WELCOME TO UTC
PLYMOUTH
Start Date: 5 September 2016 @ 8.45am Welcome from the Principal ‐ Polly Lovell On behalf of the staff and governors at UTC Plymouth, I would like to wish you a warm welcome to your new College. At UTC Plymouth we want to work with young people who have a genuine interest in the technical and practical aspects of the courses we run. Our college is the place to study if you are academically able in STEM subjects, have aptitude for the sciences, engineering or business and want a new experience in education. We have a very strong belief that an applied education can enhance learning and achievement, but we also expect commitment and hard work from our students. We will support students to achieve their full potential and will alert parents when any concerns or issues arise. We ask each family to sign a 'Home‐College agreement which emphasises the need for parents, students and staff to collaborate to achieve the best outcomes for our young people. If this can be achieved, we believe we can help our young people to successfully access employment or higher education. This booklet is designed to answer some of the basic questions about what we offer and what we expect. I hope you find it useful. Uniform From day one, we want all students to have a professional and work‐like appearance both inside and outside the college. We would therefore really appreciate parent support to ensure that your son or daughter comes to College in the correct uniform. If students do not wear the correct uniform they will be either sent or drive home to change. Students will be given the option to borrow UTC Uniform from our supplies. Key Stage 4 •
Charcoal grey business suit – trousers or skirt option for girls—please note legs must be covered in the workshop Skirt—to be no shorter than knee length and with no stretchy type fabrics. Trousers—suit trousers, not skinny, denim or casual styles White shirt only School tie Black V‐neck jumper with UTC logo Black business shoes (not fabric or canvas) and black socks/tights or natural skin coloured tights. UTC PE Kit Lab Coat and safety boots for workshops. •
•
•
•
•
•
Key Stage 5 As above or; •
UTC Navy polo shirt •
UTC Navy Cargo Trousers •
Black boots or shoes •
UTC Navy fleece •
No jewellery other than one pair small ear studs. All other piercings must use a plastic retainer. •
No extreme hairstyles, please consider your presentation with our employers and Royal Navy personnel •
Discrete make‐up ‐ no false eyelashes due to health and safety. Similar considerations for nail length, especially in the workshop If you are unsure please speak with your Mentor in the first instance Enrichments Drone Coding/Robotics/Computing Simon Pykett F1 in Schools Pete Bragg Combined Cadet Force Kerry Eldershaw RN Engineering Challenge Walter Zimmerman Greenpower/STEM Steve Pritchett and Ali Bridge Sports/Fitness club Nick Griffiths Drama/ Theatre Itasha Honeyghan Further Maths GCSE Helen Johnston All enrichment will run from 4.00pm until 5.00pm—days to be arranged at the start of term. Additional activities will be arranged based on student interest. Employers really value the additional skills and experiences that students have gained during extra‐curricular enrichment time. Homework Clubs are also available at lunchtime and from 4.00 pm — available days will be posted on college noticeboards Timetable for Monday—Friday College is open from 7.30 am and students may attend early to have breakfast or use time for private study Registration/Company Time 8:45am Period 1 8:55am Period 2 9:50am Break 10:45 – 11:05am Period 3 11:05am Period 4 12:00pm Mentoring 12:55pm Lunch 13:15pm – 13:55pm Period 5 13:55pm Period 6 14:50pm Lessons End 15:45pm Enrichment/Intervention End 15:45pm ‐ 17:00pm Attendance/ Punctuality There is a clear correlation between attendance and achievement and at UTC Plymouth, we are committed to ensuring our students achieve their potential. Therefore it is essential that attendance and punctuality are good. However, we do understand that occasions may arise where students may need time off. These absences must be requested through a ‘request for absence’ form which can be obtained from Reception. The Principal is happy to discuss requests with parents. Any unforeseen absence due to sickness etc, must be reported to Reception via email or phone before 9.30 am. Emails will be verified by a return call so please leave your contact details. Telephone Reception on 01752 284250—Please ask to speak to our Attendance Officer , Sarah Beveridge Emails to [email protected] All students need to swipe in using their ID Smart Cards when entering or leaving the college on the entry posts situated at the Student Entrance. If they do not have their ID Smart Cards they must sign in at Reception and report their card lost. There is a £1.00 charge for replacement cards. Sanctions for Persistent Lateness: The sanctions for lateness and poor attendance are as follows: Late 3 times in a week Lunchtime detention Late 4 times in a week Letter home Late 5 times in a week Detention on a nominated day from 16.00pm—17.00pm Mentors will be monitoring attendance on a daily basis. All students returning from absence will be expected to: •
Catch up on missing learning/homework Students who hit significant absence triggers will be required to: •
Catch up on missing learning/homework •
Complete a Return to Learning form with their Mentor. Students who fall below our target attendance of 95% will be monitored and may be asked to meet with our Educational Welfare Officer. Attendance Officer Sarah Beveridge [email protected] Transport In addition to both CityBus and First Group season tickets, we now understand that Western Greyhound also offer some good weekly, monthly and seasonal deals and maybe of assistance with your travel planning. Furthermore, those residing in Cornwall may wish to submit an application to Cornwall County Council for a travel subsidy (maximum £327) see http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2294 for details and entitlement. UTC Plymouth should now be recognised by their assessing officers as an official education establishment that attracts this subsidy. However, this subsidy only apparently applies to 16‐19 year olds and those under 16 years of age, may wish to consider applying and making an exceptional case for the subsidy .The result of these applications is unfortunately completely outside our control. Similarly Devon County Council offer assistance to 16‐19 year olds – details are at http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/learningschools/getting_to_school/school_transport/transport‐for‐students‐attending‐sixth‐
form‐or‐further‐education‐college.htm, but they do expect a contribution dependant on a means test. Deadlines also apply. Finally, limited assistance is available to those who reside in the Plymouth area at http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/homepage/education/schools/schooltransportfaq/post16transport.htm#assistance with a similar list of conditions to those of Cornwall and Devon. Car Sharing We are aware that some of our parents who travel into College from outside Plymouth have arranged Car Sharing. If this is something you are interested in offering, or would like to get in touch with other parents living in your area please speak to Reception. Parking Key Stage 5 Student Parking is on the exit route parallel with Devonport Park. Please note that students must register their vehicles with reception and provide a copy of their motor insurance. We will then issue a Student Car Pass which must then be displayed in/on the vehicle. Please also note that there is 5 mph speed limit on site and failure to adhere to this will result in the car pass being revoked. Cycling Students are encouraged to cycle to college and we offer a secure area to leave cycles. Please note we do not provide padlocks/chains. Term Dates: Autumn Term 1‐2 September 2016 Teacher Training Days 5 September 2016 Year 10 and 12 only start 6 September 2016 All Students return 19 October 2016 Last Day of Term—close at 3:45pm 20 October 2016 Non Pupil (Teacher Training) Day 21 October 2016 Non Pupil (Teacher Training) Day 31 October 2016 First Day of term—students return 16 December 2016 Last day of term—close at 1.15 pm Spring Term 3 January 2017 Non Pupil (Teacher Training) Day 4 January 2016 First Day of term—students return 10 February 2016 Last Day of Term—close at 3:45pm 20 February 2016 Non Pupil (Teacher Training) Day 21 February 2016 First Day of term—students return 31 March 2016 Last Day of Term—close at 1.15 pm Summer Term 18 April 2017 Non Pupil (Teacher Training) Day 19 April 2017 First Day of Term—students return 1 May 2017 May Bank Holiday– non student day 26 May 2017 Last Day of Term— close at 3:45pm 5 June 2017 First Day of term—students return 21 July 2017 Last Day of Term—close at 1.15pm Please regularly refer to the website for updates which can be found under key info Other useful dates: Parents Evenings: 15 September 5.00pm to 6.00pm KS5 UCAS Parents evening to support application for 2017 21 September 5.00pm to 7.00pm KS4 & KS5 Progression Support Program ‐ BY INVITATION ONLY 27 September 5.00pm to 6.00pm KS4 AND KS5 Fast Track evening ‐ BY INVITATION ONLY 18 October 2016 All day 11 January 2017 4.00pm to 6.00pm KS4 Parents Evening 11 January 2017 6.00pm to 7.00pm KS4 Progression Support Program ‐ BY INVITATION ONLY 17 January 2017 4.00pm to 6.00pm KS5 Parents Evening 17 January 2017 6.00pm to 7.00pm KS4 AND KS5 Progression Support Program ‐ BY INVITATION ONLY 17th July 2017 All day All Year’s Target setting day with Mentors ‐ Sign up via Parent Portal All Years Target Setting and Review Day ‐ Sign up via Parent Portal Events: 20 —24 March 2017 Work Experience 21—25 November 2016 Internal Assessment and mock week 6—10 March 2017 Internal Assessment and mock week 26—30 June 2017 Internal Assessment and mock week 19 July 2017 Sports Day 17 August 2017 A Level Exam Results 24 August 2017 GCSE Exam Results Team Leaders Each year group is sponsored by a Royal Navy Vessel. This allows students to engage in a positive relationship with one of our main employer partners. Head of Key Stage 4 is Nick Griffiths ‐ [email protected] Mentors are as follows: Year 10‐ Protector Itasha Hayley Harry Simon P Chelsea [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Year 11‐ Bulwark Sophie Walt Simon I Martin Liz Natalie [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Head of Key Stage 5 is Pete Bragg [email protected] Mentors are as follows: Year 12‐ Enterprise Kerry Steve Matt Helen Year 13‐ Vanguard Ali [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Please contact Mentors with any issues in the first instance. ID Smart Cards On the first day of College all students will be provided with a smart ID card with their photograph on. This card is used to monitor attendance, access the cashless catering system and access printing through the UTC Printing system. Cashless Catering The card is used to purchase all items from the Canteen and vending machines. Money can be put onto the card by two methods, bringing cash into college and using the cash loader, alternatively you can go online and make a payment via Parent Pay. There are fresh drinking water dispensers located throughout the College and students are requested to bring in a clear sports type drinking bottle to use during the day. Please note only water can be consumed in lessons or outside of the Canteen area. Please also note that all fizzy drinks are banned in college at all times. Secure Online Payment Access Information The online payment system allows you to make secure payments to the college using the Internet, which in turn adds ‘credit’ to your child’s smart ID card. This will enable your child to make use of the UTC’s cashless catering facility. The system allows you to monitor and allocate exactly how much is being spent each day and what it is being spent on. This system also allows for payment of College trips and replacement Student Cards for example and there is a facility in the UTC that allows credit to be added to your son or daughter’s card via a cash loader machine situated in the Learning Hub. Please note there is a minimum top‐up amount of £5.00 when processing online payments and the cash loader does not accept denominations below 10 pence. The College will provide a unique Online Link Code for each child and comprehensive instructions will be sent out shortly. Sixth Form We are pleased that you have chosen UTC Plymouth to continue your education. As young adults you are expected to set a model of good behaviour for students in younger years and make informed choices about your conduct. During the first term you will not be permitted to leave site during lunchtime and you will be expected to engage in learning in your Independent Study Time. Once you have successfully completed your first term, and at the discretion of the Head of KS5, lunch passes may be issued. You will be required to sign a contract on your first day which means that you agree to the following: •
Attend all lessons regularly including Academic Mentoring sessions •
Meet all homework and assignment deadlines •
Complete the required amount of independent study •
Attend morning registration on a daily basis •
Attend all sixth form briefings and assemblies •
Demonstrate respect for all staff, students and property, and be aware of how your actions may affect others •
Ensure Uniform Policy and PPE is adhered to at all times •
Limit paid work outside of College (a maximum of 10 hours is preferable including weekends) •
Maintain a professional attitude at all times Students who are unable to maintain these conditions will be placed on a learning and or behaviour contract which will be monitored Special Educational Needs and Disabilities—SEND At UTC Plymouth we aim to: •
Ensure that students with special educational needs are given every opportunity to experience success, achievement and fulfilment in their work. We will ensure that students with SEND join in the activities and enrichment at UTC together with students who do not have SEND so far as that is reasonably practical and compatible with the students receiving the necessary special educational provision. •
All students are initially screened for SEND through internal testing and through information from previous schools and colleges. If you have concerns that your child may need extra support or has received support and or Access Arrangements for examinations, please notify the college through the SENCo. The SENCo at UTC Plymouth is Nick Griffiths ‐ [email protected] Lockers Every student is provided with a locker. To enable us to process issuing lockers to new students, would you kindly complete and return the Locker Application Form included with this booklet along with a cheque made out to UTC Plymouth. The cost of the locker rental is £10.00 which is non‐refundable, per year. We ask that you provide a long‐necked padlock and suggest a combination lock to avoid any potential hassle of ‘lost or forgotten’ keys. Stationary/ICT Your son/daughter will be required to arrive prepared for work every day and have with them the following: Pens/pencils Ruler Rubber Scientific calculator—preferred model ‐ Casio FX 83 ES (the College can supply at cost if required) The UTC will provide students with access to electronic devices as required which are not to be taken off site. As such, every student will be expected to sign an ICT Acceptable Use Agreement which aims to ensure that devices are being used appropriately. To assist with the monitoring task, please remember that software has been embedded within the College’s network so that staff are alerted to any undesirable activities. Parent Portal Our Parent and Student portals will be going live by the end of September 2016. This will give you online access to your timetable, exams timetable, reports and any records entered by Teachers and Mentors regarding your behaviour and rewards in class. You will be able to login and see all this information via the school website. Login details to follow. Moodle Moodle has had a facelift over the summer holidays and has been upgraded to the most recent version. Several new features have been added that enable course teachers to set all the class resources, home learning and assignments via the easy to use interface that can be accessed with a browser using your normal UTC login. All the course work that is completed is submitted back onto Moodle for your teacher to view and mark online where you can also view your results. Simon Pykett (IT & Computer Science) will be running some sessions showing off the benefits for teachers, students and parents alike. Notification of these dates will be sent out in the new academic term. Welcome to planet Moodle! Mobile Phones/Music Devices Rationale The College recognizes that personal communication through mobile technologies is an accepted part of everyday life but that such technologies need to be used in line with college policy. Responsibility The College cannot accept responsibility for any loss, damage or costs incurred due to mobile phone use. Acceptable Uses Mobile phones should be switched off and kept out of sight during lessons including in classrooms and workshops, mentoring, briefings and assemblies. Students are permitted to use mobile phones before college starts at 8.45, during morning break and lunchtime only. Teachers may wish to utilise the use of Mobile Phones to aid teaching and learning and pupils may have the opportunity to use their mobile phones in the classroom. On these occasions, pupils may use their mobile phones in the classroom only when express permission has been given by the teacher. The use of personal mobile phones in one lesson for a specific purpose does not mean that blanket usage is then acceptable. Unacceptable Uses Unless express permission is granted, mobile phones should not be used to make calls, send SMS messages, surf the internet, take photos or use any other applications in lessons including classrooms and workshops, mentoring, briefings and assemblies. Using mobile phones to bully and threaten other students is unacceptable and will be dealt with according to college policy. Headphones and iPods are not permitted at any time during the college day. Students in sixth form are permitted to use headphones in the Sixth Form common room only. Sanctions Students who infringe the rules set out in this document will have their phones/iPod and headphones confiscated by all staff members. Phones will be signed into Reception and can be collected only at the end of the day. Refusal to follow a staff member’s request will lead to further sanctions in accordance with the college Behaviour code. FAQ What to do if you are late to college? Please contact Sarah Beveridge via Reception to report any late attendance as soon as possible. On arrival late students should report to Reception. What to do if you feel ill or have an accident? Please inform us as soon as possible on the main contact number (01752 284250) before 9.30. Should the absence continue for more than one day, you should contact the school for each day of illness related absence. We will never assume that a student is ill because they were on the previous day and will always phone home. What to do if you are on medication? Should you be prescribed medication that must be taken during the school day, please provide it in the container it was issued in and we will complete a Record of Student Medication Form. This is then a record of the type of medication, the frequency that it should be taken and that it has been taken as students will sign when they take it. What to do if you have to leave college early for some reason? This should only be for emergency medical appointments. All appointments should be made out of school hours as much as possible. We understand that this isn’t always possible therefore Reception should be informed. What to do if you forget your ID CARD? You will need to report to Reception to let us know that you are here in the first instance. If you normally use your student card to buy your lunch, the Canteen will still be able to look your name up on our system and debit the cost of lunch. What to do if you forget your PE or PPE kit? We do have a limited amount of spare PE and PPE kit which may be borrowed. What to do if you lose something? Either report loss to your Mentor or enquire at Reception as it may have been handed in. What to do if you are being bullied? Bullying is something that won’t be tolerated here at UTC Plymouth, should you experience it directly or know of any cases of bullying then please feel free to report it to any member of staff or specifically your Mentor. What to do if you need to speak with the school nurse about a health matter? We have a School Nurse who visits the school on a set day of the week, your Mentor will let you know when this is during your first week at UTC Plymouth. Should you feel unwell during lessons please inform your Teacher who, if required, will ask you to report to Reception for further action. What to do if you are feeling you can’t cope with an issue either in or outside of college? You will have the opportunity to speak with your Mentor on a daily basis and can speak about any issues that you need help with. What to do if you feel you are at risk? Approach a member of staff who will be able to provide help and guidance Please remember that if you are unsure about a college policy to ask your mentor in the first instance. Safeguarding All UTC Staff are committed to Safeguarding We will strive to: •
Provide a safe environment for our students •
Notice and take appropriate action to help any of our students who are at risk of or are suffering significant harm. Our Safeguarding Team consists of: Nick Griffiths ‐ [email protected] Julie Rae ‐ [email protected] Our Governor with responsibility for safeguarding is: John Bale – [email protected] If you have any concern about a student at UTC Plymouth please contact our Safeguarding Team