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The Update
The Axe Valley Community College Newsletter: Friday 15th May 2015 - Issue 13
As Year 11 complete an exciting time in Art,
Jess James' work clearly shows the quality and
creative enjoyment the last few months have
brought.
A quick tweet later the Artist Jess studied,
Paul Ruiz, revealed how impressed he was:
A very well done to all in ART!
Mr Bowskill - Heart of Art
I am pleased to confirm the arrangements:
Head teacher’s message
Mr Carr - Year 6 going into 7
Mr Davies - Year 7 going into 8
Miss Sloman (Mrs Osborne from July) - Year 8 going into 9
Mr Horn - Year 9 going into 10
Mr Scott – Year 10 going into 11
College Prefect System
We have a strong prefect system at college that we are
very proud of. Students in Year 10 wishing to become
prefects are invited to take part in a rigorous selection
system, which you can learn more about in this issue. I
am fortunate to be part of the selection process each
year. Interviewing these remarkable young people, I am
struck by their inspiring personal stories. It is clear that
students have thrived on the wealth of opportunities to
develop themselves at college through their
academic studies, leadership roles and extra-curricular
activities. For example, all of the new prefect team took
on the role of buddies with Year 7s that started with us in
September. It is clear that the system is remarkably
successful in providing our new arrivals with
peer support, guidance and friendship that is highly
valued and makes a real difference to the settling in
process. Good luck to the new prefects, senior prefects
and head boy / girl.
Please note that Miss Mandy will work alongside Mr Horn
for the remainder of the Summer Term. Also, Mr Horn
will continue to be current Year 11 Leader during their
study leave.
From 1st June, I would also like to confirm that Mr
Holland is taking on the role of Head of Sixth Form. Mr
Holland (Assistant Head) has a wealth of experience in
post 16 education, having occupied similar roles in two
other schools.
Summer Uniform
Students have the option to wear official college polo
shirts from 1st June. These can be purchased from
Thomas Moore. Students are required to bring their
blazer to school and only blazers can be worn over the
polo shirt.
Year Leader Team
From 1st June, there will be changes to the Year Leader
team. We now operate a system where we have Key
Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 Year Leaders. This means, rather
than follow a year group from Year 7 to 11, Year Leaders
move only within the Key Stage (Year 7-9 or 10-11). The
purpose of this is to allow greater specialisation for Year
Leaders. For example, at Key Stage 3 the focus is on
transition, participation, building foundations and Year 9
options. At Key Stage 4 the focus is on careers, exams,
buddy and prefect systems and post 16 options.
Martin Smith - Head teacher
Diary Dates:
22nd May - Non-uniform day
22nd May - Chamber Music Recital
22nd May - 1st June - Half Term
10th June - PSHE Day
19th June - Summer Concert
7th-10th July - Bugsy Malone
16th July - Caribbean Music Festival
1
Year 10 Prefect appointments
The College is proud to announce the new prefect
team. The Year 10s have been put a rigorous
process of application and in many respects it has
been similar to a job application. The Year Group
approached this in a positive manner with over 90
students applying for the initial 60 spaces. The
standard of the application was very high with some
outstanding experience and values to support their
inquiry. Unfortunately 30 students were left
disappointed, but they will have another chance to
apply in September.
Finally, eight students interviewed for the role of
head boy and head girl. They were set the task of
preparing a presentation that focused on
improvements that could be made upon the school.
The standard of presentation was again extremely
high and all students showed determination and
creativity and were a real credit to themselves and
the College.
Duties have know started and I hope the students
can show responsibility and maturity develop and
spreading the Colleges core values.
The senior prefect team has also been selected.
Again this was a very popular application with 30 of
the 90 applicants wanting this role. Because the
quality and demand was so high, interviews took
place to select the 11 senior prefect roles. Again the
standard of interviewee was outstanding and it was
hard to think these students were only 14/15 years
of age, as they showed qualities way beyond their
years.
Mr J Scott - Head of Year 10
New Head Girl - Jessica Hill
Being appointed Head Girl is a huge privilege and I
am very grateful for all the support I have had,
helping me strive to get the position. I intend to
make sure over the next year I am able to help
benefit the school and the pupils.
2
New Head Boy - James Windsor
The appointment of head boy is fantastic and I
thank everyone in the school for helping me
strive to get the position. I intend to make
sure over the next year I can help benefit the
school in many ways along with Jess (head
girl), the senior prefects and the prefect team.
With a team this great we are sure to have a
fantastic year at Axe Valley for everyone!
Georgia Searle 10SD
Netball player, Year 7 buddy, Member of the
student council and ASPIRE student “Kindness
can go a long way when promoting the college
because when visitors come to visit a few
friendly words can create a kind atmosphere
and positive impression of the school.”
Georgina Ashwell 10IL
Accomplished singer, maths club helper and
Year 7 buddy “I will always do my best to
uphold the school’s high reputation.”
The New Senior prefects:
Sam Slade 10ESM
Scientist, Year 7 buddy and member of
ASPIRE, Sam is a PE leader and is working on
his bronze Duke of Edinburgh award “I am
proud of my school and I want my fellow
students to feel the same way”
Kelly Burns 10SD
An academic all-rounder, pianist , kick-boxer
and swimmer “I am committed to being a role
model to my peers and promoting the school
whilst upholding the values and traditions of
Axe Valley at all times.”
Ollie Vickery 10ESM
Actor who will be playing the lead in Bugsy
Malone later in the year, army cadet and Year
7 buddy. He is “committed to maintain and
promoting the reputation of the college, its
values and etiquette amongst students.”
Billy Long 10IL
Footballer, badminton player and Year 7
buddy “I am very optimistic and am willing to
do what it takes to move the school and
prefect system forward”
Poppy Greig 10IL
An outstanding student, Year 7 buddy, sports
leader and a member of the student council.
“I am keen to represent the college in all
aspects so that every student has the
opportunity to better themselves.”
Gregory Lamprill 10SD
Captain of the rugby team, football player and
athlete, sports leader and Year 7 buddy “I
think students should be safe and smart
around the college at all times.”
3
Year 7
Residential
PGL Beam House North Devon
For the first time we have organised a
Year 7 residential to give students the
opportunity to develop their self
confidence, self esteem and team skills
through participating in a variety of
awesome
Outdoor
Adventurous
activities.
We took 52 very excited Year 7 boys and
girls and stayed for 2 nights at the PGL
centre and students were safely led and
instructed in some very exciting and
challenging activities.
These included:
Trapeze (High Ropes)
Aero Ball
Survivor
Archery
Abseiling
Surfing
Quad biking
All the students tried their hardest in all
activities and so many students overcame
their fears to achieve so many personal
achievements like abseiling and surfing
for the first time!
They also took part in evening
entertainment including 50/50 fun Team
challenges (Dried Weetabix, yogurt and
blind fold, Cardboard box and Mummy
challenge) and Capture the flag.
Chloe Bolton was the winner of the
Weetabix challenge but she may have
regretted it later!! Sorry Chloe! Amy
Hoare was the winner of the cardboard
box challenge with some amazing
flexibility.
All had an amazing fun time and as it was
so successful I am already planning next
years residential for Year 8 and Mr Carr is
planning the new Year 7's Residential.
Mr T Davies - Year 7 Leader
4
Sixth Form
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
The Axe Valley Sixth Form is always seeking out
opportunities to extend and enrich our students
lives. Tom Broderick, Brad Burraston and Mikey
Rose were all nominated for the Exeter
University for their "Introduction to PPE
(Philosophy, Politics and Economics)".
Great news!
All 3 students have been successful.
Introduction includes a 4 day Residential
Summer School and is aimed at students
considering studying either the combined PPE
programme or any one of the three disciplines.
Students are not required to have any prior
knowledge of the subjects and the course will be
delivered at an introductory level.
Matthew to go to Yale
Following the recent article detailing Matthew
Mortimer’s success in reaching the final stages of
selection at London School of Economics for the
USA Sutton Trust Programme. We are pleased to
report that Matthew a Year 12 student at Axe
Valley Sixth Form Centre, has been chosen to
attend Yale University.
The students will engage with current and
topical issues such as social mobility, gender
inequality, climate change and global
development through political, economic and
philosophical approaches.
Mathew told us, “I am extremely happy to have
progressed onto the Sutton Trust America
programme. I felt confident after my selection
weekend at the London School of Economics,
but am still shocked that my place has been
confirmed. I am very excited to spend a week at
the Ivy League university Yale, in New Haven,
Connecticut, which is ranked inside the world’s
top 10. My trip commences on the 5th of August,
and I am looking forward to representing my
school and the South-West, experiencing the
culture and education system of a country that I
have never had the opportunity to visit. In the
future I hope I can progress on the programme
and receive a scholarship to an American
University of my choice.
The teaching programme includes sessions by
top researchers and will give students an
introduction to university style teaching and
learning.
The experience will not only look good for their
Personal Statement for their university
application but will also be immensely
enjoyable.
The residential will run from 23rd - 26th June.
Mr D Holland - Assistant Head
His Head of Sixth Form, Mr Rupert Carr, said,
“We are delighted that Matt has secured this
prestigious place in the face of huge
competition. He is a fantastic representative
of the college and we are sure he will make the
most of this opportunity”.
5
Sports Update
Athletics
Well done to everyone who competed and
good luck to the East Devon Athletes on Thurs
21st .
On Weds 6th May over 30 athletes from Yrs 811 attended the East Devon Athletics Trials at
Exeter Arena.
Inter Boys (Yr10/11)
Jack Croxall - 100m - 3rd
Jack Harwood - Triple Jump - 2nd
Jack Harwood - High Jump - =2nd (ED reserve)
Lewis Franklin - Shot Putt - 2nd
Ben Franklin - 800m - 4th (ED reserve)
Thristan Dionio - Shot Putt - =3rd
Greg Lamprill - Javelin -1st
Inter Girls (Yr10/11)
Becky Griffiths - Discus - 1st
Rachel Loud - Shot Putt - 1st
Jess Lee - Triple Jump - 1st (= trials record)
Jess Lee - Long Jump - 2nd
May Wood - 1500m - 2nd (new school record)
Junior Boys (Yr8/9)
Will House - 300m - 4th new school record
(ED reserve)
Junior Girls (Yr8/9)
Maia Green - Javelin - 1st
Ella Magrane - Long Jump - 2nd
Ella Magrane - 200m - 2nd (= school record)
Molly Stemp - Long Jump - 4th (ED reserve)
Nadine Legg - 1500m - (school record)
The purpose of the event is to give athletes an
opportunity to perform to their personal best
in a bid to gain selection into the East Devon
Athletics Team.
The weather was not on anyone's side with
heavy drizzle to start the event followed by
extremely strong winds making high jump,
throwing event and distance running a real
challenge. However the wind was favourable
for our 100m and 200m athletes!
All Axe Valley students performed with
determination and commitment with school
and event records being broken in the process.
All performances by Yr8 and 10 were very
strong as they were also competing against the
Yr9 and Yr11 respectively.
Below is a list of commendable results and
those listed in red have now been confirmed as
athletes who have been selected for the East
Devon team to compete against Exeter School
on Thurs 21st May.
U13 Football
Good performances at this event will give the
students a chance of attending the Schools
County Championships on Saturday 13th June.
Seaton U13 Football Team reached the final of
the U13 East Devon Youth League against
Ottery St Mary in the Exeter & District youth
6
football league plate final.
Rugby
The match was played at Exeter City's, St James
Park. Axe Valley pupils included: Reece
McCabe, William Hellier, Edward Kenworthy,
Alfie Tucker-Vincent, Michael Moulding,
Matthew Heron, Ella Richardson, Min Dack,
Ben Bush and Braidey Yeo.
Lewis Franklin Year 10 was named as Player’s
Player of the year for Sidmouth U15 RFC and
Greg Lamprill was named as Supporter’s Player
of the year for Sidmouth U15 RFC.
Lewis Smithhurst named as players player for
Exeter Chiefs U13, also representing East
Devon U13 Squad and awaiting confirmation of
selection into the U14 Devon Squad.
U16 Football
Well done boys and good luck for next season.
The Seaton Town U16s won the U16 Exeter
League after a thrilling match against Willand
Rovers U16, the last match of the season. The
Seaton team had to win this match to beat
Broadclyst who had 43 points. Before the
match Seaton had 41 points and their win
meant winning the league by 1 point!
Mr T Davies - PE Department
Rugby - Honiton RFC Colts
Myself and George Dowse 13PC play rugby for
Honiton RFC Colts team and we recently
managed to reach the final of the Devon Cup.
We unfortunately lost to Barnstaple, who are a
very good team. We put up a good fight, and
we were worthy opponents. The whole
experience was incredible, playing on a
professional pitch that will later this year be
used for the Rugby World. Thanks to everyone
who came along to support us, it was a great
day had by all.
This was a fantastic result for the boys on the
team. Axe Valley students included: Jack
Bennett, Lewis Cottam, Jacob Rowe, Tony
Pinder, Max Richardson, Mattie Vincent,
Brandon Curl, Jamie Tate, Pete Smith, Kyle
Gould, Cameron Gould, Lewis Franklin and Jack
Harwood. Well done boys!
Andy Franklin - Football coach
Jonny House -13VP
7
8
College Notices
School Transport
Concussion
The Axe Valley Community College supports
the (DCC) Devon County Council’s “No Pass No
Travel Scheme” that operates on transport to
and from this school.
New information regarding concussion injuries
(through everyday accidents or sporting
activities) is regularly reviewed.
As a college we aim to keep up to date with all
new recommendations regarding students
welfare and health and safety.
Only students who show a valid travel pass to
the driver on every journey will be allowed to
travel. Students must travel on the vehicle
indicated on their pass.
New public awareness material has recently
been made available via England Rugby (RFU)
and is aimed at raising awareness of parents,
medical professionals, teachers, sports coaches
of the importance of following advice regarding
head injuries and particularly concussion.
Please ensure that your child has their travel
pass before they leave home every day.
Please ensure that your child knows what to do
in the event they are not allowed to travel or
the bus does not arrive (e.g. because of
breakdown or traffic conditions or severe
weather). School attendance is very important
and it is best to be prepared for any of these
eventualities.
We would like to draw your attention to the
posters below. Further information can also be
found using the links
http://www.irbplayerwelfare.com/concussion
http://www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/
players/player-health/concussion-headcase/
DCC will carry out regular pass checks
throughout the year.
The most important information is that as a
college it is crucial that we are informed
(tutors, medical office and PE department) of
any concussions that have occurred outside of
school hours so that we can deal with
the recovery period and return to physical
activity appropriately following the suggested
advice.
Drivers are not allowed to carry passengers
who cannot show a valid pass.
If your child loses their pass during the day they
should go to Reception to ask for a 10 day
temporary pass.
Replacement passes cost £5 each and can be
ordered online, or by sending a cheque with a
replacement form.
Further info available at:
http://www.devon.gov.uk/school_transport
Fun Competition
How many times is “Axe Valley” mentioned in this
newsletter?
Hand your answers into Reception with your name.
Correct answers will be put in a hat and drawn for the
winner to be announced in the next issue of The Update.
Prize is 2 FREE tickets to
Woodlands Theme Park in Totnes
9
REACH Update
Catering Talk
She explored some of the dos and don’ts and
we looked in detail at two examples, that very
clearly demonstrated the difference careful
attention to presentation can make.
Suzanne Ley from Springboard and Courtney
Peters, chef at the Rusty Bike in Exeter. Visited
us to talk about catering. Courtney has won lots
of young chef awards and has worked with
some top chefs along the way.
Thank you Maggi and we look forward to
seeing you again on PSHE Day.
He chose to show the students how to make
fresh pasta, in particular tortellini stuffed with
spinach and ricotta. The students were able to
roll the pasta in the machine and then shape
the tortellini shapes.
Axminster Tools and Machinery
This week we visited Jane Boulton and Hayley
Styles gave us a tour of Axminster Tools and
Machinery
including
their
warehouse,
distribution centre, workshops, sales floors,
accounts and designs offices as well as the
canteen. Many Old Axonians work at the
company and we talked in detail about the
variety of careers paths some of them have
taken, both as graduates as well as straight
from school after GCSEs.
Courtney was extremely passionate about his
chosen career and talked about how proud he
was that clients ate and enjoyed the food he
created with his own hands.
Many thanks to Suzanne and Courtney and we
look forward to seeing them again soon.
The sheer variety of opportunities was
extremely inspiring, thank you to Jane and
Hayley for spending time with us.
Image and Presentation—Maggi Green
Professional image consultant Maggi talked to
us about the importance of image when it
comes to interviews and impressing potential
employers.
Mrs K Pemberton - REACH Co-ordinator
10
ASPIRE Update
La Navet Bete – Year 8 Drama Workshop
La Navet Bete – Dick Tracy Show
In conjunction with Villages in Action, the
ASPIRE team of young promoters invited the
comedy acting group La Navet Bete into school
to perform their production of Dick Tracy.
At 7pm on Thursday 23rd April it was show time
in the main school hall as the award winning
comedy acting group La Navet Bete performed
their latest show Dick Tracy.
A week ahead of the performance date ASPIRE
Drama held a workshop for all year 8 students
in the school hall with the actors.
After their sell out tour at Exeter Phoenix we
knew we were in for a treat and what a show it
was. There were scenery and costume changes
happening at record speed from the start.
Explosions, double crossing, chase scenes and
fantastic comic timing on stage and in the
audience; this really was a show not to be
missed.
The Students took part in one-hour sessions
devoted to comedy and comic acting. Funny
faces, humours walks and team work were the
order of the day as everyone joined in and
proved that working together is the best way to
get a tricky job done.
The ASPIRE Young Promoters Team did a
fantastic job selling tickets, arranging seating
and selling refreshments.
The Young
Promoters team have donated the £100 profit
from the performance to the school Drama
Department for their July performance of
Bugsy Malone.
11
Pyrography Workshop
On Tuesday 28th April the year 7 ASPIRE Art
students were invited to take part in a Pyrography
workshop led by Axminster Tools and Machinery.
Message of Thanks
Oliver Hogg from the Exeter University Tutoring
Programme finished with a final Q and A session
with his year 11 students on Wednesday. He has
now started the tutoring programme with our
current year 10 students who attended the after
school induction event on Tuesday. The year 11’s
passed on their thanks to Ollie for his leadership
on the programme and hoped the new Year 10
students enjoy this opportunity as much as they
have.
Pyrography is the process of producing designs on
wood, leather or other materials using a heated
tool. The two hour workshop was led by Ben
Beddows and was held in the training centre on
Millwey Rise Industrial Estate.
Students practised how to mark make using
different nibs on the pyrography pens before
burning their artwork onto wood. Learning this
new skill proved to be tricky at first, however, all
the students produced a piece of art to be proud
of by the end of the session.
Mrs Slade - ASPIRE Co-ordinator
12
Fundraising
Letters for Hospital Beds
Congratulations to the students who wrote
letters in support of the save hospital beds
campaign. The list of students who wrote
letters is as follows:
Hannah White (winner - best letter prize)
Kate Rorstad
Merlin Dixon
Adam Taylor
Megan Herbert
Jasper Parsons
Stuart Wight
Enjiely Durias
Jamie Williams
Jonathan House
All the students who wrote letters were presented with a thank you card and a £5 book
token and the winner of the best letter
prize received £25. The money for prizes was
donated by well wishers to the campaign for
the specific purpose. Present from AHAG and
LOF were Dr James Vann, Sooty Vann, Mervyn
Symes and Ann Veit.
Nepal Fundraising
Tutor group 10IL is planning a fund raising day on
May 22nd. Originally this was to raise money for
British Heart foundation, but in light of the recent
events in Nepal we have decided to raise funds for
this instead.
13
TAVCC PTFA
Musical Events coming up
We hope you will all support the
wonderful musical events coming up
this term.
At each event there will be
refreshments and raffle. If you would
be able to help with these please
contact Jo on :
joannehuscroft@talktalk.net
or Kate on:
KPemberton@axevalley.devon.sch.uk
Thanks!
14
Community Noticeboard
Sunday 31st May
Axminster Football Club
11am - 3pm
15
DM COACHING CRICKET
SUMMER HOLIDAY CAMPS
CLOAKHAM LAWNS
26th & 28th May, 30th July
6 , 13TH, 20th & 27TH August
9am – 3pm
All boys and girls age 5-15 are welcome
TH
£12 per day (£70 for all seven days up-front)
Head Coached by ECB Level 3 Head Coach Dan
Murnane and supported by selection of ECB Level 2
coaches.
If you are interested contact Dan Murnane on
07845498057 or email him at
atcc-colts@hotmail.co.uk
DM COACHING MAY HALF TERM
FOOTBALL CAMPS
Wednesday 27th & Friday 29th May - 9pm – 3pm
CLOAKHAM LAWNS SPORTS CENTRE,
AXMINSTER, EX13 5HW
Age range: 5 – 13 years old!!!
HEAD COACHES
Brad-Lee Miller (Exeter City Futsal Scholar, FITC Football Coach,
FA Level 2 & Module 1 Coach)
Dan Murnane (FA Level 1 Outfield and Goalkeeping Coach)
Skills, Games and Mini Tournaments with prizes each day!!!
We have plans and games whatever the weather, indoors and outdoors!!!
Costs: Only £12 per day or £20 for both days!!!
Bring a packed lunch, lots of drinks, shin pads, trainers,
football boots and appropriate clothing (If it is wet bring extra
clothing, waterproofs, a towel and a few pairs of socks!!!)
If you are interested contact Dan Murnane
on 07845498057 / dmcoaching@hotmail.co.uk
The great thing is a percentage of the funds raised will go16
towards funding youth football at Millway Rise AFC