ACADEMIC

Geography Fieldtrips

Year 12 completed three days of fieldwork at Skern Lodge, Devon, in preparation for their NEA. This included changing place, coastal processes, sand dune succession and urban quality of life They also had some time to explore the local area of Appledore and cool off in the Skern pool

Year 10 Geography students travelled to Swanage and Studland beach for their Geography fieldtrip. They spent the day putting their theory learning into practice, including measuring the beach profile and groyne drop surveys to understand the impact of groynes on longshore drift along the beach Read more about their fieldwork and view the gallery on our website

Pupils Complete The Leweston Learner Diploma

Congratulations to our Year 8 pupils who submitted their Leweston Learner Diploma portfolios - the very first cohort to do so.

During Years 5 to 8 pupils are encouraged to reflect on and record examples of the Learner characteristics (Adventurous, Confident, Creative, Inquisitive and Resilient) within the classroom and beyond. Pupils have developed an electronic portfolio of evidence and have submitted for either a Bronze, Silver or Gold award.

They showcased a wide array of talents and achievements and have been thoughtful and reflective in considering what they have learnt along the way.

Academic Enrichment

Alongside curriculum specific opportunities, such as the Junior Maths Challenge and Biology and Physics Challenges, pupils have participated in Rhetoric (Years 7 to 9), Scholars’ Society (Years 10 to 11) and Head’s Essay Society (Year 12).

In Scholars’ Society students debated the motion “This house believes that freedom of speech is always justified”

Year 12 students researched the well known 'trolley problem' for their final Head’s Essay Society meeting of the year. A wide ranging discussion was held, debating moral and ethical stances on this topic, extending ideas into the world of driverless cars, medical ethics and much more.

Finally, in Rhetoric, Mrs Newnham ran a session which tested the pupils' organisation and planning as they had to write up the findings from the challenge in a logical manner. The session ended with quadratic sequences – something pupils usually learn in Further Maths GCSE.

Well done to all the students involved who continue to impress with their hard work, logical thinking and debating skills

Short Stay Students Visit Local Landmarks

After half term 16 international pupils arrived for four weeks of English immersion. They started by exploring the South West coast alongside Mrs Kelly-Quick (Director of International students) The pupils were tasked with solving mysteries or finding treasures whilst learning about Geography, History and Math vocabulary.

They also went into Sherborne to explore their new home from home and enjoyed a trip to Bournemouth exploring the gardens around the pier. In Weymouth they took a walk along the esplanade and took part in a sand drawing competition and on a trip to Exeter visited the Cathedral green.

It was a fantastic way to get to know each other, learn English and find out more about the local area.