WMN Education Guide_September 2016

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“Your complete education guide.”

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Education Guide

2 EDUCATION GUIDE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 WESTERN MORNING NEWS

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Academy’s core values are at the heart of its educational ethos Pool Academy is committed to providing its students with the highest possible standards of teaching and learning.

“Our values of Belonging, Aspiration and Respect are at the heart of everything we do,” said an academy spokesperson.

“We support our children to be confident, aspirational and high achieving.

“Our children’s transition starts long before they join us in Year 7 and we work closely with

AIFD Education Partner

our primary partners to ensure that your child is both supported and academically challenged from the moment they join us.

“We provide a modern learning environment which stretches and challenges children to reach their full academic potential.”

The Open Evening is Thursday, September 15 from 5.30pm- 8.30pm.

For more details call 01209 712220 or go to: www.poolacademy.co.uk

Unique, independent and inspirational

floristry school in Devon, England.

AIFD Education Partner

Star of Dragons’ Den, Peter Jones CBE

RHS

Gold Medal College

Join us for our: Recreational flower arranging classes starting October 2016 Mornings or evenings, Exeter, Dunchideock, Newton Abbot or Totnes.

From £82.50 per course

Taster workshops £25.00 Beginners Floristry Courses - Academy Levels 2 Exeter or Bristol, starting three times a year: September 2016, January 2017 and April 2017, flexible courses either weekly, weekends or weeks. £767.00 per unit, all prices includes VAT.

Contact us: www.academyoffloralart.com | e: academyoffloralart@gmail.com Telephone: 01392 834893

Boost your career with a professional course Petroc’s Mid Devon Campus in Tiverton has a wide range of part-time professional courses, aimed at those aged 19 and over who either want to gain skills to boost their career or embark on a brand new venture.

From HR Management and Accounting, to Hairdressing and Body & Spa Techniques, there’s something for everyone. There are also apprenticeship opportunities available on many of the college’s professional courses.

For those who are considering starting a degree programme, but don’t have the right skills and qualifications, Petroc offers Access to HE diplomas in key areas such as business, health & social care, science and engineering.

On the Access to HE diplomas learners gain all the skills needed, including essay writing and research techniques to start a university-level qualification.

Many Access to HE learners progress onto degree programmes with Petroc, studying subjects including business, early childhood studies and health & social care.

Petroc is also excited to announce the introduction of a brand new full-time business course for 16-19 year olds; the BTEC Level 3 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. The course has been written by star of Dragons’ Den, Peter

Jones CBE, in partnership with Edexcel, and forms part of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.

The course is perfect for young entrepreneurs who enjoy ‘learning by doing’ and equips students with the practical skills and experience needed to excel in the working world.

As part of the course, learners will take part in work experience placements, national enterprise challenge days and inspirational masterclass sessions.

Mark Challacombe, Petroc’s assistant principal for Mid Devon, said: “We’re extremely excited to be able to offer the young people of Mid Devon the opportunity to join the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, and through this diverse and ‘hands-on’ course, give aspiring entrepreneurs the experience, skills and knowledge needed to build long, successful careers.

“Petroc already has a highly-successful business department here at our Campus in Tiverton, and the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship BTEC will be a fantastic addition to our curriculum,” added Mark.

To find out more about any of the professional courses mentioned above, call the college’s Guidance Centre on 01884 235330 or visit www.petroc.ac.uk

Thursday 22nd September at The Jack Rabbit 8-9 Howeson Road, Plymouth. PL6 8BD Just off the Derriford Roundabout

Supply Teacher Open Day – The Best Western Hotel, Blundells Road, Tiverton, EX16 4DB

Come and see Rob and Marie between 10 and 2 for a free Coffee or Hot Chocolate and to register your interest in supply teaching in and around Plymouth.

For more information, please call: 01626 201481 Email: rob@educatedrecruitment.co.uk www.educatedrecruitment.co.uk

Pop along to the Best Western Hotel on Thursday 29th September 10am – 2pm to see Marie and Emma for some coffee, pastries and to register your interest in supply teaching around the North Devon area.

For more information, please call: 01626 201 481 www.educatedrecruitment.co.uk

Invitation to all supply teachers!

©LW

WESTERN MORNING NEWS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 EDUCATION GUIDE 3

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Individual approach brings a rise in top grades at Trinity

Curriculum builds pupil confidence As a fully co-educational Independent Day school for boys and girls age three to 16, St Joseph’s offers a broad, challenging and high-quality education with excellent pastoral care and extensive extra-curricular opportunities.

GCSE results are only one measure of a school’s success: St Joseph’s builds confidence and pupils take more with them than certificates when

leaving school. An excellent curriculum and outstanding pastoral care encourages every individual, regardless of ability, to succeed.

The school has expanded its facilities in recent years to include an all-weather pitch, iPad technology throughout the school and an outdoor classroom. Extensive redevelopment of the building has transformed the school.

St Joseph’s is a small school, which means that it is possible to maintain strong family values, that gives children the confidence necessary to succeed. Pupils are known, and valued, as individuals.

In 2016, 90% of students achieved 5 A*-C grades, including Maths and English.

With no entrance examination to join – this is a truly exceptional performance.

Dartmouth Academy

BEST EVER GCSE RESULTS!

Open Days Wednesday 14th September 4.30 pm to 7 pm Wednesday 12th October 9.30 am to 10.30 am

Kingswear Primary School “Kingswear provides an environment where my child feels safe and respected.”

Transport available 01803 839700

East Allington Primary School

Providing the best for every child....

Come and visit us to learn more

Come and visit Kingswear Primary School

01803 221263

comevisitkingswearprimary@our-school.org.uk

Smiles from some of the top performing students at Trinity School A great set of A level results this year at Trinity School has seen a significant increase in those achieving the equivalent of A*/A at A Level and BTEC. The introduction of BTECs to the Sixth Form curriculum two years ago has proved to be a huge success with those taking BTECs achieving a 100% pass rate and nearly half of them gaining an A*/A equivalent.

Head of Sixth Form, Mark Acher, said: “Our flexibility on offer, enabling students to take a combination of A levels and BTECs, has not only seen improved results but has also given students a range of experiences and study skills which will help them at uni-

versity and in the world of work.”

One size does not fit all and giving students the right advice, encouraging them to aim high and supporting their studies enables them to move on to the next stage of their life with confidence.

Leavers’ destinations this year range from Russell Group universities studying Biomedical Sciences, a much sought after rugby apprenticeship with Exeter Chiefs, continuing their passion at the Institute for Contemporary Music in London and officer entry into the Navy.

Top performing students include Amy Liu who achieved

an A* at A level Art and a Distinction* in Art and Design BTEC, securing her a place at the world famous Paris-Sorbonne University; Benjamin Wells who will study Architectural Engineering at Nottingham University, and Head Boy James Bates who received a rare unconditional offer to study Civil Engineering at Leeds Beckett University.

Lawrence Coen, Headmaster, said: “We are very proud of our Sixth Form Leavers and how they have made the most of all the opportunities Trinity has to offer. We wish them every success in the future and look forward to hearing about their further achievements.”

comevisiteastallingtonprimary@our-school.org.uk 01548 855256

Primary School

Discover a place where learning has no boundaries...

Come and visit Blackawton Primary School

comevisitblackawtonprimary@our-school.org.uk

01803 221264

Stoke Fleming Primary School

Stoke Fleming Primary School is at the centre of the local community.

Come and visit us to learn more.

01803 221265

comevisitstokeflemingprimary@our-school.org.uk ©LW

Open Event Wednesday 28th September 5pm - 7pm 14-18 Year olds A unique learning experience Specialising in Engineering, Water, Environment and Computing Please book your place online through our website. Alternatively, if you cannot make this event, please call to arrange your personal tour with the Principal.

@southdevonutc 01626 240201

southdevonutc.org info@southdevonutc.org

/southdevonuniversitytechnicalcollege

Kingsteignton Road. Newton Abbot. TQ12 2QA

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Wherever you want to go...

Whoever you want to be...

Choose a coherent 4-19 curriculum with a huge choice, choose an Academy that nurtures, supports and empowers students to take control of their own learning and lives...

For Primary Education...

Choose from our five primary schools that provide a range of excellent educational offers in vibrant friendly settings. Choose village or small town schools that embrace modern education but can still hold true to traditional and local community values.

MORETONHAMPSTEAD OPEN DAY 12 OCT ILSINGTON OPEN DAY 23 SEP WIDECOMBE OPEN DAY 28 SEP

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For Secondary and Further Education...

Choose the Atrium, the only school of its kind in the South West—a Studio school for Years 9-13 specialising in the built environment—for professional careers in Architecture, Ecology and Planning, with personal coaching alongside teaching .

Choose South Dartmoor for a varied and balanced curriculum, for outstanding sporting and performing arts provision. Choose SDCC’s Sixth Form for stunning surroundings leading to the highest performing non-selective post 16 offer in all of Devon.

YR 6 OPEN EVENING 6 OCT

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING 13 OCT

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Now’s the time apply today

COURSES FOR EVERY CAREER STEP

petroc.ac.uk | 01884 235245

With full and part-time courses for every rung of the career ladder, Petroc can help you achieve your ambitions.

Access to Higher Education

Foundation Degrees

Apprenticeships

Professional & Industry Courses

BTECs

New this September at Mid Devon Campus BTEC Level 3 Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Founded by star of Dragons’ Den, Peter Jones CBE

Part-time Certificated Courses

Open Day Saturday 17 September

Giving pupils a love of learning and skills for life Senior School (11-18) Boarding and Day

Open morning at 9.45am

Please ring to reserve your place on 01884 252543 (Senior School) 01884 252393 (Prep School) or to arrange an individual visit

Prep School (2½-11) Day

Open afternoon at 1.30pm

TIVERTON • DEVON • EX16 4DN • WWW.BLUNDELLS.ORG

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WESTERN MORNING NEWS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 EDUCATION GUIDE 7

Learning the business of floral art

Unique and inspirational West Buckland The Autumn Term has got off to an exciting start at West Buckland School in North Devon, with the arrival of new Headmaster, Mr Phillip Stapleton.

Previously the Deputy Headmaster at Ardingly College in West Sussex, Phillip arrives with a vision for the purpose of a 21st century education.

He says: “No one who visits West Buckland could fail to be inspired by its forward-thinking architecture and approach to education. The recent in-

vestment in facilities has helped create an ideal breeding ground for academic rigour and excellent preparation for university and independent life after school.

“I am pleased that this year’s A-level and GCSE results continue to position West Buckland as the top performing school in North Devon and the fact our students have won places at Oxford, Cambridge and many other excellent universities.”

In 2016, 37% of A-levels were

passed at A* and A grades, whilst over 50% of GCSE examinations were passed at the top A* and A grades. Two thirds of GCSE students studying Geography, Art, French and Religious Studies gained A* or A and over 80% of scientists and mathematicians gained a B grade or better.

Many sixth form students are enjoying either flexi or weekly boarding in their new sixth form boarding house which provides single en-suite bedrooms and vibrant social

areas, and appreciating the dedicated sixth form study areas provided in the new Michael Morpurgo Library.

Younger children in the Nursery and Preparatory School are also looking forward to all the new term will bring. Nursery children have returned to an exciting new outdoor playground whilst the largest number of new pupils in recent years joined the Prep School last week. The 44 new children are settling in, making friends and looking

forward to the many exciting experiences planned for both inside and outside of the classroom.

Forthcoming open events – discover what makes West Buckland unique and so exciting: Activity and Open Day, Saturday, October 1, 9.30am.

Sixth Form Open Evening, Wednesday, October 12, 5.45pm.

For more information visit www.westbuckland.com or call 01598 760281.

• Exceptional new library and sixth form boarding facilities • Academic success • Bursaries and scholarships available • Extensive bus routes across Devon

The Exeter-based British Academy of Floral Art is a centre of training excellence, with a growing international reputation.

It was set up in 2008 by Floristry Masters and qualified teachers, Julie Collins and Tina Parkes.

With headquarters in converted farm buildings in the idyllic rural setting of Dunchideock, near Exeter, the Academy has expanded and now has additional centres in the city centre and in Newton Abbot, Totnes and Bristol.

Recognised as one of the United Kingdom’s top floristry training schools, the Academy runs a comprehensive range of vocational and recreational courses to suit all ages. Formal City and Guilds qualifications equip students to work either in a shop setting or in their own business.

The emphasis is on the practical, with extensive skills development and business training, but no homework or written assessments to be completed.

Results speak for themselves, with both the college and recent graduates winning RHS Gold and Silver medals at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows, as well as in other prestigious events.

In July, the Academy was honoured to be invited to stage a show for the American Institute of Floral Designers at their symposium in Orange County.

Student Flexibility is the key to professional training: courses are broken down into units which can be taken on a weekly or weekend basis and built up into a full qualification. Costs can be spread to make training more affordable.

The Academy also runs a host of recreational events including one-day courses and workshops, which are held throughout the year.

Activity & Open Day Saturday 1st October 9.30am Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 12th October 5.45pm

Forward Thinking

Reg Charity No 306710

West Buckland is a friendly, successful school with an impressive record of academic achievement and some exceptional new facilities. Contact us to arrange a visit and discover what makes West Buckland unique and so exciting.

Tel: 01598 760281 Email: enquiries@westbuckland.com Barnstaple • Devon • EX32 0SX Boarding and Day

Boys & Girls 3-18

Nursery, Prep, Senior, Sixth Form

www.westbuckland.com

8 EDUCATION GUIDE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 WESTERN MORNING NEWS

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Academy prides itself on providing pupil access to broad and balanced curriculum Whoever you want to be, wherever you want to go, South Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust has something to offer you.

From small village primary schools to an outstanding sixth form, it can support you every step of the way.

The academy trust has developed a coherent 4-19 curriculum that meets the needs of all its pupils and ensures a consistency of approach from all staff.

Its extended schools network is able to provide all pupils access to the broad and balanced curriculum the academy can offer.

It believes in nurturing and supporting students and then empowering students to take control of their own learning and their own lives so they know how to make good choices and also have the ability to thrive in a fast moving, ever changing world.

By creating a learning environment that has high expectations of everyone – and by modelling the behaviour that is expected from the students – it can provide the stepping-stones that bring dreams closer to reality.

Its five primary schools offer a fantastic introduction to school life in a range of excellent settings.

Situated in the towns of Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and Moretonhampstead and the villages of Ilsington and Widecombe-in-the-moor, they offer friendly welcoming atmospheres, where the individual nature of each child is recognised and valued.

South Dartmoor Community College, on the edge of Ashburton sits within Dartmoor National Park’s boundary and provides phenomenal extra-curricular opportunities alongside a varied and balanced curriculum, great exams results and exemplary support for students.

Whether it is Ten Tors, D of E, sport or the performing arts, South Dartmoor excels.

This year’s GCSEs saw 20% of students gain 5A*-A’s and 11% 8A*-As, with three students gaining 10A*s.

The new Sixth Form Centre at Place House is situated in an original Georgian mansion and offers students a professional learning and social environment. Set in several acres of beautiful surround-

ings, it performs exceptionally well – and is validated as the highest performing nonselective post 16 offer in the whole of Devon, in terms of students achieving three A Levels. It also has the second highest Average Points Score in the whole of Devon (2015).

It is also proud of the Atrium Studio – a brand new Studio School for students in Years 913 specialising in the Built En-

vironment – the first of its kind in the South West.

Opened in 2015 in an architectdesigned building, Atrium Studio provides a stand-out education for students aspiring to professional careers in areas including Architecture, Interior Design, Ecology, Surveying and Planning.

With personal coaching alongside teaching and a portfolio of real workplace experi-

ences, this paves the way for students to improve the world around us.

Students choose South Dartmoor Academy’s schools from an area as wide as Exeter to Moretonhampstead, Exmouth to Dawlish, Paignton to Kingsbridge, and from Princetown to Ivybridge.

It is an Academy that is going places. Why not join in the journey?

Helping to engineer a great career South Devon UTC offers students in Years 10 to 13 the opportunity to focus on science, engineering and computing, with a particular focus on careers in engineering, water and the environment.

It is run with the support of local employers, including the Environment Agency, Water Aid, South West Water, MB Aerospace Ltd, Centrax Ltd, Linden Homes and Galliford Try. These companies help to design the curriculum and set challenge projects which give students a taste of working in industry. The school’s educational partners are the University of Exeter and South Devon College.

South Devon UTC’s Principal, Mr Crews, says: “Our school is about giving students a head start in their careers, by offering industry insights, experiences of work and qualifications that they wouldn’t get anywhere else.

“The invitation for our students to become the first junior members of the Institute of Science and Technology is a valuable addition. It will give them access to the latest research, opportunities to have their own work published and will be an asset to their CVs.” To find out more visit www.southdevonutc.org

Callywith College

New college • New courses • New choice Callywith College opens September 2017 in Bodmin, bringing unrivalled facilities and inspirational teaching to North and East Cornwall.

Apply now A variety of post-16 options including A Levels, Level 2 Progression and Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in a wide range of subject areas.

On-site Application Suite open from Saturday 1 October. Come and talk to us.

callywith.ac.uk

enquiry@callywith.ac.uk

Find out more Visit the

website or call 01208 2240 00

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SCIENTIST APPRENTICE ENGINEER DOCTOR TEACHER TECHNICIAN ENTREPRENEUR

EXCELLENCE AT THE HEART OF YOUR COMMUNITY Come and see why the Real Schools Guide 2016 ranks Pool Academy in the county’s top 3 secondary schools.

Open Evening - Thursday 15th September 5.30 - 8.30pm.

For more information please contact us on 01209 712220 or enquiries@poolacademy.co.uk www.poolacademy.co.uk

ASPIRATION • BELONGING • RESPECT

10 EDUCATION GUIDE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 WESTERN MORNING NEWS

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Firmly on the path towards excellence Pupils and staff at Dartmouth Academy have celebrated their best ever GCSE results.

A key measure for schools is the number of pupils achieving a C grade in at least five GCSEs including both English and Maths, and this year this figure, at 52%, is the highest the school has ever scored and an enormous 19% jump from last year.

This is in the context of

more challenging GCSE exams and is testament to the hard work and resilience that the pupils have shown.

Tina Graham, Principal, said: “We are so proud of our GCSE students’ achievements and everywhere you look there are individual highlights. The enormous amount of work by both pupils and staff to achieve these results has been stunning.

“The new Progress 8 measure shows that we look after all our pupils from those with the lowest starting point to those who had a head start.”

Roger Pope, CEO of Academies South West, said: “To gain the best results ever achieved by the school shows that they are firmly on the path towards the excellence that the town deserves. Many congratulations.”

YOUR ENTRY TO A TOP UNIVERSITY

Academic and artistic endeavours celebrated

* A Level RETAKES * ALL modules available * One year accelerated A Level courses * A Level Mathematics 95% A*/B (2016) * A Level all subjects 71% A*/B (2016) * Class size average 5 * Current “Outstanding” OFSTED * UCAS advice

Blundell’s has celebrated some significant achievements this year, with pupils representing the South-West at national competitions in a range of academic subjects and sport.

A Level and GCSE results have been excellent with the majority of Year 13 pupils going on to the university of their choice, including Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, Durham, Imperial College and King’s College London.

The Creative Arts departments have put on some impressive productions, including ‘Street Child’ (the story of how Dr Barnardo was inspired to open his children’s homes), and some fantastic concerts showcasing musicians from Prep School up to Year 13.

Pupils have been imaginative as ever in their charitable endeavours, with the Senior and Prep schools together raising around £36,000 for local, na-

ExEtEr tutorial CollEgE 44-46 Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX2 4TE www.tutorialcollege.com Tel: 01392 278101 info@tutorialcollege.com

tional and international charities.

This coming academic year sees an exciting year-long collaboration with the London Chamber Orchestra whose key instrumentalists will be joining the school for workshops, culminating in a joint concert with the professional and school musicians performing together.

More ambitious productions are planned by the Drama Department – ‘Into the Woods’, based on the award-winning musical, and ‘Far from Home’, the sequel to ‘Street Child’.

There are exciting plans in place for academic subjects, including a programme for pupils who wish to stretch themselves academically with a range of opportunities on offer, and various initiatives in sport and outdoor pursuits so that all pupils can find something in which to parti-

cipate and enjoy.

Blundell’s School is set in 90 acres of Devon countryside on the outskirts of Tiverton and is easily accessible by rail (Tiverton Parkway station is six minutes away) and road via the M5 and A361; the school also has a comprehensive mini-bus service which has pick-up points throughout Devon. Both the Prep and Senior schools are co-educational, with the Senior School offering day and boarding (full, weekly, flexi) for ages 11 – 18, while the Prep School is for day pupils aged 2½ – 11.

To find out more about the happy and fulfilling all-round education offered at Blundell’s, you are invited to its open day on September 17; please reserve your place by ringing 01884 252543 or email info@ blundells.org. Individual visits welcome on other days too, by prior arrangement.

©LW

Budehaven Community School www.budehaven.cornwall.sch.uk Invites Year 5 and Year 6 children and their families to our

Prospective Parents’ Evening

Thursday 6th October, 2016 Our school will be open from 4.30 to 6.30 pm with a varied programme of activities and the opportunity to look around the school and its grounds.

Please come along to meet our students and staff.

There will be a presentation by the Headteacher Ms Tracey Reynolds and the opportunity to meet your child’s future pastoral team from 6.30 – 7pm in the Main Hall.

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WESTERN MORNING NEWS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 EDUCATION GUIDE 11

Small tutorial groups adapt to students’ needs Exeter Tutorial College is entering its 31st year since foundation having sent over 1,200 students into universities with a near 100% entry to medicine, vet and law faculties, some 60 entries.

The college offers unique opportunities for intense A level education covering retakes, one year A-levels and AS to Alevel conversion courses.

It also offers GCSEs in key subjects in one year to year 11 students.

The college does not cram, but its small tutorial groups allow for students to learn at their best pace and allows also for the inevitable changes in their rate of learning and in their motivation.

The student, rather than having to fit into a system finds that the college can adapt to his or her particular needs.

The college achieves excellent results. This year Mathematics grades were 95% A*/B grades and over 70% A*/B all subjects Re-takers were delighted with their grade improvements, some gaining 4 or

5 grades in a subject.

Upgrading previous A-levels (all legacy subjects still have retakes opportunities) whilst studying a fresh subject on an accelerated course is a particularly popular option.

With this fresh approach to learning, the students gain confidence, aspiring to reach their goal of a chosen university with all the necessary learning skills set in place.

Parents and guardians have gained a good insight into the student. Their co-operation and support are invaluable to the student and to tutors. The college’s doors are always open to parents.

A college is as good as its tutors – and the Exeter Tutorial College tutors are all specialist graduates, five with doctorates.

Their years of experience has been gained in schools and colleges. Tutorial teaching, all agree, is both demanding and satisfying: its reward is to share in the student’s joy on winning that coveted university place.

Thriving school hits educational and artistic right note Budehaven Community School is located on the beautiful north Cornwall coast in the town of Bude.

It is proud to be a fully comprehensive school, providing education to 1,200 students from ages 11 to 19.

It has a thriving Sixth Form, Area Resource Base and Integrated Health Centre.

“If you take a walk around our school you can expect to hear music and singing from one of our Live Lounge events;

AUTUMN OPEN EVENTS Senior School Open Evening Tuesday 27th September

from 6.45pm - 9pm (for pupils in Years 5 and 6)

Whole School Open Morning Friday 7th October from 10am - 12noon

Early Years Open Afternoon Friday 14th October from 2pm - 3pm

School Cornwall

stjosephscornwall.co.uk

Individual visits and taster days can be arranged throughout the year.

Annette Goswell - Registrar Launceston, Cornwall PL15 8HN 01566 772580 registrar@stjosephscornwall.co.uk

be captivated by the works of art from local artists and our own students,” says a spokesperson.

“Our students achieve well.

Our GCSE results this year [2016] have placed us above national standards, with 70% of our students achieving the new threshold standard.

“Our younger students follow a mastery curriculum in Key Stage 3 that prepares them well for the challenges of GCSEs. “We are very proud of our

Sixth Form. Every year our students gain top A Level and BTec results that have placed our Sixth Form in the top 10% of sixth form providers nationally (ALPS, August 2016).

“Every year our students go on to Oxbridge, Russell Group, national and international universities.

“Our students and staff are proud of our school. We are ambitious for our students academically and for their development into curious young people, who go beyond their

locality and look at the world in wonder, becoming thoughtful and productive members of society.

“We are a co-operative school and have many partners from local primaries, to secondary schools in Devon, Cornwall and a successful partnership with Assossa, Ethiopia.

“We welcome visitors to our school.”

Appointments can be made with the Headteacher’s PA, Mrs Brown on 01288 353271.

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City firm puts the Focus on launching careers sector as well as the Retail, Health & Social Care, Hospitality and Service industries.

The company is now launching its new name ‘The Focus Training Group’ to reflect its growth into Electrical, Plumbing, Gas and Arboriculture training and apprenticeships.

The four parts of the new-

A Plymouth-based company that has provided quality training and connected thousands of apprentices with firms in the region over the past 17 years has expanded to cover more sectors of business and industry.

Focus Training (SW) Ltd was set up in 1999 to serve the Professional and Leadership

look group are the original Focus Training (professional trades) DCET Training (electrical), the newly-established Arb Academy (tree surgery and forestry), and Super Tech (plumbing and gas).

With up to 100% funding from Government schemes available, Group Recruitment and Marketing Manager

Shelly Wright says there’s never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship.

“They are currently fullyfunded for 16-18 year-olds with the possibility of employer incentives and at least partfunded and in some cases fully-funded for people who are 19 and over,” she said.

“That applies to mature ap-

prentices, too, so people shouldn’t think that they’ve missed out just because they’re over 18.”

DCET intake is September and next March; the Arb Academy takes on four times a year; and Super Tech has two intakes a year, the next one being in September.

How do would-be appren-

tices and employers get on board?

“They can contact us directly and tell us what they are looking for,” said Shelly.

“There is a massive shortage of skills in some sectors and employers are crying out for apprentices – and this is the message we want to get out there.”

Official opening of The Quadrangle carried out

by Dr Margot Sunderland

T RINITY SCHOOL

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Stunning Sixth Form Results

A great set of results this year has seen a significant increase in those achieving the equivalent of A*/A at BTEC and A Level. These have created an impressive list of destinations for our leavers; Russell Group universities, Paris Sorbonne, Institute of Contemporary Music, Exeter Chiefs… and the Royal Navy!

A Military Stamp of Approval

There was a military sense of occasion as Rear Admiral Lowe, the National Hydrographer presented prizes at Mr Waters’ final Speech Day. Pupils and families enjoyed his warm words of support as he declared Trinity students to be Bravo Zero; apparently the Navy’s highest accolade!

www.trinityschool.co.uk Tel: 01626 774138 Trinity School (Teignmouth) is a company limited by guarantee (registered in England; company number 1399560) and a registered charity (number 276960). Registered Office: Buckeridge Road, Teignmouth, Devon. TQ14 8LY. UK

Open Day

15th Oct Tours start 10.15am

Day & Boarding. Nursery to Sixth Form.

Business Administration Customer Service Warehousing Health & Social Care Hospitality Retail / Sales

The Quadrangle helps college courses expand Iron Mill College has launched an exciting new chapter in its 35 year history, by officially opening an additional new building at its home in Barnfield Crescent, Exeter.

This is the latest development in a period of growth for the college, helping cement Iron Mill’s place as a leading provider of education and training in mental health and wellbeing.

‘The Quadrangle’, as the new building is known, trebles the capacity of the college and will allow Iron Mill to offer more training courses.

In addition to the newly expanded Exeter premises, Iron

Mill College also has a thriving venue in Poole.

The official opening of The Quadrangle was carried out in July by Dr Margot Sunderland, Director of Education and Training at The Centre for Child Mental Health London.

Dr Sunderland said: “This is a fantastic new facility which is really going to help the college expand and enhance the excellent teaching it offers, in the fields of counselling, psychotherapy, mental health and wellbeing.”

Iron Mill College Principal, Rose Bedford, added: “The opening of ‘The Quadrangle’ represents just the latest step

Considering your options finding a career? We can help...

in an extremely exciting period of expansion.

“We already provide a whole host of professional training courses and university degrees courses from entry level right through to post qualifying and we are expanding our course offering even further this autumn.

“I’m thrilled that our expanding student community, which represents a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, will benefit from the improved facilities that our extra new building offers.”

To find out more, visit www.ironmill.co.uk, or call 01392 219200.

Electrical Installation Fire & Security Electrical Commercial Courses For more information visit:

www.dcet.co.uk @focustrainingsw

Forestry Tree Management Arboriculture Commercial Courses For more information visit:

www.thearbacademy.co.uk

Focus Training SW Limited

www.focus4training.co.uk

Call us today on: 01752 348 980 / Email: enquiries@thefocustraininggroup.com

Plumbing & Heating Gas Installations Plumbing Gas & Oil Commercial Courses For more information visit:

www.supertech.org.uk

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Course serves up cooking with culinary confidence The Ashburton Chefs Academy has been the first step to success for many students wishing to enter the catering industry. Here Jane Dunn, who took the Professional Culinary Diploma course, explains why.

What kind of cook were you before taking the course?

Before I started the course I barely cooked at home, but I baked a lot. My confidence skills were quite low, but I liked cooking your regular sort of dishes like Bolognese, lasagna, etc!

What was your motivation for choosing the professional culinary diploma?

I wanted to be confident in something I knew I could be good at. I had looked into university to do graphic design, history, and even more, but none of it really took my fancy till I looked into cookery school. I wanted to have a career in something I loved!

What made you choose the Ashburton Chefs Academy?

I looked at the main schools in London and got a place on them all, but the price of them was ridiculous, and there was nowhere for accommodation without it costing far too much.

I then found out about Ashburton and decided to visit with my Mum, and fell in love with it – it was so much more personal than the other schools, the accommodation option was there, and even the reception staff were so friendly that I knew I wanted to go there.

What did you think of the course content and structure?

I like how its laid out – at first it seemed a bit daunting and off-

WESTERN MORNING NEWS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 EDUCATION GUIDE 13

Exam and sporting excellence

Name: Jane Dunn Age: 23 Course Taken: Professional Culinary Diploma

Bramdean School Exeter offers an excellent, all-round education for boys and girls from ages three to 18.

It is a non-selective and distinctive school, with a fine sporting record and consistently high public examination results.

The last OFSTED inspection (October 2015) found that the school creates a learning community in which all feel valued.

OFSTED Inspectors found that: ■ From the outset, the school focuses on enabling its pupils to make consistently strong academic progress and outcomes are higher than average. Results in GCSE, AS and A-level examinations are well

putting, but I was wrong. It makes perfect sense as to how they have done it – and it was lovely!

What did you think of the facilities?

I was there when they were building the new dining rooms for the diploma courses, and even through the disruption it was lovely. The actual kitchens are gorgeous, and the new dining/demo rooms were lovely once they were built. It’s always clean and tidy, and its very cute!

‘Sixth form pupils are very well supported’

What did you think of the chef tutor team?

They were all amazingly helpful – if you had a question about something they would help you out. Mainly when it got to the written part of the course – if you needed help they would help you, which was very comforting!

What did you think of the course overall?

It was busy, hard-working, and tiring – but amazing. It may not give you quite a reality check compared to a busy restaurant kitchen, but it perfectly prepped me for what I wanted to do – and the Charity Dining event gave me the experience to know what to expect when going for trial days at restaurants. It gave me more than just confidence in cooking and baking, it helped me grow!

Did you feel more confident in your cookery after the course?

I felt 100% more confident – Even though I already know how to bake, it gave me the confidence to be more experimental in my baking, as well as cooking many more dishes at home for my family – I love it.

Were the qualifications important to you?

Yes I found them very helpful – when applying for jobs afterwards, they all found it useful that I was already food safety trained!

How have you used your cookery skills after you completed the course?

I am looking for premises to start making and selling cakes!

I have started a blog/website www.janespatisserie.com where I write recipes for cakes

and sweet stuff – I’m writing my first recipe book, and my website is very big compared to most having only done it for one year.

What are your plans for the future?

To have recipe books out, to have a bakery/restaurant, and to be my own boss!

Would you recommend the course to others?

I have already had many people ask about courses at Ashburton from them following my blog – I have emails weekly

asking about the courses – and I always recommend it!

Do you have advice for others that are considering the course?

If you want somewhere that is comforting, but pushes you to be the person you can be – then go for it. I didn’t think I would pass the course, but I did, and I am so glad they pushed me to get there.

It has given me the confidence to start my own business, and I wouldn’t have done it without them!

above the national average, as is the overall attainment of pupils.

■ Success rates are high as a result of very effective teaching and learning.

■ Effective provision for children in the early years (kindergarten) enables them to settle quickly and make good progress. By the time they start formal learning, their standards in literacy and numeracy are above those typically found for children of their age.

■ Sixth form pupils are very well supported and challenged.

Bramdean is offering a selection of Sporting Bursaries to children with ability and commitment, who would benefit from the all-round education and coaching the school provides.

For further details, please contact the Headmistress Diane Stoneman or Tony Connett on 01392 273387; or visit: www.bramdeanschool.com

Bramdean School Exeter Tenax et fortis

Kindergarten • Preparatory • Senior School • Sixth Form

Bramdean encourages pupils to be self confident, enquiring, tolerant and positive with independent minds; meeting challenges and achieving goals.

A genuine commitment to the pursuit of excellence for all Visit the school website at: www.bramdeanschool.com

Bramdean School, Homefield Road, Heavitree, Exeter EX1 2QR • email: info@bramdeanschool.com • tel: 01392 273387

14 EDUCATION GUIDE THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 WESTERN MORNING NEWS

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Teaching and research work respected on a global level In 1955, the University College of the South West was granted a royal charter and became the University of Exeter.

It is now a globally respected institution combining worldclass research with impactful teaching and high levels of student satisfaction at its campuses in both Exeter and Cornwall.

The University’s teaching and research activities are spread across four campuses: Streatham and St Luke’s in Exeter, and Penryn and Truro in Cornwall. More than 21,000 students from over 130 countries are enrolled at the university, which also boasts nearly 4,000 members of staff.

Students can pursue Bachelors, Masters, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. Nearly 50 disciplines are represented at the university, which is recognised internationally for its

academic expertise in business, medicine, humanities, and the STEM fields.

In the 2016 National Student Survey, the University of Exeter was rated best in the South West and also received the highest Overall Satisfaction scores out of the 24 members of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive institutions. These achievements follow close on the heels of making the top 100 for the first time in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2015-16).

Over £350 million has been invested in the university’s teaching and research infrastructure over the past several years in order to enable both academics and students to pursue ground-breaking research with global implications. Many of these projects are conducted in association with organisations based in

the South West of England.

Such partnerships are only one of the reasons why the university contributes some £600 million to our regional economy.

Students and staff at the university also interact with local communities through volunteering and outreach activities. Student ambassadors engage local schoolchildren in hands-on learning activities stemming from Exeter research, and the university

routinely hosts and contributes to large-scale educational events such as The Big Bang South West (Exeter), Soapbox Science (Exeter), and Science in the Square (Cornwall).

The University of Exeter is proud of its many achievements to date and is excited to be welcoming its latest cohort of students to campus in September.

Plans are already underway for autumn Open Days at the campuses in both Exeter (Oc-

tober 1 and 26) and Penryn (September 24) so that the next round of future Exeter alumni can find out more about the university.

Open Days offer the chance to: ■ find out more about the range of degree programmes on offer ■ explore the university’s beautiful grounds on studentled tours ■ enjoy presentations and sample lectures

■ talk informally to lecturers ■ meet representatives from a range of support services All prospective students, their families, and their friends are warmly invited to come and learn more about the University of Exeter’s highly respected programmes and excellent student experience.

For more information, please visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/visiting/ opendays. Come be a part of the best in the South West.

Truro & Penwith College

Courses that put you first A Levels,Vocational, Apprenticeships, Business Training, University Level, IB Diploma, Part-time.

ding For an outstan an future choose ‘Outstanding’ College

www.truro-penwith.ac.uk truro.penwith.college @Truro_Penwith

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WESTERN MORNING NEWS THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8 2016 EDUCATION GUIDE 15

New college – new courses, new choices With the first cohort of students due to start lessons in September 2017, prospective students are being urged to apply now for places at the new Callywith College.

Callywith will cater for around 500 students in its first year, and now is the chance to become part of an unrivalled education opportunity in North and East Cornwall.

The College will unveil its brand new 2017 prospectus on Saturday, September 17 at Mount Folly Square in Bodmin. Potential students and their parents/carers can come along between 10am and 3pm and be among the first to take away a copy of the prospectus, talk to staff about options, arrange an admissions interview, win Amazon vouchers, and even grab a selfie in the Cornwall Photo Bus. At 1pm in the Shire Hall, staff will be giving a talk on Callywith College and the options available.

The modern, state-of-the-art Callywith College is being developed in association with Ofsted Outstanding Truro and Penwith College. It will share not only its vision and aims, but provide the same chance to

access modern, purpose built post-16 facilities and resources with inspirational teaching.

There is a wide range of courses and options available for students wanting to study at Callywith College.

A Level choices include Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, History, Law, Maths and Further Maths, Media Studies and Physics.

Level 2 options include Progression courses and Diplomas in Business, Sport, ICT and Health and Social Care. Level 3 Extended Diplomas (A Level equivalents) include Applied Science, Art and Design and Creative Media Production.

Callywith College will also be home to the Next Gen Academy Games, Animation and VFX Skills, one of only a handful of colleges in the country to run this innovative, industry-led course for the games designers and visual effects experts of the future.

As well as a wide range of post 16 courses, Callywith College will offer its Academy programme to help football, rugby and netball players and future medics excel in their chosen speciality and to support ap-

plications to the most competitive academic university places.

It all adds up to an enviable mix of a new college with new facilities, new courses and a new choice for students in Bodmin and north and east Cor nwall.

David Walrond, Principal of Truro and Penwith College, said: “The new offer will be a learning environment of the highest quality, one tailored to the distinct and crucial post-16 phase, one which offers the highest levels of specialist teaching and student support.

“Architecturally it will be very similar in style to the college’s existing campuses in Truro and Penzance, and in terms of the experience provided it will guarantee the same very high quality of equipment, resources and facilities,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming prospective students along to our launch event in Bodmin on September 17.”

Come and see the college on Saturday, 17 September, 10am3pm at Mount Folly Square, Shire Hall, Bodmin. Pick up your prospectus. Apply for September 2017.

Ofsted praise for ethos of aspiration With record results, a Premier League football club association and the dawn of a new college, it has truly been an Outstanding year for Truro and Penwith College.

The year began on a high when the college was given the highest possible rating by inspectors from Ofsted, the first to achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating under the new regime.

The inspectors praised the college’s “ethos of aspiration and achievement”.

Demonstrating why the college received such a glowing report, a record number of students achieved outstanding A Level results at Truro and Penwith College in 2016, beating

the national average with more than a 99% pass rate.

With an increase of 12% on last year’s A level numbers, a record-equalling 87% of students passed with the higher grades of A-C (compared to national A-C grade pass rate of 78%).

It had been a wonderful summer for results, with vocational courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme producing impressive levels of attainment.

A total of 57 students completed the IB diploma at Truro College, with the average score of 36 points equivalent to A*, A*, A, A, at A Level.

Additionally, nearly 900 stu-

dents successfully completed their two-year Level 3 vocational courses this summer.

These figures make Truro and Penwith College one of the largest providers of higher level vocational qualifications nationally, as well as one of the most successful in terms of achievement levels.

It has had a great year with the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) confirming the quality and standards of provision following its March review.

Football in Cornwall also received an incredible boost following the signing of an association between Chelsea FC Foundation and the college.

Try something different with Iron Mill College in Exeter…

Enrol on a counselling course

Entry level courses starting this Autumn: y Certificate in Counselling: This popular, part-time course includes 90 hours of training. It is available to study as a weekly course every Friday (starting 9th September; also available in Poole), or as a monthly course 1 weekend per month (starting 8th October). It could be your first step to a rewarding new career. y TA Psychotherapy Foundation Course (Transactional Analysis): Our 1 year, part-time course runs 1 weekend per month (starting on 12th November). It can be taken as a stand-alone course for personal and professional development, or lead to a further 3 years’ training on our Advanced Course.

For further information and to apply: 01392 219200 / enquiries@ironmill.co.uk

www.ironmill.co.uk

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