UTC Oxfordshire students ‘mindstorm’ their way to international competition
Two teams of UTC Oxfordshire students have been entered into the regional finals of the FIRST® LEGO® League.
This international competition challenges students to create an autonomous robot that can perform a series of missions.
The students taking part will be going to the regional finals at Portsmouth University on 17 December. Three apprentices from UK Atomic Engineering Authority are mentoring the students as they go through the process.
Apprentice David Godden said: “At the start of the competition, most team members didn’t know each other at all. It’s really encouraging to see that their passion for engineering and robotics has overcome this and now they are working together really well. They are learning key skills which will help them throughout their working life.”
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UTC building fully open
We were very excited to be able to welcome students back to a fully open building after half term.
Phase two is now complete and our students have been able to experience our full range of state-of-the-art facilities.
The building was also open in time for our latest Open Evening, giving many prospective students the opportunity to come to the UTC for a second time to see all of our facilities and the equipment on offer.
The newly available facilities in phase two include our 3D printing room, engineering workshop, IT studio, CAD studio, industry standard science labs and more – all fitted with the latest teaching technology.
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Congratulations to Tiggy
UTC Oxfordshire is delighted to announce that sixth form student Antigone (Tiggy) Buck has secured an Advanced Science Apprenticeship with Alere Toxicology.
This is a fantastic achievement for 17-year-old Tiggy, as the scheme is typically only offered to students who have already completed sixth form.
Tiggy thoroughly enjoyed her time at UTC Oxfordshire, saying that the UTC has a “very welcoming vibe”. She originally transferred to the UTC from her previous school because of its science specialism.
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Exciting opportunities at the Science and Technology Facilities Council
Three members of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) recently visited a whole school meeting at the school.
STFC, one of the UTC’s partners, is a UK government body that carries out civil research in science and engineering. One of its sites is Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, local to UTC Oxfordshire.
Public Engagement Manager Sophy Palmer was one of three employees of STFC who came to speak to students about a work experience opportunity. The work experience scheme is offered to pupils in Year 10 or above for up to five weeks, so would be a fantastic opportunity for some of our students to experience science and engineering in the workplace.
Apprentice Manager Lisa Faircloth went on to give an overview of STFC’s apprenticeships. Last year, the company took on 10 engineering and three computer science apprentices, who were sifted from a pool of 120 applicants based on their employability skills. This reinforces the importance of the UTC’s focus on ensuring our young people are ready for the workplace.
The apprenticeship was highly recommended by final year apprentice Aaron Scott, who was very enthusiastic and encouraged UTC students to think about applying. We look forward to seeing how many UTC Oxfordshire students decide to take up this opportunity.
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UTC students have design on public artwork
Students at UTC Oxfordshire are to leave a lasting legacy at Didcot’s Great Western Park as they help to shape a new public artwork.
Artist Michael Condron has been commissioned to design and build a metalwork sculpture for a site close to the Northern Neighbourhood Community Centre at Dan Read Parade.
As part of his research and process of gathering ideas for the piece, he run workshops with UTC Oxfordshire students who had already been invited to draw up their own artwork ideas.
With a theme of “Projected light”, Michael worked with the students to create digital animations to be projected into theatrical mist. The mist highlighted the projected rays of light so animated lines and curves became 3D forms in space, creating some very effective results.
Our students have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in this project. Principal Owain Johns said: “We want the UTC to be a central part of the Great Western Park community. this is a fantastic opportunity for our students to get involved and make a valuable contribution. It’s exciting to think that the ideas which our students contribute will shape something that will become a local landmark for so many years to come.”
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Key dates and events
It’s not too late to sign up for our Sixth Form Taster Event. Visit the school, experience our state-of-the-art facilities, meet staff and students and try out a typical learning activity.
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Keep in touch
You can also keep up to date with the latest developments of UTC Oxfordshire through our website and social media channels:
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