Students move in to state-of-the-art college

A state-of-the-art University Technical College in Newhaven opened its doors to pupils last week.
UTC@Harbourside. Josh Messam with DNA model SUS-160128-102256001UTC@Harbourside. Josh Messam with DNA model SUS-160128-102256001
UTC@Harbourside. Josh Messam with DNA model SUS-160128-102256001

The year 10 and 12 students left behind their temporary classrooms, which they have been learning in since September, to enter the eagerly anticipated building, which cost £14 million. The project saw a conversion of the Grade 2 listed old Marine and Carpenter’s Workshop in Newhaven Harbour into a college campus, injecting young life and aspiration into the Newhaven town centre after around 25 years of disuse.

UTC@harbourside specialises in science, engineering, technology, computing and maths, making it the 39th UTC to open its doors in England, and the first of its kind in the South East. Backed by the Department for Education, it is a partnership between University of Brighton, the Aldridge Foundation, Lewes District Council and Veolia.

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The new college, which took just 18 months to complete, is now home to a super science lab, a fully functioning engineering workshop including an advanced robotic suite, six 3D printers and rapid prototyping facilities. It also has a boardwalk pontoon, a new canteen and student breakout areas, amongst the world-class teaching spaces.

UTC@Harbourside Newhaven. Kyle Kneller (left) and Max Gilbert (right) constructing robots SUS-160128-102313001UTC@Harbourside Newhaven. Kyle Kneller (left) and Max Gilbert (right) constructing robots SUS-160128-102313001
UTC@Harbourside Newhaven. Kyle Kneller (left) and Max Gilbert (right) constructing robots SUS-160128-102313001

Jonathan Clarke, principal at UTC@Harbourside, said: “We offer a unique learning environment with world-class facilities and equipment. We give young people the skills they need to innovate and invent and offer a variety of extra-curricular activities to support each student’s development. I would urge any parent of a year nine, 10 or 11 student to visit us at our next open event to find out what we can offer your son or daughter. This is on Saturday, February 6, from 11-1pm.

“The building has a unique feel with parts of the original workshop still in place, including one of two gantry cranes which were originally used to lift and manoeuvre boats.”

Danielle Vences is a year 12 student at UTC@Harbourside studying Triple Engineering and Product Design. She said: “Harbourside is a great place to study; I came all the way from South Africa to be here. Already I have found the tutors are knowledgeable and push you to succeed. If you know you want to study science, engineering, technology or maths, this really is the place to be. The opportunities open to us are endless and we are always put forward for new challenges.”

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Leader for Engineering, Bernie Flint, said: “Every student at Harbourside is challenged and encouraged to make significant progress in every lesson. We achieve this through an engaging and challenging syllabus, which motivates and inspires everyone. With our STEM focus and local industry links, we prepare students for real life, instilling growth mind-sets and an entrepreneurial spirit.”

UTC@Harbourside Newhaven. Kim Claerhoudt (left) and Hanna O'Doherty (right) SUS-160128-112720001UTC@Harbourside Newhaven. Kim Claerhoudt (left) and Hanna O'Doherty (right) SUS-160128-112720001
UTC@Harbourside Newhaven. Kim Claerhoudt (left) and Hanna O'Doherty (right) SUS-160128-112720001

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UTC@Harbourside Newhaven SUS-160128-112700001UTC@Harbourside Newhaven SUS-160128-112700001
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