Proposed Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering, sponsored by North Hertfordshire College

The proposal to create The Da Vinci Studio School for September 2012 has been given approval by the Department for Education to move to the pre opening stage. This next stage is to seek your views on the proposal and whether the school should enter into a formal agreement with the Department of Education, via a funding agreement. Hertfordshire County Council is hosting this consultation on their website on behalf of North Hertfordshire College.

On-line response form

How can I find out more?

Further information on The Da Vinci Studio School can be found at: www.davinci-school.co.uk

An information event has been arranged for those who wish to find out more about the proposals. The details of this event are as follows:

Thursday 22nd March 6.00pm to 7.30pm at

Community Hall
North Hertfordshire College
Monkswood Way
Stevenage SG1 1LA

The following information is an excerpt from the consultation document. You can read the full document here:

da Vinci School consultation document

Please take the time to read the information on this page and complete the online response form, by clicking the link below, to tell us your views.

On-line response form

The Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering, sponsored by North Hertfordshire College, is proposing to enter into a funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education to open its new school in September 2012.
The approval to move into the next planning stage was given by the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, on Wednesday 14th December.

In the first year it is planned to admit students into year 10 and year 12.

The Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering will be a studio school. It will be a small school accommodating 400 students and is planned to grow to this capacity over the first six years. It is a school where the focus is on developing students to take their place in work at an age appropriate for them, by equipping them with employability skills, confidence in work settings and the qualifications needed to access work, apprenticeships or higher education with a focus on careers in Science and Engineering. 

Studio schools were introduced by the last government – six have already opened in the UK and a further 12 were announced for September 2012

Our Vision
Creativity is crucial, we need scientists, engineers and technologists who can work together to solve problems and make the most of our resources to create a sustainable future. This school has a Science and Engineering focus and our students will have a love for science, mathematics, technology and engineering and a thirst for wanting to understand our world, how it works and how we harness and control it. Students need high level skills, technical skills and a high level of understanding of science and technology to step up to careers in the skills gaps that employers are struggling to fill.

What is a Studio School?
Studio Schools are a new type of pioneering 14-19 state school for young people of all abilities who want to succeed in life. They are based on extensive research and best practice from Britain and around the world. They offer a unique practical and enquiry based approach to learning and the curriculum involves enterprise projects and real work. Students can apply to join to study at key Stage 4 (year 10) and at Post 16.

At the heart of a Studio School are seven key elements:

• Employability and enterprise skills
• Key qualifications – a broad and balanced curriculum at 14-16 with additional science / engineering / technology qualifications. At Post 16 qualifications are available; from the academic - science and mathematics, to the vocational - engineering and technology. Students will gain credit for projects – both as qualifications and in industry led initiatives
• Personalised curriculum – students will meet frequently with their ‘personal coach’ to tailor the curriculum to their individual needs and aspirations, to review their progress and to set regular targets
• Practical learning – learning will be delivered mainly through themed projects in the school, local businesses and the community. These will be varied and will include science, engineering, technology and enterprise. These projects will be led by employers keen to share their experience with young people to help them progress.
• Real work – students will spend a significant portion of their weekly time in real work. At Post 16 this is paid work.
• Small schools – students will learn in a small, supportive and personalised learning environment of around 300 students.
• Students of all abilities can apply to join
  The key elements of a Studio School are tried and tested; everyone accepts that students enjoy enquiry based learning and that they learn enormously from working with employers and getting an insight into the world of industry, technology and business. A Studio School brings all this together with the curriculum rooted in the real world. It is a bold and different approach and will help students develop the skills they need to succeed.

What will the Studio School offer?
In years 10 and 11, students at The Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering will study a broad and balanced curriculum. It is the way in which the curriculum is delivered that makes a Studio School different.

Industry-led multi-disciplinary projects will cover GSCE English, Maths, Science (triple), Engineering, Citizenship, RE, PHSE and ICT. Vocational and Technical qualifications such as BTEC Engineering, BTEC Information and Creative Technology and a Product Design qualification will be studied along with other optional GCSEs/vocational qualifications to include Enterprise, Project, Environmental Science and Financial Capability.

Learning coaches will ensure that the projects bring relevance to the study whilst achieving curriculum objectives and preparing the students for their examinations.  Students will complete a Studio Fitness programme and will have access to gym facilities and a range of fitness sessions.

In years 12 and 13, students will be able to study A Levels in the sciences and mathematics, as well as access other A-level qualifications through the range available at NHC. Students will also have access to Post 16 engineering and design qualifications and a wide range of apprenticeships in science and engineering.

Progression for students will be available at Higher Education too; NHC currently has science provision at the Stevenage site available through the Extended Degree in Science (University of Hertfordshire) and the Foundation Degree in Bioscience (University of Bedfordshire), as well as a wide range of other Foundation Degrees on offer for those that wish to study locally.

The curriculum and qualifications studied will be personalised to meet the individual needs of the student and will have real employer challenges. Students will meet with personal coaches to monitor their progress and receive individualised guidance. The curriculum is enriched with many clubs and societies and students will regularly take part in events across the science and engineering calendar. 

How will the Studio School be led?
Donna Lodge will become Principal Designate for the Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering. Donna has more than 20 years teaching experience and has spent the past three years as Deputy Head at Hitchin Girls’ School, a specialist science college, where she has overseen the work of the science department. Donna will be supported by staff who have much experience in the teaching and management of science and engineering courses.

How will the admissions arrangements for the Studio School work?
Students can apply to join to study at key Stage 4 (year 10) and at Post 16. The proposed admissions arrangements can be found on the school website.

www.davinci-school.co.uk

What provision will there be for students with Special Educational Needs?
The Studio School has an inclusive ethos and welcomes students with special educational needs and disabilities. Every endeavour will be made to ensure the removal of barriers to learning by offering a personalised curriculum and appropriate support from their coaches. The sponsor organisation has an outstanding team who will carry out assessments and allocate the support needed to ensure that students’ achievements match their potential.

How many places will the Studio School offer?
The Studio School plans to offer 400 places for 14-19 year olds at full capacity. We will grow to full capacity over the first six years. In the first year, September 2012, 40 places for Year 10 will be on offer along with 50 post-16 places.

Where will the Studio School be located?
For September 2012 the Da Vinci Studio School will be based within the North Hertfordshire College, Monkswood Way, Stevenage, site whilst the new premises are built on this site.  These new premises will be subject to a separate town planning application in the future where detailed plans of the new building will be available to view. Residents and the local community will be consulted as part of this separate planning process.

What about transport to the site?
The North Hertfordshire College site is very close to Stevenage rail and bus links. Students not living in Stevenage will be able to use the subsidised bus routes secured by the College.  This will cost a maximum of £1 per day.

Will I be entitled to concessionary transport?
Students travelling to the school on the subsidised bus scheme will be able to travel for £1 per day. Any costs for link journeys will be extra. Parents, living in Hertfordshire, who wish to enquire about home to school transport support arrangements should contact Hertfordshire County Council.

Practical matters
The new school will have its own identity and a separate entrance. Students will arrive for school, or their work experience, dressed as if they are going to work, in smart business dress. However there will also be a comfortable uniform for working on projects, we have designed a badged polo shirt and work wear trousers. We will also provide all protective clothing for laboratory work. Clear guidance will be available in our uniform policy.

Studio schools have a longer working day and year than a traditional secondary school.  Students will be timetabled to attend from 8.45 am to 4.45 pm Monday to Thursday and 8.45 am to 4.00 pm on Fridays for 38 weeks of the year.

Students will be asked to book their holidays as they would in the work place. The school will be open 51 weeks of the year to enable students to have access to the facilities and support whilst completing assignments outside of their timetabled activities.