A new University Technical College for 14-19 year olds in South Durham Driving forward engineering education in the North
3 Contents Welcome from the sponsors Welcome from the sponsors 3 1. Introduction 4 2. What is a University Technical College? 4 3. About UTC South Durham 5 3.1 Why a UTC in South Durham? 3.2 What benefits will it bring? 3.3 How will the UTC differ from other schools and colleges? 3.4 Who is involved? 3.5 Where will UTC South Durham be based? 4. Studying at UTC South Durham 8 4.1 The curriculum 4.2 Apprenticeships 4.3 A day in the life of a student at UTC South Durham 4.4 Behaviour and attendance policy 4.5 Progression routes 5. Admissions 10 6. Your feedback 12 6.1 We want your input 6.2 How to send us your comments 6.3 What will happen to your comments? Firstly, thank you for taking the time to read this document. We hope our ambitious proposal will interest you. As the sponsors of UTC South Durham, we are proposing to the Secretary of State for Education to set up a University Technical College in Newton Aycliffe. Before we do so, we want to put our proposals to a wide group of employers, parents and students, and the education and training community in the area that have an interest in the education of 14 19 year olds. This document sets out our reasons. We know that the economic growth sectors of advanced manufacturing and engineering are vital to the future of this region. The engineering industry in the region faces significant challenges in recruiting people with the right skills. Part of our response to this challenge is to propose setting up a new institution a University Technical College providing a broad education but focusing on advanced manufacturing and engineering. To get to this stage we have been in discussion with local employers, higher education institutions, schools and colleges. We have the support of local Members of Parliament, local councillors and many members of the local business community. We have made a bid to the Department for Education and this has been accepted, giving permission to proceed to the pre-opening phase. In progressing through this phase, we want to be confident that we have widespread support. This consultation document sets out our blueprint. How to feedback to us and timescales to do so are set out in section 6. Yours sincerely Peter Gallone Darren Cumner Gary Holmes Plant Director UTC South Durham Trustee UTC South Durham Trustee Gestamp Tallent Manufacturing Plant Manager Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor Hitachi Rail Europe University of Sunderland
4 5 1. Introduction Every parent wants their child to get the best education and a satisfying job that helps them reach their potential. That s why two of the area s leading employers and the University of Sunderland have come together to form an Academy Trust that will establish a University Technical College (UTC) for South Durham. The Trust has put forward a proposal to the Secretary of State for Education to create UTC South Durham and open it to students in the surrounding areas. The need for UTC South Durham is based on the accepted evidence that: u The local economy will grow in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, areas that need increasingly skilled people u Advanced manufacturing and engineering will continue to face recruitment issues u Given the chance to learn the right skills, young people in our area have the talent to fill jobs in these sectors This document gives you more information about the UTC South Durham proposal, invites you to help shape its development and, most of all, aims to get young people, parents, carers and employers excited about the project. 3. About UTC South Durham 3.1 Why a UTC in South Durham? Both advanced manufacturing and engineering are crucial to the future success of the North of England. In order to grow, companies in these sectors need many new entrants with higher skill levels, more than ever before. While existing schools and colleges already make a significant contribution to both sectors, local employers consistently report that they need more young people leaving full-time education with higher levels of achievement in core scientific and technical subjects. More companies could also be attracted into the area if we had a higher-skilled young workforce. Moreover, both these sectors are undergoing rapid development. That makes it difficult for young people and their parents or carers to keep up with the new career opportunities. So the UTC is a way of being directly involved as it prepares young people for the future jobs. UTC South Durham aims to address this range of issues through learning that provides outstanding preparation for entry into employment in these sectors, either directly or via higher education. The curriculum will integrate learning through employer-led project activities that foster team working, problem-solving and creative skills as part of developing technical knowledge and expertise. All students studying at UTC South Durham will follow a programme with a strong focus on subjects closely related to advanced manufacturing and engineering. 2. What is a University Technical College? Thirty UTCs are opening nationally with a further twenty due to open by 2016. They are state schools funded by the Department for Education. UTCs combine practical and academic studies for young people who are really interested in following particular career paths from the age of 14 or 16. For an organisation to be a UTC it must be: u A new educational institution taking students between the ages of 14 to 19 u Sponsored by a local university u Actively backed by leading local employers The UTC must also offer a new form of learning through: 3.2 What benefits will it bring? UTC South Durham will transform the job prospects of the young people it educates by providing: u Access to world-class facilities focusing on advanced manufacturing and engineering u A curriculum that reflects the latest technological advances u Students with employer-led work experiences u Skills in two areas of economic growth where they are most needed and where future local economic growth will take place u The impetus to encourage growth in sectors that are central to the regeneration of the local economy u Specialising in two employment-related subject areas, as well as providing a core of more general learning relevant to future jobs u Involving employers and the universities in the design and delivery of learning u Creating a business-like learning environment including having a longer working day and academic year
6 7 3.3 How will the UTC differ from other schools and colleges? For young people who are strongly interested in careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering, the UTC will provide a different experience from the schools they have attended before: u They will follow courses of learning that contain a large amount of specialist learning in the two sectors 40% of their time in Years 10 and 11, rising to 60% in Years 12 and 13 u They will engage in project-based learning, led by local employers and backed by the University of Sunderland, providing practical hands-on experience in the skills they will need for employment in the two sectors u They will learn in a setting that aims to follow business routines in dress standards and length of the working day, with a longer academic year and a greater sense of individual responsibility for learning and attainment u There will be many chances to meet and get to know local companies and the range of careers they can offer and for the companies to get to know individual students u At the same time they will be able to benefit from a programme of more general learning and enhancement activities that will help develop all-round employment and life skills u They will gain both general and specialist qualifications u There will be clear progression routes into employment or higher education, with excellent career prospects u Even students who decide on an alternative career path have benefitted from an educational experience that will open many doors for future jobs, education and training 3.4 Who is involved? UTC South Durham will be managed by a new company, an Academy Trust. The Trust has three members: u University of Sunderland u Hitachi Rail Europe u Gestamp Tallent Also on the Board of the UTC is the Executive Principal of Dyke House Sports and Technology College, a high performing secondary Academy judged as Outstanding by Ofsted in their last two inspections. A number of other organisations have backed the project, including: u 3M u A-Tech u Business Durham u Durham County Council u Ebac Group u Great Aycliffe Town Council u Modus u MP for Sedgefield u North East Chamber of Commerce u North East Local Enterprise Partnership u SEMTA u Shepherd Construction u Thorn Lighting The list of organisations that support the UTC South Durham proposal continues to grow. If your organisation wishes to join the list of supporters, please let us know by completing the questionnaire or contacting us at www.sunderland.ac.uk/utc 3.5 Where will UTC South Durham be based? UTC South Durham will be based in the Aycliffe Business Park, a business area where over 10,000 people travel to work every day. The location deliberately reflects the specialism of the UTC and places it next to some of the most advanced manufacturing and engineering facilities in the country, enabling real work experiences to be immediately available to students. The UTC will be based in a new building that is currently being designed to reflect the best practice and innovation in buildings for engineering education. The students are of school age, but the building and UTC ethos will reflect its intermediate position between school and work. UTC South Durham will open in September 2016.
8 9 4. Studying at UTC South Durham 4.1 The curriculum The curriculum 14 16 year old students Technical studies will account for 40% of the curriculum with the other 60% spent on core subjects. All students will study for national qualifications in the advanced engineering and manufacturing specialism. In addition, all students will study a range of GCSEs including Mathematics, English, Dual Science or three separate Sciences (Physics, Chemistry and Biology), and Physical Education. Students will also be able to choose from a range of options for other GCSEs, a range that currently includes a Modern Foreign Language, Geography, History, Electronics, Art and Design, Computer Science and Product Design. Students who wish to gain the English Baccalaureate (five good GCSE passes in core subjects) will thus be able to do so, although this will not be compulsory. Students will also have time dedicated to Citizenship, Careers Education and Guidance, Religious Education, and Personal, Health and Social Education. All students will be involved in the UTC Enrichment Programme offering experiences beyond the formal curriculum. The curriculum post-16 year old students For post-16 students studying at Level 3 (A level and BTEC National) technical studies will account for 60% of the curriculum and core studies 40%. There may also be some post-16 students who follow a Level 2 (GCSE and technician level) course of study. All Level 3 students will study for advanced qualifications in their specialist area and a Mathematics course at Level 3. They will also have the opportunity to take one or two A-level subjects or follow other options. All post-16 students will have time dedicated to Physical Education, Careers Education and Guidance, and Personal, Health and Social Education. All students will be involved in the UTC Enrichment Programme offering experiences beyond the formal curriculum. The curriculum all students Much of the learning will be developed through employer-led cross-curricular projects enhanced by a range of activities which will make every project relevant to every learner. These will include significant experience in the workplace and with the University of Sunderland. 4.2 Apprenticeships It is proposed that entry into apprenticeships be one of the progression routes for students moving on from the UTC either at 16 or 18. The one year Level 2 course at post-16 will be designed with employers as a bespoke pre-apprenticeship course. Delivery of apprenticeships will not be a focus of the UTC, as it aims to offer a different style of learning. However it will co-operate closely with apprenticeship providers and may engage in joint learning activities. Learning at the UTC will be an excellent preparation for taking up an apprenticeship in the specialist sectors if this is the student s preferred route into employment. 4.3 A day in the life of a student at UTC South Durham Students at UTC South Durham will have a working day of: 8.30am-4.30pm except for Tuesday when College will end at 3.30pm. The UTC will operate a 40-week teaching year divided into six terms of broadly equal length, accommodating major holidays and aligning closely with local school holidays. In some subjects, students will be streamed according to their ability. Students at different levels will typically be taught separately, although not always. Every student will be a member of a Young Engineer Company. These companies will provide the pastoral support for students and will act as a vehicle for enterprise, competition and performance management. Through these companies, students will learn the language of business and the relationship between learning and financial gain. 4.4 Behaviour and attendance policy The UTC s sponsors believe that the greatest tools in promoting positive behaviour and good attendance are inspirational teaching allied to an engaging curriculum. The ethos will be one of learning in a modern engineering workplace environment. The culture of UTC South Durham, where it will be common for students to receive employer sponsorship and to share projects with other students, will encourage an ethos of teamwork and interdependence. The emphasis will be on having a healthy competitive spirit, rewarding excellence and supporting improvement, just like in a real workplace. There will be a dress code and positive attitudes and high standards of behaviour will be expected from all students. UTC South Durham will operate the policies and procedures of the local authority and partner schools over exclusions and transfers. 4.5 Progression routes Careers Education and Guidance will have a high priority for the sponsors of the UTC, and we expect every student to progress to a positive destination on leaving the College at 16 or 18. These destinations are higher education, further education, apprenticeship programmes or employment. Given its curriculum focus, progression into engineering will be a specialism of the UTC, but not to the exclusion of the full range of progression alternatives. Every individual student will receive impartial and high quality advice to ensure their successful progression.
10 11 5. Admissions Overall approach UTC South Durham will follow the statutory school admissions and appeal codes. These proposals are based on the current code but will be reviewed in the light of any future changes in the law. The UTC will be non-selective but expects students will want to learn about and be interested in careers in engineering technologies, science and mathematics. Admission numbers The UTC will admit the following numbers of students for the years 2016/2017, 2017/18 and 2018/19: 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 Year 10 120 150 150 Year 11-120 150 Year 12 120 150 150 Year 13-120 150 TOTAL 240 540 600 There will be an automatic right of transfer to the post-16 section of the UTC from Year 11 for UTC students who meet the minimum entry requirements. The number of Year 12 places available for new entrants will reflect the number of available places up to the overall 150-place limit. Admissions above these numbers would only occur in exceptional cases and would require the agreement of the Secretary of State for Education. Year 10 (post-14) admissions If the number of applicants to the UTC for Year 10 entry is 120/150 or less then all applicants will be admitted. All pupils with Education, Health and Care plans or a Statement of Special Educational Needs naming UTC South Durham will be admitted. If the number of applicants for Year 10 entry exceeds the 120/150 places available then the following over-subscription criteria will apply: Criterion 1: Children in Public Care (Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children). Criterion 2: Siblings of students enrolled at UTC South Durham at the time of application. Criterion 3: Remaining places will be allocated by distance from the UTC, with those living closest being given priority admission. Distance will be measured using electronic measurement, by a straight line from the front door of the student s home address to the front door of UTC South Durham using computer software. All processes of random allocation under these arrangements will be supervised by someone independent of UTC South Durham. Year 12 (post-16) admissions Of the 120/150 places for Year 12, approximately 75% will be for students following Level 3 courses and 25% for students following a Level 2 programme, though these proportions will be flexibly applied in the interests of meeting student needs. For those students admitted to Year 12 at Level 2 we will where appropriate enable their subsequent progression to a Level 3 programme. Entry requirements Level 3 admissions All applicants for Level 3 admission, whether transferring internally and applying from outside, will normally need to meet a minimum entry requirement of five GCSE passes at A* - C, including English and Mathematics. There may be additional requirements to follow specific courses, details of which will be published in advance in the UTC prospectus. Entry requirements Level 2 admissions All applicants for Level 2 admission, whether transferring internally or applying from outside, will normally need to meet a minimum entry requirement of five GCSE passes at A* - E, or equivalent, including English and Mathematics. Admission process for Year 12 Level 2 and 3 Where the number of external applications for Year 12 which meet the entry requirements exceeds the number of available places, the same process described for Year 10 entry will be followed. The UTC may waive the Year 12 entry requirements, at either Level 2 or 3, for an individual where their failure to meet these requirements results from exceptional circumstances, such as a family bereavement, serious illness or similar adverse factor, or if the applicant provides further evidence of their suitability for the course. These instances will, however, be rare and will require the approval of the UTC Board. Appeals Unsuccessful applicants will have a right of appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel. The appeals panel will follow the arrangements generally adopted for Durham schools, with panel members independent of the UTC, and parents and young people being offered guidance and invited to attend the panel. Waiting lists Where in any year the UTC receives more eligible applications than there are places available, a waiting list will be maintained by the UTC until the end of the first UTC term after the start of the school year. It will be open to any parent to ask for their child s name to be placed on the waiting list. If and when places become available they will be allocated to those on the waiting list in line with the over-subscription criteria. Management of applications In the first year of operation application forms for both year groups should be returned to the UTC by Easter 2016. In subsequent years we expect the admissions process will fall in line with the Durham County Council timetable. Each year a prospectus will be published by September containing information for applicants wishing to join the UTC the following September, including admissions arrangements and details of open evenings and opportunities to visit the UTC (or alternative venue before the UTC building is completed in September 2016). These details will also be made available for inclusion in the combined information published by all the local authorities covered by UTC admissions. A final version of the admissions policy will be available on our website www.sunderland.ac.uk/utc in February 2015.
12 6. Your feedback 6.1 We want your input A seven-week consultation period to collect feedback and discuss the future of UTC South Durham begins on Monday 12 January and runs to Friday 27 February 2015. This is your opportunity to help us shape UTC South Durham and ensure that it serves the young people, parents and carers, educational community and employers in the South Durham area. 6.2 How to send us your comments There are two ways for you to give us your feedback. 1. Go to our website and complete the online survey: www.sunderland.ac.uk/utc/consultation 2. Complete the printed survey and return it to us in the enclosed Freepost envelope. Please respond by 27 February 2015. 6.3 What will happen to your comments? All feedback will be analysed and presented to the Department for Education. It will be used as part of the evidence on which it will consider whether to enter into a funding agreement with the Trust. It will influence further development of the UTC. A summary of the feedback will feature on www.sunderland.ac.uk/utc