Plymouth Herald Education Choices June 2015

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The Herald, Tuesday June 2 2015

JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Fly high at the right school WHEN making the important by CHIARA GIORDANO decision of where your child Education Reporter will spend the next few years of their education, it isn’t enough speaking with them before speaking to to simply look at glossy pro- the parents.”

As well as watching how the teachspectuses, league tables and ers interacted with the children, Mr Ofsted reports.

Ward said he would also look at Ofsted Many parents and headteachers will agree that the best way for a parent to get a real feel for a school is to take their child along and have a good look around at the facilities on offer.

Visiting a school for an open day gives you the chance to speak to teachers and current students at the school and ask as many questions as you wish.

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

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

Nick Ward, headteacher at Marine Academy Plymouth, has recently been through the process of choosing a secondary school for his own children.

The headteacher, who has children in Years 7, 6 and 4, said one of the most important things for him as a parent was to see how his child reacted to the teachers at an open day.

He said: “What was really nice was that the teachers gave a lot of their time to the pupils.

“They actually spent more time

reports and league tables, and ask them about the facilities, extracurricular activities and lessons on offer.

“I think it’s vitally important that you visit the school because you pick up a feel for the place just by experiencing the buildings and the people in the buildings,” he said.

“You get an opportunity to meet the teachers and some of the pupils so you get a much better sense of how the school operates and whether you would be comfortable there or not.”

Mary Cox, principal at UTC Plymouth, believes it is important to go to different open days because not every type of environment will suit every child.

“All my children are very different from each other and the general sixth form route didn’t suit any of them so we spent a lot of time looking at all of the choices locally,” said the mother-ofthree.

“Prospectuses only give so much so it’s best to meet the staff and even students already there.

“They will tell it as it is at the school and that’s as honest as it can be and you are getting a full picture.

“Young people are very influenced by what their parents say, particularly at this age, but if you can look some-

body in the eye and ask them the questions you really want to ask you w i l l c o m e aw ay m u c h b e t t e r infor med.”

With so many different types of schools on offer these days, it is important now more than ever to choose the right one for your child.

Steve Baker, headteacher at Lipson Co-operative Academy, encourages parents to visit schools during a normal school day, not just at an open evening.

“Of course you will have heard rumours, spoken to friends and family and looked at Ofsted reports and league tables, but nothing beats going around the school speaking to teachers and students and getting a real feel for what the school is like,” said the father-of-one.

“At Lipson we always encourage parents to come into the school during a normal day as well so we aren’t putting on a special kind of show and they will just see the school as it is.”

Mr Baker said that at the open days parents ask all sorts of questions and that one aspect of education may be more important to one parent than another depending on the individual needs of their child.

He said: “Some parents want to know how well looked after their child is going to be in the pastoral sense, some will want to know about Oxbridge entries, and some will want to know about special educational needs and everything that makes a ■ The right school will have an atmosphere in which your child will thrive school what it is.”

Learning, caring and achieving

Stop thinking Start doing Open Day 20th June

EXPLORE YOUR POTENTIAL WITH THE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Year 4 + 5 Open Evening 23 June 6pm - 8pm

To find out more call us on 01752 213939 or visit www.marineacademy.org.uk

EGGBUCKLAND Community College is a happy, supportive and exciting place to be a student. Set in a stunning 44-acre site, OFSTED describes the school as “an excellent learning environment” and “a good place to be a student”. A consistently successful track record means it is recognised in the top 20 per cent of schools nationally.

A spokesman said: “Learning Caring and Achieving are at the heart of our ethos; we want our students to enjoy their time with us, make the most of the opportunities available to them, and achieve to the very best of their ability. Our curriculum provides choice for students of all abilities and aptitudes. Each year a very high proportion gain places at the universities of their choice or secure employment and apprenticeships with top employers.”

Eggbuckland offers a huge variety of extracurricular opportunities from annual productions in Dance, Drama and Music to College teams in twelve different sports. The views of students are listened to and there is an active student leadership programme.

■ Eggbuckland Community College, Westcott Close, Plymouth PL6 5YB; 01752 779061; mail box@eggbuckland.com; www.eggbuckland.com

For Future Advertising in education Features, please contact Gareth Driscoll on

01752 293030

marjon.ac.uk

or email

gareth.driscoll@dc-media.co.uk

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JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Top tips for parents at school open days HERE’S The Herald’s top tips for getting the most from an open day and things to keep in mind:

■ Take your child with you – you need to see the school from their perspective and they’ll notice things you miss.

■ Think about the organisation of the open day – whether it runs smoothly or seems hectic. This could give a clue about the general running of the school.

■ Ask questions – it’s an opportunity to ask any of the questions that aren’t answered in the school prospectus or online.

■ Ask about facilities or seek out the teachers of the subjects your child is most interested in.

■ Ask any current students about their experience of the school – but don’t ask them what

they like or dislike in front of staff as they might not be honest.

■ Do your homework – look at Ofsted reports and exam results by all means but don’t just focus on last year’s results as they could be a blip. Always ask to see the past three years’ exam results.

■ Look at the work on display – does it represent a broad range of abilities?

■ Extra-curricular – what does the school offer outside of the curriculum such as sports and clubs so your child can develop their interests?

■ Listen to your instincts – what was your first impression of the school? Did you walk in and feel at home? How did you feel coming away from the open day?

What’s the best learning environment for your child?

Plymouth’s only comprehensive school for girls NOTRE DAME is Plymouth’s only comprehensive school for girls.

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 as being a ‘good’ school and a Diocesan Inspection rated us as ‘outstanding’.

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, beginning work or starting apprenticeships.

Whatever their plans, Notre Dame girls are prepared because of the school’s focus on education of the whole child: ‘head, heart and hands’.

For further information, please call 01752 775101 or visit the website at www.ndonline.org ■ Notre Dame School, Looseleigh Lane, Derriford, Plymouth, PL6 5HN; ■ 01752 775101; ■ info@ndonline.org; www.ndonline.org

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The Herald, Tuesday June 2 2015

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JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Gaining the skills for a fulfilling life LISKEARD School & Community College is a friendly, caring, supportive school with people and relationships at its heart.

It is a unique school of extraordinary staff and students and enjoys exceptional support from parents and the local community.

A spokesman said: We are proud of our school and ambitious to make it even better. We take the education of our students very seriously. Providing students with the skills to lead happy, fulfilling lives is at the heart of what we do.

We provide a safe and a caring environment for all pupils. We treat all of them as individuals and challenge them to be the best they can be no matter who they are.

“Someone once said, ‘It takes a whole village to educate a child’. At Liskeard, we take this to heart. As a Co-operative School we believe we can achieve more when the whole community works together.

“We regard it as a privilege to provide high quality comprehensive education for more than 1,000 students aged 11-18 . We hope you will join us!”

■ Liskeard School & Community College, Luxstowe, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 3EA ■ 01579 342344 ■ @Liskeard_School ■ www.liskeard.cornwall.sch.uk

King’s School marks its 25th anniversary KING’S SCHOOL is delighted to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.

The school was founded in 1989 by Mrs Mary Smyth, who had previously started Roundabout Day Care at the Plymouth Christian Centre. The school moved it its present premises in 1991.

Baroness Cox officially opened the School on November 13 1992.

It was at this juncture that the school was able to expand with three infant classes, two pre-school classes and one junior class. Over the years the school has grown so that there is a class for each year group from Foundation Stage 1 (three year olds) to Year 6 (eleven year olds).

In 1993 a Nursery unit for 0-3 year olds was established called Les Enfants, this is now King’s Nursery.

This currently has five rooms offering full day care.

King’s became a Cognita School in February 2008. Since a new hall and classroom extension in 2012 it has become a two-form entry expanding by a class each year.

In its last inspection by SIS the school was graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. Here are some highlights from the report.

ALL ROUNDERS: Pupils at King’s School have an enriched education ■ “Pupils throughout the school experience an exceptionally rich range of learning opportunities, including linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative areas of learning.”

■ “The quality of teaching and assessment is excellent. Classrooms are happy and productive places

where children are encouraged to enjoy the process of learning.

■ Pupils have an excellent range of opportunities for acquiring new knowledge from the range of curriculum opportunities available and the enrichment of learning experienced through school visits.”

■ “The school ensures the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral,

School rated as outstanding

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social and cultural awareness for all groups is exceptional. This is founded in the essential values derived from its Christian ethos and through the workings of a school community based on engagement, participation and mutual trust. The school enables pupils of all ages to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence.

Pupils are highly articulate.”

King’s School has also gained a Silver Healthy Child Award in December 2013 and Gold Arts Mark in September 2014.

This year the school has had many successes in sporting competitions, speech competitions, speech exams and music festivals. The school continues to both flourish and excel in all areas.. If you would like to arrange a tour or a taster session then please contact our Registrar, Samantha Phare on 01752 771789.

■ King's School and Nursery, Hartley Road, Mannamead, Plymouth. PL3 5LW ■ 01752 753730 ■ school.secretary@ kingsschool-plymouth.co.uk ■ www.kingsschool-ply mouth.co.uk

COOMBE DEAN is an 11-18 comprehensive school located on the outskirts of Plymouth.

Easily accessible by bus from the South Hams and Plymouth, the school attracts students from the locality of Plymstock, as well as all wards of Plymouth, and into Devon and Cornwall.

Designated an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ school during two consecutive inspections, Coombe Dean has upheld its position as one of the top schools in the country from 2008 to the current day.

They achieve this by careful attention to the needs of each of the students, setting challenging targets, and showing them how to achieve.

A spokesman said: “Visitors to the school comment upon the warm welcome they receive from all school members, and the calm and purposeful atmosphere they experience when moving through the school. Also noted are the fabulous facilities which the school is constantly seeking to upgrade. The most recent of these include new Science laboratories, Sports and Fitness Centre, Library and Student Services centre.”

To find out more about the school, visit one of their open evenings: ■ Year 4/5 Information Evening - Thursday, June 18– an opportunity to have questions answered on key questions about Coombe Dean School, secondary school life, applications and view the facilities ■ Year 5/6 Open Evening – Wednesday, September 9 – after an opening presentation the whole school will be open for you to visit, with staff and students in all areas to answer your questions.

■ Coombe Dean School, Charnhill Way, Elburton, Plymouth, PL9 8ES ■ 01752 406961 ■ office@coombedean ■ www.coombedean.co.uk

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JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Lipson’s co-operative values WE ALL want the very best education possible for our children, but above all else, we want them to fulfil their potential and be HAPPY don’t we?

When you are considering which schools to look at for your children, of course you are going to hear lots about how each school puts its pupils first and how dedicated to academic success they are. It will be tricky to assess what these statements really mean for you and your family.

You will need to delve a bit deeper and get under the skin of the headlines. When you start to explore Lipson Co-operative Academy, we think that you will find that this really is a school which holds each and every child centre-stage. Not only that, you will find that the underlying ethos is one of shared cooperative values producing happy, confident learners who are enjoying the fruits of their success, with happy smiles on their faces.

Principal Steve Baker with students at Lipson What are these co-operative values? We would be delighted if you democratic heart, each and every highlighted the value added performance as being in the top four in would come and visit us and exper- day. ience for yourself what we mean We know you will be impressed the country and praised principal when we say we hold mutual when you see the results we are Steve Baker and his energetic staff. respect, equality, responsibility, achieving by working in this way.

This is an academy pulsating with honesty, openness and caring at our The schools commissioner recently excitement, energy and self-belief;

HAPPINESS BREEDS SUCCESS

where learners, teachers and parents not only believe in value driven education but actually live it. These values are teaching our young people to respect one another and be socially responsible, caring individuals in a democratic, tolerant atmosphere – something we are confident you will see and feel the minute you walk through our doors.

At Lipson, our learners become part of a family not just a school.

This 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 we are sharing with our young people our commitment to saying ‘We instead of me’.

Another aspect of our family environment is the use of innovative Guilds, which pupils join after consultation whilst they are still at primary school. By joining a Guild, which each one has a specialist focus, those young children nervous at starting ‘big school’ are supported by a pastoral system right from day one.

At Lipson, the embodiment of cooperation and working together really is encouraging our 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 our 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.

These same energetic teachers handle modest class sizes, with good levels of pastoral and support staff.

Our continued investment in the school’s facilities is paying off in improving success rates and recognition of our good practice.

We believe that there is nothing in this world as fulfilling as seeing your happy child reach their full potential.

We look forward to welcoming you to Lipson and to one of our Open Events in the near future.

■ L i p s o n T h e C o - o p e r a t ive Academy, Bernice Terrace, Plymouth, Devon PL4 7PG ■ 01752 671318 ■ lca@lipson.plymouth.sch.uk ■ www.lipsonco-operat iveacademy.coop

Your childcare provider in the heart of Plympton

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The Herald, Tuesday June 2 2015

JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Get an insight into university DID YOU know that Plymouth University is ranked among the UK’s top 5 modern universities? Discover why at the Undergraduate Open Day on Wednesday, June 24.

Our open day offers you the perfect opportunity to learn more about the university and its campus, and gain a real insight into what studying with us is like.

Throughout the day, there will be many opportunities to experience the state-ofthe-art learning environment, explore the range of student accommodation and find out more about the hundreds of courses available to study. The Students’ Union will also be on hand to show you some of the 140-plus sports clubs and societies.

You and your guests will have the chance to talk to academic staff, chat to current ambassadors and meet like-minded students who are also considering Plymouth for the next steps of their student journey.

To read more about the wealth of activities on offer, and to register, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/opendays. You can also find the university on Facebook at / plymuniapply or join the conversation on Twitter @PlymUniApply ■ Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA ■ 01752 585858 ■ admissions@plymouth.ac.uk ■ www.plymouth.ac.uk

Set your sights high with Sir John Hunt MAKING the right choice of secondary school is one of the most important decisions you, as a family, make.

Sir John Hunt Community Sports College is a smaller school and knows all its students as individuals; it is caring, supportive and aspiring. In joining Sir John Hunt students are joining a family, where they will be challenged to excel and reach greater heights.

T he colle g e and community are proud of its academic success, incredible facilities, outstanding care and guidance and the range of inspirational activities on offer both within and outside of college.

Don’t take their word for it, have a look. Find out how the college can help your child to be the best that they can be! If you are unable to make one of

the open events feel free to contact Mrs Jordan on 01752 201020 or email newintake@sir johnhunt.plymouth.sch.uk to make an alternative arrangement.

■ Sir John Hunt Com munity Sports College, Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh, Plymouth PL5 4AA ■ 01752 201020 ■ newintake@ sirjohnhunt. plymouth.sch.uk ■ www.sirjohnhunt. plymouth.sch.uk

Sir John Hunt students set up a live feed for the eclipse through the school’s YouTube channel

“This is a good school.”

Ofsted

Sir John Hunt Community Sports College

“Choose a school that they will love.”

Open Evening Monday 14th September 2015 6.30pm - 8.30pm

Open Day

Wednesday 23rd September 2015 9.30am - 10.30am 2.00pm - 3.00pm 3.00pm - 4.00pm

Making the right choice of secondary school is one of the most important decisions you, as a family, make. We are a smaller school and we know all of our students as individuals; we are caring, supportive and aspiring. In joining Sir John Hunt you are joining our family, where we will challenge each young person to excel “To Greater Heights”.

The College and community are proud of our academic success, incredible facilities, outstanding care and guidance and the range of inspirational activities on offer both within and outside of College.

Don’t take our word for it, come and have a look. Find out how we can help your child to be the best that they can be! If you are unable to make our open events then please feel free to contact Mrs Jordan on 01752 201020 or email newintake@sirjohnhunt.plymouth.sch.uk to make an alternative arrangement.

Principal: Mrs W Brett (B Ed, NPQH) Lancaster Gardens, Whitleigh, Plymouth, PL5 4AA Email: newintake@sirjohnhunt.plymouth.sch.uk Email: theprincipal@sirjohnhunt.plymouth.sch.uk Tel: 01752 201020

JUNE 2015

Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

www.sirjohnhunt.plymouth.sch.uk

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JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Stars shine bright at Marine Academy on their ability to nurture and encourage students to be innovative, creative, spirited, curious and pioneering, to help them discover their talents and transform their future.

Whilst specialising in marine, which embraces science, maths, technology and the environment, they also place an important emphasis on access to opportunities for education outside of the classroom to ensure their students can realise their ambitions.

Join Marine Academy Plymouth at their open day at 6pm on Tuesday, June 23. To find out more, visit www.marineacademy.org.uk or call 01752 213939.

■ ■ ■ ■

Marine Academy Plymouth, Trevithick Road, St Budeaux, PL5 2AF; (01752) 213939; contact@marineacademy.org.uk www.marineacademy.org.uk

p 00 shi s r 1 e ie ve tic c O en can pr va Ap ob j

MARINE Academy Plymouth will be opening their doors for their next open day for students in Year 4 or 5 going into Year 7 in September 2016 and September 2017 on Tuesday, June 23.

The open day is a great chance for potential future students to tour the campus, learn more about what studying at Marine Academy Plymouth involves and about the opportunities on offer for students.

As an all-through campus for students aged from 0 to 19, Marine Academy Plymouth offers a broad, exciting curriculum which focuses on the fascinating world of marine.

Marine Academy Plymouth pride themselves

Finished your exams and don’t know what to do next?

Course Information Drop-in 1 July, 4pm - 6pm Kings Road, PL1 5QG Year 7 students at Marine Academy Plymouth step out of the classroom and into the bubbly world of science as part of their induction

cityplym.ac.uk/events 01752 305300

125 YEARS Est. 1889

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The Herald, Tuesday June 2 2015

JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Building a bright career path EXAMS are almost over and soon young people across the city will face the big decision of what to do next.

Whatever your exam results, City College Plymouth can help you to plan for your future and take the next steps towards employment or further study.

The college is offering a series of FREE course information drop-in events at their Kings Road site to help young people like you to find the path which is right for them: ■ Wednesday 3 June, 4pm to 6pm ■ Wednesday 17 June, 4pm to 6pm ■ Wednesday 1 July, 4pm to 6pm ■ Wednesday 15 July, 4pm to 6pm ■ Wednesday 29 July, 4pm to 6pm ■ Wednesday 12 August, 4pm to 6pm.

There are lots of choices out there and you don’t have to stay in school until you are 18.

The college offers clear routes of progression from vocational training and BTECs (equivalent to three A Levels) straight through to university-level Foundation Degrees.

So whether you’re planning on taking on a full or part-time college course or starting your career with an apprenticeship, then these information events will tell you all you need to know. The drop-ins offer a small and informal setting to chat to college staff about the range of

courses and apprenticeships on offer and how to apply. The college’s awardwinning careers team will be onhand to give FREE impartial careers advice and guidance to help you make the right choices.

Erica Safari-Omoigui attended the events before choosing to study the Access to Nursing course.

She said: “I am so grateful that, even though it was busy, they took the time to speak to me and really understand what I needed. I will never forget that. I don’t think people realise the kind of support you can get at the college.

“I’m able to say that there has never been a time when I felt on my own.”

Soon the long wait will be over and your results will finally have arrived!

Whether you’re celebrating acing every subject or have concerns about what your options are now, City College can help you to plan your next steps.

The college is hosting two special exam results advice sessions for young people who have received their GCSE and A Level results on Friday 14 August, 10am to 1pm and Friday 21 August, 10am to 1pm.

■ City College, Kings Road, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 5QG ■ 01752 305300 ■ info@cityplym.ac.uk ■ www.cityplym.ac.uk

Beccy Richards tries out some bricklaying during a visit to see what’s on offer at City College Plymouth

Year 5 Open Mornings

“Educating girls: head, heart, hands”

Hele's School

Friday 26th and Monday 29th June 2015

You are invited to join us for tours of the school, visiting classrooms and facilities on Friday 26th and Monday 29th June from 9.15 - 10.30 am

Notre Dame Plymouth

Open Evening

Weds 23 September • 4 - 7pm Presentations at 4.30pm, 5.30pm & 6.30pm t: 01752 775101 w: ndonline.org e: info@ndonline.org

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JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Get a head start with UTC Plymouth STUDENTS going into Year 10 or 12 in September 2015 are invited to find out how they can kick-start their future career in engineering with UTC Plymouth at their next open day on Thursday, June 18.

Starting at 5.30pm, the open day will allow prospective students to meet current staff and students, tour the facilities and find out how UTC Plymouth could transform their education. For students aged between 14 to 19 with an interest in engineering, UTC Plymouth offers a unique opportunity to help them gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the world of industry.

Combining classroom teaching with sessions in state-of-the-art workshops, students apply theory to real projects, getting to grips with the latest in cutting-edge technology to gain better understanding of how it is used in the workplace. Alongside this, students will also take part in sport, enrichment and challenging activities to help enhance and mould their entrepreneurial, innovation and employability skills.

This all contributes towards shaping students’ learning to prepare them for their future, whether it’s further or higher education, work-based learning or employment.

If you’ve got a passion for science and engineering, register to attend UTC Plymouth’s open day on Thursday 18th June by visiting www.utcplymouth.org.

■ UTC Plymouth, Park Avenue, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 4RL ■ 01752 284250 ■ reception@utcplymouth.org ■ www.utcplymouth.org

St Boniface welcomes students from all faiths

Pupils at St Boniface’s Catholic College

ST BONIFACE’s Catholic College in Manadon Park is an eclectic community which welcomes families from all faiths and backgrounds – the school is not exclusively for Catholic children; all it asks is that their ethos is respected.

With 150 years of rich history, St Boniface’s has far-reaching links with many local families and owns a place in Plymouth’s education system.

St Boniface’s uniqueness in the South West as an all-boys faith school allows its dedicated staff to ensure all pupils reach or exceed their potential.

Academic and sporting achievements are encouraged, with recent leavers headed for universities including Oxford, Plymouth and Bath and boys gaining scholarships with local colleges and sports clubs including Plymouth Argyle.

YEAR 7 The transition from primary to secondary school can be a daunting

experience for parents as well as children, that’s why St Boniface’s has a dedicated transition team to help make the move as smooth as possible.

Mrs Swann, Head of Transition and Year 7 at the school, works closely with primary schools to identify which families would benefit most from her support.

SIXTH FORM

The St Boniface’s Sixth Form is co-educational and welcomes girls from across the city either as permanent students or as members of The Link Partnership.

There are a wide range of AL eve l , B T E C a n d vo c at i o n a l courses to suit everyone’s pathway.

Get in touch to arrange a tour and meet the Sixth Form team by calling Mrs Cox on 753966.

To apply for a place go to www.stbonifaces.com/apply “Always improving, aiming for outstanding.”

■ St Boniface’s Catholic College, 21 Boniface Lane, Manadon Park, Plymouth, Devon, PL5 3AG ■ 01752 779051 ■ mail@stbonifaces.com ■ www.stbonifaces.com

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The Herald, Tuesday June 2 2015

JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Teachers and students ready for new studio school Age 14 – 16?

LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN SPORT TOURISM OR HOSPITALITY EVENT MANAGEMENT? • • • • • •

Opening September 2015 Year 10 and 12 places Academic and professional qualifications World-class sports facilities Elite athlete pathway Weekly industry placements

Plymouth Studio School Open Morning

18 July 2015, 10.00am – 1.00pm University of St Mark & St John campus Derriford Pre-register for the Open Morning now or book a meeting with the Principal at www.plymouthstudioschool.co.uk info@plymouthstudioschool.co.uk 01752 305300

TASTER DAYS AT OUR ‘OUTSTANDING SCHOOL’

The first new lead teachers who will join Plymouth Studio School, Kerrie Nicholls (maths) and Cat Madley (science)

YOUNG athletes from the Team UK squads for Modern Pentathlon, Taekwondo and Underwater Hockey are amongst the high-flying sports students who have signed up to start at the new Plymouth Studio School which opens on-site at the University of St Mark & St John this September.

They’ll be joining 13 to 16-year-olds from across Plymouth and surrounding areas who will be amongst the first 100 students to attend the school.

Students will specialise in sport, tourism or hospitality event management alongside their GCSEs and A levels.

They will also have access to the world-class sports and sports therapy facilities on-site.

The studio school is one of 46 similar academy schools across the UK which are designed to give students the full range of skills they need for the workplace and their future careers, including on-going work placements with local employers.

Plymouth Studio School will also help build a skilled workforce for the city’s rapidly expanding sport and life-style sector which is predicted to create a further 4,000 jobs by 2026.

Principal Matthew Lennon explains: “Plymouth Studio School offers a really different, exciting and innovative way to learn. Students and parents have been attracted by the mix of academic and professional qualifications on offer, small class sizes of up to only 20 pupils, flexible timetables which can accommodate the needs of each individual student (including elite athletes) and ongoing industry placements.

“We’re looking forward to giving our students the best mix of academic and vocational experience to help them build successful and exciting careers as sports and tourism professionals, sports therapists, sports coaches and event and leisure organisers and leaders of the future.”

Key teachers for the school have now been appointed and include Heads of Maths, Science and English who have an innovative approach to learning and ability to adapt to the personal needs of each student.

Head of Science Cat Madley said: “It’s my aim to ensure every student gets the individual help and support they need to be the best they can and that together we find a way of learning which helps them to achieve their goals.”

Key leisure and tourism employers,

including the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, the National Marine Aquarium, Kitley House, Boringdon Hall and Destination Plymouth, will be working closely with the school.

Paul White, who has hands-on experience of advising on key sailing events within the city will play a role in the business and tourism department.

Jon Morcom, director and owner of the Duke of Cornwall Hotel said: “It’s fantastic that we now have a school dedicated to ensuring that our workforce has the key skills needed to offer visitors to Plymouth the best experience possible.”

There are some places remaining at Plymouth Studio School for Year 10 and Year 12 students. Anyone wishing to find out more, meet with the Principal or register for the Open Day on July 18 from 10am to 1pm at the University of St Mark & St John should visit www.plymouthstudioschool.co.uk ■ Plymouth Studio School, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BH ■ 01752 305300 ■ info@plymouthstudio school.co.uk ■ www.plymouthstudio school.co.uk

If you are considering changing your child’s school, this is an ideal opportunity for them to experience school life with us; we will also give them a delicious home cooked lunch.

OPEN MORNING ON 18th JUNE, 2015 FROM 9.30am UNTIL 11.30am If you would like to register for a taster day or a tour then please contact Samantha Phare, Registrar on 01752 771789.

The Herald, Tuesday June 2 2015

Tweet us @plymouthherald

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

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JUNE 2015 Your guide to EDUCATION in Plymouth

Turn your passion for food into a career ARE YOU passionate about cooking? Do you dream of running your own café or restaurant, launching your own food business or travelling the world cooking professionally? If so the Ashburton Chefs Academy can help turn your dream into a reality.

The Chefs Academy is one of the leading private culinary schools in the South West offering inspirational training programmes for aspiring chefs from its world-class facility in Ashburton between Exeter and Plymouth.

Ashburton students come from varied backgrounds with ages ranging from 18 to 50. Ambitions include launching a career as a chef, o p e n i n g a c a f é o r p u b, launching a catering business, or travelling the world as a private chef.

Students learn from a team

of highly experienced, professional chef tutors working with the best quality Devon produce, to master the fundamental skills, techniques and discipline needed to succeed as a modern chef.

Courses range from a fourweek Chef Foundation to a flagship 20-week Professional Culinary Diploma.

You can even specialise as a Pastry Chef on a Diploma in Professional Patisserie.

Course finance is available, which can even be taken out by family members on behalf of the student.

■ Ashburton Chefs Academy, Old Exeter Road, Ashburton, TQ13 7LG. ■ (01364) 652784 ■ www.AshburtonChef sAcademy.co.uk TASTY: Some of the dishes created by student chefs at Ashburton

“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. Hele’s welcome students of all abilities and take pride in developing academic achievement, a sense of responsibility, confidence and mutual respect. The school works in partnership with its enthusiastic students, committed staff and supportive parents/carers.

A spokesman said: “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.”

The school is situated in Plympton and offers an exceptional site. It has a rich and diverse extracurricular programme.

“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 ■ Hele’s School, Seymour Road, Plympton, PL7 4LT ■ 01752 337193 ■ heles.school@plymouth.gov.uk ■ www.heles.plymouth.sch.uk

Liskeard School &

COOMBE DEAN SCHOOL “Outstanding”

Vibrant, happy and successful

Community College achieving more together School

Year 4 and 5 pupils and parents are invited to the

Coombe Dean Information Evening Thursday 18th June at 7.00pm

a complete education from 11 to 18

Coombe Dean School

Charnhill Way, Elburton, Plymouth PL9 8ES

Tel: 01752 482924

www.coombedean.co.uk

Sixth Form Induction Day - Tue 23rd June

Year 6 Open Evening - Wed 23rd Sept, 6pm-8.30pm

Specialist Maths and ICT School and Training School

01579 342344 | @Liskeard_School www.liskeard.cornwall.sch.uk

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