News to make you feel
Autumn Term 2014
International Secondary School of the Year Explore our world @ piltoncollege.org.uk
Principal’s view Ms Miller-Marshall talks proudly about news and events
Dear Parent, Carer, Friend of Pilton Community College, Season’s greetings from all at Pilton Community College! The festive atmosphere is really taking hold here at school, due in large part to the hugely successful Christmas Fair that we had here on Friday. It was a lovely occasion with lots of enticing items on sale at a large range of stalls, and Christmas cheer helped along by the mulled wine being served! Many thanks to all the staff, parents and students who helped make it such a great success, either by organising the event, running a stall or simply attending and taking part. It was a great evening and also a great fundraiser for the school that will help with the many projects that are on-going to make the students’ experience at school even more positive. It has once again been a jam-packed term, with many excitements and things to celebrate, which you will be able to read about in more detail in the rest of the newsletter. One of the most exciting is the fact that we were awarded the prestigious British Council International School of the Year award, which is a great recognition of all the many opportunities Pilton students have to travel and also to meet people from other cultures when they visit us here in Devon.
This term has also seen the long-awaited opening of the new Maths Block, with local author Veronica Henry kindly agreeing to officially cut the ribbon and declare the block open. We are delighted with this new resource, and the students are very enthusiastic about it too. Thanks to the vision and commitment of our architect, David Wilson, the builders Barrett and Cannington and of course our team of staff here at Pilton, the students are now getting to learn Maths in inspiring, state-of-the-art facilities. Which, of course, is exactly what they deserve! We have had our fair share of celebrity visitors this term, starting with “Fonz frenzy” when Heny Winkler visited us to talk to the students about his own struggles with learning due to dyslexia and to inspire them to work hard to overcome any obstacles they may face and to really believe in themselves. Apparently when he was young, his nickname was “dummer Hund” (meaning “stupid dog”), and as he told the students, if the “dummer Hund” can go on to be a well-known actor, an author of 27 books and get an O.B.E. from the Queen, then anything is possible! We were also lucky enough to have visits from a number of authors
as a result of the Appledore Book Festival, and welcomed Bali Rai, Paul Dowswell, Jamie Thomson, Gill Lewis and Sam Angus into school to hear them talk about their work. I am very grateful to the Library staff and to the English department for making sure that our students have all these wonderful opportunities. I am sure that you will enjoy reading about the many trips, visits, sportingactivities and other experiences in school that are described in this newsletter. It is a delight to find out about what our amazing students have been getting up to this term. All of us here at Pilton wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New year. We look forward to seeing all our students happy and refreshed in January, ready for another term’s adventures! With all best wishes,
Louise Miller-Marshall Proud to play my part as Principal
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Pilton Community College wins International Secondary School of the Year award
PILTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE has received this accolade, together with a valuable cash prize, in recognition of its outstanding international work to bring the world into the classroom. The national HSBC/British Council Link2Learn competition is open to all schools involved in the British Council International School Award scheme that demonstrate outstanding work in international education through their links with partner schools overseas. Fostering an international dimension in the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need to live and work as global citizens. The evidence clearly demonstrates that Pilton’s outstanding range of international links and overseas visits is producing students who are genuinely outward looking and forward thinking global citizens. John Rolfe from the British Council, said: “Many congratulations on your well deserved success in the 2014 Link2Learn competition. Your innovative and creative international work is not only giving young people a better understanding of the world
around them, but it’s really making a difference to their future prospects too. Employers are telling us that international skills are just as important as exam results – so everything you are doing is vital preparation for life in a global society and work in a global economy. Your great success deserves celebrating along with outstanding commitment to a range of inclusive, fantastic and enriching international work. We are very grateful to you and to HSBC for such wonderful support’’
On hearing the news that her school had been successful in the Link2Learn competition, Ms Miller-Marshall said: “We are delighted to receive this prize as recognition of the truly outstanding international work being achieved here at Pilton. Mr Davies, our international coordinator, is constantly striving to extend the range of opportunities available to our students. This enrichment of our curriculum was recognised by OFSTED in our last inspection as outstanding and it is fantastic to learn that the British Council agrees with their judgement.”
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Contents Page 1 International School Award Page 2 Principal’s view Page 3 Pathfield/Transport Page 4 Pilton Bluecoat / Christmas fare Page 5 New Maths block Page 6 Year 7 Page 7-8 Houses Page 9-10 Students’ achievements outside school
Page 11-13 Library/English Page 14-19 Specialist Language College Page 20 Gifted and Talented Page 21 Work related activities Page 22 Outdoors/Climbing/ Science Page 23 Learning Support Page 24-27 Sports
As Christmas fast approaches we have a busy run up to the end of term with our Key Stages 1-3 Christmas performances on 9th and 10th December. Key Stages 4 and 5 are arranging a Carol Service at St Peter’s Church on 16th December starting at 10.30 am. We also have a family disco at school on the evening of Friday, 12th December, and we are all looking forward to our Christmas dinner on Wednesday 17th. We had an exciting start to our Autumn term. A group of students from Town station attended the Ancient Proclamation of the Fair at the Guildhall. As we are the Mayor’s School this year it was an honour to be able to represent the School and make a speech thanking the Showmen’s Guild for the free Special Fair.
School transport 1. Pilton Community 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. 3. Please ensure that your child has their travel pass before they leave home every day. 4. Please ensure that your child knows what to do in the event they are not allowed to travel or the bus does not
Our School choir were delighted to be asked to sing at The Mayor’s Concert in Christ Church, Barnstaple in October, and also with the other Pilton Association Schools at an event in Green Lanes commemorating WW1. We have enjoyed a busy Autumn term with several classes visiting The Milky Way Theme Park courtesy of The Driving Instructors Association, who for many years now in early September have given up their day to take our pupils and some staff to The Milky Way and provide lunches for everyone. This event is very much appreciated every year. Our PTFA have been busy, holding a Sand Art competition at Saunton Sands Beach in September, then a Quiz Night at school in October which was very entertaining. We are planning another for February 2015. Our Christmas Bingo night at The Ex Servicemens’ Club in Barnstaple was very successful again this year, with line, two line prizes and Christmas hampers for the full house! Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year from everyone at Pathfield School.
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Inspiring interaction
Term dates
18 Dec: Last day of Autumn term for students 19 Dec – 2 Jan: Christmas holidays 5 Jan: First day of Spring term for students 16 – 20 Feb: Half term 27 Mar: Last day of Spring term for students
Vacancy–Parent Director (Governor)
Parents are an important voice in the growth and development of our school and we are looking for a Parent Director to join the Board. We would particularly like to hear from candidates with a financial background. If you would like more information or would like to apply, please contact: clerk@piltoncollege.org.uk Closing date: 09.01.15
School uniform arrive (e.g. because 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 main 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: www.devon.gov.uk/school_transport
All pupils should wear:
• a plain white school shirt • a tie, which will have different colour stripes depending on which House the students are in • a black blazer with the Pilton logo • a standard black pleated skirt or pair of trousers • a black V-necked jumper with a Pilton logo (optional) The uniform is available from Daws & Co. Jewellery should not be worn because it can be dangerous (a pair of small studs or sleepers is permitted for pupils with pierced ears. No facial piercings or tongue piercings are allowed.) Coats should only be worn outside the school building. Non-school uniform knitwear or any type of sweatshirt, with or without a hood, worn on top of or underneath school uniform is not acceptable on the school site. Make-up and nail varnish should not be worn. Hair should fall within the normal range of natural hair colour, and should not be in an extreme style. Please see the College website for our full uniform policy.
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Parent information
Parent voice A group of parents have started to meet regularly for information-sharing sessions and updates about what is going on in school. All parents/carers are welcome and it would be good to see some new faces along with our “regulars”. If you would like to come along, to meet other parents, share your concerns and ask questions, we would be delighted to see you. We have arranged speakers and presentations so far on things like Homework, Drugs Awareness, eLearning, Target Setting, School website, Exams, Reports and THRIVE and are always keen to hear from you about what you would like to see on the agenda. Copies of the Minutes are available on the School website, under Parent Information. For further information please contact Mrs R Budge (School Business Manager) on 01271 349062. Future dates for the next academic year: • 14 January 2015 • 11 March 2015 • 10 June 2015
Pilton Bluecoat Academy
Travelling around the world and into outer space
During this term we have been travelling around the world and into outer space! Our theme for the Autumn Term has been India and we were very fortunate to welcome visitors from our partner school in Managalore. The children enjoyed asking them questions about their culture and performing at our community ‘Curry Night’, held in honour of our guests. Within the topic, we have also had the opportunity to work with an Indian dance group and the children have produced some lovely art work based on traditional
Indian paintings. At around the same time, we were very privileged to have been given the opportunity to speak to an American astronaut based in the International Space Station. This was a really exciting occasion. We were joined by children from our partner schools at Umberleigh and Brayford and the contact was amplified into our school hall so we could all hear the children’s questions and the answers from space. NASA described the occasion as an exceptionally good contact!
Christmas came early On Friday 28th November the school was alight with Christmas decorations, music, mulled wine, mince pies and many more attractions. There were over 60 stalls offering everything from jewellery, toys and crafts to Christmas fare galore. So many talented creations, including a life size knitted Father Christmas and mermaid. Thanks to everyone who supported this event. The Christmas Fayre team did an amazing job.
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New block takes Maths to a whole new level
Rising out from a mass of grey buildings at Pilton Community College is a brand new architectural wonder. Beneath a blue sky or a grey sky or even in the rain, its modern beauty is an impressive sight to behold. Light, sanded wood panels in contrast with fresh white walls and tinted windows make the exterior stand out from the rest – but the inside is a whole different game of dice! This is the new Maths block. From the main school corridor, a passage leads off. The passage is wide and spacious. It turns sharply and connects the traditional Pilton Community College to the 21st century. The boundless corridor is lit with natural light beaming through the large square windows. The ceiling then rises and the first of many colourful graphics on the white walls is in sight. This graphic demonstrates the legacy
that Albert Einstein has left on Maths today. One more step forward and you are on the main thoroughfare, from which bright, exciting classrooms stagger either side, creating innovative, vibrant and enjoyable learning environments. The unconventional colour choices – orange, lime green and bright pink to mention a few – are bold, daring and contemporary, much like the teaching of Maths here at Pilton. And this is only the first floor. Beneath it all is what long-standing Maths teacher Mike Banks calls “the darker side” of the new block. Here are further spacious classrooms. The opportunities for learning and succeeding in this new department are endless. Maths at Pilton has never been so revolutionary. Every one of the Maths teachers in their new working environment encourages committed,
dedicated, self-motivated learning, using their own distinctive knowledge and 70-inch touch-screen televisions. Algebra, shapes and numbers have never been so clear and inspiring. As well as the teachers benefiting from the new technology in their classrooms, the students now feel like they can achieve on a whole new level in Maths. With the state of the art classroom design, inspirational images and quotations on the walls and modern technology, the only way is forward with this new Maths block and no doubt the already successful GCSE pass rate for the Maths department will soar. Ewan Somerville 11V1
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Team building week During the week of Monday 13th October all Year 7 tutor groups took part in team building sessions for two hours. Each group worked together to solve problems and then in small teams to answer quizzes and complete activities. It was a really great opportunity for tutors to get to know their groups a little more and for pupils to make new friends. All pupils were excellent and had great fun!
War time drama remembers First World War heroes
Pilton Community College and feeder primary schools Pilton Infants, Pilton Juniors and Pathfields came together in October to commemorate and remember the lives of those who lived, fought and died in the First World War; a war which claimed the lives of over 16 million people. One hundred years later, we are all connected to the First World War, either through our own family history or because of the way it changed the history of our communities. The students performed war time drama, poetry and songs to the local community in Green Lanes Barnstaple against a backdrop of photographs illustrating recent school trips to the war memorials of France. Here students laid wreaths and paid their respects to the war dead.
Your parents came back to school On 17th November the parents of Year 7 students came back to school. They came in to learn about the things that the Year 7 students are being taught and to have a go themselves! Reports were that they all behaved well and did their best at all the subjects that they tried - some even excelling in certain areas. It was a fun evening and really did allow new parents to Pilton to understand a great deal more about how the lessons ran and what was expected from their children. It is hoped that we can do the same for next year’s Year 7 parents.The picture shows some parents hard at work in the Science lab. Lorraine Clements and Matthew Hunt
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The Calvert Trust
– our chosen charity again. Once again this year our chosen charity for Atlantis House is the Calvert Trust, Exmoor. Calvert Trust provides year-round challenging activity breaks for people of all ages with physical, sensory and learning disabilities, together with their families, friends and carers. Residential multi-activity breaks are delivered by highly experienced and qualified instructors with programmes of exciting activities developed to suit the needs of visitors. Activities include: • Abseiling • Climbing • Crate stack • Horse riding • Sailing • Kayaking • Challenge course • Bushcraft • Giant swing • Canoeing • Cycling • Archery • Zipwire Many students at Pilton have accessed the facilities at the Calvert Trust, Exmoor, which has helped to build their self confidence, develop new skills and broaden their perspective at the same time as having fun. We will be fundraising throughout the year and look forward to your continued support in helping us to raise funds for this charity.
House points House points total: 6041 Best tutor group: KS 3: 7A2 with 1,007 points / KS4: 10A1 with 604 points Keep up the good work and get those house points coming in.
Attendance House Attendance: 95.64% Best Tutor group: 7A3 with 98.13%
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House points/attendance as of 28th Dec 2014
Discovery supports Barnstaple Hospital Chemotherapy Appeal The House Charity this year is Barnstaple Hospital Chemotherapy Appeal, chosen by the students in Discovery House. Our Charity Captains, Chelsea Buckingham and Saskia Bridges, both 11D1, saw Ms Miller-Marshall and have got her permission for a non-school uniform day to help raise money and also to help provide the prizes for the main event, which is going to be games on the Wii. Prizes will be awarded for the highest score in each game.
House points
Attendance
House points total: 6321 Best tutor group: KS 3: 7D2 with 1101 points / KS4: 11D1 with 407 points
House attendance: 95.57%
We could always do with more, so keep trying to earn them!
There are 141 pupils who have had 100% attendance since September and 233 pupils with 0 lates.
Best tutor group: 8D3 with 97.65%
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Supporting Amigos charity in Uganda Endeavour is proud to support Amigos as the house charity again this year and some of our year 11 students were lucky enough to visit Uganda to see the great work they do first hand. George Cox, 11E2, reports: Uganda is an astonishing and rewarding place to visit. Although being tightly contained in a small Japanese bus, driving down a red mud road with little leg room and blaring out ABBA doesn’t fit in with everyone’s perfect vision of Africa, it certainly does feel oddly authentic. We stayed at Kira Farm, a centre helping people who have had traumatic pasts to learn practical skills for the future. Kira Farm was very much a self-sustaining place, with most buildings being built out of wood from the local trees, mud from the ground of Kira and run on solar energy. In the local community outside Kira we helped build tippy taps (essentially taps which you tip by standing on a lever) and stoves and water jars from mud. When not helping in and around Kira farm, we headed to a town called Masindi where we were greeted by sponsored Amigos children who sang and danced for us and of course we joined in. It was also here where we went on a boat journey up the river Nile and on a Safari in Murchison Falls National Park. It’s absolutely certain that anybody who has been or will go in the future to Uganda, will remember it dearly.
House points House points total: 6460 Best tutor group: KS 3: 7E1 with 1020 points / KS4: 11E2 with 496 points
Attendance House attendance: 95.73% Best tutor group: 7E3 with 97.98%
Endeavour is currently in the lead for the House Cup. Well done everyone!
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House points/attendance as of 28th Dec 2014
Fundraising for our air ambulance
This year Voyager house has chosen to support the Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) as our charity. I am a Voyager House Charity Captain and have taken the lead role in inspiring Voyager students to fundraise for the DAAT. Devon is the only county with two air ambulances and that is because we need them. Each air ambulance operates with a pilot and two advanced paramedics. The service assists the most seriously ill people in our county and gets them to hospital very quickly. As a fundraiser for the charity, I was invited to an airbase visit on Tuesday, 28th October for fundraisers, volunteers and former patients. I got to look around the helicopter, talk to the on-duty pilot and paramedics and learn from a very intellectual presentation from the aircrew. I also got to discuss Voyager House’s plans for fundraising over the coming year with the very enthusiastic DAAT volunteers. As I am sure the 25 others invited would agree, the experience was hugely inspiring and eye opening. I was asked by the volunteers to be a schools’ ambassador for the charity, a role that I have already begun to fulfill. I am now motivated further to lead Voyager House in raising as much as we can for the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, a charity which any one of us may need the urgent assistance of one day. By Ewan Somerville, Year 11
House points House points total: 5651 Best tutor group: KS 3: 7V1 with 853 points / KS4: 10V1 with 489 points
Attendance Attendance: House attendance: 94.44% Best tutor group: 7V1 with 97.00%
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Students achievements outs
Archie Popham, Paige Potter and James Dearson
We are immensely proud of the following students for their outstanding achievements this term: Archie Popham – North Devon, Best Bowler Jason Bazely – Barnstaple Football Club, Player of the year James Dearson – Manager’s Player of the year Paige Potter – through to the final 20 of the trials to play Hockey for Devon. We wish them every success for the future.
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Sporting achievements
Oli Stone
India Ford
India Ford 9V2 has been chosen to play for the Devon County Girls rugby team. She has trained hard and went to a selection day in Exeter with many other girls and was delighted to be offered a place in the team. So in the coming weeks, India will be travelling to various training sessions during the
week and at weekends to prepare for forthcoming matches. Oli Stone 8V1 is a keen cyclist for North Devon Wheelers. He is pictured above with other students from Pilton Community College. He travelled to Porlock for the Annual Hill Climb event. If anyone has been to Porlock then you will know how steep that hill is! Oli did amazingly well and came second in the individual event and his team came first in the Middle School Team Event. He is now training for his next event and we wish him well.
In July 2014 Jack Delve 8V1 passed his first Classical Guitar London College of Music (LCM) exam at Grade 2 with a Distinction. At the beginning of the school holidays he spent two weeks camping near Borovnicka in the Czech Republic with four other Scouts and two Leaders from the 1st North Devon Scout Group. They met Scouts from the Czech Republic and Denmark and survived without running water or electricity. They slept in teepees on bed frames they constructed themselves; fetched and carried water supplies; chopped wood; cooked over a camp fire; spent 24 hours in a tree as a special ‘challenge’, learned to juggle and joust, as well as hiking 19km to Pecka and visiting a castle there. Two weeks later Jack spent a further four days and three nights hiking to and from and camping at Collard Bridge Scout Camp, Snapper. They were joined by Scouts and Leaders from another local group. This camp was to go towards the Expedition Challenge badge.
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Accelerated Reader Competition - 8D3. They completed the most quizzes during half term and had the highest average quiz score. International Atlantic Games– Frilly Ansdell 11D1, Morgan Howgate 11D2 On the 12th July, we, along with the rest of the Devon Squad, had the honour of travelling to the West Coast of France to compete in the Atlantic Games. Our team comprised surf lifesavers, surfers and sailors. Over the course of the week, we competed in various surf lifesaving events, such as the board rescue relay and the swim relay against clubs from all over Europe. Our team of four females, finished with one Gold, one Silver and two Bronzes and overall, Devon were the winning surf lifesaving team, which was a tremendous achievement.
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Impressive individual achievements Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – Orlagh Turner 11D2, Gemma Morrell 11D2 Kilimanjaro was the best experience we will ever have and one that we will never forget! Although it will most likely be the toughest thing I will ever have to go through, everything was worth it when we were stood at the summit watching the sunrise. It was amazing! NanoWriMo – Natalie Englehart 11D2 This is an event that takes place every year for the whole of November. The aim is to write 50 thousand words over 30 days!!! I am very pleased to say that I am taking part in this and the challenge so far has been huge! To stay on target, you have to write over 1,000 words a day and it is hard to motivate yourself on bad days. Somehow though, I find myself sitting in front of my screen and writing! Now I’ve already reached the halfway mark and I hope to reach the goal that’s been set. Why am I doing this you may ask? To get a novel published!
Frilly Ansdell and Morgan Howgate
Orlagh Turner and Gemma Morrell
Natelie Engelhart
Lewis has been a Sea Cadet with Barnstaple’s branch TS Valiant at Rolle Quay for almost four years and has obviously impressed as recently he was invited to an Open Day at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College in Leicestershire, one of the UK’s leading educational establishments.
Endeavour
On Sunday, 9th November, Lewis Budd 11E2 was presented with the Best Regional Cadet Award by the British Legion. The Best Cadet is chosen from Royal Navy Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Force Cadets in Barnstaple and North Devon area.
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Library and Resource Centre
Happy Days with the Fonz Pilton Community College’s Year 7 students got a real treat on Monday, 29th September when worldrenowned actor and author Henry Winkler dropped in to give a talk and sign books. Best known for his role as ‘The Fonz’ in sitcom ‘Happy Days’, Henry has since turned his hand to writing the ‘Hank Zipzer’ series of children’s books based on his own experiences as a child growing up with dyslexia. He gave an animated talk explaining he was not diagnosed with dyslexia until the age of 31. He said “I wanted to be an actor since I was seven. I don’t know how that idea got into my head. I wanted to go to Hollywood but I was so bad at school that my teachers used to say ‘you won’t make it because you are poor in every subject’. Henry Winkler told the students that just because school was difficult it should not stop them from having ‘amazing’ thoughts and strength. “I was told I would never achieve and here I am standing next to you. I look in your eyes and see such smart human beings,” he said. “Every one of you has greatness inside of you. There is no one way to do anything, there is your way.” After a question and answer session with the students, Henry spent an hour
signing books for them and telling them to believe in themselves. Principal Ms Miller-Marshall said the students were hanging on Henry’s every word. She said he was really inspirational and his story obviously meant a lot to the students.
His message is a message we try to get them to believe in as a school and she was delighted to hear him say it. Student Alexandra Barnes 7E2 said “What Henry said will stay with me for the rest of my life and I hope it will for others as it was so motivating. Dyslexic children will have taken a lot from the talk and hopefully will feel encouraged because Henry said ‘anything is possible’. I feel very privileged to have heard him speak. Happy Days! I’m so happy to be at Pilton School because the experiences here have already been amazing and I’ve only been here for five weeks!”.
Private Peaceful theatre trip On 18th September 2014, the whole of Year 7 were lucky enough to be taken to the The Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple to experience the stage version of Michael Morpurgo’s ‘Private Peaceful’, adapted and directed by Simon Reade. The amazing one-man production starred Andy Daniel, a young actor and graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, who skilfully weaved a story of tragedy using just a few props and his own voice. The trip also coincided with the 100 year anniversary of World War One.
The production re-told the story and experiences of the young Private Tommo Peaceful, and his brother Charlie who faced the trials and tribulations of life on the front line in the First World War. Pilton students enjoyed the production and for many the experience was enhanced as they also went on to study it in their English lessons. One student said: “Gasps, laughs and aahs could all be heard through the theatre. The actor put in so many expressions that you could almost believe it was real, despite the lack of props and backdrops. The actor created
the perfect picture in your head. From start to finish, I was hooked and I had to know what was going to happen next.”
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/English Pilton’s Famous Five Five renowned authors visited Pilton College to coincide with the Appledore Book Festival. Author Gill Lewis spoke to the students about her book ‘Moon Bear’ which tells the tale of a boy confronting bear bile farming. Author Sam Angus, who lives between Exmoor and London with her children, dogs and horses, spoke about her book ‘Soldier Dog’, a story of love, loss and sacrifice during the First World War in England and France. Author Jamie Thomson spoke about his book ‘Dark Lord – the Early Years’, while author Bali Rai talked about his new book ‘Web of Darkness’. Student Maisie Dickens 9E2 said about Bali “The attention of the audience was instantly captured by the compelling plots and relatable topics. From the way he interacted with his audience it was clear that Bali Rai shared a mutual understanding of the issues surrounding my age group. One of the things I liked most about Bali Rai was that he was able to explore delicate subject matters such as bullying with a light hearted, humorous twist on an otherwise dark subject. I found his talk interesting and thought provoking. As a reader I’ve always been on the receiving end of the story, however it was eye-opening to learn what it is like from the writer’s perspective. I’m grateful that Pilton College is able to invite such inspiring people into the school, providing students with the opportunities to broaden their horizons.” To coincide with the commemoration of 100 years since the start of the First World War, author Paul Dowswell talked to Year 9 students about this period in history. Paul specialises in historical fiction and information books and his recent book ‘Eleven Eleven’ is about three combatants who are thrown together on the last day of the First World War – it won the Historical Association’s Young Quills Book Award in 2013.
Bali Rai
Paul Dowswell
Dark Lord Jamie Thomson
Gill Lewis
Sam Angus
English department Reading Mentor scheme 2014/15 This scheme, now in its second year, has been put into action to provide reading support for less confident readers and particularly those who are new to Pilton. The scheme started in Autumn 2012 and owing to its huge success, has continued to be rolled out across KS3. The pupils attend weekly meetings in the library during registration with sessions being overseen by the library staff and the English department. Confident students in years 8-11 are paired with any Key Stage 3 students who need support with their reading or who are simply less confident with it. They spend time together in this supportive and welcoming environment, choosing books, reading and discussing what they have read. The mentors are very well equipped for the job as they share a love of reading and the wish to pass on the joy of reading. They receive training from the librarians and are provided with a reading ‘kit’ comprising a notebook for recording spellings, a ‘Wordwall’ to help the student to learn the spellings and a guidance sheet. As a reward for all the hard work that both readers and mentors put in, they can earn extra house points and receive book tokens and other prizes in recognition of their achievements. Prize categories including ‘Most Improved Reader’ and ‘Highest Attendance’ are also further incentives for the students. However, one of the biggest rewards is the great satisfaction mentors get from being able to help others. Using the Accelerated Reader tests has also revealed an even greater reward for the students and school alike: the majority of readers had a much improved reading age. For some students this improvement amounted to months, but for some students reading ages improved by several years, undoubtedly setting them up for future success both in and out of school.
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Students’
Winners of the half term Accelerated Reader competition - 7E2
Read, quiz and win prizes! This year Accelerated Reader is open to both Years 7 and 8. The English Department ran the first competition last half term to kick start the year. Tutor groups were in competition with each other to achieve the highest average quiz score to win chocolate and house points! The winning tutor groups were 7E2 with an average quiz score of 82.5% and 8D3 with an average quiz score of 74.8%. Well done to both of those tutor groups. In addition, the Christmas competition opened this week with an even bigger incentive to take part. High street vouchers worth £10 will go to pupils in Years 7 and 8 with the highest average quiz scores and runners up will receive a £5 voucher. Tutor groups will also still be in competition to win chocolate treats and house points. The worthy winners will be announced and receive their prizes in their last assembly of the term. Good luck everybody! If you’re stuck for ideas of books to read, try reading the most popular books read by Pilton pupils on Accelerated Reader. These include ‘Freckle Juice’ by Judy Blume and the short read ‘Attack of the Paper Bats’ by Michael Dahl. Another great book which will have you on the edge of your seats is ‘The Maze Runner’ by James Dashner. The film adaptation of this book is currently out in the cinema too!
Key tips to success: • Ask your teacher for your ZPD. • Choose a book at the right level and one you enjoy. • Take your time to read it. • Find the quiz on the Accelerated Reading programme and try your best at the quiz questions.
Re-launch of the Library Reading Group Following the very successful Reading Group sessions held in the Library last year, students from the current Year 7 will soon be meeting their mentors to start reading every morning in the library from 8.40 a.m. Teachers reported an improved level of reading amongst those who took part in this scheme last year. It is not too late to put your name forward as either a reader or a mentor – speak to the Librarians!
In July, Year 11 students Emma Cooper, Kate Conway, Rachel Fallow, Sadie Stone, Peter Bowerman and Oliver Wilson-Palmer, along with Mr Ramsden and Miss Whitney, travelled to China with 400 other British school children on a Summer Camp organised by the Confucius Institute and the Chinese ministry of education (Hanban) We stayed at the Beijing University Hotel for three days, visiting the Hanban Headquarters for the official welcome where we were shown many traditional Chinese crafts. We also went to Beijing Zoo and saw the pandas in an indoor enclosure so we could get really close to them. The next day we flew to Qingdao on the coast south of Beijing. Where we stayed for 8 days with students from three other British schools. After leaving our cases at Hotel Hemingway we all travelled to Qingdao No.2 Middle School, a huge school with 2500 students. It was hard work walking up and down the steps but we were so fit by the end of our stay. We had a lesson on mask painting and had a really good time. In the afternoon we all went to visit Qingdao museum. The other students were really friendly and our students made really good friends. The time in Qingdao consisted of enjoyable Mandarin language lessons followed by traditional lunch, using chopsticks of course! Afternoons involved a wide range of visits and cultural experiences and a paddle in the China Sea. The places we visited included Ocean Polar World, Lao Shao Mountain, a Kung Fu show, Qingdao Olympic sailing centre and Qingdao Exposition. We also went down a traditional Chinese market street where you could buy starfish and sea urchins on the barbeque! The students also went to visit Chinese families in pairs. They were
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Language College Update
Beijing experience Year 10 BVT Trip to Exeter Mosque really nervous but when they came back at the end of the day they were all really excited to tell each other the different things each pair did and what family life was really like. Emma and Kate’s family even performed a traditional tea ceremony. At the end our time in Qingdao the students sat an exam and all passed! We flew back to Beijing and prepared for the closing ceremony. That is where all 400 students met up to sing and dance and celebrate the whole China experience. Before that we went to see the Forbidden City with its huge lake and ornate buildings. The next day we went to the Great Wall of China which was one of those places that gives you goose bumps. You can see the wall
disappearing over the mountains into the distance; it was incredible. Most of us walked up to the second station but the boys and Mr Ramsden walked much further. For nearly all of us it was the highlight of the trip. The closing ceremony was both a happy and sad occasion as it meant it was the end of the trip and having to leave new friends but a great celebration of singing, dancing and rewarding those that achieved great things while we were there. All the students said it was such a life-changing trip and would love to go again if they had the chance.
Czech students and teachers visit Pilton
Once again Pilton were asked to host a group of 35 students and five teachers from the Czech Republic. The whole group were very impressed
by Pilton’s IT resources, the displays in and around the school and the brightness of the classrooms. At breaktime Pilton students joined the Czech visitors and sat in groups in the Library, discussing the differences in each country, from education and shopping, to leisure time and hobbies. At the end of the visit the Czech teachers gave their thanks to Pilton staff and students for allowing them the opportunity to visit and to learn something about the education system in the UK.
Muslims have worshipped at this building for at least two decades. Recently they have converted the old house into a light and airy, purposebuilt mosque and added the external features of the dome and minaret. We all checked that we were dressed modestly and our heads were covered. As we went in we took off our shoes and put them in the shoe racks. We were reminded that Muslims are expected to wash before they pray as we passed the two ablution rooms. This is both a physical and spiritual act of cleansing. We entered the carpeted Prayer Hall to observe the male congregation at prayer. Women pray separately on a balcony. The domed roof created a large, lofty space. On the East wall of the Prayer Hall is an alcove known as a Mihrab which points in the direction of Mecca. We heard the Muezzin making the call to prayer. The male congregation stood in a long line facing in the direction of Mecca and were led through the prayer rituals by the Imam. This is one of the five daily times that Muslims are expected to pray and submit to Allah. We then had a question and answer session with the Imam. The pupils were a little shy to start with and then asked some intelligent and thought provoking questions. The pupils were a credit to the College and I hope they learned a little more about Islam. Ms Strickland Head of BVT
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Specialist Language College U Turin - turning ideas into action
As part of the Comenius ‘Turning Ideas in to Actions’ project a group of six Year 9 students went on a trip to Grugliasco, near Turin for a week-long exchange. Students stayed with Italian host families during the evenings and during the days accompanied students from our partner schools from Martinique, Spain, France and Austria on a range of interesting trips, from a Fiat Arbath factory to dragon boat racing on a local lake. They worked together in school on different aspects of industry and tourism in the area which was then presented to a specially invited audience of parents, teachers and friends on the final evening in the host school’s auditorium. The students from all the partner schools finished the presentation by singing a multilingual version of the European Anthem, “Ode to Joy”. A celebratory dinner then took place in the school canteen (followed by some tearful farewells). Arriverderci Torino!
154 students visit the Opal Coast At the end of September a group of 154 year 8 pupils embarked on their trip to France. For the first time, all four groups stayed in the same hotel, which was situated in the chic town of Le Touquet in the Opal coast area of France, not far from Calais. During their stay pupils took part in varied activities from making croissants in a local boulangerie to a day spent at Disneyland Paris. Pupils also had the chance to practise their French at a local market and visit the medieval centre at Agincourt to learn about the battle. Here a pupil has written an account of her trip:
I absolutely loved the trip to France. It was filled with fun and excitement. I loved every bit of it. My favourite day was when we went to the market and the aquarium but I also loved Disneyland and bowling. The things we wore on our feet whilst bowling were really funny; they looked just like shower caps! I had lots of fun with friends and made some new friends on the trip. The hotel was nice, the food was good and everybody was really kind. I had never been abroad before so it was a great experience for me. The trips that Pilton Community College offers are amazing and this was definitely a holiday I am never going to forget. The trip has given me a lot of confidence and if I get offered another opportunity like this one, I will definitely take it. I want to say a huge thank you to all the staff and students for making this so much fun. Rebecca Heard, 8D1
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Update Max Mepsted–Italy from his viewpoint! The Italian trip, where to start? Landing in Italy we noticed some immediate changes…. the weather, not overcast as we were used to! Anyway, we got in our minibus (after waiting an hour for the car company to give us the car) and journeyed forth to Grugliasco. When we eventually arrived I was greeted in the Italian manner, a kiss on each cheek, and then whisked away to my partner’s home. I was lucky because my family spoke very good English, which made life easy because I didn’t have to depend on Google translate the whole time! On the first day, as per usual on the Comenius trips, we went to our partner’s school. We started with an international assembly, then after singing several songs we left the
hall and went to our first ever Italian lesson. This was very good fun because the pupils had the idea that we were completely different from them, so after the “hellos” and “what are your names?” we got on and started to talk about what it was like in England. And being the patriotic souls we are, we really presented England to its full! A few of the differences we noticed straightaway was that they did not have half the amount of technology we are so lucky to have at our school. For example, in every classroom, instead of the smart board we are spoilt with, they had...chalkboards! Also their computers were very 20th century. On to the trips! The trips were… well different! We went on three separate “tours” whilst in Turin.
The reason I speech mark tours is because on one of these tours we weren’t actually touring anything; we were actually going to the Galup factory to buy cake…but it was delicious! Despite this we had some amazing days out, for example we went into the heart of Turin and went up Mole Antonelliana, which personally was my favourite part of the whole trip because Mrs Davies was very scared which of course made us all laugh. No offence, Miss! All in all, the Italian trip was my best experience I’ve had whilst being at Pilton and thanks to the opportunities available, I’m sure there are many more to come! Max Mepsted 9E3
European day of languages
The 24th September is celebrated across Europe as a day of language awareness. Once again this year we recognised European Day of Languages with a carousel of language learning opportunities for all Year 7 students. Year 7 students did a “speed dating” activity in which they had to learn some basic vocabulary from our visiting panel of specialist language teachers. The
visitors arrived from Turkey, Bulgaria, China, Greece, Poland, Germany, Egypt and were joined by Pilton’s resident Latin teacher, Mr Murphy. We hope that this language awareness activity will enthuse our new Year 7 students and encourage them to learn a range of languages during their time at Pilton and beyond.
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Specialist Language College U
German exchange In July we took a group of 38 students to Friedrichshafen in Southern Germany for eight days to take part in our annual German Exchange. Whilst the partners were at school, we went on day trips to explore the area, including a trip up an Austrian mountain to watch a bird of prey show, a boat trip on Lake Constance, tree-top climbing and a visit to a spa on the banks of the lake. It was particularly special this year to have had the opportunity to be there for the World Cup final and see the mass celebrations which took place following Germany`s victory! A great time was had by all! I went with my German partner’s family and some friends to a volleyball stadium to watch Germany vs Argentina in the World Cup final. Germany won, it was incredible! Friedrichshafen is a really beautiful, clean place. I would recommend going there. I made a lot of friends in
Germany and still keep in touch with my German partner. Cole Harris I found the German Exchange really fun and a great opportunity. I was paired up with a student who had the same interests as me and we got along really well. My favourite part was when we went to the zip wire park with the German students and my family was really welcoming and polite. Abbie Wedlake The German Exchange was a great experience, from meeting your own partner to actually gaining a cultural experience. The places which we visited in Germany were very picturesque. Austria was probably the best place I have visited personally. We had a lot of time away from the teachers - we could shop or go and eat. Overall, it was a life changing experience Hannah-Joy Selley 10E1
European Parliament 2014 Once again this July a group of Year 10 Pilton students took part in a combined visit to the European Parliament in Brussels and the First World War battlefields around Ypres in Belgium. The group was hosted in Brussels this year by south-west Conservative MEP Ashley Fox. The students were given an informative and detailed explanation of the workings of the European Parliament and we were able to take part in a lively question and answer session with Mr Fox. After the parliament visit the group moved on to tour the Atomium, the iconic Brussels landmark constructed for EXPO in 1958, and then, in the home of quality chocolate, a trip to a chocolatier where Caitlin was able to demonstrate the art of traditional praline making.
The second day began with a boat trip through the stunning town of Bruges and then in complete contrast, a visit to the town of Ypres in Flanders, where the students got first hand experience of the horrors of the Great War on this the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the conflict. In Tyne Cot cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war grave in the world, our Head Boy, Stan Whittaker laid a wreath on behalf of the school. The students then went on to research the names of a number of soldiers from Barnstaple whose names are commemorated on Tyne Cot memorial, The day finished at 8pm at the Menin Gate in Ypres with the poignant memorial ceremony and the playing of the Last Post in front of a respectful audience of thousands.
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Update
Rome History Trip This July saw our sixth annual History/ Italian trip to Rome and what a wonderful trip it was. 47 students and 5 staff spent four glorious days visiting all the sites (including the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum and Roman Forum) and soaking up the Roman atmosphere. Our students were absolutely wonderful and for the first time ever no one complained about the 40 degree temperature! A huge thanks also goes to Mrs Braund, Mr Humphries and Mr Richardson for their help. It’s always a real privilege to take our students abroad and this year was no exception. Now Mrs Whalley and I are planning trip number 7. Mrs Almey
At the beginning of July, we went to Rome. This was my first time abroad and it was with my fellow bros. It was the best time and I would happily re-visit Rome! I suggest you do not let this opportunity pass. The first day we arrived in Rome the heat hit me like a brick wall. We travelled to our hotel called Villa Molas which turned out to be a monastery. It was all good though as the beds were super comfy. The food
in Italy was exquisite; stereotypically we did eat cheese and tomato pizza from a local pizzeria, which was the best pizza I have ever had in my entire life. Seriously! Overall, there was not one single best bit because all of it was amazing. It was really sad leaving Rome but I fell asleep on the plane anyway. I hope to visit again and maybe even live there in the future. Harry Cann – 11D2
Year 5 Gifted and Talented Project
The Year 5 Gifted and Talented project ran successfully again this year. The project has been running for a number of years and involves a languages day at Pilton Community College followed by three after-school sessions and then a trip to the Combe Martin Wildlife Park.
During the course, the students learn the language they will need to complete a trail in French at the Wildlife Park. They also have the opportunity to meet Year 5 pupils from other schools and also some of our Year 7 and Year 10 pupils. This year, we had a fantastic day, despite the odd rain shower. The pupils were keen to complete the trail and also had the chance to see the sea lion show whilst we had our lunch and to go into the meerkat enclosure for the meerkat talk. We look forward to seeing the group again in the Autumn term for a taster of some Spanish this time!
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Johannes Fontanus comes to Pilton
For the second successive year, students from the Johannes Fontanus High school in Barnevelde Holland paid a visit to Pilton. The students were on a surfing course in Devon but were keen to take a morning off in order to spend some time with our Year 10 students. For the Dutch youngsters this visit had been one of the highlights of last year’s trip to England and they were keen to repeat the experience. The Dutch visitors prepared short videos about their own school and then used this to begin a discussion with the Pilton students
comparing education and life in the two countries. The host students then accompanied the visitors on a tour of the school and finished the visit over biscuits and drinks in the library.
Language learning challenge This year, to motivate our language learners, we entered into a week-long competition through our “Vocabexpress” language learning programme. The competition pitched our pupils against other schools from around the world. There were numerous school and student certificates to play for. We are very proud to congratulate Sarath Santosh for his efforts at coming 24th out of 40 on the international individual German leader board. Pilton Community College also ranked 18th in German and 20th in French in the Challenge Medio Cup against schools of a similar size. We are proud of our linguists learning a language in and out of curriculum time. At Pilton our top scoring pupils were: Sarath Santosh
(German 16,240 points), Billy Thortnon (Spanish 6,735 points), Claire Chandler (German and Spanish 5,755 points), Caitlyn Naylor (French and German 5,595 points), Amelia Knight (German 5,090 points), Ewan Somerville (French 4,945 points). Top scoring pupils in each language were awarded vouchers and certificates. Well done!
World Cup fever! The World Cup has come to a dramatic conclusion and offered the 39 students on the German exchange in Friedrichshafen the opportunity to experience the fantastic atmosphere in Germany. In school, we once again celebrated the world’s biggest sporting event with our own tutor group World Cup competition. Each tutor group was allocated a country and over the month of the tournament the students had to celebrate their particular country in as many forms as possible. The end results were fantastic; incredible displays, dances, songs, food tastings and videos demonstrated the learning impact of the competition on the whole school.
The Year 7 entries were particularly outstanding and after a lengthy debate the judges decided that the winners were Mr Humphries 7A1 closely followed by Mrs Hall 7D2 and Ms Davies 7V1. The winning three tutor groups were each treated to an after school outing during the Autumn term.
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Gifted & Talented
Jimena Parra Mello (president of the debating society), Josh Newby (vice president of the debating society), Ruby Dawson and Jack Elston (who represented Pilton at the ESU Churchill Public Speaking Competition).
Speaking competition at Blundell’s Jack Elston, Dorothy McCormack and Ruby Dawson represented Pilton Community College at the English Speaking Union Churchill’s Public Speaking Competition at Blundell’s School in Tiverton. This is an extract of their speech titled: “Plentiful natural resources is the curse of developing nations” Adam Smith in the 19th century said that countries with abundant natural resources do not perform as well economically as those without natural resource. In fact, he then went further to say these countries were “cursed”. Cursed that they were unfortunate enough to be placed on land that was worth billions! Sounds ridiculous, but the realities are more complex than first appear. There are many problems that can arise for a country that relies on crude oil, gas, coal and minerals. 19th century colonisation started a process that was compounded by corrupt governments and their extreme reliance on natural resources. These countries have in plentiful supply the essential primary resources we all rely on in our everyday life: Coltan in your phones, gold in your
laptops and oil in your cars. Yes, some of the poorest countries in the world are also the richest! Many believe that colonisation was the starting point of this curse. When France ruled over colonies such as Niger, they began extracting diamonds. They were mined in vast open cast pits, exported to France, and sold to the highest bidder. By the time France left in the 60s, Niger had a well developed mining industry but nothing more. They had no infrastructure to speak of and certainly not a balanced industrial base on which to build a healthy economy. The Democratic Republic of Congo, a former Belgian colony, suffered the same fate. The precious minerals have been nicknamed “blood diamonds” for good reason. They are funding wars in several countries – causing death and the displacement of millions of people. Terrorist groups such as al-Qaida have financed their organisations selling black-market diamonds. The easy income derived from mining natural resources has become a fuel for political corruption. Some governments choose not to build up
infrastructure or diversify their economy because they rely on income from the resource sector. We know there are corrupt governments which are slowing down the development of their people. For example, Sudan in Africa is in political and economic turmoil. Their export growth is stagnant, other than oil. Their current president is facing horrific charges of crimes against humanity, yet he is still in power. Is his control over Sudan’s oil reserve why he still receives support from other countries? Doesn’t anybody want to stand against governments, such as Sudan’s? Are they scared of losing potential oil imports? Again, as you can see, oil has been a curse rather than a blessing! In other instances, the process of extracting the resources is itself the problem. Mining can cause contamination of the waterways. Liberia have a large coal production and have been guilty of dumping millions of tons of waste including toxic metals, most significantly mercury, which leaches into rivers and lakes. The fish become contaminated and when the people eat it, they can become seriously ill. Unfortunately, the government of Liberia cannot afford to dispose of the waste safely. Another example is sulphur mining in Indonesia, officially the most dangerous job in the world! Yet, 1000s of workers put their health at risk because the alternative is absolute poverty. In conclusion, Adam Smith’s quote nearly 100 years ago seems to be correct. Colonisation has begun a process which has been made worse by corrupt governments. The vast majority of countries with natural resources have suffered from economic and political instability. But is it really because they were blessed with natural resources or have processes such as colonisation and corruption meant countries haven’t had an opportunity to develop their economy? Western powers need to ask themselves if this is at least partly their fault. And if so, what are we going to do to fix the situation? Because make no mistake, something needs to change.
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Work related and youth award activities Outdoors Work Related learners are as usual very busy. Nine Year 11 students have completed Youth Awards and await further results for other awards at the time of going to print. Year 11 Work Plus has continued, with further extended work placements notably in the areas of agriculture, game-keeping, estates work and retail. Well done to those learners and our thanks to our local community partners, notably the Whole-life Project and The Co-Operative for providing these fantastic opportunities. students. A film of the first year of the project is currently “in production”. Look out for it on You Tube. Some Year 10 students have embarked on bespoke BTEC qualifications in Hospitality/Catering and Land-based industries. We hope to continue with these developments into the future. Learning whilst working is an ideal preparation for the challenges the real world has to offer! Work related options in Year 10 include a re-vamped Work Plus Course. Based on a series of Life Skills Projects run by Barclays Bank, students have and will visit local employers in the Community. An informed and interesting visit took place in October to the Activas Plant in Whiddon Valley as part of a pilot project in school-employer partnership. This has encouraged our young people to consider a career in manufacturing. We hope that this will be a spring-board to future work experience placements and closer ties between our organisations. An in-house Motoring Skills and the PETROC course in Hair and Beauty have begun. Both have proved to be popular choices. The school is the new proud owner of a motor vehicle workshop complete with power hand tools and a school car and motor scooter. Eleven girls have started their course at PETROC. In the summer those involved in a Pupil Employer Engagement Project (PEEP) enjoyed a successful visit to Exmoor Zoo. This year we will be visiting Barnstaple Fire Station and hope to visit other venues in the second year of the project. We would like to thank both the North Devon Plus Employers who are helping with the organisation of the project and the North Devon Council for their sponsorship and mentoring of the
Climbing club
Nine Students took part in the InterSchool Competition at Rock and Rapid on Sunday 23rd November. All students did well to allow Pilton to take second place overall, one place better than last year! Special mention for Georgia Pilkington 1st place girls yr10-13, Rosie Walters 2nd place girls yr 10-13 and Fin Whittley 3rd place boys yr 7-9.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Lee Chaple
Finally, three of our former students are currently excelling as Apprentices in the local community. Lee Chapple and Ryan Davies are working in catering for Brend Hotels and Lee’s brother, Brad, is working for North Devon Homes. We wish them the best of luck and hope that this option will continue to be another pathway for students from all backgrounds and abilities at Pilton Community College. ‘Apprenticeships are the future’, is the message again and will continue to be our mission statement in the future! Mr Burn
In September all remaining 43 students completed their Bronze Qualifying Expedition. There were some challenging routes planned over Bodmin Moor and everyone did well to get a pass report from the assessor during the two days. Following the expeditions the students then planned and gave presentations of their aims which were great to see and of a very high standard. They are now all busy completing the other elements of the award. The race is on for the first to complete the full Bronze Award.
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/climbing Ten Tors
During December year 10 students will sign up for the training programme and begin working towards gaining just one of six places available for the 35 mile team. We also have a 45 mile team to select from more experienced students. New for this year is a Jubilee Challenge Team selected and trained by Learning Support Staff. The event is in May 2015. It may seem like along way off but good preparation is the route to success. Good luck to all those taking part.
Science Photography Competition Many students took part and submitted their awe inspiring image to the competition. The winner will be announced shortly. Here are some fantastic examples of the entries:
Hannah Selley 10E1
Charlotte Rogers 11V2
Eben Morrish-Croad 9D2
Indigo Dunbrook 8V3
Jack Delve 8V1
Lauren Ward 10E2
My Kilimanjaro climb
In July 2014, myself and 11 others travelled to the most amazing place in the world; Kilimanjaro. To think this was my first experience abroad, I really couldn’t have wished to have been in a better place. My favourite part was of course summiting Kilimanjaro, although experiencing Africa itself and the culture is what made me really appreciate what I have. People in Africa live so differently to how we do here. My first sightings of the mountain made me feel so overwhelmed, and I really doubted myself at first that I would ever make it to the top. The trek was painful and tiring but I also felt so happy and proud of myself that I had made it up such a beautiful mountain. Seeing the amazing sunrise at the summit is something I will never forget as it was so breath-taking. Gemma Morrel 11D2
Louis Pearce 10E1
Sophie Stradling 7A3
Lilly Schubert 7A3
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Learning Support It was that time of year again; students were getting excited about trying different sports at the Devon Autumn Ability Games. On Wednesday, 12th November, 26 students from Years 7 to 11 spent the day at Tarka Tennis. The sports that we were able to try this year were Table Cricket, Air Pistol Shooting, Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball and Trampolining. I enjoyed the table cricket best of all because it was fun, also the wheelchair basketball made me feel part of a team and not on my own. This was my first year at taking part in the Devon Ability Games and I really can’t wait until I can go again. One of the best things was mixing with other year groups for the day and watching Mrs Vine trying wheelchair rugby (she was very sore the next day). Willow Lancey 7D2
News flash
Pilton Community College are the overall winners of the Spirit of the Games (from the Devon Autumn Ability Games). Collectively they achieved the most Spirit of the Games medals at the event. As announced at the Opening Ceremony this means we will be awarded with the Spirit of the Games mosaic, which was actually created on the day of the event. Well done to all the PIlton Team
Volleyball
U15 England Volleyball Cadet Last weekend I went to Kettering National Volleyball Centre to train as part of the England U15 cadet team. It was different to anything I’ve ever done before and I enjoyed every minute of it. Over the weekend we did ten hours of training, this included fitness, skill and game play. The U19 junior team were also training there. It was great to watch more experienced players during our breaks and I can’t wait to go back soon! Rebecca Fallow
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Stephen Shield runners up The Stephen Shield took place on Wednesday, 22 October at Torrington. The Stephen Shield is a team competition and the first four runners home in each age group count towards our overall team score. The overall team performances on the day were; Pilton finished 2nd in the Year 7 Boys; 2nd in the Year 7 Girls; 3rd in the Year 8 Girls; 5th in the Year 8 Boys; 2nd in the Year 9 Girls; 1st in the Year 9 Boys, 3rd in the Year 10/11 Girls and 5th in the Year 10/11 Boys. This gave us a total team score of 49 to finish in the runners-up position. Park finished first with 53 points! There were also a number of outstanding individual results: Year 10/11 Boys – Callum Baines 14th, Harry Halsey 20th, Year 10/11 Girls – Kelly Jeffery 7th, Morgan Howgate 9th, Year 9 Boys – Bob Whittaker 1st, John Morgan 4th, Dylan Gosling 7th,
Tom Swales 11th, Year 9 Girls – Emma Featherstone 7th, Erin Hall 12th, Year 8 Boys – Warren Goss 12th, Year 8 Girls – Harriet Turner 1st, Ellie Fyers 11th, Year 7 Boys – Sid Baldara 2nd, Luke Hamley 9th, Andrew Watts 10th, Hector Darling 13th, Year 7 Girls – Georgia Bell 7th, Tamsin Dark 14th. Well done to everyone who took part!
Rugby masterclass - Sandy Park tour Year 7 Rugby and Exeter Chiefs coaching session development day
On Wednesday, 8th October Danny, Jezz and I, along with a group of roughly 30 players from Devon schools , were invited along to Sandy Park in Exeter for a stadium tour and a coaching master class session from Rob Baxter. The stadium tour was very interesting. We were shown the video analysis room, where they watch back their games and upcoming opponents’ games to suss out strengths and
weaknesses and then decide what each player and the team as a whole should do in the week of training leading up to their next match. Next we saw the gym where we were told how the players all have individual programmes and will be in the gym two or three times a week, even more if they weren’t involved in the game at the weekend. There were little charts about that showed the record weights that players had lifted, some of which were absolutely huge! Finally came the session with Rob Baxter. Unfortunately I couldn’t take part as I had a broken leg but I’m sure Danny and Jezz enjoyed the experience of premier level coaching, even if it was in the pouring rain! All around a great experience I was glad to be invited to, even if I couldn’t join in with the actual rugby! Tom Greenaway 11V1
Pilton took two teams to the development day at Great Torrington School on Friday, 14th November. The day was structured with pool games in the morning, with the top two teams from each pool going through to the semi-finals and the chance for a spot in the county qualifiers if they won. Pilton B team had a lot of players who were playing in their first ever rugby matches but although they had some close matches, they finished bottom of their pool. However, the Pilton A team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, taking on Chulmleigh, Holsworthy, Bideford, Park B and Ilfracombe on their way to the semifinals. A tough game in the semi-finals against South Molton saw two fantastic tries by the Pilton team to put them safely through to the county qualifiers as North Devon finalists against Park A team, with this fixture to be arranged for a later date.
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U15 girls’ rugby development day
Rugby
Another outstanding performance It was a cold rainy day up at West Buckland and the Pilton U16s rugby team were looking to win the tournament, despite the conditions and the absence of Tom Greenaway, Louis Cheeseman, Carlos Silva and Tom Roper, who have been key players over the years for us but unfortunately couldn’t attend the tournament. We started the day off against Park School and the next match was against the hosts: West Buckland, who beat us a few weeks ago, so this was our chance to get revenge. We won 21-0. The next match was against Braunton, who we knew were going to be a very tough side considering they won the North Devon championship last year.
We attacked hard but it was just too late and we lost 5-0. Next we faced South Molton, expecting an easy challenge, but they gave us a tough match and we just won 7-5. The match against Ilfracombe was a very ropey game with a lot of possession given away and mistakes from both teams but we managed to stay on top, winning by an astounding 24-0. It was very tight at the top of the table and we needed to win our final game against Bideford to become champions. A score of 18-0 made us tournament winners and secured our position as North Devon Champions once again. Danny Southworth
Primary School Update
On Friday, 17th October the year 10 girls had the opportunity to get involved in a day of contact rugby at Park School. During the morning we took part in some development workshops and after lunch played competitively against South Molton, Park and Great Torrington School. We beat Torrington convincingly and had a nail biting game against Park where we were unfortunate to be beaten by just one try! Our toughest game was against South Molton and more experienced players definitely got the better of us… this time! We had a really great day. This term we successfully staged two new cross country events for our primary schools, one for Y3 & 4 and one for Y5 & 6. Approximately 130 runners took part in all and all the runners appeared to enjoy the challenge. Medals were awarded to the first three runners in each race and certificates to the top ten. Hopefully we can now build on this in the future. We are hoping to stage a primary school-based event in the spring term. Our next event is our Christmas special involving 230 Y1s taking part in a multi-skills festival in the sports hall at PCC. We will have 40 sports leaders giving them a helping hand. The central venue sessions on the astro-turf after school have been attracting nearly forty Y2, 3 and 4s every week this term for ‘Footy Friday’. Five Pilton Sports Leaders have turned out to help them with their skills and practise in small game situations. Next term we move on to netball. Chris Farr - SSCo
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Year 10 football: Pipped in the final (again)!
Football
Pilton vs Park final On another cold autumn evening, Pilton played Park in yet another nail-biting game that was full of thrills and spills. Park held their defence well until a great ball over the top of the Park defence lead to George Richardson coming one-on-one with the keeper and scoring the first goal of the night. The early goal served to wake Park up and soon after that a strike from their midfielder took the score board to 1-1.
Game on
Park felt the pressure and stepped it up a gear; a good corner leading to a goal from their big number 9 striker; 2-1. This time Pilton’s heads didn’t drop and we fought back, adding three new pairs of legs, with Grant Rigler, Ben Wells and Jim Lake, to try and push for a winner. George Richardson got another chance
on goal, this time from a corner, and there was no messing this time as he slotted it past the keeper; 2-2. The ref. blew for full time.
Roll on extra time Pilton pushed for a winner and George Richardson got his hat trick from a rocket strike. Just as Pilton thought they’d bagged the win, a screamer from Park’s midfielder made it 3-3. Park finally won 4-2 on penalities. Heads went down in the Pilton team but it was a great game of football. We played extremely well and were unlucky to finish runners up. Unlucky Pilton - better luck next time! by Liam Drew
Year 9 & 10 qualify for the North Devon Schools’ finals Congratulations to the Year 9 & 10 football teams on qualifying for the semi-finals of the North Devon Schools’ football competition. The results were: Year
GTS
Braunton
Bideford
7
lost 2-1
drew 2-2
lost 7-0
8
lost 3-0
lost 9-0
lost 4-3
9
won 10-2
won 5-1
drew 3-3
10
won 6-1
won 2-1
won 16-0
The semi-final results were: Year 9 v Ilfracombe won 5 - 4, Year 10 v Ilfracombe won 4 – 1
The Year 10 football team finished runners up in the N.Devon Schools’ football cup having been pipped in the final by Park School 3-2. Pilton’s campaign started strongly winning all of their league games with comfort. The semi-final saw them visit Ilfracombe and despite playing on a small muddy pitch they came through comfortably 5-3. Pictured above are the Year 10 football team who can feel extremely unfortunate for not becoming North Devon Champions.
Volleyball
North Devon Schools U15 volleyball Pilton hosted the North Devon Schools U15 volleyball tournament this year, taking on teams from Braunton, and Torrington. The Pilton Boys have earned themselves a place in the Devon Schools finals to be held at St Peter’s School in Exeter by winning their tournament, in a closely fought final match against Braunton A team.
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Netball - An emotional occasion
Girls’ football
This term we have news from both the U14 and U16 netball teams: The lovely U16 girls stepped up first this year to represent Pilton at the North Devon Schools Tournament. This was an emotional occasion as they set out to play together for the very last time. A tough pool awaited them and despite only winning one game, the team played netball they could be proud of. They even surprised themselves with some memorable score lines and games. This team is so positive, they are great friends and epitomise what teamwork is all about! I have been very proud to work with them and I hope that they continue to play when they leave school.
Emma Rhymer, Morgan Howgate, Sophie Welch, Orlagh Turner, Kate Lane, Josie Stuart, Sophie Skelcher, Chloe Beer
The U14s had an amazing tournament and played their socks off in some credible wins! They had West Buckland rattled in the last game of the pool round and were winning by a goal at half time. A late injury to Emma Featherstone allowed them to gain control and they eventually took the game in the final seconds. They missed the finals by a calculation on goal difference which was unlucky! The girls were delighted with how they had done and now believe more than ever they have what it takes.
The girls’ football teams have all had an amazing start to their matches. All the teams are looking very good and are strong contenders for some silverware this season! The U12 and U16 teams have played four matches to date and are both currently undefeated. The U16 team are yet to concede a goal. The U14 are also a great team and only narrowly lost the first two of their games, despite Elysha Overall scoring a hat trick in one game! Abbie Leonard and Abi Pye both deserve special mentions for playing keepers in their matches as both played a huge part in reducing the number of opposing goals. The U12 would certainly win the prize for being the noisiest and most enthusiastic team ever to have been driven on the minibus. I thought they couldn’t get any louder but after two wins at their first fixture, they proved me wrong! Well done to all of you for your commitment to training and to the matches. Keep up the good work girls; I’m looking forward to next term’s matches already (maybe Santa will bring me some ear plugs).
Pilton Surf Club Pilton Surf Club started up again this term and saw fifteen intrepid surfers head to Saunton Sands on a Monday after school. Pupils got to practise their surfing skill in variety of conditions, including some early big winter swells. If you’re interested in joining, the Surf Club will be continuing in the summer term when the water gets a bit warmer!
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