Information on Studio School - cdlpn

Employers - we need you!
Proposals for a studio school in Peterlee
The Academy at Shotton Hall and East Durham College are exploring developing a new studio school in Peterlee for 14-19 year olds.
If there is sufficient demand/support and a bid is submitted (and approved by the Department for Education), the school would specialise in STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Maths) and health and social care qualifications, helping to meet skills shortages in the area and improving the career prospects of local young people.
The school would cater for up to 300 pupils and would potentially open in September 2014 in East Durham College’s state-of-the-art Peterlee campus.
We are currently consulting on our plans and as employers and potential studio school partners we are keen to hear your views.
What is a studio school?
A studio school is a new Government
funded mainstream school model for
14 -19 year olds, of all abilities. They
offer both academic and work-based
qualifications.
Studio schools seek to address the
growing gap between what young
people require to succeed in life and
the skills and knowledge that the
current education system provides.
Studio schools offer a different
educational experience to traditional
secondary schools and sixth forms.
As well as studying for GCSEs and
vocational qualifications, students
work with local employers on real life
business projects and ‘9-5’ work
experience whilst potentially earning a wage.
This roots students' learning in the real
world and helps them to develop
the skills they need to succeed.
Why do we need a studio
school in East Durham?
We know that the current secondary
education system does not suit all
youngsters, who can often struggle
to reach their potential in a purely
academic environment.
Evidence consistently shows that
employers are concerned about key
skills gaps in the economy and that
they often cannot find key employability
skills amongst school leavers.
A studio school would offer an alternative
route through education and into work
or further learning or training. It would
create a professional learning
environment that would enhance
enterprise and entrepreneurial skills,
nurture and develop students’
aspirations and ambitions and improve
employment prospects for themselves
and employers.

Why get involved...
Proposals for a studio school in Peterlee
Be one of the first companies in the region to support the
new studio school model which bridges the gap between
education and work.
What’s in it for you as an employer?
• Support the workforce of tomorrow - by employing studio school
students you can ensure that young people in your local labour market
develop the skills and experience that your business needs to flourish.
• Gain enthusiastic staff for a very small wage or even for free - studio
school students tend to be eager, flexible and hard working and want to
gain real experience of the working world.
• Develop the skills of your current staff through involvement in the
studio school – there may be opportunities for your staff to gain
accreditation in coaching and mentoring.
• Enhance employee engagement - working with a studio school sends a
positive message about the values of the organisation, which can support
efforts to build employee engagement. Employees highly value the time
they spend in schools, and with increased job satisfaction comes better staff
retention and improved productivity.
• Reduce your recruitment costs - advertising, interviewing, trialling,
and taking young people through probationary periods can often be
expensive.
Change the life of the learners
that you support, reach new
audiences, support your local
community and enhance
your business.
Find out more
We’re having a breakfast meeting on Thursday November 29 from 8.30am to
9.30am (complete with bacon butties!) at The Academy at Shotton Hall.
Email margaret.saxton@shottonhallschool.co.uk to come along or
to find out more about our proposals and the support we need.