UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park students are preparing for their next career steps after receiving their GCSE and technical results.
At the technical school for 13 to 19-year-olds – which is Ofsted graded ‘good’ – students complete academic and technical qualifications in computing, health sciences or sport science.
The majority of Year 11 students are staying on at the UTC’s sixth form after receiving their GCSE and technical grades last week.
Jess Stevenson, Principal of UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, said: “I am so proud of my students and staff who have really stepped up during the pandemic and worked very hard after another difficult year. There has been lots of learning and lots to be proud of and students’ achievements are well deserved in the face of considerable challenges.”
She explained: “During the lockdowns, we set up online teaching quickly given our expertise with the computing specialism. Our students have developed skills linked to independent and flexible learning, self-motivation and time management that will help them in future with the changes to the world of work as a result of the pandemic.
“It’s great to see the majority of students choosing to stay with us and continue their A levels and technical qualifications in our sixth form. I would like to wish each and every one of our Year 11s all the best for their next steps.”
Health sciences and social care student Scarlett Rees, 16, is celebrating after achieving the results she needed to progress to UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park’s sixth form.
Scarlett achieved a distinction grade in her health sciences technical specialism as well as GCSE grade 7s in child development, mathematics and physics, grade 6s in chemistry, English language and geography, and grade 5s in biology and English literature.
Scarlett said: “I’m over the moon! I think the UTC will allow me to thrive. I like the teachers and style of working. In sixth form I’ll be studying health. I like how hands-on the learning is and how it’s focused – it helps you into a career in that field.” After completing her studies at the UTC, Scarlett is planning to apply for university.
Sport science student Finlay Barker has his sights set on the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) after achieving a good set of GCSE results.
Finlay is moving onto the sixth form at the UTC where he will study a sport science technical qualification (an extended diploma) alongside A Level computer science.
He hopes this combination will give him the qualifications he needs to move onto the UCFB and, ultimately, into a well-paid job once he finishes his studies.
Finlay achieved two distinction grades in his sport science technical as well as GCSE grade 8s in biology and physics, grade 7s in computer science and mathematics, grade 6s in chemistry and English literature and a grade 5 in English language.
Finlay decided to make the move to the UTC in Year 9 to focus on sport. During the open day, he was impressed with the facilities and focus of the technical school.
He said: “I’m feeling good about my results. The UTC has been everything you need it to be and more. The facilities are really good and so are the teachers. We also get to use the English Institute of Sport and the 3G pitch.”
The UTC is equipped with cutting edge industry standard facilities. Organisations supporting the UTC include Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, employers on Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.
UTCs are government funded technical schools that provide academic and technical qualifications to match the skills needs of regional employers, supporting economic growth and employment.
To hear the Principal discuss what the last year has been like for students and staff, please visit this Sheffield Live news story film clip.
Young people can join the UTC in Year 9 at the age of 13 or in Year 12 at the age of 16. Some places are still available for this September. Apply now.
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