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OPEN DAYS are an excellent way for parents and children to get a feel for the schools, colleges and universities they are interested in.
Prospectuses give you the basics but if you want to get more detail about the facilities, tutors, and how your child might fit in to an educational establishment, visiting the premises is vital. Find out about everything from socialising and facilities to more in-depth information on the course of your child’s choice and who will be teaching them. You can expect to visit classrooms, hear talks from the principal or head teacher and be shown around by students who will talk to you about their perspectives.
■ Welcome to this special Herald supplement highlighting open days at a selection of schools and colleges – along with advice on how to get the answers you are seeking who the course leader is and discuss what they have to offer ■ Ask questions – moving on in education can be daunting, whatever the age of your child. Get a sense of the staff, inquire about facilities. Don’t be afraid to quiz them on things that they don’t mention in their prospectus or online ■ Take notes – it can be hard to keep track of who TOP TIPS ■ Seek out people in the know – if your child is you’ve spoken to and what they have said. Make interested in a specific aspect of the education or sure you take contact details so you can follow up training offered by the establishment, find out with any questions you forget to ask on the day ■ Check out the work on display – it can show the range of abilities and should recognise the contributions of students and their different abilities ■ Extra-curricular – what are the benefits for your child outside the curriculum? Healthy lunches, clubs, sport – can your child develop their interests outside the classroom? ■ Instinct – listen to your feelings and take into consideration your child’s point of view Before you head out the door to an open day, prepare yourself. Contact you have with educational professionals and students should be a fundamental part of the decision-making process contributing to the final choices you and your child make.
Getting the most out of a visit to university UNIVERSITY open days are the best way to get a real feel for where you may end up studying. Your choice of course is a very important decision, but consider factors like on-site facilities and location. Plymouth University student recruitment manager Cassandra Paxton-Denny provides some tips on how to get the most out of an open day. ■ Plan your day in advance – see if there is an events programme available in advance of the event. Schedule in the subject sessions you wish to attend, and plan other tours, talks and drop-ins around these. ■ Plan your travel and accommodation – if you are not local to the area, research public transport routes or car parks in the local area to make sure you arrive on time. ■ Be prepared and dress for the weather – wear comfortable shoes so you can experience the best the day has to offer ■ Think of the questions you want to ask and
remember, there is no such thing as a silly question. ■ Get advice – ask academics and current students for their thoughts. ■ Is this a place you see yourself ? Picture yourself as a student, going to lectures and taking part in club or society activities. ■ Chat to existing students – to get an idea of what university life is like for them. What do they wish they knew when visiting open days? ■ Tour the town and surrounding area – take in the location and where all the amenities, shops and restaurants are. ■ Help yourself to any leaflets – they will contain useful information you can take home and read at your own leisure. ■ It’s not too late – if you think of anything you forgot to ask on your journey home, make a note and contact the university later.
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Your chance to ask the right questions
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Profile SALTASH.NET COMMUNITY SCHOOL IT has been an outstanding year at saltash.net community school. After celebrating the best examination results in the school’s history last summer, the students and staff have gone on to achieve many more successes throughout 2013-14. The ‘can do’ attitude of all members of the school community was summed up in the recent Ofsted report, where inspectors agreed that the mission statement ‘Believe and Achieve’ is ‘evident in practice’, and concluded that ‘the school continues to make a significant contribution to improving the life chances of all students.’ saltash.net’s Ofsted report highlights the students’ ‘exemplary attitudes towards learning’ as well as the ‘exceptional ICT practice’ that exists at the school. These two strengths came together during the spring term when a group of four students, accompanied by their teachers, represented the UK at the Global Education Forum, hosted by Microsoft in Barcelona. saltash.net takes great pride in its ‘very conscientious and highly committed’ teachers and its ‘outstanding’ students (Ofsted 2014). This winning combination is ensuring that ‘achievements are rising year on year’.
Good progress in the skills market
FIGURES released last month show that the proportion of young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment or training (NEET) is at the lowest comparable level since 2005 – with the percentage of teenagers NEET at its lowest since records began.
The figures, published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Education (DfE), show that for England in the first quarter of 2014 (January to March) compared to the same period in 2013: ■ There are 774,000 16- to 24-yearolds who are NEET (13.1%) – this is down 135,000 (2 percentage points) on last year, and is the lowest rate for this quarter since 2005 ■ There are 122,000 16 to 18-yearolds NEET (6.7%) – this is down 29,000 (1.5 percentage points) on last year, and is the lowest since comparable data began in 2001 ■ There are 652,000 19 to 24-year-
olds NEET – this is down 105,000 (2.3 percentage points) on last year, and is the lowest since 2008. The figures also show that 94.2% of 16- and 17-year-olds are participating in education and training, the highest comparable participation rate since consistent records began in 2001. The number of 19 to 24-year-olds who have been unemployed for more than six months also decreased by 20,000 while those unemployed for less than six months fell by 32,000 in the first quarter of 2014 compared to figures from January to March 2013. Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock said: “I am
delighted to see that the number of young people not in education, employment or training is at its lowest level since 2005. “The figures released show the progress being made to ensure that all young people are equipped with the skills that allow them to begin productive and prosperous careers. I am particularly pleased to see that the proportion of 16- to 18-year-olds who are NEET, is at the lowest level since records began. “This is further evidence that our long-term economic plan is securing young people’s future. “Every young person should be given the chance to reach their potential, whether that is through studying or training, embarking on an apprenticeship or traineeship or entering the world of work. “The figures show that more and more young people that were previously held back from reaching their full potential are now in work or developing skills that will allow them to become valued employees.”
Profile HELE’S SCHOOL
“Positive relationships are a cornerstone of the academy’s success and help to establish an atmosphere conductive to learning.” ‘Good’ Ofsted report HELE’S is a vibrant, successful and happy school. Students learn from each other in the spirit of friendship. We welcome students of all abilities and take pride in developing academic achievement, a sense of responsibility, confidence and mutual respect. We work in partnership with our enthusiastic students, committed staff and supportive parents/carers. We are proud of our students and welcome the unique gifts, abilities and experiences each brings. We set high standards and expectations and aim to ensure that each student has access to outstanding provision and expertise at every stage of learning. Hele’s School provides an excellent education rooted in strong traditional values. The friendly rich and nurturing environment is often the aspect that people say is our greatest strength. “Hele’s School has brought out the best in me and encourages me to push myself further to achieve my very best potential in everything.” Hele’s student.
by Louise Daniel HEAD of corporate relations, employability and enterprise at City College Plymouth, Sharron Robbie stresses the importance of planning your open day visit and thinking about what you want from a career. She says: “Any opportunity to go into an organisation and find out about them and how they can help you achieve your goals is a positive thing.” Being prepared and having a targeted approach ensures you talk to the right people and saves you time. Sharron says that being honest with yourself about the skills you have and what you want to achieve can get you to where you want to go. “Do your research on the open day. Does the organisation have the expertise to cover what you want? “Why are you going to the open day? It is good to know what you want to do and have something in mind, even if it is an interest or a hobby.” “For example, at City College Plymouth we offer a range of opportunities – vocational training, higher education, including foundation degrees, apprenticeships and management and business skills – we also have a range of jobs on offer which enable you to earn while you learn. “Even if we don’t offer what you are looking for we have experts who can signpost you to other providers in the
‘Do your research on the open day. Does the organisation have the expertise to cover what you want? Why are you going to the open day?’
■ Sharron Robbie
CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH city – we want people to succeed and to be able to fulfil their potential.” Sharron knows that an open day is a springboard into your future and that you need to understand what outcomes you want to achieve. “Think about your skills – make a comprehensive list showing what you are interested in, what you are good at, what you aren’t so good at and need help with, what qualifications and
skills you have now and what you want to aim towards. “Ask yourself how the college can help achieve your aim. “This prepares you so that you get the absolute most out of attending an open day event.” “The college is here to give information, advice and guidance, but can also support people into employment through the job opportunities we gain
via our close working relationship with the city’s employers.” The message is: do your research and target open days that are specific to your area of interest. Sharron added: “Most events offer pre-registration to attend – this is really important as not only does it help you to jump the queues but it allows you to talk to the people you need to talk to.
“As you are already on the system you don’t waste time form filling and get straight to the people you want to speak to. “We want people to have a good experience and leave knowing what they want to do – we work very hard to make sure we have the right expertise in the room.”
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It’s a great time to be a teacher
Profile EGGBUCKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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EGGBUCKLAND Community College is a happy, supportive, exciting and inspirational place to be a student. ‘Learning Caring Achieving’ is very much at the heart of our ethos; we want our students to really enjoy their time with us, make the most of the wealth of opportunities available to them, and achieve to the very best of their ability. We are extremely proud of the fact that students at Eggbuckland make excellent progress, placing us in the top 20% of schools nationally,
with 68% of young people attaining 5+ A*-C grades at GCSE, including English and maths. This is as a result of high-quality teaching, excellent care and guidance and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including dance, drama and music and teams in 14 different sports. Please look at our performance by visiting http:/ /dashboard.ofsted.gov.uk. However, nothing replaces a visit, so do contact us if you would like to see us in action.
The Department for Education figures reveal that, as of November 2013, there were 451,100 full-time equivalent (FTE) teachers in England, 9,100 up on the previous year. This is the highest number of teachers ever recorded. The quality of the teaching workforce is also rising. A record 96% of teachers now have degrees or above, meaning there are an extra 43,000 teachers with degree-level qualifications in classrooms since 2010. Previouslyreleased figures show that 74% of current teacher trainees now hold at least a 2.1 degree, up from 61% in 2010. Today’s statistics also show that the teacher vacancy rate remains very low at just 0.2% of the overall workforce, with just 750 vacancies across the country. The government is reforming teacher training to attract more top performers. The Department for Education is reforming initial teacher training to improve quality and expand school-based training. It is also offering bursaries and scholarships worth up to £25,000 in priority subjects including maths, physics and modern languages.
A Department for Education spokesman said: “There has never been a better time to be a teacher and today’s figures show there have never been more people teaching in England’s classrooms. More top graduates are coming into teaching than ever before and a record 96% of teachers now hold a degree. “Our reforms are putting teachers in the driving seat. Through academies and free schools, we are giving heads and teachers more power over what happens in the classroom and freeing them from interference by politicians. “That’s good news for teachers, who can get on with their jobs, and good news for parents, who can be confident that teachers are solely focused on ensuring the best possible outcomes for their children.�
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“THE school is an exciting place to be and pupils love the work they do. This is reflected in their good behaviour and attitudes towards each other, their learning and their community. Pupils have good opportunities for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through the wide range of enriched learning opportunities. “Teaching is consistently good, and sometimes outstanding. This ensures all pupils make good progress and achieve well� Ofsted – March 2014 Our Open Days are on Friday, July 11 and Tuesday, September 23, 2014, for both the main school and nursery. They will give you the opportunity to come and visit our school and to talk to pupils and staff. Please feel free to contact the school to receive a school prospectus.
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Profile MOUNT STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL
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by Graham Broach
CHOOSING the next step in education is a major decision, whether it’s a secondary school for your 11-year-old, a college for a school leaver or a university for a sixth-former. The Government has introduced league tables to enable instant comparison of exam and test success rates. And the reports of OFSTED inspectors are published and readily available to the public. Publicity-conscious schools and colleges, sometimes finding themselves competing with other similar establishments for students, are keen to trumpet their favourable OFSTED reports. But how helpful are they and league table statistics in finding the right place for your offspring? Gary King, assistant principal at Tavistock College, said: “OFSTED reports are really important for the school itself and for parents in terms of academic outcomes, but they are only a snapshot in time. “The frequency of OFSTED inspections could be from three to six years, though a lot of schools have been revisited in the last 12 months as the Government framework has changed. “A lot can happen to a school in that time; for example, there could have been a change of headteacher. “League tables are controversial but
‘OFSTED reports are really important for the school itself and for parents in terms of academic outcomes, but they are only a snapshot in time’ ■ Gary King
important to a school – if you were at the bottom, publicly it wouldn’t look good. “Results over time are a better indicator of how good a school is.” Mr King, 34, said looking at OFSTED reports and league tables needed to be combined with a bigger picture, rather than being relied on as the sole source of information.
He said open days were a good opportunity to see a school in action, while open evenings where prospective parents could chat to staff could provide a more interactive experience. He added: “You really need to visit a school, walk around and get a feel for the environment. “Here at Tavistock College, we have
prospective parents around all the time. “Accompanied by a member of staff, they can talk to staff and students and visit lessons. “Colleges of further education are more competitive because they are run more like businesses, but we are here to serve the community and have always been open.
“We also run open days, which are a good chance to see the school; we have around 1,300 students, mostly from the Tavistock area but also from as far afield as Plymouth. “My advice is not to rely on a single source of information but look at the bigger picture and above all visit the establishment and judge for yourself.”
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Look at the bigger picture
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Profile DEVONPORT HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
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DEVONPORT High School for Girls is proud of its history, but our main focus is providing a rich and engaging education in preparation for the 21st Century. As a grammar school Devonport High School for Girls prides itself in developing talented, bright, articulate students who have the self confidence and skills to obtain places at the very best universities and follow careers in all fields. In 2013 100% of year 11 students achieved five or more GCSE grades A*-C including English and Mathematics, sixth form students maintained their high average point score per subject and the school also received the highest Ebacc result from across all state schools in Devon. Devonport High School for Girls has a strong focus on Internationalism and Global Citizenship, creating partnerships with schools across the globe and is recognised by the British Council as a centre of excellence. Come and see for yourself and visit us on one of our Open Evenings on June 25 or September 9, 6-8pm or Open Afternoon on September 10, 2.15-3.30pm. Please note that applications can only be made through the Plymouth Local Authority: http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/ grammaradmissions
Always take the long view THE end of school may seem a long way off, but increasingly, education institutions are encouraging parents and students to take the long view of the educational journey. So by the time your child reaches 16 it is a good idea to have researched their options. What’s on offer for students who decide that further education isn’t for them? What if their results aren’t what they need to go on to A-levels? Do they go to college? What training is on offer? The choices can seem mind boggling. TOP TIPS: ■See GCSEs, A-levels, apprenticeships and training as a gateway to other things and the start of an exciting journey ■Commit to doing your best or better in whatever you do next ■Understand that whatever you do next needs commitment, discipline and effort ■Don’t do something just because your friends/parents/teachers etc. want you to – make considered decisions based on where you want to go with your life ■Make decisions based on facts, re s e a rch a n d i n fo r m at i o n n o t hearsay ■Use the expertise around you, do some leg work – talk to other trainees/ A-level students/apprentices/careersadvisors/teachers/tutors and get a balanced view ■Draw up a list of pros and cons and be honest with yourself – do you want
to carry on studying? Do you want to options that are related to the degree earn while you learn? or career they want to go into is essential. Most universities expect A LEVELS: applicants to have at least a grade C A-levels are the most traditional GCSE in maths and English as well as route to university. Courses last two their own specific entry criteria. years and students can take up to five depending on the choice, educational VOCATIONAL institution and the ability of the indi- QUALIFICATIONS: vidual. If your child decides not to go down A-levels suit a specific learning the academic learning route then style and encourage focused learning vocational qualifications could be for in specific subjects. If your child them. BTECs are vocation and workwants to do A-levels and their grades related courses that take a practical are so-so, speak to their educational approach to learning, have been institution and find out what to do developed in par tnership with next. industry and are recognised nationYour child should pick subjects that ally by employers across a wide varithey are passionate about – study is ety of industry sectors. harder at A-level and they need to be BTECs normally take around two committed. years to complete and are recognised If they are considering university as equivalent to GCSEs. They are a following A-levels then choosing great alternative if your child prefers
coursework and assessment to exams. NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) are competence-based awards that can be taken if your child is employed or is studying and has a part-time job or access to a work placement. They cover most industry sectors and are assessed on practical assignments and a work portfolio. APPRENTICESHIPS: Anyone can apply for an apprenticeship if they are 16 or over and not in full-time education. They combine practical training in a job with study. Young people gain job specific skills, earn a wage, study towards jobrelated qualifications and work alongside experienced staff. Apprenticeships take between one and four years and can lead to further learning and higher qualifications in your child’s chosen field; they can be a springboard to university.Though the type of apprenticeship may vary what does not is the level of commitment and responsibility that is expected from apprentices. The training is offered in a structured programme designed to give participants the skills they need to do their job and to help employers support them through their learning and career goals. Search for help, advice and vacancies at www. apprenticeships.org.uk or contact a National Career Service adviser, visit www.nationalcareeservice.direct.go.uk or call 0800 100 900, www.careeerssw.org or call 0800 97 55 111 for Careers South West.
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Profile DUCHY COLLEGE
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AT Ridgeway School we believe anything is possible and work with our young people to transform their life chances. We are passionate about ensuring everyone has the best start to their secondary education and opportunities to succeed at the highest level. We are delighted to welcome parents and children to our open mornings, where you can experience a full tour of the school with the headteacher and senior staff. You will be invited to visit any classroom to see learning at its best, where students are ‘calm, polite and courteous,’ creating an ‘atmosphere of respect, sharing and learning together,’ making Ridgeway School ‘a very pleasant and purposeful place to learn’ (Ofsted 2014). Our students are very proud of their school. We welcome children from across our community and beyond Plympton. Children thrive in an environment of challenge and support, where they can experience success in the classroom, as well as through our extensive outdoor education programme.
THOUSANDS are expected to flock to Duchy College Stoke Climsland on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 for the Open Day and Summer Food Festival. This annual family fun extravaganza is a great day out for children and adults alike, with free entry and parking and a wide variety of things to see and do, including digger driving challenges, vintage tractors, equine displays, animal encounters, cheese-making, climbing, PGA golf tuition, forest school and much more. Those interested in finding out about the courses on offer at Duchy College will be able to talk to lecturers, tour the specialist facilities and get the advice they need to kick start their future career. The College offers both full and part-time courses, apprenticeships and university courses, in Agriculture, Animal Management, Business, Childcare, Countryside & Conservation, Forest School, Gamekeeping, Equine Studies, Food, Construction Plant, Outdoor Pursuits, Public Services, Sport and Skills for Life. â– For more information call on 01579 372233.
Profile CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH IF you’re aged 16 to 18 you have choices. These include coming to City College Plymouth or doing an apprenticeship – you don’t have to stay at school! There’s a huge range of education and training opportunities available, including apprenticeships, A-levels, vocational qualifications and university-level courses. At City College Plymouth we offer free impartial advice and guidance on all the options to help you make the right choices for your future. Come along to our Course Information Drop-in event at Kings Road on Wednesday, June 18, between 4pm and 6pm, to chat to our expert careers advisers who can help with perfecting your CV and interview techniques. If you’re interested in finding out about apprenticeships, we have vacancies with over 100 local employers, including Plymouth Community Healthcare, Plymouth City Council, Algram, Bromhead Accountants, Kawasaki, MGB Engineering, Midas, Rittal UK and The Treby Arms. ■For further information please call 01752 305300.
Profile TAVISTOCK COLLEGE TAVISTOCK College is a school which is on the up. Not only are standards rising rapidly but the school is also becoming known for innovation. Strong international partnerships with Sweden and Japan are
providing opportunities for staff and students. We are proud to be national winners of the Inclusion Award. This recognises that the College has put in place effective programmes to meet the needs of all its students.
Our sixth form offers a wide range of A-level programmes and many of our students progress onto Russell group universities through the flagship Aspire programme. Come along to see what we have to offer.
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Profile RIDGEWAY SCHOOL
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Profile THE UNIVERSITY OF ST MARK & ST JOHN
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THE University of St Mark & St John will be hosting an open day with a difference on Saturday, June 21. Their Big Open Day offers the chance to experience university life combined with a fun-filled, action-packed day out. The Big Open Day presents the perfect opportunity for prospective students to find out more about what they can expect at the University, whether they are thinking about this September or next. With information on the wide variety of degree courses available and information on fees and finances, students can also look around the halls of residence and talk to programme leaders, admissions advisers and student ambassadors. As well as a tour of the campus, prospective students will be able to enjoy live music, take part in fun activities and savour a delicious hog roast in the University’s stunning grounds. There will also be competitions with some great prizes up for grabs on the day. Those visiting Plymouth for the first time can also take in the sights the city has to offer with the University’s Big Bus Tour. ■ If you are interested in attending the Big Open Day at the University of St Mark & St John, you can find out more by visiting and registering at www.marjon.ac.uk.
Taking the plunge? Profile PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY
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SO you want to go to university. With so many places to choose from, and courses on offer, how do you select the option right for you? The informed choice, and one made by thousands of the most creative and enterprising young people across the country each year, is Plymouth University – recently named as one of the top 50 modern universities in the world – and the top six in the UK – in the Times Higher 100 under 50 rankings. With an unrivalled location, a range of worldclass courses and facilities, and a commitment to providing a first-rate student experience, Plymouth University is the place that could transform your life forever. Tour the campus and meet the lecturers and staff who have given Plymouth its reputation for academic and teaching excellence across
the world at Plymouth University’s Open Day on Wednesday, June 25. Find out about the clubs and societies that make Plymouth University a place where you can both learn and enjoy life, and meet new friends, who will stay with you throughout your time at university and the rest of your life. Cassandra Paxton-Denny, student recruitment manager at Plymouth University said: “From day one, we aim to give our students an outstanding experience, with access to all the information they need to make informed decisions right at their fingertips.” “More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the Open Day, with the opportunity to get answers about student life and the support we provide in our dedicated Student Services Village.” Interactive activities, including workshops designed to prepare students for living on a budget, will feature tips and advice from current students. Cassandra added: “Through academic and social activities, Plymouth offers many opportunities to develop the skills that give our graduates a flying start in their chosen careers and we pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding student experience. We welcome everyone to find out more and be a part of our exciting and enterprising Open Day.” ■ To book a place on the Undergraduate Open Day visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/ opendays.
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Profile ST BONIFACE’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE
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THE transition from primary to secondary school can be a daunting experience for parents as well as children; that’s why St Boniface’s Catholic College in Manadon Park has a dedicated transition team to help make the move as smooth as possible. Our head of transition works closely with primary teachers to identify which families would benefit most from additional support. In 2012 a group of parents representing a wide range of backgrounds formed the Parental Leadership Team.
These parents volunteer their time to offer independent guidance and advice to parents joining our community. With over 150 years of rich history, St Boniface’s has farreaching links with many local families and owns a place in Plymouth’s education system. On April 1 we became an academy and joined 34 Catholic schools across the diocese as members the Catholic and Anglican Schools Trust. ■For details call 01752 779051.
MORE young people want to be engineers after government and industry efforts to showcase exciting careers. There has been a sharp rise in the number of young people considering a career in engineering, Secretary of State for Business Innovation and Skills Vince Cable announced earlier this year. A BIS-commissioned survey has found that the number of 11- to 14 year olds thinking about working in engineering has jumped by 6%. The survey showed a 6% rise in the number of girls saying they would consider an engineering career, an industry that acknowledges the need to recruit more women. More parents also said they would encourage their children to become engineers. The increases followed Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (November 4 to 8, 2013), when government, employers and educators came together to enthuse young people, par ticularly girls, about the rewarding careers in engineering. Mr Cable said: “It is encouraging to see that our efforts to highlight the importance of engineering as a career has had a positive affect and that more women and girls are see-
ing it as an exciting career. “This country excels in hi-tech industries but we need engineers to maintain our competitive advantage. We need to work with industry, universities, colleges and schools to keep momentum and guarantee the pipeline of talent so that businesses are not disadvantaged.� Chief executive of EngineeringUK Paul Jackson said: “Tomorrow ’s E n g i n e e r s We e k i s a n example of the positive impact that can be made when organisations work together. Gover nment and industry launched Tomorrow’s Engineers Week following the Perkins Review of Engineering Skills, which focused on the need to shore up the pipeline of skills throughout the sector. Prof John Perkins found the challenges start when pupils choose subjects following GCSEs. Engineers must have a strong foundation in maths and science, especially physics, but the number of young people choosing these subjects post-16 is relatively low, especially among women. The government is addressing this problem through a redesign of the curriculum and teacher development.
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Engineer your career choice Profile NOTRE DAME PART of a worldwide network of schools founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame, this is a Catholic school that welcomes all those who want to learn in a supportive, caring and aspirational environment. Notre Dame was judged by Ofsted in July as being a ‘good’ school. Girls from across Plymouth and beyond enjoy what the inspectors recognised as a ‘very strong family and faith atmosphere’ and are supported in their progress because ‘relationships
between teachers and students are excellent’. This, together with ‘excellent spiritual, moral, social and cultural development’ means Notre Dame students are ready to make the most of their futures. In the past year, the school has seen students leave to take up a whole host of opportunities, including Oxford University, studying medicine at Bristol, beginning work or starting apprenticeships. ■For further information, please call 01752 775101.
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