Pioneering college to hold open evening for 2018 September intake

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted Monday, January 22, 2018 - 9:16am

South Devon University Technical College, Newton Abbot’s specialist secondary school for young people with an interest in science, engineering, technology and the environment, will host its next Open Evening on Wednesday 31st January, 5 - 7pm.

The Open Evening is a chance for interested young people and parents to find out what’s on offer at the state-of-the-art college, which offers a combination of technical, practical and academic courses alongside all year-round work experience opportunities and employability skills development. This creates a unique programme of learning that enables students from across the region to achieve their aspirations, thanks to the travel bursary available.

Launched in 2015, South Devon UTC has a mission: ‘to establish a world class centre of excellence in engineering, water and the environment’ for any young people who have an interest in these fields in order to ‘develop a new generation of engineers, scientists and environmentalists’. Since then, South Devon UTC has equipped many students from across the region aged 14-19 with the qualifications, skills and experience needed to progress successfully to university, higher level apprenticeship or employment.

The first ever set of GCSE and A Level results from South Devon UTC showed outstanding success from students. Over 50% of Year 11 students scored the higher grades of Distinctions or Merits in their Engineering Design or Systems and Control courses; and a staggering 90% of Year 13 students celebrated gaining distinctions in their diplomas.

The Open Evening on 31st January will showcase the college’s innovative approach to a skills-based education and attendees will hear from current students and partners of the college, including regional employers who will be on hand to offer careers advice. Visitors will be encouraged to get hands on in specialist engineering workshops and science labs by taking part in experiments and activities, including manipulating dancing robots and working on ‘build-your-own’ computers.

Tony Wiltshire, Governor at SDUTC and Director and General Manager of MB Aerospace, said: “Local industry is going to benefit from having a pool of well-educated and highly skilled young people available for work, and the students will benefit from being well prepared for future employment in the region.” 

South Devon UTC offers the high-quality education of a normal school curriculum, with subjects such as Maths, English Language, English Literature, Science and PE, in addition to specialist technical subjects aimed at engineering, technological or science-based careers. The aim is to help students who want to progress in these industries by developing the skills needed. The curriculum combines practical and academic learning, joining forces with partner companies for regular work placements and experiences, to fully prepare students for future employment.

Principal Ian Crews said: “We have seen great success here at South Devon UTC in the two years since we opened. We received very good GCSE and A Level results and outstanding performance in Engineering and Science Diplomas last summer and are very proud that all Y13 students left to go to university, into an apprenticeship or join the military. 

“I look forward to welcoming parents and prospective students at our next Open Evening. These are always popular events with a great atmosphere and offers a great insight into what we deliver. We still have a limited number of places for students looking to start Y10 or Y12 in September and I actively encourage those with an interest in science, technology and engineering to come along on 31st January to find out from other young people about the inspiring opportunities we offer.”

South Devon UTC is currently recruiting students for the 2018/19 academic year. Young people with a flair for science and engineering due to start Y10 or Y12 in September 2018 should contact the college as soon as possible for more information. The South Devon UTC Open Evening takes place on Wednesday 31st January, between 5-7pm; register your interest to attend the event by calling 01626 240201 or visiting http://southdevonutc.org/open-evenings/

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