UNIVERSITY TECHNICAL COLLEGE NORFOLK PROSPECTUS
FOR ENTRY INTO YEAR 10 AND YEAR 12
IN SEPTEMBER 2015
WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL As the Principal of the University Technical College Norfolk, it is a pleasure to introduce you to our prospectus. The goal of UTC Norfolk is simple. We will provide students with the skills and qualifications to either, go on to university or to take up skilled employment at 18. To achieve this, we offer a rigorous package of academic study, practical skill development and work experience. We have a particular focus on the advanced engineering and energy sectors, but we will
provide a sound educational foundation for any student who has an interest in Engineering, Science, Maths or Computing careers. We opened in September 2014 with our first cohort of 225 students. We are now recruiting students currently in Year 9 and Year 11 to join our second cohort in September 2015. We have a fabulous ÂŁ10m site which contains ÂŁ1.3m of specialist engineering and scientific equipment to provide many unique learning experiences for students.
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Our school is, of course, much more than just a first rate learning environment. We have a talented team of teachers and other professionals working to ensure that our students fulfill their potential. We also have the support and sponsorship of a number of significant employers, the sponsorship of the University of East Anglia and the backing of the TEN Group. You will find a wealth of information about the UTC in this prospectus, however, that is no substitute for actually
Contents Welcome from the Principal – 2 What is UTC Norfolk? – 5 Working with employers – 6 Our employer sponsors – 7 Where is UTC Norfolk and how to get there – 9
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 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 2015 and
beyond! If what you read and see excites you, then I would urge you to take action – and soon!
Cutting edge facilities – 10 UTC Norfolk Uniform – 12
A new and exciting future could be closer than you think.
Application form – 13
Alex Hayes Principal of University Technical College Norfolk
16-19 Curriculum – 20
14-16 Curriculum – 18
Technical Challenges – 22 Is UTC Norfolk for me? – 24
@utcnorfolk
Frequently asked questions – 25 Case studies – 26
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Facts about UTCs
WHAT IS UNIVERSITY TECHNICAL COLLEGE NORFOLK?
1. UTC Norfolk is not alone! There are now over 30 UTCs across the country. By September 2016, there will be another 27, making a total of 57 UTCs across the country. 2. UTCs are being created to fill the UK skills gap – providing high quality training for technicians and engineers.
UTC Norfolk is a school for 14-19 year old students interested in pursuing engineering related careers. We provide students with an academic and technical education as well as providing many opportunities to work with local employers to gain real world experience.
3. UTCs are for students aged 14 to 19 and currently admit students into Year 10 and Year 12. 4. Local employers are actively involved in the design and delivery of the curriculum.
UTC Norfolk offers:
•R igorous academic curriculum •C omprehensive technical curriculum •O pportunities for practical skill development •R egular opportunities to work with local employers to solve real world problems •S pecialism in Advanced Engineering and Energy skills •A business working day – 9am to 5pm •S upervised private study •P rogression into employment, Further or Higher Education
5. UTCs have longer school days than most secondary schools – to allow for the delivery of an academic and a technical curriculum.
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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) • CLS Offshore •F uture Marine Services/ SafeSTS • Gardline •K LM UK Engineering • Lotus •S hawn Taylor Racing The TEN Group and UEA are also represented on the Governing Body. Employer Partners Employer partners support UTC Norfolk and: • assist in developing Technical Challenges • work collaboratively with staff and students • encourage wider community support • provide 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 Technical Challenges which provide students with the opportunities to develop their employability
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The following employers have offered support to UTC Norfolk: • 3Sun • 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 • Milltech Precision Engineering • Norse Commercial Services • Norwich International Airport • Oilennium • RNAA • RWE nPower • Seajacks • Schneider Electric • SCIRA Offshore Energy • SSE • UK Power Networks The following organisations have offered educational support to UTC Norfolk: • Institution of Civil Engineers • Institution of Mechanical Engineers • Merchant Navy Training Board • New Engineering Foundation • OPITO • Royal Academy of Engineering • SEMTA
OUR EMPLOYER PARTNERS
Gardline
CLS Offshore
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.
From their Great Yarmouth base, CLS Offshore provide a wide variety of services to the oil, gas, marine and renewable energy industries. Project management engineering solutions and fabrication are just a few of the technical services they offer.
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.
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.
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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 programs.
ST Racing
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.
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Where is UTC Norfolk and how to get there
Norwich
UTC Norfolk is based in Norwich – in the heart of Norfolk. It is a few minutes drive from the city centre and is easily accessible from the A47 and A140. Norwich is at the centre of a travel network which connects it to all of the towns and villages in the region. You should be able to get to UTC Norfolk in less than 90 minutes by public transport. A bus service links UTC Norfolk with Norwich Train Station and Norwich Bus Station. UTC Norfolk is also very close to the Harford Park & Ride scheme (near Tesco on the A140/A47 junction).
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CUTTING EDGE FACILITIES UTC Norfolk is equipped to the highest standards with £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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UTC NORFOLK UNIFORM UTC Norfolk uniform promotes high standards of personal presentation and health and safety. It is practical and smart and was developed with our Governing Body of employers to prepare students for the world of work. Full details of the uniform are given on our website (utcn.org.uk/our-uniform) and all specialist items are available from Stratfords a local work wear provider.
Year 10 uniform
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APPLICATION FORM
Please complete all sections of this form with BLOCK CAPITALS and black ink and return to: Sarah Hurley, Admissions Officer, University Technical College Norfolk, Hall Road, Norwich NR4 6FF e: Admissions@UTCN.org.uk
A – YOUR DETAILS TITLE
GENDER
FORENAME (IN FULL) SURNAME
DATE OF BIRTH
CURRENT ADDRESS (This is the address we will use for correspondence)
POSTCODE
TEL. NO.
MOBILE
EMAIL How would you like your application acknowledged? (please tick one) EMAIL POST Please tick if you are a Looked After Child Please tick if you have received additional support in secondary education
B – EMERGENCY CONTACT PARENT/CARER NAME/S DAYTIME TEL NO/S MOBILE NO/S Are you happy for UTC Norfolk to release information to and take updated information from your emergency contact/s? YES NO Please note that all correspondence will be sent to the applicant only. Parents and schools will not be copied in unless requested.
C - YOUR SCHOOL DETAILS Please give the name and county of your present or last School/College and what year group you are in. NAME COUNTY CURRENT YEAR
Applicants for Sept 2015 will usually be in Year 9 or Year 11.
D – YOUR GRADES urrent Year 11 students should enter their predicted (or actual) GCSE grades. C Current Year 9 students should enter their current National Curriculum Levels.
SUBJECT 1. English Language 2. Mathematics 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
GRADE/ PREDICTED GRADE/LEVEL
E - DECLARATION BY APPLICANT In signing this document you are authorising UTC Norfolk to pass the information you provide on this form to the Chief Executive of the relevant Funding Agency/organisation and, when needed, the Department for Education, including the Education Funding Agency, which are registered under the Data Protection Act 1998. You are also authorising UTC Norfolk to release information for statistical, research and other purposes as set out in UTC Norfolk’s data protection registration. We may also contact your parent/carer by post, email or telephone in connection with your application. We may also contact your school or sponsoring employer. A more detailed explanation and further information on data confidentiality is available on request from our Admissions Officer at UTC Norfolk or online at www.utcn.org.uk
Your personal information will not be passed to organisations for marketing or sales purposes. I confirm that the details on this form are accurate and complete. If offered a place I agree to comply with UTC Norfolk policies and procedures.
SIGNED
DATE
F - WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT US? (Please tick one.) Bus adverts
Radio
School
Help You Choose website
Newspaper
UTC Norfolk website
Norfolk County Council
UTC Norfolk Open Event
Prospectus
G. CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS Do you have any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, final warnings or charges pending? (You do not have to disclose those offences that are “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974). YES
NO
Thank you for your application We hope to see you in September 2015
Year 12 uniform
Work wear
(for Year 10 and 12)
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Level 1 Pathway
Suitable for students expecting to achieve Level 4 and Level 5 National Curriculum levels at the end of Year 9. Core Academic Curriculum • GCSE English Language • GCSE English Literature • GCSE Mathematics • GCSE Biology/Chemistry/Physics • PE • PSHE/RS/Citizenship • Study Plus (additional English and Maths Support)
14 -16 Curriculum Do you have a keen interest in engineering and science? If so, UTCN will offer you unrivalled opportunities to make the best start to your career.
Extended Academic Curriculum One option choice from: • Art, Business, Geography, History, PE Technical Curriculum • Level 2 BTEC Engineering • GCSE Computer Science
For 14 - 16 year olds this will be a combination of GCSEs and technical qualifications (e.g. BTECs). This mix of academic and practical skills will give you the best start for gaining a career in the Engineering and Energy sectors.
Enrichment Curriculum • Technical Challenges: working closely with local employers to solve real-world problems • Skill Development: eg. welding • Other activities: eg. 3D Design and Print, Animation, App Development, Coding, Model making, Sport and more • Supervised private study
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Level 2 Pathway
Level 2 + Pathway (Fast Track)
Suitable for students expecting to achieve Level 5 and Level 6 National Curriculum levels at the end of Year 9.
Suitable for students expecting to achieve Level 6 and Level 7 National Curriculum levels at the end of Year 9.
Core Academic Curriculum • GCSE English Language • GCSE English Literature • GCSE Mathematics • GCSE Biology/Chemistry/Physics • GCSE German/ Mandarin Chinese • PE • PSHE/RS/Citizenship
Core Academic Curriculum • GCSE English • GCSE English Literature • GCSE Mathematics and Further Maths • GCSE Biology/Chemistry/Physics • GCSE German or GCSE Mandarin Chinese • PE • PSHE/RS/Citizenship
Extended Academic Curriculum One option choice from: • Art, Business, Geography, History, PE
Extended Academic Curriculum One option choice from: • Art, Business, Geography, History, PE
Technical Curriculum • Level 2 BTEC Engineering • GCSE Computer Science
Technical Curriculum • Level 2 BTEC Engineering (incorporating various optional unit choices) • GCSE Computer Science
Enrichment Curriculum • Technical Challenges: working closely with local employers to solve realworld problems • Skill Development: eg. welding • Other activities: eg. 3D Design and Print, Animation, App Development, Coding, Model making, Sport and more • Supervised private study
Enrichment Curriculum • Technical Challenges: working closely with local employers to solve realworld problems • Skill Development: eg. welding • Other activities: eg. 3D Design and Print, Animation, App Development, Coding, Model making, Sport and more • Supervised private study
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Level 2 Pathway
Suitable for students expecting to achieve Cs and Ds at GCSE in August 2015 and without English and Mathematics at Grade C.
16 -19 Curriculum
Academic Curriculum • GCSE English Language • GCSE Mathematics • GCSE Science If a C grade has been achieved in English continued study is optional.
Mixing academic and technical qualifications, our curriculum will offer excellent progression routes for Higher Education or employment.
Technical Curriculum • Double Award Level 2 BTEC Engineering (incorporating various optional unit choices)
For 16 - 19 year olds this will be a combination of A Levels and Level 2/3 technical qualifications (e.g. BTECs).
Enrichment Curriculum • Technical Challenges: working closely with local employers to solve real-world problems • Skill Development: eg. welding • Other activities: eg. 3D Design and Print, Animation, App Development, Coding, Model making, Sport and more • Supervised private study
Our links with the University of East Anglia and City College Norwich provide excellent progression opportunities, including the UEA’s Engineering and Energy related degrees and City College Norwich’s HNDs. Our defining links with local and national employers offer real opportunities for those who wish to directly enter the world of work.
Progression • Advanced Apprenticeship • Level 3 courses at UTCN or City College Norwich
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Level 3 Pathway
Level 3 + Pathway (Fast Track)
Suitable for students expecting to achieve a minimum of 5 A*-C grades at GCSE including English and Maths in August 2015.
Suitable for students expecting to achieve a minimum of 8 A*-B grades at GCSE including English and Maths with at least B grades in Maths and Science in August 2015.
Academic Curriculum One or two option choices from: • A-Level Biology • A-Level Chemistry • A-Level Computing • A-Level Further Mathematics* • A-Level Geography • A-Level Mathematics • A-Level Physics
Academic Curriculum Two or three option choices from: • A-Level Biology • A-Level Chemistry • A-Level Computing • A-Level Further Mathematics* • A-Level Geography • A-Level Mathematics • A-Level Physics
Further A-Level choices may be available subject to demand.
Further A-Level choices may be available subject to demand.
Technical Curriculum • Double Award Level 3 BTEC Engineering (incorporating various optional unit choices)
Technical Curriculum • Double Award Level 3 BTEC Engineering (incorporating various optional unit choices)
Enrichment Curriculum • Technical Challenges: working closely with local employers to solve real-world problems • Skill Development: eg. welding • Other activities: eg. 3D Design and Print, Animation, App Development, Coding, Model making, Sport and more • Supervised private study Progression • Higher Apprenticeship • Employment • University
Enrichment Curriculum • Technical Challenges: working closely with local employers to solve real-world problems • Skill Development: eg. welding • Other activities: eg. 3D Design and Print, Animation, App Development, Coding, Model making, Sport and more • Supervised private study Progression • Higher Apprenticeship • Employment • Top-flight University
* Minimum of a grade B at GCSE required for these subjects
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Technical
Challenges A fundamental part of the UTC Norfolk curriculum includes Technical Challenges; a practical new way of learning. Each challenge will require students to use a variety of different skills to solve real problems identified by real employers.
These challenges will enable students to see how academic and technical study is applied in the workplace. They will also allow students to understand the careers available to them.
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Understanding Industry
An example Technical Challenge from Gardline
Every half-term, local employers will set a Technical Challenge for students.
Challenge:
To investigate and seek solutions to the challenges associated with recruitment for development, installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms.
This challenge will typically last 6-8 weeks and will be based on a real problem or challenge encountered by the employer.
This is an area of genuine concern for employers like Gardline, who are seeking to significantly increase the available labour market to carry out important tasks in what is for most, an unfamiliar and a potentially hostile environment.
Before the employer can set the challenge, they will explain the context of their business, the operating constraints and the prevailing economic climate. After setting the challenge, students will work collaboratively to solve the problem. They will then present their solution back to the employer.
Students will also need to consider developers, installation contractors and health and safety specialists who all have challenging installation targets and are required to deliver services on a 24/7 – 365 days basis.
At the same time, the employer will be able to explain the career opportunities that are available for young people including salary information and likely career progression opportunities.
Details:
This 6-8 week Technical Challenge will give students in-depth knowledge of aspects such as: • the cost of a non-operating turbine • the importance of employee safety • the cost of a delivery vessel colliding and damaging a turbine
Every half-term a different sector will be showcased. After two years, UTCN students will have a real understanding of local industry and the different opportunities available to them.
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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...
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...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
University Technical College Norfolk frequently asked questions Will I have to interview to get a place? We do not interview for entry into Year 10. However, you will be offered a pre-admission meeting so that we can learn a little more about your aspirations and experience. We may also ask you to take an aptitude test that will help us determine the level at which you work best.
Will my teachers be fully qualified teachers or industry specialists? The teaching staff are made up of school teachers, instructors and people who have worked in industry.
What will the hours of the UTC Norfolk be? UTC Norfolk operates for longer hours than most schools. This is because there is so much to fit into every day! Typically, students study from 9am to 5pm. The longer day incorporates opportunities for private study and this should mean that most of your work is done in school. Therefore, additional homework is unlikely.
I’ve heard that you’ve already had lots of applications. Will I get in? We have 150 places in Year 10 and 150 places in Year 12 for September 2015. We have already received a substantial number of applications, therefore, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible. What happens if you are oversubscribed? According to our Admissions Policy, we will randomly allocate places once we reach capacity and become oversubscribed.
How much will it cost to attend UTC Norfolk? Nothing. All students under the age of 19 are fully funded by the government. Will I have to buy a uniform? Pre-16 students wear a smart uniform. Post-16 wear smart business dress of their own choice – but within given parameters.
When and how do I apply? UTC Norfolk is accepting applications now for September 2015 entry. You can apply online or complete the application form in this prospectus. Please apply as soon as possible.
Are there any restrictions on appearance? UTC Norfolk has an Appearance Policy which reflects the dress and appearance code of local employers. Extreme hairstyles and visible piercings are not permitted.
What happens after I apply? We will: • Acknowledge your application • Invite you to an application meeting • Make you an offer in writing
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UTC NORFOLK CASE STUDIES Scott Gilbert Year 10
Jade Osborne Year 10
“I wanted to attend UTC Norfolk as I’m really interested in engineering and the UTC is the only specialist engineering school in Norfolk.”
“The main reason why I wanted to come here was because I couldn’t do Engineering at my old school because I was put on a higher pathway that didn’t allow me to choose Engineering as an option.”
“I left my old school at the end of year 9 to come here and everyone has been really nice and I’ve made friends easily. The thing I am most looking forward to about studying at UTC Norfolk is getting to use all of the equipment. I’m really into the mechanical side of engineering and I’ve always liked cars and finding how they work. My dream is to work as an engineer for Lotus and I think the school’s employer links with companies like Lotus will be useful because I’ll be able to learn what sort of activities the business does and what kind of jobs will be there once I finish my studies.”
“I’m looking forward to getting the experience of being in a place where it’s a bit less like a school and a bit more of like a working environment to help me get used to it for when I leave school and get a job. At the moment I quite like the idea of working on the wind farms or oil rigs when I leave school, but I’m still looking to get a feel for the different types of engineering there are before I decide, so working with employers will be good because it means I can get a first-hand idea. My advice to anyone thinking about studying at UTC Norfolk would be to just go for it! I was a bit apprehensive about leaving my friends, but it’s also a great opportunity to make more friends, and still get to do what you want to do!’”
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Tatenda Moyo Year 12
Dan Crossley Year 12
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Michaela Barnes – Year 10
“I was nervous about leaving my old school because it meant leaving my friends but when you get here, after about 10 minutes you’re fine! It helps because everyone is new so everybody wants to make friends.”
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For any further information about UTC Norfolk, please contact us: t: 01603 580 280 e: info@utcn.org.uk
part of the:
Visit our website www.utcn.org.uk @utcnorfolk