The Sholing Technology College and VT Shipbuilding

Education working with business

The Sholing Technology College

The Sholing Technology College (TSCT) is a comprehensive community school for girls aged 11-16 in Southampton. Since becoming a specialist school in September 2002 the percentage of students gaining 5 or more GCSEs at grades A*-C has risen by 10% to 56% in 2005. The national average for non-specialist schools in 2005 was 46.7%.

The Sholing Technology College and VT Shipbuilding

VT Shipbuilding has been working with TSTC developing a number of key technology-related projects for students and staff of both organisations. This partnership has been developing since 2002, and in 2005 won the prestigious Arcadia award for the school demonstrating outstanding collaboration with business at the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust national conference. The main areas of work between TSTC and VT Shipbuilding are:

Master classes

Approximately 90 students have attended a VT master class. Classes have been run for Resident Materials, Graphics and Food Technology students. Graduate employees from VT present a work-related project to the students at the VT shipyard and each day finishes with a tour of the shipyard and its facilities. Future work will include master classes in mathematics and exploring work experience opportunities for students of all academic abilities.

Joint technological design and production

This year 19 students have already had the opportunity to use the 1.5kW laser cutting facility at the VT shipyard. This has involved designing projects at TSTC and emailing the designs to VT. These designs are then cut out and returned to the students to complete the assembly. This link has enabled the students to produce high quality pieces of coursework.

Classroom involvement

VT graduate employees attend technology lessons at TSTC. This year a graduate graphic designer has attended several GCSE graphic products lessons. Her expertise has been extremely useful, and she is an excellent role model for women in industry. VT assists in producing the year 11 college leaving book, and in providing high-quality display materials for the school.

Governing body

The Managing Director of VT Shipbuilding is a governor of TSTC; this further cements the relationship and collaboration between the two organisations.

Award scheme

TSTC and VT Shipbuilding have jointly developed the ‘VT Young Graduates Award Scheme’. This gives formal recognition to the technological achievements of students who are working with VT. The participating young women are formally assessed by VT against set criteria at three levels within the Award Scheme. To achieve the Gold Award students must complete a master class, participate in a national award or competition and maintain an average academic standard equivalent to grade A in science, maths and technology. VT sponsors this scheme to give students an added financial incentive to successfully complete the award.