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  • Schools across Devon take part in Innovation Competition ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Published 03/07/24

    Schools from our Trust in Exeter, Plymouth and across Devon have taken part in the annual Ted Wragg Innovation Competition at the Exeter College Future Skills Centre. Students from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 could take part in the contest which was sponsored by NOCN and Willmott Dixon.

    The competition organised in collaboration with Exeter College and the South West Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP) had this year’s themes as green living and home decarbonisation or creating a new airport or college campus from scratch.  

    Participants got to grips with learning about sustainable lifestyle choices and actions to reduce carbon emissions in homes or integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into the planning, design, construction, and operation phases of their designs, supported by masterclasses from the sponsors.

    16 teams from 15 schools were in attendance at the competition’s celebration event which comprised of the opening of the exhibition of students’ work,  keynote speakers and 5-minute presentations from each team followed by Q&A from the judging panel. This was followed by lunch and the award ceremony and prize giving presentation. 

    The Innovation Competition seeks to discover students who demonstrate an aptitude to solve complex problems in innovative ways. The competition required students to research, investigate and create an innovative solution to one of these problems. The teams’ ideas needed to be about using technology to make the world a better place. 

    To assist and support teams throughout their work, a series of industry sector experts hosted live virtual discussions and masterclasses ahead of the contest, in order to help support students’ development of their idea or concept from an industry perspective. 

    The judging panel was made up of industry experts from the technology sector and the judges looked at how well the teams could demonstrate their understanding of the criteria by developing their idea into a final proposal. 

    The full judging panel included:

    • Daffne Aguilar - Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon Construction Limited
    • Rosie Buckley - Head of Operational Strategy and Performance Management at Centrica New Business & Net Zero
    • Nicola Hollands - Sector Manager (Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, and Green) at NOCN Group
    • Kerry Lane - Business Developer Manager at EX2 Group
    • Sarah Lee - Senior Associate Architect at Stride Treglown

    Jade Otty, the Vice Principal at Exeter College was also in attendance and announced the winners and handed out the medals.

    Primary Category Winner:

    Exwick Heights - The Take Off Team with their Sustainable Airport
    Judges Comments:

    • So much information and details provided
    • Amazing presentation
    • Really interactive and good technical knowledge

    Secondary Category Winner:

     Honiton Community College with their Sustainable College Campus plans
    Judges Comments:

    • Great innovation and collaboration of technologies
    • A clear and well-spoken presentation  
    • An impressive shopping list of ways to improve sustainability  

    Highly Commended Teamwork:

    Matford Brook Academy - The Ground Crew with an environmentally sustainable Airport
    Judges comments:

    • Great details for team collaboration
    • Great insights shared on how the team worked to their strengths
    • Brilliant team structure, roles and working methods

    Highly Commended Final Presentation:

    Marine Academy Primary - Team Green Marine with their ambitious solutions for the future – there is no planet B!
    Judges Comments:

    • Very Clear & thorough explanations
    • Polished presentation  
    • Great understanding of issues affecting the Earth & plans for the future

    A full list of the schools that participated is below:

    All Saints Academy Plymouth, Cranbrook Education Campus, Exwick Heights Primary, Honiton Community College, Isca Academy, Marine Academy Primary, Marine Academy Plymouth, Queen Elizabeth’s School, St James School, St Luke’s Church of England School, Sidmouth College, West Exe School, Tor Bridge High and Whipton Barton Federation.

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “A huge congratulations to all the students who took part in the Innovation Competition.  It was brilliant to see so many young people coming up with such inspired and positive ideas and I was so impressed by the creativity and thoughtfulness students displayed in their presentations.  

    “I also want to say a big thank you to all the judges, sponsors and special guests, as well as Exeter College, the Exeter College Future Skills Centre and the South West Green Construction Advisory Panel - it’s great for everyone to come together for the benefit of Devon’s young people.”

    Nicola Hollands, Sector Manager (Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, and Green) at NOCN Group said:

    “Ted Wragg Trust a truly inspirational event with such brilliance in one room! Thank you for inviting me to sit on the panel with fellow judges. I am truly lost for words to express how inspiring and moving everything about it was!

    “Huge round of applause and congratulations to all participants and the winners. Well done all.

    “Thank you for hosting and preparing for a great day Future Skills Centre Exeter! NOCN Group were truly proud to be one of the sponsors for today. Thank you all.”

    Daffne Aguilar, Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon Construction Limited said:

    “Thank you to Exeter College and the Ted Wragg Trust for organising such an inspiring event. Willmott Dixon proudly sponsored the Innovation Competition along with NOCN Group, it was a pleasure to be part of the panel of judges of such amazing women including Sarah Lee RIBA, Rosie Buckley MBE, Kerry Lane and Nicola Hollands.

    “All the students were incredible, there were 16 schools with so much talent and potential, their ideas towards sustainability and making our world a better place were impressive and it inspired us to continue doing what we do as professionals. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to meet some of them and to be part of such an inspiring day. Well done to all.”

    Event celebration booklet
     

     

     

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  • Success of Empowering Girls programme celebrated

    Published 03/07/24

    Girls from across Devon attended a celebration event at Winslade Manor in Exeter this week (Wednesday 3rd July) to mark the end of their participation in the Empowering Girls programme. 

    The Empowering Girls programme is organised by the Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub and students from St Luke’s Church of England School, St James School, Queen Elizabeth’s, Isca, West Exe School, Cranbrook Education Campus, Sidmouth College and All Saints Academy Plymouth, which are all part of the Ted Wragg Trust family of schools, have benefitted from taking part. 

    The celebratory lunch brought together all the girls and their mentors and all the young people in attendance received a certificate to recognise their participation and effort. The event also afforded the mentors the chance to congratulate their mentees on their progress and wish them all the best for the future. 

    The Empowering Girls programme has been designed to support girls with their confidence, raise aspirations and provide students with positive female role models. Participants have taken part in a 6 week mentor programme as well as joining in with careers workshops.

    The Communication and Confidence workshop covered topics such as first impressions, personal branding, confidence in communication, fear, and our comfort zone. The workshop was conducted by Judy Salmon, a business coach, and personal development consultant who also gave an inspiring speech to the girls at the event at Winslade Manor this week. 

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “Many congratulations to the girls who have now completed the Empowering Girls programme, I am sure everything they have learned will be of great value to them going forward.  I am also very grateful to the Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub for organising this important programme, it’s vital that we girls know they can achieve anything they put their minds to!”

     

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  • Tor Bridge High joins the Ted Wragg Trust

    Published 02/07/24

    Tor Bridge High in Plymouth has officially joined our family of schools this week (1st July.)

    The Estover school has been working with our trust for some time and their governing body voted unanimously to become part of the Ted Wragg Trust.

    The governors and school leadership team at Tor Bridge High believe that joining the Trust will bring numerous benefits and opportunities for staff and students.

    Collaboration opportunities have already begun. Staff at Tor Bridge High have connected with colleagues in other schools across the Trust through various networks, sharing best practice and strengthening their collective commitment to educational excellence.

    On their first day as part of the Trust, a team of students from Tor Bridge High participated in the Trust’s Innovation Competition at the Future Skills Centre in Exeter. They joined 15 other teams from across other Trust schools to share their ideas on decarbonization and achieving net zero.

    The Ted Wragg Trust is an ambitious and inclusive trust of schools which aims to strengthen communities through excellent education.  Since being established in 2013, they have now grown to 17 schools located in Plymouth, Exeter, Crediton and East Devon.

    Their CEO, Moira Marder, was recently awarded an OBE for her outstanding services to education.  She has been the CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust since it was established out of a desire to find local solutions for Devon schools rather than relying on a national trust from further afield. A passionate advocate for disadvantaged students, Moira was instrumental in the Trust's expansion into Plymouth in 2020 to support schools in some of the most deprived areas. One such school, All Saints Academy Plymouth, achieved a 'Good' rating from Ofsted for the first time ever in its history last year.

    Tracy Stephenson, Headteacher at Tor Bridge High said:

    “We have already developed a positive relationship with the Ted Wragg Trust and I am delighted that Tor Bridge High has now officially joined as part of our Trust.  I absolutely think this is the right decision for our school community; the support the trust has already provided us has been of huge value to our staff and students.  I am excited to see the other benefits I know being part of our Trust will bring to Tor Bridge.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “A big welcome to all the students, staff, parents, and carers at Tor Bridge High from everyone at the Ted Wragg Trust.  We are all so pleased that you have chosen to join our family of schools across Devon - we already have a strong presence in Plymouth and know the needs of families in the city well.  I am looking forward to getting to know you all better and maximising the benefits of working together.”

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  • Queen Elizabeth’s school takes the trophy at Maths Challenge

    Published 26/06/24

    The Ted Wragg Trust held its annual Maths Challenge event this week.

    The trust, which runs 16 schools across Devon, started the challenge two years ago with only a few schools competing but a brilliant eight teams took part this year. Teams came from St James School, St Luke’s Church of England School, Isca Academy, West Exe School, Cranbrook Education Campus, Matford Brook Academy, Queen Elizabeth’s School and Marine Academy Plymouth.

    The competition took place at St James School in Exeter on Tuesday the 25th of June and teams of eight students went head to head to win the coveted shield. Each participating school brought along four student volunteers from Year 7 and four from Year 8 who are interested in the subject. 

    West Exe School won the inaugural Maths Challenge and Queen Elizabeth’s School won last year, this year Queen Elizabeth’s triumphant again! Although it was close with a tie break between Queen Elizabeth’s and St James for first place where St James were finally pipped to the post by 6 extra digits of pie!

    Overseen and organised by the wonderful staff members Josh Godfrey, Alex Pugh and Kirstie Nixon, the challenge started with the year groups working together on questions that are related to the maths syllabus based on their fundamental learning. A speed round followed where students had to complete rounds of five different tasks in five minutes each based on mathematical, outside the box, number problem solving challenges. The challenge concluded with a maths quiz.

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “I am so proud of all the students who took part in this year’s Maths Challenge. It’s great to see so many young people getting stuck into maths and always wonderful to see students from across our schools coming together.”

    Kirstie Nixon, Deputy Leader of Maths at St James said:

    “I was delighted to help organise the Maths Challenge and it was great to see the enthusiasm from students across the Ted Wragg trust for maths. It’s brilliant that the trust champions the subject so strongly and I know we have some excellent budding mathematicians in our schools.”

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  • Cranbrook Education Campus rated Good by Ofsted ​​​​​​​

    Published 26/06/24

    Cranbrook Education Campus, (CEC) part of our Trust, has been rated "Good" by Ofsted following an inspection in May. The all-through school received "Good" ratings in all areas evaluated by the school watchdog, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

    Ofsted inspectors noted in their new report that “pupils are happy and safe; they know the school's ‘PERKS of being Crantastic’ values well, which include being kind and safe and that the school has a positive atmosphere and learning is rarely disturbed. 

    Inspectors highlighted that pupils benefit from a range of clubs and activities, for instance, primary age pupils participate in the mini Dukes programme, which helps to prepare them for secondary school events such as the Exe Valley and Jurassic Coast challenges.  

    The school’s ambitious curriculum was also acknowledged in the report, with inspectors noting that CEC also successfully promotes the importance of reading. Ofsted inspectors further commented on the school's relentless work to remove barriers to pupils participation and success.

    Ofsted concluded that the school accurately identifies the needs of SEND pupils and that appropriate adaptations are made, which helps pupils to learn the curriculum and build their independence. 

    How welcoming CEC is to pupils from families seeking asylum was also commended by the inspectors who said that their actions exemplify the school's vision to extend opportunity to its community. You can find out more about this work in the recent TES article here: https://www.tes.com/magazine/analysis/secondary/how-we-helped-settle-over-100-refugee-pupils

    CEC’s careers programme was also acknowledged, with inspectors stating that pupils in the secondary phase benefit from an effective careers education programme; they have meaningful encounters with employers and receive impartial advice about next steps in their education. 

    Other comments from Ofsted included: 

    • Recently appointed anti-bullying ambassadors help to promote the school's culture of respecting and celebrating difference.
    • Pupils have a strong voice in the school; through the pupil parliament, for example, they represent each other's views and make positive contributions to the school community. 
    • The school provides an intelligently designed curriculum for pupils' personal development; the programme covers an appropriate range of topics such as online safety, mental health, and relationships.

    To read the full report click here. 

    Stephen Farmer, Head of Campus, at Cranbrook Education Campus said:

    “I am so proud that CEC has been rated Good in all areas by Ofsted. This judgement is a testament to the hard work of all our dedicated staff, to the attitude of our pupils and the support of their families. We are a school entirely rooted in our community and we hope the opportunities we offer to our young people will transform, not just their lives but the local area.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “Congratulations to everyone at Cranbrook Education Campus. It’s clear how hard Mr Farmer, Ms Gandhi and the whole CEC team work and how much the pupils value their education. Everyone at the trust was particularly pleased to see the amazing work CEC have done to support families seeking asylum was recognised by Ofsted.”

     

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  • St Luke's Church of England School celebrates Ofsted Good

    Published 24/06/24

    St Luke's Church of England School, part of our Trust, has been rated "Good" by Ofsted following an inspection in May. The secondary school received "Good" ratings in all areas evaluated by the school watchdog, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

    This accolade is a wonderful conclusion to the academic year for the school, which began the year celebrating an above-average Progress 8 score, placing it among the top five schools in Devon last year. Progress 8 measures the academic progress that pupils make from the end of primary school to the end of secondary school. 

    The Exeter school has been on an exciting improvement journey and has made significant progress since Ofsted last inspected it as Inadequate in June 2019.  Ofsted inspectors noted in their new report that “the school has high expectations of the pupils and that pupils know staff are ambitious for them”.  Inspectors highlighted that “pupils follow the school routines and are ready for their learning and that as a result, the school is calm.”   

    The strong support provided to students with additional needs was also acknowledged in the report, with inspectors noting “Pupils with SEND are well supported in their learning; staff make sure learning is appropriately adapted.” 

    Ofsted inspectors further commented on the school's "robust and ambitious curriculum." The school’s ‘Life to the Full’ curriculum, which helps prepare young people for life in modern Britain, was particularly praised. Ofsted concluded that "It has been thoughtfully sequenced to ensure pupils learn the skills and knowledge they need to support their future learning." The high-quality training staff receive to hone their expertise was also commended by the inspectors. 

    The school’s careers program was also acknowledged, including the 'Futures Friday' initiative, which gives students a weekly career-focused session to develop valuable workplace skills. St Luke’s also collaborates closely with local providers, such as the city’s college and university, to support students in planning their next steps. Ofsted concluded that staff help pupils to make appropriate and aspirational choices. 

    Other comments from Ofsted included: 

    • Pupils make strong progress with their reading. 
    • Bullying is not tolerated… When pupils report bullying to the school, the school acts on it. 
    • The school seeks ways to work with parents and the community and invite them to the school.  
    • Pupils learn to look after their physical and mental health, such as mindfulness time in tutor periods.  
    • The school plans a range of clubs and enrichment for pupils.

    To read the full Ofsted report click here. 

    Harrison Littler, Headteacher at St Luke’s Church of England School said: 

    “This Good Ofsted rating is a whole school achievement, and I am immensely proud of the staff and students at St Luke’s. We are of course committed to continuous improvement in all areas, in our efforts to maintain our place as one of the highest performing schools in the region and help our students achieve their best.”    

    “We will be looking to continue to build a sense of pride and belonging amongst our student community to ensure they love coming to school every day. I am also eager to continue strengthening our relationships with families and the local community.” 

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

    “It’s so lovely that Ofsted have recognised what we have known for some time, that St Luke’s is a Good school.  The commitment of Harrison and his team shines through in this Ofsted report and I am delighted for the whole school community. 

    “I am glad the inspectors recognised that the school has been through a period of rapid and positive change with staff focusing on providing an ambitious education.  Everyone at the trust is so proud of what the St Luke’s community have achieved and look forward to it going from strength to strength.” 

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  • Schools across Exeter and Plymouth Celebrate Thank a Teacher Day

    Published 21/06/24

    Students at Ted Wragg schools across Devon have been celebrating Thank a Teacher Day this week (19th June) by honouring their teachers.

    Thank a Teacher Day is an annual day of celebration to acknowledge the amazing work that teachers do.  It’s an opportunity to reflect and appreciate the hard work of every single member of school staff.

    Headteachers and colleagues from the Trust Executive sent out a video messages to all staff members to say thank you for their incredible efforts, teachers and co-professionals across schools received messages of thanks from students, families and colleagues via personalised postcards and via the online National Thank a Teacher Day portal.

    At Isca Academy in Exeter they put on a special breakfast for all staff to celebrate the day and students also nominated a member of staff that they feel has gone above and beyond to help them.

    At Marine Academy Primary in Plymouth, there was a whole school celebration assembly where the children had the opportunity to thank the teachers, certificates were also awarded to staff who had been recognised in the Pearson National Teaching Awards and the entire school found out they had received a Silver Award in the Primary School of the Year category. 

    Over at Isca Academy in Exeter Ms Dean, the school’s Lead Academic Mentor was also being celebrated after being honoured with a Pearson National Teaching Award for being an Unsung Hero due to her excellence in Special Needs Education.

    At Exwick Heights another tasty breakfast was put on for staff and many parents and children sent in postcards of gratitude, as did those at the Whipton Barton Federation. 

    At Sidmouth College students even made personalised video messages thanking the teachers that have helped them throughout their school journey. 

    Moria Marder OBE, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “Few professions allow people more of a chance to shape the lives and futures of so many young people.  Teaching is a noble profession and it’s brilliant to shine a light on the hard work that is carried out in the classroom every day.

    “I hope every teacher knows how vital the work they do is. Every time I visit one of our schools I am always touched by the determination and joy that our teachers bring to their roles, and I hope they feel they have been celebrated this Thank a Teacher Day.”

     

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  • Celebrating Excellence: Ted Wragg Trust Cup for Football and Netball

    Published 20/06/24

    A Bright Future for Ted Wragg Trust Sports

    We continue to provide exceptional opportunities for young athletes, fostering talent and promoting excellence across various sports. Celebrating through competing for the prestigious Trust Football & Netball Cup. See below the exciting reports of this years competitions. 

    We look forward to many more exciting competitions and achievements in the future. Thank you to all participants, coaches, and partners for making these events memorable and inspiring for our young sports stars.

    Ted Wragg 1st Team Football Cup Final: ISCA vs. Westexe

    The inaugural Ted Wragg 1st Team Football Cup Final was held at Exeter City FC’s Cliff Hill Training Ground on Wednesday 19th June. This knockout competition allows schools to field their top players, aiming to inspire young athletes to strive for excellence and represent their school’s 1st team.

    From the outset, ISCA implemented a solid game plan, securing an early lead. Despite West Exe's determined defence, they found themselves trailing 3-0 by mid-first half. A tactical adjustment from West Exe sparked a comeback, narrowing the score to 3-2 as the second half began.

    Both teams showcased impressive possession-based football, creating numerous chances. However, it was ISCA that found the net next, sealing their victory with a final score of 4-2. Both teams represented their schools admirably, and for the Year 11 players, it was a memorable farewell as they prepare for their future endeavours.

    A special thanks to Exeter City FC and their Academy for providing the fantastic venue. The Ted Wragg Trust is grateful for their collaboration, offering elite coaching to our most talented footballers through the Ted Wragg Football Academy.

    Ted Wragg Football Academy vs. Exeter City Academy: A Showcase of Talent

    On Thursday, June 6th, under sunny skies, the Ted Wragg Trust Football Academy faced a younger Exeter City Academy team. This match, held at Exeter City’s Cliff Hill Training Ground, served as both a test and a reward for the players' hard work throughout the year. Representing six Ted Wragg Trust schools—ISCA, Sidmouth, St James, St Luke’s, Torbridge, and West Exe—the team performed admirably in their first competitive game together, leading at half-time but eventually falling 7-5.

    The players' efforts were commendable, providing them with first-hand experience of the high standards required for Academy football. This collaboration with Exeter City Academy, ranked the No.1 Category 3 Academy in the country, offers the best training and development opportunities for our young footballers, some of whom may go on to achieve professional careers at the highest levels.

    Ted Wragg 1st Team Netball Cup: ISCA vs. St Luke’s

    The inaugural Ted Wragg 1st Team Netball Cup concluded on Tuesday, June 18th, with a thrilling final between ISCA and St Luke’s. This knockout competition allows schools to field their top netball players, fostering competitive spirit and excellence.

    The final was a testament to the talent within the Trust, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and sportsmanship. After a closely contested match, with the lead changing several times, ISCA emerged victorious with a score of 25-22.

     

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  • Cranbrook Education Campus helped settle over 100 refugee pupils

    Published 20/06/24

    Today (20th June) is World Refugee Day, an event organised by The UN Refugee Agency to champion the rights of refugees to seek safety, build support for their economic and social inclusion, and advocate for solutions to their plight.

    A big part of this is the role education can play in helping children not only have the chance to learn and succeed in their future but to feel safe and secure in a new environment – something which helps their parents settle too.

    This is something that Cranbrook Education Campus (CEC), with support from the Ted Wragg Trust have been actively involved in over the last seven months working to support 104 families seeking asylum who were originally relocated to a hotel in East Devon. 

    While we don’t claim to have all the answers, Stephen Farmer, Head of Campus at Cranbrook Education Campus, part of the Ted Wragg Trust explains some of the ways in which we have worked with these pupils and their families and where we have seen a positive impact.

    1. An integrated hub

    CEC has a community support hub called EX5 Alive that works alongside the school to help improve the quality of life for children, young people and families in Cranbrook and East Devon.

    As such when families seeking asylum started arriving in the area, both the school and the hub leapt into action to provide them with integrated community support. 

    For example, working with the hub and East Devon District Council (EDDC), we appointed an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Refugee Coordinator as a liaison for all pupils and their families seeking asylum. 

    The role has given pupils a familiar adult to liaise with and provided them with someone they feel supports and listens to them.  

    While not every school will have a community hub on site, what it shows is that having close connections with other agencies such as the local council, is vital to provide an integrated support approach, rather than operating in silos.

    1. Uniform needs

    It’s so important these children feel they are part of the school and the local community so we ordered and distributed uniforms on their behalf. 

    We made sure that all pupils had all the uniform and equipment they needed before starting school.  

    1. Teacher training and translation

    We have also trained 28 teachers so far on the impact of having an EAL friendly classroom and also given them support on how best to help EAL learners.  

    Furthermore, translating documents for pupils and their families has also been important, we have translated over 1000 documents, including classroom materials and documents for parents evenings.

    1. Health support

    Ensuring refugee children get the health and wellbeing support they need is also key. 

    From sexual health matters to vaccines, we have supported pupils with whatever they need.  We have even arranged for pupils to be transported to and from medical appointments with a translator. 

    1. A welcoming home

    Of course settling refugees from diverse communities into a rural setting can generate particular challenges and we made efforts to ensure that pupils’ religious requirements were supported by providing a place for prayer. 

    We also worked with local places of worship who provide donations for the refugee families so they can build connections in the local community.

    We also run cooking activities after school giving our pupils seeking asylum the opportunity to cook meals of their choosing with the ingredients provided. 

    We have also worked to welcome them to Britain too and introduce them to our culture, such a school trip to the pantomime and taking part in events like sports days. 

    You can find further information on this as reported by TES Magazine here.

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  • Marine Academy Plymouth celebrates 'Good' rating from Ofsted after years of dedication and improvement

    Published 14/06/24

    Marine Academy Plymouth (MAP) in St Budeaux, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has proudly achieved a 'Good' rating from Ofsted following an inspection in April. This remarkable improvement reflects years of dedicated effort, transforming the school from an 'Inadequate' rating in November 2016 to 'Good' in all areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and Sixth Form provision. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the entire MAP community.

    In the report, published today, Ofsted inspectors noted that MAP students have responded positively to the raised expectations for how they behave and what they can achieve, concluding that they are proud to be part of the school community.  They also stated that a strong focus on good manners, respect and empathy for others means the school is calm and welcoming and that students have high aspirations for what they can achieve at school and in the future.

    Other comments from Ofsted included:

    • Pupils behave well and work hard; they show pride in their work and what they have achieved.
    • Pupils feel safe and well supported at school, staff help them when they are experiencing difficulties and consequently, pupils can focus on their learning.
    • The school provides many opportunities for pupils to develop their characters, talents and interests, pupils value these experiences as part of their education.

    The school’s ambitious curriculum was singled out for praise with inspectors noting that the curriculum is designed well and is logically sequenced; content builds on what pupils know and can do, as a result, pupils produce high quality work.

    At the heart of MAP is a strong focus on improving the life chances of its students. The school has a strong focus on careers, and students learn about the education pathways, apprenticeships and careers that are open to them after school.  Record numbers of students from MAP went on to study at University this year - including nearly 50% of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.  Ofsted reflected this in their report commenting that the proportion of sixth form students who go on to university , including the most academically selective, has vastly increased.

    Leigh Withers, Principal of Marine Academy Plymouth said:

    Marine Academy Plymouth has been on an incredible journey of improvement, and I am pleased that Ofsted inspectors have recognized the hard work of everyone involved. At MAP, our goal is to create a calm and supportive learning environment where everyone can learn to the best of their ability. It was wonderful to read Ofsted’s comments highlighting how we inspire our students to envision their futures. Aspiration is one of our core values, and I want every child to leave MAP with both a dream and a plan for achieving it!”

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

    “This report truly reflects the incredible dedication and hard work of the entire team at Marine Academy Plymouth over several years. I couldn’t be prouder of this amazing school and its vibrant community. I look forward to watching it go from strength to strength. Leigh and the whole MAP team should take immense pride in the high standards they’ve established, which are positively transforming the lives of students.

    “It was also heartening to see that Ofsted recognised the impact expertise from the trust has had in enhancing the curriculum, improving student attendance, and easing staff workloads. Together, we are making a real difference. Congratulations to the students, staff and wider community of Marine Academy Plymouth. We are so proud of you all”

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  • Local school opens Community Bike Hub to get children wheel-y active!

    Published 11/06/24

    Marine Academy Primary in Plymouth, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has launched its new Community Bike Hub.

    Ryan Evans, Sustrans Bike It Plus officer at Plymouth City Council was in attendance for the launch on the 7th of June along with representatives from the cycling charity Sustrans.  

    Local families will now be able to borrow adult and children’s bikes and accessories from the school on a weekly rolling basis for free.  The bikes could be used to make the journey to and from school or for leisure trips in the evenings or at weekends. 

    Staff at Marine Academy Primary hope that the scheme will allow children and their families to enhance their active travel opportunities and remove any challenges regarding the financial costs of cycling equipment. 

    The St Budeaux school aims to provide pupils with a wide range of extracurricular activities in order to expand their cultural capital and understanding of the world.  Marine Academy Primary will continue to consider how they can help to provide experiences for children that they might not have access to otherwise. 

    According to a study that followed 8,000 school children over a period of years, pupils who walk or cycle to school may have a healthier body weight than those who arrive by car. Sustrans have also stated that a 20-minute bike ride to work could use the same amount of calories as a cappuccino, a bar of chocolate or a 175ml glass of wine.

    Alex Druce, Quality of Education Leader and Trust Lead for Primary Curriculum at Marine Academy Primary said:

    “Everyone at Marine Academy Primary is really excited about the Community Bike Hub Scheme and its potential to strengthen our relationships with the community.  I hope that providing local families with access to any cycling equipment they might need will help to not only improve physical fitness but also mental wellbeing by getting them outside and travelling actively.”

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

    “We are lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country with the moors and coast on our doorstep, but it’s not always easily accessible.  I want to say a huge congratulations to Marine Academy Primary for organising this valuable resource for the community.  I hope that people will take advantage of the scheme and get pedalling!”

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  • Local schools putting on free community events for families this summer!

    Published 11/06/24

    St Luke’s and St James’ schools, both part of the Ted Wragg Trust, are working together to host a range of community events this summer.  

    The events are open to families of children at St Luke’s, St James’ and Whipton Barton Primary and are all free, places just need to be booked in advance!

    The schools want to share their facilities with the community and help to bring local people together.  

    There will be a cooking competition at the Ready, Steady, Cook event with ingredients provided on the 24th of June at 4pm at St Luke’s.  The group will also be joined by a local food charity to learn about budgeting for meals.

    On Thursday the 4th of July at 5pm, St James will be hosting a family portrait session.  Not only will those attending get a portrait to take home, they will also learn about photography.

    Fitness classes will be taking place at St Luke’s every Monday from the 3rd of June to the 15th of July at 5pm.  These will be run by a qualified instructor and all levels of fitness are welcome.

    Lastly, St Luke’s is holding an open practice with Pinhoe Community Voices Choir on Wednesday the 12th of June at 3.45pm.  They will be singing some well-known pop songs, as well as some from famous musicals. 

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

    “The summer break can feel long and we wanted to offer some exciting activities that families could take part in.  I do hope lots of people will come along to these events and have a brilliant time!”

    Emily Harper, Head Teacher at St James School said:

    “I am delighted that we have been able to work closely with St Luke’s and Whipton Barton to design these free summer sessions. I am so excited to welcome families into the school during the summer break for some fun activities.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “Everyone at the trust is so proud of the staff at St Luke’s and St James for coming together to offer the local community these exciting events over the summer.  At the Ted Wragg Trust we believe all schools should be the heart of their local community and it’s brilliant to see these schools embodying this.”

     

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