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A group of Leeds parents working to improve life for SEND families.

Represents parents/carers of children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND.

Works in partnership with the Local Authority, Education, Health and Social Care.

Recognised and supported by the Department for Education.

Aims to improve outcomes through participation and co‑production.

Leeds Parent Carer Forum – The voice of parent carers in Leeds

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Our clubs are very much driven by our students. If you have an idea /request speak to us and we will do our best to bring your club to life!

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Take a look at our amazing Year 13 destinations!

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Take a look at our amazing Year 13 destinations!

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Inclusive Year 13 Pathways Celebration Poster

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Karla Bennett - Head of Sixth Form

Ruth Leckenby - KS5 Pastoral & Safeguarding

Sarah Ellis - SENDCo

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Adrian Saunders - Head of Year 10 and 11

Kellie Gray - Receptionist & Pastoral Care

Megan Barthorpe - KS4 Pastoral & Safeguarding

Teresa Candido - Attendance Lead

Sarah Ellis - SENDCo

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Myth-Busting Revision Techniques: What Really Works?

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Myth-Busting Revision Techniques: What Really Works?

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Myth 1: Highlighting and Re-Reading Are Enough

Many believe that simply re-reading notes or highlighting key points will cement knowledge. In reality, these are passive strategies that create a false sense of familiarity. You might feel like you know the material, but retrieval is weak.

Better Approach: Use active recall—test yourself without looking at notes. Flashcards, practice questions, and summarizing from memory are far more effective.

Myth 2: Cramming Works Best Under Pressure

Last-minute cramming can help short-term memory, but it’s a poor strategy for long-term retention. Stress and fatigue reduce focus, making cramming inefficient.

Better Approach: Spaced practice—spread revision over days or weeks. Revisiting topics at intervals strengthens memory and reduces stress.

Myth 3: Multitasking Improves Productivity

Scrolling through social media, and revising simultaneously? Research shows multitasking fragments attention and slows learning.

Better Approach: Create a distraction-free environment. Use the Pomodoro technique—25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break.

Myth 4: Copying Notes Helps You Learn

Copying notes word-for-word feels productive but doesn’t engage your brain deeply.

Better Approach: Transform notes into mind maps, diagrams, or teach the concept to someone else. This forces you to process and organize information actively.

Key Takeaway

Effective revision is about active engagement, spacing, and retrieval practice—not passive reading or last-minute cramming. Swap myths for proven strategies and watch your confidence grow.

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All Students

INSET DAY Mon 23 Feb - College Closed to Students

All Students Return Tue 24 Feb

Ahead Digital Careers Panel Thurs 26 Feb

Surgical Innovations Visit Tue 3 March

Maths Inspiration Trip Tue 10 March

Leeds Manufacturing Festival Launch Wed 11 March

Ahead Partnership Masterclass Tue 24 March

TransUnion Workshops Thurs 26 March

RSE Workshops Mon 30 March

Parent, Carers & Student Exam Guidance Session Online Wed 1 April

Break up for Easter Holiday Thurs 2 April

Year 10 & 11

F1 In Schools / STEM Racing Finals Tue 24 Feb

Year 11 Reports Sent Home Fri 6 March

Year 11 Parents' Evening Thurs 12 March

Year 10 Parents' Evening Wed 25 March

Year 12 & 13

Equifax Workshop Thurs 19 March

Heysham Power Station Trip Tue 24 March

University of Leeds Maths Visit Wed 25 March

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Guidance on the use of AI in your work.

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🧬 STEM-Themed Short Stories for Teens (14–16)

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🧬 STEM-Themed Short Stories for Teens (14–16)

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Theme: Artificial intelligence, entropy, the future of the universe.

A classic sci-fi story exploring deep scientific and philosophical ideas — short, mind-bending, and timeless.

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This book has become a favourite among some of our sixth form students — not just for its relevance to their EPQ research, but for the valuable life lessons it offers. It’s helped them develop exam preparation strategies, build self-discipline, and gain insights they carry into every aspect of their academic and personal lives. A true companion for both study and growth.

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Metacognitive Strategies

What it is: Being aware of how you learn — planning, monitoring, and evaluating your understanding.
How to do it:

Set goals for each revision session.

Use checklists or reflection questions (“What do I still find confusing?”).
Why it works: Improves focus and helps identify weak areas.
Key research: Flavell (1979); Dunlosky & Rawson (2012).

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What is metacognition? (Exploring the Metacognition Cycle)

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Dual Coding

What it is: Combining words and visuals to represent information (e.g., diagrams, timelines, mind maps).
How to do it:

Draw diagrams or concept maps alongside written notes.

Use icons or colour-coding to represent ideas.
Why it works: Engages both verbal and visual memory systems for stronger learning.
Key research: Paivio (1971) – Dual coding theory.

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Illustration & E-Learning (Dual-coding Theory)

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Retrieval Practice (Active Recall)

What it is: Actively trying to recall information from memory rather than rereading notes.

How to do it:

Use flashcards (e.g. Anki, Quizlet).

Test yourself with past paper questions.

Cover your notes and try to explain topics aloud.
Why it works: Strengthens memory and makes future recall easier.
Key research: Roediger & Karpicke (2006) – Testing effect.

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The Leitner Box—How to Remember Anything Forever

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📚 Why Past Papers Matter
Past papers are a powerful revision tool. They help students familiarise themselves with exam formats, practise time management, and identify knowledge gaps. Regular use builds confidence and improves performance — making exams feel less daunting and more achievable.

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Revise GCSE/IGCSEs and A-levels! Past papers, exam questions by topic, revision notes, worksheets and solution banks.

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Maths - Pearson / Edexcel / OCR

English - AQA

Science - AQA

Engineering - OCR

Geography - AQA

Computer Science - AQA

3D Art & Design - AQA

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How can Year 11 students apply for the sixth form?

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How can Year 11 students apply for the sixth form?

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Students will be sent Applicaa logins via their college email address. Please ask them to only use this account to apply and not use a personal emails address.

Students will be guided through the process via assemblies and Values lesson.

It is recommended that students attend an Open Evening to find out more about our Post 16 offer.

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How do parents / students manage permissions?

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How do parents / students manage permissions?

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If you would like to request to withdraw any of the following permissions you will have the opportunity to update in our Autumn, Spring & Summer Data collection. If you would like to contact us before please do so via enquiries@utcleeds.co.uk.

Biometrics (student fingerprints for cashless catering)

Photography (used in marketing, website & social media)

Sex Education (the request to withdraw process is outlined in our RSE policy on our website)

Data exchange (please refer to our data policy to learn how we use data for education services)

Local visits (permission to take students on local visits , usually to local employers, that are within walking distance from UTC Leeds)

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Insight to Lloyds Banking Group Virtual Event

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Insight to Lloyds Banking Group Virtual Event

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Please see below for an opportunity to attend a virtual event for students who may be interested in a career in banking or finance.

The event is on 16th September 5-6pm

...........................................................................

Are you ready to take your first step into the world of banking and finance? Whether you're considering apprenticeships, work experience, internships or graduate schemes—this session is your launchpad.

Lloyds Banking Group is one of the world’s biggest financial services companies with over 30 million digital customers. Find out how they help Britain prosper, what makes their culture inclusive, and how their well-known brands are driving real change.

At this event, you will participate in workshops, network with their people, and hear about all of the key application deadlines for this year’s opportunities. You’ll hear straight from senior leaders about their journey, as well as recent apprentices and graduates and the advice they wish they’d had when starting out.

In addition, all who attend this virtual event will be the first to hear about and apply for over eight in-person events at their offices all across the UK. These events take place on Saturdays, so they don’t impact time out of school or university. In-person opportunities are very rare, especially at huge banks, so this will be your head start to getting your foot in the door!

Your future starts now. Let’s unlock it—together.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, 16th September
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
For: Year 11, 12 and 13 students
Location: (Zoom link provided upon registration)

Register now to secure your place!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Insight_LBG

Best regards,

Dan Miller

Founder and CEO

W: young-professionals.uk

Instagram: @youngprouk TikTok: @apprentice.pathfinders  LinkedIn: @young-professionals

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Typical lunch menu at UTC Leeds.

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What are the prices? Typical prices are £2.50 for a main meal, £1.60 for a triangle sandwich, pasta pot £1.80, panini fires & salad £3.00, bacon sandwich £1.60, cheese on toast 60p, home bake 80p.

What food is offered? Below is a photo of a typical weekly menu for lunch. We also have breakfast/breaktime menu available, again

How do students pay? Can they pay in cash? Once ParentPay is set up all purchases must be made using a fingerprint (cashless catering). No cash.

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Monday 1 September - INSET day college

Tuesday 2 September - Year 12 first day! Year 13 return at 11am

Wednesday 3 September - Year 10 first day!

Thursday 4 September - Year 11s return

Friday 5 September - All students back at college :)

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🎓 Unifrog at UTC Leeds – Supporting Your Child’s Future

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🎓 Unifrog at UTC Leeds – Supporting Your Child’s Future

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At UTC Leeds, we are proud users of Unifrog, the universal destinations platform. Unifrog helps students explore and prepare for their next steps, whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or employment.

The platform supports students with:

Exploring career and subject interests

Completing quizzes and personality profiles

Researching university courses, apprenticeships, and training opportunities

Building CVs and personal statements

Logging careers and destination activities

💻 We strongly encourage you to ask your child to log in at home and show you:

The quizzes they’ve completed

Any research they’ve done on future pathways

The careers and destination activities they’ve logged

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Everything you need, in one place.

Our platform helps students with the whole progression process - from exploring their interests, to recording the great things they've done, to finding education and training opportunities, to drafting their applications.

Unifrog also helps teachers and counselors to manage the process - from delivering engaging lessons using our off-the-shelf teaching resources, to tracking careers interactions, to drafting References, to submitting applications.
More about International schools More about UK schools + colleges

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We help students compare every opportunity, then apply successfully. We also empower teachers and counselors to manage the progression process effectively.

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📅 Alongside a bespoke careers and destinations package tailored to your child’s needs, here is a list of useful events that will support their journey throughout the year.

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EDULINK GUIDES - tutorials and videos

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New Usernames & Passwords - SEPTEMBER 2025

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New Usernames & Passwords - SEPTEMBER 2025

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📢 Important Update: EduLink Accounts

Please keep an eye out for a message from us regarding important changes to EduLink accounts over the summer.

Whether you're a new or existing parent, you will need to set up a new account to continue accessing the platform.

📧 We will email you all the details you need to get started over the summer.

Thank you for your attention and support!

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Training Days - College closed to students

Bank Holidays - College closed to students & staff

Early finishes - We hold three Open Evenings each academic year. On these days, lessons will finish early at approximately 12:25 PM to allow time for the college to set up for the event.

👥 Many of our students choose to stay and volunteer during Open Evenings, helping to showcase the college to prospective students and families. If not volunteering, students will finish early and are free to leave at 12:25 PM.

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We’ve updated the Parent Calendar with all key events for the academic year, including important dates such as parents’ evenings, mock exam periods, and more.

🔁 Please note:

The calendar is updated regularly, so we encourage you to check it often.

Parents’ evenings and mock exam periods are unlikely to change, but other dates may be adjusted as needed.

A letter will be emailed via Edulink in September.

Thank you for staying informed and involved!

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🖊️ Equipment Update – What You’ll Need Next Year

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🖊️ Equipment Update – What You’ll Need Next Year

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🟣 Pen Colour Change

Students will now use purple pens instead of red for self-assessment and marking.

We’ll provide these, but you’re welcome to buy your own if you prefer.

🧮 Scientific Calculator

If you need a new one, we recommend the Casio fx-83GTCW Black Scientific Calculator – reliable and exam-approved.

🔒 Don’t Forget a Padlock!

A padlock is required for your locker to keep your belongings safe.

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As we approach the new academic year, it’s a great time to check your uniform and ensure it meets our guidelines. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

👖 Trousers

Must be formal and tailored

No jeans, jeggings, or chinos

👞 Footwear

Must be black leather

Full shoes only – no open toes or trainers

This is essential for safety in the workshop

Thank you for helping us maintain a smart and safe learning environment!

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The UTC Leeds Key Stage 4 uniform policy is designed for a purposeful and safe working atmosphere and to support students with preparing for the world of work. Practical and versatile, our uniform remains the same throughout the year, regardless of the season.