So it started in September 2018 with a Really Bright bunch of students fresh from excellent GCSE results, ready to start their A level studies. After handing out the flash cards on day one, little did I know they would be handed out regularly for a year and a half! (Too many Biologists!). Then onto the Guess Who style game with some very strange choices of Well Know Characters entered into the box! After the getting to know you activity we were ready for “Team Building“ on mass on the Tennis Courts, where I was particularly impressed with the moving two planks and also the posting of a student, who previously didn’t have a hair out of place, through the top gap of the web!

You were also very healthy and I always had to eat the sweets! Thinking of Healthy, there was the Douhnut eating competition in charity week with the spin on “One Doughnut as fast as you can”, and Mr Sprenkel still remains the record holder. Of course there was also the Mr Sprenkel CAPITAL LETTERS Email over frustration in the common room, and you were nearly settled down by Christmas. You were also used to the regular routine by then of Manic Monday (with Mr Leal fresh from a Family Weekend) as well as delayed hair colour/cut/fashion observations of you all, the “Form Time Ideas“ Website with Great Jokes (!) but especially the World Tour via the Guess the Map (Which Archipelago did I say I would meet you all at?) and of course the enforced Fav Song Friday, regularly judged by most of the Tutor Groups GCSE Maths Teacher our neighbour, Mrs Graham.

Bu January you had settled in and impressed me with your steady work ethic, and were regularly teaching me a thing or two (I have dropped the idea of becoming a Doctor, Astrophysicist, Engineer, Artist or Politician). You were also theatrically talented with many lead roles in both Annie in year 12 and Sister Act in Yr13, which no doubt acted as training for the Mock Law Trial as well. Mr Leal had an inconvenience of a Birthday, and you had to tolerate a lot of reminiscing, and I can’t believe it Tutor times, thank you for your support, or at least caring tolerance! We had some awesome individual performances and teamwork in the “Your Hired” Competition, only outperformed by our Dodge Ball performances which were superb! We then had the start of UCAS with the trip to Exeter (and the collect the best give away competition, was it the sun glasses in the end?!), followed by a sponsored walk and then the Amazing Sports Day Support team, and some ice lollies!

Year 12 was then done and the pace picked up, with Miss Monelle newly in the driving seat and alternating assemblies with Beckie, you were encouraged along (with a fork or two thrown in!) and completed intense studying, almost endless subject tests, nearly daily for some of you, as well as the “top secret” driving tests, may be some Monday Morning Gossip, Healthy eating and lifestyle Zen tips, as well as more “in my day…” discussions in Reg. Assemblies got more serious, UCAS personal statements and applications were written, Job applications and interviews were made (Beckie was amazing as always), and you steadily prepared yourself for the inevitable Examinations, and then the most unexpected thing happened…

Covid 19 and Lockdown 2020…

I left very abruptly, didn’t really say goodbye, your Exams and studies were thrown in the air, friends were taken away and before you knew it, you had finished…

13JDL you were a fantastic tutor group, and I have missed you, and have thought of you all, particularly while writing this diary of the time we shared. I hope you are all keeping well, and I know you will make the most of the exciting, if challenging, times ahead of you, flourishing and shining brightly down whatever path you choose to take. The 13JDL Tutor Group Sign may have represented a sunset on your schooling, but it really is a bright sunrise for the start of your futures.
Take care out there, and most of all enjoy it! Mr Leal – Summer 2020
PS Given “gatherings” are allowed by then, see you in the “New Hall” before Christmas!!!

And so it’s farewell to 13MJW. It’s just not been the same, not seeing your happy smiling faces each morning. Well – a few of you were smiling: some of you are obviously not ‘morning people’. And some of you I couldn’t tell if you were smiling as you weren’t there. But in any case it was always nice to see you.
Our tutor group was a really nice mix of personalities, and I like that. You are blossoming into young adults and are discovering your individuality. You all have different areas of strengths and that is to be celebrated.
I particularly enjoyed the occasional Monday when there had obviously been some shocking behaviour or scandalous liaison at a party over the weekend. I couldn’t follow a lot of these conversations – sometimes hushed, sometimes frantic, sometimes heated – but what I could follow sounded very interesting!
And of course the mixed reactions when it was announced you would not have to sit your examinations. Some of you were upset by this news, and rightly so. You had put your heart and soul into preparing for these exams and are incredibly passionate about your subjects. Some of you: not quite so upset.
I will miss you all. The joy of being a post 16 tutor is that I get to work with young adults who are intellectually engaging and interesting, and I get to help you on your journey into the world of work or higher education. Good luck to all of you, and I look forward to seeing you for a celebration some time in the not too distant future.
Mr Wallace

To the most magnificent tutor group – 13NJB

I can’t believe we have to end your time at Plymstock like this, rather than celebrating together. It was so lovely that you were all in for that final off-the-cuff goodbye session on 20th March when we knew we were going to have to close.

It has been such a privilege to work with you as your tutor over the past two years. You have been so great about everything:

• Attendance – have to mention Ryan P’s 7 year 100% attendance record – he wouldn’t dream of mentioning it himself!!! – but really everybody was there whenever they could be
• Punctuality – ahem, few notable exceptions, mention no names! – but the rest of you= fantastic!
• Taking part in absolutely everything – Life Ed sessions, charity events, fancy dress… Seriously my best tutor group EVER! You rose to every challenge that came your way, were a real team and just got on with things with very little moaning (ahem, Mr D, may have made his feelings known, but took part nevertheless!!)

From our organisers (Katie, Ella, Ella, Amy, Jemimah, Tegan, Misha, Safia) to our loud and bubbly event advocates (Ryan, Ryan, George, Josh – remember how “noticeable” they were when getting younger students to come and buy sweets?!) to our marketing experts (Becca, Phoebe, Brooke, Toby, Toby) to our knowledge experts/quiz champions (Tom, Allan, Ben), you have been amazing.

It has been my absolute pleasure to have known you and it made me very proud to see you develop into the young adults you have become. Go on in September to fulfil your potential, chase your dreams and live your best life possible. When we finally return to some sort of normality, be sure to come back and tell me what you are up to.

Ms Baker

What to say about 13ESP!? I am so, so, so sad that we never got to say goodbye in person as I loved having you as my tutor group – you were a strange little bunch of beings. I still remember our summer meal when you pranked Miss Evans with happy birthday at the restaurant and she just went with it! I love how you embraced mindfulness with your open minds!? The time I brought you all croissants and juice for breakfast – one of you took the whole tray of croissants and ham for snacks! George? I think our ‘Power Pose’ session will always make me chuckle- please don’t forget to do that pose before all of your interviews.
So on the left we have Josh and Beth. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Josh frown – you are such a happy and polite young man and you even thanked me in tutor when I basically ignored you for 15 minutes whilst having to deal with emergency cover. Beth how were you never cold? I think it was because you hadn’t really woken up yet. Merito – who admitted too much – please don’t be honest and tell me that you haven’t started your homework which is due Period 1. Louis – you were definitely in tutor physically but where was your mind? – I really do hope that you find a job that starts at 12pm.

In the middle we have Emily, Paris and Daisy. The tremendous trio which was often not a trio. Always giggling, shopping for dresses or snacking. Emily please leave half-an hour early for work to allow for all of the traffic. Paris – I want to see you as ‘manager’ within two years! Daisy just remember that you can work it out – just take a deep breath and don’t worry festivals will happen again!

On the right we have Abbie, Annabel, Ruby, Georgia, Ashleigh and Sophia. Sophia you made my mind think in such interesting ways through your beautiful perception of the world. Ruby and Georgia will always be Ruby AND Georgia (double trouble) – Georgia super organised with charity week and Ruby’s dedication to be the best that you can – you will be great in the Police. Abbie you were inspiring with your perseverance – hurdles were put in your way but you just pootled around them. Ashleigh you are such a passionate young person and I know you are going to love Uni – remember to join the societies, the mixology one sounded great! Annabel I loved the various colours of your hair and how you would politely listen to my rants about the most recent news article I’d read whilst everyone else stared at the table– I mean WHY did they build another cinema in Plymouth??

So literally hiding at the back we have James, Tom and George. You have no idea how disappointed I am to not have the opportunity to force you to 6th form ball even though you hate forced fun. James who loved a good political rant and was very, very passionate but you still got that quiz question wrong James! Tom who I never heard enter the classroom – you just appeared at the back like a silent magician. It was amazing to have taught you since Year 7 and then have you in my 6th form tutor group. George you are the most relaxed hard-working student I have ever met and your chemistry antics with Ben and Allan still perplex me.

And last but not least the back corner pod. Sammie was a new addition to our school with 3 states of existence – not in tutor (working on coursework Miss!) in tutor (eyes closed), in tutor (sports injury). Good luck with your sports career Sammie and I’ll be looking out for those gold medals. Liz I never got to see your K-Pop dancing and this makes me sad but I did get to see your amazing efforts and determination to smash your A-levels. Freya, Bryony, Faith and Martha – it still amazes me that I taught you in Year 7 and how little you all were and I love that I STILL had the photos of you and your cell projects on the wall behind you to laugh at. I am glad you got to take them before leaving. Martha – you were basically ready for Head Girl and sixth form in Year 7 and I will always treasure our vommy ferry crossing shared experience. Freya I mean how did you cope with the heat in lockdown – you were feeling hot when everyone else was in knitwear!? Seriously, your commitment to change course during year 12 and give it your all was inspiring. Bryony seems to know everything about everyone and kept me up-to-date with school news . Your commitment to the play was fantastic and as I said before I can’t wait for when your future teacher self meets a mini version of you and only then will you walk in my shoes and understand – SHHHHHH Bryony!! Finally Faith – it has been amazing to see how you changed from Year 7 to Year 12/13. A quiet little thing in Year 7 and then what happened!? You were either laughing out loud or having a rant about something that is clearly NOT FAIR.

I have loved seeing you all go through your sixth form journey and to have the privilege of writing your references. I wish you all the luck with your future lives – please keep in touch.

Mrs P.

Year 13, what can I say (well as you read on, you will see I can say quite a lot – sorry for the long goodbye)! The end of year 13 has been a rollercoaster and certainly a year we will never forget. I hate saying goodbye (I’m an ugly crier) so in some ways this is easier – less smudged mascara!

You have been a fabulous year group; we have had highs and lows throughout the two years but what was constant, was your ability to see the positive in things and not give up – even though at times it came close.

All of you are will leave me with memories that I will treasure so even when I’m having a bad day, I will be able to remember you all and why I love my job and how privileged I am to be part of your final years in Plymstock School. The young people that I met in Year 12 are not the same as the ones leaving in year 13. The changes over two years are something to be proud of; you are leaving a little bit older, a little bit wiser and full of potential.

Abbie: despite our heated rugby discussions I will miss you, your determination to keep going no matter what, despite all the accidents and weird medical mysteries you always saw a silver lining. Follow your passion and talent, you are a natural coach/leader for young children and those hours dedicated to others is the epitome of who you are. Shine bright Abbie.

Allan: I feel out of everyone you were always the one I was trying to locate for some reason or another but never could ‘oh you’ve just missed him’, ‘he was in science no idea where he has gone now’ ‘he’s on his way too school he’s running late’ were the common responses I got from your peers. Your excitement for the world of physics was clear even if not relevant to the A Level content much to your teacher’s frustration. Work hard and you will open so many doors.

Alex: such a hard worker but oh the life choice dilemmas faced during sixth form and then a last minute application once lockdown hit. I’m really pleased you have decided to pursue your passion of sport and teaching, you will make a super PE teacher maybe we will see you do full circle and be teaching at Plymstock in a few years!

Amber: You never gave up even when things were tough – don’t ever loose that determined streak it will see you achieve anything you set your mind too. Good luck with everything.

Amy, Ashleigh & Gene: I will miss you all crashing into my office like whirlwinds either signing in late (Gene and Ashleigh – those buses!) or to chat but most likely to have a rant about everything under the sun and often about the dodgy fast food restaurants worked in. Gene you will be an awesome Mental Health Nurse, that ability to care and empathise will see you make a fantastic addition to any team. Ashleigh your passion for politics, history and debate in general will see you excel in the world of academia. Amy enjoy chemical engineering particularly if you get to learn more about chocolate! Good luck

Annabel: I will remember you for always having a different hair colour and bees! It was a pleasure supervising your EPQ and I enjoyed being educated on the multiple species of bees. Keep working hard and enjoy pursuing biology at uni.

Ashton: You had an enthusiasm for learning about the world around you from a sociological and criminological viewpoint. I hope you find a path that ignites your interest. Good luck

Ayla: even after two years I still pronounced your name incorrectly and you were always super polite when corrected me for the millionth time! You were the first to organise work experience, wrote two personal statements because you were undecided on course choice and worked so hard, bar when you were playing uno with the usual suspects in the lower common room. Good luck at university

Bart: our Head Boy; never loss that enthusiasm for life but maybe don’t offer to organise any parties at uni! I was always amazed how you found time for everything from studying, working at the Golden Arches, football and coaching – those skills will see you go far. I loved our little chats about everything and nothing, you always made my day a little brighter. Enjoy the big city life and if I ever need a lawyer….

Ben: Once you passed your driving test we could never find you or you always needed to ‘nip home’ as you had ‘forgotten’ something. If I did manage to find you however, you would always be working so hard. Hopefully you will bring some humour to the world of finance but maybe get better at paperwork and organising yourself! Good luck with Uni 😊

Beth and Becca M: the Millar/ers – I don’t if you ever realised my inner turmoil but I had to always think very carefully before speaking to either of you in case I got your name wrong – it didn’t help that you were nearly always together and when you weren’t I still struggled! I hope you enjoy figuring out what your next steps will be and have some adventures in the process. Good luck with everything you do.

Berren: I loved our chats about Pokemon (it helped me understand my daughters’ obsession with it), food quirks and dislike for theme parks and your vast array of technology that you always had with you – those USB fans were awesome. Good luck with studying computer science at Uni

Brooke: Always greeted me with a smile, always quietly working away when you weren’t yapping to your friends! Good luck in your next steps

Bryony: you reminded me of a duck bobbing about on the surface but paddling frantically underneath – so much energy which came alive on stage. The joy drama brings to you made you shine; you are a star – remember me when you’re on the big stage!

Callum: my rock in the mock law trial, I could always count on you to turn up to rehearsals and be prepared; it really saw you come into your own. I’ll miss our catch ups at the end of the day whilst you were eating your snacks waiting for your lift home. I am so happy that you had your ‘light bulb’ moment at the end of year 12 are going onto study radiography, I hope I don’t see you in x-ray though – I’m an awful patient! Good luck

Charlie: Charlie, Charlie, Charlie with your flag. I have loved our political discussions; you challenged my views and I hope I may have challenged some of yours (probably not). I loved having you as part of the mock law trial dream team (rolling out your acting skills as a criminal) and the EPQ group, hopefully you will remember how to structure a conclusion at uni! I will keep an eye out for your name on the ballots (not that I will vote for you unless either of us have a massive change in ideologies). Good luck.

Chloe, Amelia and Emily: a three for one deal I rarely saw you apart, I feel your lateness was contagious. Leave the house 30 minutes before needed to get to your future jobs please, employers are way less understanding! Good luck with everything you do in the future.

Chris: I was either nagging you about coming to school, school work or personal statement and deciding on whether you were applying for uni. You came good in the end despite frustrating me with your laid-back approach – don’t change – well maybe a little bit, uni lecturers and employers may not have mine and your teacher’s level of patience.

Daisie: A Levels were a whirlwind. You are so driven– believe in your abilities – we all do. Pursue your dreams and don’t give up. I look forward to hearing about all your future adventures and plans

Dan: calm, intelligent one of the star barristers last year (sorry your case didn’t get called the first year – let it go already). From calmness in the court room to star quality on stage. Thank you for always getting involved in senate, I could always rely on you. Good luck with everything in the future

Elizabeth: you strived to achieve the best and wanted to understand everything and make sure you knew exactly how everything was going to happen – the makings of a future scientist. Always willing to get involved with senate and the school environmental group. Enjoy London Elizabeth – stay safe.

Ella W: You are a tough cookie! You were always smiling and so philosophical about anything thrown your way. Your resilience and determination are two of your biggest attributes and will see you go far. You will be fabulous in anything you decide to pursue but your natural calm, caring demeanour will see you making positive impacts on people’s lives. Good luck with your next steps

Ella M: How may laptop problems can one person have! You got there in the end with your personal statement and EPQ though! It was a lovely to get to know you during sixth form always willing to get involved with charity events, good luck with your next steps

Ella P: It was a pleasure to get to know you particularly, during the Mock Law Trial and my time as your EPQ supervisor. I will always remember your beautifully crafted notes – they were amazing. You are a star student; always prepared with a fantastic work ethic – this will aid you well at Uni – remember to have some fun as well though. Good luck.

Emily T: Always in school before me (and I thought I was early at 7:30), having had your poached egg and smoked salmon, working away. I remember on last year’s results day when you were supporting your friends collecting their results saying I want to open my envelope with those grades and my goodness you worked so hard to see that happen – I hope when you get your results you will have happy tears. You are going to be awesome studying astrophysics – reach for the stars!

Ehren: a natural outdoorsy type, volunteering for Fox Cover and then taking a year 7 under your wing to help him through his first year. Your caring, easy going nature made you a natural with the younger students, yet a fiercer side of you came out on the rugby pitch! Embrace your natural skillset and follow what makes you happy.

Evan: one of the only year 13s to have had a summer ball and a lad’s holiday albeit a year early!! Always chatty and happy with stories to tell – always about other people of course! No doubt there will be stories from Freshers! Good luck at Uni.

Evie: always a smiley happy face to be greeted by, normally found keeping those lads in check and helping Bart with his stress levels surrounding mixers. Good luck with everything

Faith: Always working away quietly until you would rant about something out of the blue (potentially geography related!). Keep on working hard you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

Freddie: you remind me of a mad scientist rushing everywhere but when you were calm you were tucked away in SB2 working your little socks off always striving for the best. Always willing to help out with events, saying yes to things in senate but never quite appearing to know what you were saying yes to! Seeing you on stage as Vinnie was my biggest shock this year – you terrified me! Keep shocking people (in a good way though).

Freya: you must have got fed up with my constant ‘aren’t you cold’ comments but I was genuinely worried as I’m always cold and can never understand how no-one else feels it. You always had such purpose and worked so hard. You love of science was obvious and I hope you excel at uni doing what you love. Enjoy being over the other side of the bridge – Wales rocks!

George G: quietly working away whenever I saw you, normally on some math- based problem! Your random work experience to Romania is one of things I will remember, so out of the blue and last minute – an interesting experience for you nonetheless! Good luck at university studying aerospace engineering

George P: don’t ever loose that enthusiasm you have and desire to make this world a better place; it’s contagious. Work hard reading anthropology at uni and keep doing you! Good luck

Georgia: always hard working even when giving your friend shoulder massages (or receiving them it was always a bit chaotic)! Enjoy university life and have fun

Hannah L: either laughing or crying and a few moments of calm in between!! You never gave up even when maths and physics nearly crushed you. You are a star, your bouncy, bubbly never give-up attitude will see you excel in your chosen subject of sport and coaching. Maybe take it easy on the rugby I’m sure you were more injured than before you took it up!!

Hannah T: You are such a grafter, that immense work ethic and lovely caring nature will see you excel at university and eventually as an ODP. Enjoy my home city and go and watch the rugby. Good luck with everything.

Issie: always speaking at the speed of light, trying to do everything and taking advantage of all opportunities available. From an Auschwitz ambassador to a legally blond bombshell. You gave everything your all; never lose that drive and determination whatever life throws at you.

Jake C such a polite, hard-working, deep thinking young man, reading sociology is the perfect fit enjoy developing your sociological imagination. Enjoy university.

James H: it was a rarity to see you in sixth form what with four subjects and one of them being at a different school, you rarely had any time to chill. When I did see you though, you always had a smile on your face and kind words to say. Enjoy uni James; hopefully you may get a chance to have more down time than during your A Levels. Have fun and good luck.

Jasmine W: Always dressed for the gym I never established if you actually went! You were always working away quietly, not causing any hassle for your teachers or the sixth form team. Good luck with your next steps I have no doubt you will be an asset whichever route you take.

Jemimah: always quietly working away diligently. Keep working hard and enjoy the creativity your degree course will offer you (no more maths!). Good luck.

Josh D: Could be found eating his lunch first thing in the morning and then having to get a second lunch! Enjoy university maybe leave your games console at home I think you will find you are able to balance things more! Good luck and enjoy your next adventure.

Josh P: you always greeted me with a smile. Cracking the media production industry is tough but keep trying, you can achieve anything you set your mind to – you sometimes have to take some risks.

Joe, Tom and Oli: It was rare to see one without the other, supporting each other when coming to see me – am I that terrifying?! Good luck in all your different ventures – enjoy university

Julia: Your creative and caring ability was always lovely to see it was a pleasure to get to know you. Be kind to yourself and enjoy the next steps in your creative journey.

Katy: Such a hard worker striving to achieve the best. A naturally caring young woman you will be a natural working in the caring profession. Good luck

Katie: I can still hear your Ms Hannigan voice when I think of you – I can hear it now as I type! You were a fantastic performer and artist good luck in your new creative journey.

Louis: I think the longest string of words from you was about boxing or your uni application you normal sent Evan to speak to me! Try not to mess up your face too much with the boxing and enjoy uni. Good luck

Lucy: you had a clear plan as soon as you arrived in sixth form and your dedication saw you prevail. You were a joy to take to Auschwitz with your kind, compassionate nature; always remember this when treating future patients. Good luck with the next 5 plus years of training

Maddy: I would go weeks without seeing you and then suddenly you were always around trying to figure out what you wanted to do and doing last minute history work!! Hopefully, you will get to work in a job that enables you to see the world. Good luck

Martha: Our Head Girl, you were the ying to Bart’s yang and kept Senate on track. Thank you for always going the extra mile. It was a privilege to be your EPQ supervisor not that you needed any help from me. I look forward to hearing all about your adventures in Paris – Au revoir

Matt: You towered over me and it hurt to look up and talk to you – hopefully the new year 12’s aren’t as tall I hate feeling so short. You finally figured out what you wanted to do next which was a relief albeit last minute. I also think I nagged you about work experience more than anyone! Good luck and Uni and enjoy yourself. 😊

Meritto: life lesson – Instagram is not real life! My shock when you said (and I’m paraphrasing) ‘I’m not visiting Sheffield for my uni choice, I’ve looked on Instagram at the student pages and it looks brilliant’ Thank you for eventually listening and going to visit – I’m glad you liked it although you didn’t attend the right course talk! Work hard Meritto you have a lot to offer this world – you may even land a job straight out of uni earning £40k so you can buy those ridiculous designer coats! Good luck at uni – the deadlines aren’t negotiable there.

Misha: a late Plymstock Sixth Form addition; it was a pleasure to get to know you albeit only briefly. I hope you continue to flourish with your languages and get to enjoy some travelling when the world is well again. Good luck.

Paris: sixth form has been a rollercoaster, there have been high and lows but you never gave up and you persevered. Hopefully with you only having one job now you will manage to have more time to relax – always so busy. Bank Manager in a few years? Good luck

Phoebe Sh: I always picture you sat in the computer suite working away diligently with your head phones in totally in the zone whilst chaos ensued around you but you completely unphased. Your caring, calm demeanour will see you make a fantastic midwife, the profession will be lucky to have you. Good luck.

Phoebe St: Always working hard in all your subjects, try not to put too much pressure on yourself at uni and enjoy the experience. No matter what route you take after uni you will be amazing – good luck

Rachel: just like Paris so many part-time jobs but always skint! You almost didn’t stay but I am glad you did, your work experience changed everything and you are going to be a fab primary school teacher -the children will adore you. Good luck as a future educator

Ruby S: last minute.com with your UCAS application but you got there in the end. You will make a great addition to the police force. Good luck in the future

Ryan B: The organiser of your group, always repeating the information and advice I gave out to the rest of the group – at least one of you listened to me! The only boy in your Sports group once Drew left; I always felt for you being outnumbered. Enjoy uni and remember to stick to the deadlines

Ryan P: Stop eating all those biscuits you will regret it one day! There’s a rumour you had 100% attendance -not missing a day of school from year 7 until lockdown commenced – I think this is some sort of record!! You were always polite, friendly and had a smile on your face. Don’t underestimate where these traits will take you in life. Good luck studying sports science

Sammie: our future Olympic athlete. You joined us in year 12 and settled instantly. For an elite athlete I was always shocked at the energy drinks but I am not surprised given your crazy training and competition schedule. Enjoy America I look forward to following your career in the future. Look after yourself and good luck

Skye: Always working away with some sort of biology diagram in front of you. Your work ethic will see you go far. Good luck with everything.

Sofia: your beautiful mind asked me questions I did not know the answers to and challenged my viewpoints on multiple topics – I often had to divert your questions to the more knowledgeable Mr Sprenkel philosophy hurts my head, but the psychological discussions were fascinating. Enjoy art college; learning new skills and pursuing your passion for animation. It was a pleasure being your EPQ supervisor and learning all about clay modelling and the design process – it was inspiring. Good Luck

Summer: I saw you at some points over the two years normally at moments of crisis but normally you just worked away and never caused any trouble. I hope you find something that sparks your imagination and lets you shine. Good luck.

Safia: kind, caring wonderful young lady. Keep spreading your kindness and beautiful smile

Tanisha: if I had to choose one word for you it would be feisty, you are one of the few people I have seen put Sprenks in his place and for that you will always have my respect! Good luck at Uni.

Trinity: You are a natural leader as seen with your top three finish for You’re Hired, those skills will aid you well in your new job keeping those engineers in line – you will be awesome!

Tom H: either working or playing cards, a quietly confident young man – good luck in the world of finance.

Tobi: always worrying about doing enough work striving for perfection and on the flip side willing to eat dubious looking noddles at a party – life lessons Tobi! Thank you for always being one of the first to reply to my emails, being unfailingly polite and being a joy to have in sixth form. I know I will see you in September for UCAS fun – unless you change your mind again!!

Tegan: you’re a fabulous young lady, don’t be so hard on yourself. I will miss our chats; it took a while but I feel by the time we finished school I had got to know you a little better. Be your best self and be happy

Toby A: Always loved seeing your fancy dress efforts always the subtle approach – the quiff! Good luck in the world of engineering your awesome work ethic and love of science will see you shine

Toby B: A fab dry sense of humour, always got on with things without any fuss. Enjoy learning about forensics at uni – good luck.

Zara, calm, cool and collected and then when you got on stage there was a whole different side to you. It was a privilege to be your EPQ supervisor, how you managed to remain unbiased when writing about Trump was a great skill, all his current antics must be keeping you amused. I hope your gap year plans can still go ahead before your journey to university. Good luck.

As I always say, do what makes you happy, follow your dreams and passions– this is your life, live it to the full!
Until we meet again, take care, stay safe and have a great Summer (albeit slightly different to the ones you had planned). Beckie x