Estover Community College

4
Estover flyer
Welcome to the New Staff
Miss Sloman
Hello, my name is Katie Sloman and I’m the new Reprographics Co-ordinator. With experience
working as a reprographics assistant at Tamarside College and over six years in retail management,
I’m hoping to bring out the best in the resources department! In my spare time I enjoy spending
time with my boyfriend, friends and family, as well as swimming, watching movies and going for
long walks on the moors. Miss Gee
I am pleased to be joining Estover’s maths department, and am excited about the new challenges
and opportunities! I moved to Plymouth from Gloucestershire 5 years ago and love being able to
walk my dog on Haytor on Dartmoor every day!
Mrs Brookman
My name is Ann Brookman and I joined the Speech and Language Support Center at the
beginning of the year. Previously, whilst training as a Teaching Assistant at City College Plymouth,
I worked at Thornbury Primary School on a voluntary basis. I very much enjoy my role and get a
great deal of satisfaction from supporting the students.
Mr Ross
Hello, my name is James Ross and I am delighted to be appointed as the new site manager for the
college. I am a family man with a wife, two young children and two black Labradors which all keep
me very busy outside of work!!
Attendance Matters
One of the reasons that we put the
schools within schools structure in
place was to improve pastoral care
and support students to improve
their attendance to college. This is
because all the evidence shows that
the more a student is in college the
more successful they are in terms
of GCSE/A Level Grades and in their
future careers. The early indications
are that the new structure of vertical
tutor groups with two tutors has
enabled students to achieve over
92.52% attendance over the first
On Thursday 8th October, 2009 fourteen of our brave year 10 students;
courageously abseiled down the whole of the Dingles building in the city
centre. Organised by the Army; it was an opportunity for any willing students
to overcome their fear of heights and take a leap off a high city feature. So
well done to those students who were touching the void of the building and
jumped out and off the Dingles peak! Photos of the event can be purchased
and collected from Mr Williams. The following students took up the OUTDOOR
CHALLENGE and successfully achieved an awesome experience:
Mrs Skelton
I’ve joined Estover as a part time receptionist after leaving 20 years ago as a pupil - I still remember
my way around (just!) and have spotted a few ‘old’ faces!
Ms Golding
ARMY ABSEIL DOWN DINGLES
If I have any spare time my main passion is restoring classic cars and motorcycles. It is a hobby I
have been doing for the last 22 years on and off. I mainly work on old VW’s but love all old cars
from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’. I suppose I have restored in excess of 15 cars and a couple of Vespa scooters over the
years. My current project is a 1962 VW Beetle which I am turning into a Herbie clone for my children!!! I also love
the 60’s and collect all sorts of “junk” as my wife calls it from this period such as radios, hi-fi’s, car books etc. So don’t
throw anything away!!!
Hello, I’m Emma Skelton, I’m 36 years old and have 3 wonderful children, my dog Millie and my
fat cat Toby.
half term. Congratulations to Austen
School who currently have the best
attendance of 92.59%. The best tutor
group is HHA/ROS/RLA in Faraday
School with an amazing 95.35%
attendance. I would ask all parents/
carers to support their daughters /
sons to attend college at all times
and avoid taking any unnecessary
time off. Holiday within term time will
not be authorised unless there are
exceptional circumstances.
• Amber Walker
• Ryan Trueman
• Liam Hewins
• Matthew Witcombe
• Kayleigh Lovegrove
• Shaunagh Pullen
• Zoe Hannah
• Josh Breed
• Parry Wilcocks
• Taylor Curtis
• Stuart Sargent
• Steven Lomax
• Leanne Matthews
• Connor Pook
Mr Williams
Maths Challenge WK 12
Estover Community
College
The majority of my spare time is spent on the side of a football pitch, cheering on my children in
their teams. The rest of the time I can be found with my head in a book or tapping away on my computer - I’m taking
some Open University courses in Computing and in Business which is keeping me busy and my brain ticking over!
www.estovercollege.co.uk
The newspaper of Estover Community College
Spring 2010
flyer
NEW CAMPUS BUILDINGS OFF
THE GROUND AND GROWING!
Anyone walking past the College
in recent months will have seen
the amazing progress being made
on the first phase of this exciting
project. The new blocks at the front
of the existing college will house the
public library, administration, art,
dining and sixth form social areas.
To the rear the roofs are about to
be completed on the two double
storey blocks which will house
English, maths, humanities, modern
languages and social sciences. The
new staff room is also included within
these blocks. A third block, which will
be single storey will be occupied by
an element of the existing Downham
School located in Plymstock.
Design and Build contractors, Kier
Western, are working with us to ensure
minimum disruption to the day to
day running of the college and, more
importantly, students have coped
brilliantly with the fact that they are
surrounded by a building site!
For more photos and videos please take
a look at our website
Mrs Beasley
Campus Business Manager
International Theme News Osiligi Maasai Warriors
I’m really enjoying being back at Estover, it was strange at first but it is a lovely place to work.
How many squares can you see?
Mr Cox
I started teaching in Stevenage as a Technology Teacher, but quickly moved abroad, firstly to
Hong Kong followed by Germany and then to Spain, returning to the UK and Estover Community
College this year. During my time abroad I have taught PE, Technology, Motor Vehicle Engineering,
been a Maths Teacher and my current passion ICT. I have always loved sport and represented
Great Britain in Swimming as a Junior International, played Football in the Major Units league
and Rugby in the Germany National Second division. I am looking forward to the new challenges
Estover will bring.
ESTOVER
Maths Challenge WK 13
Find the odd one out? Why?
Saturday 24th April
Saturday 22nd May
Saturday 19th June
Saturday 17th July
9.00am – 12noon
(Sellers please arrive at 8.30am)
£4 cars / £5 vans
Please contact Jo Starr for further details
YEAR
11
PROM
A fabulous evening was had by
all at the Year 11 Prom held at the
New Continental Hotel in July.
We were fortunate to have a fine
summer evening and lots of friends
and family came to watch the
students arrive. So many, in fact, that
we caused a good-hearted traffic
jam.
It was a great occasion and a chance
to celebrate in style the end of five
fantastic years for this year group.
All the students looked fantastic,
so grown up – it was a pleasure to
spend the evening with them all.
Miss Boase
Designed and printed by PDS Print 11 Kay Close Newnham Industrial Estate Plympton Plymouth Devon PL7 4LU Telephone 01752 343491 www.pdsprint.co.uk
To start the International Theme year
with a bang, we were lucky enough
to have genuine Maasai Warriors
in Estover Community College’s
Soundhouse! A surreal but fantastic
experience with students mesmerised
and awed by the performance.
The Warriors made a dramatic impact
as they entered with traditional dress,
spears, staffs and shields singing the
prayer that begins all ceremonies. They
proceeded to perform many ritual songs,
some like lullabies, others about war and
one about how best to milk a cow!
The Maasai showed us their amazing
jumping abilities and invited the
students up to jump with them as well
as trying on their cloaks made of animal
skins and feeling the weight of the
shields.
A wonderful performance that enabled
the students an opportunity it is unlikely
to have anywhere else; to converse,
sing and dance with the Kenyan Maasai
giving a real insight into their ways and
lifestyle. By the end of the piece the
students and staff alike were on their
feet applauding and left with smiles
on their faces from the uplifting feeling
of seeing a community that has little
materialistically, but much in happiness.
Mrs Stockdale
HPV Vaccine Year 8 and 10 Girls 2010 - Tuesday 15th June 2010
Message
from the
Can I begin by wishing all parents, carers, students, staff and
friends a very Happy New Year. As you know the recent snow
and ice caused some problems but we were only forced to
close for one day on Wednesday 7th January. A huge thank
you to everyone who made such a sterling effort, especially
our site staff who worked tirelessly in extremely difficult
conditions to minimise the risks. If my memory serves me
correctly that was only the second time we have not opened
in at least 15 years and I hope we never have to do it again.
Great start for our small school system
The change-over from a year group to a ‘small school’ system
at the beginning of the school year has gone extremely well,
despite making the move before the new buildings are opened
in the summer. The original plan was to change the system at the same time as the buildings opened, but
we were faced with a dilemma, when we discovered about a year ago that the buildings were delayed
beyond the then-expected opening date of the start of this term. The decision turned out to be an easy
one, because there was no way that staff or governors wanted to slow down the tremendous momentum
of change at the College. Another year’s delay would have disadvantaged all of our students. Also, and
with hindsight, I’m also relieved we haven’t had to move in with all this icy weather around!
Small is beautiful!
There is often a problem with big schools in that children can feel lost, especially in Year 7 when they
have just come from primary schools. The new system, where each student is a member of a ‘school
within a school’, gives students a much stronger sense of identity and belonging. Each school has its own
Head and Deputy together with a team of dedicated teaching and support staff who really get to know
children and their families.
Principal
A VERY IMPORTANT CHANGE FOR
COLLEGE LEADERSHIP
Now that the new buildings are well
under way, we are getting a much
clearer picture of the timescales
involved. This summer almost all
departments, the sixth form, the
‘small schools’ of Austen, Faraday
and Tenzing and the restaurant and
College library, move into purposebuilt accommodation which will
transform the learning experience
for our students, with a new public
library opening at the front, on Miller
Way. The contractors will then start
to demolish the existing buildings
so that the new Sports Centre and
Technology zone will open in 2011,
together with part of Plymouth’s
Hospital School. Summer 2012
sees Estover Primary School and
Downham School, currently located in
Plymstock, moving onto the campus.
As you know we will also have amazing
facilities coming to the campus like
the multi-sensory science centre, the
Solardome (a mini ‘Eden Project’) and
the best sports, technology and IT to
be found in any school in the country,
all of which we will share with our local
primary schools.
Setting this up is both fascinating but
very time-consuming. To support my
work in leading the process the College
governors and local authority have asked
my Vice Principal colleague Mrs Dunstan
to share some of my workload whilst the
key changes take place over the next
eighteen months, so for that period she
will be responsible for much of the day
to day running of the College, with the
title of Acting Principal, with my role
title temporarily changed to Executive
Principal. Obviously your normal method
of contact with the College will stay
exactly the same as it is now, ie through
tutors and Head of School, but if you
need to contact either Mrs Dunstan or
myself please use the normal channels.
As far as most things are concerned you
will not notice any differences but it will
help the whole campus move forward.
Graham Browne.
Local Young Groups Honoured
with New Diana Award
Estover Community College is delighted to report that students Kayleigh
Lovegrove, Zoe Roberts and Sadie Cox have been honoured with the new Diana
Certificate of Excellence Group Award launched by UK charity, the Diana Award.
The Diana Award gives public recognition to young people aged 12 – 18 who go
that extra mile to make a profound difference to the lives of their friends, families,
schools and communities.
The Peer Mediation Team has been chosen
for the Award because of the group’s
selfless contribution to their community
and the huge amount of time, energy
and compassion invested to improve the
lives of others demonstrated through
solving conflict through mediation.
These students are giving up their free
time at break and lunch times to be able
to meet with the different parties. Their
determination to succeed is admirable.
There are over 25,000 Diana Award
Holders in the UK and they include
fundraisers, campaigners, carers and
young people who, despite their own
personal difficulties or tragedies, continue
to contribute to their communities. The
Diana Anti-Bullying Award, which is
in addition to the main Diana Award,
recognises the work by young people of
all ages to tackle bullying in schools and
communities.
“We at Estover Community College are
very proud of our new Diana Certificate of
Excellence Group Award holders. We will
continue to make nominations for this
prestigious award. The value to our young
people is immense.”
Maggie Turner, CEO of the Diana Award,
says: “This new Award gives public
recognition to young people who work
together as a team to make a difference
to other people, without seeking reward
for themselves. Within communities
and schools across the UK, there will be
young people who have done something
wonderful and we welcome nominations.”
For more information about the Diana
Award or to make a nomination, visit –
www.diana-award.org.uk
The other big thread is the mixed age (or ’vertical’) tutor groups. Having run two pilot groups for a year to
get feedback from students and parents, we went ‘whole school’ after Year 11 exams finished. The main
reason for the change was to give older students much more responsibility around the College. It has
been great to see many of them helping younger ones with a whole variety of issues, from guiding new
students around College to helping with homework and some personal issues. I was also very impressed
with the way in which a group of Year 11 students improved the system at the design stage, all of which
leads me to believe that we can go much further with student leadership, so are talking to them about
prefect teams and the possibility of a head boy/girl system for each small school and overall College.
School names
We were very keen to name our small schools after famous people who have done things that all of us
can look up to. This is quite a difficult process because we all have our pet favourites, not all of whom fit
the bill. My personal choice would have been Moore, Hurst and Peters, after the famous West Ham side
that beat West Germany in the ’66 World Cup. I’ll admit that this was always going to be a long shot but
after a full College vote the students decided on:Faraday
Austen
Tenzing
Cade
(Michael Faraday, scientist and inventor of the electric motor)
(Jane Austen, brilliant and prolific author e.g. Pride and Prejudice)
(Tenzing Norgay, one or the first two men on Mt Everest)
(Rowena Cade, inspiration behind the Minack Theatre in Cornwall)
Each school has now chosen its Head Boy and Girl, and congratulations to:Austen
-
Sadie Cox and Luke Pollard
Faraday -
Becky Woodcock and Joe Gorman
Tenzing
-
Alicia Harrison and Jamie Brooking
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Estover flyer
POST 16 SUMMER ART SHOW
South West
Marine
Challenge
Estover South West Marine Challenge team scooped
three third places in the engineering categories for this
year’s Marine Federation South West Marine Challenge, at
Roadford Lake on 25th June.
The teams built three model craft for the event for Solar
powered, electric, and internal combustion categories, all
built in their own time and during Design & Technology
lessons. The team’s construction skills and ingenuity stood
out to the judges on the day, and their team spirit was
fantastic!
The students deserve real credit for the hard work put into
this year’s competition.
Estover Netball
Dental
Trip to watch Screening
New Zealand
On Thursday 15th October, Estover Netball Club travelled to Bath
University to watch England play New Zealand in the Test Series. After
advertising the 40 tickets they sold within 2 weeks and the girls were very
excited about seeing such a high standard of netball and with pens and
programme at the ready for autographs we arrived and took our seats.
Much to the girls amazement we were sat literally behind the England Team
bench, within touching distance of the players. We settled in our seats with
merchandise to cheer the girls on. The match was fantastic and an experience
I know some of these girls will never forget, the standard of netball played and
the atmosphere on the evening was something very special and I think every
single girl there came away amazed at what they have leant about the sport of
Netball.
Estover Netball Club Update
Year 7, 8 & 9 have started their fixtures and are going strong, the season
continues this term.
Miss Harling
We have received some information
for parents from the Primary Care
Trust regarding dental health.
They have asked us to pass on the
following:
“1. The school no longer has school dental screenings.
2.
Regular visits to the dentist are vital if children’s oral health is to be maintained.
3.
The parents/guardians of any
child who is not regularly
attending a General Dental
Practitioner may either send
their details to Plymouth PCT, Freepost NAT 22278, Plymouth,
PL6 5QZ or contact the Primary Care Dental Service on:
0845 155 8070.”
ps”
a
o
S
“
“Spo
r
Team members are:
Zak Jewell, James Britton, Steve Brown, Tom Turner
Bradley Fowell, Jason Mycock, Andrew Brown, Stuart Sargeant
Well done!
Mr Mintoft
Library News
Congratulations to Chloe Higman
(IGO) and Chloe Tonkin (CLA) who
both won prizes in the recent
competition held to celebrate
Roald Dahl Day. Watch out for more
quizzes and competitions soon!
Have you started your Reading
Passport Challenge yet? All you have
to do is collect a passport from the
library, read a book and return it to
the library to collect a stamp in your
passport … the more stamps you get
the more prizes you’ll get!!
We now have 300 new books in the
library. They are sat on the shelves
waiting for YOU to read them!!
Miss Hare
International
Theme News
Bonn with Year 10
sic”
t”
“People”
“Scie
Natunce &
re”
at the ‘Soundhouse’
“Food
& Drin
k”
“Films”
Join us on Friday 26th February
Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start
Make up a team of up to six people (student teams welcome)
Entry: £2.00 (adults) £1.00 (child)
So – get your team together
Soft drinks and snacks available to buy on the night – please bring your own beer/wine
Please support us
The aim of the evening is to have fun – don’t take it too seriously!!!!
Once again the Art Department metamorphomised
into a Gallery to host the work produced by ‘A’ Level,
Nationals and Foundation students over the year. An
amazing range of work was on display: film, painting,
textiles, photography, installations and more. There
was even a short film from a former student, Barry
James, who has just gained a first class degree in
stop motion animation from Uni. The Foundation
students have now taken up their places at various
Cade School
Our mission in
the sixth form
at Estover is to
support
and
encourage
our
learners
to
achieve
the highest standards in both
their academic and vocational
qualifications. Our extensive links
with other colleges and training
providers through the TVC network
and the PLE consortium ensures that
learners have an outstanding choice
of courses on offer to fulfil the needs
and aspirations of all learners.
Each student is treated very much as
an individual and a young adult. Time
and care is spent on the preparation
of a schedule to suit each student’s
needs. Learners progress is carefully
monitored by the tutor and teaching
staff who give encouragement for
each student to fulfil their potential
in a supportive and friendly
environment.
“Mu
eral e”
n
e
“G ledg
w
Kno
Outdoor Challenge Walk
On Dartmoor
The team would like to offer special thanks to Bonnett
electrical contractors, Mr Browne and parent Mr Dave Hall
for their sponsorship and technical support this year.
Estover Community College Association (ECCA)
invite you to a
3
Estover flyer
The first of our Comenius exchanges
has just been a resounding success!
Selected students in year 10 were
invited to sample the lifestyle,
culture and schooling of Germany.
of the future. The students worked in
groups mixed from each country and
came up with creations using solar
power, wind energy, recycled items
and water saving techniques.
Through a bid to the British Council
we were awarded funding to enable
us to offer these opportunities to
students showing commitment to the
college.
It wasn’t all work, there was a great
deal of play too with dinners together
and discoveries that the Finnish have
their favourites on the X factor too!
The students learnt a great deal from
the trip, not only some Finnish and
German phrasing, but a particular
area that was highlighted was how
well the community in Bonn and
August Macke Schule took care of
their environment. The majority of
staff took public transport to school,
reducing the carbon footprint and
nearly all students cycled if they did
not walk.
Whilst we were there our work
involved building models gardens
The students say it best and here are a
few comments from them...
I enjoyed making the model gardens
and interacting with students from
another country – Liam Alphous
The best part was learning the
different languages from Finland and
Germany – Calum Smith
At the same time, we look to each
student to take on responsibility,
not only for their own learning, but
also as a leader within the school
community. We set high standards in
an environment that will help build
their self-confidence and self-esteem,
Universities around the country.
This year’s show, in July 2010, will feature work from last
year’s Foundation students as well as many Foundation
and ‘A’ Level Art students from previous years, and if
anyone knows the whereabouts of past students who
did ‘A’ Level Art or Foundation, please let Tony Preston,
Head of Art, know.
Mrs Texidor (Community Arts Co-ordinator)
whilst providing a role-model and
support for the younger students.
Commitment and hard work are the
keys to success and we intend that the
work students do in the Sixth Form
will be challenging. Qualifications
have become increasingly important
in the current economic climate, and
the courses we offer are designed to
give students the greatest chance
of success in today’s competitive
marketplace. Working hard in the
Sixth Form is rewarded, and we take
great pride as we see many of our
students taking up places in Higher
Education and professional careers.
We are proud of our successes in
preparing students for their futures.
Naturally, we encourage our students
to involve themselves in a wide
range of activities. No-one should
expect to have a quiet life in the Sixth
Form! Apart from lessons, additional
studies and private study, students
can be found taking a lead in clubs,
sports activities, dance productions,
community service, charity work,
committees, conferences and social
events.
I hope that you are looking forward
to the challenge, and the enjoyment,
that the Sixth Form offers. I am
looking forward to sharing these
opportunities with you.
Miss Rawlings
I learnt that the other students were
so similar to us and that their food is
lovely but different!
Three further workshops will take place this term covering
textiles, painting and construction and all four have a
central theme based around recycling, sustainability and
the environment.
Shaunagh Pullen
Mrs Texidor (Community Arts Co-ordinator)
in the views of Down Tor, Drakes
Leat, ancient cairns, stone circles,
climbs over a fast flowing stream
and stunning panoramic views of
Sheepstor and Princetown. With the
expert leadership of Mr Hodge and the
avoidance of the dreaded ‘Dartmoor
pixies’ the class completed a brilliant
outdoor challenge.
Mr Williams
Austen School
Faraday School
Tenzing School
Jane Austen
has inspired
generations
of readers. In
all her novels
she explores
the core values
that create the
best individuals.... determination,
honesty, energy, independence,
understanding and resilience to name
just a few. Much of her development
and subsequent success as a writer is
attributed to the steadfast support
of her family. Put this in the context
of our new small schools and you
have the perfect mascot. Your
“family” are all the people assigned
to support you in your time at Austen
School, your tutor, co-tutor, Progress
Manager, Mrs Hughes, administrative
assistant, Mrs Walsh, your Deputy
Head of School, Mr Winstone and of
course myself, Mrs Scotting. We are
committed to ensuring that every
one of you reaches your full potential
and expect you to make individual
positive contributions to ensuring
your own success and the success of
our school.
Welcome to
our school
Fa r a d a y
named after
the Electro
c h e m i s t
Michael Faraday. We are made up
of Science & DT teachers who act as
Pastoral tutors. We offer a support
structure which enables every
student to flourish thus reaching
their potential academically. Tutors
and co tutors see their students daily
providing them with a specialised
Pastoral programme designed to
make them independent learners,
better communicators, able to
discuss and debate to a higher
standard and be more considerate
of others around them whilst
respecting each others’ views. They
are supported by Mrs De Pablo
(Deputy Head of school), Mrs Nelson
(Progress Manager) and Miss Harris
(Administrative Assistant).
O u r
school is
named
a f t e r
Sherpa
Te n z i n g , a n i n s p i r a t i o n a l
mountaineer; one of the first men
to reach the summit of Everest.
Take up the Austen challenge....
PRIDE in your achievements, a lack
of PREJUDICE towards others, a
SENSE of responsibility for all that
you do and a SENSIBILITY towards all
those around you.
Mrs Scotting
PRIMARIES CLAY WORKSHOP
On Thursday 8th October the Art Department played
host to 25 Year 5 and 6 Primary children when Mrs
Coxon ran a Workshop on clay. Six schools took part,
in addition to our three extended schools, there
were children from Bickleigh Down, Widewell and
Boringdon (Plympton), all of whom were very excited
and keen to be creative! Four Year 12 students, Colleen
Mason, Jade Oliver, Rhys Stallard and Christine Langen,
provided some invaluable assistance during the 3 hour
workshop, which involved techniques usually taught
to older students.
The year 7 SKL class had an excellent
day out walking over, under and
through some challenging parts
of Dartmoor. As a part of the year7
SKL Health project and the Outdoor
Challenge theme, 28 year 7 students,
Mr Hodge, Mr Williams and Mrs
Burgess went for a 5 mile walk over
some spectacular tors and terrain
of Dartmoor. The adventurous walk
began on Wednesday 14th October
from Burrator Reservoir and took
It is fair to say that we aim to equip
every student with valuable life skills
which will equip them beyond the
classroom.
Our message is: Try your hardest at
all that you are given, perfect those
things that don’t necessarily come
easily to you and with hard work and
determination you will reach your
goal.
Mrs Platt
Our college is a place where Every
Child really does Matter, and in
Tenzing “Together we achieve that
which no one can achieve alone”.
All Tenzing students have a strong
sense of belonging and desire to
achieve, raising aspirations and
creating a safe and exciting learning
environment is the aim of the
school.Learners loving learning and
developing as rounded, responsible
citizens is our ultimate goal.
Our ten Tenzing tutor groups are
a community spirited bunch, in
which all years communicate and co
operate with each other effectively,
promoting happy and healthy
learning. They are supported by Mr
Cory (Deputy Head of School), Mr
Elliott (Progress Manager) and Mrs
Stallard (Administrative Assistant).
Our school belongs to all of us, and
it is this shared responsibility that
makes it feel so special. I am proud to
be the Head of Tenzing and to work
with its students and staff.
Miss Sanchez
BECOME A
GOVERNOR
We have two vacancies for parent governors at this most important time in
our development. Governors play a key role in the College decision making
process and meet about four times each term, depending on Committee
Membership. No special qualifications are required, just a genuine interest
in plotting our future.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, please contact Graham
Browne, Principal, on 01752 207907 for an informal discussion.