Category Archives: Education

Education, News from our advertisers

WEST BUCKLAND SHORTLISTED FOR BOARDING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

West Buckland School, in North Devon, has been shortlisted for Boarding School of the Year, in the TES Independent Schools Awards 2019.

In recent years the school has seen investment into its facilities to the tune of £14million, including the building of a state-of-the-art Sixth Form boarding house and study centre, both of which were specifically designed to ease the transition between school and a more independent living regime found at university.

The Sixth Form boarding house consists of 70 beautiful single en suite bedrooms and light, spacious social and breakout areas, as well as kitchen facilities, available to both day and boarding students. It is not surprising that, in only its third year, and with A-level results in 2018 being the highest for ten years, at 78% grade A* to A, the boarding house in the Sixth Form is at full capacity, with beds for September 2019 filling fast.

In addition, the school offers a very attractive 4-night weekly boarding offer which has become extremely popular with local students. Headmaster, Phillip Stapleton, is delighted with the TES recognition. “West Buckland is all about delivering an innovative and personalised education. Set amid the beautiful and peaceful Devon hills, our Sixth Form boarding facilities represent a gold standard that inspires and delivers on our aim to produce young men and women with the capacity to face exciting futures. The perfect blend of structure and independence is not only reflected in the popularity of our boarding offer but, more importantly, in the impact on pupil outcomes.”

Education, Farm & equine, News from our advertisers

FOUR NFU BURSARIES UP FOR GRABS FOR AGRICULTURE STUDENTS

A-level students who have just finished their exams may be able to get financial support to study for agricultural degrees at university thanks to NFU Mutual’s Undergraduate Bursary Scheme.

Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is offering financial support to four students starting undergraduate courses in agriculture in autumn 2018. The bursaries will provide £3,000 per student to help with tuition or living costs for the duration of their studies.

NFU Mutual, which provides insurance for 75% of the UK’s farmers, will also support the successful students with work experience, networking and assistance with course projects.

NFU Mutual’s Charlie Yorke, who co-ordinates the award scheme, said: “We’re an insurer with over a century’s experience protecting the countryside. As part of our support for the farming community we want to help encourage students who have the potential to become agriculture’s future leaders.

“In recent years, affordable education for young people and their ability to play a greater role in agricultural businesses have emerged as large concerns for farming families. The award aims to make a positive contribution in this area.

“This is the fourth year NFU Mutual has offered the award, and it’s been great to see how previous award winners have used the bursary, such as to fund extra courses which have increased their skills base and made them more employable.”

Stefan Marks, a BSc Agriculture student at Reading University, originally from Cornwall, is currently in the third year of the scheme, having been awarded NFU Mutual’s Undergraduate Bursary in 2016.

Stefan explained: “Having grown up on the family farm, I’ve always had an interest in agriculture, particularly looking at the way technology and science can ensure sustainable and efficient farming systems.

“The bursary money has enabled me to have some financial security and has allowed me to invest in travel to different enterprises to thereby broaden my understanding of the industry and diverse farming systems. It has also been valuable in ensuring I have textbooks and other resources to aid my studies.

“I am in the process of doing my dissertation focusing on the concept of soil health and Mesofauna populations and, whilst at university, I have explored a particular interest in hydroponics. After I graduate, I intend use this knowledge to work within the agricultural industry.”

Stefan added: “I’d really encourage anyone interested in agriculture to apply for the bursary. It gave me confidence in my studies knowing that someone thought I had potential and my interests were relevant. This really encouraged me to make the most of my course and the opportunities it offers.

“Not only does NFU Mutual offer the financial support, but I’ve had contact from them encouraging me to get involved and providing me with vital industry contacts. It has been so helpful and I’m really grateful for the support.”

William Harvey is also studying for a BSc in Agriculture at Reading University. Going into his second year in September 2018, he was also selected for NFU Mutual’s Undergraduate Bursary Scheme.

“I come from a dairy farm near Newton Abbot in Devon and so have always had a passion for the industry. I’m studying a broad spectrum of agriculture and currently deciding what I want to specialise in for my final year,” William explained.

“The scheme has been a huge help for me and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking to go into the industry. The grant has allowed me to focus on my studies without worrying about financial issues and really made sure I make the most of my degree.”

The closing date for applications is 31 October 2018. For more information visit: www.nfumutual.co.uk/undergrad.

 

Education, mid devon, Planning

NEW SCHOOL PLAN APPROVED FOR TIVERTON

The future of Tiverton’s Eastern Urban Extension (EUE) has been given a welcome boost this month, with planning approval being granted for a new school.

Devon County Council has approved plans for a 420-place primary school and 70-place nursery on land to the east of Tiverton near to Post Hill.

The new school forms part of the Tiverton EUE Masterplan which also identifies land for a community centre and local shops, which will be situated alongside the school as part of a new neighbourhood area. Also included in the Tiverton EUE is the development of up to 2,000 new homes and employment land.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration at Mid Devon District Council, Cllr Richard Chesterton, said: “Tiverton’s EUE is needed to ensure the future vitality of Mid Devon. However, we know there is no point building more and more homes without the necessary infrastructure and community amenities to support this additional housing. This is why we have already seen the successful completion of phase one of the new A361 junction and now we have approval for a new school. It is an exciting time for the town and this development and push for growth will ensure families and businesses will see Tiverton as an attractive and prosperous place to be.”

Full details of the planning application, which is conditional, can be accessed at www.planning.devon.gov.uk and using application number DCC/4070/2018.

Education, News from our advertisers

KING’S HALL CELEBRATE OPENING OF STATE-OF-THE-ART SCIENCE LABS

Staff and pupils at King’s Hall School recently opened their brand-new science labs with a special celebration.

Built by Qube Construct, the £1 million facility boasts state-of-the-art apparatus, with pupils having access to equipment including a Van de Graaff generator, multimeters and circuit equipment.

To conclude the school’s annual Arts Week, Headmaster Justin Chippendale, and Governors, Vice-Custos Roger Mott and Revd Canon Linda Barley, were in attendance to celebrate the outstanding facility.

Also present was King’s Chaplain, Father Mark, who blessed the new block, as per school tradition.

To commemorate the opening, pupils took part in a plasma workshop run by the Bristol-based Science Boffins, who officially opened the centre with a ribbon-burning ceremony.

Head of Science at King’s Hall, Joe Hayden said: “We are privileged to have such an incredible building. The facilities are truly remarkable and it makes not only our science lessons captivating, but also running our Saturday STEM Club a real joy.”

He added: “The new faculty is a fantastic space and I feel great excitement at the possibilities for future developments and the amazing educational benefits the pupils will receive.”

Education, News from our advertisers

KING’S PUPILS ENRICH BIODIVERSITY OF SCHOOL GROUNDS

As part of the school’s sustainability strategy, sixteen green-fingered pupils from King’s College spent the afternoon planting trees around the school grounds.

The day began with a tree planting demonstration by groundsman, Nick Radford, who taught the pupils how to cut the turf into a T shape, before planting the trees in the soil. In pairs, the team planted over 30 trees, including cherry, silver birch, rowan, hawthorn, oak and field maple.

The trees were kindly donated to King’s Schools by The Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. The charity receives funding from organisations such as DEFRA and Sainsbury’s, and aims to provide schoolchildren with the opportunity to plant trees. This is part of a nationwide project to extend the number of trees and woodland areas to create new spaces for wildlife.

Christina French, Head of the King’s Sustainability Strategy, said: “We are so thankful to the Woodland Trust for giving the pupils the opportunity to plants trees and enrich the biodiversity of the school. This is certainly in keeping with the school’s sustainability ethos, which takes a very student-led approach.”

Education, News from our advertisers, Sport

ENGLAND CRICKETER JOS BUTTLER OPENS KING’S NEW SPORTS FACILITY

King’s College recently welcomed back former pupil Jos Buttler as he officially opened the schools’ new sports facility, the Sports Performance and Cricket Centre (SPCC).

Friends, parents, benefactors, pupils and staff gathered to celebrate as this much-anticipated facility was officially opened by Jos. Following the unveiling, Jos then demonstrated some of his world-famous cricket strokes in a masterclass with pupils and King’s Director of Sport, Phil Lewis.

Pupils were challenged to bowl at the England player, with the chance to win a coveted Millichamp & Hall cricket bat if they got him out. It was Fifth Form pupil and Somerset girls’ cricket player Alice Dymond who successfully got one past the international cricket star.

Taking part in a Q&A session afterwards in the school theatre with guests and pupils, including a number of promising young players, Jos talked about what life is like as a first-class cricketer. The England star rounded off his visit by meeting some of the pupils, signing autographs and posing for selfies.

Having joined King’s when he was 13 years old, Jos started his career with Somerset County Cricket Club before joining Lancashire. Remembering his time at King’s fondly, he said: “I first came to King’s as part of the cricket festivals that are held at the school every year. My parents, also having looked at other schools, thought that King’s had a great ‘feel’, a real sense of community. This I remember most of all – the feeling of belonging, especially to my house, Tuckwell. I made many life-long friendships at King’s.

“Attending a school that suddenly enabled me to play and practice several times per week was amazing. I always had the determination to become a professional cricketer, but having access to such a fantastic sports programme and being mentored by such positive and supportive people as Dennis Breakwell, was a massive bonus.”

In offering guidance to young players, he added: “It’s important to enjoy the game. Yes, there are times when your performance is not so great. Then there are the celebrations. The key is to remain balanced throughout the highs and lows, and to always remember, there’ll always be another game!”

Of the new sports centre, he added: “This is a fantastic facility. To anyone serious about their cricket, make sure you’re demanding to use it, to make full use of it!”

Commenting on the day, Phil Lewis said: “It is always such a pleasure to see Jos back at King’s and his visit will be an inspiration to the next generation of young players at the school. The Sports Performance and Cricket Centre is a fantastic addition to the school. It will enable us to run an even more challenging cricket programme for our pupils but also to incorporate a number of different sports and training sessions. With underfloor heating, retractable side panels and a brilliant lighting system, it is an inspirational facility and one we know will engage our pupils even more. We are very, very lucky.”

Director of Development, Julian Mack added: “The SPCC is a monument to the power of philanthropy. We are hugely grateful to our generous benefactors who have made it possible. It will be enjoyed for many years to come by King’s girls and boys.”

Education, Food & Drink, For children & families

WEST SOMERSET SCHOOLS: BAKE-OFF WINNERS CROWNED

West Somerset Schools’ Bake-Off came to the crunch with the final of the competition after weeks of floury fun. Crowned worthy winners were: Amy Wickens and Alexis Kemp from Old Cleeve Church of England First School.

Dan Perry from Old Cleeve School said, “I am over the moon that Old Cleeve are the inaugural winners of this fantastic competition and the children’s success is in no small measure to their own hard work and dedication.”

More than 1,000 pupils from six schools in the West Somerset Academies Trust took part with a series of heats – around 40 sessions in all since the Bake-Off was launched in the New Year. The schools that took part were: St Peter’s, Old Cleeve and Danesfield in Williton; and in Minehead: St Michael’s, Minehead First and Minehead Middle.

Finalists from the heats were invited to join a Masterclass hosted by professional chefs so they could get the best possible advice before putting on their aprons for the final.

Judges on the day were: Paul Rushforth (West Somerset Academies Trust), Emma Kelly (Butlins), Cllr Andrew Hadley (West Somerset Council), Ann Wells (Brooks Food Processing Equipment) and Phil David, Steven Franks and Diane Franks (Arthur David) – they represented businesses and partners that contributed significantly to the project.

One of the Judges, Ann Wells from Brooks Food Processing Equipment, said, “It was fabulous to be involved in this competition, anything that encourages local children to get involved with projects showcasing their skills and talents away from the classroom and textbooks has got to be a good thing.”

Werner Hartholt, Development Chef at Butlin’s, and Paul Ruttledge, Head Chef at The Beach Hotel along with the class teachers Lindsay Everett (Danesfield Middle), Sarah Mills and Veronica Curtis (Minehead Middle) have mentored the youngsters and supported them through the early rounds of the competition.

Werner Hartholt Butlins Development Chef said: “The way the students applied themselves was commendable, they all worked hard and were engaged, they really showed how different ages and abilities can work together and really achieve something special. It was a pleasure to be part of it and I would like to thank all those involved for making it possible.”

A number of local businesses have been supporting the event including Brook Food Processing Equipment and Arthur David, who have covered the costs of ingredients, baking equipment, and competition prizes.

“This has been a fantastic project that has involved a huge amount of organisation behind the scenes. Congratulations to everyone involved – the children, our partners and, of course, the winners,” said Cllr Andrew Hadley, West Somerset Council’s Lead Member for regeneration and economic growth.

“I hope that it inspires our children and forges new relationships between schools in the Trust and between pupils in the groups from year 4 to year 8; this is so important in a rural area like West Somerset.”

The project got under way this year thanks to hard work and inspiration from a partnership involving West Somerset Academies Trust, West Coast 360, Butlins, The Beach Hotel, West Somerset Council, Jobcentre Plus, and West Somerset College.

Education, Equine, For children & families

NORTH DEVON SCHOOLS SHOW JUMPING LEAGUE (NDSSJL) ROUND FOUR RESULTS

On Sunday 7 January over 80 pupils from primary and secondary schools in the area took part in the fourth round of the 2018 North Devon Schools Show Jumping League.

Despite the freezing-cold temperatures and howling winds, every competitor rode with high spirits and did their school proud.

Organiser Vicky Fiddes commented, “Even though they couldn’t feel their toes or their fingers, all of our fabulous competitors rode beautifully and were as always super polite and a pleasure to watch! Thank you to every child, parent and teacher involved for making our job so much fun. Huge congratulations to everyone who scored themselves some all-important league points.”

The 50cm team class was won by the Ilfracombe Academy Divas, with their team member Aimee Hearnden taking the individual win on her pony, Champion.

Great Torrington’s Flying Fillies jumped above the other 10 teams in the class to win the 60cm, whilst West Buckland’s Bethany Gay and Rocky went on to win the individual section.

The competition then moved on to the 70cm team class where Great Torrington’s second team, The Day Dreamers, took the win, with their team member Megan Cole, riding her pony Mr Finley, also winning individually.

The 80cm class was action-packed but South Molton Community College’s Team Storm jumped their socks off to beat the rest of the class. Braunton Academy’s Lilli Fiddes, riding Miradays Luigi, took the individual win.

The final class of the day was the 90cm where there was some fantastic sportsmanship. The Bideford Blazers from Bideford Community College walked away with first place. In the individual section it was another win for Great Torrington’s Megan Cole, this time riding her pony, Something Nice.

The organisers would like to thank their sponsors Torch Equine Vets and Devonshire Motors for their support and generosity.

Round 5 of the North Devon Schools Show Jumping League will take place on 4 February.

More info on how you can support or take part in the league can be found at Coxleigh.com.

Education, News from our advertisers

KING’S COLLEGE OPENS PARTNER SCHOOL IN INDIA

King’s College has recently opened a new partner school in India – King’s College, India – in the city of Rohtak, just north of New Delhi. Pupils from King’s College and King’s Hall School were delighted to welcome a group of their fellow Indian pupils for the first time, in mid-October, as part of a regular exchange programme. As well as immersing themselves completely in the lives of the schools here in Taunton for two weeks, the visitors involved their British counterparts in the magic of Diwali, the Hindu festival of light.

The visiting children and their teachers celebrated the two-day festival with great enthusiasm, enjoying creative workshops, musicals and fireworks. As well as educating staff and pupils about rangoli – intricate floor patterns made using coloured powder – the pupils from King’s College India performed a stunning musical show depicting the celebration of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness in the school theatre.

The celebrations ended on the Thursday night with a fireworks display in the grounds of King’s Hall, followed by a sumptuous Indian supper.

Commenting on their first week in the UK, KCI School Manager, Captain Yashika Dalal, said: “Our first week has been wonderful. We’ve enjoyed celebrating Diwali with our fellow King’s pupils here in Taunton. The Diwali lunch was lavish and included tasty Indian curries and sweets, which took us by surprise – that we were able to enjoy the home made delicacies overseas. It was such a warm gesture.”

Charities, Education, News from our advertisers

HARRIET’S SAMARITANS CHARITY POSTER WINS FIRST PRIZE

West Buckland School Year 8 pupil, Harriet Wilson-North (second from the left, with the bright-orange poster), has been presented with a new ipad by Barnstaple Mayor, Mrs Julie Hunt, after winning first prize in a poster competition celebrating 50 years of the North Devon Samaritan’s branch.

The competition was open to three age categories, with the winners of all three age categories seeing their posters displayed in Barnstaple library over the summer.

In addition to Harriet winning her category, Year 8s Summer Culverhouse, Tyler-Paige Beckley and Jasmine Jefferies were presented with highly commended certificates for their stunning poster designs and a plaque to be hung up in the school in recognition of their girls’ achievements.

The competition, which was open to 99 schools in North Devon, was run to raise awareness of the charity’s invaluable work. Volunteer Anna Flynn was delighted to attend the prize giving at West Buckland in assembly. She said, “This positive and fun activity was aimed at highlighting to students from as young as eight the importance of emotional health and the role of the charity in supporting those in emotional distress. All these girls have put a great deal of thought into their designs and Harriet’s was particularly striking and poignant. Well done to all of them.”