              Activate Learning is a global education group with a mission to
                                                                                                                 transform lives through learning.
     „„ Software Testing Week
     „„ UTC Development Team

                                                                                                                 Microsoft is a worldwide leader in software services and solutions.

     Employability skills

     „„Presenting                                                                                                Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people
                                                                                                                 connect, communicate and collaborate.
     „„Teamwork
     „„Time management
     „„Interview techniques
                                                                                                                 The University of Reading is a global university ranked in the top 1% of
                                                                                                                 universities worldwide.

     Character traits
                                                                                                                 Network Rail is the authority responsible for the UK’s railway network.
     „„ Grit
     „„ Patience
     „„ Determination                                                                                            Peter Brett Associates is a multi-disciplinary consultancy of independent
                                                                                                                 thinkers: engineers, transport planners, scientists, technicians,
     „„ Perseverance                                                                                             environmentalists and project managers.
UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

30

     JOIN UTC READING                                                                                                                                                                                       31

     If you are currently in Year 9 or Year                       UTCs are designed to be sub-regional provisions
     11 you are able to apply for a place.                        so we welcome students from a wide catchment           HOW TO APPLY
                                                                  area that includes Reading, Wokingham, West
     There are no tests to join the UTC at 14.                    Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Basingstoke and          You should apply via the application forms on the
     In order to gain entry to Year 12, you                       Deane, Bracknell Forest, Windsor, Maidenhead and       UTC Reading website: www.utcreading.org.uk
     must have passed GCSE English and                            Wycombe.
     mathematics at grade 5 or above. You                         Grouped postcode areas have been defined as the        ARE YOU READY TO                                    UTC READING IS RESPONDING
     will also need to achieve five GCSEs at
     grade 5 or above.
                                                                  method to ensure geographical spread. This means
                                                                  that applicants living close to UTC Reading do not     MOVE FROM SCHOOL                                    TO THE SKILL NEEDS OF
                                                                  have priority over other applicants within the other
                                                                  part of the catchment. A set percentage of places
                                                                                                                         TO UTC READING?                                     LOCAL BUSINESSES, NAMELY
                                                                  will be allocated for young people living in each of   We believe that there are many very good
                                                                  the grouped post code areas as shown on the map        reasons to choose UTC Reading. However, we          THOSE IN COMPUTER
                                                                  below.                                                 also understand that the decision to change
                                                                                                                         school is a big one.                                SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING.
                                                                                                                         As you lead up to your transition to UTC Reading    THIS IS ABOUT GIVING YOUNG
                                                                                                                         we will work with you, your family and your
                                                                                                                         existing school to make sure that you are making    PEOPLE OPPORTUNITY
                                                                                              AREA 1                     the right decision. In making the move from
                                                                                                                         school to UTC Reading it is important that you:     BUT ALSO GIVING THEM
                                                                                              RG1, RG2, RG4, RG5,
                                                                                              RG6 and RG30               „„are not deciding on your own, but that you        CHALLENGE, BECAUSE
                                                                                                                            have the support of your existing school and
                                                                                                                            your parents or carers                           EDUCATION IS ALWAYS
                                                                                              AREA 2
                                                                                                                         „„come to taster events that we put on to get       GOING TO BE CHALLENGING.
                                                                                              RG7, RG8, RG9, RG10,          a feel for the UTC and what it will be like
                                                                                              RG12, RG27, RG31,             studying here                                    Duke of York – UTC Reading’s
                                                                                              RG40, RG41, RG42,                                                              official opening
                                                                                              RG45, GU46 and GU47        „„come and talk to us

                                                                                                                         „„take advantage of the support, guidance and
                                                                                              AREA 3                        welfare on offer

                                                                                              RG14, RG18, RG19,          What matters to us is that you have made the
                                                                                              RG21, RG22, RG23,          right decision.
                                                                                              RG24, RG26, SL1, SL2,
                                                                                              SL4, SL5, SL6, SL7,
                                                                                              GU14, GU15, GU17,
                                                                                              GU18, GU19, GU20 and
                                                                                              GU51

                                                                                              Full details of the UTC
                                                                                              Reading admissions
                                                                                              policy are available
                                                                                              on our website.
A   01000001
                                     UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

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      32

                                   FIND OUT MORE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        D
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        E
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            01000100
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            01000101
                                   TASTER EVENTS
                                   We run a number of taster events and information
                                   sessions throughout the year. Please come along to
                                                                                                                                                                      UTC Reading, Crescent Road, Reading, RG1 5RQ

                                                                                                                                                                      KEEP UP TO DATE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        F
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            01000110
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            01000111   UTC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       DID YOU KNOW THAT
                                   find out more and ask any questions you have:
                                                                                                                                                                      www.utcreading.org.uk                                                                                             H   01001000   OUR UTC READING LOGO
                                   „„Wednesday 25 September 2019
                                   „„Wednesday 13th November 2019                                                                                                                    @UTCReading
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I   01001001   IS BINARY CODE FOR THE
                                   „„Wednesday 27 November 2019
                                   „„Wednesday 22 January 2020 (Post 16)                                                                                                                                                                                                                J   01001010   CAPITAL LETTERS UTC?
                                                                                                                                                                                      /UTCReading
                                   Visit our website to find out further information
                                   about our events: www.utcreading.org.uk
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        K   01001011
                                   GET IN TOUCH
                                                                                                                                                                                      /UTCReading
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                                   There are a number of ways to contact us:                                                                                                                                          /company/utc-reading                                              M   01001101
                                   Phone: 0118 938 1020
                                   Email: enquiries@utcreading.org.uk                                                                                                                                                                                                                   N   01001110
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        O   01001111
                                   Visit: Book an appointment to speak with a member
                                TO HENLEY
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            TO CAVERSHAM/
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@UTCReading   /UTCReading   /UTCReading

enquiries@utcreading.org.uk
www.utcreading.org.uk - 0118 938 1020
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