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COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14 19 YEAR OLDS PROSPECTUS 2018–19 2014|2015

EXCELLENCE FOR 14 –19 YEAR OLDS PROSPECTUS 2018–19

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Page 1: EXCELLENCE FOR 14 –19 YEAR OLDS PROSPECTUS 2018–19

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14–19 YEAR OLDS

PROSPECTUS 2018–19

2014

|201

5

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CONTENTS

ENTER A WORLD OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES…BE INSPIRED 1

ACTIVATE LEARNING EDUCATION TRUST 2

OUR LEARNING PHILOSOPHY 3

FIND OUT ABOUT UTCs 4

WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY 6

A WELCOME FROM OUR STUDENT PRESIDENTS 8

STUDENT DESTINATIONS 9

UTC READING GCSE AND A-LEVEL RESULTS 10

OUTSTANDING UTC 11

UTC READING – LEARN FOR THE REAL WORLD 12

PROJECT BASED LEARNING 14

SPECIALIST ENRICHMENT 15

THE KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM 16

POST-16 OPTIONS 18

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 22

LEARN IN A STATE-OF-THE-ART ENVIRONMENT 24

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS 26

LEAD PARTNERS 27

JOIN UTC READING 28

FIND OUT MORE 30

BE INSPIREDAs you approach the beginning of GCSEs or Post-16, you’ll be facing some important choices about your learning. You’ll know that getting these decisions right will set you on the path to a great career. We’re really pleased that you’re thinking of coming to UTC Reading and taking advantage of the many opportunities we can offer you.

With us, you’ll be able to follow your areas of interest in either computer science or engineering while studying GCSEs, A-levels and getting invaluable practical skills from the best in the industry. This is because UTC Reading has the support of local, high profile industry and academic partners who help to shape the curriculum and work closely with our students.

We believe that students who attend UTC Reading, rated Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in 2015, are given the best start in a variety of progression routes. Last year our students progressed on to university, an apprenticeship, a sponsored degree programme or employment.

UTC Reading will offer you something different. And we expect you to want something different:

�� to follow your interest in computer science or engineering while studying for your GCSEs or A-levels

�� to embrace opportunities to work through challenges and projects set by our industry partners

�� to want the best chance of moving into employment or further and higher education in your chosen field

If you want to benefit from the latest technology, be in an environment that feels more like being at work than school and benefit from our wide industry links then UTC Reading could be for you.

We hope our guide will inspire you to find out more about the great opportunities we have to offer at UTC Reading and we would warmly welcome you to join us in September 2018.

Jonathan Nicholls, Principal

Joanne Harper, Executive Principal

INNOVATIVE, EMPLOYER-FOCUSSED

SCHOOL FOR 14 TO 19 YEAR OLDS

EDUCATING THE NEXT

GENERATION OF OUTSTANDING

ENGINEERS, TECHNICIANS

AND INDUSTRIAL INNOVATORS

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OUR LEARNING PHILOSOPHY

ACTIVATE LEARNING EDUCATION TRUST

At UTC Reading, our approach to teaching and learning is driven by a distinctive Learning Philosophy.

This philosophy has been developed by members of the Activate Learning group and recognises three essential elements for effective learning:

�� BRAIN – our brains are capable of incredible things. From the study of neuroscience we know how the brain forms networks and how learning takes place when neurons connect. We know how to deepen these connections through ongoing practice and how to replace poor learning with good habits.

�� MOTIVATION – while our brains may be capable of learning anything, we are only likely to use them if we are motivated to do so. Our approach to learning helps to demonstrate the relevance and impact of new skills and knowledge so that students maintain motivation.

�� EMOTIONS – the biggest barrier to effective learning is our emotional 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:

�� opportunities to test new skills through practical, real-world projects

�� experiences of work which demonstrate the relevance and impact of knowledge

�� a focus on developing independent learning skills, communication and teamwork

�� a supportive learning environment which encourages students to take risks and learn from mistakes

Find out more about how our Learning Philosophy is inspiring new approaches to teaching and learning throughout this prospectus.

UTC Reading is a member of Activate Learning Education Trust, a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) established by Activate Learning.

Activate Learning Education Trust exists to deliver excellence in education and transform lives through learning. Our schools to date are UTC Reading, UTC Swindon, UTC Oxfordshire, Bicester Technology Studio and The Bicester School.

As a member of Activate Learning Education Trust, UTC Reading benefits from the following:

�� Excellent leadership being spread across all partner schools

�� Leadership development that happens across all partner schools

�� Sharing of resources without any barriers

�� Shared contracts across the group, reducing costs

�� Having a greater ‘clout’ across the whole group’s community

Activate Learning Education Trust’s core purpose is to deliver excellent teaching, learning and assessment and a high quality learner experience, underpinned by high expectations and fostering high aspirations for all.

UTC Reading provides a high quality technical education, co-created with employers, giving students a clear line of sight to work. Through the learning philosophy, students are able to fulfil their potential and develop into positive, motivated, employable young people when they leave education.

Lee NichollsExecutive Director, Activate LearningCEO, Activate Learning Education Trust

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A UTC is different from the average school because it has support and backing 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 that it really can offer students the best of both worlds.

This means you can take advantage of real-world based study of a UTC’s specialist subjects while still taking the GCSEs and A-levels that you would at school.

UTCs are for students aged 14 to 18, as this is the age when you’ll have a better idea of what you are really interested in and whether you would enjoy learning in high-tech surroundings.

The UK needs advanced technical skills at all levels if we are to prosper. Whether in manufacturing, wind farms, rail links or high-tech hospitals, we need a workforce that can develop new products, stretch and reuse existing resources, and meet the challenges of the future. UTCs are meeting the needs of the skills gap and by 2018 around 30,000 students will be able to follow this new technical education pathway.

www.utcolleges.org

FIND OUT ABOUT UTCs THE DIGITAL TECH INDUSTRIES ARE CREATING EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITIES 2X FASTER THAN THE NON-DIGITAL SECTOR, ACCOUNTING FOR 1.64M JOBS ACROSS THE UK IN 2016.

1.64 MILLION

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Chaley Gooch, along with other UTC Reading alumni Edward Gilder and George Weller, left UTC Reading in summer 2016 to follow an apprenticeship programme with Prudential, one of UTC Reading’s industry partners. Chaley is employed as an apprentice Web Systems Analyst.

“If I hadn’t gone to UTC Reading I don’t think I would be in this position today. As well as learning the technical skills and helping me to focus on following a programming route, I also built up important professional behaviours. Even simple things like meeting company representatives, shaking hands and introducing yourself; it all helps to prepare you for the next step.

“Leaving the UTC and getting the apprenticeship was a completely linear process. If I hadn’t studied computer science at UTC Reading I would be in over my head, but as it is I have managed to fit into the new working environment really smoothly and I am enjoying learning new skills all the time.”

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265,000SKILLED ENTRANTS ARE REQUIRED ANNUALLY TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR ENGINEERING ENTERPRISES THROUGH TO 2024.

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UTC Reading is an inclusive learning environment. We are committed to supporting girls who choose to study STEM subjects and build a career in technical industries. We are a member of WISE, a campaign to promote women in science, technology and engineering. UTC Reading joined WISE to support the national issue that there are simply not enough women in STEM subjects. As a college specialising in computer science and engineering, it is vital that we bridge the gap and can provide an essential workforce of women into these fields.

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ARE NOT JUST FOR BOYS

Myth: Boys are better at mathematics and science than girls.

Reality: Boys and girls are both capable of excelling in mathematics and science. Research by WISE and the Royal Engineering Academy found that girls achieve better or equal grades than boys at GCSE in most STEM subjects, and those that choose STEM at A-levels achieve higher A*-C grades.

Myth: Girls don’t like technology.

Reality: Girls are very interested in technology, but cultural differences in the way boys and girls are raised typically limit the experiences girls have with different technologies.

Myth: Women can’t succeed professionally in engineering careers.

Reality: Engineering is still a male-dominated profession, but women can and do build successful careers in this field. WISE interviewed 300 female engineers and 98% said their job was rewarding.

STEM SECTORS NEED TO BE ABLE TO DRAW ON THE WHOLE OF THE UK TALENT POOL. ACCORDING TO THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH, INCREASING THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE STEM LABOUR MARKET COULD BE WORTH AT LEAST £2BN TO THE UK ECONOMY.

WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY

WE WANT TO SHOW EVERY GIRL IN THIS COUNTRY, AND HER FAMILY, THAT SHE COULD HAVE A WONDERFUL FUTURE IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING.

HRH The Princess Royal, Royal Patron of WISE (WISE annual report 2016)

Marissa Ann Mayer, President and CEO of Yahoo!

Risha Divyesh, former UTC Reading student

Former UTC Reading students, Risha Divyesh and Husna Mahmood, both secured a place on the Cisco apprenticeship programme after completing their post-16 studies in 2016. Both Risha and Husna developed contacts with Cisco during an employer-led project in the first term of their studies. The project invited the students to design a classroom of the future, including the latest technology and associated security. Risha said:

“I was involved in setting up the servers and routers that would support our technology. It was my first introduction to networking and made me consider specialising in this area the following year. It was the beginning of the domino effect which got me where I am now.”

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ONE THIRDGIRLS MAKE UP LESS THAN ONE THIRD OF A-LEVEL AND GCSE PHYSICS STUDENTS BUT OUTPERFORM BOYS AT BOTH LEVELS.

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If engineering or computing are the subjects that spark your interest, UTC Reading is the place for you!

UTC Reading is an environment that lets all students innovate and thrive. The mix of good academics and a vast range of extra-curricular activities means that throughout your time here you can kick-start your career as well as developing personally.

As President and Vice President we have acted as a voice for the student body to ensure that their ideas get heard and that the UTC can keep growing to make it the best place for students.

We hope that you enjoy your time at UTC Reading and you make the best of all the amazing opportunities that are provided to you.

Samkeliso and LotinhaUTC Reading President and Vice President 2016-17

CAREERSCisco (three students) - Degree Apprenticeship

Visa Europe - Software Development Degree Apprenticeship

Maersk - Computing Degree Apprenticeship

Thales - Embedded Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

AWE (five students) - Engineering Apprenticeship

PBA (four students) - Level 4 Apprenticeship

Huntswood - Cyber Security Apprenticeship

Ultima Business Solutions (two students) - IT Sales Apprenticeship

UNIVERSITIESBournemouth - Cyber Security Management

Bath - Computer Science

UCL - Information Management for Business

Loughborough - Engineering

Coventry - Motorsport Engineering

Coventry - Computer Science

Coventry - Automotive Engineering

Belfast - Computer Science

Brunel - Engineering

Reading - Computer Science

Nottingham - Nutrition and Dietetics

Staffordshire - Cyber Security

Hull - Physics

Birmingham - Computer Science

Portsmouth - Computing

A WELCOME FROM OUR STUDENT PRESIDENTS

STUDENT DESTINATIONS

42%OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED

TO UNIVERSITY

10%OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED

INTO FULL TIME

EMPLOYMENT

48%OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED

ONTO AN APPRENTICESHIP

OR DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP

IN 2016:

HERE ARE SOME OF THE EXCITING DESTINATIONS OUR STUDENTS PROGRESSED TO IN 2017:

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UTC READING GCSE AND A-LEVEL RESULTS 2017

100%IN 2017, 100% OF YEAR 11 STUDENTS

ACHIEVED A LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATION

IN THEIR SPECIALIST SUBJECT OF

ENGINEERING OR COMPUTING -

EQUIVALENT TO A C OR ABOVE AT

GCSE LEVEL.

DISTINCTION*-IN 2017, WE MAINTAINED

OUR VERY HIGH AVERAGE

GRADE OF DISTINCTION*-

IN OUR SPECIALISMS

OF ENGINEERING AND

COMPUTING FOR POST-16.

Simon Tilbury-Clarke

Simon gained a Merit in BTEC Engineering, B in Mathematics and C in Physics.

He will now be attending Plymouth University to do Mechanical Engineering and has been awarded a bursary from the Royal Navy, who he will join after his degree to do weapons engineering.

Simon said: “Being at UTC Reading has really helped me mature as a student because of the independence they give us – they treat us like adults. I always felt that they believed in me which has really helped me do well in my results.”

Lewis Poulter

Lewis achieved a Triple Distinction* in BTEC IT and a B in Product Design. He will now move on from UTC Reading to do a degree apprenticeship with Visa Europe.

Lewis said: “The links with industry we get here are fantastic and it gives you more to talk about in interviews. We get lots of unique opportunities, for example professional qualifications, which is all great experience to put on your CV and was definitely useful for me when securing my place on the degree apprenticeship scheme.”

OF YEAR 11 STUDENTS ACHIEVED A GRADE 4 (C EQUIVALENT) OR ABOVE IN ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS, WITH 89% ACHIEVING A GRADE 4 OR ABOVE IN MATHEMATICS AND 30% ACHIEVING A GRADE 7-9 (A-A* EQUIVALENT).76% 20

14|2

015

THE UK’S FIRST

OUTSTANDINGUTC OFFICIALLY RATED BY OFSTED 2015

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

�� “Teachers demonstrate impressive levels of subject knowledge, particularly in the college’s specialist subjects. This commands the respect of students and ensures high levels of engagement in their learning.”

�� “Students demonstrate exemplary behaviour in lessons. They are on time, well organised and keen to learn. Students respond enthusiastically to teachers’ questioning, and instinctively support each other in their learning. This positive approach contributes to students’ excellent learning.”

�� “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’ KEENNESS TO LEARN AND SUCCEED.OFSTED 2015

THE BUSINESS-LIKE ETHOS OF THE COLLEGE PERMEATES ALL ASPECTS OF LEARNING. STUDENTS ARE PREPARED EXCEPTIONALLY WELL FOR THEIR FUTURE LIVES IN MODERN BRITAIN.

OFSTED 2015

In summer 2015 we received our first Ofsted inspection which found that UTC Reading is outstanding across all indicators. Here’s what they had to say:

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UTC READING – LEARN FOR THE REAL WORLDOur aim is to become a world-class centre of excellence in computer science and engineering education for 14 to 18 year old girls and boys, who are committed to succeed in these areas.

Our students will be well-known for having the skills, attitude, behaviours, knowledge and experience that the world’s leading employers are looking for. You will be well connected with our industry partners including Microsoft, Cisco, Peter Brett Associates and Network Rail, which will give you access to great opportunities to learn from the best in the business.

THE LEARNING EXPERIENCEYour learning experience at UTC Reading will be practical and engaging; you will work on exciting and relevant projects that are similar to what goes on in the work place. During these projects you will learn and work in a team in our purpose-built laboratories and project spaces.

You’ll also have plenty of time and quiet desk space to complete your independent study tasks. There will always be someone on hand to help if you get 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 that you won’t sometimes want to do a bit of extra reading or programming!

Because our day is longer, you will need to manage your time effectively. It also means that you have the opportunity to take part in clubs and activities within the working day. Enrichment takes place twice a

week and will give you a refreshing break from your studies as you take on creative, sporting and social challenges of your choice. As well as being part of our broad curriculum, it will help you to enjoy life and to build up strong practical and social skills.

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IS THE AVERAGE GRADUATE SALARY FOR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, COMPARED TO £22,000 FOR ALL GRADUATES

NEARLY 3 IN 10 JOBS IN BERKSHIRE ARE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST ROLES. THIS IS WELL OVER TWICE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE AND EQUATES TO 14,300 JOBS IN 2017.

THE NUMBER OF ANNUAL OPENINGS FOR DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST JOBS IN BERKSHIRE IS PROJECTED TO BE OVER 550 BETWEEN 2017 AND 2024.

£25,880

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At UTC Reading, we focus on delivering a rich learning experience for our students. Your technical qualifications will be supported by our industry partners who set real world projects for contextual learning.

Computing partners Engineering partners

PROJECT BASED LEARNING

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.

SPECIALIST ENRICHMENT

Engineering:

IET Arduino Hack Off Royal Navy ChallengeF1 in Schools Greenpower Cars

Computing:

Cyber Security Challenge

Microsoft MTA Challenge

Sage AI Innovation Salesforce Trailhead Challenge

Sports - Basketball - Football - Table tennis - Badminton - Chess

Arts - Music, supported by Reading Rock Academy - Art - Drama

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EMBEDDED LEARNING

EXA

M SU

BJEC

T OP

TION

SBROADENING AND ENRICHMENT

SPEC

IALI

ST Q

UA

LIFI

CA

TIO

NS

Mathematics, English, computer science

Creativity – art and music

Sports and fitness

Group Mentoring Programme, talks and events

Personal, social and health education

Citizenship

Religious education

Engi

neer

ing

Com

pute

r sc

ienc

e (IT

) – w

ith e

ither

a

softw

are

or n

etw

orki

ng fo

cus

Geography, history or business studies

L2 smart product design and

manufactureScience, additional

science and further additional science

CORE EXAM SUBJECTS

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 lessons and seminars to introduce new topics and are always on hand to offer support in our independent learning spaces. You’ll also work closely with our industry partners on projects and challenges they set.

Alongside choosing your specialism, all students will study the core curriculum subjects of mathematics, English, sciences, computer scienceand sport.

Visit www.utcreading.org.uk for details on all courses studied at GCSE level.

SPECIALIST OPTIONSAt Key Stage 4, you will study one or both of our specialist areas. During the course of Key Stage 4 you will complete the equivalent of two GCSEs in either Computer Science (IT) or Engineering or one in each specialist area.

Find out more about our specialisms on our website: www.utcreading.org.uk

THE KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM

Core subjects GCSE English Language

GCSE English Literature

GCSE Mathematics

GCSE Science

GCSE Computer Science

Sport

Specialist option You will choose Engineering or Computing as a specialism and will study a vocational course in this chosen subject area during year 10 at which point you will complete the qualification. In year 11, if you wish, you will be able to change to the other specialism if you would like to broaden your experience.

GCSE options: GCSE French

GCSE Geography

GCSE History

GCSE Business Studies

L2 Smart Product Design and Manufacture

Professional qualifications

Microsoft IT Academy

Cisco Academy

Autodesk

Sannah Ishteyaq, Year 10

Sannah joined UTC Reading at the beginning of Year 10, drawn to the specialism in engineering.

Sannah already knew before joining the UTC that she was interested in a career in engineering, so thought it would be a good step forward in her route to success.

“I’m definitely glad I chose to come here. The general vibe is very different to a normal school and I already feel like I’m absorbing so much more knowledge. We are treated more like adults - little things like the way we dress, having independent learning time and calling teachers by their first names all help it to feel like a more adult environment.”

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POST-16 OPTIONSIn Year 12, you can tailor your engineering or computer science studies to fit your individual interest, abilities and ambitions. You can also work towards A-levels that complement your specialist studies.

SPECIALIST OPTIONSEngineering

A Level 3 BTEC will open up engineering career opportunities in civil, mechanical, electrical and electronic systems. There are various qualifications you can work towards:

�� Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering (Equivalent to one A-level)

�� Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (Equivalent to three A-levels)

Computer Science (IT)

A Level 3 BTEC will open up technical career opportunities in IT such as programming and software development or networking and communications. There are various qualifications you can work towards:

�� Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Computing (Equivalent to one A-level)

�� Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Computing (Equivalent to three A-levels)

ENGINEERING COMPANIES NATIONALLY WILL HAVE NEARLY 33,000 ANNUAL OPENINGS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIALIST ENGINEERING SKILLS BETWEEN 2017 AND 2024 BUT THERE IS CURRENTLY A SHORTFALL OF 1.8 MILLION ENGINEERS ACROSS THE UK.

33,000

A-LEVEL SUBJECTSPhysics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, further mathematics, L3 core mathematics, computer 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 both by employers and by universities. Therefore alongside computer science, business studies and art and design 3D architecture, these are the A-Level subjects we offer at the UTC.

Level 3 extended project qualification

This gives huge scope to work and study a topic of your own choice. It is equivalent to an AS-Level and is valued by universities as it will demonstrate your skills in project management, communication, time management, research and writing.

Reon Williams, Year 12

Reon has been at UTC Reading since Year 10 and hopes to get an engineering apprenticeship when he leaves after Year 13.

He said: “UTC Reading is different to other schools because it feels more like being at the workplace. We are treated like colleagues rather than students and it helps us to feel more like equals. That was what attracted me to the UTC in the first place as I want to get straight into the working world when I leave, so it is helping to prepare me for that.”

“The exposure to industry partners has really helped me to develop my confidence and leadership skills. Through the core projects I have been able to learn skills I wouldn’t have been able to elsewhere, including project management. We get a lot of visitors from industry and other external places, so we all naturally build confidence through speaking to a range of different people.”

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DIFFERENT ROUTES OF STUDY FOR POST-16

TECHNICAL ROUTE

BLENDING TECHNICAL AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

ACADEMIC ROUTE

�� BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering or Computing

�� Level 3 Core Maths

�� Extended Project qualification

�� One BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering or Computing and two A-levels

�� Three A-levels

Andrew Jukes, UTC Reading alumnus and current apprentice for John Lewis Partnership

Andrew, who specialised in networking and computing systems at UTC Reading, is now working for the John Lewis Partnership, which was recently named by LinkedIn as the most soughtafter employer among UK professionals.

“The UTC is the closest you can get to a working environment. This gives students a better understanding of what’s to come and can give them an edge. This is boosted by industry projects through which students get the chance to work and learn with the UTC partners. These projects help students to develop another level of skills and experience which conventional schools struggle to provide.

“While at the UTC I appreciated the guidance and mentoring provided, together with the preparation for interviews and assessment centres. I am not sure that I would have secured my apprenticeship without this.”

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Alongside your GCSE and A-level studies, you will have the opportunity to work towards professional qualifications that will set you apart from the crowd.

The focus at UTC Reading is on independent learning, and you will work towards these qualifications in your own time. You will have the opportunity to gain professional qualifications from:

�� Microsoft IT Academy

�� Cisco Academy

�� Autodesk

Our students were the first in the UK to become Microsoft Office Specialists (MOS) in the 2013 version of Microsoft Office and UTC Reading students are among the youngest in the country to become Autodesk Certified Users in AutoCAD.

Find out more about our professional qualifications on our website – www.utcreading.org.uk

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Jonathan Foot, Year 12

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 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 to put my skills to the test and prove my ability in PowerPoint to future employers.

“I am grateful to UTC Reading for providing this opportunity. They provide free MOS exams for all students, which is what enabled me to earn my MOS and MTA certifications that gave me my place in the competition.”

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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 INDUSTRY IN THE WORK PLACE.

THE COMPETITION THIS YEAR WAS OF A VERY HIGH STANDARD AND JONATHAN BEAT AN IMPRESSIVE FIELD OF 40,000 COMPETITORS FROM ACROSS THE UK & IRELAND!

Andrew Griggs, Country Manager for Prodigy Learning

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LEARN IN A STATE-OF-THE-ART ENVIRONMENT

UTC READING IS A STATE-OF-THE-ART LEARNING CENTRE FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. ALL THE EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES AT UTC READING ARE HIGH SPEC AND OF THE STANDARD SPECIFIED BY OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS.

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

THE UTC’S FACILITIES ARE TOP NOTCH, I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE STUDIED HERE. THE ABILITY FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE AN IDEA THEN DESIGN IT IN CAD/CAM, 3D PRINT IT AND THEN TEST IT OUT IN A WIND TUNNEL…IT’S AMAZING.

Kieran Saunders, Sales Engineering Manager at Filemaker

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Examples of how the Learning Philosophy (see page 6) is applied through activities in and out of the classroom

� Skills Training Week

� Work experience

� Project based learning

� Competitions

� Career talks

� Site visits

� Software Testing Week

� UTC Development Team

Employability skills

�� Presenting

�� Teamwork

�� Time management

�� Interview techniques

Character traits

� Grit

� Patience

� Determination

� Perseverance

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

Activate Learning is a global education group with a mission to transform lives through learning.

Microsoft is a worldwide leader in software services and solutions.

Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate.

The University of Reading is a global university ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

Network Rail is the authority responsible for the UK’s railway network.

Peter Brett Associates is a multi-disciplinary consultancy of independent thinkers: engineers, transport planners, scientists, technicians, environmentalists and project managers.

LEAD PARTNERS 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:

� Consultancy and advice on curriculum content

� Product and services donations

� Employer accreditations

� Employer-led projects and challenges

� Coaching and mentoring for staff and students

� Providing work experience opportunities

� Participation in the governance of the UTC

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AREA 1RG1, RG2, RG4, RG5, RG6 and RG30

AREA 2RG7, RG8, RG9, RG10, RG12, RG27, RG31, RG40, RG41, RG42, RG45, GU46 and GU47

AREA 3RG14, RG18, RG19, RG21, RG22, RG23, 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.

JOIN UTC READINGIf you are currently in Year 9 or Year 11 you are able to apply for a place. There are no tests to join the UTC at 14. In order to gain entry to Year 12, you must have passed GCSE English and mathematics at grade 4/5 or above. You will also need to achieve five GCSEs at A*-C.

UTCs are designed to be sub-regional provisions so we welcome students from a wide catchment area that includes Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Basingstoke and Deane, Bracknell Forest, Windsor, Maidenhead and Wycombe.

Grouped postcode areas have been defined as the method to ensure geographical spread. This means that applicants living close to UTC Reading do not have priority over other applicants within the other part of the catchment. A set percentage of places will be allocated for young people living in each of the grouped post code areas as shown on the map below.

HOW TO APPLYYou should apply via the application forms on the UTC Reading website: www.utcreading.org.uk

ARE YOU READY TO MOVE FROM SCHOOL TO UTC READING? We believe that there are many very good reasons to choose UTC Reading. However, we also understand that the decision to change school is a big one.

As you lead up to your transition to UTC Reading we will work with you, your family and your existing school to make sure that you are making the right decision. In making the move from school to UTC Reading it is important that you:

�� are not deciding on your own, but that you have the support of your existing school and your parents or carers

�� come to taster events that we put on to get a feel for the UTC and what it will be like studying here

�� come and talk to us

�� take advantage of the support, guidance and welfare on offer

What matters to us is that you have made the right decision.

UTC READING IS RESPONDING TO THE SKILL NEEDS OF LOCAL BUSINESSES, NAMELY THOSE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING. THIS IS ABOUT GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE OPPORTUNITY BUT ALSO GIVING THEM CHALLENGE, BECAUSE EDUCATION IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE CHALLENGING.

Duke of York – UTC Reading’s official opening

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FIND OUT MORETASTER EVENTSWe run a number of taster events and information sessions throughout the year. Please come along to find out more and ask any questions you have:

�� Thursday 28 September�� Wednesday 8 November�� Tuesday 6 February (for Post-16)

Visit our website to find out further information about our events: www.utcreading.org.uk

GET IN TOUCH There are a number of ways to contact us:

Phone: 0118 938 1020

Email: [email protected]

Visit: Book an appointment to speak with a member of the teaching team:

UTC Reading, Crescent Road, Reading, RG1 5RQ

KEEP UP TO DATEwww.utcreading.org.uk

@UTCReading /UTCReading

/UTCReading

/company/utc-reading

READINGSTATION

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YOUR NOTES

A 01000001B 01000010C 01000011D 01000100E 01000101F 01000110G 01000111H 01001000I 01001001J 01001010K 01001011L 01001100M 01001101N 01001110O 01001111P 01010000Q 01010001R 01010010S 01010011T 01010100U 01010101V 01010110W 01010111X 01011000Y 01011001Z 01011010

0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1

0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0

0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1

UTCDID YOU KNOW THAT OUR UTC READING LOGO IS BINARY CODE FOR THE CAPITAL LETTERS UTC?

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[email protected] www.utcreading.org.uk - 0118 938 1020

@UTCReading /UTCReading /UTCReading