Open Evening success and building works begin to take shape
Welcome to my first blog as Principal of UTC Portsmouth - even though I do not formally start the role until 1st January 2017. It was wonderful to see so many keen students and parents at our Open Evening, held at Portsmouth University on 15th September.
There is clearly a real buzz of excitement amongst the community about the opening of our brand new school in September 2017. I came away from the Open Evening knowing that so many young people are really eager to be the first group of UTC Portsmouth students. Moreover, the young people I met came across as mature, serious about their learning and happy that they are able to join a school that offers a great STEM-based education with great links with our partners from the fields of engineering and manufacturing. I am very grateful to all of our partners for being present at the evening to answer a range of questions and for their long term commitment to a new way of educating young people in the region.
It is also very exciting to see the building of our new school progressing so quickly.
Only a few weeks ago the site was a grassy field. Now the steel structure appears to be ‘growing’ by the day. The shape of the sports hall, lecture theatre and staircase can be easily recognised. In addition, I attended a meeting recently with the team responsible for design and installation of the ICT network and systems in the new school. From this, I am most pleased to report that our new school will be equipped with the best of breed tools to support all aspects of learning and the curriculum.
We have another open event, to be held at Trafalgar School on Saturday 8th October 10:00-13:00. There will be the added opportunity for site visits for those interested. Look out for more news on our school website nearer the time. I look forward to seeing many of you again or for the first time at this event.
Ciaran O'Dowda
UTC Portsmouth Principal