UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park students are progressing to top universities after receiving their A Level and technical results this week (13 August 2020).
At the technical school for 13 to 19-year-olds – which is Ofsted graded ‘good’ – students complete A Levels and technical qualifications in computing, health sciences or sport science.
The majority of students are going onto university to study a range of degree subjects including computer science, nursing, occupational therapy, primary education, radiography and oncology and sport and exercise science.
Students are progressing to a range of higher education institutions including Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Bristol, the University of York, the University of Leeds and Nottingham Trent University.
Jess Stevenson, Principal of UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, said: “This year’s school leavers are our first cohort to graduate from the UTC. Although our students have not experienced a normal farewell because of the pandemic, I want them to know that we are incredibly proud of them.”
She added: “We know this has been a worrying time and our students have worked very hard and shown incredible resilience during this unprecedented academic year. It’s been a privilege to teach them. They are our trailblazers having first joined us in September 2016 when we opened, and I wish them every success as they go onto the next step of their careers.”
At the UTC students work on employer-led projects, developing skills related to their subject specialism as well as team working and problem solving.
The UTC is equipped with cutting edge industry standard facilities. Organisations supporting the UTC include Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.
Ben Charlesworth, 18, is going onto study a Degree in Adult Nursing at the University of Leeds after achieving top grades D*D*D* in a health and social care technical qualification. He said: “I am completely overwhelmed by my results and could not be happier with them. I am ready and raring to go and honestly cannot wait to start my course, as it is something I’ve always dreamed of doing since I was a child.”
He added: “My favourite thing about studying at the UTC was the level of employer engagement we were involved in and the opportunities from this. A perfect example of this was when I attended a talk by the Director of Public Health for Sheffield, during an employer engagement week. I was completely fascinated by his job, so enquired with his team and was given the opportunity to spend my Year 12 work experience placement shadowing him.”
Alice Weaver, 18, is going onto study a Degree in Nursing (Mental Health) at Sheffield Hallam University after achieving grades D*D*D in a health and social care technical qualification, and a grade C in A Level psychology.
She said: “I feel very happy with my results considering the current circumstances and how difficult I found the jump from GCSEs to A Levels. I found lockdown very challenging but also a good time to reflect on what I wanted in my future career. I definitely think the UTC has prepared me for the future.”
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. 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 at www.utcsheffield.org.uk. Follow @UTCSheffield
