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  • London's Calling: School Trip is a Scientific Adventure

    Published 09/12/24

    Students from All Saints Academy Plymouth (ASAP), part of the Ted Wragg Trust, have embarked on an exciting trip to the capital this month.

    90 Year 8 students from the Plymouth School embarked on a trip to London as part of their ASAP pledges.  Launched this year, the pledges are a series of opportunities every All Saints student will have access to as their right as an All Saints student. These include trips and visits, such as Paris, London & New York in 2024/25, to visiting local businesses and Universities across the South West. In addition, students get taught a range of activities from first aid and personal finance, to learning to ride an bike and swimming.

    In Year 8, all pupils have the opportunity to visit our capital city. The tour has a real focus on Science, bringing alive the curriculum and helping students to plan for their future successes in the South West.

    The group visited the Science Museum in South Kensington.  The museum was founded in 1857 under Bennet Woodcroft from the collection of the Royal Society of Arts and surplus items from the Great Exhibition as part of the South Kensington Museum, together with what is now the Victoria and Albert Museum.

    They then went on to the Natural History Museum, which exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history.  The day concluded with an exciting open-top bus tour around London. 

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

    “Our pledges are a really exciting part of All Saints’ journey to outstanding education; ensuring every child has access to a range of experience beyond the classroom ensures our pupils get a fully rounded education. I know the students really enjoyed their day in London and took so much away from visiting the museums.  The trip was also a wonderful chance for our students to learn about the landmarks of our vibrant capital city. We look forward to reporting on our Year 7 trip to Paris later this year.

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “It’s brilliant to hear that All Saints students recently made the trip up to London.  Ensuring that young people access a wide range of educational and cultural experiences is a key part of attending school and the pledges at All Saints Academy are such a wonderful example of this. I hope the students took a lot away from their day.”

        

         

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  • Plymouth Educators Attend National Teaching Awards

    Published 09/12/24

    Staff members from Marine Academy Primary,  part of our Trust, and Tor Bridge Primary School, part of The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (South West), travelled up to London (30th November) for the Pearson National Teaching Awards ceremony.

    The Plymouth schools were awarded Silver Awards in the ‘Making a Difference - Primary School of the Year’ category and travelled to the celebration ceremony.

    The event was held at the Brewery at the Montcalm Hotel in Shoreditch.  It was hosted by Gaby Roslin and guests included the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, and previous National Schools Commissioner, Sir David Carter

    The primary schools shortlisted for the awards were recognised for their exceptional role in transforming the life chances of local children. They demonstrated a profound impact on enriching their communities, showcasing creative and constructive approaches to overcoming challenges. Equally important was evidence of a positive working environment where staff feel valued and enjoy their roles. The schools also needed to be seen as vital assets to their communities, earning the respect and trust of parents and carers alike.

    The Pearson National Teaching Awards were founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact schools can have on the lives of young people.

    Georgina Reid Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary said:

    “I am so proud of all the staff and pupils at Marine Academy Primary.  They are what makes the school the remarkable place that it is and they are the reason we have received this award.  

    “Not only do we aim to deliver a world class education, we also make sure that we create an atmosphere of joy in our classrooms, as children who are happy at school will thrive there.”

    Aaron Meredith Executive Headteacher and CEO at The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (South West) said:

    “At The Inspire Multi Academy Trust (South West) we are incredibly proud to always go above and beyond for our children and communities, so to be recognised as Making a Difference - Primary School of the year Silver Winner is an incredible honour. I would like to thank the amazing staff, children, families and governors who make our school a very special place to learn and thrive.”

        

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  • Crediton Students Meet with Lord Newby this Parliament Week

    Published 09/12/24

    Sixth Form students at Queen Elizabeth’s School, (QE) part of our Trust have participated in a digital surgery with Lord Newby during UK Parliament Week.

    Lord Newby is the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords and has formerly served as a Chief Whip.  He was also Charles Kennedy's Chief of Staff during his period as Leader and he received an OBE in 1990 for his service to politics.

    During the digital session, the Crediton students posed Lord Newby a wide range of questions.  They covered topics including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the government's plans to introduce inheritance tax on farms, and the Liberal Democrats’ proposals to increase numbers of GPs. 

    UK Parliament Week encourages schools across the country to explore the value of democracy and how young people can participate in the democratic process.

    Ms Paula Smith, Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School said:

    “I am very grateful to Lord Newby for taking the time to come and speak to some of our sixth formers this Parliament Week.  I am also proud of the knowledge and enthusiasm our students showed in the session, with Lord Newby commenting that he was highly impressed by their knowledge and engagement.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “It’s brilliant that QE sixth formers were able to spend some time speaking with Lord Newby this Parliament Week.  It’s so important that young people understand not only the value of our democratic system, but also how they can play a key role in it and it sounds like this session addressed both of these themes perfectly.” 

       

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  • Plymouth Pupils Fundraise for the Royal British Legion

    Published 26/11/24

    Pupils and staff from Marine Academy Primary (MAP), part of our Trust have taken part in a sponsored poppy walk to raise funds for the Royal British Legion this month.  

    Miss Hansford and Miss Gibson joined some of the school’s Forces Friends children on Saturday 9th November for the walk which raised £210, over double the target amount!  The walk was about 3 km long and included a collective moment of remembrance and the planting of poppy tributes. 

    The Royal British Legion is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities; helping them give support wherever and whenever it’s needed.

    If you’d like to show your support, please visit: https://royalbritishlegion.enthuse.com/pf/victoria-hansford

    Forces Friends Forces Friends club is an emotionally and socially supportive club where both Forces children and their friends are welcome to engage with one another from Early Years to Year 6.  MAP has regular visits from local supporting charities such as Aggies, allowing children to access vital support during times of deployment and managing the complexities of military life.  Children also make special memory boxes when their ones are deployed to help them remain connected during difficult spells. 

    MAP has 27 children from Forces families across the school and children in Pre-School eligible for Service Premium are a priority group in the school’s admissions policy

     Georgina Reid Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary said:

    “The Royal British Legion is an amazing organisation that supports our veterans and their families, and we wanted to show our appreciation for their service.  Well done to everyone involved in the poppy walk – your kindness and dedication make a difference!”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

    “We are really proud of the team and children from Marine Academy Primary who took part in the poppy walk, especially in the city of Plymouth where our armed forces community is so special to us. At the Ted Wragg Trust we believe that helping to strengthen our communities is a key role for our schools and it’s brilliant to see MAP living this value.”

        

        

      

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  • Sidmouth Geography Students Navigate Their Way to Quiz Success

    Published 26/11/24

    Students from Sidmouth College, part of our Trust family of schools, have taken part in the Geographical Association's WorldWide Quiz this month.

    A group of Year 10 GCSE Geography students took on the best geographers in the region in a very competitive quiz, with their team finishing third overall.  The format involved a ‘University Challenge’ style quiz for multiple teams of three students, with eight rounds of eight questions.  

    The Geography Department at Sidmouth College aims to inspire the future generation to feel confident in forming opinions about our planet and encourage them to live sustainably through teaching them about people, places and processes and the intrinsic links that exist between them.  

    The Geographical Association (GA) is the subject association for teachers of Geography, their mission is to further geographical knowledge and understanding through education. 

    Mrs Lisa Whitworth, Headteacher at Sidmouth College said:

    “Many congratulations to our super Geography team for placing third in the recent quiz by the Geographical Association.  At Sidmouth College we are always looking for new and different educational opportunities to offer our young people and it was great to see our students competing with their peers in this tough competition.”

    Moria Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    "Everyone at the Ted Wragg Trust is so proud of the Sidmouth students for the enthusiasm and determination they have displayed while taking part in the WorldWide Quiz.  Their curiosity and teamwork have truly shone through, proving that learning can be both fun and enlightening!"

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  • Local Students Take Part in Football Boot Camp and Disco Fit Sessions for Charity

    Published 20/11/24

    Honiton Community College, Marine Academy Primary, Exwick Heights Primary School, Whipton Barton Federation and Sidmouth College all part of our Trust have been fundraising for Children in Need this week.

     At Marine Academy Primary (MAP), children have also been taking part in the ‘RunPudsey’ challenge, where they raise money by taking part in a variety of physical activities - those who raise £10 receive a shiny ‘RunPudsey’ medal. 

    Some members of Keyham Kolts Football Club visited the school to run an amazing football- style boot camp and Miss Vickers led a fun filled Disco Fit session.  The energy and enthusiasm around the school was truly inspiring, and the school raised over £5k for Children in Need.

    They also took part in a very special Children in Need ‘Gladiators’ live stream.  The Plymouth pupils got to watch Steel and their other favourite Gladiators take on their own school-game inspired challenges.  Pupils got to cheer along the Gladiators, have a go at some favourite Gladiator poses and vote for their favourite challenges.

    During the recent half term, Exwick Heights pupils were invited to take part in sponsored challenges of their choosing with top fundraisers winning a cuddly Pudsey bear.  The school community raised a whopping £1,026, over double its target amount.

    Whipton Barton Federation raised £445.03 after raising a bake sale and encouraging pupils to dress up for the day.

    At Honiton Community College, they held a non uniform day and encouraged students to come into school wearing something spotty.  Students were also encouraged to come in looking ‘spot-tacular’ at Sidmouth College.

    Thanks to donations, Children in Need are currently funding nearly 1,500 charities and children’s projects to the value of £91.5 million. In 2022/2023 they supported well over 400,000 children.

    For more information go to Home - BBC's Children in Need.

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “At the Ted Wragg Trust strengthening communities is one of our central missions and we put children at the heart of everything we do.  As such, I am so pleased that our schools have been fundraising for Children in Need. It's important that we work together to support children up and down the country in order to secure a brighter future for everyone.”

      

      

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  • Lipson Co-Operative Academy Take Part in STEMfest at Plymouth National Marine Aquarium

    Published 20/11/24

    Students and staff at Lipson Co-operative Academy, part of our Trust have had a brilliant day at the National Marine Aquarium as part of their STEMfest week.

    The STEMfest week was designed by the National Marine Aquarium for children in Years 3 to 9 and they provided a variety of activities to inspire and engage them, including analysing ecological surveys, doing scientific drawings and participating in virtual reality sessions.

    30 Year 8 students from Lipson Co-operative Academy went along to learn all about how scientists work in the marine environment and how their findings help to develop theories, such as natural selection.  They took a deep dive into the theory of evolution, learning things that Charles Darwin himself did not know.

    They also took part in a workshop using a dice-based game to help them better understand Darwin’s finch theory and covered concepts such as speciation and adaptation.

    Students were also posed a variety of questions to ponder during their time at the aquarium, including:

     How many different species are in the NMA's Great Barrier Reef exhibit?
    Why do sharks have different shaped teeth?
    What does it feel like to live in a rockpool?

    Each day ended with an interactive show designed to leave everyone excited to explore local habitats and take action to protect them.  An amazing interactive show was delivered to the students in front of the huge Eddystone tank, which filled in the gap between Darwin’s theory and the most up-to-date thinking on DNA –  providing 165 years of learning in 20 minutes!

     Mr Martin Brook, Headteacher at Lipson Co-operative Academy said:

    “STEMfest week at the National Marine Aquarium was absolutely brilliant.  It clearly ignited curiosity, interest and enjoyment in all the students that went along.  Seeing the relationship between empirical evidence and  theories helps students think critically and these important thinking skills can be applied in many areas of study.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “It’s great to hear that Lipson students took so much away from the STEMfest week at the aquarium and I know the whole community is so grateful to them for holding this brilliant event annually.  STEM professions are central to the economy and lots of the jobs of the future will be in those areas, getting young people interested in them in a fun way can only be a positive thing.”

      

      

      

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  • Tor Bridge High Welcomes Babcock International Group to Speak to Business Studies Students

    Published 20/11/24

    Tor Bridge High, part of our family of schools, welcomed representatives from the Babcock International Group to the school this month to meet with their Business Studies students as part of a round table event on careers.

    Babcock is a leading provider of critical, complex engineering services which support national defence, save lives and protect communities.  They are an international defence, aerospace and security company operating in the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa. 

    The Tor Bridge students got to meet with apprentices from a range of departments within the organisation who spoke with them about Babcock roles, application and recruitment processes, and interview techniques. 

    At Tor Bridge High staff believe that good quality careers education and guidance helps raise aspirations and student outcomes.  Careers guidance is designed to inspire students and help them navigate their way through the many possibilities which are available to them, and feel confident in their decisions about their future career paths.

    Tracy Stephenson, Headteacher at Tor Bridge High said:

    “I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along from Babcock to speak to our students. This careers round table was great preparation for when the Business Studies students complete their unit on recruitment and has given them a valuable insight into a wide range of different business opportunities.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “At the Ted Wragg Trust we believe that lives are transformed through learning and that schools should work closely with their local communities to achieve this.  It’s great to hear that staff from Babcock took the time to come and speak with Tor Bridge students about potential career paths.  As a significant employer in the South West, it’s so beneficial for Plymouth’s young people to hear directly from them.”

      

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  • Cranbrook Education Campus Introduces A ‘Paws-itive’ Change for Students! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Published 18/11/24

    Cranbrook Education Campus, (CEC) part of our Trust has welcomed a new therapy dog this term.

    Her in-school training commenced with visits during the summer holidays to familiarise herself with the environment followed by some shorter sessions meeting staff and finally in the final week of the last half-term, 'Meet Aurora' sessions with each individual class. 

    Aurora, who is staff member Mrs Edingham's 4-year-old cockapoo, has officially started her role as a therapy dog in the primary phase of CEC.  Following her basic training, Aurora is currently enrolled in the PAWS Therapy Dog Training Programme and is making superb progress. 

    All pupils were highly engaged and listened beautifully to either a story or a poem along with Aurora.  They also asked lots of thoughtful questions about her role within the school. 

    This half term, Aurora will be starting small group interventions with some pupils.  These will include sessions for those with cynophobia, a fear of dogs, as well as some for pastoral and academic support reasons. 

     Krisha Gandhi, Head of Primary & Senior Deputy Head of Campus, at Cranbrook Education Campus said:

    "We are all delighted to welcome Aurora on to the team!  The presence of a therapy dog in school doesn’t just bring joy to pupils and staff—it helps to create a calming atmosphere.  Mrs Edingham was exceptionally proud that all pupils followed the four-step interaction plan, which outlines Aurora’s role and how to approach and pet her, with such diligence and kindness.” 

     Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “I am delighted that most Ted Wragg schools now have a therapy dog.  They offer more than comfort, they contribute to an atmosphere that means pupils feel safe, valued and understood.

    “Research has shown that a therapy dog in a primary school setting can bring a number of benefits for both pupils, families and staff.  They have the ability to boost mood, reduce stress and enhance focus, creating a happier, more supportive environment for learning!”

        

      

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  • West Exe School Hosts Aspire Conference ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Published 18/11/24

    West Exe School has hosted the annual Ted Wragg Trust Aspire Conference this month.  

    The conference brings together Year 10 and Year 11 students from secondary schools across the Ted Wragg Trust with around 100 young people attending this November’s event designed to inspire their aspirations for the future.  This was a remarkable number of attendees, especially as the event was held during half term.

    Students were invited to attend based on their academic promise, as the Aspire Conference is designed to help them expand their goals, explore new opportunities, and inspire them to aim high in their personal and academic journeys.

    The full-day event consisted of talks from inspirational speakers and workshops challenging the students with interactive tasks and challenges.  Workshops and speakers ranged from MED Theatre,  a developmental community theatre organisation based on Dartmoor who came along to offer drama workshops to a session from Law with Cartridges, a solicitors offering personal and business legal advice in Exeter, who came to speak to attendees about a career in law.  As well as maths challenges led by the prestigious Exeter Maths School and workshops on the value of philosophy and how to develop critical thinking skills from Pamela De Gregorio, a Philosophy and Religious Studies Lecturer at Exeter College.  

    Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “It was an honour to host this year’s Aspire Conference at West Exe School.  It was so inspiring to see how much the students took away from the day and how excited they were to tackle the academic challenges our guests had set for them.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “At the Ted Wragg Trust we work hard to provide opportunities to young people that will inspire them to unleash their full potential.  Our annual Aspire Conference is just one of the ways we encourage students to aim high when planning their next steps and considering their future education and career choices. Thanks to West Exe for hosting a wonderful conference”

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  • Exwick Heights Primary School Donates 60 KG of Food to Exeter Foodbank

    Published 18/11/24

    Exwick Heights Primary School, part of our Trust, has been awarded a certificate from the Exeter Foodbank to thank them for donating 60 KG of food last month!

    The donations were collected by the school as part of their Harvest Festival celebrations, during which children sang songs and told the story of ‘Little Red Hen.’

    Exeter Foodbank volunteers collect donations from Collection Points all across the local area which they then weigh, sort and store.  They maintain a warehouse where donations are stored before being delivered to the centre for distribution. 

    The foodbank’s Voucher Coordinator works with over a hundred local agencies to make sure that donations get to the right people, when they need them.

    Exwick Heights staff and pupils were pleased to be able to have the opportunity to support the foodbank again, having established a close relationship with the organisation when pupils provided artwork to decorate the space earlier this year.

    The school promotes strong values and engages actively with the local community to create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where every child can thrive.  They are holding an open morning on the 20th of November at 9.30am and places can be booked here.

      Mrs Gemma Wills, Headteacher at Exwick Heights Primary School said:

    “Whether it’s a simple smile, a helping hand, or a thoughtful message, small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day.  At Exwick Heights we are being really intentional about sharing kindness and organising donations to the Exeter Foodbank is just one example of this.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “Everyone at the trust is so proud that families at Exwick Heights have worked together to donate 60 KG of food to the Exeter Foodbank last month.  This is an incredible achievement and demonstrates what a wonderful and caring school community it is.”

        

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  • Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Stars Shine at Nursery Rhymes

    Published 18/11/24

    Marine Academy Primary (MAP), are celebrating World Nursery Rhyme Week. 

    World Nursery Rhyme Week is an annual event to encourage teachers and parents to use nursery rhymes to help children develop their language and literacy skills. As well as being fun, rhymes, such as Humpty Dumpty and Five Currant Buns, are excellent teaching tools and play an important role in early childhood development and education. 


    The children at MAP have had so much fun engaging in all things rhyme-related.  They've been busy printing stars and singing along to ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’, sailing boats in the water tray to act out ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’, and they even found an ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ hiding in the sandpit! 

    They also loved exploring the Old MacDonald farm tuff spot, where they had fun with animal figures and practised their best “E-I-E-I-O!”  The youngest learners in Turtle Class are loving every rhyme-filled moment!

    Georgina Reid Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary said:

    “Learning nursery rhymes is a fantastic way to help children boost their vocabulary and language development.  Rhymes also develop children’s literacy skills and help improve social, physical and emotional skills.

    “Our pupils have had great fun marking World Nursery Rhyme Week and I would like to thank all the children, parents and staff for embracing the week so positively.”

    Siobhan Meredith, Executive Director of Education at the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

    “It is really lovely that Marine Academy Primary’s youngest learners in their 2 year old Nursery have been celebrating World Nursery Rhyme Week. The activities they have been doing are the foundation on which their future literacy skills will be built and they also help to fuel the imaginative play based learning that helps them develop a love for education.”

        

        

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