Great Torrington School Winter 2018

Great Torrington School Calvesford Road Great Torrington EX38 7DJ 01805 623531 [email protected] www.gts.devon.sch.uk HEAD TEACHER'S MESSAGE

Dear Pupils, Parents and Carers,

Another year has flown by and as ever the pupils and staff at GTS have filled every day. When you look through the newsletter, you have to wonder how they find time to do the ‘day job’. Our school values; respect, responsibility, relationships, resilience, health and opportunity are so evident in every page.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff for all they do to make this the vibrant, diverse, happy and creative learning environment that it is. I also want to thank the pupils, because without them grasping every opportunity that is offered, GTS would not be the school that it is.

The end of this term has us saying goodbye and happy retirement to Mrs Di Nancekivell, who has worked with pupils at this school for over 14 years. I know she will be greatly GOVERNORS missed by all the staff and the pupils. I must also say my goodbyes as I too retire. It has CORNER been a privilege to be the Headteacher of Tracey Amos will be retiring at Christmas. GTS and I will miss everything and everyone who makes the school what it is, (including On behalf of the governing board, the school the leaking roof!) I wish Andy Bloodworth and the wider community we thank Tracey for and the whole team every success in the her hard work over the last 9 years, which has future. improved the outcomes for pupils at GTS.

Warmest regards We wish her well in the future.

Tracey Amos We also welcome Andy Bloodworth to the post

of Headteacher from January 2019.

FILM MAKING AT GTS

Great Torrington School recently came runners up in the Into Film Competition ‘Film of the Month’ with their entry ‘Missing’. The film is available on our Youtube Channel.

The Film of the Month competition celebrates exceptional young filmmaking talent from across the UK. Filmmaking is an accessible and beneficial tool for engaging young people, giving them a voice and the opportunity to share their stories with others. The collaborative nature of the filmmaking programme also serves as a valuable tool for bringing young people together and improving social development.

Entries are judged by Into Film staff, members of the Youth Advisory Council, and film practitioners, and are assessed on the idea, sound, story and look, as well as the technical ability on display.

All entries to Film of the Month - regardless of whether they are chosen as the winning film - are entered into the Into Film Awards, the annual awards ceremony which further seeks to honour and celebrate the incredible breadth and depth of filmmaking talent among young people in the UK

Here are some of the judges’ comments:

Some really lovely moments and good use of cinematic techniques, like voiceover only over black visuals. Strong soundtrack which gives a mystical/dark undertone.

Some good acting and props (how did they get the police car and uniform?!). Sophisticated script for such young filmmakers too.

There was an anxiety in this film which was conveyed very strongly with the camera shots and the dialogue. I particularly enjoyed the suspense build up through the dialogue, and I think the intended message was conveyed very strongly verbally.

If the aim of this film was to be sinister then it succeeds. The worrisome mood is established well from the beginning. The use of location and shot selection are good.

An important film with an important message well delivered and I do hope this film will reach a wider audience especially in places of learning

BIG BANG @ GTS The Annual Big Bang @ GTS took place at Great Torrington School on 12th October 2018 thanks to sponsorship from Class People, Group Training and Development, Beran Instruments, Careers South West and Manufacturing Association.

From 09:55 to 15.10, 600+ pupils from Primary & Secondary Schools were wowed and inspired by professionals in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths). Throughout the day there were an array of various workshops including everything from a pathogen outbreak through to making robotic arms and being shocked and stunned in an electricity based workshop! We were delighted to have Sciencedipity, and Exeter Maths School also running workshops. This year’s show was Matt Pritchard’s Surprising Science show, whilst in the gym students learnt about light and seeing via the Immersive Theatre dome.

As usual the GTS Sports Hall was full of fun interactive stands, provided by local employers and organisations. Those, TDK Lambda, Anglo-Krempel, Eaton Aerospace, Beran Instruments, Exeter College, Class People, and many more ….

Rachel Higgs (Head of Faculty) says “The event was a great success, engaging over 600 pupils from over 18 different schools across North Devon. The Big Bang @GTS fairs over the recent years have surpassed all expectations, the interactive stands provided by the employers really enhance the experience, showing pupils how STEM is crucial in the employment and development of North Devon.”

Exhibitors Greenfield Engineering said ''Wow - what a day! It was fantastic to see the students folding up the aeroplanes and to see the delight on their faces as the flat profiles came to life in their hands. At one point there were at least 30 students around our stall all eagerly listening and folding up the models. An excellent and well organised event which was thoroughly enjoyed by students and adults.''

One school highlighted that…” We are so often speaking to children about STEM but do experience the limitations of primary resources. Your events bring the sector to life and inspire our children every year. We consider them invaluable to us, as it is only at the Big Bang that they start to really understand the opportunity and interest outside what our rural primary can show them.”

It is feedback like this that makes the event so worthwhile, it was fabulous to see so many happy young people totally engrossed in STEM activities.

Y E A R 7 & L E A R N E R ' S BACCALAUREATE What a busy start to the term it has been for Year 7 and their tutors! It is amazing how much they have learned and taken in already. Not just in lesson but how the school runs, made new friends and got to know their new teachers. Thank you for attending the tutor coffee and chat evening recently, it was great to see so many of you there.

During each challenge pupils are encouraged to focus on developing four key skills; Independence, Knowledge, Effort and Accomplishment. In the closing week of each challenge their challenge staff decide which member of their class has shown the strongest ability in each skills. Those pupils will be awarded the star for that particular skill.

A huge well done to the first terms winners ... Who do you think you are Big History Independence: Kyla May, Harrison Brown Effort – Finley Naylor, Hebe Thompson Effort: Cameron Williams, Robyn Passmore Independence – Hannah Bowden, Milton Tetley Accomplishment: Cody Gardiner, Ewan O'Neill Accomplishment – Eden Hurst, Kristian Baxter Knowledge: Thomas Bryant, Imogen Turnbull Knowledge – Daisy Cole and Finley Naylor, Jacob Blease

Money for nothing Slice of Pi Effort: Mya Heal, Lily Rollinson Accomplishment: Stanley Irvine, Jesse Binmore Independence: Hannah Burton, Stanley Irvine Effort: Hayden Dayment, Erin Rowtcliff Accomplishment: Lani Conrad, Toby Shadbolt Independence: Paige Macdonald, Tom Bryant Knowledge: Maddie Curthoys O’neill, Callum Bunn Knowledge: Toby Shadbolt, Charlie Patterson

Rock 2 Count Frankenstein Independence: Ciaran Roberts, Corey Wonnacott Accomplishment – Hebe Thompson, Harrison Booth Effort: Toby Cann, Eden Hurst Effort –Jacob Blease, Daisy Bray Accomplishment: Layla Shanahan, Isla Pearce-Odell Independence – Kaitlyn Grills, Mille Hammersley Knowledge: Harrison Brown, Finley Naylor & Hannah Knowledge: Jamie Annetts, Nicole Roman Bowen LEARNER'S BACCALAUREATE IN PICTURES BLESMA

On Thursday 1st November GTS was lucky enough to have three visitors from the BLESMA charity. This charity was set up after WW1 to help limbless and blind men who had returned from the war and they continue to help disabled ex-servicemen and women.

We were told stories of how the men were injured and how they have overcome severe problems in the their life and they discussed resilience with the children. Year 8 were brilliant and asked some wonderful questions.

They should be very proud of themselves and they did our school proud.

A really great day. E-SAFETY Our Year 8 & Year 9 pupils were pleased to welcome 'New Kings Order' to the School on Tuesday 25th September. This boy band made it to the X Factor live finals in 2015.

They performed their own song as well as songs known to the pupils. The boys talked to our pupils about E-Safety, Cyber Bullying and Mental Health. They encouraged pupils to talk to friends, family and peers about any concerns they have and pointed out the dangers of the internet.

Our two year groups enjoyed the performances and gathering autographs from the group members. REMEBRANCE

Across the school many classes took part in different activities to take the time to remember those that who have given their lives in armed conflict, with a particular focus on the end of The Great War, 1914-18. Photo by: Kistography Pupils in EgAMW crafted poppies that were planted in the GTS Memorial Garden. Design group crafted poppies to be tied on the pews and gates of St Micheal of All Angels Church ready for the community memorial service. ‘I think it helped me with ‘This week was amazing. my confidence and the Great opportunity, ‘I think that this week has shown me people were really recommend to do it.’ that even if I think I can’t do things, I helpful and it was fun, can and that I can be confident in a good but hard work too.’ small group. I also enjoyed the games.’ - Reuben

- Hannah Articulacy - Lucy In November, Great Torrington School ‘I thought it was fun ‘I found this week welcomed Articulacy, a specialist and better than very fun and has company who work to develop normal Lessons. I really helped with communication and speaking skills in enjoyed the games.’ my confidence.’ young people. Funded by Next Steps South West, they worked with a group of Year 9 pupils helping them achieve a - Ellie - Oliver Level 1 English Speaking Board qualification. ‘I think it was a good

way to become more Through the week long workshop, the ‘It was really fun!’ confident with my pupils learnt how to give a speaking.’ presentation, speak from memory, read a passage from a book they had chosen and listen and engage with their - Grace peers. At the end of the week they took - Tommy part in an assessment with an external assessor and all gained the ESB Level 1 ‘It was a very good Award. ‘It was good, I enjoyed the games thing to do as I am and I learnt a lot. I enjoyed the significantly more Our Tutor Ms Louise Miller-Marshall presentation more than I thought confident now.’ commented it was a joy to watch them I would. If I had the opportunity I would do another one.’ engage with increasing confidence as the week progressed. - Rebecca - Morgan Mrs Peters

Pupils from Great Torrington went to Hatchmoor Nursing Home to perform a nativity and sing traditional carols to the residents.

THE STAGE AWARDS Great Torrington School (GTS) has been shortlisted in ‘The Stage Awards’, in the School of the Year category. The Stage Awards highlight the achievements of theatre companies and individuals across the UK and globally.

This award is given to stage schools, drama schools or any organisation offering performing arts education or training. The category covers all age ranges and education levels.

Mark Pluckrose, Subject Lead for Performing Arts at GTS, said: ‘I am so pleased to be shortlisted and it is fantastic to be recognised for the opportunities that we provide here at Great Torrington School. I’d like to thank all our past and present students who have helped by giving their best performances and always being ready to involve themselves in the opportunities that we provide here at GTS.’

Here at GTS our pupils are able to take part in many school and external events and productions. Performances and concerts have been held at The Plough Arts Centre, with the National Theatre Connections and at Plymouth Theatre Royal and National Theatre to name but a few.

Recently the school has been awarded Artsmark Gold Award. Artsmark is a National Award supported by The Arts Council, . The award is a recognition of the success of Great Torrington School’s work with music, art and drama across the school.

At GTS we are dedicated to creative learning and recognise and greatly appreciate the impact that performing arts and creative learning has on a child’s academic and social development. In an era when many schools have had to cut back on their Performing Arts provision, at GTS music and drama has gone from strength to strength both as academic subjects (achieving 100% pass rates in both) and through the extra – curricular clubs and opportunities at the school.

The award winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held on Friday, January 25 2019 at the Bridge Theatre, London. FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES EVENING Thank you to everyone who made our Future Opportunities Evening such a tremendous success. It was well supported by parents and family supporting the young people of Great Torrington School. A big thank you to all local employers, industry representatives and educational establishments who were there to help and support our young people make decisions about their future pathways. It is so rewarding to welcome back former pupils attending with the stands supporting their employers or colleges and promoting their organisation.

One employer said, ‘The pupils really engaged and asked appropriate questions. It is an extremely worthwhile event – the best in North Devon.’

Picture to the left is Charlene Harris of SWM & Waste Recycling Ltd presenting amazon vouchers to Lydia Wooldridge who was the worthy winner of a quiz she entered on the SWM stand at the Future Opportunities Evening. GARDEN NEWS Great Torrington School garden area had a big makeover this October half term. The dream has now become a reality after shoppers at local Tesco store voted it the most deserving project - through the store's Bags of Help Scheme and £5,000 has been awarded to build the garden.

Our site team have been absolutely amazing and worked really hard. We now wait for the warmer weather to appear in the spring and watch the area come alive with activity and growth. The prime aim of this area is to engage pupils in enrichment activities and use the area as a teaching resource area for a range of curriculum subjects.

Creative iMedia Students RHS Rosemoor Spent the day enhancing their photography skills

GTS IN PICTURES Enrichment Most Outstanding Student for Latin (E&I)

Qualified for Crufts Finley Naylor Spring 2019

Stephen Shield Duke of Edinburgh Cross Country Expeditions Bronze & Silver

Summer Holidays GTS Horseriding team win the Hunt Relay at Woolsery Show

GTS hosted the event. Over 1000 Competitors Industructables took part.

NCS - Champion School Jingle Jumble Presentation

GTS & ROTARY

YOUNG CHEF Great Torrington Rotary hosted the local area heat of the Young Chef Competition here at Great Torrington School. The competition aims to encourage young people to learn how to cook a healthy meal, develop food presentation skills, consider food hygiene issues, develop organisational and planning skills and to develop an ability to cope in a demanding situation.

The competition is open to all students in full time education between ages 11 and 17 in the competing year. Leah Thorne and Lauren Parker from Great Torrington School won the local heat and were entered into the North Devon District heat at Petroc College hosted by Ilfracombe Rotary Club. . They were tasked to prepare in two hours, a three-course healthy meal comprising starter, main course and dessert for two people costing less than £20.00 and were judged on costing and planning of healthy choices, taste and presentation and range of skills used in the preparation of the meals. The neatness of their working area and hygiene were also assessed in the process.

The judges, Jon Randles from Woolacombe Bay and Mark Somerville of The Pier House, Westward Ho!, said that they were absolutely amazed at the skills shown in producing the 3 course menus of each student, 2 of those are aged 12 and 13 years.

The winner of the heat was Zitek Zajac from Ilfracombe Academy and he would go through to the Rotary District 1175 finals in Camborne together with Leah Thorne and Lauren Parker next spring 2019. Good luck girls. YOUNG MUSICIAN In October Torrington Rotary Club hosted the Young Musician competition at Great Torrington School. The event was well supported by the students and their families. Gracie Avery won the Young Musician Competition with her rendition of "Summertime" and will go forward to the District Finals in Spring in Fowey. 2018/2019 OPPORTUNTIES

This year's theme is to product a written or typed story or prose entitled, 'My Inspiration'. The written entry could be fiction or nonfiction or a poem, as long as the piece relates to the theme. An A4 page or up to 500 words is a suggested suitable submission.

Torrington Rotary Club has set a date for the local heat as Monday March 11th 2019. Entries can be handed into Mrs Leonard REUNION - A CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS!

On Thursday 13th December, our annual reunion and prize giving took place at Great Torrington School, with pupils, parents, teachers and the school's governors coming together to celebrate their success.

Congratulations to the whole of the 2018 cohort for their GCSE achievements and we wish you all the very best for your future. Further photos are available on the website.

LISA ROKER AWARD HEAD OF YEAR AWARD Jade Craker Presented by Heads of Learning (given for caring service, personality and Charlotte Hearn, Jimmy Birch, Tom Robbins, willingness to give time) Megan Healy Presented by Miss Tracey Amos on behalf of Mr & Mrs Roker SCIENCE AWARD Anna Beer DARTINGTON AWARD Presented by Mrs Rachel Higgs Anna Beer (given for academic excellence) DAYLIN BROWN AWARD Presented by Mrs Leeann Gardiner on behalf Emily Mills of Dartington Crystal (given for being a role model and achieving success despite finding H.M. THE QUEEN’S GOLDEN JUBILEE academic journey a challenge) “ICEBERG” AWARD Presented by Mr Andy Bloodworth Alex Kinkaid (given for contribution to Music and time given GOOD CITIZENSHIP AWARD in the school community) Luke Stevens Presented by Mr Harold and Mr Richard (given for being an outstanding leader within Rumbold on behalf of Great Torrington the school community) Almshouse, Town Lands and Poors Charities Presented by Mrs Helen Whiterod

DALZELL AWARD FOR HUMANITIES INKER EXCELLENCE IN ART AND DESIGN Emma Nicholls AWARD (given for excellence in Humanities) Tom Ley Presented by Mr John Stanier Presented by Jacqui Royse

YEAR 9 NORTH DEVON RUGBY CHAMPIONS

Year 9 Rugby Cup Final Success - Very tight first half, with GTS going behind early. Fought back very well to edge in front to bring the score to 12-10. In the second half GTS played with cool heads and their composure and directness allowed them to apply plenty of pressure on Park.

Finally GTS got their reward with a very well worked team try to give them breathing space. A fantastic performance and thoroughly deserved win. GTS will now progress on to the semi-final of the County Cup. Final score GTS 17 Park 10. Cross Country Runners Success Congratulations Eden Hurst, Lexi Reeves, Ailis Temple-Thurston, Jessica Parker, Isobelle Beer, Harvey Reeves, Ruben Stacey, Morgan Gabe, Ben Tolson, Alex Grigg, Adam Lawton and reserves Aiden Craker, Poppy and Tilly Rooke on their selection for the Devon County County Cross Country Championships held on the 19th January at Stover School!

Well done everyone and best of luck. Sports Leaders

Twelve GTS pupils from a range of year groups attending some Sports Inclusion training to help develop their knowledge and understanding how to organise and run sports events for children/adults with disabilities and special educated needs.

These pupils have also been trained to deliver a sitting volleyball competition which they did for the Torrington Learning Community Primary pupils last week and will also lead at the County sitting volleyball finals as part of the Devon Ability School Games North at the Tarka Tennis Centre in February. IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED

Year 7, runners up. Year 8, runners up. Year 9, runners up. Year 10, runners up. Year 11 winners! We’re delighted to announce that our year 11 football team have become the North Devon Football Champions at the 5th time of asking. After a great performance beating their arch rivals Bideford in the Semi-finals, they went on to beat a strong Ilfracombe team 4-1 in the final. A super way to round off school football for what has been a fantastic group of young men to work with and coach. Man of the match performances from Oliver Luxton (1) and Oscar Jarrett (3).

Mr Bolton.

GTS afterschool Volleyball club started in September this year. It has been a fantastic start and has exceeded Mr Rhymer’s expectation of taking a Volleyball team to the Devon County Finals only 9 weeks after the club had begun. On Wednesday 21st November, five girls travelled to , to take part. The girls finished 7th after finishing 5th in the pool and only missing out on a chance to be in the semi-finals by one point! Amazing achievement by club coach and players.

Everyone is welcome to come along and on Wednesdays to take part in afterschool sessions. Parents' Evening 2018/2019 Assembly Days January 28th Year 11 Parents & Pupils Revision Workshop 2018/2019

February Monday Endeavour 4th Year 8 Parents' Evening Monday, 4.00pm - 7.00pm 11th Year 9 Parents' Evening Monday, 4.00pm - 7.00pm Tuesday Resolution

March 4th Year 8 Guided Choices Monday, 6.00pm - 8.00pm Wednesday Discovery 8th Year 8 Guided Choices Deadline Thursday Endurance April 1st Year 7 Parents' Evening, 4.00pm - 6.30pm Term Dates May 7th Year 10 Parents' Evening Tuesday, 4.00pm - 7.00pm Spring Term 2019 Term Begins: 7th January Half Term: 18th - 22nd February Key Dates 2018/2019 Last Day of Term: 5th April January Training Day: 15th February 10th Consultation Meeting - Dartmoor MAT, 4pm-5.30pm Summer Term 2019 11th Great Torrington Carnival Queen Deadline Term Begins: 23rd April 19th Devon Schools Cross Country Championship, Stover School Half Term: 27th May - 31st May March Last Day of Term: 23rd July 12th Y11 School Leavers Photographs Mayfair Day: 2nd May May 13th Y10 Work Experience - Week 1 - Group 1 13th Torrington's Got Talent - lunchtimes all week 20th Y10 Work Experience - Week 2 - Group 2 July 4th GTS Summer Concert, Quad area, 6pm Transition Dates Year 6 Transition Information Evening Monday 18th March, Sports Hall, 6pm GTS Visit Primary Schools Year 11 Open Events Friday 17th May - Friday 24th May January Year 6 Transition Week 16th Exeter College Open Event , 5.00pm-8.00pm Monday 24th June - Friday 28th June 19th Advice Event, 10am-12.00pm Year 6 New Entrants Evening 22nd Petroc College, 5.00pm-7.30pm Monday 8th July, 6pm - 8pm Sports Hall 26th Duchy College Advice Event, 10am-12.00pm Year 5 Taster Day March Friday 5th July 2019, 8.50am - 3.00pm 9th Petroc College Event 10am - 2pm 21st Exeter College Expo, 4pm-7pm