Posted: 10/10/13
Still time to have your say on pioneering new school
There’s still time to have your say on how a pioneering new school could benefit young people in the area.
West Nottinghamshire College is consulting on its plans to open the county’s first ever studio school – a new type of state school for 14 to 19 year-olds that aims to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Studio schools teach the same core GCSEs as traditional schools along with vocational qualifications but through project-based learning and work placements with employers, who are involved in designing the curriculum.
Due to open in September 2014, the college-sponsored Vision Studio School will specialise in engineering and transportation, along with health and care occupations. Several businesses and organisations are already on board as employer partners.
It will be based at the college’s Chesterfield Road campus in Mansfield town centre and eventually provide places for up to 300 students from year 10 upwards.
As part of the school’s pre-opening phase, the college launched a consultation to seek people’s views on how it will work.
People can have their say by:
The consultation, which began in early September, closes on Friday 18 October 2013.
A drop-in event at the college in September and the first in a series of information evenings earlier this month attracted more than 100 visitors between them.
Andy Campbell, principal-designate of Vision Studio School, said: “Whether you’re a potential student, a parent, employer, or member of the wider community, we want to know what you think about the new school and its planned approach to teaching and learning.
“The interest shown to date has been very encouraging and it's clear many people recognise the need to prepare students for the world of work through regular, meaningful engagement with employers.
“However, we’re keen to gather as many views as possible on this important issue for Mansfield and there’s still time to have your say.”
