KCC Students Step Back in Time on Buckland Abbey History Trip  Year 11 History students from Kingsbridge Community College recently enjoyed a two-day trip to Buckland Abbey, set on the edge of South Dartmoor.  The visit provided students with a hands on opportunity to explore the rich history of the abbey and gain valuable insights into the many changes the building has undergone over the centuries, supporting their GCSE studies.  Buckland Abbey offers visitors a journey through over 700 years of history, from the Cistercians who built the abbey to seafarers Grenville and Drake who shaped its future. Part museum, part historic house, the abbey is home to treasures including the medieval great barn.  Staff and members of the public were impressed by the students’ behaviour throughout the trip. Students were praised for their maturity and for representing the college exceptionally well, acting as excellent ambassadors on both days.  The trip reflects KCC’s commitment to providing enriching educational experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. The history curriculum at KCC is designed to help students understand the world today by exploring how human experiences and societies have developed over time. Covering nearly a thousand years, from the Anglo-Saxon era to the modern day, the curriculum balances British and international perspectives while highlighting the diversity of voices from the past.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  “It was fantastic to see our Year 11 students engaging so enthusiastically with history outside the classroom on this field trip. Experiences like this bring their learning to life and give them a real understanding of the historical contexts they study for their GCSEs.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “It’s fantastic to see Kingsbridge Community College providing students with opportunities to experience history first-hand. Trips like this help students understand historical events in context while developing curiosity, confidence, and a deeper appreciation of the world around them.”

Reading Across Borders: Dartmouth Academy Joins International Literacy Partnership Dartmouth Academy is thrilled to announce its participation in the UK–Ukraine Reading for Pleasure Partnership, an initiative funded by the British Council and supported by the Department for Education. This exciting programme connects schools in the UK and Ukraine to celebrate the joy of reading, share ideas, and inspire a lifelong love of books among pupils.  Recently, Miss McKay from Dartmouth Academy attended the opening conference in Poland, where she met teachers from both countries and explored innovative strategies to make reading more engaging for children. As part of the programme, Class 1/2 at Dartmouth Academy has been partnered with a class of children in Ukraine. The partnership aims to encourage reading for pleasure while encouraging cultural understanding and building meaningful connections between communities.  Class 1/2 will meet their partner class online shortly after half term to begin collaborative reading activities. This initiative is part of a wider programme connecting 100 schools across the UK and Ukraine, supporting schools to use reading as a tool to develop pupils’ wellbeing, confidence, and international awareness. Dartmouth Academy looks forward to sharing updates as the project develops and celebrating the connections built through the power of reading.  Miss McKay from Dartmouth Academy, said:  “Oksana, our partner teacher in Ukraine, was an inspiration. She loved our approach to reading and shared some of their practices, which we’re excited to explore with our pupils. This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for our children to expand their horizons, build confidence, and enjoy reading while learning about a different culture.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  “We are delighted that Dartmouth Academy is taking part in this exciting UK–Ukraine partnership. Projects like this open up the world to our pupils and it’s wonderful to see our schools creating meaningful international connections while inspiring children to enjoy reading.”

Soaring to New Heights: Drone Coding Takes Off at Dartmouth Academy Pupils at Dartmouth Academy have taken learning to new heights, quite literally, through an exciting series of STEM workshops that brought coding and engineering to life.  This term, primary pupils at the school participated in a hands-on drone coding workshop, delivered by Hyett Education and funded through a dedicated STEM (science, technology, maths and engineering) grant. The sessions saw pupils design, build, and programme their own drones before watching their creations take flight across the school grounds.  Working in teams, pupils transformed lines of code into real-world motion, combining creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in a truly inspiring way. The workshops sparked enthusiasm across the school, with many pupils expressing a newfound passion for coding and curiosity about future careers in technology and engineering.  Dartmouth Academy continues to champion innovative learning experiences that prepare pupils for the future. The drone coding workshops are just one example of how the school is integrating cutting edge technology into the classroom.  Jen Tierney, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “This was such an exciting opportunity for our pupils. It’s not every day you get to see your code take flight! The workshops have opened up a world of possibilities and shown our pupils how STEM learning can be both fun and empowering.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  “At Education South West, we’re passionate about providing opportunities that spark curiosity. The drone coding workshops at Dartmouth Academy are a brilliant example of how hands-on learning can inspire the next generation of engineers, coders, and innovators. It’s fantastic to see pupils so engaged, confident, and excited about learning.”

Dartmouth Academy Welcomes Round-the-World Sailor Conrad Humphreys  Pupils at Dartmouth Academy were treated to an inspiring visit from renowned sailor and adventurer Conrad Humphreys this month.  The school’s primary pupils, who are currently reading a book about a sailing adventure, were thrilled to see Conrad’s boat, ‘Bounty’, in person. They were amazed to learn how Conrad and his crew recreated the extraordinary 4000 mile journey across the South Pacific taken by Captain Bligh in 1789, a story that captured their imaginations and brought their reading to life.  Meanwhile, secondary pupils attended a special assembly led by Conrad, where he spoke passionately about the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing adventure, even when faced with challenges or doubt. His talk encouraged students to be brave in pursuing their goals.  Students asked brilliant questions throughout the sessions. Dartmouth Academy is extremely grateful to Conrad for taking the time to visit and share his story, reminding everyone that great things happen when you dare to go beyond the horizon.  Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “It was a real privilege to welcome Conrad to Dartmouth Academy. His story captivated our pupils from start to finish and brought their recent learning vividly to life. He showed our young people that courage, curiosity and perseverance can take you further than you ever imagined.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  “At Education South West, we want our young people to see that learning goes far beyond the classroom. Conrad’s visit perfectly demonstrated how adventure, resilience and ambition can shape not just great explorers, but confident, capable individuals ready to take on the world.”

The Fidget Project CIC Launches SEND & Neurodiverse Parent Support Sessions at Kingsbridge Primary School 🧩💛  The Fidget Project CIC is excited to announce upcoming support and training sessions for parents, carers, and allies of children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and neurodiversity. Held at the community hub at Kingsbridge Primary School, these sessions provide a safe, confidential space for families to share experiences, access practical advice, and learn strategies to support their children.  Two types of sessions are available:  📅 SEND Parents & Allies Support Group Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1:00 – 2:45 pm Dates: 11th Nov, 9th Dec Share concerns, celebrate successes, exchange resources, and explore Sensory Processing Differences (SPD) and their impact on children 📅 SEND Parents & Allies Support + Training Sessions Every 4th Friday of the month, 9:30 for 10:00 am – 12:00 noon Dates: 28th Nov, 19th Dec Includes refreshments, facilitated support, and a one-hour workshop covering:• Recognising SPD in children’s behaviour• Activities to support sensory development (Interoception, Vestibular, Proprioception)• Food, sleep, and puberty challenges• PDA and demand avoidance• Behaviour management and transitions• Additional topics on request Explore a small loan collection of books and SPD equipmentLynne Tarrab-Snooks, Director of The Fidget Project CIC, said:“We are thrilled to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for families navigating the challenges of SEND and neurodiversity. These sessions are designed to empower parents and carers, share practical strategies, and foster a sense of community. Everyone is welcome, and we encourage families to come along, connect, and learn.” 💬  📞 Contact for more info or to attend:Lynne Tarrab-Snooks | 07778 345233 | Lynne@thefidgetproject.org #SENDSupport #Neurodiversity #ParentSupport #Kingsbridge #CommunitySupport #FidgetProject

Teign School Launches ‘The Nest’ to Help Students Overcome School Anxiety  Teign School has opened a new on site support hub, The Nest, this term. The aim of The Nest is to support young people with emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) and get them attending school again.  EBSA is when a student feels significant emotional distress about attending school. Teign School understands how challenging this can be and has created The Nest to support students and families with re-engaging in school life. The British Medical Journal found EBSA resulted in missed schooling for an estimated 1%–5% of the school population across England.  The Nest is bringing together compassionate staff, practical tools, and flexible approaches tailored to each student’s needs. Support available from The Nest includes flexible timetables and phased returns for students, school based wellbeing activities, parent meetings, home visits and liaison assistance with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and other service providers.  Termly community support sessions for families are also being arranged based on topics parents and carers have said they would find useful. The first session will be around inclusion and special needs education support at Teign, subsequent ones are being planned on strategies to support effective home learning, emotional regulation and the teenage brain, building resilience and managing anxiety and supporting friendship and social skills.  The school will be measuring the impact of The Nest by tracking the attendance of a particular group of students and seeing if their sense of school belonging is strengthened. At Teign School staff are dedicated to nurturing academically successful, aspirational, and resilient young adults.  Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said:  “At Teign School, we understand that emotional wellbeing is key to learning. The Nest provides a safe, flexible, and supportive environment to help students overcome barriers and re-engage with school life. “Our goal with The Nest is simple: no student should feel alone in facing the challenges that make school overwhelming. We are here to guide them back with compassion and practical support. The Nest represents our commitment to nurturing not just academic success, but resilient, confident young people who feel connected to their school community.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Education South West is proud to support initiatives like The Nest, which put student wellbeing at the heart of learning and help ensure every child can thrive academically and personally. “The Nest is an inspiring example of how schools can innovate to meet the needs of students facing emotional challenges, giving them the tools to succeed. Supporting young people through EBSA is vital, and Teign School is leading the way with tailored, compassionate interventions that make a real difference.”

Teign School Marks World Mental Health Day with Renewed Commitment to Wellbeing  Teign School has marked world mental health day with a special assembly tutorial session this month. Staff also wore yellow for the day as a symbol of how adults in the school are committed to the wellbeing of students.  World mental health day is held annually on the 10th of October. The objective of the day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. It provides an opportunity for everyone working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.  Teign School has recently released its updated mental health policy in line with the World Health Organisation’s definition of mental health as “a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and contribute to their community.”  The policy recognises that mental health is integral to overall health and is shaped by social, biological and environmental factors. Teign School is committed to a whole school approach that promotes wellbeing, prevents mental ill health and provides effective early intervention.  Teign staff aim to promote positive mental health across the entire school community, ensuring that all students have access to support when needed. The policy emphasises the importance of teaching about mental health and resilience, while providing ongoing support through school counsellors, wellbeing officers, safeguarding staff and the NHS-funded Mental Health Support Team.  High quality training remains central to Teign School’s approach, with staff regularly receiving mental health and safeguarding training, ensuring that the school continues to create a safe, understanding and supportive environment for everyone.   Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said:  “At Teign School, we believe that good mental health underpins every aspect of learning and personal growth. Our mental health policy reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring every member of our community feels supported, understood and equipped to thrive.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Teign School’s focus on mental health and wellbeing highlights the core values we hold across Education South West, that learning and wellbeing go hand in hand. When schools prioritise mental health, they empower young people to reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.”

Community Unites at Kingsbridge Primary School to Support Next Generation  Kingsbridge Primary School held a special breakfast this month bringing together business leaders, volunteers from charitable organisations and elected officials for a discussion on how to help the children of Kingsbridge thrive. A wide range of community leaders were present including Matthew Shanks the CEO of ESW, Councillor Samantha Dennis and Tina Graham, principal at Kingsbridge Community College.  Kingsbridge Primary School pupils were on hand to welcome the guests and headteacher, Miranda Martyn, gave an opening speech about how schools are a place where communities come together to support the next generation so that they can flourish in society. She outlined that KPS is aiming for every child to leave them with the academic accomplishments, communication skills and rich experiences to enable them to choose their life path, rather than having it defined by circumstance.  Those attending found out more about the Kingsbridge Community Hub based at the school, a space already making a real difference in the lives of local families for the last six months. Located in the building that once housed the Sure-Start Children's Centre, the hub offers facilities to charities like Action for Children, The MotherBorn Collective CIC, The Fidget Project and the Citizens Advice Bureau.   Ms Martyn explained that the aim of the hub is to support families from ‘cradle to career’. With the goal being to provide Kingsbridge residents with the resources and services that they require to ensure that children get their needs met from birth, and arrive at primary school ready to thrive in their education.  The Strengthening Communities Lead at ESW, Nick Banwell then addressed the group and asked them to complete an exercise mapping what they saw as the strengths and challenges of the town. He said that it was helpful to understand what the community really needs, rather than just working on assumptions.  Though Kingsbridge and the surrounding area are beautiful, many attendees raised the fact that there are limited local resources and that many residents must drive a long way to access services. Concerns were also raised about hidden pockets of deprivation in the town, as well as the sustainability of services organised by long standing, but small groups of volunteers.  Rob Coles, the Deputy CEO of ESW, then talked about the launch of the trust’s Leading Great Lives Foundation. He mentioned that over one in four children in the South West live in poverty and that the region has some of the lowest rates of social mobility in England.  Mr Coles informed the group that the new charitable foundation has been set up by ESW to eventually establish and run community hubs across all their schools which will provide access to family services, social activities and educational support. He said he hoped in the future the hubs would be able to expand into providing healthcare and dentistry services and the trust is exploring how to make this happen.  Miranda Martyn, headteacher at Kingsbridge Primary School, said:  “Schools are at the heart of every community, and Kingsbridge Primary School is determined to ensure that every child leaves us ready to thrive in life. Our vision is simple, to give children the knowledge, skills and experiences to choose their own path, not have it dictated by circumstance. The community hub here is already changing lives, and today’s event showed how powerful it can be when we all come together with one shared goal to help children flourish.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “Our children only get one chance at education, and it is our collective responsibility to make sure that chance counts. Too many families in the South West face barriers caused by poverty, rural isolation and a lack of access to services. By working together, we can remove those barriers and create opportunities that allow every child to lead a great life. The new foundation and our network of hubs will play a vital role in making that vision a reality.”

Dartmouth Academy Pupils Dive into Adventure with Local Author Erin Allgrove  Pupils from Dartmouth Academy were lucky to attend a special book reading of Bosun Bob and the Cat with No Name, the brand-new story by local author Erin Allgrove this term.  The children were captivated by the adventures of Bosun Bob and inspired by Erin’s lively storytelling. Following the reading, they had the chance to unleash their own creativity by inventing unique animal characters, each with its own special traits and personalities. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate both reading and imagination, and the children were excited to share their creations with one another.  In her newest book Bob and his feline friend have escaped from a shipwreck and are off on a nautical treasure hunt. They meet many friendly animals along the way who guide them to an oceanic volcano where the treasure is hidden and guarded by a mysterious creature.  Erin wrote her first book Bosun Bob the Salty Old Sea Dog whilst living onboard her yacht Rocket, sailing from Exmouth to Croatia with her family and dog Bob. Her love of sailing and books was inspired by her dad, also called Bob who shared his passion for boats and reading with Erin.  Dartmouth Academy’s aspirational curriculum and ethos of empathy and understanding is the drive for every child to be their best self in their learning and all they do at school and beyond.  Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  "It was a real pleasure to welcome Erin Allgrove to Dartmouth Academy and watch our pupils completely captivated by her storytelling.  “Events like this allow children to engage with literature in a hands-on, exciting way, sparking their creativity and imagination. Seeing them invent their own characters and share them with their peers is a wonderful reminder of how inspiring reading can be when combined with interactive learning."  Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:  "We are thrilled that Dartmouth Academy continues to provide opportunities for pupils to experience the magic of books and storytelling firsthand. Meeting a local author and learning about the journey behind her work not only brings reading to life but also encourages children to think creatively and dream big.  “It’s these kinds of experiences that help our young people develop empathy, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning."

Kingsbridge Primary School Holding First Coaching Hub Event   Kingsbridge Primary School is holding its first coaching hub day on Wednesday the 8th October. Educators from schools across the country are being encouraged to come along and find out more about how KPS staff practice coaching.   The school was officially recognised as a coaching hub earlier this year, a prestigious national accolade awarded to only a handful of schools using Steplab’s evidence-based tools to drive world-class professional development.  Visitors will enjoy a dynamic day of professional learning exploring how instructional coaching can drive school improvement and create a thriving culture of professional development. The programme will feature interactive discussions on coaching quality, practical professional development strategies, and will provide opportunities to share experiences and reflect on next steps.   Kingsbridge Primary School’s approach centres around instructional coaching, with every teacher receiving fortnightly coaching using diagnostic tools, rehearsal strategies, and high-quality feedback.  You can secure your place here.  Miranda Martyn, Headteacher at Kingsbridge Primary School, said:  “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as a Steplab Coaching Hub and to share the work our staff are doing to make professional development more meaningful and impactful.   “Instructional coaching is at the heart of everything we do, helping every teacher to grow, improve and ultimately deliver the very best for our pupils. This event is a fantastic opportunity to open our doors, learn together and celebrate the power of coaching in education.”