Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, paid a visit to the New Campus Basildon (NCB) Studio School last week to catch up with staff and pupils.
Located in the heart of
Basildon, NCB Studio School is a unique opportunity for 14-19 year olds of all
abilities to gain key qualifications whilst gathering work experience,
developing life skills, and increasing employability.
The school works with local employers in Basildon who will
be providing workshops, support and real-life work opportunities to help
students achieve their full potential. Simultaneously, students also study a dedicated vocational pathway designed to
help them progress in to locally identified employment sectors which in
Basildon, include health and social care, and sport. The goal is to raise aspirations, unlock students' potential and work
towards achieving excellence through encouraging a 'can do' culture which
nurtures confident and competent people.
The Studio School is a new concept in education, which seeks
to address the growing gap between the skills, and knowledge that young people
require to succeed, and those that the current education system provides.
Mr Metcalfe, who is a great supporter of the local school,
commented: “It was fantastic to be back at NCB Studio School. The school is
progressing brilliantly and it was great to touch base with both staff and
pupils.”
The school caters for a range of educational levels and
unlike other schools it is designed to cater for up to 324 students working a
9-5 day. It also identifies key local employment sectors and
Mr Metcalfe added: “The school feels very much like a
nurturing work place, instilling a strong work ethic in the students,
increasing their employability skills, and offering them great opportunities
for progression.”
“I look forward to seeing lots of confident young people
graduate with both the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the
workplace and I have no doubt that the Studio School is can make this happen.”