Member Article

UTC Reading Hosts First Partner Taster Event

UTC Reading Partners Microsoft, Cisco, Network Rail, Peter Brett Associates, the University of Reading and The Oxford & Cherwell Valley College Showcase The Skills & Experiences UTC Reading Has To Offer

East Reading, UK, 13ndNovember 2012 -UTC Reading, a new University Technical College specialising in Computer Science and Engineering for 14 to 19 year olds, opening in September 2013, today announced that its first Partner Taster evening will be taking place at Reading College on 14thNovember, between 5.30-8.30pm. Parents and children are invited to come and find out what UTC Reading has to offer, meet the Principal and Vice Principal Designates and interact with prestigious academic and industry partners.

Reading College, part of the Oxford & Cherwell Valley College Group, lead sponsors of the new facility, will be hosting the first of a series of monthly taster evenings designed to showcase what UTC Reading offers. The aim is to inform and inspire students through interactive sessions with all the academic and industry partners, giving a flavour of some of the activities and unique opportunities available to young people. The distinct differences between UTCs and traditional schools will be clearly articulated and students that are passionate about either discipline will be made aware of how they can capitalise on their passion and flourish in specialist areas. Joanne Harper, Principal Designate, UTC Reading from January 2013, comments:

“If you have a growing interest in Computer Science and Engineering, enjoy learning through doing and want to benefit from the latest technology in learning, then UTC Reading could be right for you. At our Taster Event, partners Microsoft, Cisco, Network Rail, Peter Brett Associates, The University of Reading and The Oxford & Cherwell Valley College will be talking to interested parties about their commitment to this new facility and will be demonstrating some of the practical and innovative projects individuals would be involved in if they were to become students.”

Programmes designed specifically by Cisco and Microsoft for Computer Science enthusiasts include:

Viewing and interacting with exclusive Windows 8 tablets with educational appsDemonstration and opportunity to use basic programming to make a digital cameraReview of the capabilities of Office 365Selection of review and media kit available to testOpportunity to speak to apprentices and employees about the sector

Programmes designed specifically by Network Rail and Peter Brett Associates for Engineering enthusiasts include:

Examples of how tracks and switches are madeA Lego bridge challengeK-Nex and other building materialsAutoCAD demonstrationsMaterials from the Institution of Civil Engineers

UTC Reading’s newly appointed Principal Joanne Harper and Vice Principal Wayne Edwards, who will officially be in post by January 2013, will be explaining their vision for the new school and answering any questions. Joanne will also outline the admissions catchment area in more detail; informing that applicants from all over the Thames Valley and nearby Hampshire area are welcomed, as eligibility extends to students within a 15 mile radius of postcode RG1 5RQ, which includes Newbury, Slough, Basingstoke and Farnborough. UTC Reading’s student intake will also be discussed and the fair distribution of places over all eligible catchment areas.

UTC Reading Taster Events

14 November 2012 Taster event hosted at academic partner Reading College

12 December 2012 Taster event hosted at industry partner Cisco

23 January 2013 Taster event hosted at industry partner Peter Brett Associates

14 March 2013 Taster event hosted at industry partner Microsoft

16 May 2013 Taster event hosted at academic partner Reading College

-End-

About UTC Reading

UTC Reading is a new University Technical College that will specialise in Computer Science and Engineering, taught alongside the national curriculum. UTC Reading opens its doors in September 2013 and will welcome girls and boys aged 14 to 19 within a 15 mile radius of Crescent Road, Reading RG1 5RQ.

The specialist curriculum proposed by UTC Reading will appeal to secondary school-aged pupils interested in Computer Science and/or Engineering, who are keen on pursuing and developing their talents in these areas.

If you are interested and want to find out more about UTC Reading, please email enquiries@utcreading.co.uk or call the UTC Reading team on: 0118 955 4544. You can also visit our website www.utcreading.co.uk.

Media Contact:

Janine Mitchell

C8 Consulting Ltd

janine@c8consulting.co.uk

+44 1189 001132

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by UTC Reading .