Courier ISSUE No. 182 King Edward VI Community College TOTNES Spring 2017

Thank you for an incredible show! It was absolutely stunning and everyone involved should be so proud. It was like going to the West End - professional, slick and highly entertaining. Not only were the performers brilliant, but all the hard work that went into the show from set designers, musicians, lighting and backstage crew made it really high quality. The children thought it was 'brilliant', 'amazing' and 'a fantastic show'. Thank you to the students and teachers for all your hard work and for sharing the performance with us. (Years 5 & 6 teacher from a local primary school)

a good school ... and a great place to learn! A word from the Principal The Courier Fire Challenge King Edward VI Community College This edition of the Courier marks the Ashburton Road South Hams District Council recently funded KEVICC environment which helps to raise the confidence of the (approximate!) halfway point of the College Totnes, students for a week-long fire and rescue course, in a joint young people taking part. year so, as ever, a good time to reflect on TQ9 5JX project with Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service. We value these successful partnership working opportunities, as they are so crucial in allowing us to everything that has been going on this year! Telephone: 01803 869200 Funded by the Council’s Community Safety Partnership, the continue supporting young people within our community There’s a strong thread in this edition that Email: [email protected] Phoenix course was held at Totnes Fire Station and forms and offering opportunities such as these. looks back at our history as a College, Web: www.kingedwardvi.devon.sch.uk part of a youth intervention strategy. The course offers a whether it is around our 50th 'birthday'; unique opportunity for young people to develop key life Involving students from years 8 & 9, the training included Design, layout and editing: a series of challenges spread over five days. Practical as a comprehensive school, or through the skills, such as building self-confidence, communication Polly Morrow sessions involved hose-running; the use of breathing contributions of alumini such as Sol Rogers skills and team work, together with important home and towards inspiring our current students to have [email protected] apparatus for search and rescue; learning about road fire safety awareness. the highest aspirations as they head out into Next issue: Content Deadline traffic collisions and how to rescue a casualty safely; and the world. Friday 2 June 2017 Cllr. Hilary Bastone said: This course is very important in essential first aid, together with a range of thrilling team At a time when we see steps towards the expansion of selective offering essential life skills in a challenging, but exciting, building games and exercises. So .. what's happening here? education which fly in the face of all evidence of what we know works Find out in the Summer in education, it is especially important to remember and take pride in Courier! the start of our school as a comprehensive and inclusive institution. One ex-student, community member and ex-colleague summed it up clearly, passionately and succinctly; Comprehensive education brings together everyone and provides such rich life opportunities. As a mission statement for KEVICC 50 years on, this takes some Youth Intervention Strategy: the Phoenix Course beating. Alan Salt Area Manager Neil Blackburn, of Devon & Somerset Fire has been an excellent opportunity and experience for our & Rescue Service, said: Our Phoenix courses provides a students. They have loved every minute of it and were really unique opportunity for young people to work with the Fire proud to take part, especially in the passing-out parade. Student Editor ~ Karli Rose and Rescue Service and to take part in a variety of physical Joelle Cornish, mother of one of the participating students, We have never failed to and mental challenges that improve their life opportunities. Phoenix is also designed to reduce fire risk and fire crime agreed: My son has had a hugely positive week. He’s learned have a hoard of interesting teamwork and self-respect. It’s been a very motivating reading material for you through education and helps the development of community experience. We’re grateful that he’s had this opportunity. within these pages and awareness. The team of Phoenix instructors have enjoyed this edition presents no working with KEVICC students and were impressed by their Following the demanding days of training, the fifth day exception. Perhaps the commitment to the course. ended with a traditional passing-out display and celebration most prestigious item Sarah Winstone, KEVICC Assistant Principal said: This ceremony in front of friends, family and teachers. included this time is see yourself going down the report on our yearly the path of helping to save production – this year Matilda. The musical our wonderful planet from was lavishly successful the dangers being posed and was enjoyed by to it. A side note is that very many people, for any students of French myself included. I would who would like to practise encourage those who did in a far-flung corner of the not have the chance to world this trip can offer see it live to buy a copy that opportunity. of the DVD, as I found it a Other features this time very entertaining show as include a report on the I'm sure that you will. very commendable work There is also a report on the that has been done to astounding conservation rejuvenate Kennicott trip that a number of garden; the Christmas KEVICC students and concert; an amazingly teachers went on to extensive host of P.E. Madagascar. Knowing events and a whole week several of the people who went on the trip as I duration fire and rescue do, everything they saw course! A final mention and were able to do out is very much deserved there seems an brilliant by Liam Ellis, whose experience and it helps excellently captured make people aware of the photos illuminate the very real problems which back cover of this issue, poster design Thea Chamberlain year 9 our planet is facing. Try to they are enchanting! Page 1 Page 2 Maths ~ a day at the Races!! Maths

During the first few week of term, by 9am. On arrival, students After a morning of maths in the yard, a select group of KS3 students were given their own jockey students were then given access to the Abi Baker were given the opportunity to jackets to wear for the whole jockeys’ room, where they interacted with The best thing was experience Mathematics in the day and some even wore colours the jockeys – who were more than happy probably measuring real world by visiting Newton that belonged to Princes and to discuss their experiences on the track. the parade ring Abbot racecourse, through the It was fun to find Knights! Students were now in the company of because I now know British Horseracing Education out how Maths is Once looking the part, the group champion jockey Richard Johnson and how to measure with and Standards Trust! used outside the were given unrestricted access were amazed that another jockey they met school ... the trundle wheel! The programme, ‘Racing to to the entire racecourse and had nearly won 1000 races! It showed how School’, is delivered across it was time to put their Maths and I would They were then escorted up into one of to measure (the Great Britain at racecourses skills into action. The morning love to go the VIP boxes to start the afternoon’s fences) and how and trainers' yards and offers session consisted of a tour again! to use different activities. During the afternoon, it was off a practical and lively approach around the paddock area, as the Bailey Jackson materials, which to the track, firstly to become the horses to enrich students’ experience students were asked to estimate, would be useful of mathematics. It also opens as they galloped up the finishing straights measure and calculate the if I were an minds to the many different towards the fences, before examining the average distances the horses The day was a huge success engineer. career opportunities available maths behind their design. Back inside and the Mathematics with a sound understanding of have to parade before the actual the VIP area, students were exposed to the races begin. It was then off to department will be looking the subject. meaning of the race card, finding out how to run regular visits such the weighing room, where the to work out which horse is most likely to as ‘Racing to School’ and Selected by the Mathematics jockeys' weights are carefully Department, a group of 25 win and what handicaps are put in place other enrichment activities analysed before each race. The students were recognised for when horses are just too good! To finish for students who show a students were again able to put showing high levels of effort and our view into the world of mathematics in commitment to the subject their Maths skills to the test by commitment, and boarded a bus sport, students were then treated to the and a desire to apply their bound for a day at the races! converting measures between live action of 2-horse races, as they tried skills in the real world. With a range of mathematics imperial and metric units. Some to understand what all the odds meant Dan Harmer experience, students were of the students were even brave and how to determine the probability of Raising Standards excited to see how they could enough to assess their potential winning a fortune! Leader, Maths & ICT improve their own skills in the to be jockeys one day on the real world and were ready to go massive scales!

Complete the Create your own symmetry of symmetrical these jockey design! silks!

Page 3 Page 4 English Science Year 13 A-level Biology – University of Exeter visit Contextualisation in English One of the bonuses of Dr Ruffle's former career at the University Contextualisation is vital in English. We need to understand what the world of Exeter are his contacts there. Dr Nicky King (Senior Lecturer and was like when a text was created and we need to understand the world in which Director of Studies for Natural Sciences) invited the Kennicott A-level the story is set. This is now a key part of the examinations at GCSE. This can be biologists to experience work in their new teaching lab, as well as quite a dry subject…so we try and liven it up. complete a core practical from their course in a day packed full of challenges, inspiration and new experiences. Mrs Simmons and Mr Northway’s class in Year 8 are currently reading Blood Oath by Chris Priestley, in which a young Briton has to move into the Roman The day started with an introduction to the techniques and, after a village he hated in order to survive. safety briefing, the students set about extracting DNA from their own cheek cells and generating many millions of copies of a fragment It is a novel which is about revenge, family and growing up. In order to put it into of their genome using a technique called the Polymerase Chain context, we spent a lesson building a Roman Onager and some roundhouses to Reaction. This technique, which was recognised with the Nobel Prize attack. Great fun and good learning! Emma Simmonds, Raising Standards Leader in 1993, is now routine in most biological research labs and forms the basis of lots of forensic science and molecular genetics. Mastering Procrastination This half term, Year 7 students The students then Once you have truly mastered the art of have been looking at endangered had an excellent guided tour around campus by a third year student who procrastination, I can promise you revision will species. The culmination gave them loads of tips on the University application process, life as an never feel like such a chore. Here are some of of research, and analysis of Undergraduate and the opportunities available to them. After lunch, the my top tips: students visualised their results by separating the different sized pieces of Basic stuff to remember: always look busy campaign literature, has been DNA that they had amplified and listened to an inspirational talk from two when parents come into check on you, and some lovely persuasive pieces of organisation and productivity are key. undergrads who had taken part in the iGEM project (http://2016.igem.org/ Create perfect Feng Shui in room by having a writing and design, with a focus Team:Exeter). These second year students had just taken part in a research and complete clear-out of everything and moving on emotive language, facts and development programme that created several ‘new’ organisms for assessing all your furniture around – before realising it statistics, personal address and methods in biosafety. This had culminated in them going to Boston, USA was probably better the way it was before, so vocabulary choices. and picking up a Gold medal in the iGEM International competition. Several spend more time putting it all back. Feel angry of our Y13s commented that that could be them in a year’s time… a sobering at wasting time and energy. sophie Killock Director of English Make revision playlist which consists mainly of thought with A-levels looming! For the biologists who are also chemists there classical music as it is a well-known fact it will was a chance to squeeze in seeing an NMR spectrometer (which turns up in enhance mental alertness and memory. Scrap several of their A-level chemistry units) before heading back. An excellent it later on as you realise you can’t actually and enriching day was had by all and we are very grateful to Nicky and the concentrate with music playing. Faculty of Biosciences for their hospitality. Make sure you are in appropriate revision clothes that are - A. Warm B. Comfy and C. Conveys a cool, yet studious, look. Drink plenty of detox tea – v. important to stay Royal Society of Chemistry - Top of the Bench 2017 hydrated as it will focus you. stick onto your wall to give the illusion of productivity. Realise you Two years ago students from KEVICC won the regional heats In the afternoon there was a science quiz aimed at the Triple Research foods that will enhance brain power and concentration; have no space on your walls for it, so stick it on inside of wardrobe, for this prestigious competition sponsored by the premier science GCSE level that the students did well in and, overall get mum to go out and buy said foods as 'Do you really want me to which kind of defeats the object as you can’t actually see it – but professional UK body for chemists. ,they finished very creditably in the biggest field in the last fail my GCSEs if I don’t have it?!'. then you wouldn’t want to get stressed out by it being on full view four years. All of the students enjoyed their day and were a Decide to finally get round to making a revision timetable to keep anyway. This year, the team comprised of Kurt Ritter & Grace Raynor yourself in check – it is important to do as much revision as possible, Sit down to revise. Decide easiest option is to make notes on Mr (year 9), Issy Jones (year 10) and Rowan Thorne (year 11). credit to the College. stuart Ruffle, Faculty Leader and that means allotting timeslots. Bruff YouTube video. Accidently get sidetracked by suggested buzz The challenges Research all available apps and websites for revision tips and feed video, because who doesn’t want to see people eating deep this year revision timetables; create shortlist by weighing up pros and cons fried butter? of each. Make final decision and spend a lot of time perfecting the Instead, decide it’s probably safer to make a nice revision PowerPoint involved timetable, as more time spent on it will increase productivity later as there are fewer distractions. Spend far too long choosing the devising a on and it simply has to be done well. Feel successful for finally perfect font that says – serious but fun. Pour hate on comic sans. method for achieving something vaguely worthwhile. Time well spent. Watch video on why comic sans is the worst font EVER. Share video extracting Attempt to print timetable. No ink in printer – start WW3 with via revision support group chat to make sure your friends don’t fall family about who have selfishly been using all the ink up, even into the comic sans trap. Vitamin C though you suspect it could have been you, you do not, under any Remember you had to do a presentation for English; spend all from a variety circumstances, back down. your precious time, that could have been used for revision, making of fruit and Check when all your exams are, to scare yourself into revising. Out a stupid speech. Work yourself up about how much you dislike vegetables; of interest, check the dates of all your friends’ exams and what the government and why do we have to do stupid things like this dates your exams would be if you were doing different exam boards. anyway?! then measuring Create a revision support group chat with your friends 'to share After minutes of hard minutes of work, take a well deserved break. that vitamin revision tips'. Discuss the pros and cons of plastic surgery on group Just as you have got into revision, your parents call you down for content. chat. Turn notifications off. Check phone every 5 minutes, as you tea. Shout at them because they have interrupted your revision. The students really got stuck in with chopping, grinding did create it as a support group, and it'd be awful if you weren’t At about 8pm, have an emotional breakdown as you realise you and blending while a student from another school tried there for someone in their time of need. have wasted your entire day and you’re going to fail all your exams. setting fire to a microwave oven! The team successfully Make a list of everything you need to revise. Make sure to colour Make a self-pity playlist and have a little cry. Decide best option is co-ordinate it in order of priority and level of interest. Do a nice title just too sleep it off. After all, tomorrow is another day. extracted the vitamin from all of the sources and for your list; learn calligraphy on YouTube. Rewrite onto big paper to Daisy Bailey Year 11 and soon to take her GCSEs! measured it with good accuracy. Over lunchtime we all took a walking tour around the A massive thank you to Pete Fellows who has been We currently have six ‘Pete Fellows Fellowship’ laptops campus and visited the Students' Guild, the sports facilities reconditioning used laptops and donating them to deployed in Year 9-13 and students are extremely grateful! and some very large lecture theatres! There were still many students who do not have access to a computer at home. Sophie Killock, Director of English undergraduates on site and so the students got a sense of the vibrant life of the University in term time. Page 5 Page 6

Primary Fairtrade Schools' Conference Geography

Fairtrade Quiz .. try it for yourselves!! 1. Which of these colours is not in the Fairtrade mark? a. green b. blue c. yellow d. black 2. How many products sold in the UK are Fairtrade certified? a. 1,500 b. 2,500 c. 3,500 d. 4,500 3. Which of these products is not a Fairtrade What do you see product? (tick all that apply) when you look at a. oranges b. gold the Fairtrade mark? c. toothbrushes d. footballs e. cotton wool Can you see the 4. Compared to the UK, is the area of Ghana .. farmer waving his a. larger than b. smaller than thanks? Or do you c. about the same just see the blue 5. How long ago was the cacao tree (which and green shapes? produces cocoa beans) cultivated to produce That's what most the first chocolate drinks? children and adults a. 1900 BC b. 900 BC At the end of the Autumn term, two of Plymouth demonstrated this with Oreos. We made earthquakes here today saw at c. 400 AD d. 1000 AD first. University’s Geography Ambassadors came in to share and tectonic movement. As well as this, we have learnt 6. In which country was chocolate discovered? their experiences of geography at GCSE and A level; about Globalisation and its connection to places in the a. Ghana b. Spain it was very interesting and had a great effect on our world! This has changed many of our minds about the Isaac Baidoo c. Mexico d. Peru learning. They are part of a scheme run by the Royal subject, making us feel more assured about geography from the Kuapa 7. When was chocolate invented as a bar or Kokoo Farmers' solid block of chocolate? Geographical Society to inspire students about the at GCSE and our futures in geography. Thank you Co-op in Ghana a. 1455 b. 1689 world around us. They taught us about climates and Plymouth university students Ashley and Kieron. c. 1752 d. 1847 Anthropocene in the world and tectonic plates – they Oscar Gronow / Matt Perkin / Tom Putt 8. Which country is the largest grower and Isaac is a chocolate exporter of cocoa as cocoa beans? grower who has six acres a. Ivory Coast b. Ghana of cocoa farm, and he c. Indonesia d. Australia Curriculum Enrichment Day harvests about 25 bags of cocoa beans every year e. Mexico f. Canada which is all sold through 9. Which country consumes most chocolate the co-op. All the beans per person? go to make Fairtrade a. USA b. Switzerland chocolate, and 20% of c. Germany d. Brazil them are sold to Divine, 10. What proportion of cocoa beans sold globally to make chocolate bars is sold on Fairtrade terms? which are sold in the UK. a. 1% b. 4% He works on his family c. 11% d. 24% farm with his farmer wife. 11. In 1994, the first three Fairtrade products were put on supermarket shelves. Which three? Choose from this list. Nearly 100 primary school children came from The Grove, St. John's a. bananas b. Cadbury's Dairy Milk During one of our regular Curriculum Enrichment Days, when students have the opportunity to take part in a range of and Marldon Primary schools, and spent the morning not only c. footballs d. Clipper tea activities / workshops / revision sessions relevant to the everyday curriculum, separate groups of Sixth Formers and students hearing Isaac speak and show photographs of his life as a farmer, e. cotton f. Cafédirect coffee from years 7 – 10 spent time on a damp morning considering the future of the gardens at Kennicott that we are so privileged co-op representative and father, but also taking part in these g. sugar h. Green & Black's Maya to have. KEVICC are working with Andrew Rothery of Food Futures Cic & Governor Bethan Edwards (neither pictured); Robert activities: Vint – Devon County Councillor for Totnes Rural; local resident Seema Patel; and CE Day organiser Natalie Clark to set up a • doing the fairtrade quiz and a word search Gold chocolate regeneration project which will apply for funding for the gardens. They hope to use fully the potential it has for producing • handling a cocoa bean 12. What makes Divine Chocolate Ltd. different food, as well as other associated uses for the vegetable and fruit beds, orchard, greenhouse and pizza oven area. • planning a fairtrade chocolate poem using really descriptive from other chocolate companies? a. As shareholders, the farmers receive a words ... Students' initial thoughts ... • ... having tasted examples of the Divine chocolate bars for share of the profits. themselves! b. Divine invest a proportion of turnover to • learning a great deal about the production of chocolate; about support and development projects in the community. the language used in Isaac's community; about the production of cloth, and the symbols used on the bunting they had made c. Divine is Fairtrade. to bring with them. d. Representatives of Kuapa Kokoo sit on the Board of Divine.

Later, three KEVICC Humanities classes from years 7 & 8 were fortunate enough to spend time hearing Isaac speak too. 12.all 11.d/f/h 10.a 9.b 8.a 7.d 6.c 5.a 4.c 3.c 2.d 1.c Answers

Page 7 Page 8 Curriculum Enrichment Day Curriculum Enrichment Day

On our CE Days, students are able to explore extended aspects of the curriculum, often welcoming visitors to lead workshops, or as speakers. This term years 7–10 spent the day on a wide variety of different topics, with enjoyment.

Year 9 spent a moving time acknowledging the recent annual Holocaust Memorial Day and also worked with Humanities and Year 7 thought about Relationships MFL staff. For Holocaust MD, they thought and Rights & Responsibilities in about such things as what happened – and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health the current war which begun in 2003 – in Education) groups. They studied: Darfur, in Sudan. • what makes a good citizen? Year 10's topic was My Health Matters, and • human rights they rotated through five sessions: • a desert island project • first aid • an art project • 2 aspects of healthy lifestyles Year 8 studied Robotics, and • sexually transmitted infections Finance advised by NatWest Bank. • Mindfulness Arts Lab giving Curriculum Enrichment

What a day was had at Arts Lab at Dartington on 1st February! There were 25-30 KEVICC year 9 students here for Curriculum Enrichment. Much of the day’s success was due to the help of KEVICC alumni Charlotte Wells and Jake Moran ~ Jake’s short film from all the footage is now available. The students really got the whole intuitive response thing: firstly, they did some collaborative drawing and painting to Arabic music; and then, inspired by their Arts Lab surroundings, they eagerly got down to their own interpretative monochromatic drawings. Thank you, again, Ben Moon from the Art Department, Lucinda Wheater for your positive presence and Tim Wightman for arranging to bring to Dartington all those great KEVICC kids. Sara Downham Lotto

Page 9 Page 10 Art & Photography Ariel Gallery & Birdwood House

Over three weekends in January, three of our Art and Design students, with students from four other schools, worked in a series of workshops delivered as part of the countywide 'Art This exhibition is an enormously exciting feature of next term which Machina' project. This aims to increase the presence of digital will run in the Gallery from 20 April to 12 May. The exhibited works technology, skills and techniques in schools. Our students and artists are drawn both from here in the United Kingdom, and worked alongside digital artists Tony Minion, Katy Connor, also from Japan, and each is inspired and influenced by Japanese Laura Denning and Stuart Blackmore, and will now become culture and tradition. The ambassadors of digital arts in the College in future projects. arts and crafts celebrate both the ancient and the modern from Japan and include calligraphy, indigo dyed paper collage, hand weaving, indigo Artists and young people taking part will use apps; dyed tapestry, etchings, smartphone technology; coding and other digital techniques paintings and origami as alongside traditional media such as painting and sculpture. an art form. To celebrate They will create digital art including sculptures, gif Japan, and this rich display animations, digital paintings, films and installations. of work at KEVICC, we have Phil Gibby, also planned cultural days of workshops on 19 April Area Director Amanda Pellatt: Japanese dancer South West, and 3 / 4 May, and these Arts Council will include not only indigo dyeing, Bengala dyeing, traditional scented sachet with England, kimono & obi fabrics making, calligraphy & seal engraving, sushi making, origami said: techniques, Japanese dancing and Taiko Japanese songs workshops, but also Yoshie Tsukiyama: indigo tapestry kimono wearing and tea ceremony demonstrations. Digital Our evening event in the Gallery, and also in our studio / theatre, on 3 May from 5 – 8 pm will showcase the art work, Japanese technology dance and music and, of course, work which the students have created in their workshops. Sushi refreshments will be served. is transforming the way we make, distribute, receive and exchange art and we are committed to supporting digital change and innovation across the arts and culture sector. Isobel is not only a well-respected and carving and sculpture, and offers We’re really successful artist, but also a very supportive tuition in wood carving, life drawing pleased mentor to KEVICC and mixed to be students as a media. supporting workshop leader. We were this project She has led many delighted that will projects in the to have enable self- College in recent Isobel expression years, as well as exhibit in and creativity in young people and help develop the next working with our our Gallery generation of creative talent across the area. students on a recently Student Holly Bennett writes: The art machina workshops sculpture project where we were a wonderful way to experiment with new ideas and, on the Dartington could all personally, to push me out of my comfort zone and to Estate. enjoy and develop a broader view of how one can produce art. We She is an expert admire worked with four different digital artists, individually at first, to have a taste of the kind of artwork they produce. We saw how practitioner in her varied they do it, and how we could be inspired by this to create our own responses to the project theme we were given – 'orientation several forms of work. / disorientation – location / dislocation' – which we mind-mapped ideas for as a group, sharing our inspiration with peers from schools across the south west. We then went on to work on our own, or with specific artists of our choosing, to begin a personal project. We were working with a huge range of materials and different areas of technology, from pen and pencil sketches, to screen printing, Photoshop, sound recording, video editing and even GPS tracking systems to construct art either based on collected data or physical ‘drawing’ into the landscape. I think this was an incredibly valuable experience and I will definitely be influenced by this in my future work. wanted by the photography department Old cameras that take film

email: [email protected] If you have one in your attic ...... please let us know. or phone College Reception Page 11 Page 12 Modern Foreign Languages Modern Foreign Languages

Why study Modern Foreign Languages at KEVICC? More reasons to study Modern Foreign Languages at KEVICC! Nationally, there is a real shortage of students leaving fluent they had become in their AS year. Joe Clarke Skinner In January, the Modern Foreign Languages department lead When this clip was first uploaded to Facebook, it achieved school, and graduates leaving university with good level also spoke about his work experience in France that he a series of assemblies to make students and staff aware of over 100,000 views in 48 hours! Even the Spanish singer Languages qualifications. Our current Year 11 are a group completed as part of the A Level course at KEVICC. the number of foreign students we have in our College. liked their version of the song and contacted Becky. of very talented linguists – we are currently expecting 96% We then heard from 3 ex-KEVICC students who told us It was very interesting to see the reaction – a lot of our Being able to speak and communicate in a foreign language of them to attain A*-C in GCSE, with many expected to about what they had done since leaving the school. students and staff were surprised changes lives and provides you with achieve top grades. In recent months, we ran a 'Why Study Matthew Hartridge told us about his travels around South by the variety of languages spoken opportunities you would not have if Languages’ session for Year 10 MFL students. We thought it America and his plans to study Spanish and Chinese at by our foreign students. We have you did not speak another language. would be good to take the opportunity to convince them to Leeds University from September 2017. Ciaran Trimming foreign students in every year group, Becky spent a gap year in Spain and study MFL for A Level at KEVICC and beyond! Students were told us about his experience studying French, Spanish and and a variety of languages spoken, we have a large number of ex-KEVICC told about the range of careers that were open to Languages Italian at Cardiff University and his plan to work in Spain from African languages to European students who are currently living graduates, and the fact that achieving a qualification in and Italy as part of his gap year. Immy Hambley speaks languages, such as Italian and and working abroad, thanks to their MFL shows employers that you have a range of key skills. French, Spanish, Italian and German and told us about her German. knowledge gained through studying Current Key Stage 5 students (Thomas Hodgkins, Milly time working for the British Council and the opportunities These assemblies were also an languages at KEVICC. Harvey, Amy Allen and Imogen Jones) spoke to the Year she has had due to her languages skills. We also shared eye-opener to all the students that Our students at KEVICC use their 10s about their very positive experience of studying MFL e-mails and pictures of other past students who are now in were considering their career paths, knowledge of another language to be at KEVICC, and we watched a 5 minute video of Year 12 far-flung places using their languages skills and having a whether the choice of GCSE or the best in their area of expertise. For students speaking in Target Language to show just how fantastic time by the looks of it! Cristina Fernandez A-Levels. As an example, we showed Becky and Danny, it's music... what’s a YouTube video starring two of our yours? most talented students, Danny and Study languages at KEVICC and the MFL Cinema Club Becky Cleave, singing 'Viento del world will be your oyster! Last term, the MFL department Norte', a traditional Cantabrian song. Cristina Fernandez hosted our second Foreign Cinema Week in the Ariel Theatre. Students from years 7, 8 & 9 who had been working Staff leaver ~ Kathy Rablah very hard in their French and It is hard to put into words everything that Kathy Spanish lessons were invited I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to has contributed to KEVICC during her seven years! by their teachers to attend a all the members of Matilda, from crew, I was on maternity leave when Kathy joined the cinema evening. cast and band to the production team, school as Director of Performing Arts Specialism for letting me be part of it as Stage The French students watched but, on my return, I was greeted by a colleague 'Le Petit Prince' and the Manager. I enjoyed every single minute who was clearly full to the brim of energy, passion Spanish students watched of it and hope I can continue being and drive for the Arts in Education. She came 'Zipi y Zape: El club de la part of such an amazing team in future canica'. We had a great time – loaded with ideas for enriching the curriculum productions. and soon introduced the Arts Award for all of we enjoyed the films and the Special thanks to Jo Crook for your sweets! year 7 students, giving them the opportunity to hard work; your amazing talent to lead explore elements of the Arts that they had not had access to in the previous If you would like to come to the show; your big heart and for the curriculum. She brought with her a wealth of expertise and professionalism, our Foreign Cinema Weeks, passion you have put into every single having delivered keynote speeches about the role of the Arts in Education at work hard in your language aspect of it. You are truly inspirational lessons and enjoy learning a national conferences across the country. It was a really exciting time! and a life-changer. I am confident that foreign language! Kathy has worked in many roles within Senior Leadership here; tailoring an when the students leave school, they innovative CPD programme for staff that put the students at the helm and Cristina Fernandez will always remember you and all the gave them opportunities to lead sessions based upon their experiences in the opportunities you have provided them classroom. This is only one way that Kathy has used her student-centred and with. You are the teacher everybody KEVICC students on creative approach to innovate and empower both staff and students alike; should have; you are the person one of her many talents. She also developed incredible relationships with the everybody should be like. It has been a trip to Barcelona primary partners and crafted a primary programme that enabled our feeder absolutely amazing to be part of such a schools to access the KEVICC curriculum, bridging the transition from year 6 life-changing experience. to 7 and inspiring students and staff to work collaboratively and creatively in HUGE THANKS! Cristina Fernandez the Totnes Learning Community. In more recent years, Kathy stepped down from her leadership role, and went back into teaching Drama part-time. In that short time, we have gone through many difficult changes together and she has been a real rock to me. She is an incredibly supportive colleague and friend who cares passionately about the students that she works with. She is a true inspiration and I would like to thank her for all that she has taught me. I am going to miss working with her so much, but know that this is the right decision for her. In pursuit of her character and sense of adventure, Kathy leaves us to support students with learning difficulties in Kenya. We all wish her the best of luck and thank her for everything that she has given to KEVICC. Jo Crook, Raising Standards Leader for Performing Arts Page 13 Page 14 It was a fantastic show and great to see so many children My husband commented that he enjoyed the show more than involved on so many different levels - actors, dancers, anything else he has ever seen, and we have seen lots of the big singers, musicians, costume, props and stage hands hits in the West End

My recollection The show was amazing of last night: The scene transitions were of and my daughter loved West End quality. it. She was singing the The fantastic band. They are songs all weekend (and truly a credit to your school. so was I….) Very professional. The age-range and sheer number of students involved. A highlight was when My daughter's eyes being so the Head Mistress said wide for so long. “Newt, newt, there’s a newt in my knickers!!” Everyone was amazing – the band, the cast, the Just a quick line support crew. Not sure to say how blown which my favourite bit was, but Mrs Trunchbull away I was tonight.The jumping the horse was What a show! up there! production values were Thank you for finding outstanding and the the resources to put on kids really pulled out such a great show. all the stops. Music Design & Technology

Christmas Concert It was a rainy December day, but it didn’t put off a huge number of KEVICC performing arts students from walking down to St John's Church to put on an unforgettable evening of music to a sold-out crowd. The audience was treated to a wide variety of acts including extracts from Polar Express – with special guests from St John's primary school joining in for the finale; orchestral carols; a huge array of singing; solo performers; small ensembles; a short play and even a sneak peek of what was to come in Matilda! A record number of over 80 students were involved this year and it was such a joy to see everyone shine whilst performing. The evening put everyone in a thoroughly Christmassy mood and was a great way to kick off the festive season. Students all performed to the highest of standards: congratulations to everyone involved, including the Parents' Association for providing refreshments; our volunteer stewards and our student tech team. Tom Greig

Dance

Launch of Creative Dance Classes Youth Dance Academy (YDA) is a on Saturday Mornings – Primary Centre for Advanced Training offering Dance Classes for 4 –14 years taught a pre-vocational training programme by Abbie Gallacher, our Dance Artist in based at Exeter University – KEVICC Residence. students that were selected by Primary Outreach: audition and accepted places are Regular intervention between Abbie Mia Grote year 8, Benjo Aptroot year Gallacher and the year 6 dance 9, Saskia Larcombe year 13 and leaders at Dartington Primary School. Tommy Hodgkins year 13. Developing the students’ knowledge Just 4 Funk – Ryoji Hope has been and skills in dance, allowing them to offered, and accepted, a place to take leadership roles to create their be a member of the crew. He will be own choreography for performance. doing battles from March. Our Dance Artist in Residence, Abbie Audition successes include: Gallacher, has offered numerous Laban Contemporary Dance– workshop sessions with a variety of Places offered to Jessy Mackay and primary schools in the area including: Saskia Larcombe. Dartington Primary, Landscove Northern School of Contemporary Primary, Blackawton Primary and Dance – Place offered to Tommy Bidwell Brook Primary. Classes Hodgkins. were structured to the needs of the London Contemporary Dance students and linked into their learning School (LCDS) – Places offered across other areas of the curriculum. to Tommy Hodgkins and Saskia Students developed their confidence Larcombe. photography and artwork by and skills whilst expressing themselves Thea Chamberlain year 9 Bird College - Place offered to Jade creatively. Hannaford. National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) is a National External dance opportunities including: Centre for Advanced Training for selected students who work Totnes School of Dance – variety of dance classes attended with prestigious dancers and choreographers and tour the by many KEVICC students. UK – Tommy Hodgkins continues to work with the company Ben Dunks' Dance Company based in Dartington: KEVICC and is in his 3rd year. He is currently working with Damien members include Margo & Cecile Belcher years 7 & 9, Mia Jalet, who is a French Belgian Choreographer and Performer. Grote year 8, Saskia Larcombe & Jessy Mackay year 13. Page 17 Page 1718 P.E. P.E. KEVICC Sports Hall gets a refurbishment! Dan Gillard The long awaited refurbishment of the sports hall has At the S. Devon indoor 5-a-side football competition, the boys were drawn in a tough finally taken place…the sports hall has had new LED group but competed very well. Adjusting lighting; a complete re-paint in a 'Badminton blue' to the speed of the very strong game set by style and a new hardwood sprung flooring system TBGS, they found themselves very quickly installed. The facility is an absolute delight to teach in down by two goals, but hit back with a superb and the students are very excited with the new look. strike from Finn Payne. TBGS were eventual With a new floor comes new rules though, as the floor winners 3-1. KEVICC went on to compete very is not as hardy as its predecessor – so only clean, dry well, scoring some great individual goals, but and non-marking trainers are allowed! This has been a unfortunately came away empty-handed. long journey but the end result was well worth the wait. Before the work Carly Perring Faculty Lead PE Students from all year groups have attended this popular club throughout the academic year and, so far, have taken part in two friendly fixtures with Kingsbridge Community College, and competed in the Dartmoor School Sport Partnership regional Badminton tournaments – which enable progression onto county competitions. Year 8 boys gave a good performance in the KS3 round, coming 4th and 6th place, and Year 10 and 11 boys and girls performed well in the KS4 round, coming 3rd and 5th overall. Badminton Club takes place for Years 7 and 8 on In February, the year 10 boys took on their Wednesday lunchtimes and Years 9, 10 and 11 on Thursday lunchtimes in first central venue of the season. After a great the Sports Hall. All abilities welcome! Carly Perring result in the first round of the South Devon cup, winning 6 – 1 against Spires, the players were in high spirits. After discussing the types The U14 Girls and Boys teams of formations that the students would like to During the work played in their first Futsal play, the group of boys went on to produce After the work tournament recently at Paignton some scintillating football which, quite Community and Sports Academy. frankly, was of a level beyond their years. The The boys found themselves in a boys went on to win the tournament, beating very tough group and manage to 1-0 in the final after pick up some impressive draws. a marauding run from Ben Wakeham led to Unfortunately, a number of the Isaac Beardsmore scoring a tap-in to win the teams fielded some regular game. Throughout the night, the performance Futsal players and were too was built on by a solid defensive display, and strong on the day. the courage to play great football. Well done to all the boys involved! Dan Gillard

The girls' team, led by the McKenzie sisters, played out of their skin after playing a year above their age group. Throughout the day, the girls never gave up and secured a very impressive win against Teign, conceding in the final seconds against Academy to draw 2-2. Both teams were fantastic Year 7 boys took part in in their approach to their games and The U13 Girls Rugby Team played in a central venue league at thoroughly enjoyed their day. Dan Gillard their second tournament of the season in Coombeshead. The quality of February. Despite being inexperienced, the football played was not and not training together, the girls did always converted into wins – brilliantly. however, the students had a The year 11 boys' rugby team themselves together after an injury before On the day they won against Spires 6-0 fantastic record winning three embarked on their last ever the first warm-up had started to get a fine with tries from Maddison and Phoenix games, drawing two and losing annual inter-school competition draw against a very strong Brixham side. Davis and Poppy Gronow. They Won 2-0 just once. This meant they visit to Forches Cross in February. They went on to beat Torquay Academy, against Brixham; lost 2-1 to a very strong came away as the winners of After many years of being Paignton Sports Academy, Teign, and Teign Team and, in their final game, they the plate competition! They the bridesmaid and never the Cuthbert Mayne. A fantastic achievement managed to draw with the tournament won the final on a penalty bride, with much blood, sweat for this group of players who have come winners Kingsbridge, holding them to shootout with Ryan Larcombe and tears given to their rugby, a long way in their rugby, with stand-out a score of 2-2. Poppy Gronow scored a making his debut in goal, the boys were able to win the performances throughout, but led valiantly last minute try to give KEVICC 3rd place saving a crucial penalty to give championship group without by the performances and attitudes of Tyler overall in the tournament. Nicola Wright KEVICC the win. Dan Gillard losing a game. They pulled Hall and Juan Alvarez de Neyra. Dan Gillard Page 19 Page 20 P.E. P.E. ~ important news about p.e. kit Students were a credit to themselves and KEVICC at KEVICC PE kit is moving to Lawsons, starting after Easter! They will stock and sell all sports kit EggBuckland CC, showing real improvement throughout throughout the year. All items can be purchased through their local Totnes-based shop, or online at the Group Stages where they were played some very www.lawsonshop.co.uk. KEVICC will keep some shin pads and gum shields for sale at the school as experienced Club Players. Callum Barber came a fantastic these items are often required quite quickly and intermittently throughout the year, but the main joint first in his U13 Group winning 4 out of 5 games. He PE kit items and new Year 7 PE kit, including gum shields progressed to the knockout stage, where he narrowly lost and shin pads, will be supplied through Lawsons. to a very strong player from Plymouth. Lorna Souch Contact Details: Lawsons, 12 High Street, Totnes TQ9 5SB TEL: 01803 864619.

Plymouth Argyle fixture Staff Leaver ~ Kieron Trent Kieron has been a wonderful colleague to work with and will Kieron leaves KEVICC after 7 years as a Cover Supervisor In November, the PE department took a mixed group of be missed by all of us at KEVICC, but especially by the PE and we will miss his unflustered students to watch Plymouth Argyle play against Barnet team. For us, Kieron has underpinned much of our work nature, his calm and conscientious (who were 14th in the League). by being a reliable and positive extended member of our approach to work – that equipped After a very strong start to the season, Plymouth team, who has covered many of our lessons to allow us him well when dealing with the were strong favourites. However, the KEVICC curse the opportunities to offer a wide range of fixtures and challenges faced as a Cover struck again. Last year we ran three trips to watch the mighty green army and they won none of those games. events during school time. Kieron has always been Supervisor. He was especially Unfortunately, this came true again. Plymouth lost ready to step in and help wherever he can. It is never supportive to the PE department 2-0 and were convincingly beaten. Nevertheless, the easy to have a lesson covered, as you want to ensure and became very much part of boys enjoyed a night of entertainment – the chanting, that there is still high quality teaching and learning, as their team. Kieron had a caring playing some table tennis, table football and pool before well as someone who knows and engages well with the nature, and excellent rapport with the game, as well as half time. Devon Schools Table Tennis students. Kieron has been that person and more; he has the students, and enjoyed the Keep an eye on the bulletin for the next fixture – all for Individual Championships great relationships with the students and the staff, and occasions when he had his own £3! Dan Gillard his support throughout the last seven years has been tutor group. These experiences will amazing. Kieron has been a stalwart of the KEVICC staff stand him in good stead for his new role in education and In February, KEVICC took 10 students to Marjons University to football team where his work rate and wand of a left foot will a what will hopefully be a promising career ahead. We wish compete in the South West indoor rowing championships. Here be missed! Thank you, Kieron, and good luck! Carly Perring him well and will miss his friendly face! Musky Kendall 300 students gathered from all over the south west to compete against others in their respective year groups. First up was the boy’s team relay, with each member being from a different age group. The KEVICC team of Joe Eaton (y7), Thomas Rogers (y8), a year 9 from Paignton school, Ben Roe (y10) and Dylan Todd (y11) came a respectable 5th out of 11th. Year 10s inspired The first individual race of the day kicked off with the year 7 boys 2-minute race. KEVICC’s only year 7 entry Joe Eaton rowed a strong race, placing him 17th out of 27 with 444 metres pulled. Thomas Rogers, in the year 8 boys 3-minute race, was in a tough race, but still achieved an amazing top 10 finish (10th) with 739 metres and very little rowing experience, unlike many of those who placed above him. Next up, we had the year 10 boys and year 10 girls 5-minute races. Ben and Nadine, representing both KEVICC and Dart Totnes rowing club, picked up some exceptional results. Nadine came 4th out of 29 in the girl’s race and was only 18 metres off the bronze medal position. Ben Roe took the gold medal (1st) in the boy’s race after taking an early lead, and cruised home with a 36 metre lead on the person in second place. Dart Totnes Rowing Club's future success looks to be in good hands. The year 11 boys, Rowan Thorne and Dylan Todd, showed some class in their 6-minute races, which led to both achieving top ten finishes in a competitive field. Rowan came 8th with 1571 metres and Dylan came 10th with 1535 metres. Earlier this term, year 10 students had the Our only year 11 girl entry was Clarice Holmes, another chance to hear from Sol Rogers – CEO of Rewind Dart Totnes rower, who did a great job against many – a VR company who have worked with Bjork, other club level rowers. She finished up in an impressive Red Bull, BBC and Jaguar. He is a BAFTA VR Sol left KEVICC in 1998. He spoke to 13th place. Finally came the year 12/13 girl’s 2000 Advisory Group Executive and recognised as our students about following their metres race. Heather Swiss racing for KEVICC and Dart one of the Digital Industry's 'Brightest Stars'. passions and realising their dreams. Totnes came away with a very impressive 2nd place Together with that, he received the first VR He first contacted the College when and huge personal best for her 2km erg score. A few Technology & Innovation Award from UK we appealed through the Totnes Times podium finishes, a good deal of top ten places and a Government Trade and Investment in 2015. for former students to share their fantastic attitude towards competing. Students also had the chance to experience memories and to tell us what they Matt Cunningham Year 14 cutting edge VRX technology! they are doing now. Ben Cotton Page 21 Page 22 Religious Studies Post-KEVICC Higher Education & Careers Higher Education and Careers Event Year 9 and Year 11 A representative from Downing College, University of Cambridge came to speak to Year 11 and Year 9 students on The Khanda how to maximise their chances of admission to Cambridge and Our Year 7 Sikhism topic. other high tariff universities in the Russell Group. Students Religious Students were given excellent advice on ensuring they include one or Studies looked at two facilitating subjects in their choice of subjects for A-Level, students have the deeper the importance of wider reading around their subjects of been getting meaning interest, and tips for enriching their personal statements and creative as of the Sikh CVs. The talk was well attended by some of our most hard- part of their symbol. working and ambitious students. They reflected on how they would represent themselves in a symbol or badge. Some students took this a step further by creating their badge in a range of media, from cake and icing, to biscuit, felt and card. Their thought and care inspired others who will be A cold, dark evening in January saw Year 9 students attend busy creating theirs over the holiday. We also our annual Guided Choices and Careers Fair event. Students very much appreciated the delicious treats in were given the information needed to make their choices for lessons! further study at GCSE, whilst picking up vital tips from over Congratulations to all of those who took their 30 employers and further education providers. work to the next level, and for sharing their Year 11 were invited to consider their options after sixth creations with the class. form, and to ensure that the choices they make now, at this So far, contributions have come in from: Mia pivotal transition stage at the end of Key Stage 4, will satisfy Daw (who created a beautiful hand stitched entry requirements for their future university courses. symbol); Awen Aponte (who baked the cake himself, as well as providing impressive decoration); Amy Rance (who recreated her badge in icing); Tilly Towner (who made a delicious chocolate sponge with her symbol in icing); Daily Clayden (making her second piece of additional art work for RS; the first being an impressive Water Temple for her topic on 'An introduction to Religion'), Holly Chambers (who made a cake); Libby Thompson (who made delicious iced biscuits) and Archie Woodbridge who made a sponge cake. Esther Shaw

Page 23 Page 24 KEVICC students assist in ~ home to some of the most spectacular conservation in Madagascar and unique biodiversity on Earth

The second week was our chance to observe the amazing marine life of Madagascar by snorkelling and diving, monitoring the health of the coral reef. All our students are now PADI professionally qualified divers, We spent a week in a forest which enabled them to take an active role in the research camp at Matsedroy, followed being carried out into the conservation of the reef. by a marine week on the island of Nose Be. We were there to experience and assist in the conservation work of a team of academics led by Oxford University.

The forest week saw us trekking We took part in estimating fish through the forest in search of and spiny sea urchin population birds, lemurs, snakes, lizards, sizes, as well as measuring coral spiders and chameleons. We got disease and damage. really close to many, and were Swimming with green turtles was able to handle some with expert a real highlight which none of us advice from our local guides. will forget.

Page 6 Page 7 Sixth Form Sixth Form go. I was feeling more confident and up to the challenge. The university sympathised with me and let me study a BSc (Hons) in Applied Chemistry, in which I achieved a first class grade. kennicott6th Form Alumni I also kept myself as busy as possible during the summer kennicott6th Form Alumni Charlotte Levy holidays – for example, one summer I went to Argentina Harriet Paige I really enjoyed Kennicott – I loved the for a 2 month Chemistry placement, and another summer I went to Spain where I worked as an au pair for 2 months. After leaving Sixth Form, where I did English, Biology and Art A-Levels, I went to the University conservatory next to the library – definitely of Warwick to study English and American Literature. It was a module in Creative Writing, and a wonderful place to spend some time in I also managed to win a few awards by entering various competitions. After that I decided I would look to study a reading the work of American writers such as Toni Morrison, which got me excited about the regardless of the weather! I also loved the possibilities of writing fiction. I remember one of my tutors saying that it was very unusual retro-chemistry labs. I had a few close friends PhD. I was accepted for a few around the country, including an EngD offer, but I was given the opportunity to stay at the for anyone to write a good novel before the age of 40. Of course I thought that was absolutely and enjoyed the subjects. I love the campus too, and the ancient at the time and that I would be the exception but here I am, age 38, only now having fact we’re surrounded by beautiful countryside. The teachers University of Plymouth to pursue a PhD in a field of Chemical my first novel published. It’s been a long journey. Although I kept hold of my ambition to be a novelist, I realised it wasn’t I had were always really inspiring and encouraging, and I Engineering Science and Surface Chemistry. My PhD was a realistic career choice coming fresh out of university, so I aimed to get a job in publishing. I was offered a position as an definitely think that helped me to persevere with my subjects sponsored by a Swiss-based company called Omya, who are (combined with family encouragement), because back then I leading global producers of calcium carbonate and dolomite- editorial assistant for an interiors magazine and, as it was a small editorial team, it wasn’t long was extremely timid. based minerals; these minerals are used as fillers and paper before I was writing my own features and interviews and I was soon promoted to Features Writer I chose to study Psychology, English Language and coatings. My research involved looking at using these and then Features Editor. Although I enjoyed the work and appreciated being able to write for Literature, and Human Biology, with the intention of studying minerals in the application of the controlled release of drugs a living, I felt unsatisfied creatively and decided to return to Warwick to do an MA in Writing. Psychology at university. Unfortunately, due to timetable and flavours. I’ve been really lucky to have travelled to Spain, Luckily, my editor at the magazine offered to keep me on at a reduced salary and gave me the clashes, I had to switch a subject, so I switched from Human France, Italy, and various places in the UK for conferences, option to work entirely from home so I was able fund my course and pay living expenses. including spending some time at the industrial laboratories Biology to Chemistry. I loved doing the MA. Just having the time to write, think and develop ideas with a group of in Switzerland to conduct my research. Throughout my PhD What was the best thing about Sixth Form? other writers was a wonderful experience. I wrote a novel while on the course and, when I left, The kind and encouraging staff! I also studied some Spanish and French modules with the Open University, and was able to win a Santander Language managed to get an agent, but unfortunately we didn’t manage to place it with a publisher. By What was the most important life lesson you learnt in Exchange Scholarship that enabled me to study Spanish in that time, writing was very much part of my life, so I naturally started on another. I returned to Sixth Form? That confidence is key! Spain for a month. I also have participated in many other the magazine to work on a part time basis, with three days in the office and two days devoted What have you done since leaving Kennicott? science competitions in which I’ve been so lucky to win a few myself to my new novel at home. I’d nearly finished it when I had my first son in 2011. And, from I’ve been in full-time education. I went to University of awards and had some more amazing experiences, too! then on, progress was very slow! Over the next five years I had two more children and the novel Plymouth to study a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, as it’s close If you could do it again, what would you change and why? was very much put on a back burner. I’ve never been very good at devoting myself to more than to home and has a very reputable Psychology Department. I What advice would you give other students? I don’t think one thing at a time but what would probably have been a few months work in my previous child-free life, has taken me seven had dreams of becoming a Clinical Therapist. Unfortunately, I would change anything, because I feel that where I am now years! In some ways, I think the novel benefitted from this as, each time I returned to it, I did so with fresh, critical eyes. A after the first year of study, I realised that psychology wasn’t is great! Life always has a way of working out if you just writer friend of mine suggested sending it direct to independent publishers as it’s very difficult to get a work of literary fiction something I wanted to pursue as a career, purely because work hard at it and stay persistent. I was very lucky to have published as an unknown, first time novelist. My publisher, Bluemoose Books, was one of the first I tried and they actually of the limits within which I feel psychology is taught and teachers who always believed in me, which is why I finally got back to me within a couple of hours to say they liked my sample chapters and would like to see more. It was some practiced. So, I changed to study Chemistry. The reason started believing in myself towards the end of my A Levels. months before I heard anything, so it was quite a surprise when I got a call one day to say they wanted to publish the novel. this was such a huge decision wasn’t simply because I was throwing away a year’s worth of study, but because I didn’t This shows you, if you believe in yourself, anything is I’ve been working with an editor, polishing the manuscript up – it’s been through so many changes over the years that it’s do very well for my Chemistry A Level at all. I did, however, possible - thanks Charlotte and we wish you all the best difficult to know when to stop and call it finished but there comes a point when you have to let go. The books were printed find the subject fascinating and was ready to give it another for your future. Tineke Ellis, Head of House (Sixth Form) a couple of weeks ago and I received my author copies just a few days ago. Holding them in my hands it all began to feel excitingly real and I’m now looking forward to the launch on March 9th. I’m also looking forward to getting going on my next Sixth Form Work Experience Monday 17 to Friday 21 July 2017 book which hopefully won’t take me quite such a long time to write. There are a number of local and national organisations who provide an insight into their business for A Level Important Dates for Kennicott students. This is a great opportunity for students to get exposure to these organisations and will help with Ski trip to Torgon future employment applications as it will support their UCAS application. This is why we feel it to be crucial Date Event that all year 12 students take part in the work experience programme. It forms part of their Sixth Form study. February 2017 Monday 27 – Friday 31 March YR12 Academic Tutorial (3.40 – 5.40 pm) To remind students and parents, below is the timeline in preparation for Work Experience. Monday 8 – Friday 12 May YR12 A-Level Mock (2 yr programme) Student Month Kennicott staff Friday 12 May YR13 Photo (meet on lawn at 1.45 pm) Produce / update CV and put together Covering Letter Support and guidance given in CCW sessions February 2017 Friday 26 May YR13 Leavers Assembly / YR13 Last day. Research companies and choose 3 – 5 you are Health and safety checks organised Mon. 29 May – Fri. 6 June (incl.) Half Term Holiday interested in Wednesday 7 June YR12 Post-18 Options Evening (5 – 7 pm) Write to or email employers (including covering letter February - Monday 3 – Friday 7 July YR12 Academic Tutorial (3.40 – 5.40 pm) or email and CV) April 2017 Monday 17 – Friday 21 July YR12 Work Experience Week Secure work placement. Family and employer to Student / Parent / Work Agreement produced complete and return form to Tineke Ellis, Head of and passed on to the student for completion Friday 21 July Last day of term House – Sixth Form Completed Student/Parent/Work Agreement form The Torgon ski trip was really fun. I had the best experience ever and the returned to Kennicott skiing was so good. I loved the views they were amazing Oscar Gillies May – July Thank you letters to employers Students to contact employer to find out required The ski trip was one of the best experiences of my life – I had a great time work attire; what they need to bring etc. socialising with my friends, learning how to ski and throwing snowballs Students in need of advice and guidance, please speak to family members, your tutor or Tineke Ellis, Head of House, Sixth Form. at other skiers. I also enjoyed the evening activities, such as climbing and Work placements need to be secured by end of April so that the relevant paperwork and health & safety checks can be organised. swimming. Tom Rogers Page 28 Page 29 KEVICC @ 50 Old Totnesians The Old Totnesian Society (OTS) and the Reunion Association of Totnes County/ Over a weekend in March, KEVICC celebrated not only its from Matilda and Les Misérables, with Joe Pratt-Johns Totnes High School for Girls (TC/THS) are a step closer to amalgamating after last 50 years as a Comprehensive School – the first in Devon playing the piano beforehand. The Old Totnesians were receiving a mandate at OTS’ AGM last October, and a meeting of representatives of in 1966 – but also its history right back to its foundation in represented by their new President, Hazel Brand, and Sheila both organisations in January. 1553, when King Edward VI granted the Foundation Charter Sharp came from the Totnes County/High School for Girls, OTS’ President, Hazel Brand, commended the merger: I welcome this move. of our school. Our Parents' Association ran a 1960s disco organisations which have announced they are to merge. By joining forces, we will have a stronger, more representative, body: a first step one evening, and Governor Bethan Edwards put together Alan Salt was delighted to accept a very special record of towards a new, combined organisation that aims to provide a solid foundation for a fascinating exhibition of old photos and documents. A the schools from 1939–1966, carefully put together by an inclusive alumni organisation for today’s pupils of King Edward VI Community BBC documentary titled Behaviour & Belief filmed here in Totnesian Eileen Drennan. Several former members of staff College (KEVICC). 1973 was shown both in our Theatre, and also on Audrey, and students were there, as well as many people from the the wonderful mobile vintage cinema bus that we were town, and it was a very happy occasion. Andrew Rothery Membership has long been open to former Redworth pupils privileged to have on site, courtesy of the Transition Town was also able to talk to people about our plans to seek and I’d encourage them to join the new organisation, too, Totnes Film Festival. Our Parents' Association came to serve funding for a regeneration of the gardens at Kennicott, see to complete representation of the three former secondary tea and cakes, and our students came to perform songs page 9. Thanks to student Huw Paige for taking photos. schools in Totnes. The first joint reunion lunch for all former Totnes secondary school pupils and staff will be held in Paignton on Thursday 27 April, and the OTS’ AGM will be in Totnes on Saturday 14 October to which all members will be invited. Steps are being taken to preserve the archive material of the former schools and much will be available to members on the website (www.oldtotnesians.com). To progress OTS’ ambitions, recruiting a Hon Secretary is essential. Alongside this, it is intended to also recruit a volunteer Magazine Editor for the twice-yearly publication. OTS’ long-standing Hon Secretary, Barry Warren, decided not to stand for re-election at last year’s AGM. And with Sheila Sharp's decision to retire as Co-ordinator of the TC/THS Reunion Association, it is a 'double whammy', coming just at the time when the two organisations are embarking on a future together. Anyone interested in either role at an exciting time in the organisation’s development should contact the President, Hazel Brand, on 01427 891376 or [email protected]. Foundation Governors The KEVICC Foundation Governors exist in their own right benefit of students of the College (and former students and, as such, are a completely separate body to the College under 25), or for special projects which benefit the education Governors. The Foundation was originally attached to the of pupils. In all cases, financial support is given for activities Totnes Grammar School, and managed the income from its and projects which cannot be funded by the Local Education considerable property in the Authority and/or where there is evidence of special need or town. It is now a charitable hardship in relation to the individual. trust with substantial assets and responsibilities. Successful bids in 2015/6 The Foundation manages Activities Week Activities £2,500 and disburses an investment Creative Arts Visiting Artists £16,000 income which is English Poet Workshops £200 distributed in English & Literacy Teaching Reading Using Games £1,800 accordance with its MFL Vocan Express £662 charitable objects, PE Climbing Wall Mat System £1,920 namely for the PE Badminton Posts £748 Visiting artist Razwan Ul-Haq PE Mountain Bike Leader £534 with some of PE Rugby Leadership Course £150 the artwork Photography Cameras £1,500 from his Islamic Science Rubens tube, thermometers etc £1,710 art workshop in October Ten Tors / D of E sLA and kit £2,375 Mary Lidstone Trust The Mary Lidstone Trust was set up following which might otherwise, through financial a generous legacy from Roy Lidstone and is circumstances, not be possible. dedicated to the memory of his wife, Mary. The Trustees are selecting students now for After Mary’s sad death in 2010, Roy Lidstone bursaries for their chosen academic courses put in place arrangements to create the Trust starting in the coming Autumn. In our to benefit students (current and former) of next Courier, we will have articles written King Edward VI Community College. by current beneficiaries which will enable The legacy has been invested, and income us to share in the lives they are now living from the investments is being used to enable at university or college, and to appreciate young people to follow an academic dream what the Trust has enabled for them. Page 30 Page 31 photographs taken by Liam Ellis in year 7