Two Ron Dearing UTC students will play their part in the biggest and most significant current investment in the Hull and Humber region.

Megan Turner and Kate Rodley, both 18, are among 12 new Level 3 Rail Technician apprentices recruited for Siemens Mobility’s pioneering rail manufacturing facility in Goole, which is due to open in 2023.

Megan and Kate were selected from 200 applications for the amazing opportunity to be among the first of up to 700 employees at the state-of-the-art facility, where they will help to build Piccadilly Line tube trains for the London Underground.

Siemens Mobility is the sister company of Ron Dearing UTC Founding Partner Siemens Gamesa, which manoeuvred one of its 75m (250 ft) wind turbine blades from the company’s factory at Hull’s Alexandra Dock to the city centre as part of the 2017 UK City of Culture year.

Megan was inspired by the “Blade” installation, which made headlines around the world, and she is now realising her dream of working for Siemens.

Megan, who achieved a double Distinction in Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “I found the blade really interesting and I also met some of the Siemens team at Ron Dearing UTC and they were all really nice, which made me think it would be great to work for them.

 

“I’m so excited about this opportunity and really looking forward to meeting new people and learning new skills. It’s something new and I enjoy learning on the job. I hope it will lead to long-term employment with Siemens Mobility.

“I chose to go to Ron Dearing UTC because I’ve wanted to study engineering for years and it was a perfect fit for me. It’s a really nice environment and the staff help you to prepare for the world of work. They’re so supportive.”

Kate’s desire to work for Siemens dates back four years to when she took part in an electric kit car race, organised by the Greenpower Education Trust and supported by Siemens, while she was a Year 10 student at Beverley High School.

Kate, who achieved a double Distinction* and a Distinction in Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “I’m so excited to start my career and in an adult environment, being practical and independent, while learning with the other apprentices. The apprenticeship offers travel opportunities too, which is also exciting.

“I really like what Siemens does in terms of sustainability, which I believe is really important for the future, and I want to be part of that.

“One of the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) units we worked on at Ron Dearing UTC was set by Siemens and we designed a wind turbine. Ron Dearing UTC helped me to get this apprenticeship and reach out to Siemens. They push you to be the best you can be.”

Megan and Kate will spend their first year at Siemen’s Mobility’s training partner Selby College, developing core mechanical and engineering skills as part of a three-year training programme.

Their second year will see them spend one day a week at the college and four days on placement at Siemens Mobility centres to build up their experience and practical skills, as well as four weeks at the National Training Academy for Rail (NTAR) in Northampton – a £7m facility jointly funded by Siemens Mobility and the Government.

The third year will involve a six-month placement at Siemens Mobility’s metros centre of excellence in Vienna, Austria, before joining the first employees at the new facility in Goole.

 

Finbarr Dowling, Director of Localisation for Siemens Mobility Limited, is a former Ron Dearing UTC Governor and played a key role, together with Patron Alan Johnson and Chair of Governors, Charlie Spencer OBE, in establishing the school.

He said: “I couldn’t be prouder that the first intake of apprentices for our Goole rail manufacturing facility includes two students from Ron Dearing UTC.

“Megan and Kate’s stories illustrate the power Siemens has to inspire young people to embark on careers in engineering and manufacturing.

“Their appointment as among our first apprentices also testifies to the fantastic talent that Ron Dearing UTC develops.”

Our students have hit the ground running for the new school year, returning with enthusiasm and a desire for face-to-face learning.

The safety of students and staff is paramount and extensive arrangements have been put in place to avoid transmission of Covid-19, ensuring all students can return safely.

Ninety eight per cent of all students returned at staggered start times today, with temperature checks on entry, face coverings worn when moving around school and students given dedicated social areas at break and lunch times in their year group “bubbles”.

Students were welcomed back to school by staff in their year groups in the conference centre before making their way to their classrooms with their mentors to begin their school year.

New Year 10 student Cameron Branston, 14, said he is delighted to join Ron Dearing UTC and is looking forward to the year ahead.

He said: “I haven’t been in a school since mid-March and it’s great to be here.

“I chose to come to Ron Dearing UTC because it can open up so many doors. It’s a professional environment and it’s great they have employer partners and sponsors.

“One of the subjects I’ve picked is Computer Science and that’s something I hope to have a career in. I feel confident and excited.”

 

Year 11 student Chantel Alliaj, 15, said she prefers learning in school and found it challenging studying at home during lockdown.

She said: “It was stressful working at home and it’s a relief to finally be back at school. We’re focusing on our GCSEs this year and I’m pleased to be back with my friends and teachers.

“The teachers really focus on you and, if you’re struggling with something, they help you through and the teaching is great.

“We’re also in school for a full working week, which is great for preparing us for work and the future.”

Students were given “Covid kits”, including hand sanitiser, tissue packs, wipes, a pen, pencil, ruler, rubber and calculator, and reminded to check and report any symptoms to ensure every precaution is taken to protect both students and staff.

Fellow Year 11 student Charlie Goode, 15, said he is ready for a year dedicated to studying for his GCSEs in a safe environment.

He said: “Online learning was tough and it’s much better to be back at school. I feel really supported here and really safe.

“I hope I do well in my GCSEs and I’m ready to work hard. It’s great to see everyone at school again.”

New Year 12 student Luke Blackwood, 16, who will study triple engineering, said: “I’m excited to start learning and meet new people. It’s not the same when you have to learn at home and face-to-face is much better.

“The staff and facilities are great, and the courses are brilliant too, so Ron Dearing UTC is a nice place to be.

“Coming here is a great chance to hopefully secure a job for life in the future. My grandad was an engineer and that’s my aim too.”

 

Fellow Year 12 student Catherine Crees, 16, is also new to the school and will study Maths, Physics and Engineering.

She said: “I think Ron Dearing UTC is the best place for me to study to get an apprenticeship in the future. I really like everything I’ve heard about the school and the teaching style.

“The communication for me preparing to come here has been so good and I’ve always had a quick response, even during lockdown. I’m looking forward to studying something new and can’t wait to start learning.”

Our Principal Sarah Pashley said: “It’s so lovely to finally have all our students back in lessons and learning. We’ve missed them.

“I’m delighted to report that attendance is 98%, which is fantastic and shows how keen our students are to be back at school.

“Our new Year 10s and Year 12s have all turned up with extremely positive attitudes.  Our existing students, who are always brilliant advocates for Ron Dearing UTC, are all raring to go.

“Staff and students are being very supportive about adhering to the Covid-19 rules regarding face coverings, social distancing and hygiene. There’s a fantastic buzz around the place and it’s great to be back.”

For more information about our return to school arrangements, click here.

We’re looking forward to welcoming all our students into school on Wednesday, 9^th September, for the start of the 2020/21 academic year.

We have put in place extensive arrangements to ensure the safety of students and staff. Here are the details.

 

Our priorities

• Maximise the safety of staff and students.
• Reduce transmission of COVID-19.
• Ensure all students return to school and to face-to-face learning.

 

Strategies in place to minimise risk of transmission

• Students to arrive and enter via reception turnstiles. Temperature checked on entry. Face coverings put on.
• Breaks to be taken in ‘bubble social areas’:
  • Year 10 – Floor 2.
  • Year 11 – Conference Centre.
  • Year 12 – Floor 1.
  • Year 13 – Floor 3.
• The dining room will be closed to students at break times. Students to bring water/snacks to school to eat in bubble social areas at break.  No fizzy/energy drinks are allowed. Water bottles will be provided on September 9^th.
• Lunch:
  • Years 11, 12 and 13:
    • Lunch to be spent off site or in bubble social areas or in Dining 2 (if food pre-ordered from RDUTC).
    • Lunches purchased from RDUTC to be pre-ordered.
    • Access to Dining Room Servery limited to between 12.50pm and 1.15pm.
  • Year 10:
    • Lunch to be spent in bubble social area or in Dining 1 (if food pre-ordered from RDUTC).
    • Lunches purchased from RDUTC to be pre-ordered.
    • Access to Dining Room Servery limited to between 12.30pm and 12.50pm.

 

PPE Hygiene

In addition to handwashing/sanitiser/deep cleaning, etc:

• RDUTC to provide students with a ‘COVID-kit’ to include: hand sanitiser; tissue packs; wipes; pen; pencil; ruler; rubber; calculator.
• RDUTC to provide students and staff with washable, non-medical face coverings which MUST be worn:
  • On entry to school.
  • When moving around corridors.
  • In Dining Room 1 Servery.
  • On public transport to and from school, if relevant.
• Students to wipe down work areas/keyboards before and after use.
• Rooms and equipment to be cleaned before and after each lesson.

 

Response to symptoms

• Where possible, staff and students to test temperature before setting off for school. If temperature is above 37 degrees:
  • Stay at home and self-isolate.
  • Call Attendance Line to report absence.
  • Get a COVID-19 test.
  • Contact RDUTC with test outcome.
• Temperature reader at entrance barriers to test staff and students. If temperature is above 37 degrees:
  • Go to COVID Isolation Room (reception).
  • Temperature re-tested after 15 minutes.
• If temperature is still above 37 degrees:
  • Students: parents contacted to collect – self-isolate – get a test – contact RDUTC with test outcome.
  • Staff: go home – self-isolate – get a test – contact Principal with test outcome.
• Students displaying symptoms during the day: alert SLT – face covering on – sent immediately to COVID Isolation Room – parents contacted to collect – get a test – contact RDUTC with test outcome.
• Staff displaying symptoms during the day: face covering on – alert SLT for cover – go home – get a test – contact Principal with test outcome.

 

Daily safety check: students

Before coming to school each day, please check the following:

• You are not currently suffering from any of the following:
  • A fever (high temperature).
  • Persistent cough.
  • Breathlessness.
  • An altered sense of taste/smell.
• No-one in your household is currently suffering from any of the above.
• No-one in your household is currently self-isolating due to local guidance on COVID-19 infection.
• You have no reason to believe that you are at genuine risk of having been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
• No-one in your household has received a positive COVID-19 test result in the past 14 days.

If you are unable to answer ‘yes’ to one or more of the above statements you must NOT come to school.  Please ring the Attendance Line on 01482 222299.

 

Note to parents / carers

• If you are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 infection you and your son/daughter should:
  • Self-isolate.
  • Ring the Attendance Line on 01482 222299
  • Get a COVID-19 test.
  • Contact RDUTC with the test outcome.
• If you wish to drop-off and /or collect your son/daughter from school by car, you must use the History Centre car park behind RDUTC and remain in your car.
• If you wish to walk with your son/daughter to and from school, you must leave them and pick them up from an area more than 50 meters from RDUTC.
• You must not gather at entrance doors or the area immediately surrounding RDUTC.
• You must not enter the RDUTC building unless you have a pre-arranged appointment.
• Please phone reception on 01482 222299 to arrange meetings.

 

Thank you for your support.

Students at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have spoken of the exciting opportunities they can look forward to after securing excellent GCSE results.

The results saw 81% of students achieve grades 4-9 in both English and Maths and 50% of students secure grades 5-9 in English and Maths.

 

The employer-led school’s specialisms also performed strongly, with 33% of students achieving Distinction* or Distinction in Creative Media, 30% gaining Distinction* or Distinction in Digital Technology and 46% awarded Distinction* or Distinction in Engineering.

Of the 136 Year 11 students, more than 100 have achieved the entry criteria for a place in Ron Dearing Sixth Form.

 

Peace Umudjoro, 16, left private school to join Ron Dearing and has never looked back.

She achieved eight GCSEs, including grade 8 in English Language, and will study Engineering and Art at the Sixth Form.

“I’ve worked really hard and I don’t think my results have sunk in yet,” she said. “It’s joyful being a student at Ron Dearing and I’ve made a lot of friends.”

Aimee Laws is on track for a successful career in engineering after Ron Dearing “opened her eyes” to the many opportunities available to her.

She achieved GCSEs in Chemistry, Maths, Computer Science, Physics, English Language and English Literature and a Distinction in Engineering and is staying on at Sixth Form to study Double Digital Technology.

Aimee, 16, said: “I did better than I expected and I’m really pleased.

“I didn’t know much about engineering before I came here, but I’ve found I’m good at it and the staff have opened my eyes to all the different careers out there.”

 

Noah Devine-Runkee, 16, is hoping to realise his dream of becoming an astronaut after securing grade 9 in Maths and grades 8 in Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science.

He is now returning to Ron Dearing Sixth form to study A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry and plans to go to university to study Astrophysics.

Noah said: “I’m really happy with my results. I want to do something different with my life and Ron Dearing is helping me achieve that.”

Fellow high-flyer Kelham Hillier achieved grades 9 in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics, as well as a Distinction* in both Creative Digital and Engineering Design.

He is staying at Ron Dearing to study A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, as well as a higher technical qualification in Engineering, as he feels the employer-led school “suits him well”.

Kelham, 16, said: “I’m really pleased with my results because I’ve worked hard for them.

“The staff have really helped me along the way and I’ve been very happy here, so there’s no need to go anywhere else.”

 

Sanziana Vetis, 16, achieved eight GCSEs, including grade 8 in Art and Design, and a Distinction in Creative Digital. She will now be studying Double iMedia and Art in the school’s Sixth Form from September.

Sanziana, who would like to become a graphic designer in the future, said: “These grades are what I wanted and I’m extremely happy.

“Ron Dearing is an amazing school and I was so sad when we had to stay at home because I love it here. The teachers are so kind and patient and help you so much.”

Evie Hadfield, 16, achieved eight GCSEs, including grades 9 in Art and Design and Maths. She also secured a Distinction* in Engineering Design.

Evie, who will move into the school’s Sixth Form to study Maths, Further Maths, Art and Engineering, said: “These grades are exactly what I hoped for and I couldn’t be happier.

“I’m so glad I made the move to Ron Dearing. The subjects are tailor-made for what I’m interested in and enjoy.”

Jasveer Jabbal, 16, is also excited about what the future holds after achieving grades 9 in Maths and Computer Science, as well as a Distinction* in Engineering Design.

He said: “I was a bit worried but I’m really pleased with my results – I’m proud of all of them.

“It’s been a great experience here so far and now I can’t wait to join the Sixth Form, where I’ll be studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Engineering.”

 

Matthew Blain, 16, achieved eight GCSEs, including grade 8 in Maths, a Distinction* in Engineering Design and a Distinction in Creative Digital.

Matthew will return to study Maths, Physics and Engineering and he said: “I’m really pleased with my results. Ron Dearing UTC is a very good school and the teachers are great.”

Students at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have achieved excellent results in their GCSEs and level 2 Technical qualifications for the second year in a row, confirming Ofsted’s judgement that the school provides its students with an outstanding education.

Highlights of the GCSE results achieved by Ron Dearing UTC’s Year 11 students include:

• 81% of students achieved grades 4-9 in both English and Maths.
• 50% of students secured grades 5-9 in English and Maths.

The Hull school’s specialisms have also performed exceptionally strongly, with a significant number of students achieving the highest grades:

• 33% of students achieved Distinction* or Distinction in Creative iMedia.
• 30% achieved Distinction* or Distinction in Digital Technology.
• 46% awarded Distinction* or Distinction in Engineering Design.

 

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “This has been a rollercoaster of a week for our students and parents with all the confusion over calculated grades, algorithms and centre assessed grades.

“I feel so sorry that they have had such a stressful experience and I’m very grateful to them for their patience and understanding – they have been absolutely great.

“It’s a huge relief to see so many of our students receiving fantastic results. They have demonstrated over the past two years that the grades they have been awarded are a true reflection of their abilities.

“I’m delighted they have received the recognition they deserve.  Well done to all of them!”

 

Of the 136 Year 11 students, more than 100 have achieved the entry criteria for a place in Ron Dearing UTC’s outstanding Sixth Form, where they will continue to work closely with the school’s high-profile employer partners to develop their academic and technical abilities and their personal and employability skills to give them the edge in higher education and employment opportunities.

Due to the school’s excellent reputation, competition for Year 12 places for non-Ron Dearing UTC students has been intense this year and 40 external applicants will be joining in September.

With the emphasis on developing employability skills and promoting apprenticeships as well as university, it is unsurprising that several students will be leaving school at the end of Year 11 to begin Level 3 apprenticeships with leading local employers.

Sarah said “Ron Dearing UTC is as much about encouraging and enabling young people to progress onto apprenticeships as it is about them taking up places at university.

“University is a brilliant experience for many young people but it is not the only way of acquiring a degree or gaining the qualifications and experiences required for successful careers in the engineering, creative and tech sectors.

“At Ron Dearing UTC we’re as proud of our track record of getting our students into fantastic apprenticeships as we are about ensuring they gain places at their first choice university.”

Over 50% of the Year 11 and Year 13 cohorts will be taking up an apprenticeship this year, compared to a national average of only 6%.  Many of the apprenticeships are with the school’s employer partners, including KCOM, RB, Siemens Mobility, Spencer Group, Arco and Sonoco Trident.

 

Ron Dearing UTC in Hull city centre caters for students aged between 14 and 19 from Hull and the East Riding and offers a unique education model, with a specialist focus on digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.

Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, RB, Siemens Gamesa, Smith & Nephew and Spencer Group. The school is also supported by Hull City Council and many other industry partners.

Charlie Spencer OBE, Ron Dearing UTC Chair of Governors and Executive Chairman of Hull-based engineering business Spencer Group, said: “Following the superb A-level and Level 3 Technical results recorded last week, these grades are further evidence of the positive impact of our employer-led education model.

“All of the employer partners are so proud of the tremendous achievements of the students in the most difficult of circumstances.”

Ron Dearing UTC is now recruiting for students to join in Year 10 and 12 in September 2021. To apply or find out more click here.

Students at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have spoken of their delight and excitement after achieving outstanding A-level and technical qualification results.

All 80 Year 13 students at the school are now set to secure employment, an apprenticeship or a place at university after an overall pass rate of 100%.

Highlights at the employer-led school, which was rated “Outstanding” across the board by Ofsted in its first inspection earlier this year, included:

• 40% of all grades are A* or A.
• 86% of grades are A*-C.
• Seventeen students have straight A* or A grades.

The results are based on centre assessed grades submitted by the school which have been subjected to a process of moderation by Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator.

 

Straight As student Charlotte Cook, 19, achieved A* in Maths, A* in Biology and A in Chemistry.

She is now preparing to study Biomedical Science at either the University of Hull or University of York and is aiming for a career in genetics research.

“I was worried about my results but I’m so relieved and proud,” said Charlotte.

“I came to Ron Dearing after studying at another college and started Year 12 again. I changed some of my subjects and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

“Ron Dearing gives you so many opportunities and the teachers treat you as an adult. They’re all really nice and have been so supportive.”

 

Shervin Ventura, 18, achieved Distinction* in Creative Digital and double Distinction* in Engineering. He will now go on to study Motorsports Engineering at the University of Derby with hopes of becoming a Mechanical Engineer for a leading Formula 1 team.

Shervin said: “I’m so happy and I can’t wait to tell my family about my results. There’s a smile underneath my mask!

“I’ve felt so supported by the school and they reassured me I didn’t have to worry.

“I’m passionate about engineering and Ron Dearing was definitely the right place for me. I’m so glad I came here.”

William Blake, 18, was delighted to discover he had achieved double Distinction* in Digital Media and Distinction* in Art.

He has now secured an apprenticeship with Hull branding and design firm Sonoco-Trident and said: “I’ve done better than I expected and I’m so pleased.

“Ron Dearing has been great and they’ve given me a lot of support. I’m just so pleased to have got the grades I wanted.”

 

Sarah Dabare is joining the Merchant Navy on a three-year engineering apprenticeship after achieving C in Biology, D in Chemistry and a Merit in Engineering.

Sarah, 18, said: “It’s been great at Ron Dearing. The staff have been there for me every step of the way.

“They’ve been so supportive, especially with everything that’s been going on around the pandemic. The staff have made sure I was kept up to date all the time.

“I’ve always wanted to join the Merchant Navy and Ron Dearing has helped get me there.”

Jasmine Russell, 18, achieved Distinction* in Engineering and C grades in Chemistry and Maths. She is now preparing to begin a lab technology apprenticeship with BP.

Jasmine said: “I’m so happy with my results. I can’t wait to start my apprenticeship and see where it takes me. I’m looking forward to working my way up and enjoying the job.

“The specific focus on engineering and links with the school’s employer partners was the reason I chose to come to Ron Dearing UTC and it was definitely the right decision for me.

“The teachers have kept us so well informed in recent months and done everything they can to support us.”

Dylan Harrison, 18, has secured an apprenticeship with RB, one of Ron Dearing’s Founding Partners, after achieving A in Maths and double Distinction in Digital Technology.

Dylan, who will study a degree in IT Business Analysis as part of his apprenticeship, said: “I’ve done better than I expected and I’m really pleased.

“It’s been outstanding here at Ron Dearing and I can’t fault them. The support they’ve given me has been brilliant.”

 

Josh Fry, 18, achieved a Distinction* in Creative Digital, a Distinction* and Distinction in Digital Tech and an A in Maths. He is now preparing to begin a software engineering apprenticeship with KCOM, another of the school’s Founding Partners.

Josh said: “I’m so happy. I love technology and I can’t wait to work for KCOM. It’s going to be an amazing time.

“Applying for my apprenticeship was such a streamlined process and being a Ron Dearing UTC student has enabled this opportunity to happen for me. It’s such a great school.”

Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has recorded superb A-level and Level 3 Technical results for the second year in a row, setting the school’s students up for success in apprenticeships or at university.

All 80 Year 13 learners studied for A-levels and/or Level 3 technical qualifications identified by the school’s employer partners as best equipping them with the knowledge and skills for successful careers within the engineering, digital and creative sectors.

The results are based on centre assessed grades submitted by the school which have been subjected to a process of moderation by Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator.

 

Highlights of an excellent A-level results day for Hull’s employer-led school included:

• 40% of all grades are A* or A.
• 86% of grades are A*-C.
• The average grade is a B, compared to the national average of C.
• Seventeen students have straight A* or A grades.
• The overall pass rate is 100%.

Ron Dearing UTC’s results for technical qualifications, including Engineering, Computing, Art & Design and Creative iMedia, are also outstanding, with the average grade being a Distinction, the equivalent to grade B at A-level.

 

Half of the year group are now destined for apprenticeships or employment, with the other 40 having applied for university places, seven of them with the Russell Group of elite higher education institutions.

Based on their results, Ron Dearing UTC is confident all students who have applied to go to university will secure places, most with their first choice destination.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “This has been the most extraordinary year at Ron Dearing UTC. We went from the high of achieving Outstanding in our first Ofsted inspection in mid-March, to having to close the school to all but a handful of students a week later and move from face-to-face teaching to online learning.

“This has been exceptionally stressful for our students who have had to deal with unprecedented challenges and make huge adjustments to the way they work. The commitment they have shown to their studies and their resilience under pressure has been nothing short of astounding.

“I am proud of every single one of them. I am also extremely grateful to their parents and carers who have worked in partnership with our staff throughout lockdown to minimise the disruption to learning.

“We were obviously all extremely anxious about whether the new way of accrediting students for their A-level and technical qualifications would be fair. I am very grateful to my staff who went about the process of awarding ‘calculated’ grades diligently and professionally.

“We are all exceptionally relieved that the overwhelming number of results do reflect the grades we believe the students would have achieved had they sat their exams. This means that all our students will progress onto a really great apprenticeships, jobs or university courses in September. Well done everyone!”

 

Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged between 14 and 19 from Hull and the East Riding and offers a unique education model with a specialist focus on digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.

The school is officially rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted having achieved the accolade following its first official inspection earlier this year.

As well as the rating of outstanding for the school’s overall effectiveness, inspectors also marked the pioneering school as outstanding for quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; and sixth form provision.

Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, RB, Siemens Gamesa, Smith & Nephew and Spencer Group. The school is also supported by Hull City Council and many other industry partners, including APD Communications, Arco, BP, C4DI, Fujitsu, Green Port Hull, Ideal Boilers, Ørsted, Sewell Group and Sonoco Trident.

Charlie Spencer OBE, Chair of Governors and Executive Chairman of Spencer Group, said: “These brilliant results say so much about the talent and dedication of our students and teaching team.

“They are a great tribute to the students’ resilience in overcoming the unprecedented challenges of the past few months and we’re all delighted they have gained the grades they deserved.

“Our employer partners have also shown tremendous support for the school during a very difficult period and have again made available dozens of apprenticeships to give our students a fantastic start to their careers.”

Ron Dearing UTC is now recruiting for students to join in Year 10 and 12 in September 2021. To apply or find out more click here.

Students preparing to join Ron Dearing UTC in September have been given a taste of their chosen subjects during interactive experience sessions at the school.

Almost 160 prospective Year 10 students and 80 Year 12 students attended over three days on July 10, 13 and 14, enabling them to meet staff and their peers, ask questions about the curriculum and experience their new state-of-the-art surroundings.

New Year 10 students enjoyed Engineering, Art and Creative Digital interactive activities with strict social distancing rules in place, while Year 12 students, who have all received conditional offers to join Ron Dearing UTC, were given a taste of chosen subjects, including Physics, Maths, Digital Technology and Engineering.

The school’s usual induction days were unable to go ahead due to Covid-19 restrictions, but the shorter experience sessions for smaller groups of students were made possible as restrictions eased and stringent safety measures were put in place by staff.

 

 

Lily Knight, 14, who has an interest in Creative Digital and Computer Science, said: “Ron Dearing UTC gives you more opportunities than other schools and my first impressions are really good. There is a great atmosphere and everyone is so friendly.”

Lilla Math, 14, who has an interest in photography and will join Year 10 in September, said: “It’s very professional here and being in this environment will prepare me for the future. Everyone is really happy and friendly.”

Prospective sixth form student Dalvia Dhillon, 16, hopes to study Physics, Maths and Computer Science in Year 12 from September.

He said: “I’m really interested in Science and I like that Ron Dearing UTC is a school which supports that path.

“I want to go into a career in engineering in the future and I like Ron Dearing’s links with different companies. If I could eventually work for one of them, that would be great.”

 

 

Catherine Crees, 16, who plans to study Maths, Engineering and Physics in Year 12, said: “I’m so glad to be here and it’s nice to meet the teachers I’m hopefully going to work with from September.

“I’d like to secure an electrical engineering apprenticeship in the future and I believe this is the best place for me to do that.”

Sarah Pashley, Principal of Ofsted “Outstanding”-rated Ron Dearing UTC, said that, while the usual induction days will hopefully go-ahead next year, the experience sessions will also remain as they had provided a really valuable experience for the new students.

She said: “It’s been overwhelmingly positive and attendance and engagement have been outstanding.

“The students have all behaved impeccably and have been incredibly focused – they’ve made a phenomenal first impression.

“The students tell us that they’ve chosen to come here for the great opportunities available to them. We’re also starting to see siblings of students who already attend Ron Dearing UTC joining us, which is really positive and shows that their brothers and sisters must be having a great education here.”

A video showing how Ron Dearing UTC staff produced face shields for key workers during the coronavirus pandemic has won an award.

Glenn Jensen, the school’s Senior Assistant Principal (Employer Engagement), and his team manufactured 11,000 face shields for key workers including shop, care home, pharmacy and postal workers while students had to study at home during lockdown.

Working in partnership with local businesses and education leaders, the face shields helped to protect those who were unable to remain at home due to their jobs.

Glenn provided several video updates throughout the project, including one which illustrated how the face shields were made and the technical procedures involved in the process.

 

Now, Glenn has been awarded a Golden Egg Award for Best Technical Work in fun virtual awards organised by Kerrie White, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at the Goodwin Development Trust, a Hull charity which aims to improve quality of life for Hull residents.

Kerrie works with young people to help prepare them for the world of work and encouraged local employers and individuals to submit “How 2 in 2” two-minute videos in which they shared key skills and knowledge.

Her initial aim was to connect young people to the business community, showing them it is innovative, sharing and supportive of youth progression, while inspiring and encouraging them to learn and grow. Due to so many videos submitted, Kerrie organised the Golden Egg Awards to recognise and celebrate the best of the best.

Glenn, who detailed how to make a face shield from acrylic, foam and elastic in his video, said: “It’s amazing to win the award and I feel very humbled that my video was chosen as the winner for its technical aspects.

“It has been fantastic to be able to adapt what we do on a day-to-day basis and turn it into something positive for key workers during the pandemic.

 

“It shows that, using technology, we can still teach new things to new people, even during a time when we weren’t able to see each other in person.”

The awards featured 19 categories, including Best Actor and Actress, Best Location and Best Educational video, and seven of the young people Kerrie works with chose the winners, which were announced via a video on Twitter.

Kerrie said: “Glenn’s entry was really strong and fitted so well with the Best Technical Work category. The work Ron Dearing UTC does is innovative and enlightening and the school’s employer-led model is very powerful. Congratulations to Glenn.”

The phased return of students and staff at Ron Dearing UTC has been hailed a major success.

Year 10 and Year 12 students were welcomed back on June 15 with stringent safety measures in place.

Principal Sarah Pashley said students and staff have adapted safely and positively to enable face-to-face learning, with social distancing, face coverings, temperature checks and hand sanitising procedures in place.

She said: “The first two weeks of the phased return to school have gone phenomenally well. We haven’t had any hitches at all – everyone is adhering to social distancing and wearing face coverings when they should.

 

“The staff are very happy to be back teaching students in person once again and we haven’t had to issue a single cross word or written warning to any students. They have been absolutely brilliant.  It’s been great seeing them again.

“We’re really grateful to our parents/carers who have, yet again, trusted us to look after their sons and daughters, despite worries about the Covid-19 situation.

“We were all slightly apprehensive about coming back and about how it would work, but our Phased Re-opening Plan was meticulously planned and we covered all the bases, so everything has gone incredibly smoothly. It’s amazing how quickly you adapt to the 2m social distancing rule and wearing face coverings.

“We’re looking forward to being able to increase the numbers, as the signals are pointing towards us having many more students back in school from September. This has been a good trial run for our ‘new normal’.

Ron Dearing UTC consulted with the Department for Education, teacher trade unions, staff, the school’s Parent Teacher Association and its Governing Board before welcoming students back.

The school followed comprehensive government guidelines and additional measures insisted upon by the school’s Governing Board, passing its Covid-19 health and safety inspection with flying colours in advance of re-opening.

 

The Ron Dearing UTC team is now planning to welcome new Year 10 and Year 12 students who are due to join the school in September this year to Experience Events next month. New Year 12 students will attend on July 10 and new Year 10 students will attend on either July 13 or 14, with students split between the days to ensure 2m social distancing.

Sarah said: “This is another positive step forward as we can run our planned transition taster days, albeit a month later than originally intended.

“The new students will have tasters of their chosen specialist subjects, including engineering, creative and digital technology qualifications.”

 

Year 10 student Jacob Ilyas, 15, is delighted to be back at school. He said: “Learning is different at the moment because of smaller classes, but I’m happy and I feel safe.”

Fellow Year 10 student Kianne Hall, 15, added: “Learning at home was difficult and I prefer being in a school environment. I feel so much better to be back.”

To read more about the Phased Re-Opening Plan click here.