Education Choices-Jan 2016

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January 2016 THX-E01-S4

CHOICES Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth /theplymouthherald • www.plymoutherald.co.uk

@plymouthherald

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As the UK’s leading engineering support services organisation – delivering programmes to over 20,000 learners nationwide and employing circa 26,000 employees – our local apprentice opportunities could be just what YOU or one of your friends or family are looking for.

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Mechanical Fitters, Fabricators, Project Engineers, Sail Makers and Marine Pipe Fitters – GCSE Grade C or above in English, Maths and Science.

Higher Level Apprenticeships (Currently available in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture) GCSE’s as above for your trade PLUS 2 A Levels at Grade C or above, one of the subjects being a Maths or Science based subject Business and Administration – 5 GCSE’s at Grade C or above including Maths and English.

We are recruiting NOW, please visit our website to apply and for further details BabcockInternational.com/ DevonportApprentices Facebook.com/BabcockApprenticesDevonport

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An apprenticeship is an alternative to full time education. You can earn while you learn from age 16!

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AST year was a memorable one for saltash.net community school as it celenbrated its Golden Jubilee. To mark 50 years of education at the Wearde Road site, a community event took place on July 4 when students past and present came together for a day of memories and reminiscence.

Opening the school’s birthday event were two original students from 1965, Gary Davies and Roger Gillett.

Now highly successful in business, they both spoke passionately about their time at Saltash School during the 1960s and the opportunities given to them.

They spoke of the spirit of optimism and future thinking which characterised their generation believing the sky really was the limit.

That same forward-thinking ethos still prevails at saltash.net and it is abundantly clear the school’s reputation for a pioneering approach to education becomes stronger every year. At the end of December, two Year 10 students, Amy Donovan and Jack Wickham, were invited to represent saltash.net in a global debate on the future of education at the head office of Polycom in London.

The debate was streamed and attracted numerous comments from across the world.

The closing Tweet by the Education Fast Forward Foundation summarised the feeling of all the adults present at the global debate: “Sometimes when you set out to inspire students they end up inspiring you.”

Here’s to the next 50 years of education in the town of Saltash!

Education reporter Chiara Giordano offers advice on choosing your child’s next school

Listen to your child

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ITH so many different types of schools on offer these days, it is important to choose the right one for your child. Whether they are starting primary or secondary school, choosing and applying for the right school can be a daunting task.

Many parents and headteachers will agree that comparing Ofsted reports, league tables and prospectuses can only get you so far and the best way to get a real feel for a school is to visit.

Attending an open day or evening will give you the chance to speak to teachers and students at the school and to ask questions.

You can expect to hear talks from the headteacher or principal, visit classrooms and even get the chance to see demonstrations of lessons.

It is also an opportunity to see how your child reacts to the environment around them and whether the school would be a good fit for their individual needs.

It is important to go to different open days because not every type of environment will suit every child.

Some would recommend arranging to see the school during a normal day to get a more genuine feel for what it would be like for your child to go there, rather than the staged events open evenings can sometimes be.

There are all sorts of things to take into consideration when choosing between schools, such as the distance from your house, where friends from your child’s nursery or pre-school are going, the size of the school and Ofsted reports and local opinion, but it is important to trust your gut.

During your visit, look for mutual respect between teachers and students and whether the students seem to be enjoying themselves and getting along with their classmates.

When you come away from your visit, ask yourself whether you felt at home when you walked into the school and

saltash.net community school is a happy, thriving, highly successful 11-18 mixed, community comprehensive school. Since January 2014, it has also become part of SMART (Saltash Multi Academy Regional Trust) with one of its partner primary schools, and continues to work very closely with the Saltash Association of Schools to ensure the best possible secondary school transition arrangements are in place.

Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the school secures very high levels of academic success at GCSE and A Level, as well as many outstanding sporting and other extra-curricular achievements.

Students of all abilities flourish and are given every opportunity to develop their individual skills and talents.

saltash.net helps to ‘improve the life chances’ of the students in its care.

Ofsted 2014 saltash.net community school Wearde Road, Saltash, Cornwall Tel: 01752 843715 enquiries@saltash.net

whether you came out feeling good. Perhaps most importantly of all – listen to your child and what they thought of the school.

Once you’ve found a primary school you like, the next hurdle is applying.

Many schools are oversubscribed across the country so don’t take anything for granted even if your child goes to a nursery or primary linked to the school of your choice.

The crucial thing about primary school applications is to make sure that you fit the admissions criteria for the school you’re applying to and don’t waste time applying for schools where you have no chance of success.

Children are entitled to a full-time place at a primary school in the September following their fourth birthday.

There is a legal requirement that all children begin full-time education by the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday, which is the compuls-

ory school age.

To apply to a school, contact Plymouth City Council for an admission form or apply online by visiting www.plymouth.gov.uk/schoolapplication.htm The deadline for primary and junior school admissions is Friday, January 15 2016.

If you apply for a primary school place by then, the council will post a letter to you on April 18 to let you know which school your child has been allocated a place at.

If you apply for a school place online and ask to be notified of the allocation by email, you will be sent an email in addition to the letter.

You must respond to the allocation within two weeks of receiving the letter to let the council know whether or not you intend to take up the place.

For more information about school admissions, contact Plymouth City Council’s school admissions team on 01752 307166.

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Fast forward to the future

CHOICES

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Achievement Training students excel on Make It Digital course placements

Apprenticeship opportunities available in: Beauty, Nails, Hair

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CHIEVEMENT TRAINING has had remarkable success delivering the South West’s first Make It Digital traineeship programme.

Working in partnership with the online programme creators BBC Academy, teaching basic digital skills, creating websites and short videos, supported by the DWP to encourage young people to get ready for work or to apply for an apprenticeship.

The students worked with local business owners for three weeks and were officially presented with their awards by Cllr Susan Mcdonald of St Peter and Waterfront ward ad the Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People and Public Health.

The students said that prior to the course they would never have had the confidence to talk to large groups of people and were so pleased they made the effort to complete the course.

They added it has given them a new perspective and real hope of having a bright interesting employment future.

Achievement Training would like to especially thank the businesses who supported the work experience section of the programme – The Barbican Theatre, Shekinah Mission, Tin Digital, British Heart Foundation and Slice A Pizza.

All of the students expressed how positive their work placements had been.

Cody will be returning to the Barbican Theatre to gain more experience following the course.

Animal Care ICT Practitioners and IT Users Childcare Health and Social Care Education and Training Business Administration

New Year – New Career Achievement Training are dedicated to helping people into sustainable employment through Traineeships and Apprenticeships.

We have links with hundreds of employers in and around Plymouth. info@achievementtraining.com www.achievementtraining.com 01752 202266 Achievement Training Norwich Union House, 2 St Andrews Cross, Plymouth, PL1 1DN

Keep up to date with Achievement Training apprenticeship opportunities! All posted on: ATP Plymouth

atplymouth

AchievementTraining

Jack gained a placement with Plymouth Radio. He shadowed the presenters and on his last day was allowed to try his hand at operating the control desk!

Jack can now put this experience on his CV and is inspired to follow a career in the media.

Tyler worked for Tin Digital. The owner Mike Turner, who was recently nominated for best community event at The Herald’s City and Waterfront Awards, was involved right from the start, sharing his ideas about the course and volunteering to take a trainee immediately.

Mike said: “I was really fortunate to have Tyler on work experience; he worked unsupervised and made a positive impact on my business.

“Tyler had to use his own initiative and did a tremendous job creating a directory of Plymouth businesses. Without Tyler, this would not have happened. So thank you to Achievement Training for giving me the opportunity and I will definitely be taking on another next time!”

Achievement Training is extremely pleased with the success of the course and looking forward to the next one.

Videos promoting Plymouth, unemployment and teen pregnancy affecting men were created by the students as part of the training programme and can be viewed on Achievement Training’s website.

Achievement Training is holding an information day on Wednesday, January 20.

Call 01752 202266 to book.

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HAPPINESS BREEDS SUCCESS To see how your child can be happy and successful contact the school today to arrange a visit.

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD

RESPECTFUL EQUAL RESPONSIBLE HONEST OPEN DEMOCRATIC CARING Bernice Terrace, Lipson, Plymouth PL4 7PG

Tel: (01752) 671318 www.lipsonco-operativeacademy.coop

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Get qualified for a great career T

HE city’s university technical college – UTC Plymouth – and City College Plymouth are just two of the establishments in Plymouth offering young people vocational qualifications.

UTC Plymouth is affiliated with the Royal Navy which works closely with UTC students to help them develop skills to aspire to a naval career.

Recently students were involved in activities with Royal Navy at their training base in Dartmouth as well as onsite at the school.

The UTC’s established links with Plymouth-based employers such as Babcock, Wrigley, Rittal CSM and a host of others who make up the Employer Advisory Group affords students work-based learning opportunities while attending the college that lead directly to offers of employment at apprentice level and beyond.

Polly Lovell, newly appointed principal at UTC, said: “All of our students are supported in focusing on work related learning through using applied strategies in the classroom.

“This means our students are confident when moving on to employment and their practical skills meet the demands of the work place. In December 2015 all our students spent a week based at Babcock International, on work-related projects.”

Nick Tripp, research and development manager at Spinnaker, said: “UTC Plymouth is providing its students with the real-world engineering skills needed by employers so that as employees they are able to contribute to the success of a business early in their career.

“The skills being taught through employer collaboration projects are valuable for students who wish to progress at all levels of engineering from vocational to degree.”

City College Plymouth has a range of technical, professional and vocational full and part-time study programmes and apprenticeships in a range of subject areas on offer.

Many subject areas also include academic higher education routes with the college’s expanding university-level programme and access courses.

Apprenticeships are supported by the college and an employer, helping students to learn on the job while earning a wage.

The college recently won a national Beacon Award for the “promotion and delivery of successful apprenticeships” and their provision was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

For those aspiring to start an apprenticeship, there are alternative work-based learning options, such as pre-apprenticeships (six-week paid placements supported by employers and the college to help you get the qualifications you need) and the Prince’s Trust Programme.

Studying at the college gives you the opportunity to follow clear routes of progression in your chosen subject right through to university-level foundation degrees and there is support at every step and the chance to get the grades you need in English and maths skills.

There is an open evening at UTC Plymouth on January 28 for those wishing to find out more about what is on offer and the college will also be at the Skills Show held at Plymouth Pavilions March 15-16.

For those looking for more information on the full range of options available to young people from the age of 16 at City College, there will be a free and impartial parent information evening on January 13 at 6pm at the Kings Road campus.

■ Girls attend an event to encourage them into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathmatics) careers at UTC Plymouth

Plymstock School Post 16 Information Evening

Join Septem us for ber 20 16

Wednesday 20th January 2016 6.30pm – 9.00pm In the New Hall Phone for a tour on 01752 495041 Visit the school website at www.plymstockschool.org.uk and download a prospectus

We look forward to welcoming your child aged 3 - 11.

Please contact School Offce on 365250 or admin@westonmill.plymouth.sch.uk CoMMunity PriMary sChool for more information.

Weston Mill

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Education Reporter Chiara Giordano discovers more about vocational education opportions

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The Herald, Monday January 11 2016

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CHOICES Working together to build strong foundations for every child’s future steps in life!

Our children enjoy school because — ◊ We ofer Breakfast Club from ◊ Our local homes for the elderly enjoy our visits to 7.45am and After School sing to them care until 5.15pm daily ◊ We have strong links ◊ Our children enjoy a with our Junior School range of after school and we welcome all clubs each term visitors into school to including gardening, enrich the children’s table tennis, musical learning experiences clubs, arts and crafts clubs and physical clubs ◊ Our curriculum is based on topics to excite and enthuse the children ◊ We have extensive outdoor space which the children access regularly ◊ Our fundraising activities keep us ft, make us smile and raise money for good causes

Plaistow Hill Infant and Nursery School is good because— ◊ OFSTED says we are a GOOD school! ◊ Teaching is good and children make good progress in their learning. ◊ We have a high expectation of our pupils ◊ Pupils behave well and enjoy school. ◊ We have a wide range of interesting and motivating lessons

◊ Relationships throughout the school are positive with pupils’ personal skills developing well

Plaistow Hill Infant and Nursery School Roman Way, St Budeaux, Plymouth, PL5 2DT www.plaistowhill.plymouth.sch.uk email: plaistow.hill.infants.school@plymouth.gov.uk

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Parents are welcome to come for visits please contact the school ofce on 01752 365410

Chiara Giordano offers advice on life after A-levels

Weigh up your options W

E all know how it goes – you start your first year of sixth form or college and think you have ages before you sit your final exams or have to decide on what to do with the next few years of your life but, before you know it, personal statements are being drawn up and your friends are discussing which universities they’re applying to.

Something to keep in mind is that university isn’t for everyone and there are plenty of other options out there if you aren’t sure about what you’d like to do.

If you’re studying A-levels, you will soon have some big decisions to make and the better informed you are, the more likely you are to make the choice that’s suited to you.

If you do decide to go down the university route, it’s important you don’t rush into a decision and that you choose a course you’re happy to study for the next three or four years. Having a degree on your CV can make you more attractive to employers and it can be an amazing experience when you learn to be independent and more about the world.

However, it isn’t for everyone – it can be very demanding, not to mention costly, and leaving behind your friends and family can be difficult as well.

All of this needs to be taken into consideration when weighing up the possibility

There is still time to apply New courses for 2016 marjon.ac.uk

of applying to universities and you shouldn’t feel pressured into going to university just because your friends are.

If it’s a case of university not being right for you right now, you could even defer your entry or apply later when you feel ready.

After your A-levels you might feel like you’re ready for the working world and want to earn your own wage. Getting your first payslip is a great feeling but keep in mind that working hours and patterns are much longer than your regular school day.

Think about the subjects and hobbies you enjoy the most and look for a job that will keep you interested.

A careers advisor at your school or college can help you to think about how you can apply these interests to your professional life and another good idea is to get in touch with the National Careers Service.

When applying for a job, try to think long-term; find out about what the possibilities are for progression in a job or whether the employer offers training so you can gain qualifications while you earn.

Is it possible to get further qualifications without going to university?

There are many vocational courses and apprenticeship options available.

Look into BTECs and OCR nationals – they are work-related qualifications that

offer a mix of theory and practice. You’ll study at college but there is usually an element of work experience, too.

A Higher National Diploma (HND) is a two-year qualification offered by colleges that you may then be able to top up to a degree with a third year of study if you get good marks. It means you can stay close to home initially, which may help with costs.

You can also study for a degree while working, but you would have to juggle the demands of working and studying at the same time. Some employers may support you while you do this so it’s worth exploring when you consider jobs.

Apprenticeships offer work-based training and are a great way of getting qualifications and earning money at the same time. Anyone over 16 can apply for an apprenticeship scheme.

What about if you want a break from studying but you’re not ready for a job yet?

Every year lots of young people take a gap year between finishing their A-levels and starting work or university.

A gap year is an opportunity to work out your next move while having fun and building on your skills. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities around the world so research your options before you decide on the best one for you.

The Herald, Monday January 11 2016

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CHOICES A small university with a big impact

Marjon invests in new staff for exciting new courses ON ITS rapid journey of growth and development, the University of St Mark & St John is welcoming new staff to its senior team to lead a range of exciting new degree programmes for 2016 and 2017.

Professor John Freeman (previously Head of Theatre at Falmouth University) joins the university as Dean of the Faculty of Culture and Language Sciences. He will oversee the new BA (Hons) Performing Arts Education programme and future developments in Creative Coding and Digital Marketing, adding to the department’s successful courses in Acting, Journalism and Sport Journalism.

Dr Tomasina Oh, a specialist in linguistics and experimental psychology, joins the faculty from the National University of Singapore as Head of Department for the flagship South West programmes in Speech and Language Therapy, Speech Sciences and English and Creative Writing.

Dr Lystra Hagley-Dickinson joins the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences from the University of Northampton.

BSc (Hons) Nutrition and BSc (Hons) Exercise Physiology will be launched and two new Associate Professors from the University of Thessaly in Greece, Dr Giorgos Sakkas and Dr Christina Karatzaferi join the team.

To find out how to apply for courses this year, visit the campus, attend an open day, or visit the website at www.marjon.ac.uk

Paving the way for success

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HE University of St Mark & St John is the top university in the UK for social mobility and the best university in the South West of England for education and teacher training.

Highly regarded as a small university that makes an impact and changes lives, key aspects of the student experience include small class sizes, committed and supportive academic and professional staff and a strong sense of community – all within a campus environment that is accessible and friendly.

All new students are guaranteed accommodation on campus so that they can be near facilities for studying and socialising from the start of their university career, and from the outset their academic ad-

viser supports their learning within regular group tutorials or individually as required.

New courses are being introduced to promote growth in all of the three faculties – Culture and Language Sciences, Education and Social Sciences and Sport and Health Sciences – and new academic staff are joining the university to add their expertise to the existing team of highly-qualified academics, growing the research profile further and adding a contemporary selection of postgraduate programmes to the existing undergraduate portfolio.

To add value to the learning that takes place in more formal tutorial, seminar and lecture settings, students are offered work placements

and hands-on experience with access to cutting-edge facilities.

These include sport laboratories, health science clinics, live music studios, radio and TV editing suites, a performance theatre and simulated classrooms for trainee teachers. The sport science facilities are among the best of any university in the UK. After graduating, 94 per cent of students are in employment or engaged with further study, and the majority choose to continue their connection with the university by becoming Marjon alumni, a long-established group with a considerable global reach.

They are equipped with the “Marjon EDGE”, the range of Entrepreneurial, Digital, Global and

Ethical skills which every student has the opportunity to develop during their time here.

To find out more about the university, please arrange a visit and campus tour at any time or attend one of the open days on Friday and Saturday, June 24-25.

If you are considering a career in teaching, a PGCE open evening will take place on January 14, from 5-7pm at the university.

Here, you will be able to find out about bursaries available, explore the campus and learning facilities and talk to tutors.

All of the events or individual visits can be booked by emailing visitus@marjon.ac.uk To find out more, visit the website at www.marjon.ac.uk

Calling all Year 11 and Year 12 male footballers

“Combine your education with a dedicated football programme.”

Open Evening - Monday 25th January 2016 6pm-7.30pm Argyle Lounge - Home Park Plymouth Argyle FC Scholarship Programme

To book your space on the open evening or for more information contact LEE BRITCHFORD on 01752 562561 ext 4 or lee.britchford@pafc.co.uk

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CHOICES There’s no need to wait to start your City College Plymouth experience

Choose to ‘be part of it’ at City College I

MAGINING that dream job?

Wanting a bit more money in your pocket? Wishing you were a part of something special? If you want to make a change in your life, the team at City College Plymouth is here to help.

There are so many choices, with something to suit every type of person – from bookworms to those who prefer to get hands-on – and the college’s friendly team can help find the best option for you.

up for something new if you’ve not had the chance to see if it is right for you. So if you’re not sure what you would like to study, then why not try a six-week taster course?

Get a feel for the subject and pick up some of the basic skills you will need to pursue a career in your chosen industry. The college is offering these study programmes in a range of subject areas, including sport, public services, travel and tourism and many more.

New year, new start

Need to get the skills to improve your CV?

How many new year’s resolutions did you make this year? How many have you already broken?

Making a new start can be difficult, but City College is here to support you – so get up off the sofa and be part of it!

It’s much easier to stick with something when you enjoy what you are doing. So if you’re not happy with your education or career choice, then you don’t have to wait until September to start a full-time study programme or Apprenticeship with City College.

The exciting range of courses starting in January, covers everything from bricklaying and hair and beauty to business and hospitality and catering.

Applications are now open, so to start your college experience now call 01752 305300 or visit www.cityplym.ac.uk/janstarts

Not quite ready to start college?

Don’t worry, you can still be part of it. It can be overwhelming signing

The college’s award-winning Work-based Learning team also offers courses which will allow you to do something different and exciting, while improving your confidence and helping you discover your next step.

The pre-employment programmes will improve your problem solving skills, teach you how to work as part of a team and develop your employability skills, while gaining a nationally-recognised qualification, including Pre-Apprenticeships (Traineeships) and the Prince’s Trust Team Programme.

All are great for getting the skills you need, making new friends and helping your CV to stand out from the crowd.

Want to get a job NOW? An apprenticeship is a practical training programme that you undertake whilst being an employee with a relevant business.

Studying this way means you can

earn a wage and get on-the-job training from your workplace – so Apprenticeships are a great way to gain a qualification and work experience at the same time.

Reece Dunstan found his apprenticeship in Business Administration through City College.

The 19-year-old said: “I was able to start working right away and I’m learning the skills I will need to get my career off to a great start.

“The funding available made things really easy, and applying was simple because the college helped me every step of the way.”

City College works with key employers across Plymouth and the wider region, meaning you can get the best employment opportunities – either through apprenticeships, work experience or networking to get the job you want after you’ve completed your studies.

College Open Day Find out more about all the options available at City College at an open day on Saturday, February 6, from 10am to 1pm at Kings Road.

College teams will be on hand to give free and impartial advice on everything from careers and funding to finding the right course or study programme for you.

There’s also the chance to meet some of the city’s major employers and hear about the opportunities they are offering to City College students and apprentices.

Come along to see how the College can help you and beat the queues by registering in advance.

Call 01752 305300 or visit www.cityplym.ac.uk/events

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with a wide range of courses on offer now

‘Utilise your own skills and get out of your comfort zone’

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EPHY Hood, 26, studied a HND in Performing Arts. As well as being a student, she was also a part-time model to local photographers in the area.

Before applying to City College Plymouth, Zephy was an Aircraft Engineer in the Royal Navy, which she joined straight from school at 18. She stayed in the Royal Navy until 2012 when, after having her daughter, she had the opportunity to take redundancy and did so.

Zephy said: “I decided it was time for me to leave and, looking back, the Navy really did block my creativity, so I applied to the BTEC in Performing Arts course.

“It is something that I’ve always wanted to do and when I went for an interview with one of the lecturers, he totally sold it to me.”

Zephy completed one year on the BTEC course and then progressed to the HND. She added: “This course was so amazing; rather than it being slow and methodical, it was actually very playful and helped me to explore my creative side.

“The lecturers all have industry experience, which they share with everyone, and this makes the whole learning experience so much better.

“The course teaches you to know your own skills, utilise your own

skills and get out of your comfort zone. Recently, I have had the opportunity to be involved in a lot more directing.”

Zephy has been involved in numerous public performances since enrolling on the course, including the Snow Queen and various performances at the Royal William Yard.

She said: “Not everything is done through the college, either; we were also given contacts to do stuff outside of college, which is absolutely fantastic. I’ve just been involved with a live action role play through the city centre. There’s just so much variety.”

Zephy finished the course in 2015 and is the co-founder of Feathermoon Theatre Company.

She said: “I feel like I know my own skills now and had already been out there and worked in various projects and the ultimate goal was for a couple of us to get together and create a theatre company, creating our own work and touring around locally.”

In the long-term term, Zephy would really love to have her own theatre space, not just for theatre but any kind of performance.

She added: “I feel very privileged to have come on the course, it’s really amazing and I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity.”

Start your college experience now – free-text ‘CCP, your name and age' to 60002 for a free call-back

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Get inspired at UTC Plymouth’s open day

A look at the coming year with Polly Lovell

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FTER a challenging autumn term at UTC Plymouth, I would like to champion our teachers and staff and hope they enjoyed the time off and well-deserved rest with family and friends. As a recently-appointed principal, the New Year is a good time to set my priorities for 2016.

As young people at UTC Plymouth face the upcoming summer exam series, we have introduced a mentoring programme ‘Passport to Progress’ to secure our students make the progress they deserve.

Nick Griffiths, our Key Stage 4 leader, has established a clear programme of support that identifies students at risk. I am confident that this extra boost will be what they require to succeed.

UTC Plymouth will be hosting a number of events, the first of which will be a visit from the Regional School Commissioner, Sir David Carter, who will be succeeding Frank Green as The UK School Commissioner on February 1.

I feel that this is an opportunity for the staff and students to show our skills, commitment and purpose in offering a vital STEM curriculum to Plymouth’s young people.

Our affiliation with the Royal Navy that was confirmed in

September 2015 is an event worth celebrating and we will be hosting a spring STEM Royal Navy-led occasion which will attract students from across Plymouth who are interested in a career in the Navy.

My priority will be to develop people and create a multi-talented work force that can meet the demands of new curriculums especially in engineering. Kerry Eldershaw, our director of engineering, is constantly looking at ways of developing our staff training and ensuring we have skilled staff in our learning spaces.

My second priority will be leading a strategy with our governors and partners to ensure a healthy and successful UTC. Partnership is key; as we enter 2016 I am looking to working with a number of institutions and individuals to network, gain inspiration, share ideas, learn and collaborate.

Finally, I am looking to share and celebrate with our parent body.

This week I am hosting our first UTC parent forum meeting and hopefully the triangulation between teacher, parent and student will be a way of securing positive outcomes for young people at UTC Plymouth.

LK3M 3.3MPMR

Polly Lovell is the interim principal at UTC Plymouth

Make education your resolution for 2016 A

NEW year can bring lots of exciting changes – and there’s none greater than learning new things and pushing the boundaries of your education. Attend the UTC Plymouth Years 10 and 12 open day on Thursday, January 28, at 5.30pm, visit the cutting-edge college and see how it can make a positive change in your education.

UTC Plymouth is the perfect choice for students with an interest in science and engineering. Just like others schools, it teaches traditional core subjects; however, what makes it different is that

greater emphasis is placed on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), offering a practical education alongside a classroom one.

This is UTC Plymouth feels its students are better-equipped to handle the world of work and thrive in their chosen field.

UTC Plymouth provides a unique learning experience, allowing students to choose from a number of pathways including GCSE’s, A Levels, and BTEC’s, in addition to a wide range of extra-curricular activities. With links to some of the region’s biggest employers and Ply-

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mouth University, it is able to put you onto the next path in your career, whether it’s work or further education.

Having received its first set of results last summer after opening the doors in 2013, UTC Plymouth celebrated an overall pass rate of 97 per cent at A-level.

The open day is an opportunity for you to have a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facilities and talk with current students and teachers about life at UTC. Want more information? Visit the website at www.utcplymouth.org and register your interest for the open day.

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11

CHOICES

A A look ahead at 2016 with Phil Davies LAST year saw some real highlights for City College Plymouth, and we finished on a high with our work-based learning and skills partnership team being awarded the Beacon Award for the promotion and delivery of successful apprenticeships.

The college also worked with Plymouth University and other training providers in the city to help celebrate the enormous success and achievements of apprentices with the first Plymouth Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony last September. In the new year, work began on City College’s Regional Centre of Excellence for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), which was approved by city planners last year.

It is the college’s mission to be the South West’s leading provider of innovative, technical, professional education and training – and this new £13 million facility will enable us not only to achieve this, but also to help drive the city’s productivity and economy by promoting interest in STEM subjects among young people, those who are just entering the job market and those who are wanting to up-skill or retrain.

The opportunities for young people in Plymouth are constantly evolving and I encourage everyone to get involved and be part of it.

Phil Davies is principal and chief executive of City College Plymouth

RGYLE Community Trust is proud to introduce you to their Football Scholarship Programme, in partnership with Plymouth Argyle FC, Ivybridge Community College and the Devon FA. This full-time course encourages talented, young footballers to enhance their development as players through quality coaching, led by a team of highly-qualified UEFA coaches. At the same time, experienced academic tutors will ensure the students gain a full education programme suited to the needs of the individual.

Education is a central aspect of the programme and the aim is to ensure that every pupil on the Scholarship programme has the opportunity to learn in a safe, fun and developmental environment.

Sessions are created to help learners progress and achieve the highest qualifications The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A-levels, and is a two-year course.

It is both practically and theoretically assessed. There are 18 units which cover various areas of sport and coaching. The award carries UCAS points which can be used when applying for further or higher education.

Secure a scholarship

Although the course is designed to help the students access a career in sport or football development, many of the skills acquired on the course are transferable to other employment sectors and indeed, where possible, into higher education.

The coaching offered throughout this course is designed to improve the ability of the students and, as

part of this process, the students will play in competitive matches throughout the course. Students will train and play against teams participating in various leagues and cup competitions.

The course will be based at Plymouth Argyle, Home Park and Ivybridge Community College.

Plymouth Argyle FC and Ivybridge Community College will expect

high standards from the young people enrolled on the course.

The course aims to use the vehicle of sport and the physical environment to provide an innovative and highly-exciting location for learning. The arena will improve student attainment, while raising self-esteem and confidence and providing a professional football structure to their education.

‘Nothing but the best is good enough at Lipson’ WHEN you start to explore Lipson Co-operative Academy, you will find a school which holds each and every child centre stage.

Not only that, you will find that the underlying ethos is one of shared co-operative values producing happy, confident learners who understand that nothing worthwhile is easily achieved.

The academy would be delighted if you visited to experience for yourself what it means when it says it holds mutual respect, equality, responsibility, honesty, openness, democracy and care at its heart, each and every day.

Lipson knows you will be impressed when you see the results it

is achieving by working in this way.

The School’s Commissioner recently highlighted the value added performance as being in the top four in the country and praised Principal Steve Baker and his energetic staff for their skill and passion in meeting the needs of individual learners.

This is an academy pulsating with excitement, energy and self-belief where learners, teachers and parents not only believe in value driven education but actually live it. These values are teaching young people to respect one another, be socially responsible, caring individuals in a democratic, tolerant atmosphere – something it

is are confident you will see and feel the minute you walk through our doors.

At Lipson, learners become part of a family not just a school. It is a family environment in which everyone has a voice and where everyone is valued as an individual on the one hand, but expected to make a worthwhile contribution to that family on the other. On a daily basis, Lipson is sharing with its young people its commitment to saying, “we instead of me.”

Another aspect of the family environment is the use of innovative Guilds, which pupils join after consultation whilst they are still at primary school. Every pupil is part

of a guild; each one has a specialist focus. Children nervous at starting a new school are supported by a pastoral system right from day one.

At Lipson, the embodiment of co-operation and working together really is encouraging young people to aspire to great things and to be the very best they can, but most of all they are happy and as a consequence, successful.

Whether learners are studying for academic or vocational qualifications, Lipson’s passion for its values encourages teachers to give children dedicated and timely feedback at all stages of their work, with personalised plans and support to make improvements.

E V IE H C A , Y JO N E , N R A LE

!

T S E B L A N O S R E P YOuR ?

Why should your child come to Mount Street

Pupils make good progress. the learning they do!

It is an exciting place to be and pupils love . good tly Teaching is consisten r and have good behaviour.

Children are very supportive of each othe riences to enrich their expe of s Children have good opportunitie ing. learn Everyone matters.

What makes us special?

y child having a voice.

We work collaboratively together with ever ‘play pod’ for den building and role play. e htim lunc our We enjoy being creative with chickens, a vegetable patch and a pond!

Our love of outdoor learning! We look after want us to achieve our potential. hers We are challenged in our learning; our teac help us in our learning. to mile’ a ‘extr Our teachers and staf go that . with the support of our friends and teachers We take responsibility for our own learning We love learning!

nd! yo be d an n ai nt ou m e th of p to e th to b We will clim

CALL: 01752 205091

EMAIL: mount.st.primary.school@plymouth.gov.uk OR VISIT: www.mountstreet.plymouth.sch.uk • Mount Street Primary School, Greenbank, Plymouth, PL4 8NZ ©LW

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Argyle Community Trust introduces special programme

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CHOICES THX-E01-S4

£4.2 million building set to open

The site of Plymouth Studio School’s new state-of-the-art building and High Performance Sport Centre

Exciting options at Studio School J

InForm PerForm TransForm Sixth Form At Stoke Damerel

ANUARY is an important time for making decisions about which options to take for the next academic year – especially for students entering Year 10 and Year 12 in September 2016.

For students looking for a different approach, Plymouth Studio School’s new £4.2 million state-of-the-art building and High Performance Sport Centre provides a whole range of new options when it comes to combining academic studies with professional qualifications, enterprise and industry experience for future careers in sport, tourism and event management.

The new building, which is due for completion in autumn 2016, is based on the University of St Mark & St John campus and includes a dedicated sixth form space, state-the-art science lab and a spacious and flexible environment.

This is ideal for the school’s individual approach to learning, small class sizes and varied curriculum.

The High Performance Sport Centre has been designed to provide sport students with the facilities they need to reach peak performance, whether pursuing careers as sport coaches, therapists, scientists and physios or combining GCSEs or A-levels with their own training schedules.

The school’s team of Olympic and commonwealth level coaches, including Kat Endacott, Antony James, Gorgs Geikie and Olympic level sports psychologist Jon Rhodes, will help students to get the best from the state-the-art equipment, including a Medical Lab for sport physiotherapy, power testing, functional screenings and physiological monitoring.

The centre will also include an indoor laser pistol-shooting range suitable for Modern Pentathlon training and Olympic lifting platfor ms.

For tourism and events students, the state-of-the-art equipment will used to help them develop the mental focus, teamworking, self-control, confidence and eval-

YOUR FUTURE YOUR WAY 14-16? Want a Career in Sport, Tourism or Events?

Open Evening Thursday January 21, 6pm University of St Mark & St John campus Book your place now at: W www.plymouthstudioschool.co.uk T 01752 243 900 E info@plymouthstudioschool.co.uk

• Year 10 & 12 places • GCSEs, BTECs and A levels • World-class sport performance programme • On-going industry placements

uation skills they will need for success in the fast-moving world of today’s life-style sector.

They will get a chance to put these skills into practise through real life industry experience with local partners including Plymouth Pavilions, the Duke of Cornwall Hotel and the Compass group.

Matthew Lennon, principal of the Plymouth Studio School, says: “It’s great news that this year’s intake of students will get to enjoy the new facilities.

“It’s these facilities combined with an individual approach to learning, flexible timetables, dedicated support of our teachers and coaches and great partnerships with local employers and businesses which will help all our students to get the mix of academic excellence, enterprise and employability they need for success in their chosen fields.”

To find out more about Plymouth Studio School, register for the open evening on Thursday, January 21, at 6pm by visiting www.plymouthstudisoschool.co.uk Plymouth Studio School is Governmentfunded and open to students of all abilities.

Places are limited to 100 students for September 2016 entry.

Joe Tibbetts is a Year 12 student currently studying A-levels in PE, maths and business studies.

He says: “Competitive swimming is my chosen sport and I have recently committed to 20 hours training a week with Leander Swimming Club.

“My timetable gives me the flexibility to continue this level of training without missing out on my academic studies.

“I also get additional strength and conditioning / performance support in school time.

“My A levels are equally as important to me as I want a career as a stockbroker.

“Plymouth Studio School is a fantastic environment for me to combine my love of sport and my studies.”

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Subjects to suit all Opportunities at Plymstock Sixth Form THE Sixth Form at Plymstock School provides excellent opportunities for students of all abilities to further their studies and development beyond GCSE’s.

The school offers an incredibly wide range of courses, providing a dynamic and enjoyable curriculum for all learners.

Plymstock Sixth Form has a fine record of Oxbridge and Higher Education entry. Last year more than 65 per cent of students went into Higher Education, and more than 56 per cent of A-level grades were B grade or higher.

“Achievement in the sixth form is outstanding. Students make rapid progress over time. Attainment at the end of Year 13 is high. This is because students respond very well to the school’s high expectations.” – Ofsted 2013.

R

IDGEWAY School continues to go from strength to strength, with 2015 representing the school’s best-ever results. In fact, they were the best across Plymouth. Whatever aspirations you have for your children, Ridgeway School offers a sharp focus on individual success. You can be confident that high-quality teaching and a stimulating learning environment support exceptional progress for your children.

Ridgeway is a truly inclusive school and promotes the highest levels of challenge. Its outstanding curriculum offers children the opportunity to excel in an extensive range of subjects to suit all interests. Opportunities beyond the curriculum abound at Ridgeway.

Trips abroad are complimented by excellent sporting facilities, activities and outward bound challenges, including the Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Outstanding drama, music and art clubs support a diverse range of interests and talents, and many after-school groups offer additional support for academic progress.

Ms Boorman, principal at Ridgeway School, says: “It really is a new era for Ridgeway School.

“January’s league tables will show that our GCSE results, for a comprehensive intake, were the best across Plymouth and our value added has rocketed.

“We have just taken delivery of our fabulous new £400K sports

centre and have more exciting developments in the pipeline. I am proud to be part of such a fantastic school and its future”.

Ridgeway School is a thriving community school, with a reputation for excellent care and support. It is a school where children learn in a purposeful and dynamic environment.

First-class guidance at Stoke Damerel JOINING Stoke Damerel Sixth Form is the next step on your journey to an exciting future.

Mr M Cox, vice-principal says: “We offer a wide range of A-level and Level 3 subjects taught in small, personalised classes, all underpinned by outstanding pastoral care and support.

“From chemistry to construction, psychology to plumbing, our broad range of high-quality post-16 courses has something to inspire all learners.

“We offer first-class careers guidance and assistance with university applications, and you will be stretched and challenged to achieve the very best results to support you into further training, Higher Education, apprenticeship or employment.

This combination of outstanding opportunity, excellent results and high-quality support is what our students tell us makes Stoke Damerel Sixth Form stand out.

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Inspiring success at Ridgeway School

PAGE 14

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Tweet us @plymouthherald

Message us at facebook.com/theplymouthherald @ Email us at news@plymouthherald.co.uk

The Herald, Monday January 11 2016

CHOICES

Outstanding school is YMCA college has excellent reputation for student-centred routes to university friendly and happy

Discover a supportive learning environment

P FORWARD-THINKING with traditional family values, King’s School is warm and welcoming, stimulating and inspirational.

It is a friendly and happy school providing education and pastoral care that is second to none.

In the last SIS inspection King’s School was awarded ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

With a strong Christian ethos the dedicated and talented staff nurtures and encourages every child.

By paying high attention to every child’s needs and strengths they ensure everyone receives a top quality education and achieve their full potential.

Class numbers are carefully considered in order to provide the support and attention that each child requires; this helps particularly when laying down the foundations in the core subjects. King’s School objective is to develop the highest standards of self-discipline and behaviour within a supportive environment. Children experience a greater security within a welldisciplined structure.

For further information and details of King’s School open days v i s i t w w w. k i n g s s c h o o l - p l ymouth.co.uk or contact Samantha Phare, Registrar 01752 753730 to arrange an appointment.

ART of YMCA Plymouth, Discovery College aims to provide its student family of 16 to 19-year-olds with a supportive learning environment.

Discovery College has an excellent reputation for providing high-quality, student-centred routes into university and meaningful employment.

“Success of the process is evident when considering the 97% retention and 92% achievement figures for [Discovery College] programmes” – Pearson QRD report 2015 Specialising in business, childcare, public services and sport, Discovery College breaks away from ‘old-school’ traditions.

It focuses more on the personal needs of students, whilst delivering a real-world approach to learning.

The college provides an all-encompassing experience, set within a close-knit friendly environment.

The team is very professional and endeavours to forge mutual respect with their learners.

Head of Education Tom Lavis said: “The staff really get to know our students, respecting and treating them as adults.

“Staff are known on a first name basis rather than 'sir'.

“This approach successfully builds rapport and encourages positive relationships.

“Students have a real voice here and tend to make a smoother transition into adulthood. Students leave as confident, well-rounded individuals with a thorough understanding of their subject”.

Students who have outgrown, or don’t fit the “traditional school environment” do extremely well at Discovery College and can make a fresh start.

The Discovery College model mirrors the working environment

and is ultimately much more interesting and engaging than traditional chalk and talk methods.

Teaching goes beyond the classroom, meaning learners are taught ‘in the field’ as much as possible.

Students gain knowledge as active participants, helping them to #Learn #Achieve #Succeed.

Talking about the difference the Discovery College made to her life, student of BTEC Public Services, Tallulah McNab, who graduated in 2015, said: “As well as helping me to get a distinction, the staff at the college saw me through some very tough times.

“They inspired me, encouraged me, and gave me realistic goals and confidence to get there, which I did.”

To find out more contact the college on 01752 201918 or email enquiries@discoverycollege.org.uk

“I felt valued & respected, and the tutors always had time for me” -Danielle, BTEC Business Student, Graduated 2015 Now studying Business & Marketing, University of the West of England

Courses for 16-25s in;

BUSINESS, PUBLIC SERVICES, SPORT, CHILDCARE, MATHS & ENGLISH #Learn #Achieve #Succeed YMCA Plymouth, Honicknowle Lane, PL5 3NG

Discover more at:

ymcaplymouth.org.uk/DiscoveryCollege Or give us a call, and ask to speak to Tom or Nicole!

01752 761012

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B

abcock is looking for 120 new apprentices, across the full range of disciplines, to start work at its Devonport Royal Dockyard site in September.

Babcock International Group is the UK’s market-leading engineering support services company, delivering complex and critical asset support both in the UK and overseas.

With revenue of circa £4.5 bn and an order book of circa £20 bn in 2015, the company manages vital assets within a number of industry sectors, including defence, emergency services, energy, transport, telecommunications and education.

Its 34,000 global employees design, build, manage, operate and maintain assets that are vital to the delivery of many key public services.

In Plymouth, Babcock owns and operates the main refit, maintenance and workshop area of the naval site at Devonport, where they work in partnership with the Royal Navy and Ministry Of Defence to provide through-life support for

There is still time to apply New courses for 2016 marjon.ac.uk

submarines, surface ships and their associated systems and equipment.

Babcock’s Human Resources Director at Devonport Kevin Dwyer explained: “Babcock not only offers apprentices a competitive rate of pay while they gain hands-on technical knowledge and skills in the workplace but also provides a range of other benefits including a competitive pension

scheme, a company share ownership scheme, occupational health services, ongoing career development and a personal development allowance that can help towards learning other skills such as driving or learning a language.”

Babcock offers a unique and exciting working environment for apprentices, providing the best possible start to an interesting career.

Babcock operates a diverse and complex business, tackling projects that can provide demanding personal challenges. Engineering apprentices could find themselves repairing and modernising the weapon systems on a surface ship or upgrading and overhauling the power plant on a nuclear powered submarine whilst administration apprentices could be assisting the project team, producing reports and documents or interacting face to face with the customer.

Apprentices follow a formal training programme at an offsite training establishment and learn directly from Babcock’s own experts, working alongside skilled craftsmen on a wide range of projects.

They are able to achieve professionally-recognised qualifications and have input into how their own development is managed.

Full details of the apprenticeships available and the qualifications required can be found at www.babcockinter national.com/devonportapprentices.

The closing date for applications is 28 March 2016.

St ©LW

WESTON Mill Primary is a thriving school with a Foundation Unit, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, catering for approximately 350 pupils, aged 3-plus to 11-plus.

Weston Mill has a community spirit and the school upholds a family ethos, encouraging pupils to support each other in all aspects of life. It employs a range of professionals to ensure that the learning needs of all of our pupils are met.

Weston Mill provides a democratic place of learning that embraces individuality, tolerance and an acceptance of each other. All members of its community accept and adhere to school expectations and work together to ensure all our pupils become productive members of its society.

It is fortunate to have a caring staff throughout the school and if at any time you need to discuss anything with your child's teacher or with the senior team, there is always someone on hand to talk to.

Academic results are either in-line or above those nationally, and the progress for the pupils attending our school make significantly more progress than those across the country.

Could you be one of the next Babcock apprentices?

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Community spirit and caring staff

16 THX-E01-S4

Free text: CCP, your name & age to 60002 for a call-back from a College advisor

ARE YOU FED UP OF SITTING ON THE SOFA? Do you wish you had a job, a career, money in your pocket?

City College can help with our range of courses starting in January.

BE PART OF IT

Bricklaying I Building Services Engineering I Business Childcare I Computing I Construction I Dance I Drama Games Development I Hair & Beauty I Health & Social Care Hospitality & Catering I Media I Music I Painting & Decorating Plastering I Sport I Travel & Tourism I Vehicle Maintenance & Repair I Wood Trades