Education South West Receive Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award  Education South West (ESW) are proud to announce that they have been awarded the Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award at the Bronze level for the second year running.  The Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award recognises and supports trusts and schools who are making their admissions processes fairer for disadvantaged children and helping to encourage greater levels of social mobility.  Bronze is awarded to organisations who have made changes to their wider approach to admissions to ensure that there is fair access to all pupils regardless of socio-economic background. The trust received the Bronze level for their extensive work improving parental engagement.  Education South West believes that education makes children’s lives better and that every child has the right to achieve all that they are capable of and more, regardless of their background or circumstances.  As well as traditional academic subjects the trust  also champions practical subjects and technical education. Sport, art, technology, drama and music play an important role in all ESW schools.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Everyone at Education South West is delighted that we have received the Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Bronze Award for the second year in a row. We know how important strong relationships with parents and carers are and it’s wonderful to have been recognised for our work in this area.  “Social mobility is at the very heart of what we are trying to achieve and we will continue to work hard to support all children to thrive.”

SWIFT Teacher Training Recognised For Broadening Access to Teacher Training in Isolated Communities  SWIFT Teacher Training has received its report after being inspected by Ofsted earlier this year and has been rated ‘strong standard’ in all areas. SWIFT Teacher Training runs teacher training programmes across Devon, Plymouth, Torbay and and Somerset.   SWIFT Teaching Training, part of Education South West a family of schools in Devon, aims to widen access to the teaching profession by making sure that training is available where people live. This model helps local people become teachers in their own communities and is helping to tackle teacher supply challenges across the South West.  The report from Ofsted repeatedly recognised how SWIFT Teacher Training makes teacher training accessible across a geographically large area, helping address workforce challenges in coastal communities, rural areas and major urban centres such as Plymouth and Exeter.   Ofsted commented in their report that the provider's commitment to serving coastal and rural communities broadens access to teacher training and creates opportunities for individuals who may otherwise have faced barriers to entering the profession and that trainees become highly skilled and confident entrants to the profession, fully equipped to sustain teaching careers in their local area. Ofsted also identified partnership working as one of the defining strengths of SWIFT Teacher Training as schools and multi academy trusts help to shape the training programme and training reflects real classroom practice. The report stated that lead partners play an important role in curriculum development, mentoring and quality assurance and that their close involvement ensures that training reflects the realities of contemporary classroom practice and prepares trainees well for employment.  Trainees told Ofsted inspectors that they chose SWIFT Teacher Training because leaders have a deeply committed moral purpose for inclusion and provide opportunities to develop highly successful teachers within their local communities.  Other comments in the Ofsted report included: Trainees leave the programme as knowledgeable, resilient and highly capable teachers who are well equipped for employment. Trainees are confident to support disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Trainees are very well prepared for the next steps into their teaching careers. Deliberate planning to deliver the curriculum across 39 weeks means that trainees spend considerable time developing their knowledge of how to adapt their teaching. This prepares them well for understanding the needs of the different pupils they will teach. Martin Smith Executive Director at SWIFT Teacher Training said:  “Everyone at SWIFT Teacher Training is delighted that we have received such a positive Ofsted report. We believe that education has the power to transform lives and when children receive high-quality teaching, their chances of leading healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives increase.  “​Our mission is to ensure that every school, including those in coastal and rural communities, can train, attract, and retain outstanding teachers who can deliver excellent education tailored to their communities.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Education South West is proud to lead a successful organisation that works in collaboration with other schools and trusts across the area to help secure a pipeline of talented teachers to work across the South West. It’s brilliant to see the work of SWIFT recognised so positively in the recent Ofsted report and anyone who thinks they might thrive in a career in teaching, please do get in touch.”

Blackawton Pupils Gardening Club Recognised by RHS for Sharing Their Harvest with Local Community   Staff and pupils at Blackawton Primary School are delighted that the school has achieved the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Level 4 Gardening Award. The school has now received an official RHS certificate to celebrate their achievement along with a selection of Mr Fothergill’s seeds.  In order to secure the award the school had to prove how their gardening supports wildlife and how they use gardening to support the curriculum. Gardening can enrich the entire curriculum as it offers opportunities for pupils to learn about everything from science, literacy and maths, to geography, art and design. To achieve the Level 4 award the school also had to demonstrate that they inspire others to get growing by sharing plants or seeds.   Blackawton Primary’s gardening club has been at the heart of this project, with children learning how to grow fruit, vegetables and flowers while developing an understanding of nature, sustainability and healthy eating. The garden has become an inspiring outdoor classroom where pupils work together, care for plants and wildlife, and take pride in seeing their efforts flourish.  One of the highlights for pupils has been sharing their harvest with the local community. From freshly picked produce to herbs and seasonal vegetables, the pupils have enjoyed giving back and helping others experience the benefits of locally grown food.  Liam Fielding, Headteacher at Blackawton Primary School, said:  “We are incredibly proud of everyone involved in reaching this milestone and look forward to continuing to develop our school garden, inspiring even more young gardeners and strengthening our connections with the community.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Many congratulations to everyone at Blackawton Primary School on this wonderful achievement. There are so many benefits to getting outside and learning how to grow and harvest your own food. Everyone at Education South West is very proud of the pupils who have worked so hard to share the fruits of their labour with the local community.”

 Dartmouth Academy Students Get Creative with Professional Graffiti Artist   Students at Dartmouth Academy have explored the world of street art after taking part in a creative spray painting workshop led by professional Bristol based artist Jody Thomas.  Facilitated by The Flavel Arts Centre, the workshop gave students the opportunity to learn new spray painting techniques and experiment with a medium they may not otherwise have experienced, under the guidance of an established artist.  Jody Thomas has been creating artwork with aerosol paints since 1988. Having developed his distinctive style alongside fellow Bristol artists including Inkie, Cheo and Banksy, Jody has exhibited at the Royal West of England Academy and at Affordable Art Fairs in New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, London and Bristol.   The workshop directly supported Dartmouth Academy's Art and Design curriculum, which encourages students to develop skills across a wide range of media, techniques and processes while nurturing personal expression and aesthetic judgement.   Alongside developing technical ability, the curriculum promotes historical and cultural understanding, critical thinking and the confidence to engage in wider philosophical conversations about art and its role in society.  The workshop forms part of Dartmouth Academy's commitment to providing a broad and engaging curriculum, giving students access to inspiring experiences that develop their creative skills.  Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "It was fantastic to see our students embrace the opportunity to work with Jody Thomas and explore a completely different artistic medium. Experiences like this inspire creativity  and allow students to learn directly from practising artists. We are incredibly grateful to The Flavel Arts Centre for making this workshop possible.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "A great education is about much more than exams. It is about nurturing imagination, creativity and confidence alongside academic achievement. The arts play a vital role in helping young people communicate ideas, solve problems and develop their own identity, which is why opportunities like this are such an important part of our curriculum." 

Kingsbridge Community College Students Take on Real-Life Police Challenge  Year 10 students at Kingsbridge Community College stepped into the role of detectives this term as they took part in a unique police challenge event designed to provide a realistic insight into policing, community safety and the work of the emergency services.  Delivered in partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police as part of the college's Discovery Challenge Week, the immersive experience saw students work alongside police officers during a fictional investigation, learning how evidence is gathered, witnesses are interviewed and incidents are managed.  The scenario began with students responding to a simulated incident involving an injured person before progressing through the stages of a police investigation. As part of the exercise, the wider college community also took part in a planned lockdown practice, allowing students and staff to experience how schools and emergency services work together to keep people safe during an emergency.  The event was carefully planned and fully risk assessed by both the college and Devon & Cornwall Police, with student wellbeing remaining a priority throughout.  As well as providing a valuable learning opportunity for students, the exercise also supported police training and strengthened the partnership between the college and local emergency services.  Throughout the day, students developed problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills while gaining a greater understanding of the wide range of careers available within policing and public service.  The police challenge formed part of Kingsbridge Community College's Year 10 Discovery Challenge Week, which provides students with a range of experiences designed to broaden their horizons, develop life skills and inspire future aspirations.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "This was an incredibly valuable opportunity for our students to experience first hand the professionalism, teamwork and decision making involved in policing. By taking part in a realistic but carefully managed scenario, they were able to develop important skills while gaining a much deeper understanding of the vital role our emergency services play in keeping communities safe. We are extremely grateful to our local police colleagues for giving their time and expertise to create such a memorable learning experience."  Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Sam McGregor. from Devon & Cornwall Police said:  "Working with schools in this way allows young people to gain a better understanding of modern policing and the important role we play within our communities. The students approached every aspect of the challenge with maturity and enthusiasm, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them throughout the day."

South Devon UTC Year 11 Students Celebrate End of GCSEs at Leavers' Prom   Year 11 students at South Devon UTC have celebrated the end of their GCSE journey in style at their Leavers' Prom, held at Dainton Golf Club.  Students arrived in an array of impressive vehicles before coming together one final time as a year group to mark the end of an important chapter in their education.  The evening featured a celebration ceremony where every student graduated with a commemorative certificate. A range of awards were also presented, recognising both outstanding achievements and memorable moments from the past five years, with a mix of heartfelt and light-hearted accolades bringing plenty of laughter to the evening.  Students and staff enjoyed a buffet of hot and cold food before taking part in a classic game of bingo, with the celebrations continuing on the dance floor as the evening ended with a disco.  The event provided an opportunity for students to reflect on everything they have achieved during their time at South Devon UTC, celebrate lasting friendships and thank the staff who have supported them throughout their secondary education.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  "Our year 11 Prom is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an incredible group of young people and everything they have achieved. It was fantastic to see our students enjoying themselves together one last time before they embark on the next stage of their journey. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them, and we wish them every success and happiness for the future."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "Leavers' Prom is a chance to celebrate not only academic achievements, but the personal growth and friendships that have been built along the way. It is wonderful to see our year 11 students marking the end of this chapter together and reflecting on everything they have accomplished. On behalf of everyone at Education South West, I would like to congratulate them all and wish them every success as they take their next exciting steps.”

Wynstream Primary School Celebrates Fourth Consecutive National Dodgeball Finals Appearance   Pupils from Wynstream Primary have once again demonstrated outstanding teamwork and determination after qualifying for the National Dodgeball Championship Finals for the fourth consecutive year.  The team travelled to Kettering for the prestigious competition, setting off from school at 5.00am for the almost five-hour journey to compete against some of the best primary school dodgeball teams in the country.  Throughout the day, the pupils represented both themselves and the school with pride, demonstrating exemplary behaviour and great sportsmanship.  Competing in a challenging group, the team secured one win, two draws and one loss, narrowly missing out on a place in the quarter-finals after finishing third in their group.  The school would like to thank Christian Daly, who volunteered his time to support the trip and safely transport the team to and from the championships.  Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School said:  "This is an incredible achievement for our pupils and for everyone involved in supporting school sport at Wynstream. To reach the National Dodgeball Finals for four consecutive years is a testament to the dedication, perseverance and team spirit of our children and staff.  "We are immensely proud of the way our pupils represented the school, not only through their performances on the court but through their outstanding behaviour, respect and encouragement of one another throughout the day. They are wonderful ambassadors for Wynstream, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  " To qualify for the National Dodgeball Finals for four years in succession is remarkable and reflects the commitment of both the pupils and the staff who support them.  "Congratulations to everyone involved, especially the team, Mr Fricker and Christian Daly. The whole of Education South West is incredibly proud of what they have achieved.”

Kingsbridge Community College Students Race into Engineering Challenge   Students from Kingsbridge Community College put their engineering skills to the test this term as they competed in the Greenpower Electric Car Endurance South West event.  Nine students from years 7 to 9 took part in the exciting competition, which challenges young people to design, build and race electric vehicles while developing valuable skills in engineering, teamwork and problem-solving. The Kingsbridge team competed against around 30 other schools and teams across two demanding 90-minute endurance races, putting months of preparation, collaboration and technical expertise into practice on the track.  Throughout the day, students worked together to monitor the car's performance, adapt their race strategy and support one another through the challenges of endurance racing, gaining hands-on experience of engineering in action.  The Greenpower initiative is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers by combining STEM learning with real-world challenges, encouraging young people to develop practical skills while exploring careers in science, technology and engineering.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "We are incredibly proud of our students for the teamwork and determination they showed throughout the competition. Greenpower is about so much more than racing. It gives young people the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting and solve problems together. Taking part in an event of this scale is a fantastic achievement, and our students represented the school brilliantly."  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "Opportunities like Greenpower bring STEM subjects to life in a truly memorable way. By designing, building and racing an electric vehicle, students develop technical knowledge alongside vital skills such as collaboration, resilience and creative problem-solving. We are delighted to see Kingsbridge Community College continuing to provide experiences that inspire young people and help prepare them for the exciting careers of the future."

Dartmouth Academy Pupils Embrace Adventure on North Devon Residential   Year 6 pupils from Dartmouth Academy have been making unforgettable memories during an action-packed residential trip to North Devon. WHERE?  The adventure began with a series of exciting team-building challenges, including an assault course. Pupils tackled steep slides, giant inflatables and a range of physical obstacles, supporting one another to overcome fears and step outside their comfort zones.  After a well-earned dinner, the group rounded off the first day with a disco before some pupils enjoyed watching the England football match together.  Day two saw pupils set off on a scenic walk along the North Devon coast to Westward Ho!, where they learnt about the area's fascinating history, including the legendary "wreckers" who lured ships onto the rocks, as well as discovering more about tides and the role of the moon in shaping the coastline.  The highlight of the day was an afternoon spent surfing, with every pupil taking to the water and enjoying the opportunity to catch the waves. For many, it was their first experience of surfing, and pupils embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. The day concluded with a barbecue-style dinner before pupils put their navigation skills to the test during an evening of orienteering around the site.  The residential forms part of Dartmouth Academy's commitment to providing enriching opportunities and helping pupils develop the confidence, independence and life skills that will support them as they prepare for the next stage of their education.  Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "Residential trips like this provide so much more than memorable experiences. They give young people the opportunity to challenge themselves,  build confidence and strengthen friendships in a completely different environment. We are incredibly proud of the way our pupils supported one another throughout every activity, whether they were tackling the assault course, learning to surf or exploring the coastline.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  "Every child deserves opportunities that broaden their horizons and inspire them to try something new. Residential visits give pupils the chance to challenge themselves, build lasting friendships and develop skills that cannot be taught from a textbook. It is wonderful to see Dartmouth Academy providing experiences that will have such a positive impact on its young people." 

Wynstream Primary Celebrates Major Environmental Success Following Waste Reduction Drive   Wynstream Primary School is celebrating a remarkable environmental achievement after dramatically reducing the amount of waste produced by the school and significantly increasing its recycling rate through a dedicated whole-school sustainability initiative.  The project, led by teacher Sarah Vickery, has focused on improving waste management practices across the school and encouraging positive behaviour change among pupils, staff and the wider school community.  The latest waste audit revealed outstanding results, showing that the school has reduced the amount of waste sent for incineration from more than 11 tonnes per year to just 1.84 tonnes annually. To help put this achievement into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to cutting waste from the weight of around 11 baby elephants to fewer than two.  At the same time, Wynstream Primary’s recycling rate has increased dramatically from just 9 per cent to an impressive 68 per cent.  The achievement reflects the power of collective action and the impact that education, awareness and consistent positive habits can have on protecting the environment.  Elise Redman, Headteacher at Wynstream Primary School, said:   “We are incredibly proud of the commitment shown by Sarah Vickery, our pupils and the entire school community in achieving these fantastic results. Sustainability is something we take seriously at Wynstream Primary, and it has been wonderful to see how small daily actions can lead to such a significant positive impact. This achievement is a real testament to the enthusiasm and determination of everyone involved.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:   “This is an exceptional achievement by Wynstream Primary and demonstrates the important role schools can play in helping young people understand environmental responsibility. The dedication shown by Sarah Vickery and the wider school community has created meaningful and measurable change, while also empowering pupils to become active contributors towards a more sustainable future.”