Inside a Studio School

Last night, The Hewett School held a public meeting to explain their bid to become a “Studio School.”

If successful, they’ll join just a handful across the country, turning part of their site into a “school within a school.”

Here’s a quick guide to what a studio school is.

What is a studio school?

If approved, The Norwich Studio School would take a hands-on approach to learning, working on projects relevant to the world of work. Open to any pupil in Norfolk aged 14-19, students at the school would work closely with local businesses, taking the learning out of the classroom. Existing pupils within the Hewett could apply or students from further afield. The previous Labour Government came up with the concept, which has been continued by the coalition government.

Would students still study the national curriculum?

Core curriculum subjects such as Maths and English would still be taught, but the emphasis would be on enterprise and entrepreneurship. Many subjects would be taught through project work, where students would be given real business tasks to solve.

How much funding has The Hewett School bid for?

The Hewett has bid for around £400,000 from the Department of Education to refurbish the tower block in the southern part of the site. Initially they would hope to open with 25 students in Year 10, and 25 students in Year 12, expanding to 300 pupils in time. The building would be redecorated throughout, re-wired for computers and interactive whiteboards and the top floor could be converted into a lecture theatre.

How closely would students work with local businesses?

Post 16 year old would spend 2 days a week in paid employment as part of their course. Pre-16 year olds would spend up to 4 hours a week working, with employers visiting the school or pupils spending time in the workplace. Talks have already taken place with the Chamber of Commerce and some local businesses.

When will The Hewett hear if the bid has been successful?

Around 30 other organisations or schools have applied to become Studio Schools. The Hewett School should hear by October if they have been successful and plan to open by September 2012 if they are. Around 20 schools are likely to be awarded funding. Two Studio Schools exist, having opened in September 2010.

Feedback so far…

One local parent, Sue Inglesfield said: “Giving pupils an idea about what the world of work is actually about, has to be a good thing.”