UTC Central Bedfordshire Prospectus 2015-16

2015-2016 prospectus

teaching tomorrow’s engineers, games designers & product designers today

welcome

Open Days Come along to one of our Open Days to find out how we can help you achieve your career or university ambitions.

You will be able to look around our state-of-the-art campus, meet our Principal and speak to students and staff about what it’s like to learn with us.

Wednesday 15 October 2014 6.00pm-8.30pm Tuesday 25 November 2014 6.00pm-8.30pm Saturday 24 January 2015 10.00am-12.30pm Saturday 7 March 2015 10.00am-12.30pm Thursday 14 May 2015 6.00pm-8.30pm Beat the queues – pre-register your place online now at www.centralbedsutc.org/events Can’t make any of the dates listed? You can visit us Monday to Friday 4.00pm-5.00pm, just give us a call to arrange an appointment: 01582 867756.

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Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

Key fact

The UK needs 87,000 new engineers each year*

Term dates 2015/16 Autumn Term 2015 Monday 7 September 2015 – Friday 18 December 2015 Half-term: Monday 26 October 2015 – Friday 30 October 2015 Spring Term 2016 Tuesday 5 January 2016 – Thursday 24 March 2016 Half-term: Monday 15 February 2016 – Friday 19 February 2016 Summer Term 2016 Tuesday 12 April 2016 – Friday 22 July 2016 Half-term: Monday 30 May 2016 – Friday 3 June 2016 } I knew I wanted a career in engineering and after completing a year of sixth form, I realised that I needed access to more specialist teachers and facilities. I came to an open day at the UTC and it was clear that the facilities were far beyond what my previous school could offer. ~ Emma Marks, UTC Central Bedfordshire student

*According to a survey conducted by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

UTCs are government-funded colleges that provide 13–18 year olds with a specialist education. By 2016 there will be 45 UTCs around the country, teaching over 30,000 students, each one specialising in developing skills for a specific industry where there is a shortage of qualified professionals.

Contents Welcome from the Principal

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Vision

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Why UTC Central Beds?

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Travel & Transport

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welcome

What is a University Technical College (UTC)?

Our courses Year 9 courses

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Year 10 courses

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Post 16 courses

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How to apply

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Contact us

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UTCs provide you with unique opportunities to study traditional academic subjects such as A-Levels alongside specialist technical qualifications such as Extended Diplomas. They give you access to the latest industry equipment and specialist facilities, and enable you to work closely with employers on real projects in the workplace.

Graduating from a UTC will put you ahead of your peers in your specialist area and ensure you are prepared for whatever you choose to do next, whether this is studying a higher level Apprenticeship, going to university or getting a job.

Key fact

Disclaimer While every effort is made to ensure the information within this prospectus is correct at the time of printing, some details may be subject to change. UTC Central Bedfordshire reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if student numbers are insufficient.

UTCs open doors to universities, Apprenticeships and high income careers Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

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welcome from the principal

Welcome! Your successful career starts here…

We’re delighted that you’re considering studying at UTC Central Bedfordshire. You’re definitely in the right place if you want to develop specialist skills that will give you excellent job and university prospects, ensure you’ll be in demand and help you earn a high income.

Since we opened in 2012, we’ve attracted some outstanding students. They have chosen to study with us because of our ability to provide a high-quality, specialist education with inspirational teachers in state-of-the-art facilities. We have worked together to achieve some Key fact

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exceptional results, including 16 triple distinctions for our Engineering Extended Diploma students in 2014.

We are in the enviable position to be able to offer you far more individual support than any state school in the local area. We have small class sizes, excellent teacher/student ratios, plus you will have one-to-one appointments with your mentor twice a day. All of this enables you to continually reflect on your progress and reach your full potential.

We also have strong links with industry partners who advise us on what to teach, making sure it’s

relevant, up-to-date and provides you with a clear advantage when applying for jobs, university or Apprenticeships.

I look forward to meeting you at one of our open days this year, please see page 2 for the list of dates. Should you have any questions about UTC Central Bedfordshire, I’d be very happy to speak to you in person and discuss what we can offer you either at one of our open days or by appointment at a time that is convenient to you.

Lesley Glover Principal, UTC Central Bedfordshire

Our outstanding results in 2014: 16 triple distinctions for Engineering Extended Diploma

Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

Our vision is to provide you with an advanced, technical education that is driven by employers and universities and prepares you for employment and continuing education.

our vision

Our vision

We achieve this by providing you with: • highly-qualified, specialist teachers • small class groups and excellent teacher/student ratios • state-of-the-art facilities with the latest industry equipment • excellent links with employers who shape what we teach you.

Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

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why utc central beds?

Why UTC Central Beds?

Engineering your future success A career in engineering or games design will enable you to shape the world we live in from buildings, roads, cars and planes to computers, electronic devices and games.

You will also have a wide range of future career options including Apprenticeships and graduate jobs.

What’s more, engineers are in big demand across the UK - according to the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), the UK needs 87,000 new engineers each year.

A successful start UTC Central Bedfordshire was established in September 2012 and in less than two years our students have achieved outstanding results. In 2014, the whole cohort, (16 students), on our Engineering Extended Diploma achieved triple distinctions – the highest grades possible. Some have started university courses and others will start Apprenticeships with companies such as Network Rail and Lockheed Martin.

Our facilities

Student support

Our new, purpose-built centre provides you with the latest equipment and facilities so that you can get hands-on and learn for real, not just read about it in textbooks.

In addition to offering you small class sizes and excellent one-on-one support, when you join us you will be allocated a mentor group and a mentor who will meet you twice a day.

The first floor is an entirely open plan space that promotes group study and teamwork in addition to hosting company visits, demonstrations and exhibitions.

In our engineering wing you will find the very latest, industry-standard equipment such as a 3D printer, lathes and CNC machines. You will have full access to software such as SolidWorks CAD suite and AutoCAD. If you’re thinking of studying Games Design then you’ll have access to all the latest software. This may include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Premier, and Cinema 4D and Maya.

And, of course, we have a library, canteen and social spaces for you to use when you’re not in lessons.

You will also receive an in-depth Individual Learning Plan (ILP), specifically tailored to you. This means we can focus on your individual learning needs and provide the right level of support and resources.

Our induction week at the start of each academic year has been specifically designed to give you a taster of all the courses we offer, so you can decide exactly what subjects you’d like to take.

We also have Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and learning support assistants in the classroom. Should you have additional learning needs, please contact Katrina O’Brien for more information on 01234 291652.

} Throughout my time here, we've been given the opportunity to use industry standard facilities including electronics labs and the engineering workshops ~ Emma, UTC Central Bedfordshire student 06

Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

Enriching education

Graduating from UTC Central Bedfordshire will put you ahead of your peers in your specialist area and ensure you are prepared for whatever you choose to do next, whether this is studying a higher level Apprenticeship, going to university or getting a job. Some of our recent graduates are featured below:

You will have the opportunity to take part in enrichment activities each day Monday to Thursday. You may choose to take an additional qualification or participate in sports, creative arts, study support, or national awards. All the activities will promote your personal development in areas such as leadership, team work and self-challenge. The employers we work with are keen to see future employees demonstrate these transferable ‘soft’ skills.

Just a few of the extra-curricular options available to you are:

Tom Geary who completed work experience at two aerospace companies while at UTC Central Bedfordshire and is now starting an Apprenticeship at Lockheed Martin.

Morgan O’Connell who left Cedars Upper School to join us at UTC Central Bedfordshire and is now studying Engineering Design at Bristol University.

Will MacLeod who left Vandyke Upper School to join us at UTC Central Bedfordshire and is now studying Product Design at the University of Leeds.

why utc central beds?

Progression

• Duke of Edinburgh Award • A range of sports, including free running • Reptile care • Young Enterprise • Karate • Go-kart club • Spanish and French for beginners

Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

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travel & transport

Travel and transport UTC Central Bedfordshire is located near Dunstable in Houghton Regis and is easy to access by local bus services from Leighton Buzzard, Luton and Toddington: Route A Route A uses the busway from Luton and drops off in Parkside Drive at approximately 8.12am or 8.27am, collecting at approximately 5.05pm Route 38 Arriva No 38 bus serves Luton, Bury Park, Lewsey Farm and Dunstable and drops outside the UTC for 8.10am or 8.26am, collecting at 5.02pm or 5.17pm.

Route 74 Community Route No 74 bus serves Toddington, Chalton, Wingfield and Lower Sundon and drops outside the UTC for 8.22am, collecting at 5.17pm.

Route 169 “Buzzer Bus� No 169 operates on Mondays to Fridays only and serves Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable, dropping outside the UTC at 8.25am and collecting at 5.05pm.

We have disabled access. Car parking is limited on site but there may be spaces nearby in the grounds of the leisure centre.

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Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

Professional working day

Depending upon your circumstances, your bus travel could be subsidised You could be eligible for a travel bursary worth £450. This bursary is not dependent on household income and you could qualify if you live more than three miles away from UTC Central Bedfordshire and do not receive support from your local authority. Please call us on 01582 867756 to find out more.

Here at UTC Central Bedfordshire we have a professional working environment so our school day matches the traditional working day, starting at 8.30am and finishing at 5.00pm four days a week and 4.00pm on Fridays.

Just as in the workplace, we have high expectations for attendance, punctuality, appearance and behaviour at all times.

travel & transport

Travel bursary

We plan to organise a subsidised bus for our students from the MK45 postcode area. Although we cannot confirm details at this time, you can check our website for the most upto-date information.

Pictured right

} I can’t praise the UTC highly enough.

Kane has taken responsibility for himself and his studies in this environment and has responded to the really great teachers here. ~ Lara Unwin, parent Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

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our courses

Our courses Our small class sizes give you more individual attention than you would receive at school. We will ensure that you have an appropriately challenging educational target with a clear learning pathway, and our regular assessments mean we can give you tailored support if you need it.

Year 9 courses

Year 10 courses

In Year 9, students will concentrate on English (Language and Literature), Maths, Science and ICT. Students will start studying their core GCSE subjects alongside a programme which progresses into GCSE level work before the end of Year 9. Students will also undertake an innovation project that relates to one of the technical study pathways.

This project prepares students for vocational study and working in a more independent style.

We offer an employer led curriculum that provides the very best handson experience in engineering and design, alongside GCSEs. Teaching takes place in our state-of-the-art facilities, using industry standard machinery and technology, and learning involves teachers, visiting lecturers, employers and industry specialists.

Core subjects for Year 9 are: • English (Language and Literature) • Maths • Science • ICT • PE • Religious Studies • Product Design • Innovation project Students will also undertake a pathway preparation programme and have the choice of engineering or games design.

We offer the following GCSEs: • Chemistry • Engineering • English Language • English Literature • Mathematics • Physics • Product Design In addition, you will take lessons in physical education (PE) and religious education (RE). The following additional GCSE qualifications can be taken during enrichment: • Biology • Spanish To download a full course sheet for each of these GCSEs, please visit our website: www.centralbedsutc.org

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Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

Post-16 courses Our post-16 courses are based around a technical specialism (you will choose either engineering, product design or games design) which will account for approximately 60% of your lesson time. Our courses are designed to support progression to the workplace, apprenticeships or further/higher education and have been designed in conjunction with our employer and university partners.

If you don’t fit completely into one pathway, we will work with you to tailor a package that meets your needs. You will study traditional academic subjects such as English and Maths, alongside engineering or games design specialisms. The whole curriculum links seamlessly together, ensuring you develop advanced knowledge and are ahead of your peers when you leave us.

You can find our pathways on the next page.

our courses

• Level 2 Maths, English and Science (if not already completed to GCSE grade C or above) • This pathway is best for those coming with GCSEs below grade C.

• Level 3 engineering or product design • Level 2 Maths, English and Science (if not already completed to GCSE grade C or above) or 1 A-Level • This pathway is best for those who may have already studied Level 2 engineering or product design and have GCSEs grades C-D.

pathway 3

• Level 2 engineering or product design

pathway 2

pathway 1

Post-16 pathways

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in engineering, product design or games design (equivalent of 3 A-Levels) • Up to 2 A-Levels (optional) • This pathway is best for those who may have GCSEs grades A*-B in most subjects, including Mathematics and Science.

Engineering Level 1/2 Diploma This course will provide you with a good level of knowledge and understanding of the basic engineering techniques used within the sector. Areas you will study will include engineering materials, CAD, electronic circuit construction and more.

What will I study?

During the course you will cover a range of topics, including: • creating and reading engineering drawings to industry standard • planning and shaping various materials into components accurately • safely using the most up-to date machinery and equipment

• designing a product for a local engineering company • producing an electronic circuit • testing products to see if they work and how to modify it so they operate more efficiently.

During the course you will also develop your practical skills and complete an extended project.

How long will it take?

2 years in total (one year for Level 1 and one year for Level 2).

What qualifications will I gain?

• Engineering City & Guilds Level 1 or Level 2 Diploma • GCSE Maths and English, or Functional Skills What can I do next?

On successful completion of this course you can progress onto the Engineering BTEC Level 3 Diploma, dependent upon your GCSE results.

Alternatively, you can progress into employment in the engineering industry at apprentice level.

What do I need to start?

The level at which you start will depend upon your existing qualifications.

Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

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our courses

Engineering Level 3 Diploma If you’re looking for a hands-on course that will give you the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to pursue a career in engineering, then this course is for you.

You will also cover topics including: • Welding • Computer aided design (CAD) • Computer numerical control (CNC) • Maintenance.

What qualifications will I gain?

What will I study?

You will also complete an extended project. If you don’t have GCSE Maths you will be required to resit this as you study.

What can I do next?

During the course you will learn traditional trades including the use of: • Hand tools • Milling machines • Lathes • Drilling Machines • Grinders.

How long will it take?

2 years.

• Engineering BTEC Level 3 Diploma • A-Levels in Business or Maths (optional) • GCSE Maths (if required).

On successful completion of this course you can progress on to a Higher Apprenticeship, seek employment in a field related to your subject specialism or move into higher education.

What do I need to start?

• 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C including English AND • GCSE Maths at grade C or above.

Engineering (Extended Diploma) Level 3 If you want to become an engineering professional, then this is the course for you. You’ll be taught all about the engineering industry and be guided along the right path, depending on which engineering discipline you want to pursue.

What will I study?

During the course you cover a range of topics including: • Engineering mathematics • Electrical principles • Electronic principles • Mechanical principles • Computer aided design (CAD) • Materials • Company set project.

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Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

You will also have the option to study a choice of two A-Levels (see next page) and an extended project.

How long will it take?

2 years.

What can I do next?

On successful completion of this course you can progress on to university or seek employment in an engineering field related to your subject specialism.

What do I need to start?

• 5 GCSEs A*-C including English AND • GCSE Maths at grade C or above • GCSE Maths grade B for A-Level Maths option.

What qualifications will I gain?

• Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering • A-Levels in Business or Maths (optional) • GCSE Maths (if required).

Thinking of progressing on to a higher education course? Level 3 Extended Diplomas attract up to 420 UCAS points.

Love gaming and animation? Then you’ll love this course. You’ll develop skills in animation, media design, digital imaging and manipulation and take your first steps on the path to an exciting career in this dynamic, creative industry.

What will I study?

You will be able to study a range of design and computer gaming units including: • Communication through art and design • Ideas and concepts in art and design • Visual recording in art and design • Drawing concept art for computer games • Computer game engines • Computer game design • Computer game story development • 3D animation

You will also have the option to study a choice of two A-Levels (see entry below) and an extended project.

How long will it take?

2 years.

What can I do next?

On successful completion of this course you can progress on to university or seek employment in a field related to your subject specialism.

our courses

Games Design (Extended Diploma) Level 3

What do I need to start?

• 5 GCSEs A*-C, including English AND • GCSE Maths at grade D or above.

• GCSE Maths grade B for A-Level Maths option, Maths grade C for A-Level Business option

Thinking of progressing on to a higher education course? Level 3 Extended Diplomas attract up to 420 UCAS points.

What qualifications will I gain?

• Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design (Interactive Media / Games Design) • A-Levels in Business or Maths (optional) • GCSE Maths (if required)

A-Levels Alongside the qualifications listed in the previous pages, you can also study up to two of the following A-Levels:

• A-Level • A-Level • A-Level • A-Level • A-Level

Business Studies Chemistry Mathematics Media Physics

Thinking of progressing on to a higher education course? Each A-Level can attract up to 120 UCAS points.

Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

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how to apply

How to apply UTC Central Bedfordshire’s primary catchment area is a ten mile radius encompassing areas served by Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Borough Council. The major towns are Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Houghton Regis and their surrounding villages.

UTC Central Bedfordshire adopts practices and arrangements that are in accordance with the School Admissions Code, the School Admission Appeals Code and Admissions law as it applies to maintained schools.

We will consider all applications from young people wishing to start their career in engineering or games design.

Key fact

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30 UTCs have already launched in the UK and 20 more will open by 2016

Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

Applications for Year 10

Applications for Sixth Form

We are currently waiting to receive approval from the Department for Education to have an intake of Year 9 pupils in September 2015. So you will not be able to apply through your local authority until approval is received. If this is something you are interested in and would like to be kept up to date of, please complete the form found on the Apply Now section of our website and keep checking back for the latest updates.

You will need to apply via your local council’s admissions service. You can find the links on our website: www.centralbedsutc.org or apply directly via your local council’s website:

You will need to apply directly to UTC Central Bedfordshire using the application form available on our website: www.centralbedsutc.org

how to apply

Applications for Year 9

• Central Bedfordshire: www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk • Luton Borough Council: www.luton.gov.uk

Any questions? Call us on 01582 867756

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UTC Central Bedfordshire Parkside Drive Houghton Regis Bedfordshire LU5 5PY

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Contact us

There is on-site parking for visitors and disabled access.

H O U G H TO N REGIS

Telephone: 01582 867756

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Email: enquiries@centralbedsutc.org

Key fact

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• qualifications that lead to high income careers • specialist teachers with industry expertise • small classes sizes with lots of support • state-of-the-art facilities • excellent links with employers

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We offer you:

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LUTON

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D U N S TA B L E

At over £2 billion in global sales, the UK video games sector is bigger than it’s film or music industries.*

*A review by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts.

Sponsors & Partners Engaging with employers is a particular focus at UTC Central Bedfordshire. We are always looking to improve our links and any new sponsors will be listed on our website.