Students at St Luke’s Church of England School have been treated to a day of scientific discovery and inspiration, thanks to an exciting visit from the Exeter Science Centre. 

The hands-on workshops and interactive sessions created an unforgettable experience that brought science to life and inspired curiosity in students across all year groups.

The visit featured a range of stimulating activities designed to deepen students’ understanding of key STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) concepts, while also encouraging them to think like scientists by asking questions, testing ideas, and exploring real-world problems.

The visit is part of the school’s ongoing commitment to providing engaging, future-focused learning experiences that prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

The school, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, is already looking forward to building on the success of the visit by incorporating more practical science enrichment into its curriculum and hopes to welcome Exeter Science Centre back very soon.

The Exeter Science Centre is building a network of innovative, community-led science centres across the South West, starting in Exeter and Barnstaple, to engage the public with global challenges, local research, and practical solutions. Rooted in local expertise and designed with sustainability in mind, these centres aim to inspire informed, proactive global citizens. 

Mr Harrison Littler, Headteacher at St Luke’s C of E School said:

“The energy and excitement in the room were contagious, we are incredibly grateful to Exeter Science Centre for providing such a memorable and enriching experience. It’s moments like these that inspire a lifelong love of learning and a passion for science.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“Science and STEM education are critical to empowering young people to understand and shape the world around them. We’re proud to support schools like St Luke’s that offer these kinds of impactful, curiosity-driven opportunities.”

 

 

Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE) was thrilled to welcome renowned author and spoken word artist Steven Camden for a visit to deliver an inspiring assembly to Year 9 students on the art of creative writing. 

Steven is a leading spoken-word poet from the West Midlands and he performs under the name Polarbear. He also writes radio plays, teaches storytelling in schools, and was a lead artist for The Ministry of Stories. All of his work is a celebration of his mixed heritage and the amazing characters he grew up around. 

Building on his previous visit when the Year 9s were in Year 8, Steven led an engaging session where he demonstrated how to generate story ideas from simple concepts. Students were then encouraged to expand these ideas into fully developed stories, sparking their imagination and deepening their understanding of the creative process. The session was part of the ‘Creating Worlds’ programme, which encourages young writers to think outside the box and develop their unique voices. 

The students impressed everyone with their wonderful ideas, showing incredible enthusiasm and creativity throughout the assembly. At QE, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, students follow a rich and varied English curriculum that builds skills in reading, writing, speaking, and literary analysis. 

Ms Paula Smith, Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School said: 

“It was an absolute pleasure to have Steven Camden back with us to inspire our Year 9s. His ability to connect with students and ignite their imaginations is truly remarkable.  

“The students’ ideas were fantastic, and it’s clear that they’ve been motivated to continue developing their writing skills. This is exactly the kind of engagement that we love to see at QE.” 

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said: 

“Steven Camden’s visit is a brilliant example of how we can encourage creativity and a love of learning beyond the traditional classroom setting. The ‘Creating Worlds’ sessions are a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their creative writing skills, and we’re proud to support initiatives like this that help shape their future success.” 

Marine Academy Primary is excited to announce that it has been selected to participate in the government’s Early Adopters Breakfast Clubs programme. This new initiative has allowed the school to expand its breakfast offering and provide all children and their families with access to a nutritious start to the day.

Starting this month, Marine Academy Primary has opened its brand-new Breakfast Bistro in the Primary Hall from 8:15am each morning. During this time, families are invited to join their children for a free breakfast, with a variety of food and drink options available for all to enjoy. 

The programme is part of a nationwide effort to offer free breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools across England by the summer of 2025. These clubs are designed to support children in overcoming barriers to opportunity and ensure that all pupils have the best possible start to their school day.

Marine Academy Primary which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust is excited to welcome families and community members to enjoy this new offering and support the wellbeing of all of those in the school community.  

Georgina Reid Headteacher at Marine Academy Primary said:

“We are thrilled to be part of this exciting programme. Breakfast clubs not only ensure our children have the energy and focus they need to succeed, but they also provide a supportive and welcoming environment for families. This initiative is a wonderful opportunity for us to bring together our school community and offer a healthy, nourishing start to the day for all.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

"We are delighted that Marine Academy Primary has been chosen to be part of the Early Adopters Breakfast Clubs programme. Providing free breakfast to families is a powerful way to support our community, helping to break down barriers and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. By offering a nutritious start to the day, we are not only supporting the educational success of our pupils but also encouraging a sense of belonging and togetherness."

  

 

 

 

Tor Bridge High is celebrating a landmark moment in the school’s sporting history as its Sixth Form Patriots Basketball Academy team has made history by winning Division Two—undefeated throughout the entire season. 

This outstanding achievement marks the first time the Patriots Academy has completed a full season unbeaten, securing both the championship title and promotion for next year.

Competing against top regional teams across Devon and Cornwall, the Patriots demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork under the expert guidance of Head Coach Paul James (Coach PJ)—widely regarded as the most successful basketball coach in British history.

The Patriots Academy continues to nurture student-athletes aiming for professional careers, while also supporting academic achievement. Graduates of this year’s programme are progressing to universities and higher or degree-level apprenticeships. Notably, team captain Bradley Hummerstone has been selected by the Head Coach of Wales Basketball to attend the prestigious Red Auerbach Basketball Camp in the USA this summer.

The success of the Patriots Academy is the result of a unique partnership with the Plymouth Patriots Basketball Foundation, offering a programme that combines elite-level training with rigorous academic study. Students train throughout the week under professional coaches and players, while completing three A-levels of their choice. Through strong links with Plymouth Marjon University, students are also able to progress into sports degrees while continuing their basketball careers.

With a growing reputation and a record-breaking season under their belt, the future looks bright for the Tor Bridge High Patriots Academy. The school remains committed to supporting aspiring athletes both on and off the court, empowering them to realise their dreams.

At Tor Bridge High, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, their health and wellbeing curriculum is designed to support the holistic development of students by promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being—referred to as Hands, Head, and Heart. Through a focus on lifelong learning, resilience, and healthy lifestyle choices, they equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to thrive both in school and beyond. 

Tracy Stephenson, Headteacher at Tor Bridge High said:

"We are incredibly proud of our students and the phenomenal achievement of an undefeated season. The Patriots Academy exemplifies the highest standards of commitment, excellence, and ambition. This team has not only made school history but continues to inspire our wider school community by coaching local primary pupils and leading holiday camps."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our students, the expertise of their coach, and the support of the whole school. At the Ted Wragg Trust we are committed to nurturing both academic excellence and personal growth and the Patriots Academy is a shining example of what’s possible when schools think big, believe in their young people and support their ambition every step of the way. We’re incredibly proud of what this team has achieved and excited for what’s to come in the future.”

  

 

Students from Isca Academy have returned from an extraordinary educational trip to Malaysia with World Challenge, where they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture, wildlife conservation efforts, and vibrant cities. World Challenge facilitates truly life-changing experiential school trips outside the classroom, to destinations all around the world and the students raised the funds for the trip themselves through a variety of sponsored activities including organising craft sales and climbing Mount Snowdon.

The group took part in an exciting white water rafting adventure on the Kampar River in Gopeng, where students tested their teamwork and resilience. They also visited the Batu Caves, a series of stunning limestone caves and temples that are a hallmark of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.

As the adventure continued, students explored the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur at night, with a highlight being a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and the KCC Light Show, an awe-inspiring display of lights and colour that captured the imagination of all.

The team of students worked together to also lead sustainable tree planting initiatives and enjoyed a traditional cultural experience, including making banana chips and learning to prepare authentic Malaysian curry puffs. They also took part in an extraordinary experience in Padang Kemunting, where students were involved in turtle conservation efforts, including egg collection, incubation, and the release of 220 Hawksbill Turtles into the wild.

The group then ventured to Taman Negara Endau Rompin National Park, where they took part in sustainable conservation awareness work with a specific focus on eco-tourism and camped in the rainforest, soaking up the diverse species that depend on this fragile ecosystem.

The trip to Malaysia has been a resounding success for Isca Academy, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, showcasing the school's commitment to broadening students' horizons and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to navigate a globalised world.

Mrs Vicki Joyce, Headteacher at Isca Academy said:

“This trip has been truly unforgettable. It has provided our students with an amazing opportunity to engage in hands-on learning about wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability. It has also been a chance for them to build lasting memories while developing a global perspective on the world around them.”

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“I am so proud of what our students have achieved on this trip. It sounds like it has been an incredible journey of learning and discovery, and a perfect example of how Isca’s school community strives to offer opportunities that go beyond the classroom. This experience will undoubtedly inspire students to continue their educational journey as global citizens, committed to making a positive impact on the world.”

  

 

 

Whipton Barton Federation is thrilled to have been part of the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme over the past few months. Funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and supported by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England, the PINS programme aims to enhance support for neurodiverse children across schools. 

The term ‘neurodivergent’ includes, but is not limited to, conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, developmental language disorder, foetal alcohol syndrome, and other forms of developmental learning differences and needs, whether diagnosed or as yet undiagnosed.

As one of the selected schools in Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay, Whipton Barton Federation has worked hand-in-hand with local authorities and parent carer forums to develop strategies that improve both educational and health outcomes for neurodiverse pupils.

Building on the success of the Autism in Schools model, the PINS programme emphasises early intervention, ensuring that children receive the right support before the need for intensive help arises. With around 15% of children in Devon either diagnosed with or awaiting an assessment for a neurodivergent condition, Whipton Barton Federation recognises the growing need for structured support. 

The programme’s key objectives include:

 -  Early Identification: Identifying children with additional needs, whether formally diagnosed or not, to ensure they receive the right support.

 - Parental Support & Inclusion: Cultivating an inclusive school community where parents feel heard, supported, and actively involved.

 - Whole-School Approach: Fostering a school-wide understanding of neurodivergence, helping all pupils thrive together.

As part of the initiative, Whipton Barton Federation, which is part of the Ted Wragg Trust, carried out a comprehensive self-assessment, engaging school leaders, the governing body, pupils, and parents to identify strengths and areas for improvement. The school also hosted a series of parent workshops and coffee mornings, supported by professionals, to encourage open dialogue and further strengthen the support network for families. Parents shared their appreciation for the school’s early identification strategies and the warm, welcoming environment created for their children.

To bring the programme to a celebratory close, Whipton Barton Federation marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week with a wonderful whole-school event. Parents of neurodivergent children were invited to participate in a collaborative art activity, where 45 families, with the help of staff, created beautiful pieces celebrating their children's unique strengths. The event was a joyful celebration of the diverse talents within the school community, accompanied by coffee, cake, and shared moments of connection.

Whipton Barton Federation looks forward to continuing its work and sharing best practices with other schools, working together to promote positive change for neurodiverse pupils across the region.

Louise Moretta, Executive Headteacher at Whipton Barton Federation said:

"The PINS programme is a vital step toward ensuring all children, regardless of their neurodivergence, receive the support they deserve. At Whipton Barton Federation, we’re proud to be setting the standard for how schools can lead the way in supporting neurodiverse pupils, and we’re excited to share our successes with others across the region. This work is a true reflection of our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all pupils."

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

"We want every child and their family to feel valued, supported, and have a strong sense of belonging. We are committed to continuing our work to make sure every one of our schools is a truly inclusive environment where children are safe, connected, and supported to thrive. We are so proud of Whipton Barton Federation’s hard work as part of the PINS programme and their school initiatives to foster understanding and belonging, including their fantastic art event to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week. I also want to thank Devon County Council and NHS Devon for their collaborative efforts on this important project.”