Sixth form students at Ron Dearing UTC pushed themselves to the limit as part of two major trekking expeditions.

Eleven Year 12 and Year 13 Computing students took part in a five-day Outward Bound adventure course in Howtown in the Lake District to increase their confidence and improve employability skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience and communication.

The challenge, near Ullswater, saw them complete a jog and dip into the lake, orienteering, map skills, a gorge scramble and various team challenges.

They then travelled to Glenridding where they walked eight miles to Angle Tarn and camped overnight, cooking their own meal and setting up their tents, before returning to Howtown.

Their final challenge included mountain orienteering to collect stamps which could be exchanged for materials and equipment to build a raft for another challenge. The students built the rafts the following day before returning home.

Jason White, Head of Computing at Ron Dearing UTC, and Robbie Olsen, Teacher of Computing at the school, accompanied the students on the challenge.

Jason said: “All of our Computing students are offered the chance to join this challenge, which helps develop their personal and professional skills and their resilience.

“The 11 students did absolutely brilliantly. They persevered, helped and supported each other to the very end.

“They really came out of their shells and those who are often very quiet took the lead on some activities, encouraging the other students along the way.”

In a separate physical challenge, two Year 12 students and three Year 10s completed the main Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expedition which contributes towards their bronze DofE Award.

The programme aims to empower young people aged 14 to 24 while building confidence and resilience, and sees hundreds of thousands of young people take part every year.

The students walked nine miles from Millington in the Yorkshire Wolds to Fridaythorpe, which they have trained for throughout the year including a walk around Welton, East Yorkshire.

They camped overnight, cooking their own meals, before walking a further nine miles to Wharram   Percy the following day, accompanied by Jason and Kirsten Hopper – a Science Teacher at RDUTC — throughout the challenge.

All five students carried up to 14kg of kit in their rucksacks in difficult rainy weather. Impressively, two of the students completed both the Outward Bound and DofE challenges consecutively.

Jason added: “All the students did brilliantly and successfully completed the expedition, which means they will achieve the award by the end of the year.

“As well as the expedition, the DofE Award includes other elements like volunteering, developing a new skill and improving fitness levels.

“The skills the students gain from challenges like this are very highly regarded by employers. I’m  very proud of all our students for their achievements.

Year 12 student Hermione Cook, 17, who completed the Outward Bound and DofE challenges, said: “I’ve been able to refine a lot of my personal skills such as communication, teamwork and leadership while completing challenging but fun outdoor activities. I really stepped out of my comfort zone.”

Ron Dearing UTC students celebrated the end of the academic year with a fun-filled cultural festival.

RonFest returned for a second consecutive year, enabling students to experience a range of events which encouraged them to embrace new opportunities and soak up culture.

Six zones were set up to offer gaming, music, Formula 1 (F1), E-sports, crafts and survival activities, and students were encouraged to register for their preferred activities.

 

RonFest is part of the school’s Cultural Capital programme to promote culture and creativity, broaden students’ experiences and develop their ‘personal brand’ which will help them achieve success in the competitive university and apprenticeship markets.

The gaming zone included the history and evolution of gaming and various retro arcade games to play on, from vintage to modern day.

The music zone saw performances from a jazz funk band, guitar try-outs, attendance from the Beats Bus team, tips on how to structure songs, rap and DJ, and a vocal clinic.

Meanwhile, the survival zone included an escape room, workshops on how to build models to escape flooding, and survival-themed board games, run by the school’s Science department.

The F1 in Schools zone focused on reaction times, F1 races across the world and what it takes to be an F1 driver.

Students in the E-sports zone took part in two online tournaments.

Finally, the craft zone encouraged students to express themselves through a wide range of mediums including mural painting, weaving, photography, ceramics and jewellery-making.

Chris Berry, Assistant Principal at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “The overall aim was to encourage the students to try something new and give it a go.

“We want our students to be open to new experiences and discover new interests, and we’re already looking forward to next year.”

Students also enjoyed street food on offer throughout the day, adding to the RonFest experience.

Year 10 student Connor Paddison, who enjoyed working on Hull Maritime-inspired art in the craft zone at RonFest, said: “I don’t study art and I’ve never done anything like this before but I loved it.

“We mixed lots of different colours of acrylic paint, PVA glue and water before dropping it onto a canvas and moving it around.

“My piece is inspired by Hull Docks and the fishing industry. I never thought it would be so easy to make such a cool painting.”

Fellow Year 10 student Tilly Culkin said: “I really enjoyed the RonFest craft zone and made a ceramic plant pot to hang on a wall.

“I study GCSE Art and I love working with clay but I’ve never made anything as intricate as this.”

Year 10 student Cohen Burr, who enjoyed the music zone, said: “This is the first time I’ve done any mixing, which involves combining two different tracks together. It’s fun but complex and you have to concentrate hard to count the beats in each track to match them properly. I really enjoyed it.”

Leading businesses have offered Ron Dearing UTC students work experience placements this summer, boosting their confidence and enabling them to immerse themselves in the workplace.

A total of 21 businesses from across the region have offered 31 different “industry experiences” to 90 Year 12 students as they consider their options and plan for their exciting futures.

A range of additional businesses have already welcomed a further 14 Year 10, 12 and 13 students into medical, social care, veterinary, theatre, civil engineering, aerospace and electric motorsport placements this year.

This is the highest number of students and businesses involved in Ron Dearing UTC’s work experience programme since the school’s inception in 2017.

More than 20 students will also complete the three day First Aid at Work course during the summer holidays.

Most students applied for their work experience placements with CVs and covering letters before attending an interview, giving them vital job application and interview experience.  They also received important feedback from the employers to help them improve their applications and interview techniques.

Prior to applying for the work experience placements, students took part in mock interview sessions led by Yvonne Moir from one of Ron Dearing’s Founding Partners, Spencer Group, supported by representatives from the UTC’s Employer Partners.

Lisa Regan, Assistant Principal – Professionalism at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “We’re thrilled with the response from students and businesses for this year’s work experience programme.  This is the best it has ever been.

“The goal is to help our students discover their interests and ambitions while companies get to know them and hopefully build on those relationships for potential future employment or apprenticeship opportunities.

“We have excellent students and many of the employers have already met some of them at our recent Careers Expo, so they have them on their radar for next year’s recruitment drive.

“There are so many benefits to our students being in the workplace. It helps to inform their decisions moving forward and they grow in confidence.

“It’s a pleasure to support our students in finding the right work experience placement for them.  Some have even sourced their own, which is a very positive step.”

Year 12 student Daniel Bond, 17, who is studying Double Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, has been offered a five-day work experience placement at Porsche Centre Hull, a Ron Dearing UTC Major Partner and F1 in Schools challenge Sustainability Partner.

Daniel said: “I’ve always been a fan of Formula 1 and Porsche cars and I’m really excited about the opportunity.

“I’d like to work in the car or motorsport industry and hopefully secure an apprenticeship when I leave Ron Dearing UTC. The school has so many networks, connections and partnerships with great companies, which is a very good support for students.”

 

Fellow Year 12 student Emily Barton, 17, who is studying Photography, 3D Design and Graphic Design at Ron Dearing UTC, is looking forward to a five-day work experience placement at Hull’s Centre for Digital Innovation (C4DI), another of the school’s Major Partners.

Emily said: “I’m looking forward to being hands-on and learning more software skills during my work experience placement.

“I’d like a creative apprenticeship when I leave Ron Dearing UTC and the work experience application process has helped us to get ready for the workplace environment.”

 

The companies which have offered “industry experience” work placements to Ron Dearing UTC students this summer are:

Bluestorm, Bonus Electrical, C4DI, CATCH, Cranswick Country Foods, Ideal Heating, J&CR Wood, Jupiter IT Solutions, KCOM, Klaafe, Litmus Mockups, Pagabo, Porsche Centre Hull, Quickline Communications, Ridings Consulting Engineers, Sewell Group, Shared Agenda, Smailes Goldie, Smith+Nephew, Spencer Group and Wood.

Additional placements which have already been completed by students in Year 10, 12 and 13 this year include:

Aldgate Vets, BAE Systems, Bridlington Spa, City Health Care Partnerships (CHCP), East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Haven Vets, Holy Name Care Home and Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Ron Dearing UTC students have been recognised in a special awards ceremony to celebrate their outstanding achievements and qualities.

Year 10 and Year 12 students were invited to the employer-led school’s Celebration of Achievement evening to receive their awards in front of invited guests, including the UTC’s Founding Partners, Patron Alan Johnson and Chair of Governors Richard Martin.

Students in Year 10 were recognised with awards for achievement and productivity in their core subjects (English, Maths and Sciences) and options subjects (Digital, Creative and Engineering).

Awards were also presented for students demonstrating positive professional values and behaviours.

 

Student Kieron Staniforth was presented with the Employability Skills Awards for achieving the most credits for his positive work ethic and his high standards of professional behaviour.

 

Fellow students Oliver Maskell, Liam Ellis and Oliver Thompson won the Ron Dearing UTC Community Hero Award and a Chief Constable’s Coin for assisting a member of the public who was in extreme distress and danger.

The boys flagged down members of the public and contacted the police and ambulance service for assistance. Due to their intervention, the individual was helped to safety and has been signposted to the appropriate support.

The awards were presented to Oliver, Liam and Oliver by Assistant Chief Constable of Humberside Police Lisa Hogan and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Dawn Brown.

Year 12 awards were presented to students for their achievement and productivity in Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Creative, Digital and Engineering subjects.

Jay Andrews won Engineer of the Year, Hermione Cook and Kai Bulliment both won Digital Talent of the Year, and Beth Mason was presented with the Creative Talent of the Year award for the second time.

The UTC’s Founding Partners also chose winners for their own awards:

Will Pinder – The University of Hull Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement

The judges described Will as “a phenomenal student” who is excelling in his subjects and is the first Ron Dearing student to complete A-level Maths in one year.

Kai Bulliment  – The KCOM Award for Best Communicator

Among many positive attributes, Kai was praised for representing and promoting Ron Dearing UTC at the school’s open events, as well as speaking eloquently about the school with passion to governors, Employer Partners and the media.

Finlay Hopper – The Reckitt Award for Inspirational Leadership

The judges complimented Finlay on “actively supporting his peers with their independent study,” motivating them and offering advice and guidance which has resulted in both Fin and his peers excelling in their studies. They also said Finlay “leads by example” on the football pitch in his spare time, winning awards for his leadership.

Milena Trubilina, George Campbell-Hamilton and Ethan Bird – The Siemens Gamesa Award for Resilience

Milena wrote her own words, which were read out at the awards evening. She described her experience of fleeing her home country of Ukraine with her family as bombs fell. She has excelled in her studies at Ron Dearing UTC since arriving in Hull.

George impressed the judges by successfully completing his studies despite having major surgery earlier this year. He is part of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and is an Ambassador for the Children’s International Summer Village, which sees him travel abroad to educate children on diversity and conflict resolution.

Ethan was praised for refusing to allow his disability to stand in his way and immersing himself in all aspects of Ron Dearing UTC life. The judges loved his “positive attitude and steely determination.”

 

Charles Trice – The Smith+Nephew Award for Innovation

The judges said Charles is a “standout student” who “continually inspires his peers and teachers with his innovative ideas.” They noted his work on improving the capabilities a basic 3D printer and designing and building a motorbike using an old bike and lawnmower engine, using his 3D printer to produce parts.

Jasper Charlesworth – The Spencer Group Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Community

The judges were highly impressed with Jasper’s commitment to worthy causes and the community, including supporting the Freddie’s Friends charity in Hull, volunteering as a National Trail Ranger, mentoring fellow UTC students and supporting a young girl with a rare genetic condition.

The Alan Johnson Award for Young Advocate of the Year was presented to Matthew Bestley. Matthew was described as “a whirlwind of enthusiasm and energy” and an expert in pottery within the UTC’s STEAM Studios creative hub.

He was praised for being a superb role model who is an enthusiastic champion of the UTC’s Creative pathway and STEAM Studios.

The transformation of Hull’s former central fire station into a new creative studio for Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony.

The project by Sewell Construction to refurbish the disused fire station into a state-of-the-art sustainable learning space was the winner of the Regeneration and Retrofit category at the Constructing Excellence Yorkshire and Humber Awards.

The project then went on to take home the overall ‘Best of the Best’ prize as the top winner out of all projects showcased on the night, being commended for its sympathetic yet sustainable conversion of the building into a modern education facility.

The STEAM Studios are a dedicated centre for creativity, opened by Ron Dearing UTC in September 2023. The facility contains a gallery and exhibition space, 2D and 3D art studios, a photography studio and a sixth form independent study centre, as well as being used to educate engineering students about opportunities in green skills.

The judges were impressed by the long-term view the refurbishment took towards the carbon footprint of the studio, ensuring the fabric of the building was upgraded so the site will use less energy to heat in future, helping the UTC on its journey to net zero.

The STEAM Studios are also futureproofed for new innovations in green technology, with the building made connection-ready for the new Hull District Heating Network.

The project is also being used to help the UTC’s students learn new skills, with Sewell Construction and Ron Dearing UTC now working in partnership to embed the STEAM Studios refurbishment into the curriculum so students can learn about how decarbonisation and the environment are integral to good construction practices.

Chris Soper, Managing Director of Sewell Construction said:

“The STEAM Studios project was fantastic to work on, as the team at the UTC were really receptive to our ideas about how to make the building as sustainable as possible. Instead of trying to chase quick wins, they were happy to work with us to look a bit differently at the refurbishment, enabling us to support their long term journey to net zero. It’s vital for the sustainability of our cities that we learn to work with existing buildings to breathe new life into them and make them more efficient, instead of simply knocking them down and building anew.

“The STEAM Studios are now a fantastic new facility for the UTC, not only giving students a space to express their creativity, but also enabling students to learn from a real life case study about how careers in green skills can combine design, creativity and technical knowledge.”

Sarah Pashley, Principal at Ron Dearing UTC said:

“The STEAM Studios project has enabled Ron Dearing UTC to offer an additional 200 student places, which is fantastic. STEAM Studios provides a beautiful, purpose-designed facility for students studying our creative subjects and those studying Renewables modules on our Engineering qualifications. The design and build process was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about sustainable construction practices and we are very grateful to Sewell Construction for involving them in this process. We are also extremely grateful to Orsted for their sponsorship which provided the additional funding we needed to upgrade the fabric of the building to ensure its energy efficiency.“

The Sewell Construction team will now go on to the UK finals of the awards in November, where they’ll be hoping to repeat their success at a national level.

Sewell Construction, who have their headquarters in Hull, deliver a range of construction projects across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Part of the larger Sewell Group, the company works on design, build, refurbishment and retrofit schemes, and recent projects have included the refurbishment of the Endeavour building for Hull Trinity House Academy, the creation of new T-Level facilities at Bradford College, the construction of West Hull health Hub and the refurbishment of The Edge fitness centre at the University of Leeds.

Last year, the company became part employee-owned, with all staff becoming co-owners in the business, which gives them a greater say in how the business is run.

A student at Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has been recognised for her outstanding creativity in a high-profile competition run by the Royal Opera House.

Sixth form student Beth Mason’s creative flair was showcased in the Royal Opera House’s annual Design Challenge, a national skills-based competition which gave students chance to work to a live brief inspired by The Barber of Seville opera by Gioachino Rossini.

Beth, 17, was Highly Commended in the wig category of the competition, which saw almost 730 entries across all sections of the challenge.

The Year 12 student was presented with her award by Royal Opera House Chief Executive Alex Beard CBE in a special ceremony at the famous Covent Garden venue in London’s West End.

Beth’s work was also displayed as part of an exhibition at the Royal Opera House, alongside 19 other winners. In addition, she was given a backstage tour of the venue and auditorium, as well as chance to meet a senior member of the wigs team to find out how they prepare for performances and what their role involves.

 

The Design Challenge celebrates young talent in costume, set, marketing, wig and makeup design. The competition recognises, celebrates and showcases the next generation of design talent while improving access to design jobs in theatre and beyond, enhancing students’ hands-on skills to help them achieve their qualifications.

Beth, who is studying English Literature and Language, 3D Design and Fine Art at Ron Dearing UTC,  travelled to London with her mum Helen Mason and Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley for the ceremony.

Beth said: “It was such an inspiring and fun project and I feel honoured my work has been chosen from so many other entries. It’s a brilliant opportunity to work to a live brief and the experience has given me valuable skills.

“One of the requirements was for the wig to be bold, imaginative and original, forcing me to think outside the box. I looked into different hair styles and wigs from the 18^th century, which were voluminous and extravagant.

“This amazing experience has helped me to realise that creativity is so valuable and I’ve had great support from everyone at school throughout the project.”

It’s the first year Ron Dearing UTC students have entered the Design Challenge, which is now in its 13^th year.

The school’s Year 12 3D Design and Graphics A-level students initially entered the competition in school to design set, costumes, graphics and wigs for the production. Their work was judged by Ron Dearing staff and those winners had to submit a video of their work to the Royal Opera House Design Challenge judges.

Alongside Beth, Hayden Taylor was selected for best set design, Jessie Duncan was chosen for best costume design, and Henry Garland-Collins and Matthew Bestley were chosen as marketing campaign winners.

Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged between 14 and 19, offering a unique model of employer-led education with a specialist focus on creative arts, digital technology, computing and engineering.

Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re incredibly proud of Beth for having her talent, flair and creativity recognised on a national stage.

“She did a wonderful job of bringing her research and ideas to life. It was a joy to see her work on display in Covent Garden and an experience she will always remember.

“All of our students who entered the Design Challenge came up with excellent ideas and created some outstanding work. It was a great opportunity for them to understand more about the Royal Opera House and what is required to work in the theatre industry. Well done to everyone involved.”

Ron Dearing UTC students arrived at their prom in style after one of the school’s Employer Partners donated two Porsches for the event.

Porsche Centre Hull, a Major Partner of the employer-led school and its F1 in Schools Challenge Sustainability Partner, donated a Porsche Taycan and a Porsche Turbo S to bring extra glitz and glamour to the special occasion.

 

A total of 140 Year 11 students dressed to impress for the evening, which took place at Lazaat in Cottingham for the second consecutive year, and more than 20 arrived in a Porsche.

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal – Employer Engagement at Ron Dearing UTC, and Cieran Dowling, the UTC’s F1 in Schools Coordinator, were chauffeurs for the night.

Lynn Robinson, Key Stage 4 Information and Guidance (IAG) Mentor at Ron Dearing UTC, who co-organised the prom, said: “The students had a fantastic time and everyone looked fantastic.

“We’re really grateful to Porsche Centre Hull for donating the vehicles, thanks to our excellent ongoing partnership with the business.

“Other students arrived in an array of transport, including a vintage car, and it was a brilliant night to celebrate their school years.”

Students and staff enjoyed a buffet, music and a photobooth as they danced the night away.

 

Student Kamron Barker, 16, said: “It felt really good to travel in the Porsche. I love cars, so it was a dream come true. The prom was amazing with lovely food and the photobooth was great fun.

“I’ve loved my time at Ron Dearing and I’m sad to leave. I’d like to study business and chemistry as Ron Dearing has sparked my passion for the subject. I want to set up my own company and hopefully afford my own Porsche one day.”

Fellow student Alexis Marley, 16, said: “I loved the Porsche and I felt so good. The prom was amazing and I had a great time.”

Abbie Jackson, Digital and Marketing Events Manager at Porsche Centre Hull, said: “I’m thrilled to hear the students and their families enjoyed the cars.

“It has been a pleasure partnering with Ron Dearing UTC to create such memorable moments for the students. We’re incredibly proud to have been able to contribute and look forward to continuing our partnership.”

A therapy dog visited more than 40 Ron Dearing UTC students to provide friendly support as they prepared for their English speaking and listening exams.

George, a Red Fox Labrador, attended the school with his owner Margaret Such as Year 10 students read their speeches aloud ahead of their assessments, helping to boost their confidence and reduce any nerves.

The visit was organised in conjunction with Underdog International, a charity which aims to positively impact one million children and dogs by 2025 through its “Dogs in Schools” programme, global education projects and dog adoption initiatives.

The charity specialises in enhancing education through therapy dogs and celebrating the bond between dogs and people.

George’s visit also marked the charity’s week-long fundraising event, “The Great British Bark Off”, which provides educational activities in schools to improve emotional and mental wellbeing.

Staff and students raised £25 for the charity by selling biscuits suitable for both dogs and people. Students also learnt more about reading dog body language and dog safety, as well as more information on the charity, during lessons leading up to the session.

Alice Dobson, SENDCo at Ron Dearing UTC, who organised the visit, said: “George and Margaret’s visit was great for the students.

“George was so calm and chilled out and everyone loved being around him.

“Having the opportunity to read their speeches to George and Margaret was fantastic and gave them a chance to speak in an alternative environment to the classroom, which really helped.

“Speaking and listening is an assessed part of the students’ English GCSE and they will receive a separate certificate for it, which meant George’s visit was even more valuable.

“We hope to have more dog visits through our partnership with Underdog International in the future.”

 

Student Freddie Walton, 14, said: “George enjoyed listening to my speech about dogs and I enjoyed meeting him.

“I wrote a speech about XL Bully dogs and the changes in the law on owning them. Reading my speech to George and Margaret will help keep me calm during my exam and the visit was a wonderful idea.”

 

Fellow student Natasha Hurd, 15, said: “George was so cute and we all loved stroking him.

“My speech is about mental health and how it impacts other people. I read it to George and Margaret and the experience will help with my exam. I feel more confident now.”

 

Seb Pearson, 14, wrote his speech on water accessibility and the importance of having access to clean water across the world.

He said: “I was comforting to have George around while we read our speeches. Margaret liked my idea and it was a good opportunity to practice before we’re assessed.”

For more information about Underdog International, visit www.theunderdog.org