Apply now for Southampton Studio School (From Daily Echo)

Apply now for Southampton Studio School

2:40pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in Education By Ed Stilliard, Senior Reporter

TEENAGERS from Southampton can now apply to study at a school in the city which will be the first of its kind in Hampshire.

Applications have opened for Southampton Studio School for 300 students aged 14 to 19 where they can take advantage of a more practical curriculum allowing them to get a taste of life after school.

It is due to open on September 3, 2013. Organisers want children and their parents to find out more about the new school at information sessions being held at City College Southampton, on Monday, October 22 and Tuesday, November 27.

All drop-in information sessions run from 5 to 6pm.

Helen Mason, project manager, said: “This is the first time Southampton has had a studio school and we’re keen to meet with as many young people and parents as possible to explain how it is different to other secondary schools and how it could benefit them.

“One of the key qualities of the school will be the small class sizes, where students will learn through individually structured pathways, each guided by their own personal coach, to ignite desire for learning and develop independence and confidence.

“We have been very pleased with the level of interest expressed so far in Southampton Studio School and urge other families who are considering it for their teenager to make contact too.”

The Studio School is a state school backed by Southampton Solent University and is part of a network of similar schools supported by the Studio Schools Trust.

Based at their sponsor, City College Southampton, it will provide teaching in the core subjects and qualifications in a range of subjects preparing students for life outside the academic world.

Major employers form the port, cruise and marine industries as well as Southampton City Council and Southampton University Hospitals Trust are among those who have signed up to support the bid to open the new school.

Under-16s will gain GCSE qualifications in English, maths, science and IT and, alongside that, take part in work placements developing their employability and work skills and a full range of extra-curricular and physical activities.

Sixth formers can choose from a variety of qualifications, including A-levels and apprenticeships.

Students currently in Years 9 or 11 can apply to join in September.

For more information about the sessions, the school and how to apply for a place, call 023 80 577352, email info@southamptonstudioschool.co.uk or visit southamptonstudioschool.co.uk.