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Pioneering Tyneside school links workplace and learning like never before

A pioneering new school format on Tyneside is encouraging North East firms to help shape the relationship between business and education.

Newcastle-based Studio West is calling for regional firms, big and small, to get involved in the nurturing of skills.

The school has already received a ringing endorsement from Accenture’s North East Delivery Centre boss, Bob Paton, who is to become the chair of governors, and has attracted a range of organisations across diverse sectors from medical, through engineering, to retail.

Bdaily spoke to principle designate, Val Wigham, who said the concept would fundamentally change the way schools and businesses coexist.

She said: “In the past businesses have said schools don’t do enough to equip young people with the right skills. That’s just not the case anymore.

“We’re going to deliver a place of learning that connects study to the workplace, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the businesses who have already come on board to help us achieve that.”

Once operational from September, Studio West will be one of 41 studio schools nationally - a state school concept, inspired by a model in the US that is designed to inextricably link education and industry through the incorporation of live, real-life workplace project briefs with curriculum studies.

It is the only 13-19 year-old studio school in the country - all others will be 14-19. Typically studio schools will hone in on a specific sector area, however, Studio West will cover a breadth of sectors.

The compact schools will cater for around 350 pupils, each with their own bespoke programme of study. Each student will receive teaching in maths, English and science. Other GCSE subjects will then be delivered through live projects supplied by industry.

Val said: “Each project will be delivered to deadline and students must present their business partners. That ensures transferable skills such as communication, time management and team working are all embedded in school life.”

Key Stage 4 pupils will spend 20% of their schooling time with business, either in the workplace, or with professionals in the school setting. At post-16 level, students will have two days paid work placement each week

“This is a unique feature of the studio school. Students will wrap their A levels or BTEC courses around the work placements. The academic courses delivered in-school will compliment the placements over a two-year period.

“For example, Accenture will be taking students on coding placements. At school they will be learning computer science, as well as something like business studies - that’s a really broad range of skills and knowledge.”

The format has been enthusiastically received by businesses who have struggled to accommodate effective work experience placements in the short bursts allowed by traditional school models.

Val added: “It’s a real two-way benefit for firms that want to become involved. It’s a big ask for a business to take a student each week over two years, but actually, the companies have told us this is far better than the old way.

“Normally they would get one or two weeks with a student, in which time they’ve only just knocked the rough edges off them. The firm will get a lot back from that student over the period - if we marry up the right student with the right employer - the results could be phenomenal.”

Bob Paton, a vocal supporter and instigator of efforts to upskill young people in the region, says he is really excited about the Studio concept and thinks it has come just at the right time for the North East.

He told Bdaily: “I think that schools, colleges and universities do a fantastic job. Now we just need businesses to work closer with these institutions.

“We see the beginnings of some great links - but there’s so much more that can be done. Businesses are there to turn a profit, keep their staff employed and provide a service. However, more and more organisations are starting to realise that you need to give something back.

“The launch of Studio West is ideally timed to capitalise on this increased awareness. For this type of model to work you need a good fundamental concept - which Studio West is; a strong support from the local business community and a principle with the vision and drive to make the school a success - Val ticks all the boxes there.”

Bob, who has been instrumental in setting up coding clubs across regional schools, says the changing labour market landscape requires a new approach to introduce young people to industry.

He added: “I left school in 1972 and you could see clearly where the jobs were. There was the shipyards, mines and factories. It’s a different world now and it’s not always possible to see where the jobs are.

“Looking at industries like my own, IT, it’s apparent that many people don’t actually know much about it. We need to do something about this - and it’s got to be about showcasing the industry, opening windows on job roles and getting young people involved in real projects.

“It’s not just about my industry too. Studio West has got engineering, manufacturing and medical firms on board, among others. It’s important to say that SMEs are getting on board too, not just corporates. That’s crucial as not everyone wants to work in a large organisation - it needs to reflect the labour market.

“The live projects will not only give students a taste of the skills, but also equally important aspects of work, like company culture and relationship building.

“As a result of this activity - young people might say ‘I want a bit of that’ - and it can spur them on to achieve better academic results and professional qualifications.”

Studio West has just announced another tranche of businesses who will provide work placements, including: Marks & Spencer; Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust; Matalan; Acorn Community Reuse and Recycle CIC; Biomass North East; Context Office Services; Newcastle United Foundation; and engineers, Bam Nuttall.

To find out more about the school and how your organisation can become involved, call Val Wigham on 0191 214 2212 or visit www.studiowestnewcastle.com.

Image used under Creative Commons Licence, from Johan Larsson.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .