The schools will benefit from the University’s facilities and expertise. Image: Ana del Mar Batista, UTC. Credit: Roy Riley.

Two University partnership schools open this week

Two new University partnership schools are opening in Devon this week. Students at the South Devon University Technical College (UTC) and the Cranbook Education Campus will benefit from the University’s facilities and expertise for project work and practical challenges. 

The University will use the partnerships to build on its existing outreach programme that aims to raise aspirations and demonstrate the benefits of a University education to young people in the South West.

The South Devon UTC in Engineering, Water and the Environment welcomes its first students aged 14-18 in Newton Abbot. The students will take part in mathematical challenges at the University engineering labs during their induction week.

The innovative and progressive new college provides GCSEs, A Levels and Diploma programmes, as well as job-ready skills and preparation for careers in science, engineering, civil engineering and the environment. Employers help to shape the curriculum, provide challenge projects and work experience to ensure UTC leavers are ready for the world of work.

Chair of Governors at the college, Professor Janice Kay, Provost Vice Chancellor at the University of Exeter, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to use the University’s expertise in engineering, maths and physical sciences, as well as in education more generally, to support the skills development of young people across Devon and the wider region in preparation for university, an apprenticeship or employment.

“We would like to congratulate the new students starting their specialised education in engineering and science. This is exactly what South Devon needs to give our young people a specialised education in our economy's areas of skills shortage; that of science, engineering and the environment.”

In the new town of Cranbrook, the Cranbrook Education Campus opens for pupils aged 2-16.  It is run by the Ted Wragg Trust Multi-Academy Trust, chaired by Professor Debra Myhill MBE from Education at the University of Exeter, with trustees from local education and business. The Campus provides an outstanding all-through child-centred education in which learning is individually tailored to ensure every pupil can reach the highest academic, technical or vocational level through a dynamic, creative and inspiring curriculum.

Moira Marder, Executive Head Teacher at the Ted Wragg Trust said: “It’s so exciting to be part of the inception at this new school, particularly, the all-through nature, providing consistency and continuity for children and young people of all abilities and backgrounds in Cranbrook.

“It means there will be no transition turmoil for the students as they progress through their education, enabling us to build relationships with parents from the start and providing many more opportunities for high class education.

“The school has been built for 420 primary pupils plus early years and the secondary will be able to expand to over 1,000 places when fully built.”

Date: 7 September 2015

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