“Bold new approach to learning”
Plans are to be submitted to create a new school within the grounds of The Hewett.
If approved, The Norwich Studio School would take a hands-on approach to learning, working closely with local businesses.
Open to any pupils in Norfolk aged 14-19, students at the school would work closely with local businesses, taking the learning out of the classroom. Core curriculum subjects such as Maths and English would still be taught, but by focusing on enterprise and entrepreneurship, it’s hoped students will be more engaged and achieve more than they would in a traditional school.
The new school would “pioneer a bold new approach to learning, involving enterprise projects and real work” , according to the Studio Schools Trust, who’re behind the new learning model.
Rob Anthony, Associate Headteacher at The Hewett School said, “Although the Norwich Studio School would be run as a separate school with its own unique ethos and identity it will be created as a ‘school-within-a-school’. [...] We believe that a whole school dedicated to finding the young entrepreneurs of the future and developing their talent is what is needed. That is why the school’s governors and Trust have asked us to explore the setting up of a Studio School for Norwich.”
The Norwich Studio School has already gained the backing of Norfolk County Council and the local Chamber of Commerce. Barry Dennis, President of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce said, “Business and education needs to work much closer together if Norfolk’s skills issue is to be addressed. Good old fashioned work experience is no longer enough. Students need to link with the business world as soon as possible.”
All students at the Norwich Studio School would spend some of their time each week in local businesses putting their learning into practice. Rob Anthony added: “We want students to learn the theory and see how it is put to use in a real business environment. This means that students leaving the Studio School will have gained both the theoretical knowledge and have practical experience to back it up.”
The aim is to start the school with 25 students in Year 10 and 25 in Year 12 and grow this to a maximum of 300 students in four years time.
An initial proposal will be submitted to the Department of Education, setting out the case for a Studio School in Norwich. In July, they will hear whether they can submit a full application. If this is accepted by the government then the new school would be in a position to open in September 2012.
The plans come hot on the heals of an announcement by City College Norwich that it is to become an Entrepreneurial College, encouraging ambition and innovation across many of its subject areas.
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