Students at St Luke’s Church of England School in Exeter got a taste of the digital world during a hands-on entrepreneur workshop led by Evo Academy.

Fifteen year 9 and 10 students took part in the session, which offered an introduction to the world of digital enterprise and innovation. The workshop gave students the opportunity to explore how digital skills can be used to develop ideas, solve problems, and create opportunities in a fast-changing world.

Evo Academy was set up to help bridge the gap between traditional education and the needs of today’s digital industries, providing young people with practical skills and insight into future careers.

Staff at St Luke’s said the workshop provided an inspiring experience, helping students build confidence and broaden their understanding of digital pathways beyond the classroom.

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the session builds on the school’s wider approach to computing and digital learning, with students developing their skills over time through a structured programme that supports both creativity and practical application.

Mr Harrison Littler, headteacher at St Luke’s C of E School, said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore the world of digital enterprise in a hands-on and engaging way. Workshops like this give students the confidence and skills to think creatively about their futures and the role they can play in a rapidly changing digital world.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:

“Opportunities like this help connect classroom learning with the skills students need for the future. Building digital confidence, creativity and problem-solving is essential, and workshops like this play an important role in preparing young people for life beyond school.”

Students in Year 12 and 13 at Exmouth Community College (ECC) have achieved outstanding success after taking part in the International Chemistry Olympiad, a highly demanding national competition organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

The event saw over 17,000 students from across the country sit a challenging two-hour examination. The Olympiad is designed to stretch the very best young chemists in the country, testing not only their subject knowledge but also their problem-solving and application skills. Although it includes hints and content from GCSE and A Level curricula, the paper quickly progresses to university-level questions. 

This year’s topics explored fascinating, real-world applications of chemistry, including its role in Olympic swimming pools, the science behind unpleasant odours, and the chemistry involved in henna tattoos. The themes provided the students with an exciting insight into how chemistry impacts everyday life in unexpected ways.

Although the Olympiad is especially tough for Year 12 students, many of whom have only covered a fraction of their A Level content by that point in the academic year, Year 12 Evan achieved a bronze award putting him in the top 70% of students. 

In Year 13, Sophie and Isaac achieved silver awards, placing them in the top 34% of all participants. Bronze awards were also achieved by Ned, Lexie and Delilah, recognising their strong performance in a highly competitive field.

Some Year 12 physics students also took part in the British Physics Olympiad Senior Challenge, Emily achieved a Silver award putting her in the top 27% of entrants. Josh also achieved a Bronze award.

 At ECC, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, the A Level chemistry curriculum is designed to offer students a fascinating and in-depth exploration of the subject, covering key areas of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as reaction kinetics, energetics, thermodynamics, analytical techniques and environmental chemistry. 

Students develop a strong understanding of important chemical principles and processes that underpin our understanding of the world around us, alongside how scientists investigate and explain real-world phenomena. 

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College, said: 

 “Taking part in an Olympiad of this standard is a huge achievement in itself. We are incredibly proud of all our students for embracing the challenge and performing so well against such strong national competition.”

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

“It’s wonderful to see young people at Exmouth Community College challenging themselves against such demanding national competition. Opportunities like this stretch ambition, deepen subject knowledge and show students just how far their talent and hard work can take them.” 

Students at Exmouth Community College (ECC) experienced an inspiring and creative day of literary engagement when BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and Stonewall Book Award-winning author Dean Atta visited the school this term. The visit brought together Year 10 students alongside Year 12 and Year 13 English Literature and English Language students, offering them the opportunity to engage directly with one of the UK’s most celebrated contemporary writers.

The day began with a Sixth Form assembly, where Dean Atta spoke about his published works, including his acclaimed young adult novel in verse The Black Flamingo, as well as his upcoming publications. He also shared insights into his career as a writer for both literature and screen, encouraging students to consider the power of storytelling in shaping identity, voice, and understanding.

The visit continued in the library with an interactive creative writing workshop. Students explored language connections, free writing techniques, and verse structure, before producing their own original poems. Using literary techniques such as rhythm, rhetorical questions, and repetition, students developed creative responses that reflected confidence, imagination, and engagement.

Dean Atta spoke openly with students about writing as a means of exploring identity, including themes such as race, sexuality, and personal expression, as well as offering practical guidance on how to develop and share work within the publishing industry. The session created a lively and supportive atmosphere, with students demonstrating enthusiasm, creativity, and enjoyment throughout.

This visit strongly reflects the English curriculum at Exmouth Community College, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, which is designed to reflect the importance of English at both an educational and societal level. The curriculum aims to deliver a knowledge-rich, inclusive learning experience built around the key concepts of power and identity. With ambitious reading, writing, and oracy outcomes at its heart, the subject empowers students to become confident communicators, critical thinkers, and creative individuals.

Dean Atta is known for his powerful storytelling, which draws on his Greek Cypriot and Jamaican heritage and his queer identity. He is a patron of LGBT+ History Month and Chair of the Poetry and Spoken Word Group of the Society of Authors. His work spans young adult fiction, poetry, picture books, and screenwriting, with his debut adult novel Big Man due to be published in September 2026.

The event was supported by Exmouth Scholars and the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, and was widely praised for its impact in inspiring students and celebrating the transformative power of English.

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College, said: 

“This was a truly inspiring experience for our students. Dean Atta’s visit brought literature to life in a powerful and meaningful way. Our students were fully engaged throughout and produced some outstanding creative work. Opportunities like this are central to our commitment to developing a love of reading, writing and creativity across the school.” 

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

“We are incredibly proud to see experiences like this taking place in our schools. Dean Atta’s visit perfectly reflects our belief in providing rich opportunities that broaden horizons and help students find their voice, and it’s inspiring to see our students engaging so thoughtfully.” 

Sidmouth College’s cheerleading team has been crowned regional champions at the South West Cheerleading Championships, held at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay.

Competing in the South West Schools Division, the Sidmouth team placed first after their routine was judged against entries from across the region.

The team take part in after-school cheerleading sessions as part of the college’s wider enrichment and extracurricular PE programme.

Part of the Ted Wragg Trust, Sidmouth College offers a range of enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom, including sport, performance and creative activities.

The South West Cheerleading Championships, originally launched in 2013 as the Exeter Cheer Festival, was rebranded in 2021 and now takes place at the Riviera International Centre. The event brings together teams from across the South West to compete and showcase cheerleading.

Well done to the Sidmouth College cheerleading team: Kiana, Tessa, Mary-Bess, Ashlee, Lyla, Ella, Edie, Bethany, Nola, Evie, Poppy, Emily, Chloe, Scarlett, Ava, Florence, Phoebe, Sienna, Tilly, Mailea, Megan, Imogen, Flossie, India and Paige.

Mr Alex Evans, Headteacher at Sidmouth College, said:

“This is a brilliant achievement for the cheerleading team, who represented the college strongly against tough opposition from across the region. Their commitment to training and teamwork has been evident throughout the season, and their success is fully deserved."

Moira Marder, CEO, Ted Wragg Trust, said: “It’s wonderful to see the enrichment programme provided by the college supporting students to have this opportunity to compete. A huge congratulations to the Sidmouth College cheerleading team on this fantastic achievement.”

 

 

Exmouth Community College (ECC) welcomed the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) into school this term to deliver a series of ‘Water Smart’ assemblies for students, helping them develop essential knowledge to stay safe around water.

The sessions form part of the college’s ongoing commitment to student safety and wellbeing, particularly given its close proximity to the coast and the increased independence young people develop as they get older.

Research shows that as young people grow in confidence and independence, their risk around water can increase. With Exmouth’s strong coastal location, the college places a high priority on ensuring students understand how to enjoy their environment safely and responsibly.

During the interactive presentations, students learned key water safety skills including how to “float to survive”, the meaning of different beach safety flags, and how to respond if caught in a rip current, a particularly important risk along the local coastline.

The sessions were designed to be practical, memorable and empowering, giving pupils the knowledge and confidence to make safer decisions when near water, whether at the beach or in other open water environments.

Exmouth Community College, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, extended its thanks to the RNLI team for their time, expertise and continued commitment to water safety education.

Tom Inman, Headteacher at Exmouth Community College, said: 

“We were delighted to welcome the RNLI into college to deliver these important Water Smart sessions. Living so close to the sea is a real privilege for our community, but it also comes with responsibilities.

“It is essential that our young people understand how to stay safe in and around water, and these sessions provided them with vital life skills that could make a real difference.

“We hope students will share what they have learned with their families and friends, helping to spread these important safety messages across our wider community.”

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

“Ensuring our young people are safe, confident and well-prepared is at the heart of everything we do across the Ted Wragg Trust.

“These Water Smart sessions are a brilliant example of how schools can work with expert partners like the RNLI to deliver meaningful, practical learning that has a real impact beyond the classroom.”