Two budding medical students from Ron Dearing UTC have secured sought after places on Hull York Medical School’s (HYMS) summer school programme.

Ruby Rowley and Cameron Smith will experience what life is like for students studying medicine at university during the three-day summer school in July.

The experience will take the two Year 12 students to Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital, to gain invaluable insight into studying and working in a real-life medical setting.

To secure a place on the coveted programme, the pair had to complete application forms sharing why they wanted to take part in the programme, as well as submit a reference from one of their teachers.

Ruby, 17, joined Ron Dearing’s Sixth Form in Year 12 and is currently studying A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

She said: “Both myself and Cameron already volunteer with the NHS Young Health Champions Programme, which allows us to spend time on different wards and learn about different medical specialisms, but the summer school will give us experience of what it’s like to actually study medicine.

“Having the opportunity to talk to, and shadow doctors who have years of experience and knowledge, will be invaluable. I’m also looking forward to getting an insight into what to expect at university.”

Cameron, 16, joined Ron Dearing in Year 10 and is now studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics A-Levels in the school’s Sixth Form.

He has aspirations of securing a place to study medicine at one of the Russell Group Universities, and says his time at Ron Dearing has equipped him with the knowledge, skills and confidence to pursue his goals.

He said: “I feel very lucky to have been at Ron Dearing for both GCSE and A-Level. The staff provide so much support, from helping us research different universities to preparing us for interviews and sign-posting us to extra-opportunities such as the HYMS summer school.

“Myself and Ruby are also both completing First Aid Training during the summer, which is organised and fully paid for by the school.

“We know that getting into medical school is very competitive, so all the opportunities and experiences we’re gaining at Ron Dearing will definitely help us stand out and provide us with experiences which we can reflect on and talk about in our university interviews.”

The school provides a plethora of enrichment opportunities to support students to pursue careers across a wide range of sectors.

Students considering a career in medicine recently participated in Hull York Medical School’s Young Medic Day which provided insight into careers in healthcare, and they’ve also enjoyed a number of talks from medical professionals during the school’s popular Lunch and Learn series.

Head of Sixth Form Kathy King said: “Huge congratulations to Ruby and Cameron on securing a place to attend the HYMS summer school!

“This is an amazing opportunity for both students, offering them a taste of what it is like to attend medical school. This experience will be invaluable and expose both students to the workings of a real-life medical setting.”

A talented student at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has been recognised in a prestigious national competition for her imaginative set design and creative vision.

Year 12 student Amelia Prajsnar scooped the Highly Commended accolade in the set design category of the Royal Opera House Design Challenge, a national competition which celebrates young creative talent.

The annual competition challenges students to follow the processes of a professional designer to meet a brief set by The Royal Opera and Ballet, with this year’s challenge set by Creative Associate David Pickering, for the ballet The Winter’s Tale.

Entrants are tasked to create a costume, set, marketing campaign or wig and makeup design, for the selected theatre production.

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.

Ron Dearing has supported students to enter the competition for the last two years, by tasking Year 12 creative students to develop a design, and selecting one winning design in each category to enter into the competition.

Amelia, who is studying Fine Art, Graphic Communications and 3D Design was one of 800 students from across the UK who entered the competition, and stood out amongst fierce competition to secure the Highly Commended Award.

The 17-year-old was invited to a special event at the Royal Opera House where the winning students were presented with their award and had the opportunity to spend some time with professionals to get an insight into the day-to-day working life of the Royal Ballet and Opera.

Amelia also had the opportunity to see her work on public display in the Linbury Foyer at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, where it will remain on display until July 1st.

Speaking about the trip, she said: “It was a great day, and I met so many amazing people. They took us on a tour of the Royal Opera House’s backstage areas as well as the set design and prop design departments which were so inspiring! I’m so happy I had the opportunity to go!

“I was never expecting to win the Highly Commended Award, it took a while to sink in when I found out, but I feel really proud.”

Amelia’s set design was centred around juxtaposition, and featured an abstract illustration of trees, complemented by changing light projections.

She said: “A key theme in A Winter’s Tale is the contrast between the two kingdoms, Bohemia and Sicilia, so I wanted to reflect that in my design, by using juxtaposing elements, colours and materials.

“I play in an orchestra in my spare time, so my interpretation of the show’s music was also a big inspiration for my design.

“Another key factor which influenced my design was environmental considerations. The Theatre Green Book is a guide to creating more sustainable theatre operations, so I wanted my design to align with considerations outlined in the guide.

“Many sets are only used once, they are difficult to transport, so end up in storage. I made all the elements of my set detachable, so they are easier to store and transport. The versatility of my design also means it can be used for multiple shows, by creating different light projects for different productions.”

The judges said Amelia had “carefully considered” all aspects of designing for the Royal Opera House, including the movement of dancers and the audiences experience, adding that her ideas to incorporate lighting and projections were “wonderful”.

Lynn Garland Collins, Creative Director at Ron Dearing said: “Amelia always goes above and beyond with her research, development, analysis and experimentation, so we’re delighted to see her hard work and creativity recognised in this prestigious competition.

“She always considers the client’s needs and regularly reflects on her own work to push herself to produce the best outcome. Huge congratulations to Amelia on this fantastic achievement.”

Hull’s employer-led school, Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC), has retained its “Outstanding” status in a glowing inspection report from Ofsted.

Following an in-depth inspection carried out in May, inspectors praised the school for its ambitious curriculum, exemplary student behaviour and impressive learner destinations.

Inspectors described the school as having “a relaxed, friendly and industrious feel” and praised the staff’s effective support which leads pupils to “achieve very highly and feel successful”.

Year after year, Ron Dearing UTC supplies outstanding young talent for leading businesses in the region, including its founding partners KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group.  Students have also gone on to work for the likes of Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and BAE Systems.

Students opting for higher education have secured places at leading universities, including the UTC’s university partner, the University of Hull, and the elite Russell Group of universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

The Ofsted report heaped praise on the school across a broad range of areas including the curriculum, student behaviour, staff and leadership teams, and student outcomes.

“Highly ambitious” curriculum

The school’s unique employer-led curriculum is one of the key areas highlighted in the report, with inspectors describing the curriculum as “highly ambitious” and “carefully constructed”.

Working with employer partners, the school has created a curriculum that is relevant to the future employment that pupils aspire to, equipping them with the knowledge, qualifications and skills to secure further education, employment and training, the report said.

The report highlights enrichment activities that enhance students’ learning, including employer projects which help to deepen subject understanding, and the opportunity for students to gain professional qualifications, such as health and safety training.

“Superb” student behaviour

The report recognises that the school’s unique curriculum means students are engaged in what they study and demonstrate “consistently superb behaviour”.

Inspectors describe pupils as “knowledgeable, interesting and articulate”, and praise the school’s extremely low absence rate, which continues to reduce.

Trusted staff and leaders

Staff at the school are also recognised in the report, with inspectors saying “relationships between pupils and staff are warm and professional”, adding that “pupils respond extremely well to the trust placed in them and to the school’s aspirational culture”.

The school’s leaders are described as “relentless in their pursuit of excellence for pupils”, saying staff are trusted and feel well supported by the school’s leadership team.

The inspectors also found the school’s arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Impressive student outcomes

As a result of the high-quality teaching and the enriched curriculum, pupils consistently achieve highly in national assessments and secure next steps in education, employment or training, the report said.

Inspectors described the school’s careers education, advice and guidance as “extremely high quality” adding that “the school personalises support for pupils ensuring that they have the best possible chance of achieving their aspirations”.

The report noted that all students had progressed to further education, employment or training since the school opened and said many outcomes in the sixth form are some of the highest in the country.

Happy school community

Not only do students go onto achieve their career goals, but they are happy during their time at the school, and feel “confident to express their individuality”, the inspectors found.

The report said “pupils enjoy their time at the school and are interested in what they study”, adding “they recognise the exceptional education that they receive and the benefits that this affords them”.

Parents who provided input as part of the inspection process also provided glowing feedback, with many saying they “feel fortunate” that their child attends Ron Dearing UTC, with inspectors also sharing that “parents, carers, staff and pupils feel privileged to be part of the school”.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said the Ofsted report was a tremendous achievement for everyone connected to the school.

She said: “We’re delighted to have retained our Outstanding rating from Ofsted.

“It’s fantastic to hear that parents, carers, staff and pupils feel privileged to be part of the school and we’re proud of the tight-knit community we have built over the past eight years.

“This outcome is a testament to the talent and commitment of our incredible team of teachers and support staff. Our teachers are experts in their subjects and are knowledgeable in adapting their teaching to meet the needs of all our students, while our support staff are dedicated to helping pupils achieve their full potential.

“I’m delighted that the proactive partnership between the school and our university and employer partners has been recognised by Ofsted for providing the highest quality education.  The unique learning opportunities that this partnership approach creates for our students helps them develop into well-rounded young people, equipped with everything they need to achieve their full potential.”

Located in Kingston Square, Hull city centre, Ron Dearing UTC opened in 2017 offering a unique education model for students aged 14 to 19, with a specialist focus on engineering, digital and computing, art and design, maths, English and science and healthcare.

Since its last Ofsted inspection in 2020, the school has expanded and now has an additional facility adjacent to the main building. Opened in 2023, STEAM Studios houses a cutting-edge creative hub including a gallery and exhibition space, digital and photography studios, and 2D and 3D art studios, to prepare students for careers in the creative sector.

Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board and Non-Executive Director of Ron Dearing UTC Major Partner, Arco, said: “Huge congratulations to our Principal, our Head of School, the entire Ron Dearing staff team, our students, their parents and carers, the University of Hull and all of our employer partners for their dedication to making Ron Dearing an Outstanding school.

“It is clear from the consistently impressive student outcomes and destinations that Ron Dearing has found the perfect recipe for developing well-rounded young people who have the skills and confidence to thrive in the world of work.

“This is yet another confirmation that Ron Dearing students are equipped with the highest quality education and maturity to set them up for success in their lives after school.”

We’ve been named as the leading state secondary school in Hull and the East Riding for attendance and ranked among the top three schools across the wider Yorkshire region.

New figures published by the Department for Education for the academic year 2023-24 have revealed Hull’s employer-led school has the highest attendance rate in Hull and the East Riding, with an impressive 96.14 per cent, compared to the national average of 91.1 per cent.

The school, in Kingston Square, Hull city centre, is also on track for an even higher attendance rate in the 2024-25 academic year, currently averaging rates above 97 per cent.

 

The school’s unique, employer-led curriculum is a key contributor to the exceptionally high attendance rates, blending core GCSE and A-Level studies with a range of technical and professional qualifications.

During their studies, students have the opportunity to take the theory they learn in the classroom and apply it to projects designed and delivered by the school’s Employer Partners.

Students also enjoy the adult-style education experience, which mirrors workplace practices and prepares them for stepping into employment.

From the time they join the UTC at the start of Year 10, students are treated as young professionals, with the school having exceptionally high standards of behaviour and a longer working week. Students are on first-name terms with staff and are given greater independence and responsibility, allowing them to take ownership of their own learning and develop a greater sense of maturity.

High quality teaching and support staff work closely with students to ensure each individual is making progress and is recognised for their achievements, increasing their motivation and a desire to learn.

While academic excellence is a top priority, the school also provides high standards of care, guidance and emotional support, to ensure students’ needs are met in all aspects of their school life.

The school’s large student support team includes the Vice Principal, three Senior Assistant Principals, Pastoral Mentors, an Attendance Manager, a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), Teaching Assistants, a Safeguarding Co-ordinator, 3 Deputy Safeguarding Co-ordinators and representatives from external agencies, who are always on hand to help answer questions and concerns, and if needed, put measures in place to enable students to reach their full potential.

 

Attendance Manager, Natasha Whitehead, said: “Our ethos of positivity and celebrating achievement is a big part of why our students enjoy coming to school and are motivated to have high attendance.

“Our Professional Values and Behaviour Policy places a strong emphasis on positively reinforcing good behaviour and rewarding success, which incentivises students to work hard.

“Students feel motivated because teachers provide regular feedback and recognise their achievements. We find that young people are more engaged and eager to come to school when they can see the progress they are making.

“We are also passionate about building strong relationships with our students’ parents and carers. By connecting with parents through real conversations and hosting regular parents’ evenings, rather than relying on impersonal letters or emails, we ensure that parents are actively involved and work with us to support their child’s school attendance.”

A recent report published by the Department for Education showed just how important attendance is for student attainment.

The report revealed that students who attended school daily in Year 11 were almost twice as likely to achieve a Grade 5 in their English and Maths GCSEs, compared to those who only attended 90 to 95 per cent of the time. Just 10 days of absence reduced the likelihood of getting a strong pass by around 50 per cent.

RDUTC’s exceptional attendance certainly supports this correlation, with the UTC topping the local school league tables for the percentage of students achieving Grade 5 and higher in both GCSE Maths and English.

 

Vice Principal Mark Ollerenshaw said: “There is a direct correlation between attendance and attainment and students are much more likely to achieve their best results if they regularly attend school.

“There is just no substitute for being in a classroom with an experienced teacher. Being able to ask questions and gain feedback is invaluable for a student’s development.

“Understanding the importance of having a high attendance is also a key employment skill. In the workplace, employers expect their team members to be punctual and reliable, and instilling this into students as early as possible is extremely beneficial when they step into the world of work.”

Mark added: “We’re really proud to have been named the leading local school and among the top three schools in Yorkshire for attendance, but we’re not resting on our laurels and we’re continually striving to do even better!

“Our strong attendance rates are a testament to our students who are motivated to achieve their personal best, as well as our dedicated pastoral team and teaching and support  staff, who work closely with our young people to support them and make Ron Dearing a place where everyone can succeed.”

• To see where Ron Dearing UTC ranked in the list of Yorkshire state secondary schools, click here.

Ron Dearing UTC has strengthened its relationship with a special school in Hull which caters for pupils with severe and multiple learning difficulties, including those on the autistic spectrum.

Students in Years 10 and 12 at the UTC visited Tweendykes School on World Book Day to deliver an interactive session for the school’s junior children based on the popular children’s novel, George’s Marvellous Medicine, by Roald Dahl.

Ron Dearing students performed a short, interactive retelling of the novel, helping to immerse the Tweendyke children in the story.

The pupils then got hands-on to re-create the medicine in a stimulating sensory activity, which gave the younger pupils the opportunity to engage with the story by exploring different textures and sounds to unleash their creativity and have fun.

There was also a quiet area for children to sit and read together if they wanted some downtime.

Ron Dearing’s Lead Practitioner for Literacy, Lucy Thompson, said: “I started the partnership between Tweendykes School and Ron Dearing last year when their students visited us on World Book Day.

“I’m an advocate for integrating mainstream students and special school students in social scenarios, and celebrating literature is a great way to do that.

“We had an incredible response from all the students and staff involved at both schools, and we can’t wait for more opportunities to work together again.”

Ron Dearing’s Head of Key Stage Four, Richard Stark, added: “It was a fantastic enrichment opportunity for our students and it was a great way to connect them with other young people in the city who they possibly wouldn’t get to meet.

“Both groups of students were a credit to their respective schools and the whole day was brilliant.”

Ron Dearing students who took part in the day said it had been a fantastic opportunity to meet other youngsters in the city, and share their joint love of literature.

Year 10 student, Lacey Jobling said: “It was interesting to see how all the students played with the activities. It was funny because you realise how differently we relate to books, but also how we’re all the same too and enjoy a good story.”

Fellow Year 10 pupil, Louie Robinson said: “It was a really wholesome experience. I loved throwing rice and making musical bands with all the kids. I hope to do it all again soon!”

Employers and industry experts are helping Ron Dearing students prepare for entering the work force thanks to greater employer led learning in English classes.

Ron Dearing UTC works with a wide variety of employer partners and is now incorporating even more employer led initiatives into its English curriculum to provide students with industry insights across all subjects.

In Year 10, students have been working with two of the UTC’s founding partners, KCOM and Spencer Group, to hone their public speaking skills.

The two business have been supporting the school’s oracy programme, with employees setting the students briefs based on real-life business examples. The students were tasked to consider and plan how they’d communicate the business’s message to key stakeholders, before presenting their ideas to the employers.

 

Meanwhile, Year 11 students who are currently studying Romeo and Juliet have engaged in a workshop delivered by Hull Truck Theatre to help bring the text to life.

The theatre’s Associate Director Tom Saunders worked with two actors to perform key scenes from the play to further enhance student understanding of the plot and characterisation and give them an opportunity to engage with the text as a performance.

 

KS5 students studying English A Level enjoyed an informal writing session with experienced Journalist, Harriet Williamson.

As part of their A-Level English exam, the students must write a feature article on a language issue such as ‘gender’ or ‘accent prejudice’ and make this accessible to somebody who has not studied linguistics. During the session Harriet shared a range of her own articles and headlines and discussed how she tackles tricky assignments.

 

Journalist Harriet, and Hull Truck Theatre’s Associate Director Tom, also hosted Lunch and Learn sessions for both KS4 and KS5 students to provide insights into their professions and highlight routes into the respective industries.

Head of English, Jack Campbell said: “Our students are attracted to Ron Dearing because of our strong employer links. This year we have really focused on developing this within the English curriculum.

“The Year 10 oracy project has enabled our students to see how the transferable skills gained in English lessons could be applied to help them thrive in the world of work.

“We were also really lucky to have Tom and the team from Hull Truck Theatre come into school to perform key scenes of Romeo and Juliet to our Year 11s – the sessions were engaging and enabled our students to see the play performed rather than read.

“It has been lovely to see students engaging with these opportunities and impressing our employer partners.”