Some of Marine Academy Primary’s Year 6 pupils have returned from an incredible residential trip to Paris, full of memories and new experiences.  From exploring the iconic Eiffel Tower to tasting escargot, the trip was packed with excitement and adventure.

The children spent their days soaking in the sights of Paris, visiting landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, and the Sacré-Cœur. They did of course also have a day at Disneyland Paris taking on the big thrill rides, experiencing the parade and watching the visually impressive Lion King show. The trip included conquering the steps to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and participating in the PGL Olympics which the pupils handled with plentiful enthusiasm.

Their evenings included a lively disco where they learned classic dance moves and chose their favourite tunes.  The children also enjoyed delicious dinners, which included fresh French pastries and they also got to cook up some culinary delights of their own.  Some of the bravest pupils even tried a French delicacy, escargot!

With tired feet but full hearts, the Year 6 children now return home, bringing back treasured memories that will last a lifetime.

Marine Academy Primary, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is passionate about nurturing young learners and helping them grow into confident, curious individuals who are excited about their future and developing their cultural capital.

Georgina Reid Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary said:

"Our pupils had the time of their lives, taking in the history, culture, and thrills of Paris.  It’s been a wonderful opportunity for them to step out of the classroom and experience learning in a whole new way.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"At the Ted Wragg Trust we believe in offering children transformative experiences that go beyond the academic curriculum.  Hearing about the Marine Academy Primary pupils’ growth as individuals on this trip has been an absolute joy."

  

    

    

  

The Year 7 Choir at  Lipson Co-operative Academy has received high praise for their fantastic performance at the annual Saltash Music Speech and Drama Festival.

The talented group of singers impressed the judges and audience alike with two uplifting songs: “Try Everything” and “Look for the Light.”

Their performance radiated with energy, confidence, and teamwork, capturing the spirit of both songs. “Try Everything” delivered an inspiring message of perseverance, while “Look for the Light” was infused with warmth and emotion, showcasing the choir’s ability to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

The judge commended the choir’s harmonies, stage presence, smart appearance, and musicality, recognising the dedication that went into their preparation. 

At Lipson Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, they offer a full range of ensembles for students to develop their performance skills through live musical experiences, including Junior, Senior and A Capella Choir, Big Band, Brass Ensemble, Senior Sax Ensemble, Six-Piece Band, Musical Theatre productions and more.

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

"We couldn’t be more proud of our Year 7 Choir for their exceptional performance at the Saltash Festival. Their dedication and enthusiasm shone through, and it’s incredible to see our students perform with such confidence and spirit – they truly embodied the messages of both songs.  This is just the start of what promises to be an exciting musical journey for them."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"The achievement of Lipson’s Year 7 Choir at the festival embodies the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and creativity that shines through all they do at Lipson Academy.  Their success reflects not just their talent, but also the hard work and support of their music teachers, and we look forward to watching them flourish as they continue to progress through their musical teaching.”

This term Year 7 students at Tor Bridge High were treated to an energetic and inspiring talk by Joffre White, a celebrated children's writer and Patron of Reading.  Joffre, an avid supporter of libraries, captivated the audience with his engaging anecdotes and shared his belief that reading has the power to change lives.

He has written five books and is also a member of the National Association of Writers in Education and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.  He actively promotes the importance of reading, literacy and creative writing by visiting schools, colleges, libraries and delivering his acclaimed, interactive, motivational and inspiring sessions designed to excite and energise young people’s imagination. 

During the event, Joffre compared the school’s library to the famous TARDIS from Doctor Who, noting that it’s “bigger on the inside”—encapsulating the endless adventures and knowledge that can be discovered within the pages of a book.  His talk encouraged the students to explore new worlds through reading, while highlighting the importance of libraries in fostering imagination and learning.

At Tor Bridge High, the library truly is at the heart of the school and reading for pleasure is promoted through an abundance of literacy rich events that take place regularly. So far this year, these have included Non-fiction November, Fright Club, Seasons Readings, Book Buzz where every Year 7 student received a free book of their choice and, one of the School’s most popular reading events of the year, Harry Potter Week where the Tor Bridge High library was transformed into Hogwarts itself!

The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is committed to providing its students with opportunities to expand their imaginations, develop critical thinking skills, and encourage a lifelong love of reading.

Tracy Stephenson, Headteacher at Tor Bridge High said:

“We are so grateful to Joffre White for taking the time to visit and share his passion for reading with our students.  His visit truly brought reading to life, and we hope it inspired our Year 7s to continue reading and exploring the power of books.  We agree with Joffre that reading can change lives, and it’s exciting to see our students so enthusiastic about their literary journeys!”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“We are incredibly proud to support events like this that ignite a passion for reading and learning in young people.  Joffre White’s visit to Tor Bridge High was a wonderful example of how literature can inspire and transform lives.  By encouraging students to explore the world through books, we are helping to build confident, creative individuals who will carry these valuable skills with them throughout their lives. A big thank you to Joffre for sharing his expertise and enthusiasm!”

  

Pupils and staff at Marine Academy Primary were delighted to welcome Fred Thomas MP and Plymouth Councillor Josh McCarty for a visit this term to discuss the important issue of road safety.  The visit was part of an ongoing effort to improve safety around the school and engage the community in vital discussions.

During the visit, the school’s Academy Parliament representatives took centre stage, presenting their ideas and showcasing the creative posters they had designed to raise awareness about road safety.  The young leaders also had the opportunity to share their concerns about the ongoing issue at Trevithick Road, specifically the challenges surrounding the left-turn-only restriction that many vehicles continue to ignore.

The visit culminated in a walk to Trevithick Road, where discussions were had around potential solutions and the need for further measures to ensure the safety of children, families, and the broader community.

Marine Academy Primary, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is optimistic that this collaborative effort will lead to real improvements and a safer environment for all.

Georgina Reid Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary said:

"We are incredibly proud of our Academy Parliament for taking the initiative and addressing such a crucial issue.  The enthusiasm and ideas shown by our pupils, alongside the support from Fred Thomas MP and Cllr McCarty, will hopefully inspire positive change.  Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s uplifting to see our young people actively participating in making their community safer."

Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View said:

“I was truly impressed by the passion and commitment shown by the pupils at Marine Academy Primary in addressing road safety.  It’s inspiring to see young people taking such an active role in shaping their community and standing up for their safety.  The discussion about the ongoing issues at Trevithick Road is an important one, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of these conversations. Working together, we can ensure that our roads are safer for everyone, especially the children and families who rely on them every day.”

    

    

Isca Academy had the privilege of welcoming Steve Race, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Exeter, to their school this term.  Mr Race’s visit provided a unique opportunity for students and staff to engage in meaningful discussions about education, leadership, and community.  

The day began with the school’s popular Friday morning Tea & Toast event, where Mr Race had the chance to meet with staff members.  Following the informal gathering, he spent time with Isca’s Student Leadership Team, answering some thought provoking questions about politics and his role.

Steve Race was elected as MP for Exeter during the last general election and has long been committed to improving the lives of local children and families. Before his election, he worked alongside Ben Bradshaw MP, gaining valuable experience in public service.

During his visit, Steve also spent time talking with Missy the dog, the beloved companion of Isca staff and students. Missy, who is known for her calming presence around the school, was a special guest in the conversation and provided some lighthearted moments for all involved.

Mr Race’s visit to the school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is part of their ongoing commitment to bring real-world connections into the classroom, allowing our students to meet and engage with influential figures from various fields. 

Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Steve for taking the time to visit us and for sharing his passion for community and education with our students.  Our Student Leadership Team really appreciated the opportunity to engage with him and ask insightful questions.  It’s moments like these that help motivate them to become active and thoughtful leaders in the future.”

Mr Steve Race MP said:

“It was such a pleasure to visit Isca Academy and meet with both the incredible staff and the Student Leadership Team.  The enthusiasm and passion shown by the students today really impressed me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity have a discussion with them about the issues they think are important that our local community faces. One of my key priorities as MP is ensuring the best start in life for all of Exeter’s children, and it’s so inspiring to visit local schools and talk with the next generation.” 

      

Years 8 and 9 English students from Lipson Co-operative Academy, recently embarked on an exciting adventure to London, combining classic sightseeing with a spectacular theatre experience. 

Despite the early start at 6am, the students’ enthusiasm was as high as ever as they set off for a day filled with exploration and culture.  Upon arriving in London the group kicked off their sightseeing tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as Horse Guards Parade, the Houses of Parliament, and Downing Street. 

After a well-deserved lunch break, it was time for the highlight of the trip – a performance of Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre, based on Charles Dickens’ beloved novel.

The students were captivated by the show, giving it a standing ovation at the end of the performance. The group was commended by members of the public for their impeccable behaviour and manners, a testament to their maturity and respect for the experience.

After the curtain call, the students boarded the coach for the long journey back to school, arriving home at 11.30pm, but all agreed that the day was worth every minute.  From the sights of London to the final applause, the trip was a complete success.

At Lipson Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, they believe that enrichment activities are extremely important and help to enhance the learning opportunities of students.  They strive to offer as many opportunities as possible for students and to develop the “whole” child with wider skills such as leadership and team work, as well as improving confidence and self/esteem.

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

“We’re incredibly proud of how our students represented Lipson during their trip to London.  It was fantastic to see them engage with both the historical landmarks and the incredible production of Oliver! It’s a trip they will never forget, and we are grateful for the opportunity to make it happen.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“It’s always a joy to see students embracing the learning opportunities that trips like these provide.  This experience will have brought the literature they study in the classroom to life and allowed students to learn in a fun and engaging way.”