university technical college norfolk
SIXTH FORM For September 2016 Entry
part of the
Welcome from the Principal
@utcnorfolk
There is a world shortage of scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and computer specialists.
sound educational foundation to any young person who has an interest in engineering, science, maths or computing careers.
This shortage threatens the ability of many local and national employers to compete internationally. Not content with this situation, in 2012, a number of local employers came together to do something about this skills gap. Together with the TEN Group and the University of East Anglia, they set up University Technical College Norfolk. And, in September 2014, UTC Norfolk opened its doors for the first time. Just 12 months after opening, we have students with job offers from employers such as Lotus and applications in to attend some of Britain’s top universities. Job and salary prospects for students leaving us look excellent.
We have a fabulous £10m site which contains £1.3m of specialist engineering and scientific equipment to provide many unique learning experiences for students. More importantly, we have a talented team of teachers and other professionals working to ensure that our students fulfil their potential. We also have the support of a number of significant employers, the sponsorship of the University of East Anglia and the backing of the TEN Group.
Therefore, our goal is simple. We will provide our students with the skills and qualifications to go to university or to take up skilled employment. To achieve this, we offer a rigorous package of academic study, practical skill development and work experience. We have a particular focus on engineering, but we provide a
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a MESSAGE from the director of UTCN sixth form
You will find a wealth of information about us in this prospectus, however, that is no substitute for actually getting a flavour of what UTC Norfolk can offer. Therefore, I would encourage you to attend one of our future events, building tours or presentations and come and talk to the people involved. Please check our website www.utcn.org.uk for the latest information on future events or follow us on Twitter @UTCNorfolk
Joining UTC Norfolk means becoming part of a community that knows to succeed you must have vision, patience, resilience and be prepared to work hard to reach the top. We have high expectations of our students; a strong work ethic is essential, an attitude which is shared by our staff. We have a talented staff body which is excited by the power of education, and of being part of something special at UTC Norfolk.
UTC Norfolk has created a huge amount of interest from students, parents and employers and we have already had a substantial number of applications for September 2016 and beyond! If what you read and see excites you, then I would urge you to take action – and soon! A new and exciting future could be closer than you think.
Choosing the next step in your education is a vital decision; the choice consists of so much more than choosing a collection of courses. Between the ages of 16-19 you will find your ‘friends for life’ and take up the challenges which will shape your future. At UTC Norfolk your success is our priority; our goal is to prepare you for a highly competitive world, be that in Higher Education or in the workplace.
If you join us we will strive to put you in the best possible position to succeed once you have left UTC Norfolk. I look forward to working with you to achieve some outstanding grades and fulfil your dreams. I hope you would like to be part of our future success and look forward to meeting you.
Saul Rice Director of Sixth Form
Alex Hayes Principal of UTC Norfolk
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Working with employers Our curriculum and ethos are heavily influenced by local employers. These employers fit into one of the following two categories: Employer Governors The following comprise the UTC Norfolk Board: (see next page for more details) •F uture Marine Services/SafeSTS • Gardline •K LM UK Engineering • Lotus •S T Racing The TEN Group and UEA are also represented on the Governing Body. Employer Partners Employer partners support UTC Norfolk and: •a ssist in developing Core Projects •w ork collaboratively with staff and students
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•e ncourage wider community support •p rovide some non-financial support from their organisations
Together our vision is to: • deliver an engaging, relevant and challenging curriculum journey • develop highly skilled, reflective and creative learners • provide an authentic bridge between education and employment • support students to become highly competent and globally competitive future employees/entrepreneurs • help to deliver a curriculum model focused on Core Projects which provide students with the opportunities to develop their employability
The following employers have offered support to UTC Norfolk: • 3Sun • Adnams Brewery • Anglia Water • Aquaterra Energy • Caterham • Choicce • Create Consulting Engineers • East Anglian Offshore Wind • EEEGr • Glazing Vision • Haas Automation • Heatrae Sadia • Hethel Engineering Centre • L J Create • Kier Eastern • Norse Commercial Services • Norwich International Airport • Oilennium • Pinnacle Consultancy Engineering • RNAA • RWE nPower • Seajacks • Sembarine SLP • Schneider Electric • SCIRA Offshore Energy • SSE • UK Power Networks • Unilever • Warren Services The following organisations have offered educational support to UTC Norfolk: • Engineering Construction Training Board • Institution of Civil Engineers • Institution of Mechanical Engineers • Merchant Navy Training Board • New Engineering Foundation • OPITO • Royal Academy of Engineering • SEMTA
ST Racing Future Marine Services
FMS bring over 25 years of maritime, engineering and logistics knowledge to UTC Norfolk. Led by Yvonne Mason, FMS and their partner company, SafeSTS, are passionately committed to promoting the maritime industry and to providing skilled careers to the young people of Norfolk.
Gardline
Gardline Marine Sciences is an international and multi-disciplinary marine service company at the forefront of marine management. They combine high quality marine science, real world commercial acumen with the latest technology and software, research analysis and management tools, offering a full range of marine scientific services.
KLM Engineering
Based at Norwich Airport and employing 400 staff, KLM UK Engineering perform maintenance checks and repairs on a wide variety of aircraft including the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737.
Shawn Taylor – the founder of ST Racing – is a motor racing legend – whether it be on two wheels or four! Shawn is also passionate about ensuring that young people are prepared for their future – a goal we’re tirelessly pursuing.
The TEN Group
Transforming Education in Norfolk (TEN) Group, as lead sponsor, is at the forefront of educational thinking in a growing range of fields, including the highly innovative approach taken to entrepreneurship at City College Norwich. As a federation, the TEN Group stands for educational excellence, being future focused and recognising people at the core of their purpose and passion.
Lotus Cars
Colin Chapman created the Lotus legend in 1948, with his innovative ideas on building lightweight cars saying “Adding power makes you faster on the straights. Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere”. Since that day, Lotus have epitomised engineering excellence and their innovative engineering approach and problem-solving expertise have been used by clients from many industries.
UEA
The University of East Anglia is a highly respected and forward-thinking university with an international reputation for excellence. The support of the UEA is strong, providing UTC Norfolk students with enhanced experiences and opportunities that will benefit them when applying for engineering and energy related degree programmes.
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TRAVELLING to UTC NORFOLK The map below shows that there is a network of transport across the whole of the county to UTC Norfolk.
Travelling to UTCN on a First Bus If you are travelling on a First Bus route from within Norwich Zone 5 the most cost effective option is to buy a Norwich Young Person FirstYear pass. These can be paid for by monthly direct debit. You can see if you are within Norwich Zone 5 on the First Buses website. These tickets are valid 365 days a year on any First Bus within the five zones. Tickets can be purchased online via First Buses or through the First Customer Call Centre on 03456 020 121.
Sheringham
If you have any queries about travel to UTC Norfolk please contact us at office@utcn.org.uk using the subject header travel.
Cromer North Walsham
Fakenham Stalham
Kings Lynn
Wroxham
Swaffam
Dereham
Acle
Great Yarmouth
norwich
Gorleston Loddon
Thetford
If you are travelling on a First Bus route from outside of Norwich Zone 5 the most cost effective option is to buy a Network Young Person FirstYear pass. These can be paid for by monthly direct debit. These tickets are valid 365 days a year on any First Bus on the Norfolk/Suffolk network.
Travelling to UTCN using another bus service or a Abellio Greater Anglia train service If you are travelling to UTCN via a bus service other than First Buses or via an Abellio Greater Anglia Train service the most cost effective option is to purchase a ticket into Norwich with your chosen provider. You can then purchase a ticket for the UTCN bus service from UTCN. This service is available at a subsidised rate and can be paid per term or for the full academic year. If you wish to apply for a UTCN bus pass please email office@utcn.org.uk for an application form using the subject header ‘travel’. Travelling to UTCN by bicycle If you plan to travel to UTCN by bicycle there are covered cycle racks available at school. We recommend that you ensure your bicycle is in good working order and you wear a cycle helmet for your journey. Please provide your own bicycle lock.
Travelling to UTCN by moped or motorbike If you plan to travel to UTCN by moped or motorbike you will need to apply for a free parking permit. Email office@utcn.org.uk for an application form. Please ensure that your bike or moped is in good working order and you have the correct safety-wear for your journey. Please provide your own bike lock. Motorbikes and mopeds cannot be parked at UTCN without displaying the parking permit. Travelling to UTCN by car Please be aware that there is no student car parking available at UTCN. This is part of the building’s planning consent and not something that we have control over. Cars are not to be parked in our neighbour’s car parks or left on the road. Car parking facilities are available at the Harford Park and Ride. You can find out more information about this on the Norfolk County Council Park and Ride website.
Lowestoft Attleborough
Long Stratton
Wymondham
Beccles
Diss
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CUTTING EDGE FACILITIES UTC Norfolk is equipped to the highest standards and contains £1.3m of specialist equipment. This kit has been procured after careful liaison with local employers to ensure that UTC Norfolk students are ‘work-ready’ when they leave us.
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Workshop
• Black Chukka safety boots – with toe protection and midsole penetration protection (V&J or must be marked S1P or SBP compliant) • UTCN Dust Coat (V&J)
Year 12 and 13 dress code UTC Norfolk uniform promotes high standards of personal presentation and health and safety. Our dress code has been developed with our Governing Body of employers to prepare students for the world of work. All specialist items are available from V&J Knitwear a local work wear provider.
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Outside
Classroom
Sixth Form students have a dress code, rather than a uniform and are expected to wear smart business dress: • Plain, charcoal grey or navy trousers – may form part of a suit • Black shoes – plain leather without logo* • Shirt, or blouse for girls, of any colour or pattern suitable for a business environment • Blue/orange UTC tie for formal events (V&J)
• Dark coloured socks • Plain, charcoal grey or navy jacket suitable for a business environment – may form part of a suit • Boys only: Tie – suitable for a business environment • Girls only: Knee length, plain, charcoal grey or navy skirt with plain, navy or natural tights
• Plain black or navy coat without logo (generic) • Optional black UTCN coat (V&J) • Optional black UTCN shell jacket
PE
PE is optional for students in Year 12 and 13, and participants may choose their own sportswear, as long as it is appropriate, practical and does not cause offence. The following items are suggested: • Grey polo shirt with UTC logo (V&J) • Black shorts • Short white sports socks suitable to wear with trainers • Long black sports socks suitable to wear with football boots • Black track suit • Trainers
* For girls, the shoe style should be closed toe, with a flat or low solid heel.
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Level 3: A Level Plus: 5-day per week programme Most students will choose one subject from each Option column
YOUR OPTIONS We offer two different Pathways: A Level Plus and Technical Baccalaureate Both Pathways are two-year programmes commencing in September 2016 and finishing in June 2018 In addition to the core programmes, all students participate in: •C ore Project: projects working closely with local employers to solve real world problems • Private Study • Two weeks’ Work Experience in July 2017
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Option A
Option B
Option C
Option D
• BTEC Engineering (Subsidiary Diploma) • A Level Mathematics • A Level Computing • A Level Business
• BTEC Engineering (Subsidiary Diploma) • A Level Mathematics • A Level Biology • A Level Computing • A Level Physics
• BTEC Engineering (Subsidiary Diploma) • A Level Mathematics • A Level Chemistry • A Level English • A Level Physics
• BTEC Engineering (Subsidiary Diploma) • A Level Geography • A Level English • A Level Physics
Entry Criteria: Minimum of 6 GCSEs at A*-B grades with B grades in the subjects studied and minimum C grades in English and Mathematics A Level Plus students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
Level 3: Technical Baccalaureate 4-day per week programme Students will study all of the Core Subjects below as well as one of the two Options
Core subjects BTEC Engineering (Full Engineering)
Options AS Level Mathematics
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
• AS Level Business • BTEC Level 3 Science
Entry Criteria: Minimum of 5 GCSEs at A*-C with minimum C grades in English and Mathematics The Technical Baccalaureate will run over 4-days each week, allowing students to find paid or unpaid work on the remaining day
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Biology A level Examining Body: AQA Entry criteria: Standard Level 3 entry requirements with a minimum of grade B in GCSE Science (Core and Additional) or a minimum of Grade B in GCSE Biology and Chemistry.
Why study Biology?
Biology is the study of life and living organisms. It is relevant to us all and allows us to understand how organisms work and interact with each other. It is a very diverse subject and Biology is a great option to be taken with the other Science subjects, particularly Chemistry where there is an overlap. Some of the most popular degree courses taken by students with Biology A Level include Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine. There are a variety of careers to be accessed from taking A Level Biology, such as Dentistry or Marine Biology.
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Business A Level Course Structure
The topics are as follows: 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms exchange surfaces and their environment 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms 5. Energy transfers in and between organisms (A Level only) 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment (A Level only) 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A Level only) 8) The control of gene expression (A Level only) Questions follow a variety of styles. There are short answer questions, long answer questions, comprehension questions, extended response questions and one essay question (25 marks). Practical work is very important and you will be assessed on how you perform in practicals. Practicals to be carried out will include the dissection of animal systems, aseptic technique to study microbial growth and investigating distributions of species in the environment.
Private Study Expectations You will be expected to spend at least five hours a week on private study for this subject. You will have questions and assignment to work on but you will also be expected to read around the subject. There are many great publications for Biology, some of which are written especially for A Level. These will help you to extend your knowledge and inspire your interest.
Examining Body: AQA Entry criteria: Standard Level 3 entry requirements. You do not need to have taken GCSE Business to join this course.
Why study Business?
Do you strive to be a successful entrepreneur? Do you want to set up your own business? Do you want to be a leader within the engineering field? If so, then the business course is for you. You will have an opportunity to learn about becoming an entrepreneur and to understand how businesses and commercial institutions are organised. You will learn about the different organisational functions including marketing, finance, operational management and human resources. The course will allow you to delve deeper into the running of national and international businesses that you have an interest in. You will study through the use of real life case studies, ICT and current news topics.
Students can go onto further study at university to complete business and/or engineering related degrees. Some students are offered apprenticeships in areas such as engineering, accountancy and marketing. Often those apprenticeships provide opportunities for students to work their way up an organisation through internal education and training.
Course Structure
The A level course is split into three units over two academic years. All three units are examined. There is no coursework. Paper 1: Business 1: 33.3% This paper consists of multiple choice questions, short answer questions and two data response stimuli. Topics covered within the unit include: • what is business • managers and leadership; • decision making to improve operational, marketing, financial and human resource performance. Paper 2: Business 2: 33.3% This paper consists of one compulsory case study with approximately seven questions.
The topics covered here are the same as paper 1 above but with longer marked questions. Paper 3: Business 3: 33.3% This paper consists of one compulsory case study with approximately six questions. The unit allows students to: analyse strategic positions of a business; choose strategic directions for a business, learn how to pursue strategies, and how to manage strategic change in business.
Private Study Expectations Throughout the course, students will be required to complete private study to consolidate their learning. This will differ each week to include examination style questions, internet research and business financial analysis.
Support will be available throughout the academic year and students are advised to seek advice for any elements that they find challenging. Students will be required to spend at least an additional three hours a week in private study to meet the demand of the A Level course.
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Chemistry A Level Examining Body: OCR – Specification A Entry criteria: Standard Level 3 entry requirements with a minimum of grade B in GCSE Science (Core and Additional) or a minimum of Grade B in GCSE Chemistry.
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of how and why things happen, it can appear very complicated but a good understanding of the core concepts allows you to identify fundamental patterns. Once these are identified chemistry becomes a fun and rewarding subject to study. If you wanted to go into a career in any form of medicine including doctor or veterinarian then you will find A Level Chemistry compulsory, however there are many subjects and careers where this is the case, as well as there being many options where an A Level chemistry qualification is desirable. Having an A Level in chemistry is a very desirable trait and is a highly respected qualification to have in academic circles. Students who study chemistry at A Level have various career opportunities open to them.
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Computer Science A Level These may be within the field of chemistry e.g. research chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, material science and chemical engineering as well as careers in: • forensic science • medicine • dentistry • veterinary science • radiography • optometry • software engineering • pharmacy • nursing • archaeology • geology • engineering • paramedical science • food sciences • science teaching
Course Structure
The A Level in chemistry is an opportunity to study the three main aspects of chemistry. Physical chemistry This will help you understand why only certain reactions take place and why some reactions go to completion whereas others are dictated by environmental conditions.
You will also quantitatively study reaction rates and equilibria.
Examining Body: OCR – Specification A
heart of our Computer Science qualification.
Organic chemistry This will help you to identify and name organic compounds. You will also learn how to identify functional groups and predict which reactions will take place. You will explore how a polymer can be stretchy and flexible yet another polymer is capable of stopping a bullet.
Entry criteria: Standard Level 3 entry requirements with a minimum of grade C in Computer Science at GCSE. A Level Computer Science can be a challenging course for students who have not previously studied the subject, therefore, students who have not undertaken Computer Science GCSE are also welcome to apply but will need to sit a short aptitude test at interview.
The OCR A Level Computer Science qualification will, above all else, be relevant to the modern and changing world of Computer Science, and it will also be relevant to the higher education community.
Inorganic chemistry This will enable you to understand trends and patterns in the periodic table. You will focus on the reactions of group 2 and group 7 elements. For the first time in your study of chemistry you will begin to understand the secrets of the transition metals and explain why they are so useful.
Private Study Expectations Private study will involve consolidation of the topics taught in the lesson. Textbooks will be provided for private study alongside exam style questions.
Why study Computer Science?
Computer Science is a practical subject where students can apply the academic principles learned in the classroom to real-world systems. It’s an intensely creative subject that combines invention and excitement, that can look at the natural world through a digital prism. Our Computer Science qualification will value computational thinking, helping students to develop the skills to solve problems, design systems and understand the power and limits of human and machine intelligence. These are the concepts that lie at the
Course Structure
The course will include the following areas of study: Computer Systems 140 Marks Available (40% of A Level) 2hr 30min Exam • Structure and Function of the Processor • Input, Output and Storage Devices • Operating Systems • Introduction to Programming (VB.Net/Python) • Networking and Web Technologies • Boolean Algebra • Computing Related Legislation Algorithms and Programming 140 Marks Available (40% of A Level) 2hr 30min Exam • Understanding the Differences Between Abstraction and Reality
• Identifying the Components of a Problem • Programming Techniques • Software Development • Analysing and Designing Algorithms • Comparing the Suitability of Different Algorithms Programming Project 70 Marks Available (20% of A Level) Coursework Candidates select their own userdriven problem of an appropriate size and complexity to solve. This will enable them to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the Assessment Objectives. The project will include the following: • Analysis of the Problem • Design of the Solution • Implementation of the Solution • Evaluation
Private Study Expectations
You will be expected to spend at least 5 hours a week on private study for this subject. You will have questions and assignments to work on but you will also be expected to read around the subject.
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Engineering BTEC National Level 3
Entry criteria: Standard Level 3 entry requirements
The course gives students an excellent foundation to studying engineering at university or undertake an apprenticeship.
Why study Engineering?
Course structure
Examining Body: Edexcel
All students in Year 12 undertake the Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering This is a two year Level 3 course consisting of 11 units with a total value of 120 credits, equivalent in size to two A levels. The Royal Academy of Engineering suggests the UK will need more than a million new engineers and technicians by 2020. This will require a doubling of the current number of annual engineering graduates and apprentices. The average starting salaries for engineering and technology graduates for 2013/14 was £26,000 (Source: Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2013/14) This skills shortage means a huge range of career opportunities are available for students including research, design engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, project management, marketing and sales, materials development, construction and renewable energy.
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The course is a general introduction to engineering combining engineering theory and calculations along with hands on practical activities (approximately 30% of study time). Topics covered include: • Health and Safety • Maths for Engineering • Mechanical Principles • Electrical and Electronic • Principles • Engineering Design • Engineering Drawing and Computer Aided Design • Communications • Machining Techniques • Fabrication Processes • Computer Aided Manufacturing • Project Management In Year 1 students complete 6 units. Students failing to achieve pass criteria in all units may not proceed to the second year. In Year 2 students complete a further 5 units one of which is an Engineering Project double unit, where students have the opportunity to apply the
Geography A Level knowledge gained during their studies to an engineering project of their choice. The results from Year 2 are combined with the results from Year 1 and entered for the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering. The course is assessed via assignments, projects and observations of practical work, using Pass Merit and Distinction grades. Students must achieve at least a Pass in all units to receive the Diploma.
Examining Body: AQA Entry criteria: You do NOT need to have Geography GCSE to study the A Level course. However, you will find it beneficial if you do. It is advisable to have achieved a B grade at GCSE.
Why study Geography?
Private Study Expectations
Geography is an interesting, dynamic subject, relevant to the world around us. It is unique in that it provides a link between science and arts subjects, thereby complimenting many other subjects.
Course accreditation
Geography looks at both the physical structure of the planet, as well as the social structure, and how we affect our environment and how it affects us.
Students would be expected to complete coursework during private study.
This is a nationally recognised qualification approved by the Engineering Council, the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession. A number of universities also recognise this qualification as fulfilling entry requirements to their higher education courses, either by meeting entry requirements in their own right or being accepted alongside other qualifications at the same level.
Geography makes you highly employable – it shows you have an awareness of the world around you, providing you with many transferable skills of great value to employers. “Geography is the subject that holds the key to our future” (Michael Palin)
Course Structure
The course follows 4 units: • Unit 1 – Physical and Human Geography • Unit 2 – Geographical Skills • Unit 3 – Contemporary Geographical Issues • Unit 4 – Geographical Fieldwork Investigation/Issue Evaluation Within each unit you will study a selection of Physical and Human topics. These include topics such as: • Rivers, floods and management • Population change • Coastal environments • Energy issues • Plate tectonics • Weather and climate • Ecosystems • World cities • Development and globalisation • Contemporary conflicts and challenges. There are also plenty of fieldwork opportunities within this course.
Private Study Expectations In addition to your taught lessons you will be expected to keep up to date with private study tasks.
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Mathematics A Level Examining Body: OCR Entry criteria: Grade B or higher at GCSE (A* for Further Mathematics)
Why study Mathematics? Probably the main reason for studying A Level Mathematics is that you find the subject interesting and enjoyable. People like its challenge, its clarity and the fact that you know when you are right. Solving a problem is both exciting and satisfying. Maths is sometimes referred to as a ‘facilitating subject’. This means that it can help you to study lots of other subjects and pursue lots of different careers.
Maths directly supports the study of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Biology, Computer Science and Business Studies. It is of course, a more than worthwhile subject in its own right providing training in clear and logical thought, reasoning and the analysis of problems. “Mathematics rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty...” Bertrand Russell
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Course Structure
In Year 12 you will study three modules (Core 1, Core 2 and Mechanics 1) and a further three modules in Year 13 (Core 3, Core 4 and either Statistics 1 or Mechanics 2). Pupils who wish to study Further Mathematics will complete an additional six modules. The Core Mathematics modules cover many of the theoretical elements needed for problem solving. It acts as a ‘mathematical tool kit’ for all the areas of applied mathematics. Many students find this to ultimately be the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the course. The concepts involved in core mathematics take time and patience to understand, but once understood give an excellent foundation to all further study that involves any mathematical content. You will recognise many of the concepts here from GCSE such as algebra, trigonometry and graphs, but you will very quickly learn the foundations of calculus. This is an extremely powerful area of mathematics from which most practical mathematics can be derived.
Physics A Level Mechanics is the study of forces and the movement of objects and has many applications in the sciences, particularly physics and engineering. Typical kinds of problems that you will look at are: • What height will a ball reach if thrown upwards with a given speed? • What force is required to stop an object sliding down a slope? • When two objects collide, what speed do they travel after collision? Statistics is the mathematics of data or information processing and extends many ideas, including averages and probability, met at GCSE. This is a good module to choose if you are also studying Geography or any of the sciences.
Private Study Expectations You will be set weekly private study tasks but it is expected that you will supplement this with your own additional private study (a minimum of three hours per week). Your teacher will direct you towards useful books and websites.
Examining Body: OCR Advancing Physics (H557) Entry criteria: Standard Level 3 entry requirements with a minimum of grade B in GCSE Science (Core and Additional) and grade B GCSE Maths; or a minimum of grade B in GCSE Physics and grade B GCSE Maths.
Why study Physics?
Physics is a broad and creative subject involving experiments, observations, theory and mathematics, computing, technology, materials and information theory. Physics seeks to answer fundamental questions of what, how and why things are as they are. It is concerned with observing, understanding and making predictions about the world around us and man-made systems. Physics also drives development in other areas such as chemistry, computing, engineering, materials science, mathematics, medicine, the life sciences and meteorology.
The qualification is highly valued by both universities and employers. Students go on to study a wide range of subjects at university or enter training for a diverse range of careers.
Course Structure
• Module 1: Development of practical skills in physics • Module 2: Fundamental data analysis • Module 3: Physics in action – topics include imaging, signalling, sensing and materials • Module 4: Understanding processes – topics include wave behaviour, quantum behaviour, forces, motion and energy • Module 5: Rise and fall of the clockwork universe – topics include mathematical models, space and matter • Module 6: Field and particle physics – topics include electromagnetism, electric fields, fundamental particles of matter and ionising radiations.
Private Study Expectations Private study seeks to consolidate the ideas covered in lessons – each topic has an exam question booklet and some practical tests as well. It is expected that students will spend around 5 hours per week on private study and support is offered at lunchtime and during private study sessions.
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Is UTC Norfolk for me? If you:
• enjoy finding out how things work/making things/fixing things/solving problems • enjoy Maths and/or Science • are interested in a career in Engineering or Science • want to find out more about the opportunities available in these fields...
...and are prepared to:
• work hard • study for longer hours than most schools/colleges; and complete your ‘homework’ onsite • travel further than you would normally to attend your local school/college • dress in business appropriate attire • work with local employers • make new friends – students are coming to UTC Norfolk from more than 50 feeder schools...
Tatenda Moyo
...we can offer you: • a mix of academic and practical studies • unrivalled opportunities to access employment, apprenticeships and Further/Higher education • ‘live’ careers advice direct from employers, City College Norwich and UEA • fabulous learning spaces with £1.3 million of specialist equipment • a peer group of highly motivated students • the highest quality of teaching delivered by dedicated, specialist teachers
“I’ve always been interested in making stuff, finding out how things are made and the whole creative process, and I thought studying at UTC Norfolk would be a cool opportunity to learn about it.” “Studying here also gives me the opportunity to meet people who actually do it for a living and talk to them about it. I want to go into marketing for an engineering company or an energy company and those sectors are big in our area, so I’m hoping to learn about engineering here and then study marketing at university. I’m most looking forward to the work experience element because I want to see how it all works, how people actually work in those companies and what they do. When people say they want to do something, sometimes they never actually have the chance to see that thing for themselves – here I have that opportunity.”
Dan Crossley
“The reason why I wanted to attend UTC Norfolk is because it’s specifically engineering focused, which is what I want to do so it is a good opportunity, which is why I travel so far to get here.” “I’m studying Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Maths and my aim is to go to Loughborough University. Working hands on with employers will be useful because it means that you’ve got your foot in the door, so if you do a good enough job and they recognise you, they can offer you a job! My advice to anyone thinking about coming to UTC Norfolk, but scared about leaving their friends, would be not to worry. I’ve found making friends easy because it’s a nice environment. It’s not a big building so you’re not going to get lost and there’s always people to help you around. If you want to do Engineering as a career, this is the best place.”
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university technical college norfolk
OPEN event
THURSday 22nd
october 2015
4pm to 7pm
Visit www.utcn.org.uk or call 01603 580 280 to find out more Cover image by CHLOE BAKER-COOPER
part of the