2014|2015

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE FOR 14–19 YEAR OLDS PROSPECTUS 2018–19 ENTER A BE INSPIRED 1

WORLD OF NEW As 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.

OPPORTUNITIES… 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 CONTENTS curriculum and work closely with our students.

BE INSPIRED 1 We believe that students who attend UTC Reading, rated Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in 2015, ACTIVATE LEARNING EDUCATION TRUST 2 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. OUR LEARNING PHILOSOPHY 3 FIND OUT ABOUT UTCs 4 UTC Reading will offer you something different. And we expect you to want something different:

WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY 6 „„to follow your interest in computer science or engineering while studying for your GCSEs or A-levels A WELCOME FROM OUR STUDENT PRESIDENTS 8 „„to embrace opportunities to work through challenges and projects set by our industry partners STUDENT DESTINATIONS 9 UTC READING GCSE AND A-LEVEL RESULTS 10 „„to want the best chance of moving into employment or further and higher education in your chosen field OUTSTANDING UTC 11 UTC READING – LEARN FOR THE REAL WORLD 12 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. PROJECT BASED LEARNING 14 SPECIALIST ENRICHMENT 15 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. THE KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM 16 POST-16 OPTIONS 18 Jonathan Nicholls, Principal 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 Joanne Harper, Executive Principal

INNOVATIVE, EDUCATING EMPLOYER- THE NEXT FOCUSSED GENERATION OF SCHOOL FOR 14 OUTSTANDING TO 19 YEAR OLDS ENGINEERS, TECHNICIANS AND INDUSTRIAL INNOVATORS UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

2 ACTIVATE LEARNING OUR LEARNING 3 EDUCATION TRUST PHILOSOPHY

UTC Reading is a member of Activate Learning Education Trust, a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) At UTC Reading, our approach to teaching and learning is driven by a distinctive Learning Philosophy. established by Activate Learning. This philosophy has been developed by members of the Activate Learning group and recognises Activate Learning Education Trust exists to deliver excellence in education and transform lives three essential elements for effective learning: through learning. Our schools to date are UTC Reading, UTC Swindon, UTC Oxfordshire, Bicester Technology Studio and The Bicester School. „„BRAIN – our brains are capable of incredible things. From the study of neuroscience we know how the As a member of Activate Learning Education Trust, UTC Reading benefits from the following: 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. „„Excellent leadership being spread across all partner schools

„„Leadership development that happens across all partner schools „„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 „„Sharing of resources without any barriers of new skills and knowledge so that students maintain motivation.

„„Shared contracts across the group, reducing costs „„EMOTIONS – the biggest barrier to „„Having a greater ‘clout’ across the whole group’s community 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: 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 Lee Nicholls throughout this prospectus. Executive Director, Activate Learning CEO, Activate Learning Education Trust UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

4 5 FIND OUT 1.64 MILLION THE DIGITAL TECH INDUSTRIES ARE CREATING EMPLOYMENT ABOUT UTCs OPPORTUNITIES 2X FASTER THAN THE NON-DIGITAL SECTOR, ACCOUNTING FOR 1.64M JOBS ACROSS THE UK IN 2016.

www.utcolleges.org

A UTC is different from the average school because it has support and backing 265,000 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 SKILLED ENTRANTS ARE REQUIRED ANNUALLY TO MEET THE that it really can offer students the best of both worlds. DEMAND FOR ENGINEERING ENTERPRISES THROUGH TO 2024.

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 taking the GCSEs and A-levels that you would at farms, rail links or high-tech hospitals, we need a school. workforce that can develop new products, stretch and reuse existing resources, and meet the challenges of UTCs are for students aged 14 to 18, 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 interested in and whether you would enjoy learning in to follow this new technical education pathway. high-tech surroundings. 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 STUDY CASE 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. CASE STUDY CASE “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.” UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

6 WE WANT TO SHOW EVERY GIRL 7 WOMEN IN IN THIS COUNTRY, AND HER FAMILY, THAT SHE COULD HAVE A TECHNOLOGY WONDERFUL FUTURE IN SCIENCE

UTC Reading is an inclusive learning environment. We are committed to AND ENGINEERING. 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 HRH The Princess Royal, Royal Patron of WISE (WISE annual report 2016) 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 Risha Divyesh, former UTC Reading student

ENGINEERING ARE NOT Former UTC Reading students, Risha Divyesh JUST FOR BOYS and Husna Mahmood, both secured a place ONE on the Cisco apprenticeship programme after completing their post-16 studies in 2016. Both Myth: Boys are better at mathematics and science Risha and Husna developed contacts with Cisco than girls. during an employer-led project in the first term of their studies. The project invited the students Reality: Boys and girls are both capable of excelling to design a classroom of the future, including the THIRD in mathematics and science. Research by WISE and latest technology and associated security. Risha the Royal Engineering Academy found that girls said: GIRLS MAKE UP LESS achieve better or equal grades than boys at GCSE in most STEM subjects, and those that choose STEM at “I was involved in setting up the servers and THAN ONE THIRD OF A-levels achieve higher A*-C grades. routers that would support our technology. It was myMarissa first introduction Ann Mayer, to President networking and made me A-LEVEL AND GCSE Myth: Girls don’t like technology. considerand CEO specialising of Yahoo! in this area the following year. It was the beginning of the domino effect PHYSICS STUDENTS BUT Reality: Girls are very interested in technology, but which got me where I am now.” cultural differences in the way boys and girls are STEM SECTORS NEED TO BE OUTPERFORM BOYS AT raised typically limit the experiences girls have with ABLE TO DRAW ON THE WHOLE different technologies. BOTH LEVELS. OF THE UK TALENT POOL.

Myth: Women can’t succeed professionally in ACCORDING TO THE ROYAL STUDY CASE engineering careers. SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH, Reality: Engineering is still a male-dominated INCREASING THE PARTICIPATION profession, but women can and do build successful careers in this field. WISE interviewed 300 female OF WOMEN IN THE STEM engineers and 98% said their job was rewarding. LABOUR MARKET COULD BE WORTH AT LEAST £2BN TO THE UK ECONOMY. UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

8 A WELCOME FROM STUDENT OUR STUDENT DESTINATIONS

PRESIDENTS HERE ARE SOME OF THE EXCITING DESTINATIONS OUR STUDENTS IN 2016: PROGRESSED TO IN 2017:

CAREERS If engineering or computing are the subjects that spark your interest, UTC Reading is the Cisco (three students) - Degree Apprenticeship place for you! Visa Europe - Software Development Degree 42% Apprenticeship UTC Reading is an environment that lets all Maersk - Computing Degree Apprenticeship students innovate and thrive. The mix of good OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED academics and a vast range of extra-curricular Thales - Embedded Systems Engineering Degree activities means that throughout your time TO UNIVERSITY Apprenticeship here you can kick-start your career as well as AWE (five students) - Engineering developing personally. Apprenticeship PBA (four students) - Level 4 Apprenticeship As President and Vice President we have acted as a voice for the student body to ensure that Huntswood - Cyber Security Apprenticeship their ideas get heard and that the UTC can keep 10% Ultima Business Solutions (two students) - IT growing to make it the best place for students. Sales Apprenticeship OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED We hope that you enjoy your time at UTC Reading and you make the best of all the INTO FULL TIME UNIVERSITIES amazing opportunities that are provided to you. EMPLOYMENT Bournemouth - Cyber Security Management Bath - Computer Science Samkeliso and Lotinha UCL - Information Management for Business UTC Reading President and Vice President Loughborough - Engineering 2016-17 Coventry - Motorsport Engineering 48% Coventry - Computer Science Coventry - Automotive Engineering OF STUDENTS PROGRESSED Belfast - Computer Science ONTO AN APPRENTICESHIP Brunel - Engineering OR DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP Reading - Computer Science Nottingham - Nutrition and Dietetics Staffordshire - Cyber Security Hull - Physics Birmingham - Computer Science Portsmouth - Computing UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

10 UTC READING THE UK’S FIRST 11 OUTSTANDING GCSE AND A-LEVEL OFFICIALLY RATED BY OFSTED 2015 RESULTS 2017 UTC 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: Lewis Poulter DISTINCTION*- Lewis achieved a Triple Distinction* in BTEC „„“The curriculum in the sixth form is exceptional. IT and a B in Product Design. He will now Students flourish in the specialist environment.” IN 2017, WE MAINTAINED move on from UTC Reading to do a degree apprenticeship with Visa Europe. „„“Teachers demonstrate impressive levels of subject OUR VERY HIGH AVERAGE knowledge, particularly in the college’s specialist Lewis said: “The links with industry we get subjects. This commands the respect of students GRADE OF DISTINCTION*- here are fantastic and it gives you more to and ensures high levels of engagement in their talk about in interviews. We get lots of unique learning.” THE BUSINESS-LIKE ETHOS IN OUR SPECIALISMS opportunities, for example professional qualifications, which is all great experience to „„“Students demonstrate exemplary behaviour OF THE COLLEGE PERMEATES OF ENGINEERING AND put on your CV and was definitely useful for in lessons. They are on time, well organised and COMPUTING FOR POST-16. me when securing my place on the degree keen to learn. Students respond enthusiastically ALL ASPECTS OF LEARNING. apprenticeship scheme.” to teachers’ questioning, and instinctively support each other in their learning. This positive approach STUDENTS ARE PREPARED contributes to students’ excellent learning.” EXCEPTIONALLY WELL FOR Simon Tilbury-Clarke „„“The inspiring leadership of the principal, Simon gained a Merit in BTEC Engineering, supported and challenged by knowledgeable, THEIR FUTURE LIVES IN B in Mathematics and C in Physics. highly effective governors and business partners, has resulted in outstanding achievement for MODERN BRITAIN. He will now be attending Plymouth 100% students.” University to do Mechanical Engineering IN 2017, 100% OF YEAR 11 STUDENTS and has been awarded a bursary from the OFSTED 2015 Royal Navy, who he will join after his degree ACHIEVED A LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATION to do weapons engineering. IN THEIR SPECIALIST SUBJECT OF Simon said: “Being at UTC Reading has really helped me mature as a student ENGINEERING OR COMPUTING - because of the independence they give us EQUIVALENT TO A C OR ABOVE AT – they treat us like adults. I always felt that they believed in me which has really helped GCSE LEVEL. TEACHERS’ HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF ALL me do well in my results.” STUDENTS ARE MATCHED BY STUDENTS’ KEENNESS TO LEARN AND SUCCEED. OF YEAR 11 STUDENTS ACHIEVED A GRADE 4 (C EQUIVALENT) OR ABOVE IN ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS, WITH 89% ACHIEVING OFSTED 2015 A GRADE 4 OR ABOVE IN MATHEMATICS AND 30% ACHIEVING A 76% GRADE 7-9 (A-A* EQUIVALENT). 2014|2015 UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

12 UTC READING – 13 LEARN FOR THE REAL WORLD

Our 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, week and will give you a refreshing break from your attitude, behaviours, knowledge and experience studies as you take on creative, sporting and social that the world’s leading employers are looking for. challenges of your choice. As well as being part of You will be well connected with our industry partners our broad curriculum, it will help you to enjoy life and including Microsoft, Cisco, Peter Brett Associates to build up strong practical and social skills. and Network Rail, which will give you access to great opportunities to learn from the best in the business.

NEARLY 3 IN 10 JOBS IN BERKSHIRE ARE THE LEARNING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST ROLES. EXPERIENCE THIS IS WELL OVER TWICE THE NATIONAL AVERAGE AND EQUATES TO 14,300 JOBS IN Your learning experience at UTC Reading will be 2017. practical and engaging; you will work on exciting THE NUMBER OF ANNUAL OPENINGS FOR and relevant projects that are similar to what goes on in the work place. During these projects you DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST JOBS IN will learn and work in a team in our purpose-built BERKSHIRE IS PROJECTED TO BE OVER 550 laboratories and project spaces. BETWEEN 2017 AND 2024.

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 £25,880 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

Because our day is longer, you will need to manage AND TECHNOLOGY, your time effectively. It also means that you have the opportunity to take part in clubs and activities within COMPARED TO £22,000 FOR the working day. Enrichment takes place twice a ALL GRADUATES UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

14 PROJECT BASED SPECIALIST 15 LEARNING ENRICHMENT

At UTC Reading, we focus on delivering a rich learning experience for our students. Your technical Outside the classroom you will have the choice of great enrichment activities, supported by industry. These qualifications will be supported by our industry partners who set real world projects for contextual learning. are all highly competitive, and rewarded in some way by each of the partners involved.

Computing partners Engineering partners Engineering:

IET Arduino Hack Off F1 in Schools Royal Navy Challenge Greenpower Cars

Computing:

Cyber Security Microsoft MTA Sage AI Salesforce Trailhead Challenge Challenge Challenge Innovation

Sports - Basketball - Football - Table tennis - Badminton - Chess Arts - Music, supported by Reading Rock Academy - Art - Drama UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

Creativity – art and music Sports and fitness 16 17 Group Mentoring Programme, THE KEY STAGE 4 talks and events BROADENING AND ENRICHMENT Geography, history or business studies

CURRICULUM EXAM SUBJECT OPTIONS L2 smart product design and

Life as a student at UTC Reading will Mathematics, English,

be unlike any school experience you’ve manufacture Core subjects GCSE English Language computer science GCSE English Literature ever had before. GCSE Mathematics Using the latest technology, you will learn through CORE EXAM GCSE Science projects and practical activities. Teaching staff SUBJECTS GCSE Computer Science run lessons and seminars to introduce new topics

Sport and are always on hand to offer support in our Engineering Science, additional independent learning spaces. You’ll also work science and further closely with our industry partners on projects and challenges they set. additional science a software or networking focus Alongside choosing your specialism, all students will Computer science (IT) – with either study the core curriculum subjects of mathematics, Specialist option You will choose Engineering or SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS Computing as a specialism and will English, sciences, computer scienceand sport. study a vocational course in this chosen subject area during year 10 Visit www.utcreading.org.uk for details on all at which point you will complete the EMBEDDED LEARNING qualification. In year 11, if you wish, courses studied at GCSE level. you will be able to change to the Personal, social and health education other specialism if you would like to broaden your experience. SPECIALIST OPTIONS Citizenship

At Key Stage 4, you will study one or both of our Religious education specialist areas. During the course of Key Stage 4 GCSE options: GCSE French you will complete the equivalent of two GCSEs in GCSE Geography either Computer Science (IT) or Engineering or one GCSE History in each specialist area. GCSE Business Studies L2 Smart Product Design and Find out more about our specialisms on our website: Sannah Ishteyaq, Year 10 Manufacture www.utcreading.org.uk

Sannah joined UTC Reading at the beginning of Year 10, drawn to the specialism in engineering. Professional Microsoft IT Academy Sannah already knew before joining the UTC that she was qualifications Cisco Academy interested in a career in engineering, so thought it would Autodesk 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.” UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

18 A-LEVEL SUBJECTS 19

Physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, further POST-16 mathematics, L3 core mathematics, computer science, business studies and art and design 3D architecture OPTIONS 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 In Year 12, you can tailor your engineering or computer science studies to fit your art and design 3D architecture, these are the A-Level individual interest, abilities and ambitions. You can also work towards A-levels that subjects we offer at the UTC. complement your specialist studies. Level 3 extended project qualification

This gives huge scope to work and study a topic of SPECIALIST OPTIONS your own choice. It is equivalent to an AS-Level and is valued by universities as it will demonstrate your Engineering Computer Science (IT) skills in project management, communication, time management, research and writing. 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 and electronic systems. There are various qualifications software development or networking and you can work towards: communications. There are various qualifications you can work towards: „„Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Engineering (Equivalent to one „„Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended A-level) Certificate in Computing (Equivalent to one A-level) „„Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Engineering (Equivalent to three „„Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended A-levels) Diploma in Computing (Equivalent to three A-levels)

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 STUDY CASE 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 33,000 leave, so it is helping to prepare me for that.” “The exposure to industry partners has really helped me to ENGINEERING COMPANIES NATIONALLY WILL HAVE NEARLY 33,000 develop my confidence and leadership skills. Through the core projects I have been able to learn skills I wouldn’t have been ANNUAL OPENINGS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIALIST ENGINEERING able to elsewhere, including project management. We get a lot of visitors from industry and other external places, so we SKILLS BETWEEN 2017 AND 2024 BUT THERE IS CURRENTLY A all naturally build confidence through speaking to a range of SHORTFALL OF 1.8 MILLION ENGINEERS ACROSS THE UK. different people.” UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

20 DIFFERENT ROUTES OF STUDY FOR POST-16 21

TECHNICAL BLENDING ACADEMIC ROUTE TECHNICAL ROUTE AND ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

„„BTEC Level 3 National „„One BTEC Level 3 National „„Three A-levels Extended Diploma in Extended Certificate in Engineering or Computing Engineering or Computing and two A-levels „„Level 3 Core Maths

„„Extended Project qualification

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. CASE STUDY CASE “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.” UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

22 PROFESSIONAL 23 QUALIFICATIONS

Alongside your GCSE and A-level Our students were the first in the UK to become studies, you will have the opportunity to Microsoft Office Specialists (MOS) in the 2013 version of Microsoft Office and UTC Reading work towards professional qualifications students are among the youngest in the country to that will set you apart from the crowd. become Autodesk Certified Users in AutoCAD.

The focus at UTC Reading is on independent Find out more about our professional qualifications learning, and you will work towards these on our website – www.utcreading.org.uk qualifications in your own time. You will have the opportunity to gain professional qualifications from:

„„Microsoft IT Academy

„„Cisco Academy

„„Autodesk

Jonathan Foot, Year 12 JONATHAN’S ACHIEVEMENT IN SECURING A PLACE AT THE WORLD MOS CHAMPIONSHIPS Jonathan was announced as the UK and Ireland champion for MOS PowerPoint in June 2017

CASE STUDY CASE IS EVIDENCE OF THE COMMITMENT THAT UTC READING PLACES ON THE SKILLS NEEDED BY 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. INDUSTRY IN THE WORK PLACE.

“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 all students, which is what enabled me to earn my MOS and MTA certifications that gave me my Andrew Griggs, Country Manager for Prodigy Learning place in the competition.” UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

24 LEARN IN A 25 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 AT UTC READING ARE HIGH FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE AN IDEA 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

26 EMPLOYABILITY LEAD PARTNERS 27

UTC Reading is very fortunate to be supported by sponsors and partners, who are working together to make sure SKILLS 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 6) 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 „„Teamwork connect, communicate and collaborate. „„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

28 JOIN UTC READING 29

If you are currently in Year 9 or Year UTCs are designed to be sub-regional provisions HOW TO APPLY 11 you are able to apply for a place. so we welcome students from a wide catchment area that includes Reading, Wokingham, West You should apply via the application forms on the There are no tests to join the UTC at 14. Berkshire, South Oxfordshire, Basingstoke and UTC Reading website: www.utcreading.org.uk In order to gain entry to Year 12, you Deane, Bracknell Forest, Windsor, Maidenhead and must have passed GCSE English and Wycombe. mathematics at grade 4/5 or above. You ARE YOU READY TO UTC READING IS RESPONDING Grouped postcode areas have been defined as the will also need to achieve five GCSEs at method to ensure geographical spread. This means MOVE FROM SCHOOL TO THE SKILL NEEDS OF A*-C. that applicants living close to UTC Reading do not TO UTC READING? have priority over other applicants within the other LOCAL BUSINESSES, NAMELY part of the catchment. A set percentage of places We believe that there are many very good will be allocated for young people living in each of reasons to choose UTC Reading. However, we THOSE IN COMPUTER the grouped post code areas as shown on the map also understand that the decision to change below. 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 the right decision. In making the move from AREA 1 school to UTC Reading it is important that you: BUT ALSO GIVING THEM RG1, RG2, RG4, RG5, „„are not deciding on your own, but that you CHALLENGE, BECAUSE RG6 and RG30 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. a feel for the UTC and what it will be like RG7, RG8, RG9, RG10, studying here RG12, RG27, RG31, RG40, RG41, RG42, „„come and talk to us Duke of York – UTC Reading’s RG45, GU46 and GU47 official opening „„take advantage of the support, guidance and welfare on offer AREA 3 What matters to us is that you have made the RG14, RG18, RG19, right decision. 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. UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk

30 FIND OUT MORE 31

TASTER EVENTS KEEP UP TO DATE We run a number of taster events and information sessions throughout the year. Please come along to www.utcreading.org.uk find out more and ask any questions you have:

„„Thursday 28 September @UTCReading /UTCReading „„Wednesday 8 November „„Tuesday 6 February (for Post-16) /UTCReading Visit our website to find out further information about our events: www.utcreading.org.uk /company/utc-reading 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,TO Crescent HENLEY Road, Reading, RG1 5RQ TO CAVERSHAM/ OXFORDSHIRE

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D O O W EY TL HI W UTC READING | GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS | www.utcreading.org.uk A 01000001 B 01000010 C 01000011 32 YOUR NOTES D 01000100 33 E 01000101 F 01000110 G 01000111 UTC H 01001000 DID YOU KNOW THAT OUR UTC READING LOGO I 01001001 IS BINARY CODE FOR THE J 01001010 CAPITAL LETTERS UTC? K 01001011 L 01001100 M 01001101 N 01001110 O 01001111 P 01010000 Q 01010001 01010101 R 01010010 S 01010011 T 01010100 01010100 U 01010101 V 01010110 01000011 W 01010111 X 01011000 Y 01011001 Z 01011010 @UTCReading /UTCReading /UTCReading [email protected] www.utcreading.org.uk - 0118 938 1020