Dartmouth Academy Pupils Impress Local Professionals in Mock Job Interviews  Year 11 pupils at Dartmouth Academy have impressed local professionals with their confidence and career aspirations during a series of mock job interviews delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Dartmouth.  The annual initiative gives pupils valuable experience of the recruitment process as they prepare for their next steps after year 11, including applications to college, sixth form and apprenticeships.  Rotary Club volunteers spent the day interviewing pupils, helping them develop the skills needed to present themselves to prospective employers and educational establishments. To replicate a professional working environment, pupils dressed in smart business attire and brought personalised CVs they had created using the Unifrog careers platform.  The feedback from interviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with volunteers praising pupils’ leadership potential, self-assurance and ability to articulate their ambitions for the future.  One volunteer said: “Very impressive. She has a clear vision of her future career and I can see exactly why she is a pupil leader. A future leader in the making.”  Another added: “He had a comprehensive understanding of what he wants to achieve and exactly how to get there. He will do incredibly well.”  The mock interviews form an important part of Dartmouth Academy’s Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme, which supports pupils to explore their options, develop employability skills and make informed decisions about their futures.  With year 11 pupils currently finalising their post-16 applications, the experience provides a timely opportunity to reflect on their strengths, practise communicating their skills and gain constructive feedback from professionals.  The school would like to thank the Rotary Club of Dartmouth volunteers for giving their time and expertise to support pupils as they take their next steps towards further education, training and employment.  Paul Girardot, principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “We are incredibly proud of the way our year 11 pupils approached their mock interviews. It takes confidence and preparation to talk about your strengths and ambitions and our pupils rose to the challenge brilliantly. Experiences like this help young people recognise their own potential, develop valuable employability skills and feel more confident about the opportunities ahead. We are very grateful to the Rotary Club of Dartmouth volunteers for helping our pupils prepare for their next steps.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Helping young people develop the skills to shape their own futures is a vital part of education. It was wonderful to hear such positive feedback from local professionals about Dartmouth Academy’s year 11 pupils and the aspirations they shared during their interviews. Strong links between schools and their local communities can make a real difference. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Dartmouth for helping our young people get ready for the next stage of their journey.”

Kingsteignton School Staff Take On 50-Mile Challenge for Children in Need  The Breakfast and Afterschool Club Leader at Kingsteignton School is preparing to take on an extraordinary two-day running challenge to raise money for BBC Children in Need and improve PE equipment for pupils at the school.  Mrs Evans, affectionately described as the school’s very own Superwoman, will run to every primary school within ESW on Thursday the 5th and Friday the 6th of November, accompanied by Headteacher Lee Goodenough, who will join her on foot and by bike.  Together, the pair will cover more than 50 miles, visiting schools across Devon to bring communities together, encourage children to get active and raise money for two important causes.  On Thursday, the challenge will begin at Homelands in Torquay, with visits to Dartmouth, Stoke Fleming, Blackawton and East Allington before finishing in Kingsbridge.  On Friday, the pair will set off from Wynstream in Exeter, visiting Christow and Rydon before arriving at Kingsteignton School for a final lap of the field. The school’s PTFA will provide tea, coffee and cake to celebrate their achievement.  Pupils and staff at each school are being encouraged to give the pair a warm welcome, whether by cheering them on as they arrive, joining them for a lap of the playground or taking part in a section of the challenge.  The initiative aims to raise funds to be split equally between BBC Children in Need and the purchase of improved PE equipment for Kingsteignton School, helping to support children both locally and nationally.  The original fundraising target of £750 has already been exceeded, prompting the pair to increase their ambition and aim to raise £1,000. To support the challenge, visit the fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lee-goodenough  Lee Goodenough, headteacher at Kingsteignton School, said:  “We’re incredibly proud of Mrs Evans for taking on this fantastic challenge. Running to every primary school in the trust over two days is no small feat, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to bring our school communities together for two really worthwhile causes.  “We’ve already exceeded our original fundraising target of £750, which is fantastic, and we’re now hoping to reach £1,000. We’d love as many people as possible to get behind us, cheer us on along the route and help us raise money for Children in Need and better PE equipment for our pupils.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “This is a wonderful example of the community spirit that makes our schools so special. We’re hugely grateful to Mrs Evans and Mr Goodenough for the time and effort they are putting into this challenge. Their commitment will help make a positive difference for children, both through the work of Children in Need and by enhancing the opportunities for pupils at Kingsteignton School to enjoy sport and physical activity.”

Ukrainian Teachers Visit Education South West Schools  Two Ukrainian teachers, Oleksandra Tymchenko and Kateryna Holbu, have spent a week visiting ESW schools to exchange ideas, explore different approaches to teaching and learning, and strengthen international links between education communities.  ESW organised a programme of school visits, professional discussions and opportunities for the teachers to meet education leaders across the county.  During their visit, the teachers have explored a range of approaches to curriculum planning, classroom teaching, assessment, timetabling and the teaching of reading and spelling across different languages.  They also visited lessons and took part in discussions about educational leadership and raising standards. The visit included the chance for them to meet Ukrainian students currently studying in England, providing a chance to compare their educational experiences.  Schools the Ukrainian teachers visited included Coombeshead Academy, Teign School, Kingsteignton Primary School and Rydon Primary School. The visitors also joined ESW headteachers for a leadership development meeting and visited Devon County Hall to learn more about the work of local education and children's services leaders.  The visit included a meeting with Georgia Gould MP, Minister for School Standards, alongside discussions with the Chair and Leader of Devon County Council to explore opportunities for collaboration and support for education in Ukraine.  Time spent with a Ukrainian family also provided valuable insight into how children from Ukraine are adapting to the English curriculum. These experiences will help inform efforts to strengthen education delivery and support curriculum reform across Ukrainian schools.  The trip has provided an opportunity for teachers to share professional knowledge and experience, consider how different education systems approach common challenges, and explore how international collaboration can benefit schools and their communities.  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “It has been a real privilege to welcome Oleksandra and Kateryna to Devon and give them the opportunity to spend time in our schools, meet our teachers and share their experiences of education in Ukraine.  “Visits like this are valuable because education is something we can all learn from one another. While our schools may operate in different contexts, we share the same commitment to giving children and young people the best possible opportunities to learn and succeed. Exchanging ideas about teaching, curriculum and leadership helps us reflect on our own practice and consider how we can continue to improve.  “We have also been reminded of the importance of schools as communities, supporting not only children's education but their wider wellbeing. We hope Oleksandra and Kateryna leave Devon with useful ideas and lasting connections, just as we have benefited from welcoming them.”

South Devon UTC Inspires Future Healthcare Professionals with Mini Medics Workshop Year 9 students from five local schools have explored a range of healthcare careers through a hands-on workshop at South Devon UTC this month. The Mini Medics Workshop brought together students from The Spires College, Coombeshead Academy, Teign School, Paignton Academy and Newton Abbot College, alongside South Devon UTC students, for a practical introduction to the wide range of opportunities available in the healthcare sector.  Students took part in a series of activities designed to bring healthcare careers to life, including recording and printing their own electrocardiograms (ECGs), using ultrasound equipment to examine blood vessels and growth plates, and practising blood-taking techniques on simulation arms. They also explored lung function, tried keyhole surgery equipment and learned how to suture artificial skin.  The activities offered an insight into specialist roles including cardiac physiologist, vascular scientist, phlebotomist, respiratory physiologist, operating department practitioner and osteopath, helping students understand the skills, knowledge and technologies involved in working in healthcare.  South Devon UTC’s year 10 Health Care students also took part in several of the practical sessions, creating opportunities for students to learn together and share their enthusiasm for the subject.  By providing opportunities to experience healthcare in practice, South Devon UTC continues to demonstrate its commitment to industry-led learning, helping young people connect their education with future careers and make informed decisions about their next steps.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said:  “It was fantastic to welcome students from across the area to explore the many different career opportunities available in healthcare. The Mini Medics Workshop gave them the chance to get hands-on with equipment and techniques used by healthcare professionals, helping them see how the knowledge and skills they develop through their education can be applied in the workplace. We hope the experience has inspired them to find out more about the wide range of pathways into the sector.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Experiences like this are a great example of how we can help young people connect their learning with future opportunities. By working together and giving students the chance to explore different professions in a practical way, we can broaden their horizons and help them make informed choices about their futures. We are proud to see South Devon UTC providing these valuable experiences for students from across the local community.”

Kingsbridge Community College raises £270 for Hello Yellow Day Students and staff at Kingsbridge Community College came together to celebrate Hello Yellow Day, raising an impressive £270 while spreading kindness and raising awareness of mental health. The event was organised with the support of the college’s Sixth Form Student Leaders and the MHA team, with Year 7 students playing a starring role by baking cakes for their very first House event. The college community showed its support by buying cakes and visiting the event’s popular photo frame to capture their Hello Yellow moments. The day created a fantastic atmosphere, bringing students together and encouraging everyone to get involved. Kingsbridge Community College is proud of all the students and staff who helped make the event such a success. The £270 raised reflects the enthusiasm and generosity of the school community, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can make a positive difference.

Kingsbridge Community College Students Take Biology Learning into the Field at Nettlecombe Court   Year 13 Biology students from KCC sixth form have put their ecological knowledge into practice during an intensive three-day residential fieldwork trip to Nettlecombe Court.  Based at the Grade I listed estate in Somerset, the students spent three days carrying out practical investigations across a range of habitats, applying the ecological concepts they have studied in the classroom to real-world environments.  The fieldwork focused on sampling both biotic and abiotic components of different ecosystems. In freshwater habitats, students investigated contrasting microhabitats including riffles and ponds, examining how factors such as flow rate and water movement influence macroinvertebrate communities. They also had the opportunity to observe and investigate invertebrate behaviour in the field.  The students then turned their attention to terrestrial habitats, mastering the use of point quadrats to accurately measure the percentage cover of grassland vegetation. They also carried out a unique investigation into the distribution of lichen on gravestones in the historic churchyard, using their findings to explore succession and the effects of microclimate and weathering.  One of the highlights of the trip was a small mammal ecology investigation. Students set humane Longworth traps overnight in boundary vegetation and successfully caught a shrew. This provided a valuable opportunity for them to study mammal adaptations and learn more about ethical capture techniques before safely releasing the animal.  The learning continued after the fieldwork each day, with students returning to the classroom to collate their data and carry out statistical analyses. Despite the long days and evening work, students remained positively engaged throughout the residential and made the most of the opportunity to develop their practical scientific skills.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  “This was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 13 Biology students to take their learning beyond the classroom and experience ecological fieldwork first hand. The range of investigations they carried out required them to apply their knowledge, collect and analyse real data and work collaboratively as scientists.  “Experiences like this not only strengthen their academic learning but also help our students develop the confidence, independence and practical skills that will serve them well in their next steps.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “It is wonderful to see Kingsbridge Community College giving students the opportunity to experience science in such an immersive and practical way. Fieldwork like this brings the curriculum to life and allows students to understand how the scientific principles they learn in the classroom are applied to real environments.”

Teign Sixth Form Students Build International Connections with Afghan Girls   Year 12 students at Teign School sixth form have gained a unique insight into the lives of girls their own age in Afghanistan through an international project designed to build connections between young women across two very different educational experiences.  The Afghan Girls Project brought students from Teign Sixth Form College together with girls in Afghanistan for four one-hour online meetings, giving them the opportunity to learn about each other’s lives, experiences and aspirations.  The project was delivered in partnership with the British Council and Victory Afghanistan, an American non-profit organisation which provides girls and women in Afghanistan with free access to an online educational pathway, beginning with English education and progressing to mentoring and wider opportunities.  Across the four sessions, students explored topics including getting to know one another, education and aspirations, where they live and gender stereotypes. Between meetings, students were also able to continue sharing information and reflections.   For the Teign students, the project provided an opportunity to move beyond headlines and gain a more personal understanding of the experiences of girls living in Afghanistan, while also reflecting on their own education and opportunities.  Alicia, a Year 12 student who took part, said: I decided to take part in the Afghan Girls project because I had read in the news about the exclusion of women and girls from education, health services, work, and so much more. When the opportunity was presented to me, I felt that it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn first-hand about the lives of females in Afghanistan and understand how they drastically differ to my own.   It was incredibly eye-opening and enriching. There were moments where I felt upset and frustrated about what they face, but also moments of inspiration seeing how brave and determined they are to keep learning despite the many setbacks.  I learnt just how precious education is, and that it is not something to be taken for granted. It also taught me how much resilience people can have even when things seem impossible.   The project has given Teign students the opportunity to develop their understanding of another culture and educational system, while building meaningful connections with young women thousands of miles away.  Lucie Wagner, Head of School at Teign School, said:  “Projects like this give our students an invaluable opportunity to look beyond their own experiences and develop a deeper understanding of the lives of young people in other parts of the world.  “It has been wonderful to see our students engage so thoughtfully with the Afghan Girls Project, listening to the experiences of the girls they met and reflecting on their own opportunities and education. The conversations have encouraged them to think about the value of education and the importance of understanding perspectives that may be very different from their own.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  “We are incredibly proud of the students who took part in this project and the maturity and curiosity they have shown throughout.  Hearing directly from girls of a similar age in Afghanistan has clearly had a lasting impact on our students and encouraged them to appreciate the opportunities they have while thinking about the experiences of others.”

Wynstream Primary Celebrates 40 Colourful Years of Dedicated Teaching Assistant  Wynstream Primary School held a special day of celebration for Mrs Bassett, a teaching assistant, to mark her 40th year of service at the school.   Mrs Bassett originally volunteered to help with reading at the school before taking up an official position in September 1986.  One of the reasons why she is so appreciated by everyone at Wynstream is that she wears colourful clothing every day.  Each day is a different outfit, often colour themed and she takes requests from the children about what she should wear.   Favourite outfits include a flamingo themed one, for which she dons special flamingo slippers, earring and leggings.   The school invited pupils, staff members and parents to dress as colourfully as Mrs Bassett does to create a special atmosphere for her and demonstrate how much she is valued by the entire school community.    Elise Redman, headteacher at Wynstream Primary School said:  “Mrs Bassett really is the heart of Wynstream. For four decades, she has brought kindness, joy and an incredible sense of fun to our school, and her colourful outfits are just one small part of what makes her so special.  “She remembers everyone’s birthdays, decorates the staffroom for different celebrations and always notices when someone needs a little extra care. She gives so much of herself to our school community, and we wanted to make sure she knew just how loved and appreciated she is.”  Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:  “Mrs Bassett’s colourful outfits may be what everyone notices first, but behind the bright clothes is someone who has spent forty years caring for the children and families of Wynstream.  “To see pupils, parents and colleagues all dressing colourfully to celebrate her was a wonderful tribute, it is clear that Mrs Bassett has become a very special part of the fabric of the school.”

Steplab Hub Open Day at Kingsbridge Primary School As a Steplab Hub School, Kingsbridge Primary School are hosting an open day on 12th November. This event is designed for school leaders and teachers interested in strengthening professional development, coaching and deliberate practice in their schools. Join them to: • See professional development in practice• Learn how they use Steplab to support teacher development• Connect with other school leaders and share ideas Date: Thursday 12 NovemberTime: 11:00am - 4:30pm Location: Kingsbridge Primary School, Kingsbridge   Register here:https://hubs.steplab.co/KingsbridgeCommunityPrimarySchoolAutumn#/

Coombeshead Academy Gives Students the Spotlight with Sixth Form Instagram Takeover  A student at Coombeshead Sixth Form College, is taking over the school’s sixth form Instagram account to give prospective students an authentic, student-led glimpse into life at the sixth form.  Year 13 student Ruby is taking the reins of @coombesheadsixthformcollege, sharing her experience of sixth form through Instagram posts and stories throughout the day.  From what a typical day looks like to the activities, experiences and opportunities available to students, the takeover offers a behind-the-scenes look at sixth form life directly from a student’s perspective.  The takeover gives Ruby and her fellow students the opportunity to showcase the things they enjoy about Sixth Form, while helping future students get a genuine feel for what it is like to be part of the Coombeshead community.  The takeover comes as Coombeshead Academy continues to welcome prospective students and their families to the school, with an upcoming open mornings taking place on Thursday the 8th of October, from 9.30am to 11.30am.  The open morning provides an opportunity to see the school in action, explore its facilities, meet staff and student tour guides, and experience the school community first-hand. Places must be booked in advance via www.ticketsource.com/coombeshead.  James Thomas, head of sixth form at Coombeshead Sixth Form College said:  “Sixth form is such an important time for our students, and there is no better way for prospective students to understand what life here is really like than by hearing directly from the young people who are experiencing it.  “Ruby’s takeover gives her the opportunity to share her own experience, from the everyday moments of Sixth Form life to the opportunities and experiences that make Coombeshead such a special place to study.”  Ruby said:  “The role I have been given at Sixth form has really helped me get more involved in the school and strengthen my bonds with other students and teachers. I’m so grateful that the school entrusted me to take on this important role, and I hope it brings the attention that the sixth form deserves.”