Bruce Hain, Headteacher of Mendip Studio School in Radstock was delighted to welcome ex-Writhlington student, Sir David Hempleman-Adams to open the school on Tuesday 23rd May.
In 1984, Sir David successfully completed a solo expedition to the Magnetic North Pole without dogs, snow mobiles or air supplies. He also led the first team to walk unsupported to the Geomagnetic North Pole in 1992 and in 1996, he completed a solo unsupported expedition to the South Pole.
To celebrate the official opening, forty-four Year 10 students along with one of our Industry Supporters, The James Dyson Foundation, took part in a 12 hour “Makeathon” in collaboration with schools in Chicago. Employers, students and teachers were all engaged in problem solving – how students choose to tackle the problem was up to them – which solution they come up with, was up to them… it was all about the process and skills they developed along the way, the very essence of the Studio School – working with industry professionals and project-based learning.
Our distinguished guests were shown around the state of the art building with bespoke, industry specification labs where students showcased the Genetics and Orchid clubs’ activities and then the Makeathon students took part in a live presentation of their project to a Chicago school.
Sir David Hempleman-Adams commented
‘I feel very humbled and honoured to be invited back to Writhlington. What a spectacular change there has been over the years. During the tour with students from Mendip Studio School it was clear the school has fostered an environment where students can flourish and become passionate about their learning. I think they have a few budding Nobel Prize winners in their midst and I look forward to following their progress over years to come.’
Mendip Studio School is a small school specialising in Bioscience, Electronic Engineering, Computing and Maths. We have vertical tutoring, an extended Work Experience programme with our Industry Supporters and students participate in a comprehensive and vibrant programme of sporting, artistic and extra-curricular activities provided through our partnership with Writhlington School. Mendip Studio School accepts students into Years 10 – 13 and applications are open for entry into the school from September 2017.
Please visit our website www.mendipstudioschool.org.uk and if you would like more information or would like to arrange a tour, please contact Mr Hain bhain@mendipstudioschool.org.uk.