Devon Studio School is part of a new generation of state schools known as Studio Schools, which have been created to help address the challenge of preparing young people (aged 14-18) for work.

The introduction of studio schools has been based upon the work of both the CBI and The Young Foundation. Both carried out research to establish what would help young people better prepare for work.

It is clear that, in addition to the normal range of qualifications, young people need two key things: skills and attitude.

Young people at studio schools will acquire six key skills that will help them to thrive in a working environment. These skills are derived from research carried out by the CBI. The skills form a framework – CREATE – which stands for:

It’s often said that young people are caught in a Catch 22 – they can’t get work without experience and they can’t get experience without having worked.

Young people at Devon Studio School will have work experience at every point in their school career. Year 10 and 11 students (aged 14 – 16) will undertake half a day each week with an employer. By the time students reach year 12 and 13 (aged 16 – 18) they will be spending up to two days each week experiencing working life.

Our students will also benefit from coaching. It is well known that personal coaching can enhance performance. Each of our students will be assigned a coach whose job will be to help them get the most out of their time in Devon Studio School.

Working with a personal coach will enable young people to develop the right attitude – one that will help them succeed at work.

They will also work closely with industrial mentors, creating supportive links into the work place environment.

In Years 10 and 11 (aged 14 – 16), students at Devon Studio School will study GSCEs (including English, Maths and Science) plus a BTEC qualifications.

Additional qualifications will also be offered to those students who wish to extend their qualification portfolio for example short courses in First Aid, Forest School and Manual Handling. In Years 12 and 13 (aged 16 – 18), students will be able to study A Level and Diplomas to prepare them for University or direct entry into employment.

The curriculum and qualifications studied will be designed to meet the individual needs of the students, and through the support of our employer partners will also focus upon real challenges which take place in the work place. It is our aim for students to be
able to move from Devon Studio School into the work place, with no contrasts between the two. Students will also benefit from the enterprise agenda that will permeate the curriculum. They will not only be prepared for employment, they will also be prepared to be launched as independent young people.