Secondary education in the United Kingdom has been widely adopted with the introduction of “specialisms” for many years. Specialisms provide secondary schools with a particular area in which they aim to improve the quality of education, the level of education achieved, and to create an environment that is unique to each school. Although the Specialist Schools Programme concluded in 2010, many secondary schools continue to have their specialist identity and use this identity as part of their overall culture, in the design of the curriculum and for branding purposes. Specialisms will still have a significant impact on the availability of educational opportunities for students at secondary schools regardless of what a secondary school refers to itself, whether it be Science College, Arts College or Sports College.
What are School Specialisms?
Initially, School Specialisms were developed as a means of encouraging secondary schools to concentrate on developing expertise in some areas of expertise. Schools that applied for Specialist Status were given additional funding to build their resources, secure adequate staff training, and establish partnerships with local organisations in these designated areas of expertise. School Specialisms were anticipated to develop centres of excellence in their designated specialisation(s) and enable the overall improvement of teaching and learning across the school; however, although it was a federal programme, the funding for the development of Schools, Schools Specialisms has evolved since then. Nevertheless, many schools continue to identify their school as a learning institution of choice because they have naturally developed expertise in an area or disciplines, e.g., Science, the Arts, Technology, and/or Sports, and they have also identified significant local organisations that support these learning disciplines, thereby allowing schools to offer the best educational experiences possible.
The Science College Model: How Science Colleges Inspire Future Innovators
Science Colleges are a unique type of secondary education institution that focus on the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) areas of study. These schools have traditionally made significant investments into modern laboratory facilities, highly qualified Subject-specific/Science teachers and creating partnerships with Universities or Industry Partners.
Learners at Science Colleges can expect to participate in:
- An Enhanced-Lab-Based Curriculum
- Additional-STEM-Club, Robotics and Coding Activities
- Guest Speakers from Science/Industry
- Preparation for success in A-level Science, Apprenticeships and STEM based Career Opportunities
Beyond the traditional science department, Science Colleges tend to support the entire school community by taking an inquiry, evidence-based, Critical Thinking Approach to Learning.
Creative Spaces for Imagination and Expression: Arts Colleges
Arts Colleges are schools that focus on creative arts such as visual arts, drama, dance, and music. Arts Colleges provide students with access to numerous studios, performance venues, and equipment at a professional level in creative disciplines, so students have the facilities needed to create their work.
Students enrolled in Arts Colleges will benefit from
- The opportunity to perform, exhibit or compete in various art forms.
- An alliance with theatres or galleries or creative industries.
- A curriculum that emphasises the importance of creativity and individuality.
- An emphasis on developing good communication, self-confidence and teamwork skills.
The integration of creative thought is often seen throughout all disciplines within Arts Colleges, encouraging students to solve problems through creative solutions.
Sport Colleges: Advocates of Health, Fitness, and Team Cohesion
Sport Colleges focus on providing Physical Education, Competitive Sport and Teamwork Development. Sports colleges typically provide improved facilities for sporting activities and elite level sporting facilities and qualified coaches as well as partnerships with local or national sporting organisations.
Sports Colleges typically provide the following for students:
- Elite coaching and training.
- Multiple sports teams and competitions.
- Sports Science, Nutrition and Leadership Programmes.
- Emphasis on fitness, resilience and healthy living.
The sports community is often used to create a strong culture within the school community by promoting Discipline, Determination and Community Spirit.
Technology, Business and Language Colleges
In addition to the more mainstream specialisations, many of the other colleges have a requirement to concentrate on at least one of the following:
- Technology Colleges focus on design, engineering and digital skills.
- Business and Enterprise Colleges emphasise entrepreneurship, finance and leadership.
- Language Colleges promote both bilingualism and cultural diversity through international communications.
Colleges within these specialised areas offer a specific curriculum as well as opportunities for students to develop skills for the future prospects of their chosen profession.
Are Specialisms Still Relevant Today?
Even though the formal programme has been discontinued, there are still many areas that have the power to impact educational institutions and the services they provide. Specialisms give parents insight into the strengths of a school, allow students to explore their interests in greater depth, and provide additional support and opportunities through community partnerships.
For students, attending a school with a strong specialism can provide access to a greater level of resources, new experiential learning opportunities, and a more tailored educational experience. For schools, maintaining a specialist identity allows them to build their culture and attract staff with specific expertise as well as build a reputation for excellence.
In Conclusion
Specialist areas within UK Secondary Schooling are a long-standing feature of the educational landscape today. Through provision of enhanced Science Facilities, lively and active Arts Programmes, or exceptional Coaching in Elite Sports, many UK secondary schools offer learning environments where students have the opportunity to explore their interests, develop their skills and build their self-esteem. As such, while educational policy and national priorities may change, the ethos of specialism continues to enhance education and provide enhanced opportunities for students throughout the UK.