West Exe School is thrilled to be participating in Art Bytes, a prestigious national art and EdTech programme that encourages creativity and builds cultural capital for students. The programme, which combines an inter-school art competition with a bespoke virtual gallery and in-person celebration events across England, is aimed at Year 5 and Year 9 students. It has proven to nurture talent, raise ambition, and develop vital skills that will benefit students in future employment.

Art Bytes is now in its 12th year and the programme supports not only the development of artistic skills but also mental health and emotional well-being by creating a space for young people to express themselves through art. By engaging with this competition, students are given the chance to showcase their talent, gain confidence, and be part of an inclusive creative community.

The programme culminates in a series of events, including the Art Bytes Virtual Exhibition in June. Once all artwork entries are submitted, the Art Bytes panel of expert judges will shortlist the top three entries from each participating school.  These shortlisted entries will be showcased in the virtual gallery, and an online public vote will open on the 3rd of April. 

The students with the most votes from each school will win a place in the annual virtual exhibition and the opportunity to be regional or national winners. Additionally, the school with the most votes will receive the Community Engagement Award, with a certificate and generous art prizes awarded from Art Bytes sponsors.

West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is being sponsored to take part in the competition by The Arts Society Exeter. The Arts Society Exeter’s aim is to increase the understanding, knowledge and enjoyment of arts in the broadest sense by holding talks each month and by supporting arts education in the local community.

West Exe would like to encourage everyone to get involved and vote for their favourite artworks to help support young artists and contribute to the success of the programme.  For more information, and to vote visit the Art Bytes website: https://artbytes.co.uk/

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

"We are incredibly excited to participate in Art Bytes. This programme offers our students a unique opportunity to display their artistic talents on a national platform while also nurturing their confidence, ambition, and cultural capital. The support from The Arts Society Exeter has been invaluable, and we are proud to be part of this fantastic initiative."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"We are really proud to support West Exe School’s participation in Art Bytes and grateful for the backing from The Arts Society Exeter. This programme offers students an exceptional opportunity to engage with creativity, develop vital skills for the future, and showcase their talents. We are excited to see our student’s artwork and encourage the whole community to get involved in supporting our young artists when the voting opens.”

    

As part of their House system and charity fundraising efforts some of the amazing Prefect Team at West Exe School recently had the honour of presenting a cheque for £1,475 to Exeter Food Action. 

The funds were raised through events held at the school last year and the school community couldn’t be prouder of the incredible support shown by students, families, and staff in raising this money. 

West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is committed to supporting local causes and making a positive impact on the community. Exeter Food Action works tirelessly to provide emergency food relief to individuals and families in need, and this contribution will go a long way in helping them continue their important work.

Exeter Food Action started operations in 2011 as a joint community project planned by a small group, Devon and Cornwall Food Association (DCFA Exeter). In 2017 they became Exeter Food Action and now employ one full-time and two part-time members of staff, and have a team of over 50 dedicated volunteers.

They work in partnership with FareShare South West to supply food for their Community Food Members in Exeter, East Devon and Torbay. Their service is free and is financed entirely by grants and donations. Together they distribute food to 67 food banks and community groups in Exeter and across Devon.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

"I am incredibly proud of our students and families for their hard work and generosity.  This donation is a testament to one of our core values at West Exe: community. As a school, we are committed to helping our young people make positive contributions to the world around them, and to strengthening our community.“

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"Everyone at the trust is thrilled to see the initiative and compassion shown by West Exe students in supporting Exeter Food Action. This is just one example of the positive impact our schools are having on the community, and we look forward to supporting even more charitable projects in the future."

 

Students at Isca Academy were treated to an unforgettable British Science Week event as they welcomed Drs. Natalie Whitehead and Alice Mills from the Exeter Science Centre, alongside a team of academics from Exeter University, on Thursday, 13th March. 

The visit brought the “Our World from Space” project to the school, offering an exciting exploration into the crucial role of UK space science in the health and sustainability of our planet.

The event, designed to celebrate British Science Week and its theme of ‘Change and Adapt,’ allowed students to engage in a variety of interactive activities focused on space technology, satellites, and their real-world applications in tackling global challenges. From environmental sustainability and weather prediction to understanding the impacts of climate change, the hands-on experiences gave students an insight into how space science is key to addressing some of the most pressing issues on Earth.

This event is a part of the Exeter Science Centre’s wider mission to engage the public with the latest scientific research, particularly through their Future Researchers in Schools programme. The visit also reflects Isca Academy’s commitment to excellence in STEM education, following their impressive science results in the summer of 2024, where 71.6% of students achieved a grade 4 or above in science, significantly surpassing national averages.

The “Our World from Space” event is part of the Futures: A Festival of Discovery for the South West initiative, which brings researchers from the University of Exeter into local schools to share their expertise and inspire the next generation of scientists and researchers.

The science curriculum at Isca Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is designed to help students develop critical thinking, build on observations, and ask insightful questions, so they gain a deep understanding of the world around them. Practical activities allow students to apply their knowledge, while lessons link scientific ideas to real-world applications, including discussions about STEM careers and current science news. By the end of their studies, students leave Isca not only prepared for further academic challenges but also with a greater understanding of the relevance of science in everyday life.

Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy said:

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements in science, and this event was the perfect way to bring those successes to life. The interactive sessions with experts in the field inspired our students and helped them connect what they’re learning in the classroom with cutting-edge research. It’s experiences like these that shape the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“At the Ted Wragg Trust, we are committed to providing opportunities to bring the curriculum to life beyond the classroom, including offering our students chances to engage with leading experts and cutting-edge research. The ‘Our World from Space’ event is a prime example of how we aim to inspire scientific curiosity. It’s fantastic to see our students exploring the vital role of space science in addressing global challenges, and we are incredibly proud of the innovative work happening at Isca Academy.”

   

 

Year 7 and 8  students at West Exe School took part in an exciting and hands-on physics enrichment activity this term, thanks to the National Space Academy. 

The young scientists designed and launched rockets, testing their flight ability and timing how far they traveled before landing.  The day was an inspiring opportunity for students to engage with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects and experience the thrill of real-world science.  The event was a resounding success, inspiring a new generation of future scientists and space enthusiasts!

The National Space Academy  was created with the ambition to integrate space science—encompassing exploration, astronomy, and satellite applications—into school science curriculums.  Its aim is to boost student attainment, support teachers with additional resources, and guide young people towards careers in science and engineering. 

Since its inception in 2008, the academy has grown from a regional programme in the East Midlands to a national initiative, now working with over 30 team members across the UK and internationally, including the European Space Agency.  Founded by Prof Anu Ojha, OBE, the academy continues to promote the belief that science education transcends boundaries, with space science offering global solutions to global challenges.

At West Exe School, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the science curriculum is carefully sequenced to help students develop a deep understanding of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with a focus on revisiting key concepts and building upon prior knowledge. 

The curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, while encouraging students to see the value of science in their everyday lives.  With a passionate and experienced team, West Exe offers practical experiments, STEM enrichment activities, and bespoke learning materials to support students' learning. The school’s commitment to science education is reflected in the success of its graduates, many of whom go on to study at prestigious institutions or pursue careers in fields like medicine.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

“It was fantastic to see our students diving into the world of physics in such an exciting and practical way. These kinds of activities not only bring learning to life but also inspire our students to pursue future careers in STEM, possibly as future scientists, engineers, or even astronauts!"

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“This enriching experience is exactly what we aim to provide across our trust – opportunities for our students to engage with learning in a hands-on, interactive way.  STEM education is vital for shaping the innovators of tomorrow, and this rocket science activity was a perfect example of how to make learning memorable."

  

Matford Brook Academy (MBA) marked World Book Day on Thursday, 6th March, with a variety of exciting activities designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading. This year’s theme, “Read Your Way,” encouraged children to explore reading in a personal, enjoyable manner, helping them discover how books can be a fun and rewarding part of their lives. 

World Book Day is a global initiative aimed at promoting the enjoyment of reading for pleasure. The charity behind it works to ensure that every child has access to books and encourages schools and communities to make reading a social, fun, and enriching experience. 

MBA, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, chose World Book Day to officially launch their newly developed library space full of beautiful new book collections. The school team have worked with the wonderful School Library Service to develop the space and ensure a fantastic book deposit collection is available for the pupils. 

A whole host of other fun activities took place on the day including pupils dressing up as their favourite book characters, with prizes for the best costumes. Pupils also created their own book vlogs, sharing what they love about their treasured books and characters. 

Secondary and primary students also took part in reading buddy sessions, where they shared special stories with each other. There was also a book review competition, with the winning reviews displayed in the school’s brand new library space, and a bookmark design competition, with winning designs turned into bookmarks available in the library.   

Hannah Rose, Acting Headteacher at Matford Brook Academy said: 

“We were thrilled to see how engaged our pupils were with World Book Day. The theme, ‘Read Your Way,’ allowed our pupils to take ownership of their reading experience, and it was fantastic to see how much creativity and excitement they brought to the day. The new library space is the perfect environment for encouraging this love of reading and learning.” 

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: 

“At the Ted Wragg Trust we are committed to providing all young people with the best possible learning environments.  World Book Day has been an opportunity to celebrate not just reading but also the importance of creative expression and collaboration. Matford Brook Academy’s refreshed library space has been designed to spark curiosity and make reading a fun, immersive experience for all students.” 

  

 

Sixty Year 9 students from  All Saints Academy Plymouth (ASAP) recently participated in an exciting STEM event sponsored by the Smallpeice Trust and the RAF Charitable Trust, where they gained invaluable skills, showcased their creativity, and earned the prestigious Bronze CREST Award. 

The hands-on event, designed to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators, saw students dive into real-world challenges.  They used their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to design prototypes, solve complex problems, and present their work in teams.  Throughout the day, they worked with industry-led materials, gaining a deep understanding of what it takes to be a successful engineer in today’s world.  The students not only learned about the technical side of engineering, but also about the creativity and team collaboration that drives the industry. 

The event culminated in the students earning their Bronze CREST Awards, a nationally recognised certification.  These awards are known to significantly improve academic outcomes for students, with research showing that those who complete a CREST Silver Award or higher tend to perform better academically and are more likely to pursue STEM subjects at a higher level.  The skills developed during the event – such as research, problem-solving, and communication – will also help these students in their future studies and careers. 

Students commented the following about the session: 

• “It was great to see what we learned was used in the project. We added to our design after we saw the other teams' prototypes to make ours better. We got 3rd place!”  

• “Our first prototype was pretty bad, but after Fred gave us some hints, we did the second and third ones better. It was one of the best prototypes and many of the other teams plagiarised our designs in their final designs. We won 2nd place!”  

This event, which cost the school nothing thanks to the funding from the Smallpeice Trust and RAF Charitable Trust, was a huge success, and the school plans to continue partnering with these organisations to provide similar opportunities in the future. This year, All Saints Academy Plymouth has even managed to extend the programme, offering the same award to an additional 120 Year 8 students. 

All Saints Academy Plymouth, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is committed to providing students with the best opportunities for personal and academic growth.  By offering industry-led programs and encouraging creativity in the classroom, the school strives to nurture the engineers, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow. 

The Smallpeice Trust is an educational charity that inspires young people to pursue careers in science and engineering through events and workshops.  The RAF Charitable Trust promotes the Royal Air Force and inspires young people to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology.  

Scott Simpson-Horne, Headteacher at All Saints Academy Plymouth said: 

“We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing this challenge and excelling in every aspect of the event.  From the moment they entered the hall, they were exposed to a wealth of industry knowledge and encouraged to think outside the box.  Watching our students succeed and grow in confidence was truly rewarding, and we’re excited to see how this experience will inspire their future academic journeys in STEM.” 

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: 

“We are thrilled to see the success of our students in this transformative STEM event.  The Bronze CREST Award is not just a certificate, but a recognition of their dedication, creativity, and teamwork.  These experiences lay the groundwork for their future academic and career journeys, helping them build the essential skills that will guide them in the world of STEM.  At the Ted Wragg Trust, we’re committed to providing these opportunities, and we look forward to seeing more students excel in similar initiatives.”