Studio schools are pioneering schools which receive funding as well
as support from private businesses, and which seek to encourage young
people to undertake a less conventional form of secondary education.
These schools often specialise in one specifi c area, whilst understanding
that the same broad range of skills and qualifi cations should be made
available to all young people.
One such school has recently opened to educate fourteen- to
eighteen-year-olds who have a special interest in working in the
space industry. Students follow a tailor-made curriculum at the
school, including subjects such as Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Lessons are a mixture of small-class tutorials, with projects
supervised by leading companies in both the space and technology
industries.
Prominent scientists and engineers are brought in as guest
lecturers, with students aiming to achieve top grades in their
Maths and Science exams. When they leave school, they will be
well-placed to take any number of different career paths. ‘They
don’t have to become astronauts!’ says a spokesperson for the
school. ‘Excellent grades in science and technology subjects can
open many doors and lead to a variety of career opportunities.’