A TOP private school is pinning its hopes on STEAM power to prepare its students for the global workplace of the future.

But it's not as old-fashioned as it sounds.

Talbot Heath hopes to prepare its students for a rapidly-changing world by shifting the emphasis away from simply sitting exams.

STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics - will be at the heart of its proposed interdisciplinary learning hub.

Ambitious plans include a 600-seater auditorium, lecture theatres, a virtual reality studio and exhibition space.

There will also be facilities for graphic design, art, textiles, robotics, Design Technology, drama and food tech and the outdoor swimming pool will be covered to provide an indoor facility.

The school, in Rothesay Road, is collaborating with Bournemouth University, the Arts University, Bournemouth and Southampton University, as well as leading global institutions

Now head teacher Angharad Holloway has invited local businesses to become part of the vision.

She said: "We have a vibrant and thriving school which is growing. We are aiming to meet the needs of young people and also to meet the needs of business.

"I am very excited about living in Bournemouth - this is an area that is going places and is poised to take off. We have made a decision to offer our pupils a completely different sort of education.

"There is a discrepancy between what children are learning and what they need to know."

She said the new building will be used by pupils from aged three upwards and invited local businesses to get involved.

The school is looking for 100 businesses to donate at least £1,000 each to allow for the building to be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

Supporters could benefit from access to the facilities for company use and community events and would also benefit from advertising opportunities.