Two Years ago our students were literally ‘on top of the world’ taking part in a month-long adventure, in Peru. The experience was run in conjunction with Camps International.

This year we have another group working towards a World Challenge trip. They aim to ‘give students the opportunity to write their own stories, make their own mistakes, live their own adventures, learn and grow with peers, see the world with open eyes that are focused towards those around them’.

This is very much in the spirit of Plymstock, where our vision is to become a world class learning community. One of our core aims is specifically to engender respect for individuality, difference, the importance of teamwork and the contribution that every student can make to the life of the school, the local community and the wider world.

Last week the group were outstanding ambassadors for the school helping with both the organisation of Fox Cove, putting up tents, washing up etc and supporting our staff by running activities for Year 7. They were amazing and Mr Taylor said they deserve a special second mention again this week due to the enthusiasm and energy they displayed all week whilst camping overnight. They have now had chance to sleep and rest and popped by this morning with Mr Wright the trip leader so I could thank them formally and hear about their forthcoming adventure as part of World Challenge.

In July 2020, Mr Wright will be taking a total of 12 students to Southern Africa for three weeks on a once in a lifetime opportunity, in conjunction with World Challenge. Travelling to South Africa, E-Swatini (formerly Swaziland) and Mozambique, students will be carrying out community projects which are aimed at developing improved social conditions such as the installation of fresh water supplies as well as promoting income generation through the development of small-scale agricultural projects. E-Swatini has one of the highest HIV incidence and orphan rates in the world. The students will be part of a bigger team which is aiming to improve the life chances of the local population.

In Mozambique, students will be taking part in marine conservation projects working with Whale shark populations. The expedition is the perfect environment to support our goal of actively promoting the traditional values of courtesy, respect and compassion, to support our students to become creative and independent thinkers. The team are currently working hard to raise funds for their trip which carries a substantial cost. Should you wish to support the team with fundraising or have an opportunity for the team to earn funds towards their trip please do not hesitate to contact the school.

We would love to hear from you!
Edward, Tom, Ehren, Emma, Georgia, Amber Rose Hellings, Cameron, Owen, Lucy, Amelia, Mason and Martha

All the fun of the fair! Enterprise in action

Last weekend Mr Hughes supported by Mrs Hughes and Miss Burt took a group of Year 13 Business Studies students away for the weekend; they had been challenged with organising a business event as part of their coursework. This enterprising group of young people were given the remit to improve the customer experience for teenagers at a major tourist venue and Butlin’s, Minehead was their venue choice. They had organised a meeting with the Head of Training and Culture and were commended on their presentation and communication skills.

Of course it wouldn’t be Plymstock without some ‘rest & relaxation’ and after all that hard work, the students made full use of their access to the splash pool and fairground. A good time was had by all. Mr Hughes said ‘he was really lucky to have such great company and was really proud of their achievements over the weekend, it had been a pleasure to accompany them.’

Our budding entrepreneurs of the future are: Ryan, Maddy, Berren, Drew, Merito, Paris, Louis, Evan, Thomas, Ella, Rachel, Skye, Summer and Christopher

Plymstock School Teacher Training Hub

Last week we welcomed 13 future teachers to the new Plymstock School Teacher Training Hub. Working alongside The Learning Institute South West we run weekly sessions for trainee teachers as part of their School-Based Initial Teacher Training programme (SCITT).

This new venture is in its second year and is being overseen and led by Mr Chick, Associate Assistant Headteacher. We hope this will secure the must needed next generation of teachers and by working in partnership with the schools in our area, enable the trainees to get the best foothold and start on what is an exciting and dynamic career.

Mr Chick said ‘We are keenly aware of the potential we have to influence the next generation of teachers and the pupils they inspire, which is why Plymstock School are delighted to play a key role in the development of trainees. Each session focuses on evidence-based educational research and practical classroom strategies to fully support trainee teachers as they make their journey towards their new careers. Last Friday’s session focused on developing effective behaviour management techniques, whilst establishing positive learning environments.’

If you are interested in a future career in teaching, contact The Learning Institute South West for more information.

Another brick in the wall!

Things continue to move at a pace on the build of our new Arts Centre, this week has seen the start of the block work. The team have taken full advantage of the weather this week. Having hosted our annual Open Evening on Tuesday night with in excess of over a 1000 parents/carers and students, we will look forward to having this additional venue to host school events next year.

After School
Rehearsals for of our forthcoming school show ‘Sister Act’ moved on to choreography and singing this week. Mrs Lowe and Mrs Hawker would still like to hear from any students wishing to join the cast.

Last week our extensive supported study programme commenced for our Year 11 GCSE students overseen by Mr Taylor, Assistant Head teacher and Director of Learning for Key Stage 4. Tonight I popped in to see Mrs Dover in her packed classroom with her Health and Social Care students. We are really proud to support the students taking responsibility for their own learning and for their hard work and resilience.

We now reach our student of the week section. Our winners include:

Ashton and Jacob have shown great resilience and commitment to studies since the start of the year.
Max for being the student host of our Open Evening and Grace for delivering her account of what her first year at Plymstock School was like in front of a packed hall of prospective parents and carers. You won’t be surprised to learn that they received rapturous rounds of applause for their confidence in speaking. You were awesome!
Hiran has made a really positive start to his new GCSE courses and is giving 100% in his lessons.
Arianna and Katie who were nominated by a member of a public for their exemplary conduct and behaviour on the bus home, they regularly allow passengers to get on the bus ahead of them and will give up their seats to support those who need priority seating. Real ambassadors for the school.

and finally…

I was delighted to join Liz Monelle and Beckie Littler (Director of Post 16 and Deputy Head of Post 16) this morning at a thank you breakfast with a group of our sixth form students who this week volunteered to help with a site clean. We really value the work they did towards improving our working environment and recognising the importance of taking responsibility for the world around them.

special thanks to the students who took part in the site clean: Grace M, Amy, Ruby, Georgia, Elizabeth, Eleanor, Grace C, Leony, Megan, Charlotte, Leah, Maddie, Allan, Shann, Katie G, Katie S, Daylon and Phoebe