Plymouth College Prospectus 2024 by Plymouth College

PLYMOUTH COLLEGE EDUCATE ENRICH EMPOWER

PLYMOUTH COLLEGE

Having the ability to have a bespoke visit especially when the School was in operation really gave a sense of the School and its values.

Learning at Plymouth College: the wider context

The UK enjoys a deserved reputation as a world-class provider of independent boarding education. Our long tradition of welcoming pupils from around the world is built upon a commitment to the very highest standards in all areas.

First and foremost, the UK’s independent school sector has an exceptionally robust approach to academic work, together with an internationally recognised system of qualifications promoting access to all universities; not least many top ranking ‘home’ universities including Oxford and Cambridge. Our class sizes are small and teacher to pupil ratios very high, allowing for individual attention throughout a very broad range of subjects.

This academic excellence is inseparable from a culture that celebrates the individual as a whole person. However good an independent boarding school’s academic results are, it will also be striving to create a rounded learning experience by encouraging self-expression, creativity and individuality. Success in sport, the arts and in other areas, such as debating, may be less tangible than exam results, but it is one of the ways in which a pupil’s independence, confidence and faith in oneself is built up. This concentration on developing the whole person is part of the reason why pupils who have been to a UK independent boarding school are so prized by employers. Similarly, there is always an emphasis placed on developing leadership and social skills. Living and studying together in a multi-age, multi-cultural community enables pupils to successfully develop qualities such as kindness, tolerance and responsibility.

Our pupils have access to a very distinctive, historic culture, rich in the arts, in science, technology, beautiful countryside and with an open, outward looking population comprising all races and nationalities, where everyone is valued for their distinctive contribution to the whole.

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An area of outstanding natural beauty

Plymouth is known as Britain’s Ocean City and is just a few minutes away from some of the world’s best coastline and countryside.

Rain or shine, Plymouth is home to breath-taking views, plenty to see and do and lots of fresh, sea and country air. As the greenest city in the UK, Plymouth constitutes 40% green space and is home to Dartmoor National Park and the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where there is no shortage of hiking, horse riding and rock-climbing opportunities.

There are many well-known landmarks to discover including the largest operational naval base in Western Europe. Our pupils have access to Plymouth’s many unique areas and districts which are just waiting to be explored and you can also now reach London in approximately two hours. Plymouth is well served by road and railway, with easy links to Bristol and Exeter.

There are regular half-hourly trains to London with a journey time of just under two hours. Access to Europe is right on your doorstep with the local port offering regular cross-Channel ferry services to Brittany in France and Santander in northern Spain. The closest airport is 47 miles away in Exeter, 50 minutes by road.

This holistic education is part of our DNA. Everything we do – every lesson, every form period, every activity – is a truly enriching experience for our pupils and enables them to develop intellectually, academically, socially, morally and physically. They emerge from their Plymouth College education with fantastic exam results and as rounded, grounded, happy and confident young men and women.

Image: Dartmoor

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Our School

Plymouth College is an outstanding co-educational day and boarding school situated in the heart of Plymouth.

We have been providing an excellent education to pupils from Plymouth, all over the UK and around the world since we were founded in 1877. Throughout our history, we have retained our reputation for excellence in education and we are proud of the standards, the values and the aspirations suggested by this history.

Our motto, Dat Deus Incrementum (God Gives The Increase), is the same as that of Westminster School, Marlborough College and Tonbridge School. However we are also a school that is forward-looking and progressive; combining the very best of old and new. Our contemporary interpretation of our motto is ‘Plymouth College: Where everything is possible’.

We are acutely aware that all our pupils will need the skills and attributes to thrive in an ever more competitive world. Our pupils exceed their potential and achieve impressive exam results gaining them places at Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell group and world-leading universities. But academic results alone do not prepare young people for life beyond school. Our pupils, with our support and guidance, develop strong communication skills, the ability to lead and work with others and above all, they develop self-confidence - feeling that, with hard work and determination, anything can be achieved.

The emphasis of Plymouth College is very much on what our pupils can do well and ensuring that they emerge as happy, confident, grounded and well-balanced young people. In addition, they will take with them the lifelong friendships developed in our safe environment that values their emotional wellbeing as much as their personal development and academic performance.

New pupils are encouraged not only by the staff but also by their peers, which creates a really strong sense of community.

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Our Vision

It has been a fantastic experience for our daughter. Our only regret is not looking at Plymouth College sooner “ ”

Heads Welcome

Schools should always be a source of hope and promise for the future, and guiding students in schools is both a privilege and a challenge. Working to support and guide young children and adolescents through what seems an increasingly uncertain world is a truly important vocation, carrying great responsibility and accountability. For those of us who choose to take on this challenge, witnessing the development and flourishing of young people is the greatest reward.

Ours is a community which believes in learning for all, learning for life and learning in a fuller sense than just academically. For our students, this means that whilst examination success and demonstrable academic progress is valued, so too is the personal growth and character development gained through co-curricular activity, but also opportunities to support and lead others and to undertake community service.

Pastoral care and education, and knowing all of our students well in our inclusive community, underpins all that we do. For our staff, learning is key too, through opportunities for career development and continuing professional development of high frequency and measurable value.

Plymouth College Ethos and Values

Aspiration

We foster ambition, hope, confidence and selfmotivation in all our pupils. Aiming high is the Plymouth College way.

Kindness

We uphold our community to be considerate of others, welcoming of new people, being friendly and showing support and compassion to our peers.

Respect

We expect our pupils to have respect for others, our environment other cultures, British Values and to be tolerant of difference.

Resilience

The world of work is changing at a fast pace and the speed of this process is only going to accelerate. Many jobs, including professional ones, are being automated, whilst new roles and responsibilities are being created.

At Plymouth College we strive to uncover what this rapidly changing world means for young people today. It is an invitation to all members of the current and future Plymouth College community to work together as we seek to reinforce and develop the best possible education; an education that is preparing pupils to be strong and resilient yet flexible and thoroughly engaged.

While academic achievements and results will always provide a necessary foundation, that may not be sufficient in an increasingly competitive job market. Therefore, it is vital that young people develop the skills and attributes employers require. Skills such as creativity, problem solving, leadership and resilience are key aspects of this and can be developed through a traditional range of

academic and extra-curricular opportunities, but we believe that schools can do more.

We would like our pupils to develop these vital characteristics in a more tangible way, through coaching and mentoring programmes that extend throughout their life at Plymouth College. We build our distinctive ethos into the very fabric of lessons as well as extra-curricular activities, by combining our crucial, long-standing commitment to traditional educational values with carefully and appropriately selected ideas from the latest research.

A modern education with a focus on the individual is something we are passionate about delivering throughout Plymouth College from Pre-School into the Sixth Form. Pupils flourish when they enjoy their education, whilst discovering and developing individual talents and exploring new skills.

Success in life is measured in many different ways, most obviously by gold medals and examination results. Our community is rightly proud of our Olympic heritage in sport and the excellent achievements of our students at both GCSE and A level, but we also recognise that success for each individual means different things. We support our students in testing themselves in and beyond the classroom, and value resilience, teamwork, perseverance and service as much as we do raw attainment.

Ultimately, how our students are as people and how they build relationships with others will be of more importance to them, and to society, than how talented they are. Our community thrives in supporting both those who display excellence and those who struggle; it thrives in the development of academic and emotional intelligence and literacy, and in enhancing in our leavers a sense of their responsibility for themselves and their own actions, to others and to their environment and in creating a more compassionate and aware global community.

As you explore our website, we hope it gives you a flavour of the vibrant daily life of Plymouth College. We invite you to visit us in person; a chance for you to experience first hand the nurturing relationships, holistic education, and limitless possibilities that define our community.

To find out more and experience this in person, please do come to visit us. I look forward to meeting you.

Peter Watts | Headmaster

We teach our pupils not to let failure drain resolve and to overcome difficulties. Perseverance, tenacity, courage and commitment are all encouraged.

Service

We pride ourselves on having a culture of serving others, rather than self-service. We praise those, who through kindness and compassion, put the feelings of others first.

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EDUCATE

There is no more pressing task than encouraging young people to place deliberate and considered thought at the heart of their lives.

Knowledge is a vital part of education but a collection of facts is of no use unless it is accompanied by independence of mind, the intellectual curiosity and the freedom to express ourselves without barriers. When the subject matter itself fades our ability to think logically and to use evidence to solve problems with originality and creativity must remain.

The first steps towards productive thought are intellectual curiosity and an openness to new ideas. Young minds are naturally inquisitive and creative. We recognise the courage required to challenge, question and at times fail as part of a successful learning experience. We are committed to providing an environment where a willingness to take risks and intellectual courage are inculcated as part of the Plymouth College education. The ability to order thoughts effectively, to apply rationality to problem solving and to seek appropriate evidence for the way we think combine with the attributes above to provide a solid foundation for each pupil to fulfil their potential.

At Plymouth College your child will be...

Expected

to be curious, stretched and challenged in every aspect of school life.

Encouraged to combine creativity and ambition with logic and reason in their thinking.

Inspired to try new things, to take risks and learn, without fear, from their mistakes.

ENRICH

The days of passive learning are over. Teachers must guide,clarify, elaborate and provide materials, but they can no longer simply give ‘the right answer’ to be regurgitated thoughtlessly in an exam. Instead, pupils are required to take responsibility for their own development, with teachers attentive to and entirely supportive of their needs.

In practice this means asking questions, volunteering answers, reviewing notes, redoing homework and reflecting upon progress. Planning and organisational ability play a vital part and demand self-awareness, persistence and resilience; skills so important to our approach at Plymouth College. Likewise, a good pupil commits to depth of understanding, always recognising that education is a never ending process with layer upon layer of understanding waiting to be discovered and never satisfied with one dimensional answers. Success will rightly be celebrated, yet failing, doing badly, struggle, and even despair are part of learning. If we never feel these things we are not aiming high enough. As with climbing mountains, the steepest slopes are the hardest and we long for the easy stroll of the flatter path, but it is during the sharp ascents that we make the most progress towards the peak. Refusal to give up is the single best indicator of future success.

At Plymouth College your child will be...

Expected with the support of teachers, to take responsibility for their development.

Encouraged to ask questions, volunteer answers and reflect upon their progress.

Inspired to aim high and strive for a deeper level of understanding.

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The first steps towards productive thought are intellectual curiosity and an openness to new ideas.

EMPOWER

In order to live with integrity, it is vital that pupils understand themselves and recognise their own passions, strengths and weaknesses. In all walks of life it is possible to get lost in the system, to lose sight of what is important to us, to turn our minds to an easier way.

The enormous responsibility of defining our own lives, of making them what we want them to be, comes to all of us gradually, yet how we cope with this recognition is often a result of our education. That young people are active participants in their own destiny and should be able to seek out that destiny is one of our core beliefs.

With a determination to improve, a belief in the efficacy of hard work and a sense of purpose, we believe that all pupils can seek out excellence with confidence and positivity. Further, the soft skills so highly valued by employers are developed through every day interactions with others, through joining the debating team, volunteering for positions of responsibility, offering help in the wider community, playing sport and music, acting in plays, and a whole host of other opportunities. Engagement in both the specific and general sense offers us a future of exciting and almost unlimited possibilities.

At Plymouth College your child will be...

Expected to recognise their passions, strengths and weaknesses.

Encouraged to define their own lives with integrity.

Inspired to work hard to achieve excellence with confidence and positivity.

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Boarding Key Facts

Boarding at Plymouth College

Boarding has been a vibrant and integral part of Plymouth College since 1877, and it continues to thrive in the elegant Victorian buildings called Colson House and Mannamead House. We replicate the best qualities of family life and endeavour to create a close-knit community where life-long friendships are formed.

Conveniently situated both physically and metaphorically right at the heart of the site, our boarding community is small enough to enjoy a supportive, family atmosphere from which young people can explore the richness of the wider school. Significant investment has allowed Plymouth College to provide an excellent modern environment within which to live and work. Younger boarders share a bedroom with two others, while seniors have twin or single bedrooms. There are comfortable, well-equipped social areas, well-stocked kitchen areas to supplement the excellent school dining, calm work areas, and safe, restful bedrooms.

Led by the Head of Boarding, there is a team of specialist staff dedicated to ensuring the highest possible quality of supervision at all hours of the day and night. Pupils are strongly encouraged to immerse themselves in boarding life and contribute to the community through taking on responsibility, sharing their talents and helping one another.

A diverse cultural and extra-curricular programme is offered to all boarding pupils. These range from educational trips and house events, to soirees and recreational outings. Whilst recognising the value of taking time out for quiet contemplation or pure relaxation, our weekends are varied and purposeful. Former boarders returning to Plymouth College often say that their boarding house has provided them with an invaluable and unique experience that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

No Exeat weekends| No Saturday school | One boarding community

Dedicated, experienced staff | In the heart of the school campus

Within walking distance of the city | Full weekend activity programme

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Our Prep School

The happiness and well being of pupils is of paramount importance and is at the heart of everything that prep schools do and achieve. Plymouth College Prep School is no exception and we are immensely proud of the part we play in nurturing young minds during their formative years. Values, standards and expectations remain high on the list of priorities, alongside mutual care and respect.

The very nature of a prep school education ensures that your child will feel safe and secure. A wealth of happy memories are often a legacy, with lifetime friendships frequently being forged.The relocation of Plymouth College Prep School from the Millfields site (formally St Dunstan’s Abbey School) has been a long held ambition that enabled us to utilise both the facilities and the expertise that currently existed on the Ford Park site for the benefit of the children within the Prep School environment. Prep school pupils have many more opportunities including easy access to the indoor swimming pool, astroturf, science labs, art studio and music school.

Specialist senior school staff are available to enhance the excellent teaching of the Prep School class teachers as the Prep school pupils become more inquisitive with age.The new accommodation boasts purposefully designed interior spaces as well as specific zoned outdoor learning areas including a Forest School.The children are nurtured within bright and airy classrooms, with plenty of their own outdoor space. Parents can access the site for drop off and collection with ease. From the point of joining the Prep and progressing through the School until they are ready to join the Senior School, children are supported and encouraged to build a love of learning and a thirst for knowledge. Each child will be valued as an individual and encouraged; they will be stretched, not stressed, by their tasks, which are carefully designed and structured to help them meet their potential. A positive home-school relationship really does help to support and enhance what happens in the classroom and we work hard to ensure this remains a real strength of our provision.

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Our facilities

While the school is within the city’s urban area, our main school campus called Ford Park extends beyond thirteen acres. In addition the School owns an additional seven acres of sports fields at Delgany, just a fifteen minute drive away.

Ford Park is home to all our teaching and boarding facilities, as well science laboratories, art and DT studios, music and theatre facilities, swimming pool, our new well-being centre and offices. There is a mix of Victorian architecture as well as later additions of new, purpose built facilities such as the Meade King Hall and indoor sports hall. The George Stephenson Pavilion boasts an atmospheric café called George’s and overlooks the 1st XV rugby pitch, athletics field and cricket square. It is a vibrant hub both on match days and also during the school week, where it is a focal point for parents to meet over a coffee at drop off times and catch up as a community.

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GCSE courses

Our bespoke teaching and small class sizes combine to empower pupils to achieve excellent exam results and we pride ourselves on our strong performances across the School. Academic achievements at Plymouth College are many and varied.

Our abiding commitment to holistic education allows us to provide an impressive breadth of pathways, tailored to the needs and enthusiasms of the individual. Pupils at Plymouth College gain a confident understanding of core, central concepts and understand their application in a real-world context. Our classrooms are warm, welcoming environments in which pupils can expect to have their thoughts and opinions heard and in which they will certainly be pushed to meet and exceed their potential. Above all else, we aim to engender excitement and enjoyment and to cultivate a love of learning for its own sake both in the classroom and well beyond it!

Outstanding exam grades are a by-product of our dedication to nurturing inquisitive, critical and enthusiastic learners. We know that if you develop the right attitudes and skills, exam results will come naturally. Excellent grades at GCSE and A Level pave the way for successful applications to university, while the understanding, skills and thirst for knowledge that pupils develop provide the foundations for success in any walk of life.

Alongside GCSEs and iGCSEs we offer pupils the opportunity to embark upon the Higher Project Qualification. This independent learning project allows pupils to discover the joys of taking responsibility for their own study. Recent subjects have included ‘How can science stop or slow aging?’ and ‘Market leaders in the film industry’.

GCSE and iGCSE subjects

All pupils study:

English Language

English Literature

Mathematics

Biology, Chemistry and Physics (taken as three separate GCSEs or as a combined science award worth two GCSEs)

A choice of four optional subjects are chosen from the list below. Pupils are encouraged to follow at least one humanities subject (Geography, History or Religious Studies) and at least one Modern Foreign Language.

Business

Classical Civilisation

Computer Science

Design and Technology

Drama

Fine Art

French

Geography

German

History

Latin

Music

Photography

Physical Education

Religious Studies

Spanish

The GCSE and iGCSE examinations in most subjects are taken at the end of Year 11, although there are occasional opportunities for pupils to take exams early in Year 10. A one year pre-Sixth Form course is available for Year 11 international pupils to prepare to start A Levels or the Sport Baccalaureate one year later. They study alongside the other Year 11 pupils in subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences. There are also other bespoke lessons provided in the humanities and foreign languages. This programme enables the pupils to take a range of GCSE qualifications after just one year. This course can be tailored to the individual needs of each pupil, with extra support lessons available, if required.

The options systems in Years 10 and 11 are re-designed each year to accommodate all pupils’ preferred choices as far as is possible.

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A Level courses

Alongside a wide A Level curriculum encompassing academic, creative and sports subjects, we have a comprehensive enrichment programme designed to place our pupils in the best position possible for a variety of pathways after their time with us - be it in the world of work, or academia.

This holistic approach makes the Sixth Form at Plymouth College a perfect preparation for life at university and the world of work, where wide-ranging skills, flexibility and adaptability, knowledge of logical, critical, literary and creative thinking are in high demand. A Levels offer specialisation and focus which provoke the curiosity and drive needed for those highly demanding qualifications. This choice empowers pupils to take control of their learning and pick the route which fits best with each individual’s academic interests and aspirations.

For success Sixth Form pupils require intrinsic motivation; a commitment to independent study, perseverance, resilience and a considerable aptitude for the subjects chosen. We provide the environment to help fulfil these criteria through a careful balance of space and support, along with extensive resources.

Small tutor groups, overseen by The Head of Sixth Form and Deputy Heads of Sixth Form enable us to provide bespoke academic and pastoral support to each individual Sixth Form pupil. Our pupils typically study three A Level subjects for two years, or they embark upon the Sports Baccalaureate option.

We view the Sixth Form as being the transition to the adult world. In an environment of mutual respect and cooperation, teachers and pupils work together towards achieving aspirations - whatever they may be. Our Sixth Form centre is much more than just an academic hub.

A Level subjects

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Sport Baccalaureate

This is a complete two year course built around a central qualification of the Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Outdoor Activities (1080) RQF. The BTEC Extended Diploma is a long-standing British qualification and is the equivalent of three full A levels.

The Sports Baccalaureate is both a practical and academic qualification with assessment by way of a portfolio, assignment and presentation rather than through examinations. Pupils should ideally have 5 GCSE passes at C grade or above, including English and Maths but those who do not quite meet this level may still be accepted. During the two years, pupils will cover topics such as:

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Fitness Training

• Personal Skills Development in Outdoor Activities

• Sporting Injuries

• Careers in the Sport & Active Leisure Industry

• Sports Nutrition

• Applied Leadership & Instructing in Outdoor Activities

University and Careers advice

All Sixth form pupil are strongly supported in developing their post-18 plans, building on the work done by Heads of Year lower down the school. Pupils use STAR and Unifrog for impartial career advice.

The majority successfully apply to UK universities through UCAS. Preparation for this starts early and includes whole year group and individual guidance sessions; a visit to a UCAS convention; an interview skills workshop and practice interviews. Additional, tailored support is provided for Oxbridge candidates and those looking to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. Work Experience is also undertaken with support from a growing network of contacts. Support is also given to those seeking to undertake apprenticeship schemes, including those at degree level.

There are many other educational and career paths that pupils have the opportunity to explore. Some, for example, apply to universities in North America. We have experience in supporting these applications and provide specialist help with scholarships. Work experience is seen as an essential part of career choice and university application, with students having excellent placements with employers locally; across the UK and abroad.

Pupils should be continually considering, researching and planning for their future goals. Plymouth College has a well-equipped careers department, with a wide variety of information available. Sixth Form pupils also have dedicated days where they can learn more about the UCAS process, different careers, interview techniques and CV-writing. An annual Careers Fair provides many opportunities for pupils to meet with different universities and professionals from a variety of diverse career fields as well as learn about apprenticeship schemes and both school leaver and graduate programmes.

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Outdoor Education

At Plymouth College we believe that extra-curricular activities are central to the all-round development of our pupils and we aim to provide as many opportunities as possible for pupils to enrich their lives both inside and outside school. We are immensely proud of our Outdoor Education programme that encourages our pupils to get out there, get stuck in, give it a go and above all - have fun!

Outdoor Education offers something for everyone, and for some people it is everything. Outdoor Education enriches the lives of our pupils by allowing them to discover their own boundaries, comfort zones and find their place in the world.

Developing the much sought-after ‘soft skills’ of leadership, collaboration, resilience and perseverance, we see the co-curricular life of Plymouth College as not merely being about enjoyment and participation but as an important mechanism by which our pupils can be equipped to make an impact on the world at large.

It is about challenge, it is about determination. It is about the rich reward of hard work and the ability to bounce back when you fall down. It is, above all else, about ensuring that all pupils are nurtured and encouraged during their time at Plymouth College and can develop interests, passions, skills and values that will stay with them long after they leave the school gates as they enter the world beyond.

Well-being support and pastoral care

At Plymouth College, we recognise that academic and pastoral needs are inseparable. We know that only happy pupils reach their full potential and perform well academically, so great care and support are given to ensure that all pupils have a positive experience and look forward to each day at Plymouth College. With high levels of academic and pastoral monitoring, alongside small class sizes, every child’s journey through the school is closely observed and, should any concerns arise, they are dealt with promptly and effectively.

Plymouth College offers excellent healthcare facilities and our health centre (open daily) is run by a qualified, registered nurse. The health centre is linked to a local GP Surgery to provide our boarding pupils with on-site visits by a doctor. The school employs its own independent counsellor, so that pupils may access support on-site during the school day.

Healthy eating is also promoted as part of our holistic approach to well-being. We are proud to be in partnerships with Chartwells who provide an excellent service. They cater for elite athletes, those with allergies and intolerances, cultural diets and hold regular food forums with the pupils.

The House system is also at the heart of Plymouth College life and offers another sense of belonging to each pupil as well as an opportunity to showcase talents against other houses in the many House competitions. This vertical system, with pupils represented from each year group, really helps to promote leaders and as pupils progress through the school, they are encouraged to become positive role models and leaders for the younger years. Pupils are organized into tutor groups according to their year group, with specialist bespoke tutoring incorporating PHSE, RSE and careers guidance.

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WORLD LEADING Performance Sport Programme

Over the last decade, Plymouth College has carved itself a reputation as being a world-leading school for performance sport whilst maintaining an environment where all pupils can feel empowered to find a life-long love of physical activity.

PERFORMANCE SWIMMING

Plymouth College offers one of the world’s best swimming programmes, allowing talented athletes from around the globe to successfully balance their academic studies with elite sport training. Our flexible learning programmes enable athletes to study at a pace that accommodates their training needs, and we are one of the few British swimming programmes recognised for our work by the National Association for Gifted Children.

The first steps towards productive thought are intellectual curiosity and an openness to new ideas.

Team Sport

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GIRLS’ HOCKEY

We believe in the value of sport in a balanced life and we strive for all pupils to gain the maximum benefit from their sporting experience at Plymouth College. We recognise the role that playing sport and taking part in physical activities plays in improving personal wellbeing and we structure our school timetable to allow all pupils to be active every single day, whether it be a games lesson, team practice, fun swim or a strength and conditioning session.

Our ambition is to nurture sporting culture where all have fun, strive industriously and all excel at whatever level to which they aspire; where individuals can pursue their own sporting interests alongside representing the College in mainstream competition and where the most talented are challenged to reach their potential. We want our pupils to take from school the attitudes, knowledge and enthusiasm that will support a happy, productive adult life and this is as true of sport as it is of other aspects of their education. For some, this will be the experience of being part of a team and representing the College in a sport that really matters to them. For others, it will be in reaching an elite level of competition, representing school, club, region and country before moving onto a career in sport. We also have a responsibility to ensure that all pupils leave school with a positive experience of exercise and of one or more sports or activities which they will pursue into adulthood. The link between good physical and mental health is well established yet very few health conscious graduates play rugby, hockey or netball in their spare time. Many more play squash, badminton, tennis, row, sail, cycle, run, dance, practise yoga or go to the gym. Facilities and a sports offering that support the physical education and mental fitness of pupils beyond the confines of team competitions will ensure that sport is part of an education that will enhance pupils’ lives long after they have left school.

CRICKET

Cricket is played by both girls and boys and follows a year-round programme built on high quality coaching. A strong fixture card and clear provision of pathways to the professional game via district, county, university centres of excellence and first class cricket. The school has toured both South Africa and Sri Lanka in recent years. Specialist coaching covers all three disciplines – batting, wicket keeping and bowling. Our winter programme includes strength and conditioning support combined with tactical and technical input.

FOOTBALL

Football runs as a recreational club in the autumn term and as the main sport for boys in the spring term. Regular fixtures are played against local schools, with a mid-week programme enabling students to participate in both Football and Rugby Sevens should they so wish. Close links with Plymouth Argyle ensure that talented pupils are able to access their development programmes in and around the City and that the most able can fulfil their dreams of making a career out of the game.

Our hockey squads have seen considerable success in recent times with a number of players gaining representative County honours. The U14 team were crowned England Hockey Tier 2 National Champions in 2019. Hockey is played in the autumn term with Saturday and midweek fixtures. College teams are regular participants in County and Regional competitions. A regular tour for keen players is available, with South Africa the most recent destination.

NETBALL

Netball is played during the autumn and spring terms. Each year group has its own squad, training regularly throughout both terms. Our netball squads have grown in numbers over the past couple of years, giving the girls more competition and therefore increasing their motivation and progress. Player development is enhanced by the strength and conditioning coaches who work with our players each week as well as a balanced and bust fixture list which provides opportunities for all.Touring forms part of the provision of opportunities for keen players, with venues as diverse as Cape Town, Paris and Bath being recent examples of planned trips.

RUGBY UNION

Over the last twenty years, our teams (both 15s and 7s) have become recognised as being among the most consistent performers in the country and a significant force in the South West. We have enjoyed eight U18 representations at international level and five at U16 level. Numerous ‘old boys’ play National League rugby both locally and around the country. Each team, throughout the school, from U12 to the 1st XV, has experienced coaches. We field six teams involving a high percentage of boys in the school. At senior level, there is a full programme involving strength and conditioning, skills training, matchplay and nutrition.

Music

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The core of the Music Department is a strong curriculum where pupils learn to sing, play keyboards, compose with music processing software, improvise and to listen analytically and evaluatively. Yet music is not an elite activity at Plymouth College - the emphasis is on enjoyment and involvement for all.

We have three school choirs, a school orchestra, individual harmony clubs for girls’ and boys’ voices, a string ensemble and a classical guitar ensemble - supplemented by one-to-one and small group theory tuition classes. The Live Lounge for rock, pop and jazz is very popular and our broad, concert series enables pupils to hear, support and learn from each other. There are also Music Scholars’ Evenings, where the pupils who have committed to leading the musical life of the school share their work in progress.

Art

The Art Department gives pupils the opportunity to practise or study a deeply rewarding subject – a subject which will take them far beyond the narrow confines of any exam specification, and that will in time become an interest for life.

We teach, from entry level, a traditional approach to art and pupils are given a strong grounding in the basic skills of observational drawing. As pupils develop as creative individuals they will be exposed to a wide range of art from the beginnings of recorded history through to the present day.

Drama

Plymouth College prides itself on the inclusive nature and professional quality of its productions. Whether academic or extra-curricular, pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of theatrical styles; from the spectacular whole school musical to performance evenings and participation in local drama festivals.

We are very lucky to have easy access to the Theatre Royal, in particular, the Drum, and pupils regularly experience cutting-edge live theatre. Trips further afield have included Bristol, Cheltenham, London and The Minack. Pupils partake in practical workshops with well-respected theatre practitioners including Frantic Assembly,The Paper Birds and Told by An Idiot. Encouraging pupils to see the study of drama and theatre as a valuable tool, whose worth extends beyond the classroom walls.

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

The CCF aim is to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. Each CCF is an educational partnership between the school and the Ministry of Defence. Plymouth College CCF has Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force sections.

CCF units in schools give young people the life skills and self-confidence to take charge of their lives so they can reach their full potential at school and beyond, including in employment.

Each section engages in their own service training and all cadets can participate in a wider range of adventurous activities including flying, gliding, sailing, shooting. As part of the national CCF community there are opportunities to attend all forms of cadet activities both in the UK and overseas.

At Plymouth College the CCF is for Y10s and above. It is not compulsory but any cadet who joins is required to maintain the standards expected when wearing uniform. The CCF staff is made up of volunteers, ex regular personnel, currently serving reservists and school staff.This depth of knowledge and experience gives the cadets the support required if they later apply for military scholarships or bursaries.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Plymouth College runs all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; Bronze, Silver and Gold.

It is a fantastic, pupil-driven opportunity which can be a key differentiator in interviews for university and jobs in life beyond Plymouth College.

We are fortunate to have time set aside for this in the school timetable and on Friday afternoons we support pupils with their Award. Broadly, the Award requires young people to participate, for one hour a week, in a skill, volunteering and physical activity. We find that many Plymouth College pupils already complete at least two of these activities, and are able to slot a third into their schedule. Friday afternoons are given over to supporting pupils through the administration of the award, and training them for their expedition.

For Bronze, pupils either journey on the South West Coast Path, or head to Exmoor to tackle Dunkery Beacon. Silver pupils head to the Brecon Beacons for their expedition and for Gold we open up the possibility of biking, canoeing or sea kayaking alongside walking expeditions. In the past Gold expeditions have headed to the Lake District, the Netherlands and the river Wye.

Expeditions are usually run in the holidays, and Gold pupils also need to undertake a five day, four night residential.

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Leavers’ destinations

The variety of leavers’ destinations reflects the wide interests and talents of Plymouth College pupils. The largest group of leavers is destined for Russell Group universities. The London universities are also popular and there is a growing interest in overseas universities in the USA, Europe and Asia. A growing number of pupils express an interest in degree level apprenticeships in competitive programmes such as Law and Accounting.

STEM (Science,Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects are particularly popular university choices amongst Plymouth College’s leavers. Creative subjects are also well represented. Each year, there are notable performances by our elite sportsmen and women who consistently gain high academic grades alongside their remarkable sporting achievements.

Alumni

Pupils become OPM Members (Old Plymothian & Mannamedian) the moment they leave Plymouth College. Deep friendships forged over pupils’ time at the School, some even from Reception, are fondly revisited at a wide range of events hosted each year. Our OPMs often return to visit the School even after many decades, with the warmth of the School community and happy memories drawing back pupils from as far back as the 1930s. In addition, Plymouth College’s network of over 4,000 OPMs, is invariably happy to help current pupils with work experience or advice. Although the UCAS and careers journey starts in Lower Sixth, it doesn’t finish at the end of Upper Sixth. Pupils remain in touch through university, their first job and beyond, receiving further advice from the people who know them well.

I joined Plymouth College as a boarder for Sixth Form. Although only spent two years at the College, I was really prepared for the future. When I arrived at Plymouth College, I didn’t know what wanted to study. At the College, the staff, who were always very understanding and supportive, helped guide me through the different options and ultimately helped me realize what I wanted to do next.

I studied at Plymouth College for A Levels and am now a Business Support Executive at Arbuthnot Latham Private Bank. What I remember most about Plymouth College was the ability to manage my sporting and academic commitments. The school allowed me to balance training and studying to be successful in both. Teachers supported, encouraged and pushed me to achieving a strong set of A Level results alongside becoming the U20 and U23 British Fencing Champion.

I studied at Plymouth College and am now studying Medicine at St George’s University of London. What remember most from my time at Plymouth College is being empowered to direct my own learning which has been an invaluable skill in my medical degree. As well as this, being given confidence by my teachers to give everything a go and having a growth mindset has made the transition to university easier.

Hannah Heierhoff

Ben Andrews

George Hadjiyiannakis

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How to apply

We are delighted that you are considering a place with us for your child at Plymouth College. The first step is to visit us either in person or virtually to meet with our Head of School, Mr. Peter Watts. We offer bespoke visits, tailored to your child’s interests. Alternatively you may wish to join us for one of our Open Events throughout the year.

Once you have visited, your next step is to formally register for a place. Our supportive Admissions team will be on hand throughout the admissions process. Once registered they will gather details for your child’s school file including a reference from their current school, recent school reports and entrance examinations in both Maths and English. Whilst we are an academically non-selective school, we still require entrance examinations for setting purposes and for identifying where any SEN or learning support may be required.

Our Admissions team will help guide you through Scholarship assessments and Bursary applications for financial assistance.

Once you have received an offer of a place with us and returned accepted paperwork, health questionnaire and provided the team with copies of your child’s passport or birth certificate you will be informed about start dates and induction days for starting school. Joining packs including, teacher welcome, time tables, school uniform and booking for travel and clubs will be sent to you once all acceptance paperwork has been returned successfully. We hope that every child enjoys their start to school life within our community and we work hard to ensure a smooth and successful beginning for your Plymouth College journey.

International applications

Thanks to the reputation of boarding at Plymouth College, coupled with the size of the boarding houses, we suggest that applications are made as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Applications are accepted from Year 7 (age 11) until Year 12 (age 16+).

At any point during the application, we are always delighted when prospective pupils arrange to visit the School before making a final decision. We know that the warmth of the greeting from all they meet will help to make the choice of where to study easier for them.

Applications may be received directly from a prospective pupil’s family or via an agent and initial enquiries should be accompanied by:

• Prospective pupil’s name and date of birth

• Nationality and copy of passport

• School reports (current and previous years)

• Proposed year of entry and length of period of study

Offer and acceptance of a place

Upon successful completion of the assessment a place at Plymouth College with by offered by letter. With the letter you will be provided with a form with which to accept the place. The place will be secured upon receipt of the completed form and payment of the deposit. The deposit is refunded against the pupil’s fee payment.

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How to find us

By Road

From the A38, take the Manadon exit onto the B3250 Mannamead Road signposted to Mutely. Half way along Mutley Plain, turn right at the traffic lights into Ford Park Road. Plymouth College can be found on your right after 150 metres.

By Rail

The main line station is Plymouth, only a 5 minute taxi journey from our school, with regular connections to London, Birmingham and the South West.

By Air

The school runs regular shuttles to Heathrow Airport, with Exeter and Bristol being our nearest regional airports.

Plymouth College

Ford Park, Plymouth PL4 6RN

Tel: +44 (0) 1752 505100

Admissions Tel: +44 (0) 1752 505120

Email: admissions@plymouthcollege.com

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Linkedin: Plymouth College Independent School

Plymouth College

Ford Park, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6RN

T: +44(0)1752 505100

Admissions

Tel: +44 (0)1752 505100

Email: admissions@plymouthcollege.com