Over the weekend the country once again came together for Remembrance. This year was especially poignant as it marked the Centenary – 100 years since the end of WWI. Throughout the previous week in school we held assemblies, wore poppies and learnt about the importance of remembering and thanking the millions of people, across many conflicts, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us, so that we can live in a free and democratic country.

Over the preceding weeks, our students were challenged to write a poem or piece of prose, produce a piece of art, photography or craft to represent Remembrance. The best entries will be included in a school display and copies will be sent to The Royal British Legion. Our winners were:

• Year 7: Hannah C, Helena W, and a group submission from Jessica G, Lucy E, Ewa D and Rhiannon B
• Year 8: Ruby B and Izzy H
• Year 9: Livvy J, Kassandra M and Jessica J
• Year 10: Destine B
• Year 11: Oliver C

As you can see from the photos below – some excellent examples where students really went over and above.

On Friday, three of our Post-16 students, along with Mrs Littler, represented the school at the memorial service on Burrow Hill, Plymstock. Plus, over the weekend, Year 9 student Rebecca H, represented MKC Heroes as an Ambassador, as well as being a Standard Bearer and a member of the choir.

Wednesday evening saw us hold our annual GCSE Awards Evening. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the achievements of our ‘Class of 2018’. As we know, this group of students did brilliantly in their GCSEs this year. Their outcomes were the highest of any non-selective school in Plymouth and the highest in the Westcountry Schools Trust. During the evening the students were presented with their GCSE certificates, as well as a number of young people receiving special trophies in recognition of subject achievement, amazing effort, perseverance and resilience. Well done to each and every student – you did the school proud. I would also like to thank all the staff – you went above and beyond, and it was greatly appreciated. Last, but by no means least, a big thank you to our parents and carers for their support throughout.

Our special guest this year was Emma Ruminski. Emma was Head Girl here at Plymstock in 1997. She left to read English Literature at Cardiff University. After graduation she started work at BBC Wales as a production trainee, working on dramas and documentaries. When the year was up the BBC sponsored her postgraduate diploma in broadcast journalism at Cardiff University. She started work as a video journalist in the Channel Islands as one of the corporation’s youngest employees to shoot, edit and report the news. Her career then took her to BBC Oxford where she covered the floods in 2012 and the July the 7th bombings. Her career highlights have involved filming from a hot air balloon, sitting in a dinosaur footprint and offering Colin Firth some Teignmouth fudge! She is currently at BBC Spotlight where she’s been the Diversity Reporter, the Dorset District Reporter and is now the Arts Reporter.

I would like to say a big thank you to Emma for joining us – she was brilliant.

Last weekend, a group of Post-16 students accompanied by Mrs Littler, took part in a Mock Law Trial. The event took place at the Plymouth Crown Court and involved students from across the South West. The day saw our students take part in two cases. There were a variety of different roles on offer including Barrister, Court Usher, Court Clerk, Witnesses and Jurors. The experience was aimed at students who either want to enter the legal/criminal justice profession and gain some first-hand experience, or for students who simply want to enhance their skillset with something unique. The students had a really engaging experience. Unfortunately, we weren’t permitted to take photos of the students in action inside the court! However, we have taken a group photo in school.

Our Year 9 students are completing the Design Ventura Project (within D&T lessons) again this year and have to present a pitch to the rest of the class at the end of their project. The photo below shows one of the groups of that went beyond what any other group have done! They brought in props, set up music and made the presentation pitch really fun and engaging (maybe this year’s Apprentice candidates could learn a thing or two from them!). Unfortunately they didn’t quite win and narrowly lost by 2 points to another team, but their efforts in planning the presentation should be recognised.

A number of our students have made the West Devon Cross-Country team, following impressive performances in tough conditions at Staddiscombe last week. They will now compete in the County Championships at Stover School in January.

The successfully selected students were:

• Year 7 Girls: Annie W and Olivia J
• Year 7 Boys: Owen L
• Junior Girls: Eve M
• Junior Boys: Harry E and Owen H
• Inter Girls: Kate P
• Senior Girls: Weronika D

A big well done to everyone.

Our Year 8 students have been learning about recruitment for the Civil War. Mrs Wilkins has been particularly impressed with the attitude and effort of her class. Here are a few of them with showing off their ‘recruitment materials’.

Time for our students of the week. As usual, we celebrate some of our great students for their effort and achievements. I am pleased to confirm the following winners this week:

• Fern S – through hard work and sustained effort, she has maintained her position at the top of her year group’s merit table for the last two weeks! Can she make it a third?
• Ben R – has made a fantastic start to Plymstock School and has really impressed staff with his exceptional attitude and effort.
• Sophie M – this young lady is now ranked 5th in the UK and 1st for under 16s for Barebow. An incredible achievement.
• Kiki L – has just been awarded ‘Female Swimmer of the Year’ from her swimming club. A huge well done.
• Euan P – in recognition of his effort, attitude and commitment to his studies. Staff have really noticed huge improvements. Keep up the great work.

Finally, for anyone reading this blog who is interested in becoming a teacher….

Are you committed and enthusiastic about working with young people and sharing your passion for learning? Do you want to train in a high performing, local school? We want you to join our team!

Working in partnership with The Learning Institute South West our teaching training programme aims to deliver high quality, reflective teachers who will have a positive impact on young people, developing supportive relationships with them and promoting their love of learning.

To find out more, sign up for our Teacher Training Information Session by clicking HERE
Date: Friday 7th December
Time: 16.00 – 17.45
Location: Plymstock School Lecture Theatre