studioschoolandsixth.org [email protected] 01922 211 292 14a Lower Hall Lane, Walsall, WS1 1RL Mr Darren Perry Website Email Telephone Address Principal SCAN TO APPLY ONLINE AND PRESS PLAY ON YOUR CAREER YOUR SPECIALIST PATHWAY IN PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC CREATIVE MEDIA JOIN US IN YEAR 10 OR SIXTH FORM
A little about us... Established in 2013 and located on the edge of Walsall Town Centre, Studio School and Sixth is a unique school that offers high-quality academic and vocational curriculum to 14–19-year-olds across the Black Country. Students choose to join our school in year 10 (expanding their opportunity to study a personalised set of KS4 GCSE and vocational options) or in year 12 (choosing to immerse themselves in one of our specialist pathways); creating a community of likeminded young professionals who are keen to express their aptitude, aspiration, and passion for ‘what we do’. What our students gain As a working studio, our students benefit from: » Hands-on experience: Students gain practical experience by working on authentic projects alongside experienced teachers and industry professionals. » Relevant education: Our curriculum is tailored to the creative, health and digital industries, providing students with the skills and knowledge that are relevant and indemand. » Industry connections: Students build relationships with a wide range of industry professionals, adding true value to their learning experience and future job opportunities. » Access to equipment and resources: As a studio, students have access to a wide range of equipment and resources to support learning and enhance skills. » Career preparation: By working in a real-world environment, students better prepare themselves for careers in their field and understand the expectations and demands of their chosen profession. What makes us different By having the opportunity to study with us at the beginning of their year 10 or 12 journey, students develop a competitive advantage for the following reasons: » Personalised approach: Although able, not all students want to be limited by traditional EBacc subjects, and would prefer a choice to select a personalised range of option choices » Balanced education: By promoting the benefits of strong academic, vocational and personal curriculums, students follow a balanced educational approach that prepares them for a variety of careers. » Career focus: Our specialist approach allows students to develop skills and knowledge in their chosen field and gain a better understanding of their future career options. » Early specialisation: By choosing to study at a specialist school at the end of year 9, students can start specialising in their chosen field earlier, which can give them a competitive advantage Find out more To find out more about Studio School & Sixth, please get in touch today by emailing [email protected] or calling us on 01922 211 292. CASE STUDY Jonathan Robin completed his studies at Studio School & Sixth this summer and is leaving with an astonishing set of results. Jonathan achieved top grades for his BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts which has enabled him to go on to study Musical Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, one of the highest regarded schools of acting in the world.
Performance Moving Image Interactive Media Visual Arts Facilitating Skills FAST FORWARD YOUR FUTURE Where will your chosen pathway take you? JOIN IN YEAR 10 THEN AT CORE YEAR 12 STUDIES English Language (GCSE) English Literature (GCSE) Mathematics (GCSE) Combined Science (GCSE x2) Personal Development & PSHE With our Creative Curriculum you are in control of your future. You will be able to choose three subjects, from a range of around 10 different GCSE and Level 2 Vocational courses, to build a bespoke curriculum that reflects your passions and skills. Subjects for September 2024 include: PERFORMING ARTS CREATIVE MEDIA (TV & FILM) CREATIVE MEDIA (INTERACTIVE DIGITAL) PHOTOGRAPHY MUSIC PERFORMANCE FILM STUDIES / MEDIA MUSIC TECHNOLOGY DANCE GRAPHICS / ART IT CAREERS IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES All Studio School & Sixth Students from Year 10 to 13 benefit from a comprehensive careers programme specifically focussed on making a successful career in the creative industries. Created by Mike Zuidgeest THE CREATIVE ECONOMY THE INDIVIDUAL IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CULTURE AND CREATIVITY All Studio & Sixth Students study a broad and balanced curriculum, with equal emphasis placed on our specialist subject areas and the core knowledge and skills that Universities and Employers are looking for. At Studio Sixth Form there are four pathways to choose from, each representing the fastest growing areas of the creative economy. Each pathway is worth 3x A Levels. PERFORMING ARTS Level 3 Vocational Qualification MUSIC Level 3 Vocational Qualification BROADCAST & PRODUCTION Level 3 Vocational Qualification INTERACTIVE MEDIA Level 3 Vocational Qualification
INCLUDES 5 NEW KS4 COURSES FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 Principal | Mr Darren Perry Online | studioschoolandsixth.org Instagram | @studioschoolandsixth Email | [email protected] Phone | 01922 211292 COURSE DIRECTORY Please note, the outlines for new courses starting in September 2024 and are subject to change.
NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 Principal | Mr Darren Perry Online | studioschoolandsixth.org Instagram | @studioschoolandsixth Email | [email protected] Phone | 01922 211292 FILM STUDIES This course encourages students to watch, engage critically with and explore a wide range of film; to develop and sustain confident, personal responses to film via textual analysis; and to enjoy a variety of critically acclaimed films across the major genres, including films from different cultural perspectives, and from the past to the present day. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY • the ways in which meanings and responses are generated through film • a contrasting, culturally diverse range of films from different national contexts • film as an aesthetic medium • the relationship between film and film technology over time • how films reflect the social, cultural and political contexts in which they are made. CREATIVE CAREERS IN FILM The latest official figures published by the BFI’s Research and Statistics Unit show significant growth in UK film and high-end TV production. The combined spend by film and high-end television production during 2022 reached £6.27 billion, the highest ever reported and £1.83 billion higher than for the prepandemic year 2019. Scan to read more on the BFI website: Please note, these outlines are for new courses starting in September 2024 and are subject to change.
NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 Principal | Mr Darren Perry Online | studioschoolandsixth.org Instagram | @studioschoolandsixth Email | [email protected] Phone | 01922 211292 DANCE Dance is a powerful and expressive subject which encourages students to develop their creative, physical, emotional and intellectual capacity, whatever their previous experience in the subject. This course recognises the role of dance in young people’s lives and students will study a range of dance styles and style fusions. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY • different dance styles and fusions of style • a selection of established and emerging choreographers • a variety of choreographic approaches and structures • a variety of types of performance environment • a variety of aural settings • inclusive dance • dance influenced by other cultures. CREATIVE CAREERS IN DANCE In the United Kingdom, roughly 22 percent of the population go to see a ballet, a dance performance or an opera annually. Over 10,000 people are professionally employed as dancers or choreographers in the UK. Scan to find out more on the Statistica website: Please note, these outlines are for new courses starting in September 2024 and are subject to change.
NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 Principal | Mr Darren Perry Online | studioschoolandsixth.org Instagram | @studioschoolandsixth Email | [email protected] Phone | 01922 211292 MUSIC PERFORMANCE Music is constantly evolving, inspiring creativity and expression in a way that no other subject can. That’s why we have chosen a relevant and contemporary qualification that offers students the chance to study a wide range of musical genres, with more opportunities for practical learning. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY • Understanding music - appraise, develop and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of musical elements, musical context and musical language. • Performing music - perform live music using one or both of the following ways: • instrumental (including DJ)/vocal • production via technology. • Composing music - develop and extend musical ideas to compose music that is musically convincing CREATIVE CAREERS IN MUSIC UK music industry’s contribution to UK economy in 2021 was £4 billion – up 26% on the £3.1 billion figure for 2020. Scan to read more on the UK Music website: Please note, these outlines are for new courses starting in September 2024 and are subject to change.
NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 Principal | Mr Darren Perry Online | studioschoolandsixth.org Instagram | @studioschoolandsixth Email | [email protected] Phone | 01922 211292 PHOTOGRAPHY Photography is the practice of producing images using lightsensitive materials such as photographic film, or digital methods of development and production to create static or moving images. Students will develop, refine and present their ideas through a portfolio and by responding to an externally set assignment. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY • portraiture • location photography • studio photography • experimental imagery • installation • documentary photography • photo-journalism • moving image: film, video and animation • fashion photography. CREATIVE CAREERS IN PHOTOGRAPHY Although the traditional photography industry has slightly shrunk over recent years, it still contributes over £1 billion to the UK economy. Every organisation - from SMEs to global corporations relies on highquality images and branding and a skill in photography is a valuable asset for essential marketing and communications activities. Please note, these outlines are for new courses starting in September 2024 and are subject to change.
NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 Principal | Mr Darren Perry Online | studioschoolandsixth.org Instagram | @studioschoolandsixth Email | [email protected] Phone | 01922 211292 IT This course develops and recognises students’ IT skills and knowledge and enables them to use IT effectively in their daily lives. It is designed to prepare students for employment in the IT sector and related digital-based jobs across a range of other sectors. If you are considering a creative job in the digital world, this course is perfect. WHAT YOU WILL STUDY • Installing computer hardware • Developing computer games • Computer graphics • Database systems • Website development CREATIVE CAREERS USING IT SKILLS The UK is the leading video game market in Europe and one of the largest gaming market worldwide. The video games industry has also evolved into the UK’s second-most lucrative entertainment sector. Scan to read more on the Statistica website: Please note, these outlines are for new courses starting in September 2024 and are subject to change.
Questions you may have… Welcome to Studio School & Sixth. You will have some questions that we can support you with. We are here to support you to ensure no stone is left unturned and you are confident you are making the right decision about your future. QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE WHAT TO EXPECT What exactly does the term ‘studio school’ mean? A studio school is a unique approach to vocational learning – the hands-on, industry-led courses of a college, combined with the teaching approaches of a small, highly ambitious school. We pride ourselves on not only our vocational excellence, but also our academic rigour, our first-class personal development opportunities and our culture of ambition for all. Why does the school have three specialisms? What are they? We only teach what we are experts in – our three disciplines are: performing arts, music, and creative media. Our industry-expert teachers know what employers in these sectors expect and our curriculum is tailored to provide the very best opportunities and outcomes. How many students are at the school in total? What ages are they? There are around 300 students in our school. Two classes each in Years 10 and 11, and three classes each in the Sixth Form years. As you can see we are no bigger than a primary school and as such have a really strong sense of community and belonging. Where is it based? What’s the transport to school like? You can find our modern, purposebuilt school right in the centre of Walsall, only a stone’s throw away from the shops and cafés. Transport links into the middle of town are excellent and we have students attend our school who live in many local cities, towns and villages.
What’s the uniform like? How about in Sixth Form? All students in Years 10 and 11 wear a school uniform very similar to most secondary schools. It’s smart and students are proud to wear it. In sixth form, students have branded clothing that is best suited to their course, so they feel comfortable and well equipped to take on the practical work in their courses. What are the times of the school day? Do Sixth Form students have study periods? School runs from 8.30am to 3.00pm – so a very normal school day. Sixth form students get free periods as part of this to use for independent study and to spend time as a community in the Sixth Form study area. Are Sixth Form students allowed to leave site? Yes, and being right in the middle of Walsall town centre is great for accessing shops and facilities. What support is available to help me succeed? Our expert staff are here for you. Their mission is to help you succeed. Whether that is supporting you to break down barriers to your learning, to plan and deliver stand-out course work and projects, or to mentor you to be the best version of yourself, we are available to offer practical, day-today support that is right for you. Why do students call teachers by their first names? We believe in treating one another as people would in the workplace, with respect. Using first names puts staff and students on an even level, and students are treated as young professionals. What are the behaviour expectations? Our students are calm, orderly and polite and we expect professional behaviour based on traditional values. Our Trust’s motto is to be ‘good, right and true’ and we expect our students to reflect this. What pastoral care is available? Being such a small school, our pastoral offer is excellent. Our specialist team know our students very well and can offer the support they need to thrive.
How about extra-curricular activities? There is always something going on at Studio School & Sixth, and our calendar of showstopping productions gives every student a chance to get involved and play their part. We also actively encourage students to share their interests and establish their own clubs. In a school full of such creative young individuals, there is a never a dull moment! What are the school’s results like? Our vocational specialisms are the heart of what we do. Our results in these areas are absolutely fantastic and we are so proud. Students regular achieve Distinction and Distinction* grades – the equivalent of A* and A at GCSE and A Level. How big are classes? What individual support can I get from teachers? Classes are smaller than in most schools and, as such, the support from teachers is a real strength. Our students regularly tell us that the mentoring and coaching they receive makes a huge difference to their grades. What do students go on to do after they leave? What careers do they go into? Our students go on to achieve amazing things. From university and conservatoire placements to the very best industry apprenticeships. Take a look on our staircase and real the stories of our past students – we hope that you will be really inspired by what you see! What is the enhanced ‘Studio+’ offer, and how will it benefit me? Studio+ is the name we give to what we do when we go beyond the qualifications that all colleges and schools provide. We are proud of our leading industry-interactions, our wider opportunities to produce work that is showcased beyond the school, and to give you real value in readiness for the industries that we work towards. Studio+ gives you the opportunities to turbo-charge your CV and gets you ahead of the curve as you begin your career. What benefits are there to changing to a school with a specific focus? Are there any disadvantages? If you are ambitious, focussed, and passionate about a career in a certain sector, choosing a school such as ours is a brilliant way of gaining the knowledge and skills you need to get a step ahead in your career. If you are not sure if specialising is right for you yet, we totally understand. We are open for sixth form entries as well as Y10 entries, so it’s never too late to think about your future with us.