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September 2024

  • Marine Academy Plymouth launches ‘Make Their Day’ Initiative

    Published 18/09/24

    Marine Academy Plymouth, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, have launched a new initiative this term called “Make Their Day.”  

    Jennifer Brimming, the newly appointed principal at the St Budeaux school is asking parents and carers to send in suggestions on how they can make their child’s day. This year the school is focusing on connection and making sure every young person at MAP feels seen.

    The hope is that “Make Their Day” will create a deep sense of belonging at the secondary school and be especially helpful in making sure that new Year 7s feel welcomed and comfortable.

    The school is asking parents and carers to email in their suggestions and to keep them a secret from their children. They are then picking a couple every week to enact. One parent wrote in to say that her daughter loves football and dreams of being a Lioness so the school managed to get her a video message from a Lioness and took her and eight of her friends to play football.

    One lucky tutor group had a delivery of ice cream to bring joy to their session and another student received a football signed by  Plymouth Argyle players. Another student had a tasty trip to Mila’s Bakery and one who wanted to spend time with his dad did a brilliant job putting together new desks with him. 

    Parents have had the following to say:

    • The whole "make their day" concept is so refreshing. Big well done to the teams who have worked on this and everyone involved in making it happen. I can't wait to see what happens next.
    • It’s amazing that you’re doing this for the kids. Thank you 
    • Thank you for doing it - he loved it :)
    • This is such a lovely idea.

    Student feedback has been equally as positive with them commenting: 

    • I appreciate the teacher for giving me the best day ever.
    • I really like getting to work with my dad- it made me feel really good.
    • I loved having ice cream delivered to class!
    • This has made my day!

    Ofsted praised MAP’s strong focus on good manners, respect, and empathy for others, which has led to a school that is calm and welcoming. They also believe that excellent attendance is key to success, and work closely with families to ensure students don't miss a day. MAP strives to make every day unmissable for students—with world-class lessons, personal development opportunities, and daily celebrations that simply can't be missed.

    Marine Academy Plymouth is holding an open evening on the 19th of September from 5pm to 7pm.  Open mornings are being held every Friday at 8.40am in September and October and there is no need to book. 

    Jennifer Brimming, Principal of Marine Academy Plymouth said:

    “I am delighted to have launched the “Make Their Day” initiative this term. At MAP we want to get to know every child really well, but I recognise that parents know their children best, so it seemed like a great idea to ask them what their children might enjoy. I want every young person that attends MAP to not only receive a top quality academic education, I also want them to know just how much we care for them as individuals. We are truly aiming to make every day unmissable for every student.”

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

    “Everyone at the Ted Wragg Trust is wholly supportive of the “Make Their Day” initiative. We know that schools are more than somewhere children come to learn and MAP is embodying our values of collaboration and selflessness with this idea.”

      

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  • Marine Academy Primary Elects New Members of Academy Parliament

    Published 18/09/24

    Marine Academy Primary, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has elected its new Members of Academy Parliament this month.

    Each candidate delivered a presentation to their class, explaining why they would be the best representative for their peers. Following this, classes took turns visiting the school’s polling station in the hall to cast their votes for the new representatives.

    The Academy Parliament will play a vital role in canvassing opinions across the school, gathering feedback from pupils, and presenting ideas that represent the student voice and vision for the school’s future.

    The newly elected Academy Parliament members were then treated to a special trip to London, where they visited the Houses of Parliament. The group toured the House of Commons and Westminster Hall, learning all about the workings of the parliamentary system and the important role MPs play in shaping legislation—a valuable lesson that will inspire them in their new roles as student representatives.

    The trip was booked through Parliament Education UK and a travel subsidy to make it possible was provided by Fred Thomas MP.

    In addition to MAP’s Academy Parliament, children from Ernesettle and Tor Bridge Primary’s Pupil Parliaments attended.

    The trip wasn’t all business, though. The pupils also managed to squeeze in some sightseeing, including a ride on the London Eye and a visit to Trafalgar Square.

    Georgina Reid, Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary, commented:

    “I am so proud of our Members of Academy Parliament—it was fantastic to witness democracy in action across the school, and it was wonderful to hear their classmates sharing the joy in their success! A huge thank you to Miss Widdison and Mrs Green for their hard work in organizing the election, and to Mr Druce and Miss Widdison for accompanying the group on their parliamentary adventure to London.”

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

    “Many congratulations to all the pupils elected to MAP’s new Members of Academy Parliament. This is an absolutely brilliant initiative that not only gets children thinking about how our democracy works, but also gives them a genuine voice in the running of the school.”

       

     

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  • Exwick Heights Primary School Art Club brighten up Exeter Foodbank’s new home ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Published 12/09/24

    Pupils and staff at Exwick Heights Primary School, part of our Trust are delighted to be the very first school to have taken up the challenge of providing Exeter Foodbank with some artwork for their new home in Cowick Street. 

    Members of the Art Club at the school put brushes to paper and created some colourful paintings for the foodbank to put on display. The foodbank’s new venue is brilliant but with white walls and grey floors throughout, it did need some cheering up!

    Exwick Heights has a thriving Art Club and places a real focus on creative, as well as academic, education. In previous years pupils from the club have entered the Young Artist's Summer Competition run by the Royal Academy of Arts.

    Exeter Foodbank was started in 2008 to help local people, many of whom had been affected by the financial crisis and the subsequent downturn in the economy. It is funded by local churches and community groups, working together to stop hunger in the local area.  

    Since its opening the foodbank has grown to provide three client sessions a week at the Foodbank Centre and they have over a hundred volunteers involved in running every aspect of the foodbank.

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

    “I am so proud of all the children that created a painting to be displayed at the new foodbank premises. It’s so touching to be told that the volunteers and clients at the food bank have loved seeing their work on display.”  

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “It’s lovely to hear that pupils at Exwick Heights have demonstrated such kindness in brightening up the new foodbank building. The work that Exeter Foodbank does is so important and it’s great to see Exwick Heights working with them to strengthen the community.”

     

     

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  • Cranbrook Education Campus welcome new Reception cohort this month

    Published 11/09/24

    Cranbrook Education Campus, (CEC) part of our Trust, has welcomed a new Reception cohort this month.

     CEC pupils have been busy over the summer completing some Ready for Reception challenges including:

    • Reading one of their "Recommended Reads" (books to enjoy before starting big school) with their Cranbrook Bear!

    Opening food packets themselves and trying to cut up their own food at meal times.  

    • Communicating how they are feeling and calmly expressing their needs.
    • Practising getting dressed and putting on shoes and zipping up coats.
    • Sounding out letters and playing some games with words. 
    • Talking about all the things they are excited to do in school.

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

    “I am delighted to welcome everyone back to school this month, but it’s always particularly special to welcome our newest members of our CEC family. I know many children and families feel nervous about starting school and I hope that the challenges we set over the summer will have made them feel more confident about the start of term.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “It’s lovely to see how much thought the staff at Cranbrook have put in to support families who are starting their school journey. Helping children develop their skills before they begin in Reception means they will feel more confident on their first day, giving them the best start to their education.”

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  • Open Events

    Published 03/09/24

    Welcome to Our Family of Schools!

    We are excited to announce the upcoming Open Event dates across our family of schools. These events are a fantastic opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore our schools, meet our dedicated staff, and experience the vibrant learning environments that make our schools unique.

    Whether you're interested in understanding more about our curriculum, our extracurricular offer, or experiencing the unique culture in each of our schools, our Open Events offer a comprehensive glimpse into what we have to offer. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you discover the right fit for your child's educational journey.

    Save the Dates!

    Please check the individual school sites below for specific dates, times and details on how to register. Schools will be up-dating their websites with information as we get closer to the events. We can't wait to meet you!

    Exeter & Greater Devon

    West Exe School - Thursday 12 September - https://www.westexe.devon.sch.uk/west-exe-open-events

    Matford Brook Academy – Wednesday 18 September - https://www.matfordbrook.academy/news-and-events/year-6-open-evening

    Isca Academy - Thursday 19 September - https://iscaexeter.co.uk/

    Cranbrook Education Campus - Tuesday 24 September - https://www.cranbrook.education/

    Sidmouth College - Wednesday 25 September - https://www.sidmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk/open-days.html

    Queen Elizabeth’s - Wednesday 25 September - https://www.qe.devon.sch.uk/

    Honiton Community College – Thursday 26 September -https://www.honitoncommunitycollege.co.uk/

    St James School – Thursday 10 October - https://www.stjamesexeter.co.uk/year-6-open-mornings

    St Luke’s C of E School - Thursday 3 October - https://www.stlukescofe.school/

    Plymouth

    Lipson Co-operative Academy - Tuesday 17 September - https://www.lipsonco-operativeacademy.coop/

    MAP Secondary - Thursday 19 September - https://www.marineacademy.org.uk/

    Tor Bridge High - Tuesday 24 September - https://www.torbridge.net/tbh-home

    All Saints Academy Plymouth -Wednesday 25 September - https://www.asap.org.uk/

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September 2024