Writhlington Mendip Consultation Booklet by Cleverbox UK Ltd

Information

for

students, parents and our

wider community

sponsored by Writhlington School

Introduction The Mendip Studio School will provide a new and innovative approach to learning for 14 - 19 year olds, offering a curriculum that is linked specifically to future employment opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Computing. The Mendip Studio School will open on the Writhlington School campus in Radstock in September 2015.

The Department for Education has approved Writhlington School’s application to establish a Studio School and to proceed to the “pre-opening” stage. This is a significant step towards opening the School and demonstrates the confidence that the Department for Education has in our plans. We are now undertaking a public consultation to ensure that our plans meet the needs of parents, students and employers and we welcome your feedback and comments. The Mendip Studio School has been developed in response to research that highlights a growing gap between the skills and knowledge that young people leave school with and the skills that employers and universities need. These include transferable work-related skills such as communication, team-working and enterprise skills, as well as technical skills required for the key sectors of Electronic Engineering and Biosciences. The Mendip Studio School will improve educational attainment, skills and employment outcomes for our students.

Major local and national employers in these sectors, including Dyson, ScienceScope, Intel, Eden Project and Kew Gardens have offered support on the content of the specialist curriculum and are helping to develop projects, work placements and future employment opportunities. The Mendip Studio School has also received the support of leading universities including the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge and Kent. Several of these universities will be providing curriculum expertise, including visiting speakers, specialist tutorials and study visits. Students at the Studio School will benefit from a personalised approach to learning in a small school focused on Science and Technology, with high expectations and high achievement; professional coaching and individual learning programmes will reflect their intended career aims and enable them to reach their full potential.

This brochure will give you the chance to learn more about the Mendip Studio School and our plans. We are proud to be involved in the development of such an exciting and innovative project and we look forward to receiving your response. We do hope that you will also take the opportunity to come and meet us at our information events and share your views and thoughts on our new Studio School. Best Wishes,

M Everett Chair of the Mendip Studio School Trust and Headteacher of Writhlington Academy

Vision & Ethos The Mendip Studio School, specialising in Biosciences and Electrical Engineering, aims to inspire students with a thirst for learning, a drive to succeed and a curiosity to innovate and experiment. Students will acquire a robust education in Electronic Engineering and Bioscience underpinned by the acquisition of an entrepreneurial outlook, enabling them to have the ability to turn ideas into actions. Mendip will offer a unique opportunity for students to work with electronic engineers and scientists engaged in research and development and give them access to organisations such as Intel, Dyson, the Eden Project and Kew Gardens. Our partners will ensure that students tackle authentic scientific and design engineering projects, adopting standard industry processes. Our aim is to provide an education which will enable students to enter higher education and the job market with key specialist engineering and bioscientific knowledge, as well as having the skills and attitudes which will

enable them to become immediate and strong assets to prospective employers. Mendip students will aim high. They will have personal goals both in terms of academic excellence and also their development as responsible, employable and successful individuals. Our school will provide a positive and supportive environment where students will be able to grow in confidence, take appropriate risks, embrace challenge, adapt to change and find solutions to problems. All of our students will be respected as individuals and will be stimulated to use their imagination positively and realise their full potential.

What is a Studio School? A Studio School is a mainstream state school where classroom-based learning and the world of work are truly integrated. They are designed for 14-19 year olds of all abilities and provide a small school environment for 300 students. Working closely with local employers, Studio Schools offer a range of academic and vocational qualifications including GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, as well as work experience linked directly to employment opportunities in the local area.

Students will work in smaller groups with individual support from a â€˜personal coachâ€™ who will meet with them once a fortnight to develop their own personalised learning plan and tailor their curriculum to their individual needs and aspirations. Personalisation of the curriculum will be further supported through a small school environment in which every young person will be able to access the tailored support that they need.

This approach ensures students' learning is rooted in the real world and helps them to develop the skills they need to flourish in life. Students will gain a broad range of employability and life skills and will have the option to go on to university, further training and employment. Employers are a key aspect of the studio school model, its success and the opportunities on offer to students.

The CREATE skills framework Key employability and life skills will underpin all the activities at the Studio School, delivered through the CREATE skills framework (Communication, Relating to people, Enterprise, Applied skills, Thinking and Emotional intelligence). All students will be fully engaged with the framework which is designed to equip them with the skills they will need for the workplace or further education. Â

Communication

Learners can convey information and ideas so that they are received and understood by others.

Select

Organise

Deliver

Relating to Others

Learners can successfully interact with others in a range of roles and situations.

Relate

Collaborate

Steer

Enterprise

Learners can develop, implement and learn from ideas.

Launch

Plan

Execute

Reflect

Applied

Learners understand and are able to effectively apply their skills to a variety of situations and contexts.

School and Learning

Family and Relationships

Work and Employment

My Local Community

Thinking

Learners can process ideas to make reasoned judgements and solve problems.

Use

Research

Decide

Emotional Intelligence

Learners understand and can manage their own and othersâ€™ emotions.

Understanding Myself

Managing Myself

Understanding Others

Wider World

Managing Others

What will a Studio School mean for the Mendip area? The Mendip Studio school will offer new educational opportunities and choice for young people. It will help to equip them with the skills they need in a highly competitive jobs market and offer a personalised curriculum to help them achieve high quality qualifications.

Practical Learning Enquiry-based learning lies at the heart of how Studio Schools work. Students in the Studio School will learn through Science and Technology projects both in school and with local businesses. All students will participate in work experience either working with industry experts in an authentic “workplace” in the Studio School or in specialist companies. There is considerable evidence that this direct, ‘hands on’ experience better prepares young people for life and work. Also, students will be able to study additional courses which will help them in the workplace. This could include qualifications in IT, Computing, Engineering, Electronics and the Sciences.

Curriculum A personalised curriculum will be offered at Mendip Studio School, linked to work experience and projects supported by strong employer partnerships. We will offer a personalised approach to learning and skills development which includes the following key aspects: • Lessons based around employer-led Project based learning • Focus on Science and Technology in all areas of the curriculum • Applied learning using latest technologies in a flexible learning environment • Regular reviews of learner progress in close partnership with parents and carers • A customised curriculum which recognises the full range of learner abilities.

Programmes of study at the Mendip Studio School Our curriculum has a focus on Science, Technology, Computing and Mathematics. It also includes important and authentic employer engagement through visits, work shadowing and work experience, employer presentations, challenge events and Masterclasses in our specialist areas. The brand new building and facilities will support a quality curriculum which aims for the highest possible qualifications for all our students and also provides them with mentoring and support through our personal coaching framework.

Proposed Curriculum for students in Years 10 & 11 (KS4) Key Stage 4 Options All students at Mendip will study Mathematics and English Language and will be able to achieve a minimum of 8 good GCSE passes. There will be a range of additional option subjects, including:

Additional sector specific professional qualifications will be achieved through employer-led project work and work experience. Options will include the following: • iGCSE Enterprise

• GCSE English Literature • GCSE Science (including double and triple awards) • GCSE Business Studies • GCSE Computing

• British Science Association Engineering Awards • Digital Applications and 3D Design qualifications • Award in STEM Leadership • CISCO Networking qualifications

• GCSE Geography • GCSE Modern Languages • GCSE Design Technology • BTEC Engineering Design and Product Investigation • BTEC Engineering Electronics and Computer Control Technologies

Sixth Form Courses Sixth Form students at the Mendip Studio School will be able to access all the courses currently offered at Writhlington School and both schools will operate a shared Sixth Form Programme of Study. It is anticipated that many students enrolling on Design Technology or Applied Science courses in Year 12 will join the Mendip Studio School. This will enable them to complete the additional supported project work with employers and also undertake work experience with an employer which complements and enhances their career or university aspirations.

Option choices will include the following A Level or Level 3 BTEC subjects: • Mathematics

• Chemistry

• Computing

• Business

• Design Technology

• Economics

• Applied Science

• English Literature

• Biology

• Psychology

• Physics

• Sociology

Mendip Sixth Form students will normally complete the Extended Project. This not only carries additional UCAS points, but will also be the main qualification linked to their project work and is highly regarded by both universities and employers.

Hilary Leevers, Head of Education and Learning at the Wellcome Trust, said "Independent research projects, like the Extended Project Qualification, can be incredibly motivating for young people. They give students freedom to explore a topic of genuine interest and will be a first taste of independent study for many. It's a fantastic opportunity for young people to see what it's like to do real science and gain extra experience of practical work. It's also an excellent way of developing important study skills that are highly prized by employers and universities.” “We’re very keen on the Extended Project, and very, very positive about it… The Extended Project provides the thinking skills that we’re interested in.” (Admissions Staff, HEI, England). We are very confident that all students at Mendip will complete their chosen programme of study with a portfolio of work experience and skills which will enhance their transferable skills and also significantly improve their prospects in job and university applications.

Working with Parent, Carers and the wider community We believe in working with Parents and Carers as partners in the children's learning. We intend to support our learners through joint reviews and regular updates to parents and carers on progress and targets. We will have a high quality communications system and will be holding regular Information, Advice and Guidance events for parents and students to keep them fully informed and involved. There will also be a Parent Governor to represent parents and carers on the governing body.

We are committed to preparing our young people to progress from Mendip into high quality employment, apprenticeships, further and higher education and we will work with local and national employers, university partners and the community to ensure this objective is achieved. Students entitled to free coach travel to Writhlington will automatically be entitled to the same transport arrangements if enrolled at Mendip.

Learner Support and Welfare The Mendip Studio School is committed to creating an environment where students can achieve their full potential. Students will operate within a code of conduct that establishes expectations in relation to attendance, punctuality and behaviour. These expectations of behaviour will apply equally to the classroom and the work place and will be clearly communicated to prospective students and their parents/ carers. The monitoring of punctuality and attendance and the promotion of positive behaviour will be the key responsibility of Personal Coaches, liaising closely with both Learning Coaches and also with employers to obtain feedback. Mendip will establish a very positive learning environment. Unacceptable behaviour or bullying will not be tolerated

and robust processes and procedures will be in place in order to ensure consistently high standards. Positive behaviour will be recognised and rewarded as part of a positive behaviour management strategy. Mendip will ensure that students receive high levels of pastoral care and Personal Coach group sessions will include a broad Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) curriculum to promote student well being, as well as encompassing careers, education, enterprise, citizenship and other work related learning.

Enrichment Activities All of our students will have the opportunity to participate in a programme of sport, leisure and other enrichment activities. Some activities will provide students with the opportunity to continue with aspects of their studies whilst others will enable them to pursue a specific area of personal interest, for example CCF, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme or music. There will also be opportunities for students to participate in various educational visits, both residential and non-residential.

Admission Arrangements The Mendip Studio School plans to admit 40 students for entry in Year 10 and 60 students for entry in Year 12 in September 2015. Applications for places in Year 10 in 2015 will be made directly to The Writhlington Academy Trust. Applications for places in Year 12 will be made as part of a shared Sixth Form between Writhlington School and The Mendip Studio School. Students in the new joint Sixth Form will be able to access an extensive range of subjects across both schools and will be offered a place at either Writhlington or Mendip, depending on their primary subject choices. A copy of our admissions policy is available at www.mendipstudioschool.org.uk

How to apply Apply in Year 9 for your Year 10 place to start in September 2015.

Apply in Year 11 for your Year 12 place to start in September 2015.

Applications need to be made directly to The Mendip Studio School via www.mendipstudioschool.org.uk

Alternatively, you can request an application form by emailing enquiries@mendipstudioschool.org.uk or calling 01761 438557.

The deadline for all applications is 31 January 2015

How you can contribute your views We want to ensure that our consultation process allows all interested parties to have an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification and express their views. Our consultation will begin on 3 November and end on 14 December 2014. Dates of our consultation events will be advertised locally and information will also be provided at: www.mendipstudioschool.org.uk You can also email any questions to enquiries@mendipstudioschool.org.uk or send a letter to Rachel Clarke-Dodgson, The Project Manager The Mendip Studio School, Knobsbury Lane, Writhlington, Radstock BA3 3NQ

Once you have had an opportunity to find out more information about the proposed Studio School, please contribute your views by completing the consultation questionnaire available at: www.mendipstudioschool.org.uk A paper version of the consultation questionnaire is also available and can be obtained by contacting 01761 438557 or writing to the The Project Manager (as opposite). A summary of the responses obtained during the consultation period will be forwarded in a report to the Department for Education. The report will also be published at: www.mendipstudioschool.org.uk

Opening in 2015 Details of events can be found at www.mendipstudioschool.org.uk Knobsbury Lane, Writhlington, Radstock BA3 3NQ Tel: 01761 438557 Fax: 01761 438567 Email: enquiries@mendipstudioschool.org.uk www.mendipstudioschool.org.uk @mendipstudiosch Follow us on Facebook