‘About reaching the future fast’
We all tell our children they are special – and they are. So why teach them all the same things, the same way? Why not tailor education towards their talents, interests and ambitions?
North East Futures (NEF) UTC will do just that.
It is a school that gives young people and parents a choice.
The UTC (University Technical College) is rethinking how education is delivered.
It’s the 49th to open in England since launch – funded by multi-millionpound Central Government investment.
NEF UTC is aligned with industry and providing qualifications in regional strengths of IT and health sciences.
The school is set to become a chosen pathway for talented young people when it opens in September.
A truly regional school, open to year 10 and year 12 students, NEF UTC is in the heart of Newcastle, but is welcoming students from right across the North East, including young people from Sunderland, who can get there in less than 30 minutes by Metro.
Dan Sydes, principal designate at North East Futures UTC, says the time has come for greater choice in the world of education.
He joins as a computer science grad himself, after five years at Reading UTC, the most successful Ofsted Outstanding UTC so far.
“This school is trailblazing, delivering education to young people in a way that responds to their interests and natural talents,” said Dan.
“For decades, education has been an arena in which young people are expected to be able to do all things; to master foreign languages, maths, science, IT, history, art... the list goes on.
“Why can’t we help young people who have found their flair and passion, to get started on a career they wish to follow, sooner?
Give them a head start at a school that ensures they excel in areas of interest to them, while also providing the education required to succeed in life and work?”
North East Futures will take students aged between 14 and 19, from across the region, delivering education with an emphasis on software and tech, and health sciences. It will open with space for a cohort of some 60 students.
“Our school does not want to be all things to all people.
“Our students will achieve great things across all areas, because they will enjoy happy and rewarding school careers, spending the lion’s share of study time learning about subjects that interest them most.”
NEF UTC offers maths, further maths, all three sciences – physics, biology, chemistry – in GCSEs, A Levels as well as combined science and computing BTEC qualifications.
“It will be a business-like place to learn, with teaching hours aligned to the working day of its students’ parents.”
Dan is also keen that pastoral care is a major focus.
There will be plenty of extra-curricular activities for students to enjoy as well as opportunities for them to undertake work placements with some of the region’s best-known businesses.
Every student will also get an industry mentor – a professional who will share their wisdom and support the UTC’s young people as they progress with their studies.
NEF’s location, close to Newcastle Central Station, has unrivalled Metro, bus and rail links to and from Sunderland.
Bursaries are available for students who find it hard to travel to North East Futures.
As Dan says: “This is all about reaching the future – fast! And, we are the brave new face of it.”
To find out more about the North East Futures UTC, visit www.nefuturesutc. co.uk and sign up to visit the next open evening on February 19 at the Centre for Life.