10 things you need to know about UTC Swindon
1. STEM college
UTC Swindon is a specialist STEM college, which means that the university and the industry-led curriculum is specifically designed to educate students with a passion for elements of Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Maths. The curriculum is an academic one (it is not ‘hands-on’) but also benefits from some practical aspects delivered with the involvement of industry partners.
2. GCSEs
Students who study with us take all the Sciences, Maths, English language, English literature, specialist GCSE equivalent qualifications in Engineering and Digital Technology. They then have the chance to select another GCSE preference from: Systems Control Engineering, Computer Science, Geography and Business.
3. Local skills gap
UTC Swindon is here to help solve a chronic skills gap in the area. There is currently a lack of 18-year-old leavers with the appropriate skills to go into STEM careers and university degree courses. In addition, there are extensive opportunities for girls in the STEM world as companies are determined to recruit more women to fulfil vital roles.
4. A four-year education
Students are encouraged to see this as a four-year education and be successful in their Sixth Form studies. UTC Swindon does not offer vocational apprenticeships or courses which lead directly to manual employment (although students may progress to advanced apprenticeships after their four year programme). The Sixth Form curriculum offers three distinct pathways: A-levels, specialist Engineering/Digital Technology diplomas or a combined route.
5. Importance of maths
UTC Swindon students need to enjoy maths because it forms such a large and important part of our curriculum.
6. Longer day
UTC Swindon operates a longer day and a greater number of lessons per week and students must be resilient enough to cope with the longer day. Year 10 and 11 students start college lessons promptly at 8.30am every day and do not finish until 4.30pm on most days.
7. STEM learning habits
All students are expected to embrace six STEM habits of mind: resilience, creative problem solving, teamwork, responsibility, communication skills and curiosity.
8. Independence and responsibility
Year 10 and 11 students are not set homework but will be expected to complete some independent study and especially revision in preparation for external/internal examinations. There are no bells and students are responsible for getting themselves to where they need to be at the correct times each day.
9. Training and enrichment
All students are required to participate in extra training and enrichment during the college day. Training allows students to gain additional skills, awards, and qualifications. A wide range of enrichment activities are offered to students to choose from, including; Duke of Edinburgh, reverse engineering, sport and strategic board games to name just a few. Sixth Form students too have training and enrichment as part of their timetables.
10. Standards of behaviour
UTC Swindon is a calm, ordered and adult learning environment because all students are expected to demonstrate excellent learning behaviours at all times, along with excellent attendance and punctuality. All of these are regarded as essential life skills that are demanded by all of our employer partners in the transition into future employment.