What is a Studio School?

Studio Schools are a new type of pioneering 14-19 state school model for young people of all abilities who want to succeed in life. They are based on extensive research and best practice from Britain and around the world. They offer a unique practical and enquiry based approach to learning and the curriculum involves enterprise projects and real work. Students can apply to join to study at key Stage 4 (year 10) and at Post 16.

What happens in a Studio School?

The key elements of a Studio School are tried and tested; everyone accepts that students enjoy enquiry based learning, and that they learn enormously from working with employers and getting an insight into the world of industry, technology and business. A Studio School brings all this together with the curriculum rooted in the real world. It is a bold and different approach and will help students develop the skills they need to succeed.

What about the Curriculum?

This School is Science and Engineering based. The National Curriculum is delivered, students that wish to can study the English Baccalaureate subjects. Academic excellence is important; students will be expected to work hard and long to achieve their goals. The Da Vinci Studio School will deliver this curriculum in a different way for those students that want something different and for those students that want to work in a mature and business-like environment.

What makes a Studio School different?

At the heart of a Studio School are seven key elements:

• Employability and enterprise skills – how the world of work operates, how wealth is created and managed, how to make your ideas come to life
• Key qualifications – students will be taught the national curriculum at 14-16 with additional science/engineering/technology qualifications. At Post 16 qualifications are available; from the academic - science and mathematics, to the vocational - engineering and technology. Students will gain credit for projects – both as qualifications and in industry led initiatives
• Personalised curriculum – students will meet frequently with their ‘personal coach’ to tailor the curriculum to their individual needs and aspirations, to review their progress and to set regular targets
• Practical learning –learning will be delivered mainly through themed projects in the school, local businesses and the community. These will be varied and will include science, engineering, technology and enterprise. These projects will be led by employers keen to share their experience with young people to help them progress.
• Real work – students will spend a significant portion of their weekly time in real work. At post 16 this is paid work
• Small schools – students will learn in a small, supportive and personalised learning environment of around 300 students
• Students of all abilities can apply to join

Why should I consider applying?

Creativity is crucial in science, technology and engineering. Think about what you have, do and use in your everyday life. Where would you be without the things you take for granted? Who came up with these ideas? What type of education and skills did they need? Do you want to be part of creating solutions? Do you want to think about how to solve problems for people and how to suggest solutions for problems that people don’t even know about yet? Do you want to develop your practical skills? Do you want to increase your personal skills and confidence? Do you want to learn how to create wealth? Do you want to work alongside employers, in a project team?

We need scientists, engineers and technologists who can work together to solve problems and make the most of our resources to create a sustainable future.

Students starting with the Da Vinci Studio School will have a love for science, mathematics, technology and engineering. They will have a thirst for wanting to understand our world, how it works, how we harness and control it, and how we use our knowledge to invent our future. Students with different strengths and ideas will work together on exciting experiences and projects. All students will gain enterprise skills and understand how to work effectively in a real work environment with the support from their teachers (learning coaches) and their pastoral mentors (personal coaches).

Students will achieve academic and technical qualifications, some will start an apprenticeship or a great job, some will go to university or further study and some will decide to set up their own business.

What makes us different is a focus on offering a curriculum that has the opportunity to study technical subjects and delivering these qualifications in a different way. We take learning out of a traditional classroom setting on many occasions; real-life themed enquiry based learning in the school and the surrounding community will increase the relevance of what is taught.

WHERE IS THE DA VINCI SCHOOL?

For September 2012 the Da Vinci Studio School will be based within the Stevenage NHC campus whilst the new premises are built in Monkswood way Stevenage. Both of these locations are very close to Stevenage rail and Bus links and the two sites are 10 mins walk apart.

Students not living in Stevenage will be able to use the Uno Bus link. This will cost a maximum of £1 per day.

What will I study?

Further details will be released in our official prospectus – please register to receive one of these

In Year 10 industry-led multi-disciplinary projects will cover GSCE English, Maths, and Science, Citizenship, RE, PHSE and ICT. Vocational and Technical qualifications such as BTEC Engineering and a Product design and Innovation qualification will be studied along with an Enterprise qualification, a project qualification and a other optional GCSEs/vocational qualifications. Students will complete a Studio Fitness programme and will have access to gym facilities and a range of fitness sessions.

At Post-16 multi-disciplinary enterprise projects will deliver the following qualifications:

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering or Science

A range of options will be available from Medical Science to Electronics to Renewable Engineering. A level 2 course will also be available.

A-Levels

You can choose from the following – Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology plus a range of arts and humanities subjects available in our sponsor organisation (North Hertfordshire College).

Students will also have access to a wide range of apprenticeships – to include science laboratory technician, motor vehicle technology, engineering, ICT, construction and accountancy.

Students will also complete paid work and industry placements as well as have an opportunity to create their own enterprise.