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Prospectus 2015-16

Learning for a real future

A new college for 14-18 year olds in Sussex interested in science, technology,

engineering, maths and computing.

www.utc-harbourside.org

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Jonathan Clarke Principal

I am very proud to welcome you as the Principal of UTC@harbourside.

We offer students from 14 to 18 an outstanding academic and technical education focused on science, technology, engineering and maths. Engineering is the catalyst that links the subjects you’ll learn, and at the UTC you will apply that learning to solve real-world problems.

We are based on the harbour side in Newhaven in a unique, historic building. A testament to outstanding design and engineering transformed into a 21st century learning environment that will inspire every student who studies here. Our setting underpins the value we place on our environment and creating a sustainable future, based as we are within the UNESCO recognised Brighton & Lewes Downs Biosphere and close to the South Downs National Park.

The UTC benefits from excellent rail and bus links across Sussex – at a gateway to Europe with all the opportunities that can bring to students. So have your passports at the ready!

Our mission is to make learning really exciting and prepare you to succeed in an ever changing world. The future will be shaped by advanced technologies, many not yet invented. We will help you secure the academic and technical education you will need along with an entrepreneurial mindset that will put you a step ahead of the competition when it comes to securing a job, heading to university, or turning brilliant ideas into a business of your own.

Students – if you are interested in science, technology, engineering or maths – this could be the place for you. These may be the subjects that you excel in, or want to become good at.

They are demanding subjects so you will need to work hard to succeed, but the rewards are great too! What makes us different from conventional schools is that you will be able to apply what you have learned to real, exciting projects from the employers and industry professionals who support the UTC and who you will work alongside.

Parents – I recognise that one of the most important things that you can give to your child is a good education, and the trust that you place in a school to do this. Whilst our building is iconic, what matters most is the quality of our teaching and our approach. My team will have led, or been part of, schools and subjects where they have been judged as Outstanding by Ofsted, in roles where they have been at the leading edge of national developments, or as specialist leaders in education. Most of all they come with the passion to inspire, and the commitment, care and energy needed to nurture high standards and success – whatever your daughter or son’s experience of education so far.

Do get in touch with me directly to discuss any aspect of UTC@harbourside. You can email me at jonathanclarke@utc-harbourside.org or join me at one of our forthcoming events listed on our website. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Real life opportunities start here

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Real life learningUTC@harbourside is an exciting new university technical college – a state school specially designed for 14 to 18 year olds who have a real interest in the environment and in creating a sustainable future.

What is a UTC?University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are government-funded colleges with a different approach to traditional schools. They teach students technical and scientific subjects in a whole new way to educate the inventors, engineers, scientists and technicians of tomorrow. At UTC@harbourside our focus is on engineering, a real interest in the environment and in creating a sustainable future. The UTC will work with leading employers to give students who are motivated by science, maths and computing the real skills and qualifications they need to succeed in the workplace, at university and beyond.

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Through your chosen subjects you will:

• Use your knowledge of chemistry to develop products that are 100% recyclable

• Learn how maths can help solve the environmental challenges of droughts and floods

• Find out how things work and use science to invent a new generation of energy efficient products

• Learn to design and programme computer systems that can, for example, run energy recovery plants to operate completely unmanned.

At the UTC you will learn how engineering drives our life, our economy and shapes our future.

If you are passionate about the environment and sustainability then engineering could be the way you get to make a real difference to the world in which we live. Green thinking, energy saving and recyclability are now at the core of all engineering design. Whether you want to help organisations reduce their impact on the environment, or build sustainable energy solutions like wind, wave and tidal, engineering is the way you can achieve it.

Engineering, and green engineering in particular, is thriving in Sussex. Leading employers in the growing marine and environmental sectors are supported by university research and development expertise. The UTC’s unique curriculum, developed in partnership with industry, gives you a head start into an exciting career.

Our employer partners include:

CTEC Energy

Enterprise Works

E.ON UK plc

Infacom

Lochlin Marine

Newbury Engineering

Newhaven Port and Properties Ltd

Sutton Workboats

Screen Solutions

Shoreham Port Authority

Veolia plc

Engineering now touches every aspect of our lives. The electronics inside a smart phone; the robotics of mass production; the lasers used in eye surgery and the marine, aeronautics and space technologies that allow us to explore a world beyond our natural limitations.

Engineering the future

Employer soundbite:“As the leading recycling and waste management company both nationally and regionally, we are excited by the prospect of the UTC and proud to be the lead-employer sponsor of this innovative, educational facility. We are looking forward to helping develop skilled and qualified employees of the future.”

Allan Key, General Manager (South Downs) Veolia UK

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Our employer partnersEmployers are fundamental to all UTCs. They shape the technical specialisms of the UTC and ensure it meets the requirements of local employers and the careers they offer. Employers influence the teaching and learning that students receive, provide leadership in the structure of the curriculum and endorse the qualifications offered at a UTC. They also:

• Work with teachers to create employer projects that focus on real life challenges that are relevant to industry.

• Give students high-quality and relevant work experience.

• Support and mentor students, guiding them on career routes and options.

What makes learning here different?

We are passionate about ensuring that all our students have a brilliant education with us. By getting hands-on when you learn with us, we believe that you find learning more exciting than ever before.Our curriculum has been designed with the University of Brighton, the Aldridge Foundation and leading regional employers. It is focused on giving you the qualifications and skills you need to move successfully into the world of work, an apprenticeship, or further and higher education. As one of our sponsors, the University of Brighton will support students’ transition from the UTC into higher education and will guarantee interviews and offers for the majority of their courses to applicants from the UTC@harbourside.

By working on live projects and with industry professionals, students at the UTC will not only master relevant industry techniques and standards, but will also develop entrepreneurial and employability skills that will make them stand out in today’s competitive jobs market.

Real skillsReal experienceReal qualifications

Real ambition

Employer soundbite:“Newhaven Port Authority are delighted to be supporting the UTC. It will offer students hands-on, real life work experience and an opportunity to join the next generation of technicians, engineers and business leaders.”

François Jean, Port ManagerNewhaven Port and Properties Ltd

We aim to bring out the best in all our students. With this in mind we will:

• Create a college that is perfect for those who are motivated by science, engineering, maths and computing, and who are interested in the environment.

• Provide engineering and employability skills and qualifications that will give you an advantage in the careers market.

• Develop the right skills, competencies and attitudes to be employable, entrepreneurial and armed to tackle the challenges of the real world.

• You will achieve your full potential in a range of nationally recognised qualifications, including GCSEs, A levels and BTECs that employers and universities place a premium on.

• Our engineering programme will enable you to apply what you have learnt practically and creatively, working directly with local marine engineering and environmental technologies and employers.

• Through our entrepreneurial approach to learning you will develop the determination needed to take on new challenges, solve problems and to work effectively in teams. All attributes that employers demand and that will help you succeed in any career.

You will be learning in an environment that is purpose built for the 21st century – with the best engineering facilities in the region. One where every teacher is genuinely passionate about their subject and its applications, and where your fellow students share your excitement for the subjects you are studying.

You will be tackling those subjects in exciting new ways, in the context of real life situations. Hands-on with technology. Making, testing and evaluating.

With the opportunity to experience the world of work as you learn. Learning from professionals in business and industry, not just from teachers.

The UTC is big enough to provide a personalised curriculum, but small enough to know every student as an individual. As a through school from 14 to 18, the UTC will help you make a seamless transition from GCSE to A level if you join us at Key Stage 4.

Our campusOur exciting new campus is in the historic Grade II listed marine and carpenters’ workshops on the quayside in Newhaven. It combines conservation of the old with new buildings.

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Brand new purpose-designed campus

You will enter the UTC through a new purpose-built part of the building which leads to the left into the main marine workshop. After passing through reception you will come to the enterprise zone where you’ll have a chance to work with local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Walk through the ground floor and you’ll see our well equipped environmental engineering labs, engineering machine workshop, fluidics lab and welding labs with additional small group learning spaces.

Carry on up to the first floor and you’ll find control systems engineering, design technology, rapid prototyping, electronics, physics lab, computer science, and composites and adhesives labs. And up again to the second floor where your learning base is next to the computer science suites. Further down the corridor you’ll find the administration team and the Principal’s office.

Finally up to the third floor where you’ll find the super science lab and additional science labs. You can also access the habitat zone roof terrace.

Across all three floors you will have seen a range of specialist equipment from heavy engineering tools such as welding, milling and lathing, to light engineering and electronics, including 3D printers and CADCAM.

Next door is the carpenters’ workshop, which houses the dining facilities, the business lounge and social community space. Or if you want to take a break outside, the inner courtyard is a great space to meet fellow students and members of staff.

When full our campus will accommodate 600 students. You can see many more images of the UTC and its development on our website.

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By trainNewhaven Town Station is just across the road from the college. It is on the Brighton - Lewes - Seaford railway line which has a frequent service from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Connections can be made at Brighton from stations westward to Worthing and beyond, and at Lewes from the north (Haywards Heath and Three Bridges) and from the east (Polegate, Eastbourne and Hastings).

The UTC falls within the Brighton and Worthing Unizone season ticket scheme.

Go to www.southernrailway.com for more information.

By busHigh frequency services operate direct to Newhaven from Brighton and Eastbourne, serving all points in between. The nearest stop to the college is the one serving Newhaven Town Station. Almost all buses will be able to accommodate wheelchair access and foldable bikes quite easily.

Go to www.buses.co.uk for more information.

By bicycleThe college has a secure rack for 35 bicycles and this will grow with our student numbers. There are recommended cycle routes from Brighton and Seaford.

Go to www.sustrans.org.uk for more information.

By car or motorcycleThere are no on-site parking facilities for cars or motorcycles, except for blue badge holders. There are car parks less than a ten minute walk away in the town centre. Newhaven lies at the southernmost end of the A26 from Lewes and Uckfield and on the east-west A259 South Coast Road.

Travelling to and from the UTC is easy. Newhaven is very well served by public transport with direct services from Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne. The college is situated close to the centre of town and near to bus and train stops.

Getting to the UTC

to Three Bridges

PlumptonHassocks

Direct train service

Bus route number2129

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12 12A 14C

12A

28 51

Direct bus service

Connecting train service

Connecting busservice

to Littlehamptonand Bogner Regis

to Dieppe

Glynde

Southease

Falmer

Polegate

Berwick

Hailsham

to BexhillandHastings

Horam

RingmerCooksbridge

London Road

Moulsecoomb

PrestonPark

Seaford

HarbourTown

Bishopstone

HampdenPark

Wivelsfield

Burgess Hill

to Crowborough

HEATHFIELD

BRIGHTON

HOVE

Aldrington

Portslade

Fishersgate

Southwick

Shoreham

Lancing

East Worthing

Worthing

HAYWARDSHEATH

Public transport to and from the UTC

UCKFIELD

LEWES

NEWHAVEN

EASTBOURNE

Ferry service

Employer soundbite:

“It is a rare opportunity to get such a great education facility to match the likely needs and wants of so many local children, readying them with skills that will see them able to excel locally in careers and indeed no doubt some entrepreneurial business ventures. The topics and curriculum that the UTC@harbourside will cover is so very well in tune with the likely future of Newhaven and with its up and coming generation of learners.”

Mark Beaumont, Managing Director & FounderInfacom Limited

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Joining at 14At Key Stage 4 the curriculum has been designed to combine academic achievement with the development of engineering and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.

We guarantee every student two weeks of high quality work experience at Key Stage 4.

to the programme of technical awards.

In Years 10 and 11 the curriculum time is split with:

devoted to academic study and

40%60%

Core Subjects GCSE Options Technical Award Options GCSE English GCSE Biology Engineering Principles & Business GCSE GCSE Chemistry Engineering Mathematics Electronics & Computer Systems PE GCSE Physics Engineering Design & Product Investigation RE/PSHE GCSE Computing Engineering Materials & Manufacturing GCSE Geography

The curriculum:

Employer partners will help provide additional technical expertise and opportunities for work placements for every Key Stage 4 student. They will also set real life enterprise challenges for students, as part of our focus on helping students develop the entrepreneurial skills that are in demand by employers.

In addition to your GCSE studies you will do PE one afternoon a week. You will also have options that are not typically available in a conventional school setting, such as sailing and scuba diving.

All students will take the core GCSEs in English and mathematics. We will place an extremely strong emphasis on securing the highest level of success in these subjects. PE and RE/PSHE are also core subjects.

Students then choose options from both GCSE and technical awards. In addition to English and maths most students will take either:

4 GCSE subjects and 2 technical awards in engineering or3 GCSE subjects and 3 technical awards in engineering

Admissions and options:

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Additional support You will also benefit from an extended day Monday to Thursday each week. You can remain at the UTC for up to 1.5 hours after lessons to learn or work independently with the support of specialist subject teachers.

Modern languagesWe believe that learning a modern foreign language is an extremely important skill to develop. However to be successful you really have to be committed, which is why we have placed this option as part of our enrichment programme.

Our language offer is about developing real communication skills – and we will be working with students from the Pablo Neruda technical school in Dieppe to do just that!

Learning business skillsOur whole learning environment is configured for anyone who is passionate about succeeding in business in the real world. Entrepreneurship and enterprise is at the heart of our curriculum. Our partnerships with local businesses mean that you will be learning from industry professionals as well as teachers.

AdmissionsThe UTC is a state school, funded by the Department for Education. There are no fees and no entrance exam or selection criteria to join the UTC at Key Stage 4. We welcome applications from students who are motivated by science, engineering, technology and maths, and who want the opportunity to experience the world of work and real life industry or environmental projects as they learn.

If we are oversubscribed places are allocated on the basis of our Admissions Policy. This allows for priority to be based on postcode, with each area having a certain allocation of places. You can view our full admissions criteria at www.utc-harbourside.org/admissions

Parent soundbite:My son, who is 9 and a keen technical designer already, would be well suited (to the UTC). “

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Pathway 1 Pathway 2 Pathway 3 2 or 3 A levels 1 A level Engineering Extended Diploma Engineering Engineering(Subsidiary) Diploma Diploma

A level BTEC UCAS Points (Subsidiary) Diploma A* Distinction* 140

A Distinction 120

B 100

C Merit 80

D 60

E Pass 40

Level 3 Pathways:

A guide to UCAS points (2014)*

Level 2 Pathway:

Joining at 16At Key Stage 5 our curriculum will provide pathways at Level 2 and Level 3. These pathways are designed to enable students to progress to university, Higher National Apprenticeships or employment.

For students achieving 5+ A* to C grades at GCSE, including English and maths, we offer a flexible range of pathways at Level 3.

These pathways enable you to build a curriculum that best fits your future needs. These are based on a combination of scientific A levels and technical awards in engineering, together with a strong emphasis on employability skills. Some students will commit to a full-time engineering course, whilst others, including some of those who plan to take engineering at university, will follow a more traditional A level route with mathematics and physics being two of their core A levels.

Students following Pathways 1 and 2 can choose from A levels in mathematics, further mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computing, electronics or design technology. To study a subject at A level you will be expected to have achieved at least a B grade at GCSE.

A levels are taught as discrete subjects and you will receive five hours teaching every week for each A level subject. Some subjects may be offered in partnership with other local colleges. Technical qualifications will benefit from similar levels of teaching time and will be assessed as part of the application of theory and skills in projects set by our industry-leading employer partners.

Regardless of the pathway taken, most students will continue to study some maths at an appropriate level in Key Stage 5, alongside other qualifications. This reflects the fundamental importance that employers and universities place on this subject.

• If you achieved a grade B or above at GCSE then you can take A level maths.

• If you achieved a grade B at GCSE or better, but don’t feel that a full A level in maths is right for you then you will have the opportunity to take a new Core Maths qualification. This is recognised as a Level 3 qualification and is equivalent to an AS level taken over two years.

• If you have achieved a grade C at GCSE then you will have the opportunity to take the Higher GCSE in order to achieve a grade B, or better.

• If you did not achieve at least a grade C at GCSE then you will have the opportunity to re-sit Foundation GCSE Maths in order to gain a grade C.

For students who haven’t achieved 5+ A* to C grades at GCSE including English and maths at age 16, we can offer a one year Level 2 pathway as a way of gaining the skills needed to progress onto a Level 3 programme. This will consist of:

• GCSE English and/or maths grade ‘booster’ programme.• Level 2 Engineering (equivalent teaching time to 4 GCSEs).

University entrance requirements are expressed as points based on the type and grade of the qualification achieved, as indicated in the table below:

• The UCAS points for AS level, Core Maths and the Extended Project qualifications are half those of an A level.

• The UCAS points for a BTEC Diploma are twice the points of a BTEC (Subsidiary) Diploma.

• The UCAS points for a BTEC Extended Diploma are three times the points of a BTEC (Subsidiary) Diploma.

* Tariff points for 2015 are under review at the time of printing. Please check www.ucas.com for the latest information.

The importance of mathematics:

Admissions and options:

Student soundbite: It gives you a better chance at getting the career you want.“ ’’

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Learning at the UTC

As well as studying a range of recognised qualifications, including A levels and technical qualifications, you will work in teams on real life enterprise challenges set by employers. You will also have the opportunity to develop your engineering skills using our state-of-the-art facilities and working directly with local marine engineering and environmental employers.

We also guarantee every student two weeks of high quality work experience at Key Stage 5.

AdmissionsTo be eligible for entry into Year 12 both internal and external applicants will be expected to have met the minimum academic entry requirements for their chosen level of study.

Any unfilled places at one level of study will be added to the places available for the other level.

Entry requirements – Level 3 Admissions5 GCSE passes at A*-C, including English and maths.

Entry requirements – Level 2 admissions 4 GCSEs at Grade D, or equivalents, including English and maths.

The UTC is a state school, funded by the Department for Education. There are no fees. You can view our full admissions criteria at www.utc-harbourside.org/admissions

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What next?

Opportunities for engineers are widespread, well rewarded and global in nature – young engineers use their knowledge to develop new technologies and solve challenging problems. With the right skills engineers become team and project leaders and ultimately rise to the top of local and multi-national companies. This is a key reason why our entrepreneurial programme is embedded within our curriculum and why exposure to the working environment is so important. Equally other students will be able to build successful careers in completely different areas of work - including using the entrepreneurial skills they have learned with us to help them set up their own businesses.

Progression to employmentBy working alongside employers you will learn about the skills and qualities that businesses value. Work experience and challenge projects will give you the opportunity to develop these skills, get feedback from employers and establish your credentials as a future employee. You will have gained first-hand experience of real careers in engineering, particularly in the fields of environmental and marine engineering. This will give you a real advantage when applying for a job in a sector that really motivates you.

Progression to Apprenticeships and Higher ApprenticeshipsToday’s workplace is defined by employees with highly specialised technical skill sets. Even though you have followed a specialised curriculum it is likely that you will need further training to be fully ‘employer ready’ to fulfil particular job roles. Apprenticeships and Higher Apprenticeships are designed to do just that. They represent a key link between education and employment in many technical areas. Working and studying side by side underpins Apprenticeships. Continuously updating your skills is a fundamental element of a successful career in our rapidly changing technological world – Apprenticeships support a mindset to do this.

Progression to universityThe A levels we offer provide the ideal combination of subjects for progression to university to study a wide range of engineering specialisms, mathematics (including accountancy and actuarial science), computing and programming, and the sciences. If for example you are considering a career in the field of medicine, doctors now rely on highly technical electronic equipment both in the field of diagnosis and surgical treatment to do their jobs. The subjects we offer provide a progression route for students aspiring to medical careers.

Even if you are considering a career in a field that does not require the study of particular A levels, the subjects we offer are highly valued by universities and can enhance your chance of a career in, for example, law. Your hands-on experience of business and industry at the UTC will be a major advantage if you choose to take a business-related degree.

Many students will go on to develop careers as professional engineers, some with a strong emphasis on building a more sustainable future.

Employer soundbite:“Screen Solutions has been at the heart of the Lewes District community for the last 21 years. We are very proud of our long established involvement with the local area and will continue to supply employment and work experience opportunities for local people.”

Sally Evans, Screen Solutions

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Student lifeWhat we expect from our studentsThe UTC specialises in teaching subjects to the highest standards, with a team of teachers that are truly passionate. In return we expect that you will want to:

• Make a positive choice about your future education – to leave at 18 with more than just qualifications.

• Get the most out of the opportunities we offer by challenging yourself to develop the resilience and determination to succeed in the real world. To be an active learner.

• Be up for a challenge. The subjects that you will be studying are tough – but the rewards are great too! Employers and universities place a premium on achievement in these subjects.

• See the link between your studies and your future career, and be excited by the chance to develop your entrepreneurial skills and work experience.

Outstanding achievements at GCSE and A level open the doors to careers. But it is these other attributes that enable you to rise to the top in your chosen career and beyond.

Developing your entrepreneurial skillsAcross all of your studies and activities you will develop the entrepreneurial skills that employers demand and that will help you stand out in the job market. Qualities such as determination and teamwork, passion and creativity, risk-taking and decision making. All the things that can help you achieve in your studies, your career and throughout your life, will be a part of your daily study at the UTC.

A more productive day To give you the time for academic and technical studies the day is longer at a UTC than in a regular school, typically from 8.30am to 5.00pm. This includes time for independent learning and developing projects, leaving your evenings clear for other interests and activities.

Dress code As you will be working with employers and business partners it is important to appear smart and ready for business. This means that the UTC will have a dress code for students. Full details of this will be published on our website.

Pastoral care and personal developmentYou will have a personal tutor who will support you throughout your studies. As you move through the college you will be strongly encouraged to make a contribution to your local community, for example by leading or mentoring younger students, volunteering, or even participating in a World Challenge expedition.

Physical education opportunities will include outdoor pursuits, such as scuba diving, and gym-based activities, such as aerobics or boot camp. This will enable you to find activities that you really enjoy and can continue throughout your life.

Workplace skills courses, including Health and Safety and First Aid, will be available to strengthen your profile of skills to potential employers. Progression onto apprenticeships will be supported by workshops led by key practitioners, where you will review routes to successful and rewarding careers.

Progression to university will be supported through a UCAS programme, including guest speakers and support with completing your personal statement.

These personal development opportunities will enable you to stand out to future employers and take part in our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and the Duke of York Award scheme for technical education.

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Our partnersWho’s behind UTC@harbourside?With the support of the Department for Education and the Baker Dearing Trust, and backing from leading industry employers, each of the UTC’s sponsors plays a key role in its success.

The University of Brighton has 21,600 students studying across five campuses in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings. It is a leading university for the professions, particularly medicine, nursing, pharmacy and engineering.

www.brighton.ac.uk

Lewes District Council is committed to promoting prosperity and enterprise, improving skills and providing a wide choice of local work.

www.lewes.gov.uk

Parents and carersYour guide to the UTC

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The Aldridge Foundation is an educational charity and award-winning sponsor of entrepreneurial academy schools in Sussex and across England. Portslade Aldridge Community Academy was recently named Brighton School of the Year at the Argus Achievement Awards 2014.

www.aldridgefoundation.com

Parent soundbite:A chance to specialise is a good thing ... given access to the right opportunities.

“’’

Veolia group is the global leader in optimised resource management. With over 187,000 employees worldwide, the Group designs and provides water, waste and energy management solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of communities and industries. Through its three complementary business activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, preserve available resources, and to replenish them.www.veolia.co.uk

We believe that UTC@harbourside is the right choice for your child if they are:

• Motivated to make a positive choice about their future and want to get more out of school than just qualifications.

• Learn better when they see the link between their studies and their interests.

• Keen to gain the qualifications and skills that will give them an edge over other students in getting into higher education, the world of work or an apprenticeship.

Staff at the UTC work in partnership with each student and their parents/carers to ensure their success, both now and in the future. You will be an essential factor in ensuring we have an ongoing conversation about your son or daughter’s progress and, where required, identifying any additional support needed.

The UTC will never have more than 600 students and will have small class sizes so everyone feels safe, secure and listened to. We will ensure that you have up-to-date progress information and opportunities to celebrate your child’s success.

Our curriculum has been designed by employers, the University of Brighton and the Aldridge Foundation. This ensures students have the academic and practical

skills that employers are looking for, so that they can progress into an apprenticeship, employment or university to fulfil their ambitions. As one of our sponsors, the University of Brighton guarantees interviews and offers for the majority of their courses to applicants from UTC@harbourside.

Why move at 14 to the UTC?

Changing school at 14 is becoming more common, and by 2016 there will be nearly 50 UTCs as well as other schools offering the option to switch between Years 9 and 10. Now is a great time to get ahead of the game and be amongst the first to benefit from the unique opportunities we offer.

As students progress through their education they need increasingly specialist teaching to make the best possible progress. This is recognised in the move from the primary to the secondary phase at 11. By the age of 14 many young people have developed a sense of the direction in which they are heading, even if they haven’t made precise career choices.

In all schools, GCSE option choices at age 14 are designed to support the need for young people to begin to develop more personalised learning. At UTC@harbourside we are able to take this to the next stage. We have built our entire curriculum to

support a range of specialisms, whilst ensuring that other core subjects are taught effectively. This enables us to focus on the quality of teaching in these areas, attracting the involvement of industry professionals and giving students the experience of working with local and national employers in these fields.

We offer the chance to make a seamless transition through GCSEs to A levels, develop work experience and employability skills, and have an excellent preparation for the world of work or further study beyond that.

We provide extensive support to ensure your child makes a successful and happy transition to the UTC:

• You will have opportunities to talk to the Principal and staff, to attend workshops in the UTC or the university and to meet the employer partners.

• Once you have made a decision to come we will continue to work with your existing school so that your child can take advantage of some extended visits to the UTC towards the end of Year 9 on Saturdays and in the holidays.

• They will have a chance to try out the journey with an individual travel plan we will prepare for you.

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How to applyApplications must be made directly to the UTC

and are not co-ordinated by the Local Authority.

You should apply as soon as possible by following our online application process, or downloading and completing a hardcopy

application form. These can be found on our website www.utc-harbourside.org

or you can request a form fromjonathanclarke@utc-harbourside.org

If you would like to find out more, or have questions to ask before making your application, we are always happy to arrange a

meeting with our Principal Jonathan Clarke. Please contact jonathanclarke@utc-harbourside.org

Alternatively you can get a feel for learning at the UTC and meet the Principal at one of our upcoming events, see

www.utc-harbourside.org for more details.

UTC@harbourside Administration OfficeUTC@harbourside, C/O Brighton Aldridge Community Academy,

Lewes Road, Brighton, BN1 9PW

Tel: 01273 640776 www.utc-harbourside.org