NEWSLETTER - Issue 11

Principal’s Introduction

Key dates

This half term has been a very exciting time for Tavistock College, with many success stories and thrilling events to relate. We started the year 26- 30 October will some great stories of individual success captured in the examination Half Term results from the summer. Examination results days are always charged with emotion and this year it was no exception. National changes to 12 November grade boundaries and statistical fixes to limit the amount of high grades awarded means it is now much harder to predict results. The Sixth Form Open Evening photographs and stories shared on our social media platforms were set to music and used on the first day. Teachers, support staff, students, 18 December and their families had shared a journey of highs and lows and waited Last Day of Autumn Term patiently for envelopes to be distributed. Some students kindly allowed their parents to share the moment, others made friends and family wait outside. As always it is a very personal choice. For some euphoria, and a job well done. For others SPRING TERM 2016 disappointment and time for reassurance and a new plan. Thanks go to the parents who have been there every step of the way for the last 7 years. Many parents have the joy of the moment tinged with the sadness of goodbyes as our students start on the next part of life’s journey. There were 4 January also a number of exciting trips and activities that happened over the summer, and many of you will First Day of Term have read Freya Novack’s report from Cambodia on the Tavistock College website and the student accounts of the trip to China. Life changing events for the young people who went. That is why I am 12 February fully behind the wide ranging trips and events that my staff offer to the young people in our school.

Non Pupil Day I look forward to being able to see the impact of visits to Japan, Venice and Iceland that are all coming up soon. Continuing the international theme, we have been hosting visitors from Sweden, Lithuania, Spain and France and hope to widen our international participation even further this year.

15 -19 February In addition to these, we have been making visits to our local primary schools, hosting a Poetry Slam Half Term (and well done to Lifton Primary School on their success),competing in a wide variety of sporting events, supporting a range of students visiting Cambridge University, and all this on top of improving 24 March standards around the college. No mean feat, but I am beginning to realise that this kind of energy and commitment is typical of life at Tavistock College.

Last Day of Spring Term In recognition of just some of the talent that we have amongst our staff, Governors have made a series of internal appointments. These are Tristan Forster as Assistant Principal, Shaun Hulbert as Head of PE and Ross Corkell as Second in PE. I could have run adverts for these posts across the whole of the UK but I would have no hope of finding more talented and capable people.

Alex Jackson has been promoted to second in the Science Faculty, and we have been able to retain Sarah Swinburne as a teacher of English and Jill Hodge as a PE teacher. These really strong appointments will enable us to continue to provide outstanding learning opportunities for our talented students. In the new year we will also welcome our new Vice Principal, Barbara Manning who replaces Aimee Mitchell as she takes up her own well deserved Headship at ISCA College in Exeter.

As well as celebrating, the college has also experienced a time of great sadness in losing a great friend of the college, Ashley Tossell. It is impossible for me to capture here the depth and range of emotional impact that was felt by the sudden loss of our colleague. The grief felt by colleagues, governors, students and members of the community of Tavistock had a profound effect on the college and the local community.

The solidarity and care for each other shown at the time was a measure of Tavistock College. As the news spread of Ashleys’s tragic death the emails and messages flooded in to the college, and prompted us to start capturing these tributes in a coherent way so that the family could receive them. Thank you to all who contributed to the memorial books.

Governor Peter Rodgers wrote ‘Whenever I was fortunate to be in his company I was the richer for it and he made a huge contribution to the college as we all know.’ This tells me so much about Ashley and explains the loss felt by so many. Below is a tribute written by Tristan Forster that I want to share with you.

‘Ashley served this school as a teacher and head of PE for over 32 years but more importantly he was an absolute inspiration to thousands of children over that time period, whether it was on one of ‘Tossell’s Tours’ all over Europe, in his amazing role as a tutor, in one of the thousands of PE lessons he taught or with the countless trainee teachers he mentored, and who have gone on to be outstanding teachers. Whatever he did, he did it with a jig in his step a smile on his face and a wink in his eye. Being among a small privileged group of friends including his beloved children Natalie and Barney that shared what would be his last meal I can promise you that he was on absolute top form right till the end and didn’t suffer, which is a small blessing at this time.

In time we will of course find a fitting tribute to a great man that loved this town, this school and this job, but for now we must all play our part in remembering someone that can I can only describe as a legend. Many staff and students will be shaken by this tragic loss either through a personal connection to Ashley, his beautiful children Natalie and Barney or indeed to Carolyn’ Congratulations to budding 6th Form entrepreneur Ryan-Paul Maloney who has designed and supplied an electronic sign-in solution which has been acquired by Tavistock College. Ryan has recently installed his system in reception working with the senior team, reception staff and IT Support, who have provided back-end guidance, hardware and support to ensure that the system runs appropriately on the network. This has been a fantastic opportunity for a student to deliver a ‘Real World’ solution uniquely matching customer requirements. For reception staff this will fully transform the visitor sign-in process to a self-service system, allowing visitors to sign in and out themselves, even when reception is unmanned. Ryan will continue to work with the college to adjust and upgrade his system and has already allowed for the potential to provide additional services and features in the future.

I look forward to continuing my work with parents. Parent partnership is very important to us at Tavistock College, and I hope to strengthen even further the excellent work undertaken to date. I would like to thank all the students, staff, parents and governors who have welcomed me into Tavistock College this half term and look forward with real excitement to the next one.

Sarah Jones - Principal

Follow us on Twitter: @tavicollege or join the discussion #tavicollege

Issue 11 - October 2015

Apple Co-operative News

College News

The Apple Co-operative enjoyed time out in the autumn sunshine last week, having a great deal of fun, but with a serious purpose – to pick apples and make apple juice. The heritage Tamar Valley apple trees in the school orchard produced boxes of apples for pressing this year, and we then went further afield into the Tamar Valley to another heritage orchard, where we were invited to pick yet more apples – boxes and boxes of apples again. Some of these apples were crushed and pressed at school at lunchtime, when the staff and students really enjoyed themselves, even though we all got spattered with bits of apple – thanks to Mr Forster and Mr We were delighted to welcome colleagues Read and Mrs Horn for their vigorous approach to this! from Sweden to spend a week shadowing The resulting apple the fantastic work of our teachers in the juice was tasted Science Faculty. Emma, Inger and Peter, by all and found – photographed here with Mike Harris (Head to some surprise of Science and Alex Jackson) are visiting – to be wonderful. the college to study the work of teachers in We are now an English school. This is part of a link the looking forward to College has forged with Bromangymnasiet receiving crates of in Hudiksvall. Mr KIng bottled apple juice for the Apple Co-operative to market, so many more people can enjoy Tavistock College apple juice. Mrs Harris

Swedish Visitors

PI in the sky

Raspberry Pi in Space Project.

On 12 October we completed our Pi in the Sky project. Our aim was to send a small computer and sensors to the edges of space to gather data which could be used by our Science department. We were hoping to collect temperature, wind speed, height and speed information which could be translated into raw data. The launch was a success with our device leaving Tavistock College sports field at 10.30 am in great weather conditions and floated off into blue skies.

Our project was inspired by a desire to celebrate the switch from ICT to a new Computing Curriculum. We wanted a project that would showcase real world application of computing and allow us to take the subject out of the classroom and into the real world. Along with myself there were two students with the project from day one. Jamie Wood; current Yr12, and Jack Fillan; current Yr10. We also had input from many other students during the computing club which takes place every Thursday afternoon including Arnis Mezinskis (Yr8) who released the computer on launch day. These students did everything from creating the computer code, to designing the payload structure which was an amazing achievement.

We designed the whole project from the ground up and sourced all the components that were required. My personal role within the team was raise money to pay for the components. We were very lucky to have the support from the Tavistock College Endowment Fund, who supported us with half the money we needed. We also created a great link to Absolute360.com, a local business, who became our principal business sponsor and a great supporter/promoter across several forms of social media.

We raised the final amount required by selling space on our payload box where people could have their names sent into space; this gave us a chance to engage other students and the local community in our project, which was a great success.

Overall our project aimed to engage students in the new Computing Curriculum and I believe it was a success. Many students are asking about the project. Although we have yet to retrieve the computer; as we sadly lost contact with it when it passed 65000 ft. We are very hopeful that it will return to us and we can use any information that may be held on the memory cards.

As a team we would like to thank everyone who helped and supported our work. Without this support we could not have attempted such an ambitious project. Mr Lane

College News

Languages Week

Throughout the week, some of the language leaders took part in assemblies, explaining about the languages that are going extinct, and why we should bother to learn a language.

L1 and the innovation centre had activities to do during break and lunchtime including Kahoot quizzes, films, books, magazines and favourite words/stories about our travels to other countries.

Also in the innovation centre, we held a MFL Praise Postcard competition to decide the design of the postcard that will be sent out this year.

We held competitions to create a Haiku (A Japanese poem), where we had to have 5 syllables on the first line, 7 on the second, and another 5 on the third, as well as a caligram competition. A caligram is a poem in the shape of what it is talking about. We are yet to find out who won the competitions, so that is something to look out for.

We also had quizzes in the library all about languages, with a £10 iTunes voucher up for grabs. Similarly to the poetry competitions, we don’t have a winner for these yet, so keep an eye out. The MFL language leaders

Pontivy Partner School The MFL Department a r e delighted that they now have a partner school in Tavistock’s twin town, Pontivy. Throughout the year, students from both schools will be sharing information about themselves and their town in order to further their knowledge and understanding of not only another language, but another culture. In the summer term, 91 French students from Pontivy will be visiting Tavistock College to see for themselves what an English school looks like! A large box of items has already been sent to the French school, and as can be seen from the photo, it contained a lot of very English and Tavonian/Devon items - mostly suggested by students themselves! A noticeboard outside L1 will soon be filling up with information about our twin town and the school we now have links with. Just keep watching... Mrs Brown

Spy in the Classroom

Downing College Cambridge

In September, a group of 20 year 10 and 11 students visited Downing College Cambridge to learn about how to apply to the most competitive Universities and courses. Cambridge University again hosted us, accommodating students in the beautiful Halls of Residence in Downing and allowing students to sample the life of an undergraduate.

Students enjoyed seeing the historic “College Backs” on a punting tour, attended sessions on the benefit of attending higher education and academic seminars. The seminars illustrated the methods of learning in Oxford and Cambridge and encouraged critical, analytical thought.

Students were presented with a question and prior to answering it, were shown how to analyse the question itself. Our students performed brilliantly and the Cambridge staff were impressed.

We are hugely grateful to Cambridge University who arrange and fund this visit for Tavistock alone. This is now our 4th year of visiting Cambridge and Oxford on a regular basis and we can see the impact these visits have had.

More year 13 students than ever have applied to Oxbridge this year and we wish them well!

Mrs Hubbard

10 Gifted and Talented Language Students were lucky enough to have had an opportunity to be part of a programme called ‘Spy in the Classroom’ which took place at Lipson Co-operative Academy.

The day comprised of a workshop led by GCHQ representatives who were promoting the use and study of languages in the real world. French, Spanish and Chinese master-classes were also delivered to help students gather study techniques and push their languages to a higher level. The day ended with a talk by two Plymouth University lecturers and a current student about the merits of continuing on to higher education in languages. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by staff and students alike. I am afraid we cannot reveal any more as it is top secret! Mrs Jones

College News

EducAid Talk

A talk by the organisation EducAid was a very humbling experience. Learning about those who are vulnerable in a poverty stricken country like Sierra Leone who faced daily devastations from Ebola, yet still manage to strive after an education was inspiring.

Learning the importance of organisations like EducAid helped me realise how many wish to have an education and only a minute percentage get that opportunity, yet through the help of EducAid many are now enrolled in school in Sierra Leone and are looking to the future. Daisy Hobbs Having a talk about an organisation like Educaid whilst being surrounded by students who, like myself, probably take their education for granted (just because it’s what we have grown up with) has a large impact when you realise that there are so many children and adults who would love an education, but live in a country with a corrupt government like Sierra Leone. They don’t have access to an education let alone a free one. The sort of moral values and skills that educaid teaches their students means so much not only to the student but, if there are enough of them, to whole country as well implementing huge social and economic impacts in the long term. Freya Gronow

Nepal Club

Ebola Talk

On 16th November Martin Dawes will be in talking with A level geography students about their Pollution and Human Health at Risk unit.

Martin is a well known BBC News Correspondent and UN representative, who now works in London with a network of organisations in the aid sector dedicated to reform. The reform is to try to make sure there is full two way communication with disaster affected communities as this makes them stronger and creates more effective responses.

Ebola was a case where this lesson had again to be learned - but paid dividends.

This is an incredible opportunity for the students to engage a professional who has first hand experience of the impact of Ebola on the demographics and infrastructure of West Africa.

@nepalclub is the Twitter account established by the Nepal Club a group of dedicated students who meet fortnightly organising fundraising events and celebration activities to publicise our links with Adarsha Saula School near Kathmandu.

Adarsha Saula suffered fatalities and some of their classrooms have been condemned following the quakes.

Fundraising events will be starting again soon with a staff v student sports match.

Nepal Club meets Monday lunchtime week A in G3. Mrs Froud

Year 8 Geography - Scrap Heap Challenge

Geography Trip

On two beautiful October days, the GCSE geographers went to the beach to study coastal defences prior to their Controlled Assessment. From touching Langstone Rock to get a feel for the geology to hiking over the sand dunes on the Spit, even a sneaky skimming competition was slotted in making it a fun and memorable day for staff and students. Mrs Froud

As part of their Challenges to the Planet topic, Year 8 Geographers were invited to take part in an additional homework project in which they were asked to create items which could be sold as souvenirs – the challenge was to do this with solely recycled materials!

This was a fantastic opportunity for pupil’s to not only show their understanding of the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle but to also put their creative skills into practice.

From pencil pot holders to rebranded Devon sweets, a variety of items were created, each showing an impressive twist on how to take a piece of waste and make it usable again. A huge well done and thank you to everyone who entered, with extra credit going to our 3 prize winners: 1st place: Jacob Blackburn- Denton (8B) with his recycled ‘Coke Can Truck’ 2nd place: Lily Walke (8FA) with her Wall art made of bottle caps.

3rd place: Rosie Duncan (8BA) with her ‘bag made from bags’ creation.

Next half term Year 7 will be studying Weather and Climate and will be making real life Weather measuring instruments. This will be part of a homework project, where students will create working instruments to record our local weather. This is a 5 week project which will form part of their final assessment for their topic on Weather – How fantastic if they can take this inspiration from Year 8 to build their instruments using recycled materials!!

Miss Solman

College News

Poetry Festival The Co-operative Trust schools have enjoyed their second poetry festival. Supported by the Trust, the local primary schools of: Bere Alston, Horrabrige, Lifton, Meavy, Princetown, St Peters, Tavistock, Whitchurch and Tavistock College have each had a poet in residence to inspire children to get creative and express themselves in poetry. The theme this year was Dartmoor.

The Festival week concluded with a Slam competition.

Children from each school performed an original poem written on the theme of Dartmoor. Drizzle and mist featured highly, along with beauty, freedom and fun. The panel of judges of Mrs Sarah Jones, Principal of Tavistock College, Mrs Eva Pearson, Head of Creative Arts at Tavistock College, Mr Richard Jones, Head of the Lions and Miss Vanessa Kisuule, Spoken words artist had a difficult time judging and we are grateful to them for their time.

The Primary school competition was won by Lifton Primary school who performed in waterproofs and wellies. They won the perpetual trophy, medals and a goody bag each. Congratulations: Jack Brown, Keith Maynard Ruby McNamara and Rosie Robinson. Mrs Hubbard

Buckets full of drizzle

Buckets full of drizzle, Miles of flattened grass, Pools full of mud, A dull, grey day.

Miles of flattened grass, A dull, grey day, An unwelcome storm, Sombre clouds threaten.

I Come From

I come from Isolation I come from Friday night fish-and-chips and a movie, rented for a few precious days.

I come from friends, born from interests considered weird, or nerdy, interests not normally considered “cool”.

I come from noise, from a house filled with children who are not my brothers or sisters, but who have become family over long years.

I come from silence. The sound made when sitting at home, with only the light of a screen, fingers dancing in animated staccato across a dusty keyboard, darkness like a blanket around me.

I come from fire. Fires lit when outside the air grows chill and biting winds rip through clothing and skin.

I come from insanity, bought about by betrayal and giving unholy life to thoughts of violence, perpetual anger constantly swirling in the dark, twisted part of my mind.

I come from escape. To worlds inside my mind, ideas fuelled by books and games, worlds that give purpose to this life, and provide an outlet from those that reside in this world.

I come from food. From meals made and crafted in school kitchens whilst outside others run and shout, looking in to this dimly-lit cave of smells and tastes.

I come from isolation. Isolation bought about by backstabbing and poisonous words whispered in secret, but also by worlds that offer a chance to mean something. These worlds, born from many games played and many books read, alive with creatures and people to whom I am known as whoever I want to be, as tyrant or as saviour.

I come from my mind, the place in which every thought, every experience, every memory, every feeling and most importantly, every one of the myriad worlds is locked away. My mind is my haven, my enemy, and my saviour.

In the end, I come from me.

Written by Samuel William McGoldrick Beard

An unwelcome day, It’s wet on the moor, Sombre clouds threaten, On Dartmoor today.

It’s wet on the moor, Pools full of mud, On Dartmoor today, Buckets full of drizzle.

Written by Lifton School The Secondary Slam saw four groups of mixed years perform work inspired by an exploration of different identities. The students had worked with Vanessa Kisuule for two days and had thoroughly be joyed the time to write creatively. One boy commented that he would like to be able to “ write creatively all day, every day.” It was heartening to be able to give students this time from their busy curriculum. The Secondary Slam was won by : Sam Beard, Sam Chambers, Sian Elder, Cyrus LarcombeMoore, Lauren Morris, Katelyn Page and Gabs Townsend.

I Come From

I come from a world full of light and warmth.

Where the words of Austen line the walls and the swinging jazz of Brubeck floats from the speakers.

I come from a world where the storm that is poverty, war, depression rages around me but not through me.

Because my world is too bright to be penetrated by the dark clouds of suffering.

I know that one day I must leave my world and look up to see raging skies instead of calm.

But until then I will simply tilt my head to soak up the sunlight.

Written by Emily Handel

Welcome to new staff and congratulations to newly promoted stafff.

Mr J Allso - Maths Hobbies and interests:

Mr D Alsop Business Studies Hobbies and interests:

Ms R Barker - Art Hobbies and interests:

Mr T Briars - English Hobbies and interests:

Mr R Corkell - 2nd in PE Hobbies and interests:

Mrs T Fleming Y7 TA specifically working with students who are deaf Hobbies and interests: Walking on Dartmoor, watching live music, reading, dancing.

Interesting fact: I worked abroad in France for 2 years, on the reception desk in several hotels.

Mr T Forster Assistant Principal Hobbies and interests:

Mrs R Hillier HOY Admin Hobbies and interests:

History (running tours and Anything creative, going to print W. S. Graham poetry, David attending talks and tours myself), Running with my dog, surfing making classes, Art galleries and Lynch films, live music real ale (member of CAMRA) and travelling. museums. I also like gardening.

Interesting fact: Interesting fact: Interesting fact: Interesting fact: My favourite hobby as a teenager I lived in Azerbaijan for 6 months I used to play rugby against I did a 25 mile hike in a day was off-road unicycling. and while I was there I gave the Jonny Wilkinson twice a year (he across the Brecon Beacons whole country a bank holiday. was the same age as me in a when I was a Venture Scout (now rival local school) Explorers).

I am a member of Landkey Town Football Club. I enjoy cooking, video games with my step daughter and fishing.

Interesting fact:

I’m a member of A.C.T theatre group, and have appeared on stage as a puppeteer.

.

Mr S Hulbert Head of PE Hobbies and interests: Playing and watching any sport.

Interesting fact: I’m a Doctor Who lookalike!

Mr A Jackson 2nd in Science Faculty Hobbies and interests:

I play handball for Newquay Handball club, I love spending time with my family on the beach, chilling and watching food programmes!

Interesting fact:

I love to cook, walk my black cocker spaniel, Jarvis, on the moors and go to my Combat and Pump exercise classes.

Interesting fact:

I ran the London Marathon in Before coming to Tavistock 2007 and raised £5,500 for the College in 2006 I had never Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. owned / worn a pair of jeans.

Mrs N Jeynes - Chemistry Hobbies and interests:

Miss D Krysta 2nd in Catering I am an avid rock climber having Hobbies and interests:

I love playing lots of heavy stuff climbed all over Europe on my guitar, playing drums in a Interesting fact: band and surfing whenever it’s My previous roles included research into the controversial not too cold! oils and extraction working for Interesting fact: I lived at a Buddhist farm for 2 BP America in a laboratory in the weeks in New Zealand and got University of Surrey, Guildford. paid an egg a day for gardening

Walking on the moors, bike riding, camping, and reading.

Interesting fact:

My Nan made it to 100 and had a card from the Queen.

Mrs P Lay - History Hobbies and interests:

Mr M Lea - English Hobbies and interests: I enjoy training in martial arts.I I enjoy reading and running. also like to travel the world. My Interesting fact: favourite thing to do is go for tea I assist with the Ten Tors and cake with my friends. event on Dartmoor.

Interesting fact: I volunteer with an elephant project in Thailand each summer, working with the families that live there to care for the elephants.

Mr M Quinlan - Physics

I am running the Enginnering Education Scheme, a competition for Y12 students.

This year the team is working with Rittal CSM, an engineering company in Roborough.

Mr R Roberts - Science Hobbies and interests:

Mrs E Logan - Science Hobbies and interests: Photography and travelling!

Interesting fact: I’m from originally from South Africa and speak Afrikaans as my first language.

Mr D Marvin - Maths Hobbies and interests: Tottenham Hotspur FC, playing tennis and eating.

Interesting fact: I became a dad recently.

Miss J Solman - Geography Hobbies and interests:

Mr N Stewart - Maths Hobbies and interests

Reading about history, I’m a big music fan and loving swimming, surfing (badly) and being back in Devon for regular Astronomy (I am hoping to start jaunts on the moor. an Astronomy Club at Tavistock) Interesting fact: Interesting fact: I taught Anthony Ogogo, Hobbies and interests: I worked for the Forensic Science 2015 Strictly Come Dancing I am married with two children Service in London and used to competitor, how to make a and enjoy rock climbing and go to crime scenes and to court footlong Subway sandwich when mountaineering. including the Old Bailey. I have he was sponsored by Subway also worked inside the houses of during the Olympics – he went Parliament as a Civil Servant. on to win bronze at the Olympics!

Miss K Stride - TA Hobbies and interests:

Miss B Summerfield - PE Hobbies and interests:

Taking my kids to rugby, taking my daughter to cubs and getting out to the moors. I like photography and reading. I read the Time Travellers Wife when it came out and we named our daughter Alba after the daughter in that book.

Interesting fact:

I played Australian Rules football for GB against Denmark, we lost.

Mrs C Worth Catering Manager Playing badminton, going for Films, reading, baking, cooking Hobbies and interests:

Playing the piano and the guitar, a swim and taking the dogs for and also dancing long walks on the Moors.

Interesting fact: I used to come to Tavistock Interesting fact: College as a student myself When I was younger, I use to play for Plymouth Argyle girls football club.

Miss C Williams - English Hobbies and interests:

and eating!

Cross stitch, keeping fish, Scotland & Scottish islands, the I have a hamster called Hamlet beach, roller coasters & family – named after the Shakespeare days of fun. play. Very predictable for an Interesting fact: English teacher!

My Granddad and my Uncle both drove the Queens train for GWR.

Interesting fact:

Sixth Form News

Sixth Form News

It has been a privilege and a joy to work with the thriving, caring community that is Tavistock College 6th form. In just the few weeks I have been in the post of Head of Sixth form I have seen how very much they care for each other and support each other. I applaud them.

We now have 295 students in the 6th form and have welcomed four new tutors to join our experienced, expert team; we welcome Mark Hillman, Maurice Quinlan, Andy Read and Richard Roberts.

It is a very busy time of the year for Year 13 students, most of whom are applying to University through the UCAS system. There has been much agonising over vocabulary and all tutors have been hugely occupied reading and re reading draft applications. We have had 8 students who have made an “ early entry.” If applying to Oxford, Cambridge or for medicine, then entries have to be finished early in the process to allow time for interviews. We have not had so many apply for such prestigious courses and Universities for many years and it is nice to think that the gifted and talented programme, in place lower down the school, in which students visit such Universities as Cambridge, has raised aspirations. We wish them well and know that, wherever they eventually go to University, they will be a credit.

Many other students have already sent off applications including Philosophy, politics and economics, pharmacology, accountancy, radiography , teaching and agriculture with mechanisation. Many applications have resulted in offers from such Universities as York, Manchester, Kings College, London and UEA. The application season ends in January, by which time we expect many students to be in receipt of excellent offers and many words to have been written!

The tutor team have all been trained on giving advice to those students who are not seeking a University course, but who want to proceed to apprenticeships, A Level management courses or take GAP years and we would advise all students to ask for help should they need it.

On November 25th the College will be sending 14 students to the Exeter Cathedral Debate. This debate mirrors BBC question time and students are asked to submit questions to the panel on moral, ethical or political issues. The panel will be chaired by Samira Ahmed and we are looking forward to debating some topical issues.

Sixth formers continue to volunteer within our local community and I am deeply proud of those who do so. Such experience helps young people to grow, on many levels. Our Sixth Form prefect team has also been very active. They run a team of reading mentors for younger years, manage the “ youth boards” for Faculties and Year groups; they have started a well being group for any student from any year.

Prefects are organising sporting opportunities and a Grand Bingo Night to help raise funds to refurbish our Octagon Cafe.

We are proud of the enthusiasm and organisational skills of Joe Jordan who has formed a cross year group of writers in order to produce a student newspaper.

The Concourse has now been printed and has been given free to every student; it is on sale to teachers and adults. The newspaper is the first of its kind and represents a massive amount of organisation. We look forward to the next edition and Joe welcomes articles from any student.

Finally, it is heartening to see so many students participating in sport. Over 30 students turn out regularly for netball and football. It is important to balance academic study with exercise, fun and fitness and I am glad to see so many establishing such a healthy balance. Mrs Hubbard

RADA experience

The experience I had for 5 days at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in the summer was unforgettable. I will always remember standing outside the front door of the building feeling a mix of nerves and excitement on my first day before heading in. The first day flew by, after the introductory session we started reading our first piece of contemporary text, naturally. After roughly an hour of DNA by Dennis Kelly, I claimed my first free lunch of the week…win! After lunch, 5 and half hours of physical performance, stage fighting, storytelling and devised work followed. Something about the stage fighting stuck out to me particularly, possibly the combat or maybe our tutor, the self titled “Master of Violence” – great guy. Naturally, I was raring to go the next day and was able to perform my prepared monologue from the play Find Me by Olwen Wymark that I had been working on. More contemporary text followed, before “Acting” class. What followed was an hour of imitating mice/birds/ cats which was unusual but unbelievably helpful actually. Day 3 included interview and audition technique which was possibly the most useful part of the course alongside voice work, monologues and contemporary text. Thursday was fun as we worked towards our final performance of DNA the next day; however I was still able to perform a second monologue this time from Blood Brothers – the I wish I was our Sammy speech that I did in Showstopper! last year. Finally, our last day was entirely spent practicing/performing DNA which we had worked hard on throughout the week. This days flew by and I will never forget receiving my certificate from Caroline Eves, who had been working with us all week. Overall, my week at RADA was one that I never imagined I would be lucky enough to get in the first place, however truly unforgettable and inspirational and one that I would happily recommend to anyone thinking of gaining more experience for the future. Ben Gentle Y13

Careers and the Future

Careers and the Future Autumn Term 2015 update: Fred Jenkins Careers South West independent advisor has been advising selected students this term and will be carrying out independent careers advice sessions for Year11, 12 and 13 students during the Spring Term. These appointments can be booked through Mrs C Sharp, who is also available for advice, information and guidance on career matters during break times and for individual appointments.

Mrs C Sharp is now permanently based in the Careers Library just inside the main library Here you can gather information advice and guidance on all things career and work experience related. You will find up to date brochures and information regarding Further Education, Higher Education, Apprenticeship and employment opportunities post 16. Access to internet careers sites and a data base of possible work experience placements.

Future Events

Tuesday 3rd November

Simon Hall BBC South-West Crime correspondent and author or The TV Detective novels talking about his career in the Media, journalism and creative writing

12th November

Tavistock College 6th Form opening evening

16th November

Martin Dawes visiting A level Geography students to discuss Ebola and World Aid

November onwards

Open evenings are held at Local Further Education Colleges such as Duchy College, City College Plymouth and Skills Group

16th March

planned visit to careers event The Skills Show at Plymouth Pavilions.

Please contact Mrs C Sharp for further information advice and guidance: Work Experience and Careers Information, Advice and Guidance Coordinator. csharp@tavistockcollege.devon.sch.uk 01822 614231 ext.279

Work Experience

92% of year 10 students attended a placement during the week of 15th July 2015.

Student and employer feedback was very positive, students said it was a very worthwhile experience, some even ending up with a Saturday job or offer of an apprenticeship.

Current Year 10 students: your work experience week is 11th July 2016. I strongly advise, with the help of parents/carers and your tutor, looking for a placement as soon as possible.

Most of the surrounding secondary schools are out the same week so get there first! A work experience letter will be sent home over half term with further information.

China Trip 2015

International News

China was an absolutely amazing experience. We went to so many famous places in a short amount of time it was hard to take it all in. The food was amazing, our tour guides were so, so helpful and lovely, and everyone who went was really friendly – I’m going to miss the singing! Emily Friend China was one of the most life-changing experiences I have ever had the opportunity to encounter. The difference and contrast in the rich culture of China has really changed the way in which I view life in England. Holly Speare I didn’t know much about China before we came here but I can honestly say I have never been to a more welcoming and friendly Country and doubt I ever will.

There was something in every day that left us feeling amaze from the enormity of the Great Wall to the frankly insane acrobat show. Joe Sellers The 2015 China trip was the most incredible experience.

The journey we took together was amazing, as a big group we had so many different characters which made it more of a magical journey. Abbi Staples Visiting the temples and traditional markets, a sky scraper and Shanghai showed the old and new China. My favourite part was the Great Wall because of the view at the top and the people I walked with. Joe Edmonds It was very interesting going to the factories and seeing how different things are made. I love seeing all the different landmarks, I really like seeing the Terracotta Army and Great Wall of China. Laura Pearson There are nowhere near enough words to describe how fantastic the trip has been. Whenever I thought the trip could not get any better, it somehow did! Rosie Brown My favourite part was shopping at all the markets because I could experience the culture and meet lots of new people. Charlotte Henbest My most favourite part was the Chinese acrobat show. Each act out performed the one before showing ways to balance a pot and ride a bike, I never knew this was possible. Richard Montague I had an amazing time in China, with the different food, cultures, scenery and the Guides. Stephen Kirby It was so worth it! An amazing experience. The different culture was very surprising, we all came to love the Country. Joe Jordan Walking to the top of the Great Wall, seeing the Imperial City and the amazing acrobatics. All our experiences I will never forget. Sam George Once in a lifetime experience. The Chinese history was greatly interesting. The guides were lovely.

The food was amazing and what added to the experience was the climate and the culture. Josh Blake What a great trip! It was amazing to see such famous sights and be immersed in a different culture as well as getting to know new people both Chinese and English. Nicholas Hill I really enjoyed learning about Chinese history and culture.

It was very different. The food was pretty decent especially the Mongolian BBQ. Isaac Hammond I enjoyed the culture and the Cities we visited, it was like stepping into another world. Jacob Hoare I loved the history behind everywhere we went. The difference of culture was a big shock but still incredible. Rowan The 2015 China trip was an amazing and a completely different experience. Millie Tillott China was such a surreal experience. I loved the Wild Goose Pagoda and The Great Wall, they were beautiful once in a lifetime experience. Amber Schumacher The culture is so different to British so it was fantastic to be part of.

I will never forget the Great Wall which was definitely the highlight. Sarah Davies China was really fab, and I want to go again, I don’t want to go home. Hannah Stacey My favourite destination was Shanghai, as the most modern city it resembled London and home. Phoebe Sanders The acrobatics show was amazing. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole show. The food was exciting and it allowed me to experience new dishes that I would happily try again. Kate Harris Experiencing Chinese culture was an amazing journey and something I will never forget. Daisy Bosworth Going to China has made me change the way I do things because I have learnt that you have to be very open minded, which leads to a lot more enjoyment of things. Tim Wescott From seeing pearls being made to silk being threaded. Every moment has been fantastic from start to finish! George White Overall it was a great and a once in a life time experience. Daniel Willis This trip was an amazing experience and I feel like I’ve learnt a lot about China and its culture. Beth Elder We learnt all about Chinese culture and history, even though we were off school. Mike Coomber I love the culture and China and seeing the three different cities has opened my mind to the lifestyles people lead. Tom Allison

Duke of Edinburgh

Community News

Tavistock College Students complete their Duke of Edinburgh awards, including community service elements, outdoor expeditions and presentations.

The weekend of Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September saw 16 of our intrepid students take part in their Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition. During the weekend the young people are assessed (by an external assessor!!) on various skills that they have developed during after-school training sessions and weekend practice expeditions. These include first aid and emergency procedures, an awareness of risk and health and safety issues, navigation and route planning, preparatory and practical map skills, compass skills, campcraft, equipment and hygiene, food and cooking and finally and probably most importantly team-building/co-operation skills which enable the youngsters to work together as an effective and cohesive unit.

It was an early start on Saturday morning with the teams leaving Belstone (near Okehampton) and heading for their overnight camp just outside Bridestowe. The students walked in 3 groups and managed to reach their destination exactly on time, some smiling and some grimacing, but all over the moon that they had completed their first day pretty much unscathed. The evening was spent putting up tents, cooking meals and generally relaxing after a hard day.

Again, an early start was made on Sunday with some pretty sleepy expressions but what a day, late September sunshine over the beauty of Dartmoor, does it get any better?! A few navigational errors (…or should that read temporary misplacements??) saw one of the groups drop behind time but some extra walking pace soon brought them back on track. A final encounter with a herd of rather over-friendly cows ‘encouraged’ the teams to ‘race’ to the finish, all arriving around 3.00pm.

A final de-brief with the Assessor saw all 16 students successfully complete their expedition and so it was all back in the minibus for the trip to College.

A massive well done to Year 10s Evy Spinou-Whiteley, Meagan Jenkins, Freya Hopkins, Emily Hill, Kate Mugridge-Guest, Jack Kerswill and Dylan Wood, Year 11s Tamara Speare, Joe Mulroy, Nathan Ord, Ryan Brimacombe, Nathan Sellars, Joe Carver, Gemma Arundel and Errikos Harrison and Year 12 Olivia Bates.

Mr Jerrett

Abbotsway Walk 2015

Students working with Community Groups for the Abbotsway Walk 2015 On Sunday 4th October, 2015, 9 students from Tavistock College joined forces with Tavistock Youth Café and Bere Alston Youth2-Youth to take part in the annual Abbots’ Way Walk from Buckfast Abbey back across Dartmoor to Tavistock.

The Abbots’ Way is an ancient track way across Dartmoor from Buckfast Abbey to Tavistock. It is 24miles long and includes sections of the high moor. On the first Sunday in October every year the route is followed as an organised walk under the auspices of the Tavistock & District Outdoor Activities Forum and the Ashburton and Tavistock sections of the Dartmoor Search & Rescue Group.

It was an early start, leaving Tavistock College at 6.00am on Sunday morning and travelling to Buckfast by minibus for the 7.00am start. To We would like to say a huge thanks to BOOKSTOP begin with the Dartmoor weather was against us with the visibility down of Tavistock who are generously providing our 6th to just a few metres, however this started to clear during late morning form Music BTEC Students with weekly editions making way for perfect walking conditions, dry and fairly cloudy. The of NME Music magazine. The magazine covers a students who took part included some who had no previous experience whole range of fascinating musical material from of walking on Dartmoor and those who had previously taken part in interviews with musicians to technical tips! the Ten Tors Challenge Event. All of them were absolutely superb and Mrs Pearson showed a real determination and commitment to complete the walk, all finishing around 4.30pm at Kelly Adventure, Tavistock.

After being presented with their certificates and commemorative badges a well-deserved pasty and cup of tea was soon polished off by the participants before heading home for a nice hot bath!

Congratulations and a massive well done to Cloe Phare, Katelyn Page, Lauren Morris, Ryan Arnold, Josh Lethbridge, Sam Chambers, Henry Ware, Jack Isaacs and Olivia Bates – all those who completed the walk should be justifiably proud of their achievement. Mr Jerrett

Thank you BOOKSTOP

Working with You Improving Links with College To keep your child/ren safe and ensure their well-being, we are constantly looking for ways to improve our links with you and keep everyone up-to-date and well informed. As sending written information home is sometimes unreliable; we have decided to implement Schoolcomms, an electronic school communication system. This will enable you to receive all your information from school quickly and reliably. We can send letters by email and short messages directly to your mobile phone as a text message, or if you have an Apple or Android mobile phone, by app message.

SIMs Learning Gateway

SIMs Learning Gateway is a web portal which allows you to access real time information about your child’s behaviour, attendance and achievement data. It also tells you specifically what homework your child has on a particular night. We hope that this will help to strengthen our communication so that the students achieve even better. We need the blue form to be returned to us as soon as possible so that we can issue passwords. If you need a new letter or did not receive one from us in the post please email g.young@tavistockcollege. devon.sch.uk.

The Prevent strategy What is the Prevent strategy?

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.

The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?

From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.

This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.

Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.

What does this mean in practice?

Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy. These include: • Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity • Challenging prejudices and racist comments • Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity • Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils.

Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community.

KEY TERMS

Extremism - vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs Ideology - a set of beliefs Terrorism - a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause Radicalisation - the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism

Improved text messaging system

From time to time, we send information to parents via text message to your mobile phone. A new, free, smartphone app for parents is now available for download called ‘School Gateway’ for Apple (iPhone 3GS or later, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android (2.3 / Gingerbread or later) devices. Please could you download this new app to your phone (it’s free) as it will help us improve communication with parents – and save the school money.

The set-up process is simple and will take no more than a couple of minutes: 1. Search for “School Gateway” in the Apple App Store/Google Play or on your phone go to www.schoolgateway.com/apple (Apple) or www.schoolgateway.com/android (Android) 2. Install the app and if you are asked then say yes to “Allow Push Notifications” 3. When you launch School Gateway for the first time, please select ‘New User’ and enter the email address and mobile telephone number you have registered with the school 4. The system will send a PIN code to your phone; please enter this PIN code and the app will be activated for you.

As soon as you’ve got the system set-up, all of the text messages we send you will appear in the app; you’ll receive notifications/ alerts as normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Prevent relate to British values?

Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy.

British values include: • Democracy • The rule of law • Individual liberty and mutual respect • Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?

The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.

The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.

Is extremism really a risk in our area?

Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others.

We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.

Where to go for more information

Contact the school If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

See our policies You will find more details about radicalisation in our safeguarding policy, available on our website.

We also have information about spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British values.

External sources The following sources may also be useful for further information: Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales, HM Government https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/417943/Prevent_Duty_Guidance_ England_Wales.pdf Frequently asked questions, Prevent For Schools http://www.preventforschools.org/?category_id=38 What is Prevent? Let’s Talk About It http://www.ltai.info/what-is-prevent/

Important Information Open Evening

12th November 6pm - 8pm

Come along and see our exciting new Post 16 Curriculum model for 2016 and collect a copy of our new prospectus. Students and Subject Team Leaders will be available for you to talk to, offering interactive demonstrations and the opportunity to talk with students who are currently studying at our College.

Sixth Form

Special Offer

10% OFF any new Membership for 6 months Quote voucher code: SPC10%OFF at the front desk Valid till 31st December 2015

Membership

Our membership offers unlimited gym usage along the opportunity to have a personal programme designed for you, for free!

In addition, the use of our athletics track and seasonal, outdoor heated swimming pool are available to all members

Holiday Clubs

Class Schedule

During the school holidays we have fun-filled activity clubs taking Members can attend for FREE Classes are available to non-members at only £5 per class place at the Sports Centre! Below is what we have coming up...

We offer a wide variety of classes and our fantastic Day Activity/Time Age Group Price instructors cater for all ages and abilities Monday Football 8 - 11 £10.00 Below are classes we have available...

26th October 10.00am - 4.00pm Years Old per child Day Time Class Name Monday 21st December Monday 18:00-19:00 CycleFit

18:00-19:00 Body-Weight Training 18:30-19:30 FitStep Dancing

Strictly

Come

19:00-20:00 Yogalates Tuesday

18:00-19:00 Step and Tone

Tuesday 27th October Tuesday 22nd December

18:00-19:00 Postural Alignment

19:00-19:30 Total Abs

Wednesday 18:00-19:00 Yoga

18:00-19:00 Circuits 19:00-20:00 Postural Alignment

Thursday

17:30-18:00 HIIT Session 18:00-19:00 CycleFit

18:00-19:00 Legs, Bums and Tums

Friday

18:00-19:00 Kettlercise

Saturday

09:00-10:00 CycleFit 10:00-11:00 Postural Alignment

TCSC Clubs

Our Sport Centre clubs cater for the wider community, with something for everyone! We use top qualified coaches and offer great value for money. Clubs include…

No Strings Badminton - Sunday’s 10am-12pm (£2.50 Youth, £4 Adult) Friday Night Football - Friday’s 6pm-9pm (£3, 11-16 years old) Basketball - Wednesday’s 5pm-6pm (£3, 15-24 years old) Winter 7 a-side League - Sunday’s 6pm-9pm (£25 match fee, per match)

Football 5- 7 & Goalkeeping Years Old 10.00am - 4.00pm Football & Multi Skills Cricket, Tennis, Hockey & Frisbee 10.00am - 4.00pm

£10.00 per child

Wednesday 28th October

Multi Skills 5-8 £10.00 Cricket, Tennis, Years Old per child Hockey & Frisbee 10.00am - 4.00pm To book a place, contact either of the below; Mark Wickett - mark@markwickettsoccerschool.co.uk, 01822 615995 / 07975 832249 Sports Centre - sportscentre@tavistockcollege.devon.sch.uk, 01822 813238

Membership Prices Student Monthly

£22.00 / £26.00 (1 month)

Student Annual

£220.00

Concessionary Monthly

£22.00 / £26.00 (1 month)

Concessionary Annual

£220.00

Adult Monthly

£32.00 / £36.00 (1 month)

Adult Annual

£320.00

Couple Monthly

£52.00 / £56.00 (1 month)

Couple Annual

£520.00

Family Monthly

£88.00 / £92.00 (1 month)

Family Annual

£880.00

Casual Use

£5.00

Important Information

Educational Visits and Trips

School Transport

Please note that ALL cheques for trip/visit/activities MUST be made payable to Devon County Council and NOT Tavistock College.

Monies can be paid at the hatch in Student Services at the following times each day 0830 - 0855 and 1055 - 1120.

1. Tavistock College supports the (DCC) Devon County Council’s “No Pass No Travel Scheme” that operates on transport to and from this school.

2. Only students who show a valid travel pass to the driver on every journey will be allowed to travel. Students must travel on the vehicle indicated on their pass.

Can you please ensure that the following information is 3. Please ensure that your child has their travel pass before they clearly written on the back of cheques: leave home every day.

• Student name 4. Please ensure that your child knows what to do in the event they • Tutor group are not allowed to travel or the bus does not arrive (e.g. because • Details of what the payment is for of breakdown or traffic conditions or severe weather). School attendance is very important and it is best to be prepared for any of these eventualities.

5. DCC will carry out regular pass checks throughout the year.

6. Drivers are not allowed to carry passengers who cannot show a valid pass.

7. If your child loses their pass during the day they should go to the administration office to ask for a 10 day temporary pass.

Replacement passes cost £5 each and can be ordered online, or by sending a cheque with a replacement form.

Further info available at: http://www.devon.gov.uk/school_transport

Student Newspaper

A group of students are setting up a school newspaper written and produced by and for students and the wider community.

We are seeking sponsorship to subsidise the costs of the paper and would be happy to include advertisements for local businesses. Please could you contact the editor, Joe Jordan, on tcnewspaper@outlook.com if you are interested in supporting this opportunity.

Vehicular Access to College Site Parents are reminded that students should not be dropped off or collected by car between 08.20am - 08.50am and 3.10pm and 3.30pm unless authorised to do so. Full details can be found in the letter sent out by the College on 19th November 2014 which can be found on the College website under the letters home section or follow the link: http://tavistockcollege.devon.sch.uk/ pear/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/141107-All-Parents-Car-ParkLet.pdf This letter gives details of alternate safe routes into the college.

Thank you for your cooperation

Communication

We have invested considerable time and effort into improving our lines of communication with parents, carers and the local community as a whole. You can now keep up to date with day to day College news and essential information via these sources: Facebook.com/TavistockCollege

www.YouTube.com/tavicollegeuk

Twitter: @tavicollege

www.tavistockcollege.devon.sch.uk

pinterest.com/tavicollege/

Groupcall: This is a facility where we can text parents short messages direct to your mobile phone.

Online payments for school meals Our provider for online payments for school meals changed in June from ParentPay to Schoolcomms.

To get up and running with Schoolcomms you need to open a School Gateway account using the email address and mobile phone number registered with the college as your primary contact details. Have a look at the Parents Communications section of our website www.tavistockcollege.devon.sch.uk for full details on how to set up your School Gateway account. Once set up you will be able to top up your account, see a record of payments made and a list of your son/daughter’s meal choices. The quickest and easiest way to access your account is via the School Gateway App – it’s free to download and is available for Apple (iPhone 3GS or later, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android (2.3/Gingerbread or later) devices and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store/Google Play.

In addition we also have the facility available for you to sign up to updates from the College direct to your personal email account.

Are You Thinking about Becoming a Teacher?

If you already have a degree why not consider training to be a teacher. Our School Direct programme offers places locally to train for primary or secondary teaching.

The secondary programme offers places for English, Maths, Physics, and Modern Languages.

If you would like to know more, please contact: Helen Carr at the college 01822 614231 or email h.carr@tavistockcollege.devon.sch.uk

Important Information Risks Your Child May Face Online As with the real world, there are risks online and it’s important that you teach your child how to navigate them.

Cyberbullying Grooming Inappropriate websites Losing control over pictures or video Online reputation Overuse / addiction Viruses, hacking and security

Offer reassurance and support. Your child may be in need

of emotional support or feel like they have nowhere to turn. It is rare that cyberbullying is only taking place online and is often someone your child knows through school or a group they attend. Their school should have policies and procedures for dealing with cyberbullying. Your child could visit CyberMentors.

This is an online counselling service with a difference; the counsellors are also children and young people. This site has proved very popular and offers practical advice - www.cybermentors.org.uk

Tell your child that if they are being bullied to always keep the evidence. Whether it’s a text message or email, tell them not to reply to the bully or delete the comments. Ask your child if they know the bully or where the messages are coming from. Often it is someone within the school environment and can be dealt with quickly and effectively with assistance from the school.

Block the bullies. If someone is bullying your child on a social networking or chat site encourage them to block or delete the individual so that they can’t be contacted by them anymore.

What tools are available to help me Report any bullying content to the website it’s hosted on. If content has been posted, for example a video or image, which is upsetting your keep my child safe?

Technical tools-such as parental controls Reporting tools-explore the Click CEOP reporting pages Education tool-use the Thinkuknow programme with your child www.thinkuknow.co.uk

child you should report it to the website, for example, Facebook. Learn how you would report content on sites like Facebook and YouTube; every site is different. Contacting the website is the only way to get the offensive content removed, unless it is illegal. In cases of illegal content - for example indecent images or videos of young people under 18 - contact your local police or report it to CEOP.

Child Protection

Tavistock College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

The Child Protection Officers for Tavistock College are: Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead Aimee Mitchell, Vice Principal Designated Safeguarding Lead Alexandra Thomas, Health and Multi Agency Co-ordinator Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Jo Northmore, Behaviour Intervention Manager Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Jane Brown, Inclusion Hub Coordinator Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead Justin Mifsud, SENCO If you have any concerns regarding the safety and welfare of any student please feel free to discuss your concerns in confidence with any one of the Officers.

All can be contacted via the school switchboard on: 01822 614231 Guidelines about the new County Safeguarding Guidance – ‘Keeping Children Safe’ ‘Paragraph 227 states that – Parents/carers using Facebook, Twitter and other social media to make derogatory remarks about staff is not acceptable under prohibition on reporting or publishing allegations about teachers in section 141F of the Education Act 2002

Sport News Co-operative Schools Sport On Tuesday 29th September Ta v i s t o c k College took a netball team and a five aside football team to Asbury Golf Hotel Okehampton for a Cooperative Schools event.

The pupils were extremely lucky to get the opportunity to perform on brand new astro and indoor netball courts. The girls had 11 teams to contend with and after a slow start they started to grow in confidence and secured a win and a draw placing them 3rd in their pool. The boys won three games, drew one and lost a game they played with great determination and a positive sporting attitude.

All the pupils were a credit to the College and a pleasure to spend the day with.

The girls players of the match was Tabitha Myler and Mrs Doyles star player was Tabitha Myler.

Captain was Emilia Barrett.

Mrs Doyle

Netball

On 15th October Launceston came to Tavistock to play the year 9 and 10 team for their second game of the session.

After a disappointing start to the session the year 9 Tavistock team came on court determined to win and this continued throughout the 50 minute game, the girls managed to keep their lead throughout the game winning 13 - 11. Herminone Shaw received the award of player of the match.

The year 10 team were not so successful with a final score of 31 -11, this was mainly down to the exceptional shooters that Launceston produced and the Tavistock team not really playing cohesively until the second half when they scored most of their goals. Regardless of the score the girls learnt a lot from the game and still enjoyed it.

Jade Coupland received the award of player of the match.

Mrs Doyle

Under 13’s Girls Football

The year 7 girls played in their first football fixture on 12th October against an experienced Plymstock School side. The girls had not played together as a team before but came into the match with an enthusiastic approach.

Plymstock made a strong start, dominating the game with their county striker scoring a number of times with Tavistock responding by tightening up their defensive play. Changes in positions were made at half time; the score standing at 9-nil to Plymstock. With 3 alterations in the Tavistock team, the girls kept their resolve and put the Plymstock team under a great amount of pressure, getting 2 goals back. The final score was Plymstock School 16-2 Tavistock College. Well done to all of the girls who took part. Ms Hodge

Well Done Congratulations to former Tavistock College student, Will Slater, on being signed by Plymouth Albion RFC

Sports Shorts

Good luck to Elliott Jago, who is off to Barcelona to compete in a European Skateboarding Competition at the end of October. Â

Good luck also to Year 7 student Ben Bluett who is competing in a national diving competition in November.

Congratulations also to Chantelle Whiting who beat the national boxing champion last Friday.

Well done Chantelle