Last week saw our annual ‘Futures Event’ take place. The day provided our students in Years 9-13 with the opportunity to gain a real insight into the wide variety of future career paths available to them. We were delighted to welcome over 30 different businesses and organisations including Babcock International, Womble Bond Dickinson, the MOD, GHQ Training, Plymouth University, The Theatre Royal, Peninsular School of Medicine and Dentistry, Network Rail and Achievement Training to name but a few. The day went really well and we look forward to expanding this even further next year. A huge thank you goes to both the staff that organised the day and the exhibitors for participating.

Some of our Year 7 students were visited last week by Steve Almy, a local writer, who came to talk about his poetry and inspirations. Over the course of the lesson, students read from Steve’s recent book, ‘The Rhythm of Rhyme’ and listened as Steve explained how he writes his poetry. Students had a chance to participate in a song too, as well as learning some sign language to go with the poetry. The students had a fantastic time and really enjoyed meeting Steve.

The weekend before last saw our annual Autumn Twickenham trip take place. This year we took in England vs Japan, in preparation for next year’s World Cup. The students were a credit to the school and we all thoroughly enjoyed the game. Mr Bellamy, the trip leader, will remember it for cashless tills, cup recycling and KFC! England ended up victorious after a difficult first half. Many thanks to Mr Chick, Mr Waterfield and Mr Wright for supporting the trip. Here’s to next year (and another showing of Top Gun!).

We would like to celebrate the huge success of our Year 9 Netball team. Not only have they beaten every team in the Plymouth league, but they went through with Devonport High School for Girls to represent Plymouth in the Devon round of the Netball National Schools Tournament. They were drawn against some tough opposition in very cold conditions. They held their own, with two wins, one draw and one loss – subsequently they went through to the semi-finals. The girls played with amazing team spirit and a will to win. They came away in a worthy Bronze position, having previously drawn with the second place winners! Ms Kirk said “This is an amazing group of girls who are not only great sports players but also a pleasure to coach and a fabulous representation of our school. They were a delight to take away to Exeter and I am so glad I could be with them. I look forward to their continued focus, motivation and amazing team spirit for two years time, when hopefully we will go through! Thank you girls, you make us all proud”.

Some of our Year 8 students have been putting their French skills into action as they learnt how to explain they were injured and how it happened. As you can see – the injuries and subsequent first aid created much laughter!

I do love the fact that so many of our older students are willing to give up their time to support our younger students. One great example is with our Reading Mentors – who are a real asset to Plymstock School.

Last Friday, Mrs Tyrrell took our Under 13 Girls Football Team to Goals to play in a 6-a-side tournament organised by Plymouth Argyle. As always, the girls were fantastic both on and off the pitch. Going into the 5th and final match of the round robin stage, the girls had won all their games and had not conceded a goal. Their opponents however had the same impressive record. They narrowly lost the game to South Dartmoor but progressed to the final in second place, where the same two teams would battle it out again! With some tactical changes and some excellent grit and determination, they won the final 1-0. They will now progress to the regional finals, where they will represent Plymouth Argyle – wearing their kit. Such an exciting opportunity. Well done girls – a fantastic performance.

We would like to extend a massive thank you to Olive and her dad John, who owns J.O.G sports in Faraday Mill. It came as a huge surprise that on the morning of the tournament they surprised the team with a brand new, personalised kit. The girls were really impressed and looked so smart. We all really appreciate your support – Thank you!

A big well done goes to Amy in Year 8, who recently participated in a local Boccia Tournament at the Life Centre in Plymouth. The event was organised by the Friends of Woodlands School, who have set up a fantastic Boccia Club. There were five teams involved. Amy’s team, called ‘The Dragons’, won the tournament in a very close and exciting final. Amy was incredibly pleased and proud to have been part of the winning team! The Boccia group meets at the life centre at 10:00am every Sunday. Boccia is a bit like Boules but played from a sitting position with soft balls, and it’s pretty competitive! The group is really friendly and everyone is welcome.

Congratulations go to Sofia in our Sixth Form who has just been crowned the Rotary Club’s ‘Young Artist of the Year’. A huge well done Sofia.

It is time to celebrate some of our students of the week. I am pleased to announce the following winners:

• Brendan – for showing his skills as an accomplished model kit builder (photo below). This young man has great patience and real attention to detail. A great piece of work.
• Leo – because he has been an amazing Peer Mentor this year and gives up his own time to help with parents evenings and transition events, every single time we need helpers. Thank you Leo.
• Leon – for showing such fabulous effort in class and making incredibly strong progress. Keep up the great work.
• Lloyd – in recognition of the real improvements he has made in school, particularly in Maths, where his effort has been brilliant.