ASPIRE Summer 2018

Academy Coombeshead Inspiring Excellence Inspiring CONTENT

INSPIRING EXCELLENCE 01 Welcome from the Headteacher

ACHIEVEMENT 02 Ten Tors

ENGLISH 03 County Show / London Trip

EXPRESSIVE ARTS 04 Devon County Show / London Trip

PRIMARY LIAISON 09 Aesops Fables

TECHNOLOGY 10 Coursework Projects

HISTORY/SOCIOLOGY 11 In-class Debates

DINING HALL 13 Culinary Experiences WELCOME

Welcome to the summer edition of the Aspire magazine, I very much hope that you enjoy reading about all the wonderful opportunities available at Coombeshead Academy and the incredible success that takes place at the school on a daily basis.

As Headteacher at the school, I am immensely proud of the comprehensive education that our children receive through the support of our outstanding teachers, support staff, our parents and the children themselves. We continue to inspire excellence.

Inspiring excellence is not simply a strapline, it is not simply something that is seen in aspects of the school, inspiring excellence is something that is demanded of each and every one of us in every corner of this great academy.

We continue to demand high expectations of everybody to ensure that not only academic outcomes continue to rise but as students develop within our school system, they can ultimately leave with confidence and with experiences behind them that have shaped them and their personality allowing them to be successful contributors to society in the future. Embedded within our values of academic achievement, positive attitude, community, enrichment and endeavour, students at Coombeshead Academy not only experience outstanding teaching but invest hugely in the school community and our local community ensuring a positive contribution takes place from the minute they walk through the school doors as an 11 year old in Year 7.

I believe passionately in the comprehensive state school system and believe that the education and opportunities on offer here easily rival that of any school from any sector in our local community and nationally.

I use a quote with our students that sums up the ethos and aspiration that we hold for every child at our school “Success is never final, failure is never fatal, its courage that counts”.

Should you wish to take the opportunity to visit the school and see for yourself and share in the daily successes and see the courage and resilience developed within our students then please do not hesitate to contact us at the school to arrange a tour at your convenience.

Thank you for taking the time to read our Aspire magazine and I hope you enjoy sharing in the excellence that we stand for at Coombeshead Academy.

Andrew Hulbert

Headteacher

1 Ten Tors 2018

Coombeshead Academy students started training for the Ten temperatures and snow, showing resilience and dedication by Tors Challenge in October 2017, completing one walk a month completing a hike on one Sunday, despite the previous evening up until Christmas to give the students as much experience as temperatures being below zero with fierce wind chill. possible of walking in the tough terrain on Dartmoor. Coombeshead students continued to learn valuable lessons As a school we encourage students to do the challenge as it is throughout the months of training and successfully completed an opportunity to develop invaluable life skills for the students a 35 mile hike whilst also preparing for summers exams. Their and helps them to learn that they are able to achieve far more remarkable commitment ensured that they completed this than what they first thought, especially by working as part of a incredible challenge. team. Well done to the 3 Year 10 and 3 Year 9 students for their By February 2018 Coombeshead students started camping incredible hard work throughout the months of preparation and learning about their camp craft. In preparation for the and successfully completed Ten Tors at 16.40pm on Sunday. The challenge they aimed to do five day-walks and five weekend team work and determination of the Coombeshead students camps, although this was challenging due to the adverse really shone through. The whole school is extremely proud of weather conditions. The students overcame the freezing winter the team and they look forward to the event again next year.

ACHIEVEMENT2 A Level Theatre Trip

Twenty Sixth Form English students enjoyed a modern production of their set text ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ by Tennessee Williams.

For those who were due to take their final A level exams, this was a fantastic opportunity to approach the production with a critical view to apply in the summer exams.

We even managed to take a Year 11 student who will be joining the course next year.

A highlight of our annual theatre trip to The Bristol Old Vic was a visit to our favourite restaurant for lunch to make sure we all ENGLISH had enough energy to take us through the performance!

Many thanks to Ms Faull for organising the trip.

Carnegie Shadowing Winners!

A selection of Year 10 students had the opportunity to attend the Carnegie Shadowing day at Stover School on the 14th June.

Each school was allocated a Carnegie shortlisted book which they interpreted and performed in The Jubilee Hall at Stover.

Students had the exciting opportunity to meet Mitch Johnson, author of ‘Kick’, and were given some advice about how to fulfil a career as a writer.

After the performances, each school from surrounding areas voted for the performance, which most made them want to read the book. Coombeshead Academy’s dramatic performance achieved the most amount of votes and won the shadowing event.

A fantastic achievement for the students involved.

Well done Year 10!

SPORT, CONFERENCE & FACILITY HIRE @ COOMBESHEAD ACADEMY SPACES TO HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS PLEASE PHONE: 01548 855261 Email: [email protected] 3 Rocking the Devon County Show!

The Coombeshead Academy Soul Band and Folk Group wowed the crowd at one of Devon’s highest profile events on Thursday 17th May.

The ensembles were invited to play at the prestigious event by the Devon Music Education Hub and managed to fit the event into their already packed performance diaries.

Upon arriving at the Exeter Westpoint Arena, the students were thrilled to discover that they were due to perform on the big main stage to a large audience.

As the time ticked just passed lunchtime the food court was already busy just as the Soul Band started their performance.

As they started to play even more people gathered to enjoy their lunch and more importantly, to enjoy the music.

The Soul Band performed a 25 minute set which included some old soul classics and also soul versions of current pieces of contemporary music.

The Coombeshead Academy Folk Group followed on from the Soul Band and continued to impress and amaze the Devon County Show audience. Performing original renditions of contemporary classics, the seven folk musicians filled the stage with great live music.

Many members of the public commented on how professional, talented, and pleasing to the ear both bands were, with some even making the mistake in thinking they were listening to a recording!

The students were a credit to Coombeshead Academy and really enjoyed the experience of performing for such a large audience.

The talented young musicians at Coombeshead continue to challenge the distinction between ‘school group’ and ‘professional working bands’. EXPRESSIVE ARTS

4 Dazzling Music and Drama Trip to London

Expressive Arts students at Coombeshead Academy had a fun a fantastic Commercial Dance Workshop at the famous filled and educational two day trip to London. They started Pineapple Dance Studios with Jessica Mason, an ex their adventure by seeing the breath-taking 42nd Street at Coombeshead student who now performances on Celebrity the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Students were amazed by the Cruises. precise routines and sceptical set design. Meanwhile the Music students composed their own scores Meanwhile, Music BTEC students saw a live performance of Les using the latest Apple Mac software, in a music tech workshop, Miserables, commenting that they were speechless because it at the St Luke’s Centre which is part of the London Symphony took them on a real ‘emotional roller-coaster’. The BTEC music Orchestra. One Music student said that the workshop was students were then mesmerised by Phantom Thread at The ‘interesting and informative.’ Royal Festival Hall, experiencing the power of what London Contemporary Orchestra can bring to cinematography. The To end their career inspiring trip, they visited The New London film has been nominated for 6 Oscars, including director Paul Theatre and were dazzled by talented young performers Thomas Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood, the playing live Rock and Roll music, including an electric guitar guitarist from Radiohead. backwards! A Coombeshead student commented that ‘It was the best child cast I have ever seen, they were insanely Afterwards, the Coombeshead students were fortunate enough talented and made us all wish we were in a rock band’. to witness the incredible talent and vocal performance of the Dream Girls cast, drawing most students to tears. One student All pupils felt extremely privileged to have the opportunity to commented that ‘Dreams girls was moving and powerful, it take part in this wonderful experience which allowed them was extremely hard hitting and made us all cry.’ to witness the workings of the professional performing arts industry. The trip inspired, motivated and enthused students to The next day the Coombeshead Drama students attended follow their dreams.

Year 13 Performance Exam

The year 13 Component two performance exam took place on 7th March.

The students worked endless hours to perform their own interpretation of ‘Dancing at the Lughnasa’ by Brian Friel.

57 DMEH Ten Pieces Orchestral Extravaganza

On Friday 9th March at the Great Hall Exeter University, members of our Bushell Youth Community Orchestra were involved in a new initiative ran by Devon Music Education Hub. We spent the afternoon rehearsing alongside another 300 local Devon young musicians to produce a mass orchestra where we performed three pieces of music together. This was supported by professional musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

We began preparing for this project after Christmas and we were visited in early February by the BSO associate conductor, Will Goodchild who ran one of our rehearsals as part of the project.

The performance started at 7.00pm to a packed audience in the Great Hall, Exeter University and involved performances from the huge mass orchestra as well as the Devon Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

The Bushell Youth Community Orchestra is an independent orchestra that is funded by the Devon Music Education Hub. We run development groups to help young people improve their practical skills and eventually progress onto our orchestra. We currently have over 50 young local musicians who are involved in the orchestra and they are from various different schools in the local area, including – Coombeshead Academy, , Blackpool Primary School, Ipplepen Primary School, Moretonhampstead Primary School, Doddiscombsleigh Primary School, Chudleigh Primary School, Rydon Primary School, Canada Hill Primary School and Abbotskerswell Primary School.

We rehearse every Tuesday evening between 3.45pm – 5.15pm at the Bushell Theatre, Coombeshead Academy.

If you are interesting in joining our orchestra or development groups, please contact: [email protected]

Folk Group at Abbotskerswell Fireworks Display In November, Coombeshead Academy Folk Band were invited to perform at the Abbotskerswell Fireworks Display. The pupils performed two 30-minute sets of old classic and contemporary folk songs to a very large crowd. They were very well received with members of the public saying what a great performance they had produced. The organisers also expressed a huge amount of gratitude to our pupils and commented on how well they performed.

A big thank you to the performers from the folk group and the commitment they continue to show.

86 GCSE Blast Event with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Our year 11 GCSE Music group were very lucky to be offered free tickets to a GCSE Music presentation by a chamber ensemble from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The event was presented by leading conductor and music educator, Patrick Bailey. We listened to performances of GCSE Music set works and Patrick gave an insightful and important discussion on each piece of music. We travelled by mini bus to School in Plymouth to watch a variety of pieces which were composed by: Bach Haydn, Dvorak, Copland and The Beatles The aim of the visit was for our pupils to experience live performances and in-depth discussions over the pieces of music they have to analyse and understand for their GCSE Music course. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were taken aback by the style and technique shown from the performers and the informative and laidback approach from Patrick Bailey.

Some of the comments made by our pupils included:

Learning the historical context as well as listening to the music helped to develop my musical knowledge.

It was really interesting to hear different styles of music, ones that I am not that familiar with.

Orchestra for All! On Thursday 24th of May, Coombeshead Academy musicians were invited to an Orchestra workshop day at KEVICC. The workshop was led by an organisation called Orchestra for All who focus on developing both young musicians and helping new teachers to improve their ensemble direction skills.

Eight students from Coombeshead Academy attended with Music teaching staff, Mr Procter and Miss Hignett (from Teign School) who spent time developing their conducting skills.

The day itself was led by Bob Pepper MBE, who is an Associate Head teacher at Dame Alice Owen’s School and has been a music educator for 40 years. The day was extremely great fun and educational.

7 BTEC Music Performance

On Wednesday the 23rd May, Coombeshead Academy held a wonderful Post 16 BTEC Music Performance Concert in the Bushell Theatre.

This was an opportunity for all Year 12 and 13 BTEC Music students to perform their music coursework they had been working on for their assessments. The standard of the performances were excellent and the audience were very impressed with how professional the student’s were. There was a great turn out from parents and fellow students helping to support and encourage the students involved.

8 Aesops Fables

The Year 8 Coombeshead Academy Theatre in Education company has toured around local Primary schools with the production of ‘Aesop’s Fables II.’ We visited St Catherine’s, Bovey Tracey, Abbotskerswell, Ipplepen, All Saints Marsh, St Joseph’s and Highweek primary schools between 12th to 15th June. The play focused on four of Aesop’s fables, which included Belling the Cat, The Lion in Love, The Boy Who Cried Wolf and The Fox Without a Tail. The students played a variety of extravagant characters. The performance included songs, adapted by the students, and exciting dances, as well as lots of audience interaction. The Primary school children were extremely enthusiastic to be involved in the performance, making decisions and informing the cast on what to do on stage, with lots of them calling out, ‘he’s behind you!’ At the end of the performances the Primary school children’s responses were extremely positive, with one student not wanting us to leave, and the suggestions for improvement from many were to ‘add another fable’. The Coombeshead students have been extremely committed, bringing imaginative ideas and energy to the making of the performance. The students produced a very polished and enjoyable performance, which was of a high standard and one of which they should be very proud! Meriel Hughes (Drama Teacher)

The touring show has been an amazing experience. One of my favourite parts was when we had just had a great show, we were on our way back in the mini-bus and we were all singing ‘the wheels

on the bus’. I really enjoyed was seeing all of the PRIMARY LIAISON children’s faces in the shows. In the show I played two characters; my first character is an ‘Auntie’, I really enjoyed playing her because she is very bossy. My second character is ‘Vickie is Snicky and Sly’ and at the end I was the one who found the tail. So, if you go to Coombeshead then do the touring show because it will make your year. Rosie

I have really enjoyed my experience of the touring show because not a lot of schools have this opportunity. I really recommend coming to Coombeshead Academy because of the opportunities teachers give you. I played the ‘Lion’ part in the ‘Lion in Love’. I really loved my part because it was challenging but also really fun! The audience was really engaging when we wanted them to be. Overall, I would do it all over again! Olivia

I am part of the Coombeshead touring show. I think that The touring show was an incredible experience. I had one of the touring show is a really good experience and a great the best weeks of my entire 13 years, everyone was kind and way to build your confidence, because you are performing we all thoroughly enjoyed every second. This performance in front of crowds of students every day of the week. gave me a lot of life experience and made me appreciate My favourite part about the show are the children’s things a lot more. Thank you so much Coombeshead for reactions when they get asked a question or we giving me this amazing opportunity, it was a completely go down to the audience in one of the songs. phenomenal and unique experience. Charlie Hollie 9 Coursework Projects

From last September, all pupils studying GCSE Resistant Materials or Graphic products, worked hard to complete the coursework element of their exam. They had to produce an in-depth design portfolio and a finished artefact. Projects were many and varied, including a toy trolley, childs’ DVD rack, Serpents Twist roller coaster entrance, tractor tools accessory box, horse accessory box, games console and DVD holder, Samurai roller coaster ride entrance, Pirate ship play area and many more. The outcomes were high quality and displayed a wide range of skills and knowledge.

Special mention must go to the students who attended all the after school workshops and lunchtime sessions and worked especially hard to ensure their product was made to the highest quality possible.

A fantastic collection of well made and interesting products. Well done Year 11 Design and Technology students!

TECHNOLOGY

10 In-Class Debates

Year 8 History students studying World War I carry out a class debate (Boys verses Girls), considering whether Field Marshal Douglas Haig was a butcher or a hero at the Battle of the Somme?

Battle of Hastings re-enactment Who should be King? HISTORY & SOCIOLOGY WWI Trenches

Year 8 History students studying World War I carry out a class debate (Boys verses Girls), considering whether Field Marshal Douglas Haig was a butcher or a hero at the Battle of the Somme? Many thanks to parents and family for any help given.

Sixth Form Sociology

Year 12 students presenting summaries of Phenomenology Year 13 pupils preparing an essay plan examining the impact and Ethnomethodology; two approaches to understanding of new media technologies such as social media, virtual arguments about how society is socially constructed. reality and computer games on individual behaviour and societal institutions. Culinary Experiences This is my fourth year at Coombeshead Academy and I am always looking at ways to move the catering forward. Having come from a mainly hotel background where I achieved AA rosette standard, before moving to the care sector and achieving ‘fame’ as a competition winner, I came to school catering. And I am glad I did, I love this job! It is a great opportunity to educate young people in the vastness of culinary delights. I am always looking at what new culinary experiences I can bring to the students. In the past three years we have tried many different things, from themed days to speciality taster days. These have included: • Chinese New Year week – Chow mein, Duck and Hoi Sin sauce Wraps, Beef in Black Bean sauce • Spanish day – Paella, Artichokes, Chorizo • American day – Jumbalaya, Gumbo, Grits • Mexican day – Fajita, Burritos • Curry weeks – Australian Red Crocodile Curry, Thai Red and Green Curries, Brazilian Chicken and Spinach Curry, Malaysian Rendang and Massaman Curries, Moroccan Lamb and Lentil Curry, Japanese Katsu Curry, Caribbean Goat Curry • International day – Escargot, Sushi, Caviar and Halloumi • Burns night – Haggis (this was piped around the dining-room before being ‘addressed’ and served)

What’s next ? It always amazes me what our students will try. When we had the snails I thought a few dozen would be enough…..boy was I wrong! Long after they had all gone I still had students asking me if they could try one. We should have ordered ten dozen! Obviously I cannot do all of this alone and it would only be possible with the fantastic team of catering staff I have. Two of my team are training to become qualified chefs and we have a kitchen culture of learning all the time. How school catering has changed! So, the Coombeshead catering team welcomes new cuisine and what it may bring in terms of culinary excitement. PAUL EVANS E.S.W. CATERING OPERATIONS MANAGER (NORTH HUB) CHEF MANAGER COOMBESHEAD ACADEMY

DINING HALL 13 Coombeshead Academy

Coombeshead Road TQ12 1PT

Tel: 01626 201800

Email: [email protected] www.coombeshead.com