Plymouth College Senior School News

Plymouth College Senior School News Recent news from the Senior School at Plymouth College http://www.plymouthcollege.com Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:56:34 GMT Umbraco CMS en Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force held their first Contingent Dinner Night earlier this week. Cadets host traditional dinner Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force held their first Contingent Dinner Night earlier this week. Cadets host traditional dinner 0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO slideshow="1" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" thumbnailwidth="350" photosetid="72157629037231587" /> Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force held their first Contingent Dinner Night earlier this week.  The event was run as a traditional service dinner that started with a pre-dinner brief for all the cadets who were then split into hosting groups prior to the arrival of principal guests.  Cadet Tam sounded the dinner call and after grace from Mr Vice (Cdt Sgt Davies-Gregory) the contingent settled down to enjoy a three course meal served immaculately by the school's catering staff.  Everyone dressed in their best and there was a fine array of mess kit, dinner jackets and posh dresses for the ladies, with the table arrayed with regimental silver from both Plymouth College and the contingent's affiliated unit, 155 (Wessex) Transport Regiment RLC (V).  A total of 65 cadets, adults and guests attended the dinner with the principal guests being the Head Teachers and Deputy Heads from Plymouth College and Stoke Damerell Community College, and the Bursar.  Other guests included the Head of Boarding and the Head of Geography, Lt Milne from Jupiter Point, 2Lt Nick Thomas and Mrs Adlington.  Thanks must go to the catering staff and the porters who supported the event, and also to the cadets from both Plymouth College and Stoke Damerell who helped set up on the Wednesday afternoon.  The Contingent Commander's special thanks go to Capt David Green and Lt Lisa Williams for all their help in making the event such a success and finally to the cadets, who were a credit to their respective schools and the CCF.  The latest Lower School drama production was a hilarious fast-paced caper celebrating Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1935 film of ‘The 39 Steps’.‘The 39 Steps’ The latest Lower School drama production was a hilarious fast-paced caper celebrating Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1935 film of ‘The 39 Steps’.‘The 39 Steps’ 0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO slideshow="1" thumbnailwidth="350" photosetid="72157628235320277" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" /> The latest Lower School drama production was a hilarious fast-paced caper celebrating Alfred Hitchcock's famous 1935 film of 'The 39 Steps'.  It used all the dramatic conventions you would expect, including stereotypical characters in an action packed chase, epic landscapes such as theScottishHighlandsand an escape from a steam train on the Firth of Forth Bridge. This blissfully funny show followed the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, (Josh Bean) complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course devastatingly beautiful women. The play has recently been running inLondon's West and is admirable played by four characters, however, the play easily lent itself to the numerous roles and were played joyfully by our talented young cast.  Notable performances were by Josh Bean as Richard Hannay,courageously taking on the entire role, (on stage for 80 pages virtually consistently); Kim Seffer (the tragic German spy and femme fatale, Annabella Schmidt), Charity Dolan-Brifaut, (playing the unsuspecting female heroine who gets unavoidable embroiled and physically handcuffed to Hannah through most of the second act, then ultimately falls for his charms); Robin Willoughby who doubled up as the religious zealot Scottish crofter and the mesmerising 'Mr Memory'; the hilarious salesmen, James 'Pike' Freeman and Ollie Roberts who cleverly juggled a multitude of hats in the train scene, to the isolated and welcoming McGarrigles, (Saul Auty and Ben Harvey), in their tartan B&B in the remotest part of the Highlands.  A moment of great melodrama was created by Will Hambly as the play's 'baddie' the double agent Professor Jordan who quickly dissolves into his patrioticrant to convert and finally shoot the unsuspecting Hannay. The numerous other roles were carried off with panache and slick comic timing including Tom Brooker, Jack Woodcock, Philip Habib, Tafara Mukonoweshuro, JoJo Cotton, Charlie Haynes and Harry Tippets with a hilariously comic performance by Saul Auty as the ancient and doddery Mr McQuarrie who brought the house down each night with his geriatric physical portrayal. The resounding success of the show could not have been possible without the effective and committed attention to detail provided the backstage crew headed up Josh Eason as Stage Manager and ably supported by his crew: Robbie Lockyer, Laura Brown and Amber Hardy.  The technical aspects of the show were highly effective with the spot-on sound effects managed by Scott Holbein and the atmospheric lighting by Ralph Hayes. The technical crew were all trained, supervised, and overseen by the eagle eye of our Technical Director Harry Cobbold. The total commitment from all involved provided an outstanding evening's entertainment for all who were lucky enough to attend.  A great and warm heartfelt 'Congratulations' to a totally 'Spiffing' show! Tenor and former Plymouth College pupil, David Webb, was the special guest at school’s Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall.Opera star is special guest at awards eveningTenor and former Plymouth College pupil, David Webb, was the special guest at school’s Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall.Opera star is special guest at awards evening0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO slideshow="1" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" thumbnailwidth="350" photosetid="72157628440704239" /> Tenor and former Plymouth College pupil, David Webb, was the special guest at the school's Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall.  The independent school's annual prize-giving event recognises and celebrates the academic and extra-curricular achievements of senior pupils. As a professional opera singer, David has a career that takes him all over the world.  His many international performances include The Magic Flute in Paris and New York, Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea in Madrid and Dido and Aeneas in Russia. Back in the city for a recital at Sherwell Church, David presented the prizes, performed a musical interlude and gave an inspiring talk about going for goals to the gathered audience of current sixth form, 2011 leavers, staff, families and friends. The evening also included musical interludes by former pupil Dan Snowden and current pupil Sarah Jeffery. "Many congratulations to all our prize-winners", said Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "The Senior Awards Evening allows us to celebrate our achievers from last year, including academic scholars, sportsmen and women and musicians to name but a few.  We were delighted that David was able to join us to present the prizes, and give such a moving performance and an engaging speech." Plymouth College celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with a colourful lantern procession around the school grounds. Plymouth College celebrates Chinese New YearPlymouth College celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with a colourful lantern procession around the school grounds. Plymouth College celebrates Chinese New Year0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO slideshow="1" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" thumbnailwidth="350" photosetid="72157629010733473" /> Plymouth College celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with a colourful lantern procession around the school grounds.  The lanterns were made in after-school club, Art Extra.      To honour the Year of the Dragon, pupils and staff created a large dragon from willow rods covered with coloured tissue paper.  Taking five months to design and construct, the dragon was built in sections allowing the team to do a little bit each week.  The sections were fitted together and mounted on poles so it could be carried.  The dragon was articulated so that it could turn corners and go up and down stairs during the procession. Parents, Mr and Mrs Yung, of KW Brothers Ltd, Wholesale Foods, loaned the school a 'real' Chinese dragon for the procession, which also included a series of red lanterns with New Year wishes written in Chinese.  As well as members of Art Extra, a number of other pupils took part in the procession including some of the school's Chinese students, who played percussion instruments and a Chinese drum throughout the event. "The lanterns were very colourful and the dragon was particularly fun to make", said art teacher, Dana Roberts.  "The procession was really lively and it was great to see so many pupils get involved." Earlier in the day pupils enjoyed a Chinese lunch with a choice of main courses, rice dishes, noodles and prawn crackers on offer.  The dining room was festooned with traditional Chinese decorations. Independent school, Plymouth College, is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 23rd January 2012. Sixth Form Open Evening at Plymouth CollegeIndependent school, Plymouth College, is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 23rd January 2012. Sixth Form Open Evening at Plymouth College04006 Plymouth College is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 23rd January 2012.  The Open Evening will take place in the Sixth Form Centre, where visitors can drop in between 5.30 p.m.and 7 p.m. to find out more about A Level options and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.  Prospective students will also be able to talk to current sixth formers and find out what sixth form life is really like atPlymouthCollege.  Refreshments will be served in the bistro. Sixth form atPlymouthCollegeprovides a whole range of opportunities for students to develop their academic strengths, as well as other important life skills they will need outside of the classroom. Studying beyond Year 11 is viewed as a period of educational transition, and the aim is to equip students with the confidence to study independently and develop the self-discipline necessary to be successful at university. The Sixth Form Centre gives them independence within the framework of the school, whether it's for private study or just relaxing with a cappuccino in the bistro.  In addition, there are many opportunities to help students take their final steps into adulthood, with some becoming prefects, others captains of sports teams and some taking on social responsibilities. A Level results are consistently high, with most students getting into their first choice of university.  The International Baccalaureate is also thriving with an outstanding first ever set of results last summer, which saw an average points score equivalent to more than 3 A*s at A level. But whatever choices they make - higher education, work, travel or something completely different - students leave Plymouth College prepared for their future lives. For further information about the Open Evening please call Mrs Lambie on 01752 203245 or e-mailmail@plymouthcollege.com Tenor and former Plymouth College pupil, David Webb, was the special guest at school’s Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall. Opera star is special guest at awards eveningTenor and former Plymouth College pupil, David Webb, was the special guest at school’s Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall. Opera star is special guest at awards evening0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO slideshow="1" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" thumbnailwidth="350" photosetid="72157628440704239" /> Tenor and former Plymouth College pupil, David Webb, was the special guest at school's Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall.  The independent school's annual prize-giving event recognises and celebrates the academic and extra-curricular achievements of senior pupils. As a professional opera singer, David has a career that takes him all over the world.  His many international performances include The Magic Flute in Paris and New York, Monteverdi's The Coronation of Poppea in Madrid and Dido and Aeneas in Russia. Back in the city for a recital at Sherwell Church this evening, David presented the prizes, performed a musical interlude and gave an inspiring talk about going for goals to the gathered audience of current sixth form, 2011 leavers, staff, families and friends. The evening also included musical interludes by former pupil Dan Snowden and current pupil Sarah Jeffery. "Many congratulations to all our prize-winners", said Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "The Senior Awards Evening allows us to celebrate our achievers from last year, including academic scholars, sportsmen and women and musicians to name but a few.  We were delighted that David was able to join us to present the prizes, and give such a moving performance and an engaging speech." Sixth Formers Joe Murray and Ollie Foster attended the Gifted and Talented Conference and have written the following report...Sixth Formers attend Gifted and Talented Conference Sixth Formers Joe Murray and Ollie Foster attended the Gifted and Talented Conference and have written the following report...Sixth Formers attend Gifted and Talented Conference 03994 Sixth Formers Joe Murray and Ollie Foster attended the Gifted and Talented Conference and have written the following report... Eleven pupils were accompanied by two teachers to Yeovil to attend a "Gifted and Talented Conference" recently. The day consisted of 5 lectures on various very interesting topics, followed by a debate in the afternoon. The day was run by a number of different people who are very well respected in their particular fields. The day began with a lecture on "Knowing What you Know", which was delivered by Julie Arliss who is a lecturer at King's College London. This lecture explored how knowledge is not the same as belief, and the question "What things can we know beyond reasonable doubt?" The following session was a lecture called "Success to Significance". It was presented by Jeffrey Hodges, who is a performance consultant who helps young people reach their full potential by certain ways of positive thinking and approaches to life. He has helped medal winning Olympians using his techniques, and it was interesting to hear and learn how apparently thinking, and believing in success, may actually help you to achieve it better. After a short break, we listened to an interesting lecture on sexual ethics, which prompted an outburst from one teacher, who believed everyone to be Christian fundamentalists - he took his students and promptly left! This led to the most interesting lecture of the afternoon, which was about space. Although confusing, the steady stream of knowledge from our lecturer, ensured we were fully concentrated on this amazing speech, which taught us such things as the closer you get to the speed of light, the slower time goes, meaning you could get to the next galaxy and back in what felt like 28 years, but would have been actually 4 million years on Earth! Photograph: Ollie Foster and Joe Murray         The first session after lunch was about the "Quanty World Of Quantum". This explored the area of "Quantum physics" which was the majority of our group's favourite lecture. It was incredibly interesting, despite the fact that it was very confusing and odd. Some of the things we learnt from it were quite simply amazing, such as the fact that if we eradicate all of the empty space in a human body, what remains would be the size of a sugar cube. Another thing was a famous theory called "Schroeder's cat", which states that a cat in a box should technically be dead and alive at the same time. To close the day, the house had a debate about whether "the Portrayal of Sexual Activity undermines Human society". After extremely good arguments, led by Julie Arliss, we came to the decision that it did undermine society and Human values. Thus ended an extremely enjoyable, and thought-provoking day, which will surely help us understand these topics in future. Plymouth College Upper Sixth student, Andrew Walker, took part in a visit to Auschwitz with the Holocaust Education Trust earlier this year.Sixth Former writes about Holocaust survivor’s talkPlymouth College Upper Sixth student, Andrew Walker, took part in a visit to Auschwitz with the Holocaust Education Trust earlier this year.Sixth Former writes about Holocaust survivor’s talk03991 Plymouth College Upper Sixth student, Andrew Walker, took part in a visit to Auschwitz with the Holocaust Education Trust earlier this year.  Last week he attended a talk by Holocaust survivor, Zigi Shipper, and has written the following report... Zigi Shipper addressed the Upper Sixth for their PSHEE afternoon on Wednesday 7th December. Zigi lived through the Holocaust, spending time in a ghetto, a labour camp and Auschwitz. He gave a powerful talk, not only about his experiences in camps but also about his life following the war. Zigi told the Upper Sixth that he was lucky to have survived the atrocities of the camps and owed it to those who had not survived to continue telling his story. The students had an opportunity to ask questions after the talk; with topics ranging from how he coped settling into normal life in the years after his escape to his views on the Israeli-Palestine conflict. All were answered with wisdom and a hint of wit, with Zigi himself explaining his philosophy on staying cheerful and never giving up hope, even in times of extreme hardship such as in his experiences. Only 14 when he was sent to Auschwitz, his story brought up lots of hard-hitting feelings for the senior students, with many commenting on how shaken and deeply touched they were after the talk. Plymouth College pupils, Phoebe Hirst, Poppy Mills and Robert Davies have returned from the Plymouth Festival of Speech and Drama with a clutch of winning silverware.Trophies for senior school pupils at Plymouth FestivalPlymouth College pupils, Phoebe Hirst, Poppy Mills and Robert Davies have returned from the Plymouth Festival of Speech and Drama with a clutch of winning silverware.Trophies for senior school pupils at Plymouth Festival03985 Plymouth College pupils, Phoebe Hirst, Poppy Mills and Robert Davies have returned from the Plymouth Festival of Speech and Drama with a clutch of winning silverware. Phoebe topped the U18 Solo Acting Class with an 'Honours' score of 90.  Winning the Holly Goodall Trophy (named after a former Plymouth College pupil), Phoebe performed an extract from Chekhov's 'The Seagull'. Poppy Mills won two classes in the U15 age group.  First up was the Impromptu Story-Telling Class, where she had to make up a story about three objects given to her by the judges.  Her imaginative tale secured her the Plymouth Society of Music Cup.  In the Solo Acting Class she won the Blanche Starling Trophy for her performance of 'Scream if you want to go faster'. Also in the U15 age group, Robert Davies jointly won the Prose Reading Class and shared the Lisa Kay Trophy. Photograph: Phoebe Hirst, Robert Davies, Poppy Mills This year we were treated to a hilarious fast paced caper celebrating Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1935 film of ‘The 39 Steps’. Lower School take to the stage in Patrick Barlow’s ‘The 39 Steps’ This year we were treated to a hilarious fast paced caper celebrating Alfred Hitchcock’s famous 1935 film of ‘The 39 Steps’. Lower School take to the stage in Patrick Barlow’s ‘The 39 Steps’ 0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO slideshow="1" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" thumbnailwidth="350" photosetid="72157628235320277" /> This year we were treated to a hilarious fast paced caper celebrating Alfred Hitchcock's famous 1935 film of 'The 39 Steps'.  It used all the dramatic conventions you would expect, including stereotypical characters in an action packed chase, epic landscapes such as theScottishHighlandsand an escape from a steam train on the Firth of Forth Bridge. This blissfully funny show followed the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, (Josh Bean) complete with stiff-upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course devastatingly beautiful women. The play has recently been running inLondon's West and is admirable played by four characters, however, the play easily lent itself to the numerous roles and were played joyfully by our talented young cast.  Notable performances were by Josh Bean as Richard Hannay,courageously taking on the entire role, (on stage for 80 pages virtually consistently); Kim Seffer (the tragic German spy and femme fatale, Annabella Schmidt), Charity Dolan-Brifaut, (playing the unsuspecting female heroine who gets unavoidable embroiled and physically handcuffed to Hannah through most of the second act, then ultimately falls for his charms); Robin Willoughby who doubled up as the religious zealot Scottish crofter and the mesmerising 'Mr Memory'; the hilarious salesmen, James 'Pike' Freeman and Ollie Roberts who cleverly juggled a multitude of hats in the train scene, to the isolated and welcoming McGarrigles, (Saul Auty and Ben Harvey), in their tartan B&B in the remotest part of the Highlands.  A moment of great melodrama was created by Will Hambly as the play's 'baddie' the double agent Professor Jordan who quickly dissolves into his patrioticrant to convert and finally shoot the unsuspecting Hannay. The numerous other roles were carried off with panache and slick comic timing including Tom Brooker, Jack Woodcock, Philip Habib, Tafara Mukonoweshuro, JoJo Cotton, Charlie Haynes and Harry Tippets with a hilariously comic performance by Saul Auty as the ancient and doddery Mr McQuarrie who brought the house down each night with his geriatric physical portrayal. The resounding success of the show could not have been possible without the effective and committed attention to detail provided the backstage crew headed up Josh Eason as Stage Manager and ably supported by his crew: Robbie Lockyer, Laura Brown and Amber Hardy.  The technical aspects of the show were highly effective with the spot-on sound effects managed by Scott Holbein and the atmospheric lighting by Ralph Hayes. The technical crew were all trained, supervised, and overseen by the eagle eye of our Technical Director Harry Cobbold. The total commitment from all involved provided an outstanding evening's entertainment for all who were lucky enough to attend.  A great and warm heartfelt 'Congratulations' to a totally 'Spiffing' show! Former Plymouth College pupil, Henry Slade, has been named Young Sports Personality of the Year in the Herald Sports Awards. Rugby star is Young Sports Personality of the YearFormer Plymouth College pupil, Henry Slade, has been named Young Sports Personality of the Year in the Herald Sports Awards. Rugby star is Young Sports Personality of the Year03977 Former Plymouth College pupil, Henry Slade, has been named Young Sports Personality of the Year in the Herald Sports Awards.  Henry received his Award at a glittering ceremony at the Pavilions, which was attended by more than 400 people and was hosted by champion hurdler and sporting great, Sally Gunnell. The U20 England star is signed to Exeter Chiefs but is dual-registered with Plymouth Albion.  In his last season with Plymouth College First XV, Henry helped the team reach the quarter finals of the Daily Mail Cup and was part of the Daily Mail Dream Team 2010-2011.  He is currently studying at Exeter University after achieving 3 A levels and the DipFs last summer. Henry featured in one of the toughest categories of the Awards, which included another former pupil, swimmer Grant Halsall and current pupil, Ruta Mellutyte, also a swimmer.  Plymouth College pupil and champion diver, Tom Daley, took the Champagne Moment honours for his gold-winning syncro performance with Pete Waterfield at the British leg of the Diving World Cup series.  A former winner of both the Young Sports Personality and the main Sports Personality awards, Tom was unable to attend the ceremony as he is training in Australia. Henry Slade was also shortlisted in this category for scoring a try against Cornish Pirates in his Championship debut for Albion. The Coach of the Year category featured Plymouth College's Directors of Swimming and Modern Pentathlon, Jon Rudd and Andy Hill. Plymouth College sponsors the Team of the Year category, which was won by Plymouth Argyle Ladies.  The overall winner this year was diver, Tonia Couch. "I was very proud to see Plymouth College feature so strongly in these prestigious Awards and delighted that Henry and Tom were triumphant", said Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "Sport is very much part of the fabric of life at Plymouth College and we encourage participation from those wanting to test the water with something new through to nurturing those at the top of their game."  Photograph: L to R Dr Simon Wormleighton (Plymouth College Headmaster), John Slade, Henry Slade, Richard Edwards (Plymouth College Director of Rugby) Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), Rear Admiral CCC Johnstone CBE, has joined the Plymouth College Board of Governors.Plymouth College appoints Rear Admiral as Ex-Officio GovernorFlag Officer Sea Training (FOST), Rear Admiral CCC Johnstone CBE, has joined the Plymouth College Board of Governors.Plymouth College appoints Rear Admiral as Ex-Officio Governor03961 Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), Rear Admiral CCC Johnstone CBE, has joined the Plymouth College Board of Governors. Deployed to most parts of the compass during his naval career, Admiral Johnstone, has served as Navigator, Fighter Controller and Principal Warfare Officer in ships ranging from Minesweepers to Aircraft Carriers.  He also served as First Lieutenant in HM Yacht Britannia during an appointment that culminated in the handover of Hong Kong. Admiral Johnstone has commanded HMS Iron Duke where he was engaged in the Atlantic and the Adriatic, and HMS Bulwark where he undertook operations in the Northern Gulf, Horn of Africa and off Beirut.  He was awarded a CBE for the Gulf Deployment and the evacuation of British nationals out of Lebanon. Promoted to Captain in 2002, Admiral Johnstone served as the Fleet Programmer within the Fleet Headquarters and was involved with planning for operations in Iraq, the Fire Fighters' Strike, hurricanes in the Caribbean and the tsunami in the Indian Ocean.  Promoted to Commodore in 2007 he undertook a short tour as the Director Naval Personnel Strategy before joining the Ministry of Defence in 2008 as Director of the Naval Staff.  This was closely followed by his appointment as Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of the Defence Staff. Admiral Johnstone is a Member of the Higher Command and Staff Course and the Royal College of Defence Studies.  He is a Younger Brother of Trinity House and a member of the Royal Naval Club of Argyll.  He assumed his role as Flag Officer Sea Training in July 2011. Plymouth College Chairman of Governors, Chris Robinson, said: "We are honoured and delighted that Admiral Johnstone has joined the Board of Governors.  The Royal Navy has always featured very strongly throughout the life of Plymouth College and Admiral Johnstone's appointment ensures that it will continue to do so in the future." Year 9 pupils, Billy Goord, Heloise Wormleighton, Freddie Thompson, Ewan Gare, Harry Luxton and Oscar Marsland have returned triumphant from the Dartmoor Zoo Enterprise Challenge. Year 9 team are kings of the jungle in enterprise challengeYear 9 pupils, Billy Goord, Heloise Wormleighton, Freddie Thompson, Ewan Gare, Harry Luxton and Oscar Marsland have returned triumphant from the Dartmoor Zoo Enterprise Challenge. Year 9 pupils are kings of the jungle in enterprise challenge03958 Year 9 pupils, Billy Goord, Heloise Wormleighton, Freddie Thompson, Ewan Gare, Harry Luxton and Oscar Marsland have returned triumphant from the Dartmoor Zoo Enterprise Challenge.  Competing against six other teams ranging from Year 8s to Year 11s, the pupils became Zoo Development experts for the day and had to devise an innovative and money-making plan to bring animals to the Zoo.  The Plymouth College team chose penguins because they are very different to what is already there.  Not only did their plan come in under budget but they also came up with numerous ideas for making money including an adopt a penguin scheme, cuddly toys and a breeding programme, which fits in with the Zoo's sustainability ethos. "This was a really engaging and innovative competition", said Business and Economics teacher, Aaron Summons.  "I am very proud of the Year 9 team because they came up with so many good ideas.  Our older pupils have an excellent track record in business competitions and it is great to see some of our younger pupils emulating that success." The other teams that took part on the day were two other teams from Plymouth College, two teams from Churston Ferrers Grammar School and two teams from Park Community School. A group of Plymouth College sixth formers have helped out at an event for blind and deaf people. Sixth Formers are hearing and sight guides at Plymouth eventA group of Plymouth College sixth formers have helped out at an event for blind and deaf people. Sixth Formers are hearing and sight guides at Plymouth event0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO slideshow="1" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" thumbnailwidth="350" photosetid="72157628096336717" /> A group of Plymouth College sixth formers have helped out at an event for blind and deaf people.  The Hearing and Sight Centre, part of the Plymouth Guild, held a free Hearing and Sight Exhibition at Plymouth Guildhall. Prior to the event the students received sighted guide training.  They were then able to assist people with a visual impairment to find their way around the event, which had more than 60 exhibitors offering help, advice and products for daily living. The students also carried out market research among the visitors, gathering information about care and support needs.  British Sign Language Interpreters were available for those with hearing difficulties. "It was a great experience to be able to help at the exhibition", said sixth former, Jason van der Schouw.  "Everyone was really friendly and it was very rewarding to know that I was helping visitors to get the most out of the event.  I can now appreciate that day-to-day tasks that seem easy to me can be quite challenging for someone with a visual or hearing impairment." A recent field trip saw Plymouth College CCF afloat at Dartmouth next to the Royal Naval College.Floating bunkhouse is base for CCF campA recent field trip saw Plymouth College CCF afloat at Dartmouth next to the Royal Naval College.Floating bunkhouse is base for CCF camp0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO slideshow="1" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" thumbnailwidth="350" photosetid="72157628001438831" /> A recent field trip saw Plymouth College CCF afloat at Dartmouth next to the Royal Naval College. Retired mine hunter, HMS Hindostan, provided bunk accommodation and a base for the visit. During the two-day camp, cadets were kept busy with a try dive in the college pool, powerboating on the river Dart, leadership exercises, a mini assault course and, on the last day, a visit to the Royal Navy's ice patrol ship HMS Protector. Everyone enjoyed themselves and many want to gain more experience in the activities that they tried out. Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, travelled to Downing Street last week to meet the Prime Minister, David Cameron. Business teacher meets David CameronPlymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, travelled to Downing Street last week to meet the Prime Minister, David Cameron. Business teacher meets David Cameron03942 Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, travelled to Downing Street last week to meet the Prime Minister, David Cameron.  A finalist in the 2010 National Teaching Awards, Jonathan, from Linkinhorne, was invited as part of the celebrations for the 2011 event. Also Head of Sixth Form and International Baccalaureate Diploma Co-ordinator, Jonathan is best known for being the driving force behind the school's phenomenal success in business competitions.  Since joining the school eleven years ago he has steered pupils to victory in ten national and 61 regional competitions including top spots in Young Enterprise, Make Your Mark (twice!), Student Investor and England Social Enterprise Awards in the last two years alone. Jonathan can also be credited for the school's impressive results in public examinations.  He has seen his students take the top mark in the country in Edexcel's Economics and Business Studies A level no less than seven times.  They have also clinched the GCSE and Diploma in Financial Studies accolades twice each with the number coming in the top twenty for all three hitting the 40 mark. A renowned commentator on financial literacy among young people, Jonathan has been interviewed on the subject by the media on a number of occasions and is the co-author of a text book, teacher's guide and CD ROM for the latest GCSE Business Studies syllabus. In 2009 he was awarded the Enterprise South West award for his overall contribution to enterprise education in a secondary school, and in 2010 he was given an Outstanding Achievement award by Devon Young Enterprise in recognition of his work as link teacher with Plymouth College national winners, Affinity. Jonathan was nominated for the teaching award by a group of his students who said at the time: "What's great about Mr Shields is that his door is always open and his support doesn't just stop at the end of the school day.  He works many extra hours helping with projects and taking us to events all over the country.  His passion for the subject really motivates everyone in the class and we all have the greatest respect for him." The Senior School community came together this morning to remember those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and other military conflicts such as the war in Afghanistan.Plymouth College remembersThe Senior School community came together this morning to remember those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and other military conflicts such as the war in Afghanistan.Plymouth College remembers03941 The Senior School community came together this morning to remember those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars and other military conflicts such as the war in Afghanistan. Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, gave a poignant address and read a poem by Siegfried Sassoon.  Sixth Former, Sophie Brown, played the 'Last Post' which was followed by a two-minute silence. The Prep School held a Remembrance Service in its Chapel.   Five years after Plymouth College took part in Channel 4/E4’s High School Dance series, senior students are marking the anniversary with a prom-style event.Senior students take on High School Dance challengeFive years after Plymouth College took part in Channel 4/E4’s High School Dance series, senior students are marking the anniversary with a prom-style event.Senior students take on High School Dance challenge03927 Five years after Plymouth College took part in Channel 4/E4's High School Dance series, senior students are marking the anniversary with a prom-style event. Back in 2006, the Plymouth College High School Dance committee were filmed over a 3-week period as they organised a Moulin Rouge-themed evening.  The programme, the second in a series of six, was a huge success and has been shown several times on national television. This time round the added pressure of TV cameras won't be in the mix but the six committee members from Year 11, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth will still be responsible for every aspect of the event including choosing a theme, booking entertainment, decorating the venue, marketing and managing a budget. "The original project had a significant and very positive impact on the school as a whole, particularly for those at the senior end", said Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "Not only did it bring the College community together in a very powerful way but it provided a valuable learning and educational experience in its own right. "There is already a lot of excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the latest event, which will be held in December.  Places on the committee were in great demand and everyone is very keen to find out what the theme will be!" <a href="/sixth-form/high-school-dance/" title="High School Dance">Click here for the High School Dance episode featuring Plymouth College</a> Photograph: Committee members L to R Millie Evans, Sophie Adams, Olivia Roper, Michael Daniel, Dominic Day, Harry Cobbold In January 2011, Plymouth College Year 7 students decided to take on the challenge of sponsoring a child from a Tanzanian orphanage through their schoolingHead of History visits sponsored children in TanzaniaIn January 2011, Plymouth College Year 7 students decided to take on the challenge of sponsoring a child from a Tanzanian orphanage through their schoolingHead of History visits sponsored children in Tanzania03899 In January 2011, Plymouth College Year 7 students decided to take on the challenge of sponsoring a child from a Tanzanian orphanage through their schooling. Working with Mr Beavington's Banana Tree Project charity <a href="http://www.bananatreeproject.org/">www.bananatreeproject.org</a>, the pupils raised over £1400 through various activities, including a fun run undertaken by two girls dressed as bananas, which has seen immediate effects. Mr Beavington, Head of History at Plymouth College, visited Mwanza in Tanzania during last week's half term to get updates from the children, schools and orphanages and was delighted to report that the children have seized the opportunity that UK sponsors have given them with relish. Asha Hassan, who goes to school because of Plymouth College's pupils, wrote a letter thanking them for their support and made a short video message to say thank you. She is performing strongly in Form 3 at Sunrise Secondary School and is enjoying her studies. <?UMBRACO_MACRO youtubetitle="Asha's video message to Year 7" youtubeimage="" macroAlias="YouTubeVideo" youtubeurl="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjnozKO4zxo&feature=channel_video_title" />   This year's Year 7 students at Plymouth College, inspired by their predecessors' efforts, have also committed themselves to sponsoring a child through The Banana Tree Project.  To make a donation go to <a href="http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/pmcyear7">www.charitygiving.co.uk/pmcyear7</a>   A fleet of mountain bikes, a specialist outdoor education vehicle and other state-of-the-art activity equipment are just some of the additions to Plymouth College’s Outdoor Education department this term. Outdoor education offers exciting adventures for pupilsA fleet of mountain bikes, a specialist outdoor education vehicle and other state-of-the-art activity equipment are just some of the additions to Plymouth College’s Outdoor Education department this term. Outdoor education offers exciting adventures for pupils03893 A fleet of mountain bikes, a specialist outdoor education vehicle and other state-of-the-art activity equipment are just some of the additions to Plymouth College's Outdoor Education department this term.  With two new staff at the helm, activities such as power-kiting, mountain biking and ultimate frisbee have already been introduced with archery, gorge-walking and adventure racing on the agenda for the future.  Utilising the school's outdoor education centre, Whiteworks, on Dartmoor, the team has injected more variety into the PE syllabus, run staff CPD training and continues to support existing programmes such as Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and Ten Tors. Two new residential trips are also in the pipeline - Scottish winter mountaineering and Ardeche multi activity week.  The new head of outdoor education, Gwilym Starks, holds the Mountaineering Instructor Award and Winter Mountain Leader plus qualifications in white water kayaking, sea kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, lifesaving and scuba diving. All these awards combined also allow him to guide coasteering and gorge-walking trips. The former police officer spent four years teaching outdoor education at FE and HE level and has run his own company providing instructor training courses. Gwilym has led teams to Kilimanjaro, Meru, Mt Kenya and Jungle Trekking in Borneo as well as personal trips to Norway, the Alps and other European destinations. His right-hand man is Dan Brice, assistant head of outdoor education, who has worked in the outdoor industry for ten years in various capacities. These include developing outdoor education for a county sports partnership, senior instructor at activity centres, delivering outdoor education at FE and HE level, running his own outdoor delivery company, vice-chairman of a canoe club and volunteering on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Dan holds qualifications in Countryside Recreation Management, Mountain Leader Award, Single Pitch Award (climbing), ERCA High Ropes Instructor and Rescuer, Trail Cycle Leader, Level 2 Canoe and Kayak, Level 2 Power Kite Instructor (buggy and land-board) and GNAS Archery Leader. Dan can often be found using his free time to improve his own skills on the rivers and trails of the South West. Plymouth College Year 7s had a chance to experience history first hand with a visit to Restormel Castle, situated near the Cornish village of Lostwithiel.History brought to life for Year 7sPlymouth College Year 7s had a chance to experience history first hand with a visit to Restormel Castle, situated near the Cornish village of Lostwithiel.History brought to life for Year 7s0 <?UMBRACO_MACRO thumbnailwidth="350" slideshow="1" photosetid="72157627798151099" macroAlias="FlickrPhotoset" /> Plymouth College Year 7s had a chance to experience history first hand with a visit to Restormel Castle, situated near the Cornish village of Lostwithiel. Part of their studies on castles, the pupils got to tour the Norman ruin with its perfectly circular shell-keep and learn about its purpose over the years and those who lived there.  Once the luxurious residence of the Earl of Cornwall, it became ruined in the years after the English Civil War. With views to River Fowey and beyond, the Year 7s enjoyed a picnic in the castle grounds before returning to school. A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 8th October.Plymouth College to open its doors for the morning A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 8th October.Plymouth College to open its doors for the morning 03863 A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 8th October. The leading independent school opens its doors atFordParkfrom9.30 a.m.to12.30 p.m.  Visitors will have the chance to look around the school and meet staff and pupils.  Founded in 1877,PlymouthCollegeis a city-based day and boarding school providing education for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.  A forward-looking school with a successful history, this summer saw a good set of results at both A Level and GCSE, with 98% and 90% pass rates respectively - on average Plymouth College pupils perform one grade better in each GCSE taken than predicted by previous attainment.  A number of students achieve about two grades higher than expected in each subject.  The school also offers the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form, which achieved an outstanding first-ever overall point score of 34, the equivalent of more than 3 A*s at A Level. The school is equally proud of its enriching extra-curricular programme, with activities ranging from sports and outward bound to music and drama.  The senior school production of 'Blood Brothers' was dramatic and intense, while Year 7 has been enjoying overnight stays at Whiteworks on Dartmoor.  On the sports front, elite swimmer, Grant Halsall, won 3 medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, while Tia Simms-Lymn is double British Fencing Champion. The school boasts a mix of cultures with pupils from theFar East,Asia,Europeand theAmericas. Locally, pupils come fromPlymouth, the South Hams,West Devonand South East Cornwall, many using the school bus service. Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, says: "Our academic curriculum is strong but we also believe firmly in the importance of the wider curriculum, which is reflected in the diverse mix of sporting, outward bound, artistic, musical and dramatic activities.  Everyone is able to find success and enjoyment along a broad front. "There is a great community spirit at the College and those who come here make lasting friendships and forge good relationships at all levels." For more information please call the Headmaster's Secretary on 01752 203245 or e-mail mail@plymouthcollege.com   Following on from his success in the British Street Dancing Championships earlier this year, Plymouth College pupil, Ben Harvey, can now add ‘World Champion’ to his string of accolades. Ben is world street dancing championFollowing on from his success in the British Street Dancing Championships earlier this year, Plymouth College pupil, Ben Harvey, can now add ‘World Champion’ to his string of accolades. Ben is world street dancing champion03842 Following on from his success in the British Street Dancing Championships earlier this year, Plymouth College pupil, Ben Harvey, can now add 'World Champion' to his string of accolades.   Part of dance crew, Atomic, the Year 8 pupil competed against teams from all over Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA in the competition in Blackpool.  The Plymouth dancers put in a superb performance and beat 16 nations to lift the U18 Newcomer Team Street Dance World Champions 2011 trophy.  Earlier in the competition Ben and his dance instructor fought off stiff competition from 17 pairs to take 3rd place in the world in the Adult and Child category. Next up for Ben, who trains at Rhythm City Dance Studio, is the High Schools Championships in October.  In November he will travel to Wales to defend his Welsh Street Dance Championship title. The America’s Cup director of media production, Gary Lovejoy, took time out of his busy schedule in the run-up to the prestigious event being held in Plymouth to talk to sixth formers at his former school, Plymouth College.America’s Cup brought to life by former pupilThe America’s Cup director of media production, Gary Lovejoy, took time out of his busy schedule in the run-up to the prestigious event being held in Plymouth to talk to sixth formers at his former school, Plymouth College.America’s Cup brought to life by former pupil03841 The America's Cup director of media production, Gary Lovejoy, took time out of his busy schedule in the run-up to the prestigious event being held in Plymouth to talk to sixth formers at his former school, Plymouth College. With a mission to open up the world of sailing to as many people as possible, Gary talked to the students about the competition's history, the boats and the teams involved and the complexities of broadcasting the event to the world.  He showed high-energy video clips of racing in San Francisco and Portugal - a particularly spectacular capsize drew loud gasps from his young audience! Gary also talked about his time at the school, which he left after completing his A Levels in 1972 - he was a member of the first XV rugby team, ran the 400m and 800m for the school and was a sixth form prefect. "The aim of the 34th America's Cup is to encourage more young people around the world to embrace sailing as a top action sport and to follow our events leading up to and including the America's Cup itself in San Francisco in 2013. So to be able to talk to hundreds of young people at Plymouth College about the best sailors in the fastest boats on the planet was ideal for our message.  It was even better for me personally as the school means so much to me still. "I had many great sporting days at Plymouth College and I would put down today's meeting with the class of 2011 as being another highlight for me, it was great fun and I hope the school is now going to be well represented on The Hoe, watching the racing."  There was much to celebrate at Plymouth College this morning with 20% of pupils gaining at least seven A* or A grades at GCSE.One in five Plymouth College pupils gain seven or more top GCSEsThere was much to celebrate at Plymouth College this morning with 20% of pupils gaining at least seven A* or A grades at GCSE.One in five Plymouth College pupils gain seven or more top GCSEs03836 There was much to celebrate at Plymouth College this morning with 20% of pupils gaining at least seven A* or A grades at GCSE.  Four clinched at least ten top grades, including Niall Mahoney who achieved an impressive 11A*s and 1A grade. The Plymouth College A* to C pass rate of 90% is the same as last year and continues to be well above the national average.  The A*/A pass rate is 36%. "Many congratulations to all our GCSE students who have received their results this morning", said Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "I am delighted to see another good set of results - it is really satisfying to see the hard work of both our pupils and teachers rewarded in this way." Plymouth College is celebrating its A Level results this morning. The overall pass rate remains strong at 98% with an impressive A* to B grade pass rate of 65%, an increase of 4 percentage points on last year.Plymouth College celebrates A Level resultsPlymouth College is celebrating its A Level results this morning. The overall pass rate remains strong at 98% with an impressive A* to B grade pass rate of 65%, an increase of 4 percentage points on last year.Plymouth College celebrates A Level results03786 Plymouth College is celebrating its A Level results this morning. The overall pass rate remains strong at 98% with an impressive A* to B grade pass rate of 65%, an increase of 4 percentage points on last year. One in six pupils gained at least 3 A grades or better, with five pupils achieving at least 4 As.  Top performers include Head Boy, Tristan Day, who walked away with 2 A*s and 2 As, Ellie Hall, Emma Harry and Will Dickinson each with 1 A* and 3 As, and Alistair Lochhead with 4 As. The  A level results come hot on the heels of the school's first ever International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) results in July, which saw an outstanding overall point score of 34, the equivalent of more than 3 A*s at A level.  "My warmest congratulations to all our students on their examination success", said Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  I am delighted to see such an excellent set of results and I would like to pass on my thanks to the teaching staff for their continued commitment and hard work, which has helped our students to reach such a high level of achievement.  We have a busy and vibrant sixth form community and it is extremely rewarding to see both our A level and IB student do so well. " Plymouth College is celebrating this afternoon with the release of its first ever results for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Outstanding first IB results for Plymouth CollegePlymouth College is celebrating this afternoon with the release of its first ever results for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Outstanding first IB results for Plymouth College0 Plymouth College is celebrating today after the release of its first ever results for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The school's overall mark was an impressive 34 points, which equates to 474 UCAS points and is equivalent to more than 3A*s at A Level. Plymouth College was the first school in the city to offer the diploma when it added the IB to its educational mix in 2009 to run alongside A levels.  The structure of IB offers a true breadth of study, designed to equip students with the ability to not only be international in their outlook but also to develop independence in learning and life to give them an all-round educational benefit.  Students study six subjects, including a foreign language, science and humanities subject, and have to complete three compulsory elements: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Action, Service.  These areas very much drive the IB ethos for encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives, developing independent study and life skills and fostering students' awareness and understanding of life outside the academic arena. The school's top performing pupil was Fred Wild, 18, from Liskeard, who achieved 37 points, which equates to 545 UCAS points and is equivalent to 3A*s and 1 A at A Level.  He studied English, Economics, History, Maths, Physics and Spanish. "I really enjoyed the style and variety of learning that IB offered", said Fred.  "We were encouraged to be quite independent and that gave us flexibility in how we learnt.  In English, rather than following a set text, I was able to write my own creative piece followed by a commentary." Thinking 'outside the box' and educating the 'whole person' are integral to the ethos of IB.  Creativity, Action, Service saw Fred undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and spend a week teaching in The Gambia.  In fact it was during this week that the flexibility of learning styles IB offers was really brought home to him. "We had a Theory of Knowledge lesson sat round a camp fire", said Fred.  "I can think of no better way to get you thinking about how the world works than to lean back and look at the stars in what has to be the clearest sky I've ever seen!" As well as students from England, a number of Fred's classmates were from overseas - Plymouth College has a boarding facility - giving lessons a real international dimension. "It's great because the German students, for example, brought another set of learning styles to the mix, and in a History lesson about World War 2, they would have a very different perspective from me and the other English students." Fred is about to start his gap year gaining work experience in politics and will apply to Oxford University in 2012.  "I am absolutely delighted that our first set if IB results are so strong and pass on my warmest congratulation to all the students involved", said Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "It is a rigorous qualification that possesses the ultimate level of portability in a world where national boundaries are increasingly becoming less significant, opening up endless possibilities for students to study at universities around the world.  Equally, the qualification is highly-valued by UK universities not least because of the independent research element of the Extended Essay.  "As a school we very much encourage our pupils to look outwards, learning to respect themselves and others, becoming self-sufficient and independent so that by the time they leave school they will be ready to contribute responsibly as members of a global community. IB fits very much into this vision." Robert Davies, Year 8, has picked up a Special Award for Verse Speaking at the Torbay and South West of England Speech and Drama Festival. Verse speaking award for Robert at festivalRobert Davies, Year 8, has picked up a Special Award for Verse Speaking at the Torbay and South West of England Speech and Drama Festival. Verse speaking award for Robert at festival03743 Robert Davies, Year 8, has picked up a Special Award for Verse Speaking at the Torbay and South West of England Speech and Drama Festival.  He received the award after coming 1st in the Bible Reading class, 2nd in Humorous Verse and 3rd in Prose Reading. No stranger to festival success, Robert won the Bible Reading class and picked up 2nd places for Humorous Verse and Set Verse Speaking at the Saltash Festival earlier this year.  The talented pupil is also a member of the National Youth Choir. Plymouth College outdoor activities manager, David Compton, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (D of E) and charity work in The Gambia.Plymouth College staff member honoured with MBEPlymouth College outdoor activities manager, David Compton, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (D of E) and charity work in The Gambia.Plymouth College staff member honoured with MBE03729 Plymouth College outdoor activities manager, David Compton, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme (D of E) and charity work in The Gambia. David, who has worked at the school for 36 years and taught geography until 2007, started his D of E journey when he was 14 years old.  After achieving his own bronze, silver and gold awards, he became an assistant leader.  He took over the running of D of E at Plymouth College at least 20 years ago and is on the Plymouth Executive Committee.  David has supported thousands of young people on their D of E journeys and has led many expeditions to Morocco, France, Scotland and Dartmoor. The school's link with The Gambia started 31 years ago when David's form decided to sponsor a child in a developing country.  The Gambia Aid Project was born, leading to annual sometimes twice-yearly trips to Kerewan Samba Sira and more recently, Bissary Mardi.  Over the years David and pupils have been involved in projects that have seen the building of classrooms, library, dining room and other facilities at a local school, the installation of clean water systems and the setting up of a health post. Three years ago David organised the shipping of a giant container of books, clothes, medical supplies, computers and sports equipment. As well as D of E and The Gambia, David also trains and manages the school's Ten Tors teams.  The event in May this year marked his 37th year of involvement. "All of us at Plymouth College are incredibly proud to see David honoured with an MBE", said Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "He has given so much of his time to supporting and encouraging both the young people at this school and the communities in The Gambia, and I am delighted that his dedication and commitment to all of them has been recognised in such a high-profile way." <img src="/media/57004/david-compton-the-gambia.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="David Compton2"/> Ben Harvey, 12, has won the Presidents Cup for Junior Drama Champion at the Torbay and Southwest of England speech and drama festival.Ben is champion of champions in speech and drama festivalBen Harvey, 12, has won the Presidents Cup for Junior Drama Champion at the Torbay and Southwest of England speech and drama festival.Ben is champion of champions in speech and drama festival03725 Ben Harvey, 12, has won the Presidents Cup for Junior Drama Champion at the Torbay and Southwest of England speech and drama festival. He was invited to compete in the champion of champions' event at the end of the festival after winning the Marjorie Lyon Cup in the Humorous verse section, the Lorraine Gribble Solo Acting Cup in the solo drama category and for coming 2nd in Television Newsreader Category. To win the overall award Ben competed against all the other verse speaking and acting category winners.  Since September the talented pupil has won trophies at the Plymouth and Saltash festivals and came 3rd in the U16 intermediate duo class in the British Street Dance Championships. Classical vocalist, Poppy Mills, 14, has beaten thousands of competitors to be selected as a soloist to perform at a concert at Wembley Arena in February.Plymouth College singing star to perform at WembleyClassical vocalist, Poppy Mills, 14, has beaten thousands of competitors to be selected as a soloist to perform at a concert at Wembley Arena in February.Plymouth College singing star to perform at Wembley03704 Classical vocalist, Poppy Mills, 14, has beaten thousands of competitors to be selected as a soloist to perform at a concert at Wembley Arena in February. The Plymouth College music scholar and winner of Plymouth's Got Talent, will take to the stage at Wembley for 'Voice in a Million', an organization which works with young people of all backgrounds to produce challenging music and choral work, inspiring them to achieve their highest aspirations.  Through high profile events and commercial recordings, 'Voice in a Million' strives to raise awareness of adoption and the plight of millions of children worldwide that are orphaned, abandoned or separated from their birth parents and in need of a loving family for life. No stranger to performing at big events, Poppy travelled to Belgium in February for her first international solo concert and has sung for charities including St Luke's Hospice, Make a Wish Foundation, The Chestnut Appeal, The British Heart Foundation and The Royal Variety Club of Great Britain.  She has had regular guest spots on the BBC and opened the end of season rugby for SKY Sports.  Poppy recently released a classical crossover EP and is about to record a charity single for the Royal Marine Association. The Year 10 pupil studies classical singing with soprano Catherine Hamilton and speech and drama with Zoe Vigus.  Having already gained RSM grade 3 singing with distinction, Poppy has just been awarded LAMDA grade 3 musical theatre with distinction (90), for which she performed 'Baltimore' from Hairspray and 'Wishing' from  Phantom of the Opera.  She has also just won the Verse Speaking Memorial Trophy at The South West of England Speech and Drama Festival.  "It is a real honour to be chosen to perform at such a high-profile concert for this very worthy cause", said Poppy.  "I am so excited to be taking part. All my favourite artists have played at Wembley Arena - it is a huge venue and will be a dream come true to perform there myself. The first rehearsal is in July and I can't wait to find out what I will be singing." Plymouth College pianist, Tom Brooker, has passed his grade 1Royal School of Music Jazz Piano exam with distinction.Tom awarded ‘distinction’ in jazz piano examPlymouth College pianist, Tom Brooker, has passed his grade 1Royal School of Music Jazz Piano exam with distinction.Tom awarded ‘distinction’ in jazz piano exam03702 Plymouth College pianist, Tom Brooker, has passed his grade 1 Royal School of Music Jazz Piano exam with distinction. The Year 7 pupil played blues number 'Bedford Square Blues' by Richard Michael, jazz standard 'Perdido' by Juan Tizol, and the contemporary 'He is sadly melting' by Phil Peskett.  Tom also had to improvise a jazz piece. Tom, who has been playing piano since he was six years old, is currently taking a break from grade 5 piano to study further jazz grades under the tuition of Philip R Buttall. Plymouth College pupil, Bethany Gare, has passed her intermediate ballet exam with merit. Ballet exam success for BethanyPlymouth College pupil, Bethany Gare, has passed her intermediate ballet exam with merit. Ballet exam success for Bethany03690 Plymouth College pupil, Bethany Gare, has passed her intermediate ballet exam with merit.  She took the exam at the Royal Academy of Dance Headquarters in London, where she was assessed on her ballet technique, classical performance and pointe work skills. Bethany has been taught ballet by Becky Ann Camp at Italia Conti since she was five years old.  She has previously been part of the Royal Ballet School's Associate Programme, which saw her attend outreach classes at the Royal Ballet Upper School in Covent Garden, and took part in a show at London's Piccadilly Theatre to commemorate 100 years of Italia Conti. Hot on the heels of claiming the England prize in the Young Person’s Social Enterprise of the Year category, Plymouth College company, Ecovation, has taken the runners up spot in the UK final of the Social Enterprise Awards.UK social enterprise event success for birdfeederHot on the heels of claiming the England prize in the Young Person’s Social Enterprise of the Year category, Plymouth College company, Ecovation, has taken the runners up spot in the UK final of the Social Enterprise Awards.UK social enterprise event success for birdfeeder03640 Hot on the heels of claiming the England prize in the Young Person's Social Enterprise of the Year category, Plymouth College company, Ecovation, has taken the runners up spot in the UK final of the Social Enterprise Awards.  Held as part of Voice 11 (the UK's biggest social enterprise event) at the O2 Arena, Ecovation was competing alongside other social enterprises from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Set up by a team of inspiring Sixth Formers in September, Ecovation builds and sells products to help the environment, including the Ecofeeder, a birdfeeder which turns household kitchen food waste into bird food to help reduce landfill.  Despite missing out on the top prize, Ecovation didn't come away empty-handed, selling 150 birdfeeders to a garden centre, signing a manufacturing deal with a company in Nottingham and securing £15,000 in funding.  The company also sold an Ecofeeder to Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. Ecovation has pledged to give away a percentage of profits to help improve the local and global environment.  Beneficiaries will include the Wildlife Trust and Real Ideas Young People's Social Enterprise start Up Fund.  The team turned down an offer of private investment because they want to stay true to their values.  Olympic diver and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, is Ecovation's Director of Marketing - he also helps to make the birdfeeders at lunchtime.  Although he had to miss the O2 event because of diving commitments, Tom is really proud to be part of Ecovation. "I got involved in the company because I was really keen to do something a bit different at school", said Tom.  "Obviously a lot of my time is spent training or at competitions so I really relished the chance of learning a whole new set of skills. "Having the opportunity to run a business has been a fantastic experience for someone of my age.  We work really well together as a team and the fact that we are helping the environment with our product, and making a financial contribution to a business start up fund for young people, is an added bonus." There are 62,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing over £20 billion to the economy and employing nearly a million people.  Social enterprises are businesses, but exist first and foremost to make a positive difference to society or the environment.  Profits are reinvested rather than given to shareholders and owners.  They operate in almost every industry in Britain, from health and social care to renewable energy, from retail to recycling, from employment to sport, from housing to education. Photographs: 1) Abi Smith, Ed Hirst and Michael Daniel with Vince Cable 2) Vince Cable buys an Ecofeeder from Managing Director, Michael Daniel 3) Ecovation , toiletries, cling film, books and toys are just some of the many items that the Plymouth College community donated to aid initiative, ‘Help Japan’, in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.Plymouth College community ‘Help Japan’, toiletries, cling film, books and toys are just some of the many items that the Plymouth College community donated to aid initiative, ‘Help Japan’, in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.Plymouth College community ‘Help Japan’03616 Food, toiletries, cling film, books and toys are just some of the many items that the Plymouth College community donated to aid initiative, 'Help Japan', in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami.   Pupils, staff,  parents and friends from both the senior and prep schools filled two van-loads of essential items to be shipped back to those in need in Japan. 'Help Japan' has been organised by former Plymouth teacher, Caroline Pover.  Now living in Japan, Caroline returned to the UK to collect as much aid as she could to take back to the country she has called home for the last 16 years. Caroline took time out of her nation-wide tour to speak to pupils in assembly.  She talked to them about her passion for the country as well as her own experience of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami. Deputy Head, Sarah Dunn, said: "Caroline is a truly inspirational lady and we were determined to do what we could to for the 'Help Japan' cause.  As well as the mountain of items donated by our school community, we also used some of the money raised from a mufti day to buy a Shelter Box for Japan." To complement their studies of the English Civil War, Year 8 played host to re-enactors from the Torrington 1646. Year 8 re-enact the Civil WarTo complement their studies of the English Civil War, Year 8 played host to re-enactors from the Torrington 1646. Year 8 re-enact the Civil War03605 To complement their studies of the English Civil War, Year 8 played host to re-enactors from the Torrington 1646.  The students were introduced to gruesome seventeenth century surgery which included very direct methods of overcoming constipation and very simple methods of resolving tooth complaints. The implements were big, metal and heavy which made many children wince, especially those selected to wear the bloodstained robe and face hand amputation! Sir Basil guided the students through techniques for spotting witches and gave a detailed guide as to how witches could be tested and dispatched. Finally, Master Christopher held aloft the weapons used during the Civil War battles and helped students dress in the soldiers' armour.  As a conclusion to the day, Master Christopher took the year group onto the playing field and explained how the musket was prepared and fired, leaving the gun shot resounding around the College. The students learnt an enormous amount from their various experiences and came away with a greater understanding of life and warfare in seventeenth century England. A team of mathematicians from Plymouth College are through to the national final of the UK Mathematics Trust’s Team Maths Challenge for the second year running. Plymouth College in national maths challenge final for second year runningA team of mathematicians from Plymouth College are through to the national final of the UK Mathematics Trust’s Team Maths Challenge for the second year running. Plymouth College in national maths challenge final for second year running03593 A team of mathematicians from Plymouth College are through to the national final of the UK Mathematics Trust's Team Maths Challenge for the second year running.  Joe Andrews, 13 from Fowey, James Wall, 13 from Noss Mayo, Paul Vallis, 13 from Plympton and James Douie, 14 from Saltash, qualified after beating 22 schools to retain the Devon champions' title. Open to pupils in Years 8 and 9, the boys have been training for the challenge during their lunch breaks since the start of term.  The competition combines mathematical, communication and teamwork skills and offers pupils another way to express and develop their enjoyment of mathematics. The Devon event was divided into four sections - crossnumber, group, head-to-head and relay.  "I am delighted that Plymouth College pupils have made it to the national final again", said mathematics teacher and team mentor, Rob Groves.  "The boys equipped themselves really well and remained calm and focused under pressure.  "This is a great competition for young mathematicians to be involved in as it advances their appreciation of mathematics by going beyond the school curriculum.  It allows them to see how maths can be applied to real life situations". The national final takes place at the Royal Horticulture Society in London in June. Year 7 girls, Natasha Spiers and Katie Little had to take care they didn’t ‘slip up’ when they took part in the Hoe 10 fun run in February. Natasha and Katie go bananas!Year 7 girls, Natasha Spiers and Katie Little had to take care they didn’t ‘slip up’ when they took part in the Hoe 10 fun run in February. Natasha and Katie go bananas!03520 Year 7 girls, Natasha Spiers and Katie Little had to take care they didn't 'slip up' when they took part in the Hoe 10 fun run in February.  The girls completed the 1.5 mile run dressed as bananas to raise money for a charity which pays for orphaned children and former street kids in Tanzania to go to school. The Banana Tree Project was set up in 2006 by Plymouth College Head of History, Ed Beavington, when he was teaching in the African country.  Plymouth College Year 7 pupils have taken on the challenge of raising £500 so that teenage orphan, Asha Hassan, can continue her secondary school studies.  She gained a C grade in her national exams in December and continues to work hard. Her letter to Year 7 is on display in the History department. Natasha and Katie have raised more than half the money between them and a cake sale has brought in a further £100.  The challenge will continue next term. Plymouth College company, Ecovation, has won the Young Person’s Social Enterprise of the Year category in the Social Enterprise Awards England. Plymouth College business wins national social enterprise awardPlymouth College company, Ecovation, has won the Young Person’s Social Enterprise of the Year category in the Social Enterprise Awards England. Plymouth College business wins national social enterprise award03508 Plymouth College company, Ecovation, has won the Young Person's Social Enterprise of the Year category in the Social Enterprise Awards England.  Founded last September by a team of inspiring Sixth Formers, Ecovation will go through to the UK finals along with other social enterprises from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband, will speak at the high profile event, being held on 30th March at The O2 in London. The company builds and sells products to help the environment, including the Ecofeeder, a birdfeeder which turns hold household kitchen food waste into bird food, to help reduce landfill.  The team pledges to give away a percentage of profits to help improve the local and global environment and turned down an offer of private investment because they want to stay true to their values. There are 62,000 social enterprises in the UK, contributing over £20 billion to the economy and employing nearly a million people.  Social enterprises are businesses, but exist first and foremost to make a positive difference to society or the environment.  Profits are reinvested rather than given to shareholders and owners.  They operate in almost every industry in Britain, from health and social care to renewable energy, from retail to recycling, from employment to sport, from housing to education. The awards are organised by the Social Enterprise Coalition (SEC), the national membership body for social enterprise. Michael Daniel, joint Managing Director of Ecovation CIC, said:  "Social enterprise is the legal structure of the future. It is the only type of business to place real emphasis on the importance on all stakeholder groups. We are elated to have won this award and hope that our project can inspire others to follow suit." The Social Enterprise Coalition's Chief Executive, Peter Holbrook, said:  "Ecovation must be congratulated on their win because they were up against some really stiff competition.  The team is doing amazing work and we hope they can build on their early success and continue to do great things for their community." Plymouth College staff, Elle Compton and Rosie Gee, both 22, are set to undertake a gruelling cycle ride to Morocco to raise money for Jeremiah’s Journey.African cycle adventure to raise money for Jeremiah’s JourneyPlymouth College staff, Elle Compton and Rosie Gee, both 22, are set to undertake a gruelling cycle ride to Morocco to raise money for Jeremiah’s Journey.African cycle adventure to raise money for Jeremiah’s Journey03492 Plymouth College staff, Elle Compton and Rosie Gee, both 22, are set to undertake a gruelling cycle ride to Morocco to raise money for Jeremiah's Journey. The Souk to Souk challenge will start at the Souk restaurant on the Barbican on 1 April.  From here the Boarding House tutors and sport coaches will embark on a journey of 1,300 miles to reach a souk (meeting place) in Morocco.  Travelling 70 miles a day, the girls' adventure will take about three weeks during the Easter break. Apart from ferry crossings across the English Channel and Strait of Gibraltar, the girls will complete the challenge on bikes.  Elle and Rosie are being supported by Cogs Bikes and will travel with Jeremiah's Journey mascot, JJ, attached to the handle bars.  They are hoping to raise £2,000.  "Jeremiah's Journey is a Plymouth-based charity that offers support and information to children and their families when someone special has died", said Elle, who is a former Plymouth College pupil. "We were very keen to raise money for a local cause and we thought a journey of our own seemed very apt for this particular charity." Elle and Rosie will be keeping a blog and posting photos during their trip.  For more information and to sponsor the girls, please visit <a href="http://www.souk2souk.jimdo.com/">www.souk2souk.jimdo.com</a> Lower sixth AS and IB geography students got to put their theory into practice recently on a fieldwork trip to Dorset. Dorset trip brings geography theory to lifeLower sixth AS and IB geography students got to put their theory into practice recently on a fieldwork trip to Dorset. Dorset trip brings geography theory to life03478 Lower sixth AS and IB geography students got to put their theory into practice recently on a fieldwork trip to Dorset.  First up was an opportunity to carry out a transect of the sand dunes behind Studland Bay followed by an investigation of the coastal defences around Chesil Beach.  The students also had the chance to visit many classic sites on the Jurassic Coast, including Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks. "It was a great experience for the students", said Head of Geography, Anya Starling.  "Thankfully the weather was pretty good so we were able to make the most of being outdoors, even though that meant the classroom sessions ran quite late at the end of each day!" Budding performers, Bethany Gare and Calais Goord, have both passed LAMDA exams with distinction.LAMDA success for Bethany and CalaisBudding performers, Bethany Gare and Calais Goord, have both passed LAMDA exams with distinction.LAMDA success for Bethany and Calais03470 Budding performers, Bethany Gare and Calais Goord, have both passed LAMDA exams with distinction. Bethany, 15, has achieved grade 7 Mime, while Calais, 14, has been awarded grade 5 Acting.  Both girls take classes with Norma Blake at the Raleigh School of Speech and Drama. Photograph: Calais (L) and Bethany (R) Dr Michael Wilson from the Nuclear Medicine Department of the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust gave a whistle-stop tour through various imaging techniques in his fascinating lecture ‘From X-rays to antimatter’ held at Plymouth College earlier this week. Medical imaging techniques brought to life in physics lectureDr Michael Wilson from the Nuclear Medicine Department of the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust gave a whistle-stop tour through various imaging techniques in his fascinating lecture ‘From X-rays to antimatter’ held at Plymouth College earlier this week. Medical imaging techniques brought to life in physics lecture03439 Dr Michael Wilson from the Nuclear Medicine Department of the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust gave a whistle-stop tour through various imaging techniques in his fascinating lecture 'From X-rays to antimatter' held at Plymouth College earlier this week.  His inspiring lecture revealed how over the past hundred years physicists have developed increasingly sophisticated techniques to see inside the body. Pupils from Year 9 to Sixth Form, along with students from eight other schools, were given an insight into how CT scanners, PET scanners, radioisotope scanners and magnetic resonance imagers work.  The lecture, organised by the Institute of Physics, was full of amazing audio/visual media and there were a number of hands-on demonstrations including an explosion of coloured balls to show how detectors receive signals from various locations inside the body and the 'spinning girl', which demonstrated magnetic resonance imaging in which a patient is put in a very strong magnetic field and radio waves are used to image different 'slices' through the body. "We were delighted to host the first of 30 lectures that Dr Wilson is giving at schools around the country", said physics teacher, Jean Pope.  "About 500 students attended across two sessions and it was a great opportunity for them to experience such a wide range of medical imaging techniques first hand."   Plymouth College pupil, Ben Harvey, 11, has won his weight in trophies after a run of success in dance and speech competitions.Dance and speech trophy haul for BenPlymouth College pupil, Ben Harvey, 11, has won his weight in trophies after a run of success in dance and speech competitions.Dance and speech trophy haul for Ben03416 Plymouth College pupil, Ben Harvey, 11, has won his weight in trophies after a run of success in dance and speech competitions. Following his success in the Plymouth Speech and Drama Festival in the autumn, when he won a number of prizes and was awarded the trophy for the Most Promising Performer, Ben walked away with more silverware at the Saltash Festival. He came 1st in the U14 Prose Speaking class, reciting James Reeves' The Sea and claimed another 1st place in the U14 Prose Reading, with an extract from Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo.  He came 3rd in the U16 News Reading class.  His success in the Saltash Festival was completed with the award for Overall Prose Performance. Ben's final addition to his trophy haul came last weekend when he came 3rd in the U16 intermediate duo class in the British Street Dance Championships in Somerset.  A member of Plymouth street dance group, Rhythm City, Ben performs in competitions around the country. "I really enjoy taking part in the competitions", said Ben.  "I have to practise quite hard but it's definitely worth it, particularly when I bring a trophy home." Plymouth College celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with a colourful lantern procession around the school grounds. Plymouth College celebrates Chinese New YearPlymouth College celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with a colourful lantern procession around the school grounds. Plymouth College celebrates Chinese New Year03400 Plymouth College celebrated the Chinese New Year in style with a colourful lantern procession around the school grounds.  The lanterns were made in after school club, Art Extra.      To honour the Year of the Rabbit, pupils and staff created two large rabbits from willow rods covered with coloured tissue paper.  The procession also included two carrot lanterns and a series of red lanterns with New Year wishes written in Chinese.  As well as members of Art Extra, the procession was joined by some of the school's Chinese students, who played percussion instruments and 'Chinese bells' throughout the event.  The procession culminated in a crescendo in the school library, where lanterns from previous Chinese New Years are on display. "The lanterns this year were very colourful and the carrots were particularly fun to make", said art teacher, Dana Roberts.  "The procession was really lively and it was great to see so many pupils get involved." When Anthony Harris left Plymouth College in 1960 he never imagined it would be more than 50 years before he returned.OPM gives talk to Sixth FormWhen Anthony Harris left Plymouth College in 1960 he never imagined it would be more than 50 years before he returned.OPM gives talk to Sixth Form03391 When Anthony Harris left Plymouth College in 1960 he never imagined it would be more than 50 years before he returned. Last week the former Deputy Head Boy made his long overdue return when he came back to talk to the Sixth Form about his life and work since leaving the school. An Under-Officer in the Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force and Captain of the shooting team, Anthony won a Stapledon Exhibition to read Classics at Exeter College, Oxford, where he shot for Great Britain on a number of occasions. From here Anthony joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and went to Lebanon to study Arabic at the Foreign Office Arabic School.  Postings as Oriental Secretary in Jedda and Information Office in Khartoum followed.  He returned to the FCO in 1972 as Desk Officer for the Gulf States and acted as interpreter for, among others, HM The Queen and Prime Minister Edward Heath during official visits to London by Arab leaders. In 1975 Anthony was sent to Abu Dhabi as Deputy Head of Mission and three years later he moved to the UN in Geneva.  Seconded to the MOD in 1982 as Regional Marketing Director, Middle East, he held the post of Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission in Cairo from 1986-1990. Anthony returned to the FCO as Head of Information where he was responsible for inter alia for international press relations during the first Gulf War.  His last posting was as HM Ambassador to Abu Dhabi until 1998. After a couple of years with London merchant bank, Robert Fleming, Anthony went to Dubai to set up a business consultancy, advising more than a dozen companies operating there over the last decade.  He is now Head of the Regional Office of Robert Fleming Insurance Brokers (RFIB), which involves travelling widely in the Levant and Gulf States.  Anthony is currently setting up another office for RFIB in Riyadh and continues to advise a number of companies on their Middle East operations. Of his return to Plymouth College Anthony said: "I was quite moved by the experience of returning to the school after a complete break of more than 50 years.  It was a mixture of the familiar and the new.  The modern facilities, like the indoor pool and the new hall, were particularly striking, as were my memories of morning assembly and reading the lesson in the Memorial Hall, shooting on the school range and playing cricket on the playing fields. "I was very touched by the warmth of the welcome I received.  It was an unforgettable experience and I must now try to restore some links with Plymouth and the school and not let the years rush by as I have previously done." Photograph L to R: Jon Dawe, Simon Wormleighton (Headmaster), Bianca Richards, Chris Robinson (Chairman of Governors), Anthony Harris, Mike Turpitt (OPM President), Emily Coelho, Jonathan Shields (Head of Sixth Form), Tom Clenaghan Plymouth College singers, Robert Davies, 12, and Robin Willoughby, 13, have been selected for the National Youth Choir. Robert and Robin sing their way to National Youth ChoirPlymouth College singers, Robert Davies, 12, and Robin Willoughby, 13, have been selected for the National Youth Choir. Robert and Robin sing their way to National Youth Choir03343 Plymouth College singers, Robert Davies, 12, and Robin Willoughby, 13, have been selected for the National Youth Choir.  The boys were successful after singing two songs each at auditions in Bristol and London last term.  Robert sang songs from Mary Poppins and Sweeney Todd, while Robin sang Handel's 'Where 'ere you walk' and 'Consider yourself' from Oliver. Between 20,000 and 30,000 young people apply each year for the prestigious choir.  First on the agenda is a residential coaching course in Oxfordshire in April followed by a concert in Birmingham. "This was the first time we had auditioned so we are delighted to have been selected", said Robert.  "We are really looking forward to meeting the other young people and can't wait to perform in the concert." Photograph: L to R Robert Davies and Robin Willoughby Plymouth College is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 24th January 2011. Sixth Form Open Evening at Plymouth CollegePlymouth College is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 24th January 2011. Sixth Form Open Evening at Plymouth College0 Plymouth College is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 24th January 2011.  The Open Evening will take place in the Sixth Form Centre, where visitors can drop in between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to find out more about A Level options and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.  Prospective students will also be able to talk to current sixth formers and find out what sixth form life is really like at Plymouth College.  Refreshments will be served in the bistro. Sixth form at Plymouth College provides a whole range of opportunities for students to develop their academic strengths, as well as other important life skills they will need outside of the classroom. Studying beyond Year 11 is viewed as a period of educational transition, and the aim is to equip students with the confidence to study independently and develop the self-discipline necessary to be successful at university. The Sixth Form Centre gives them independence within the framework of the school, whether it's for private study or just relaxing with a cappuccino in the bistro.  In addition, there are many opportunities to help students take their final steps into adulthood, with some becoming prefects, others captains of sports teams and some taking on social responsibilities. A Level results are consistently high, with most students getting into their first choice of university.  It has also been a successful year for business competitions with Plymouth College clinching national titles in both Student Investor and the Enterprise Challenge. But whatever choices they make - higher education, work, travel or something completely different - students leave Plymouth College prepared for their future lives. For further information about the Open Evening please call Mrs Lambie on 01752 203245 or e-mail mail@plymouthcollege.com Diving sensation and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, has been awarded the BBC Young Sports Personality title for the second year running.Tom is BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year for the third timeDiving sensation and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, has been awarded the BBC Young Sports Personality title for the second year running.Tom is BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year for the third time03094 Diving sensation and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, has been awarded the BBC Young Sports Personality title for the second year running.  He was presented with his award by Zara Phillips and Denise Lewis. As well as winning in 2009, Tom also came out on top in this category in 2007. Held at Birmingham LG Arena, Tom was supported at the event by his mum, dad, brothers and grandparents.  The double Commonwealth champion was also nominated for the overall award, which was won by Grand National champion, Tony McCoy.  The Lifetime award was given to football legend, David Beckham. Photograph: Tom with his Commonwealth golds Plymouth College pupils Sahila Kellett, Jeremy Eason and Jay Warner have won a Geography competition held at the University of Plymouth. Geography students are ‘Worldwise’Plymouth College pupils Sahila Kellett, Jeremy Eason and Jay Warner have won a Geography competition held at the University of Plymouth. Geography students are ‘Worldwise’03314 Plymouth College pupils Jeremy Eason, Sahila Kellett and Jay Warner have won a Geography competition held at the University of Plymouth.  The Worldwise quiz, a Geographical Association initiative, saw teams from schools across Devon and Cornwall complete mapwork challenges and answer a whole range of geography-related questions including a local area section. The Year 9 boys, who even beat a team of teachers, were presented with their medals and trophy by Professor Iain Stewart from the University's School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences.  Beyond the University, Professor Stewart is famous for being the presenter of numerous award-winning BBC science documentaries and the author of two popular geoscience books. With links to five of the seven categories at the Herald Sports Personality of the Year Awards, it was inevitable that Plymouth College wouldn’t come away empty-handed.Plymouth College triumphs at Sports AwardsWith links to five of the seven categories at the Herald Sports Personality of the Year Awards, it was inevitable that Plymouth College wouldn’t come away empty-handed.Plymouth College triumphs at Sports Awards03293 With links to five of the seven categories at the Herald Sports Personality of the Year Awards, it was inevitable that Plymouth College wouldn't come away empty-handed. Held at the Pavilions, the glitzy ceremony welcomed more than 450 people from the world of sport, business and education.  Special guest was athletics legend, Colin Jackson. Star diver and pupil, Tom Daley, won both a special Diamond Award and the Champagne Moment for scoring perfect 10s on his way to winning Commonwealth gold in October.  Chairman of Governors, Chris Robinson, also featured in the Champagne category. The Plymouth College factor was particularly strong in the Coach of the Year section.  Director of Swimming, Jon Rudd, took the top spot while Director of Fencing and Modern Pentathlon, Andy Hill, was runner up. Plymouth College elite swimmer, Grant Halsall, was runner up in the Young Sports Personality category. The Plymouth College-sponsored Team of the Year Award was won by partner, Plymouth Leander.  "I was very proud to see Plymouth College feature so strongly in these prestigious Awards and delighted to be involved as the Team of the Year sponsor", said Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "There is such a wealth of sporting talent in the city and these Awards are a great way for us to come together as a community to celebrate achievement across a whole breadth of disciplines. "Sport is very much part of the fabric of life at Plymouth College and we encourage participation from those wanting to test the water with something new through to nurturing those at the top of their game.  "The rewards that our pupils gain from being part of a sports team are many and varied and it doesn't always have to be about winning in the conventional sense. We recognise that success comes in many forms and we embrace that." Photograph: Sports Award finalists and winners with Colin Jackson. A team from Plymouth College have beaten more than 27,000 students nationally to win UK Enterprise’s Entrepreneurship Challenge.Eco bird feeder wins national enterprise challengeA team from Plymouth College have beaten more than 27,000 students nationally to win UK Enterprise’s Entrepreneurship Challenge.Eco bird feeder wins national enterprise challenge03288 A team from Plymouth College have beaten more than 27,000 students nationally to win UK Enterprise's Entrepreneurship Challenge.  The UV bird feeder concept and business plan has landed the team - Henry Joce, Megan Woodrow, Sarah Northmore, Ryan Hart, Abi Smith and Declan Reed - a trip to London to meet Dragon Den's Peter Jones to discuss investment.  They will also receive video mentoring from one of the UK's top entrepreneurs to help them develop their product ideas.  "This is a fantastic result", said Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields. The team have spent many hours in DT working on bird feeder designs and technology.  It has been a real team effort." The Enterprise Challenge (formerly Make Your Mark, which Plymouth College won last year) is the school's tenth national business competition title in ten years, making it officially the most successful school in the country in this area.    The six Enterprise Challenge students are part of the 25-strong Young Enterprise Company, Ecovation.  The company had a bumper day at Plymouth's Christmas Market, raking in nearly £1000 and selling out of the bird feeder in just one day. “Best school production, ever”, “Quality performances all round”, “An emotional rollercoaster”, “Totally gripped from beginning to end”... these are just some of the audience comments about Plymouth College’s latest production, ‘Blood Brothers’.Rave reviews for school production“Best school production, ever”, “Quality performances all round”, “An emotional rollercoaster”, “Totally gripped from beginning to end”... these are just some of the audience comments about Plymouth College’s latest production, ‘Blood Brothers’.Rave reviews for school production03278 "Best school production, ever", "Quality performances all round", "An emotional rollercoaster", "Totally gripped from beginning to end"... these are just some of the audience comments about Plymouth College's latest production, 'Blood Brothers'. Willy Russell's emotionally-charged play lived up to expectations with mature performances way beyond the years of the young actors involved. Sian Poneskis and Laura Selbie were riveting as the two mothers while Seb Slade and Luke Dickinson gave some light relief playing Mickey and Eddie as 7-year olds.  Phoebe Hirst was delightful as the young Linda. The stunning voices of Dan Snowdon and Ed Hirst, who also composed most of the songs between them, moved the characters through life to adulthood. Harry Ross, Charlie Maidment and Christy Vout continued Mickey, Eddie and Linda's tempestuous journey through work, love, marriage and death.  The intense and dramatic conclusion left the sell-out audience completely overwhelmed. Great credit also goes to the small supporting cast and backstage crew who were very much part of making this such a quality production. Plymouth College pupil, Calais Goord, 14, has won the Raleigh Cup in the Plymouth Music, Speech and Drama Festival.Festival trophy for CalaisPlymouth College pupil, Calais Goord, 14, has won the Raleigh Cup in the Plymouth Music, Speech and Drama Festival.Festival trophy for Calais03276 Plymouth College pupil, Calais Goord, 14, has won the Raleigh Cup in the Plymouth Speech and Drama Festival. Performing a piece from Harold Pinter's 'Black and White', Calais and her partner Chelsea won the Duologue category. Calais has taken classes with Mrs Blake for three years and this was her first festival. Adventurer and TV presenter, Steve Backshall, gave Plymouth College pupils a fascinating insight into the weird and wonderful world of wildlife in his talk to Years 7 to 10.Expert brings the world of wildlife alive for Plymouth College pupilsAdventurer and TV presenter, Steve Backshall, gave Plymouth College pupils a fascinating insight into the weird and wonderful world of wildlife in his talk to Years 7 to 10.Expert brings the world of wildlife alive for Plymouth College pupils03235 Adventurer and TV presenter, Steve Backshall, gave Plymouth College pupils a fascinating insight into the weird and wonderful world of wildlife in his talk to Years 7 to 10. Famed for CBBC programmes Live and Deadly, Deadly 60 and The Really Wild Show, Steve has just returned from an expedition to Bhutan where he was filming for the BBC's Lost Land of the Tiger, a series that also includes Lost Land of the Jaguar and Lost Land of the Volcano.  During his presentation he showed clips from some of his challenging expeditions to places such as Alaska and Borneo and talked about getting 'up close and personal' with whales, crocodiles and snakes.  He also dispelled a few myths about which animals are the biggest threat to humans and why many have become endangered species. Year 7 pupil, Toby Farley, 11, thought Steve was really inspirational.  "He told us to follow our dreams and learn as much as possible about the animals we fear most.  It was great to see him in real life - he was taller than he looks on the TV!"  Another Year 7 pupil, Tia Simms-Lymn, 11, said: "I watch Deadly 60 and it was very exciting to see Steve Backshall in person.  I loved the clip he showed of him in a canoe surrounded by whales coming right out of the water." Hamish Rose, also 11 and in Year 7, is a big fan and watches all of Steve's programmes.  "I've seen 'Deadly 60', 'Live and Deadly' and 'Lost Land of the Tiger' and think Steve Backshall is fantastic.  I was really excited that he came to school and enjoyed every moment of his talk." The school's younger children also got to meet Steve when he visited Plymouth College Preparatory School the following morning. Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, travels to London next week for the National Teaching Awards. Business teacher up for National Teaching Award - 22/10/10Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, travels to London next week for the National Teaching Awards. Business teacher up for National Teaching Award - 21/10/1003118 Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, travels to London next week for the National Teaching Awards. Jonathan, from Linkinhorne, was invited to the national finals after winning the South West Secondary School Teacher Award in June. Also Head of Sixth Form and International Baccalaureate Diploma Co-ordinator, Jonathan is best known for being the driving force behind the school's phenomenal success in business competitions.  Since joining the school ten years ago he has steered pupils to victory in nine national and 53 regional competitions including the top spots in Young Enterprise, Make Your Mark and Student Investor in the last 12 months alone. Jonathan can also be credited for the school's impressive results in public examinations.  He has seen his students take the top mark in the country in Edexcel's Economics and Business Studies A level no less than six times.  They have also clinched the GCSE and Diploma in Financial Studies accolades twice each with the number coming in the top twenty for all three hitting the 40 mark. A renowned commentator on financial literacy among young people, Jonathan has been interviewed on the subject by the media on a number of occasions and last year was commissioned to co-author a text book, teacher's guide and CD ROM for the new GCSE Business Studies syllabus. In 2009 he was awarded the Enterprise South West award for his overall contribution to enterprise education in a secondary school, and in May he was given an Outstanding Achievement award by Devon Young Enterprise in recognition of his work as link teacher with 2009 national winners, Affinity. Jonathan was nominated for the teaching award by a group of his students who said: "What's great about Mr Shields is that his door is always open and his support doesn't just stop at the end of the school day.  He works many extra hours helping with projects and taking us to events all over the country.  His passion for the subject really motivates everyone in the class and we all have the greatest respect for him." "Whilst I am thrilled to have won the South West award and to be going to the national finals, recognition must also go to the team of staff and students at Plymouth College", said Jonathan.  "Their motivation, determination and care has been inspiring and my contribution is just one small part of the range of opportunities the College provides". The National Teaching Awards are being presented by Lenny Henry and are being broadcast on BBC 2 on Sunday 31st October at 6 p.m. Rock Band, Two Spot Gobi, have held a series of concerts and workshops at Plymouth College. Band ‘rocks’ Plymouth College students - 21/10/10Rock Band, Two Spot Gobi, have held a series of concerts and workshops at Plymouth College. Band ‘rocks’ Plymouth College students - 21/10/1003108 Rock Band, Two Spot Gobi, have held a series of concerts and workshops at Plymouth College.  The band, whose lead singer is former Plymouth College pupil, James Robinson, have already released one successful album and recorded their second album at the Californian home of Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling artist, Jason Mraz. Mraz stumbled upon Two Spot Gobi playing at a bar in Plymouth on his day off from supporting James Blunt in 2007. He fell in love with their upbeat vibe and later invited them to open for him at a few shows in Brighton, where they are based. In the Autumn of 2008, following exposure for Two Spot Gobi from Perez Hilton, Jason Mraz invited the band to join him on his US tour and then again on his European tour in 2009. As part of their 'Music Set Free' initiative for schools, the band performed their set at assembly and at a lunchtime concert.  They also held workshops during the day and for the after school club, Rock School. "We had an awesome response from the pupils", said lead singer, James Robinson.  "We discovered some fantastic voices during the workshops and got some great harmonies going.  The school bands were our 'support' acts for the lunchtime concert and we worked on some of the sixth formers' compositions in the afternoon. "Our aim with this initiative is to inspire creativity by bringing the live music experience to as many school kids as possible", James continued.  "Two Spot Gobi is an eclectic mix of jazz, pop, classical and rock music and we wanted to show them how they can express themselves through music whatever the genre." Teacher, Andy Norris, who runs the Rock School club said: "It was an amazing experience to have an acclaimed band like Two Spot Gobi come into school.  We have a number of budding rock stars here and they were delighted to have the chance to work with such a talented band." Pupils from Plymouth College are forging mutally beneficial academic and social links with Stoke Damerel Community College through a pioneering initiative. Stoke Damerel pupils join Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force - 19/10/10Pupils from Plymouth College are forging mutally beneficial academic and social links with Stoke Damerel Community College through a pioneering initiative. Stoke Damerel pupils join Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force - 19/10/1003095 Pupils from Plymouth College are forging mutally beneficial academic and social links with Stoke Damerel Community College through a pioneering initiative. Stoke Damerel students have joined Plymouth College's Combined Cadet Force (CCF) to form one single unit and together, they regularly take part in a diverse programme of activities. Earlier this week the CCF had its biennial inspection. One of the most important events in the CCF calendar, passing the inspection is a requirement of the MoD. The inspection was carried out by Captain Stephen J Murdoch MBA Royal Navy, Captain HMS Raleigh.  After the formal inspection on the parade ground, Captain Murdoch observed various training activities such as rifle firing on the range and a communications command task in the school grounds. The initiative with Stoke Damerel has proved a huge success and the partnership has seen pupils from both schools sharing ideas and skills, which has helped them all develop their leadership and interpersonal skills.  As well as the inspection, the cadets have taken part in a number of events together, including the Remembrance Sunday parade, outdoor field events and Ten Tors. It was Plymouth College Headmaster Dr Simon Wormleighton who first approached Stoke Damerel with the idea of forging links through the cadet force. "I am delighted with the way the partnership is developing," said Dr Wormleighton.  "The Plymouth College CCF is one of the oldest cadet corps in the country and has given many generations of pupils a vast range of enriching opportunities.  We look forward to a long association with Stoke Damerel." Chris Carey, CCF Teacher Liaison at Stoke Damerel - who escorts between 20 and 25 pupil cadets to Plymouth College each week - said the partnership initiative was enhancing the education for students of both schools. "The partnership we are forging with Plymouth College has a whole host of benefits for the students, not just educationally, but socially in the way they are thinking and working together," said Chris. "What is so great about working with the college through the CCF is that it is egalitarian in its structure, all the students feel equal and that is so important in terms of their social and academic development." A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 9th October.Plymouth College to open its doors for the morning - 29/9/10A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 9th October.Plymouth College to open its doors for the morning - 29/9/1003053 A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 9th October. The leading independent school opens its doors at Ford Park from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  Visitors will have the chance to look around the school and meet staff and pupils.  Founded in 1877, Plymouth College is a city-based day and boarding school providing education for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.  A forward-looking school with a successful history, this summer saw a good set of results at both A Level and GCSE, with 98% and 90% pass rates respectively - on average Plymouth College pupils perform one grade better in each GCSE taken than predicted by previous attainment.  A number of students achieve about two grades higher than expected in each subject.  The school also offers the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form. The school is equally proud of its enriching extra-curricular programme, with activities ranging from sports and outward bound to music and drama.  The whole school production of 'Return to the Forbidden Planet' proved to be an inter-galactic extravaganza, while a group of pupils are currently training for an expedition to Annapurna in the Himalayas in April.  On the sports front, elite swimmer, Christian Homer, is representing Trinidad and Tobago in the Commonwealth Games, while Megan Woodrow has just been selected to the Great Britain U17 fencing team. The school boasts a mix of cultures with pupils from the Far East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Locally, pupils come from Plymouth, the South Hams, West Devon and South East Cornwall, many using the school bus service. Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, says: "Our academic curriculum is strong but we also believe firmly in the importance of the wider curriculum, which is reflected in the diverse mix of sporting, outward bound, artistic, musical and dramatic activities.  Everyone is able to find success and enjoyment along a broad front. "There is a great community spirit at the College and those who come here make lasting friendships and forge good relationships at all levels." For more information please call the Headmaster's Secretary on 01752 203245 or e-mail <a href="mailto:mail@plymouthcollege.com">mail@plymouthcollege.com</a> Photograph: The Annapurna Expedition group take time out from training on Exmoor.   There is much to celebrate at Plymouth College this morning with more than a quarter of pupils gaining at least seven top GCSE grades. Six Plymouth College students gain at least ten top GCSE grades - 24/8/10There is much to celebrate at Plymouth College this morning with more than a quarter of pupils gaining at least seven top GCSE grades. Six Plymouth College students gain at least ten top GCSE grades - 24/8/1003022 There is much to celebrate at Plymouth College this morning with more than a quarter of pupils gaining at least seven top GCSE grades.  Six - Sophie Brown, Michael Daniel, Steve Hajiyianni, Ed Hirst, Sarah Norris and Megan Woodrow - clinched at least ten A*/A grades.  Plymouth College's top athletes have proved their success in the classroom as well in the sports arena. Leading Modern Pentathlete, Megan Woodrow, walked away with 8A*s and 2 As.  Elite swimmer, Joe Patching, secured 6A*s, 2As and 2 Bs while diver, Tom Daley, has added 5A*s and 2 As to his World Championship gold medal.  The Plymouth College A* to C pass rate this year continues to be well above the national average at 90% with an A*/A pass rate of 39%.  Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, said: "I am delighted to see another good set of results and I pass on my warmest congratulations to all our GCSE pupils.  It is reassuring to see that the hard work of both our pupils and teachers has been rewarded in this way.  I am particularly pleased to see how well some of our leading athletes have performed." Plymouth College is celebrating this morning after more than a quarter of its students achieved at least one of the new elite A* grades – two students, Ed Knight and Tom Li, secured three A* grades each.Plymouth College celebrates new A Level top grade achievement - 19/8/10Plymouth College is celebrating this morning after more than a quarter of its students achieved at least one of the new elite A* grades – two students, Ed Knight and Tom Li, secured three A* grades each.Plymouth College celebrates new A Level top grade achievement - 19/8/1003007 Plymouth College is celebrating this morning after more than a quarter of its students achieved at least one of the new elite A* grades at A Level - two students, Ed Knight and Tom Li, secured three A* grades each. Other high achievers included James Goldney and Jon Hall, who both walked away with 1 A* and 3 As, Guy Walker with 4 As and Susannah Kellagher with 2 A*s and 1 A. Head Boy, Alex Smith, gained 2 As and 1 A* while Head Girl, Grace Singh, was awarded 3 As. Alex achieved maximum marks (400/400) and the top score in the country, in the Edexcel Economics and Business Studies A Level.   This is the fourth consecutive year Plymouth College has clinched the top mark and out of the nine years the school has offered this subject at A Level, it has produced the top student in the country an incredible seven times! The overall pass rate remains strong at 98% with an impressive A* to B grade pass rate of 61%. Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, said: "My warmest congratulations to all our students on their examination success.  I am delighted to see such an excellent set of results and I would like to pass on my thanks to the teaching staff for their continued commitment and hard work, which has helped our students to reach such a high level of achievement.  I am particularly pleased with our results for the new A* grade, which are about double that of the predicted national average. " Harry Ross, 17, is one of just 11 young people from across the UK to be appointed to the 4Talent Youth Advisory Panel.Channel 4 advisory panel for Plymouth College pupil - 9/7/10Harry Ross, 17, is one of just 11 young people from across the UK to be appointed to the 4Talent Youth Advisory Panel.Channel 4 advisory panel for Plymouth College pupil - 9/7/1003005 Harry Ross, 17, is one of just 11 young people from across the UK to be appointed to the 4Talent Youth Advisory Panel.  The group has the opportunity to shape the direction of Channel 4's Kick Start initiative, which supports and nurtures talented young people at the start of their careers and offers invaluable work experience in the media industry. After attending an inspiration day, where he took part in a range of interactive sessions and engaged with a number of media professionals, Harry went through a series applications and an interview in London before being selected to the panel. "This is a really exciting opportunity", said Harry.  "I am keen to pursue a career in the media and being part of this initiative is going to give me invaluable experience and contacts". Locally Harry is a Plymouth Theatre Royal Young Ambassador. Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, has won the Royal Air Force Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award in the South West final of the Teaching Awards.Business teacher celebrates Teacher of the Year win - 16/6/10Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, has won the Royal Air Force Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award in the South West final of the Teaching Awards.Business teacher celebrates Teacher of the Year win - 16/6/1002889 Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, has won the Royal Air Force Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award in the South West final of the Teaching Awards. Also Head of Sixth Form and International Baccalaureate Diploma Co-ordinator, Jonathan is best known for being the driving force behind the school's phenomenal success in business competitions.  Since joining the school ten years ago he has steered pupils to victory in nine national and 53 regional competitions including the top spots in Young Enterprise, Make Your Mark and Student Investor in the last 12 months alone. Jonathan can also be credited for the school's impressive results in public examinations.  He has seen his students take the top mark in the country in Edexcel's Economics and Business Studies A level no less than six times.  They have also clinched the GCSE and Diploma in Financial Studies accolades twice each with the number coming in the top twenty for all three hitting the 40 mark. A renowned commentator on financial literacy among young people, Jonathan has been interviewed on the subject by the media on a number of occasions and last year was commissioned to co-author a text book, teacher's guide and CD ROM for the new GCSE Business Studies syllabus starting in September. In 2009 he was awarded the Enterprise South West award for his overall contribution to enterprise education in a secondary school, and last month he was given an Outstanding Achievement award by Devon Young Enterprise in recognition of his work as link teacher with 2009 national winners, Affinity. Jonathan, who lives in Linkinhorne, was nominated for the teaching award by a group of his students who said: "What's great about Mr Shields is that his door is always open and his support doesn't just stop at the end of the school day.  He works many extra hours helping with projects and taking us to events all over the country.  His passion for the subject really motivates everyone in the class and we all have the greatest respect for him." "Whilst I am thrilled to win this award, recognition must also go to the team of staff and students at Plymouth College", said Jonathan.  "Their motivation, determination and care has been inspiring and my contribution is just one small part of the range of opportunities the College provides". Jonathan will now attend the National Finals in London in October. It is unclear who challenged who, but when Radio Devon presenter, Gordon Sparks, found himself agreeing to a fencing duel with Olympic silver medallist, Heather Fell, he thought it best to get some expert training as soon as possible. Plymouth College hosts fencing battle – Fell V Sparks! - 14/6/10It is unclear who challenged who, but when Radio Devon presenter, Gordon Sparks, found himself agreeing to a fencing duel with Olympic silver medallist, Heather Fell, he thought it best to get some expert training as soon as possible. Plymouth College hosts fencing battle – Fell V Sparks! - 14/6/1002933 It is unclear who challenged who, but when Radio Devon presenter, Gordon Sparks, found himself agreeing to a fencing duel with Olympic silver medallist, Heather Fell, he thought it best to get some expert training as soon as possible. Having never fenced before, who better to come to his aid than Plymouth College Director of Modern Pentathlon and Plymouth Fencing Head Coach, Andy Hill.  After a talk on safety and fencing etiquette, Gordon donned the protective clothing and got to grips (literally) with the epee.  Over the next hour Andy showed Gordon basic footwork and stance, and got him practicing lunges, before declaring him 'as ready as he would ever be' to fence an Olympian. The showdown between Gordon and Heather took place in Plymouth College's Old Gym. Despite the inevitable comfortable win by Heather, Gordon did manage to score 3 individual points in the race to 15. "Gordon did really well", said Andy.  "At times he executed some promising moves and the 3 points were scored on his own merit.  With another 20 years of training he might just make it to the Olympic team!". Plymouth College Spanish scholars have had the chance to improve their language skills at a masterclass held at Plymouth University. Masterclass tackles Spanish language skills - 7/6/10Plymouth College Spanish scholars have had the chance to improve their language skills at a masterclass held at Plymouth University. Masterclass tackles Spanish language skills - 7/6/1002902 Plymouth College Spanish scholars have had the chance to improve their language skills at a masterclass held at Plymouth University. Pupils from Year 9 through to Sixth Form joined other city students at the one-day event. The ice-breaker session saw participants introduce themselves in Spanish before moving onto some good old grammar.  Exercises in the preterit tense and the imperfect tense were particularly useful for the younger students who have recently learnt how to both form and use the past tenses in Spanish.  Other activities included a comprehension exercise based on a passage from 'El colegio de María', and a task that saw the students write the story of 'Caperucita Roja' ('Little Red Riding Hood') in Spanish. The day finished with a series of trebalenguas (tongue twisters).  Everyone had to say their favourite one as quickly as possible whilst being recorded, which was very entertaining.  A great day and everyone went away feeling that they had either learnt something new or had reinforced their knowledge of the Spanish language. Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force was blessed with a glorious day for its annual rowing race. Navy cadets take rowing trophy for second year running - 3/6/10Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force was blessed with a glorious day for its annual rowing race. Navy cadets take rowing trophy for second year running - 3/6/1002895 Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force was blessed with a glorious day for its annual rowing race.  Held at Jupiter Point, the rowers battled against each other and the clock to lift the prestigious Geoff Fabian Memorial Cup - the race was introduced after the death of Acting Contingent Commander, Commander Geoff Fabian (RN retired), in 2007. CCF staff member, Bill Andrew, said: "Rowing was one of Geoff's passions and he loved taking the cadets out on the water.  Introducing this race seemed a very fitting way for all of us to remember him each year.  He was also a stalwart supporter of school rugby so as well as Navy, Army and Air Force cadets, we had teams of rugby players taking part this year as well." A team of Navy cadets, captained by Jonathan Coyte, were triumphant for the second year in a row.  They were presented with the Cup by Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton. Year 8 pupils James Douie, Paul Vallis, Kevin Vandabona and Jeremy Eason have beaten 16 schools from across the South West to win the Salter’s Chemistry Festival Challenge.Plymouth College team wins chemistry challenge - 3/6/10Year 8 pupils James Douie, Paul Vallis, Kevin Vandabona and Jeremy Eason have beaten 16 schools from across the South West to win the Salter’s Chemistry Festival Challenge.Plymouth College team wins chemistry challenge - 3/6/1002893 Year 8 pupils James Douie, Paul Vallis, Kevin Vandabona and Jeremy Eason have beaten 16 schools from across the South West to win the Salter's Chemistry Festival Challenge. Held at the University of Plymouth, the competition participants had to identify a crime suspect using chemical tests and chromatography methods.  The Plymouth College team walked away with a set molecule modelling kits as their prize for coming first. The day came to a lively end with a demonstration of explosions by guest lecturer and firework expert, Roy Lowry. Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, has been shortlisted for the Royal Air Force Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award in the South West final of the Teaching Awards.Leading business teacher is shortlisted for award - 25/5/10Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, has been shortlisted for the Royal Air Force Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award in the South West final of the Teaching Awards.Leading business teacher is shortlisted for award - 25/5/1002889 Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, has been shortlisted for the Royal Air Force Secondary School Teacher of the Year Award in the South West final of the Teaching Awards. Also Head of Sixth Form and International Baccalaureate Diploma Co-ordinator, Jonathan is best known for being the driving force behind the school's phenomenal success in business competitions.  Since joining the school ten years ago he has steered pupils to victory in nine national and 53 regional competitions including the top spots in Young Enterprise, Make Your Mark and Student Investor in the last 12 months alone. Jonathan can also be credited for the school's impressive results in public examinations.  He has seen his students take the top mark in the country in Edexcel's Economics and Business Studies A level no less than six times.  They have also clinched the GCSE and Diploma in Financial Studies accolades twice each with the number coming in the top twenty for all three hitting the 40 mark. A renowned commentator on financial literacy among young people, Jonathan has been interviewed on the subject by the media on a number of occasions and last year was commissioned to co-author a text book, teacher's guide and CD ROM for the new GCSE Business Studies syllabus starting in September. In 2009 he was awarded the Enterprise South West award for his overall contribution to enterprise education in a secondary school, and last month he was given an Outstanding Achievement award by Devon Young Enterprise in recognition of his work as link teacher with 2009 national winners, Affinity. Jonathan, who lives in Linkinhorne, was nominated for the teaching award by a group of his students who said: "What's great about Mr Shields is that his door is always open and his support doesn't just stop at the end of the school day.  He works many extra hours helping with projects and taking us to events all over the country.  His passion for the subject really motivates everyone in the class and we all have the greatest respect for him." "Whilst I am thrilled to be nominated for this award, recognition must also go to the team of staff and students at Plymouth College", said Jonathan.  "Their motivation, determination and care has been inspiring and my contribution is just one small part of the range of opportunities the College provides". Three Plymouth College boys, Ed Hirst, Luke Wheeldon and George Monk, all aged 16, have trekked 200 kilometres across Devon to raise £1225 for Dame Hannah Rogers Trust and The Lord’s Taverners.Coast to coast walk raises more than £1200! - 20/5/10Three Plymouth College boys, Ed Hirst, Luke Wheeldon and George Monk, all aged 16, have trekked 200 kilometres across Devon to raise £1225 for Dame Hannah Rogers Trust and The Lord’s Taverners.Coast to coast walk raises more than £1200! - 20/5/1002883 Three Plymouth College boys, Ed Hirst, Luke Wheeldon and George Monk, all aged 16, have trekked 200 kilometres across Devon to raise £1225 for Dame Hannah Rogers Trust and The Lady Taverners. In what the boys describe as 'horrendous conditions', the 4-day expedition took them from Mothecombe on the south coast to Lynmouth on the north, tackling the challenging terrain of Dartmoor and Exmoor en route. Covering about 30 miles a day and carrying all their kit, the boys had to battle thick mud, gale-force winds, driving snow and rain, topped off with very cold temperatures. "Although it was tough, I think we all knew that we could finish", said Ed.  "We've all been involved in Ten Tors and so have done quite a bit of training for this sort of thing.  The weather was unseasonably bad but the thought of all the money that had been pledged by friends and family for our chosen charities kept us going." The Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, based in Ivybridge, Devon, has been transforming young lives for more than 220 years.  It provides education, therapy and respite care for young people aged 5 to 25 who have a range of physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties. The Lady Taverners is a vital and dedicated fundraising arm of The Lord's Taverners.  While The Lord's Taverners is famous for its charitable giving to cricket, Lady Taverners focuses on being able to give young people with special needs vital transportation so that they can access sport.  It does this by fundraising for specially-adapted minibuses and sports wheel chairs.  The charity also provides grants for play and sports equipment. With no interruptions to training, despite the snowy start to the year, Plymouth College’s Ten Tors teams started the 2010 event strong, organised and well prepared.Good year for Ten Tors - 19/5/10With no interruptions to training, despite the snowy start to the year, Plymouth College’s Ten Tors teams started the 2010 event strong, organised and well prepared.Good year for Ten Tors - 19/5/1002870 With no interruptions to training, despite the snowy start to the year, Plymouth College's Ten Tors teams started the 2010 event strong, organised and well prepared. Fielding 35-mile and 45-miles teams, the pupils set off on Saturday morning in good walking conditions - cold and damp!  The 45 team produced the best result for many years being the first team home on Route R at 9.28 a.m. on the Sunday morning.  The 35 team also put in a strong performance arriving back two hours later. A further six pupils got involved in the Jubilee Challenge, the one-day event on the Saturday for young people with special needs.  The group from Plymouth College assisted a team from the Brook Green Centre, who they had been working and training with once a week since September. With Ten Tors celebrating its 50th anniversary, staff were presented with certificates recognising ten, fifteen and twenty years of involvement in the event.  Chris Sillitoe was awarded with a bronze certificate for ten years, Lloyd Mellor bronze and silver for fifteen years and David Compton and John Arthur, who have each been training Plymouth College teams for more than twenty years, received bronze, silver and gold certificates. Plymouth College pupil, Robert Davies, 12, has won the ‘Humorous Verse Speaking’ category at the Torbay and South West England Speech and Drama Festival. South West speech and drama win for Robert - 18/5/10Plymouth College pupil, Robert Davies, 12, has won the ‘Humorous Verse Speaking’ category at the Torbay and South West England Speech and Drama Festival. South West speech and drama win for Robert - 18/5/1002867 Plymouth College pupil, Robert Davies, 12, has won the 'Humorous Verse Speaking' category at the Torbay and South West England Speech and Drama Festival.  Held at the Palace Theatre in Paignton, Robert recited 'Darren's Car' by Michael Rosen. As a category winner, Robert was invited to take part in the Champion's Show at the end of the festival where he picked up the Adjudicator's Choice Award for Verse Speaking. Robert has speech and drama lessons with Zoe Vigus. "I am delighted with Robert's achievement at the festival", said Zoe.  "It is fantastic to see all his hard work rewarded in this way." Plymouth College pupils have raised £1470 for Cornish disaster relief charity, Shelterbox. Mufti day provides three boxes for Shelterbox - 17/5/10Plymouth College pupils have raised £1470 for Cornish disaster relief charity, Shelterbox. Mufti day provides three boxes for Shelterbox - 17/5/1002866 Plymouth College pupils have raised £1470 for Cornish disaster relief charity, Shelterbox.  The money is enough for three boxes - each box contains a 10-man tent and supplies for six months.  The funds were raised by pupils and staff paying £2 to come into school wearing mufti. Photograph: Pupil representatives from all Year Groups are pictured with Plymouth Shelterbox Co-ordinator, David Compton (far left), who is also the school's Activities Manager.  Also pictured is senior teacher, Sally Knight (far right). Plymouth College sixth former, Jessica Evans, has added yet another award to her growing collection of business plaudits. Outstanding Achievement Award for young business star - 13/5/10Plymouth College sixth former, Jessica Evans, has added yet another award to her growing collection of business plaudits. Outstanding Achievement Award for young business star - 13/5/1002845 Plymouth College sixth former, Jessica Evans, has added yet another award to her growing collection of business plaudits.  The 18-year-old from Plympton has been awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award at the Devon Young Enterprise Awards, held at Crealy Adventure Park in Exeter. The award comes on the back of winning three national business competitions in the last twelve months - Jessica was a member of Affinity, the Young Enterprise company that won the national event last year and she was in the Plymouth College teams that won Make Your Mark and Student Investor.  She was also runner-up in the national Apprentice Challenge. Jessica had been invited to the Devon Young Enterprise Awards to give a talk about being part of Affinity, the company that launched and sold the innovative book of family-friendly walks, Prambles. "I was really delighted to be presented with the award", said Jessica.  "I had no idea I was going to receive it - I just thought I was going there to give a talk. "The experience of doing Young Enterprise and the other competitions has been invaluable - the knowledge and skills that I have gained along the way will stand me in good stead for the future.  With Young Enterprise in particular the whole team felt very passionate about the project.  To see the initial idea transform into an actual product really spurred us on and we are so proud to see Prambles at no. 6 on the book list in Waterstones.  "Until a couple of years ago I wanted to go into medicine, which is why I didn't take Business and Economics as an A Level option.  But when I got involved in the business competitions as an after school activity I realised that this was the path I wanted to follow and I now plan to study Business Management at university." Plymouth College Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields, was also presented with an award as the link teacher that worked with Affinity.  He is the driving force behind the school's continued success in national business competitions, supporting and motivating the teams every step of the way.  In the last decade Plymouth College has secured nine national business competition wins and 53 regional accolades. "It is always a real pleasure to work with Jessica and the other students in the business competition teams", said Jonathan.  "We have had an incredibly successful year, which would not have happened without the commitment and determination of the very talented students involved.  This success reflects our public examination achievements, which has seen Plymouth College students come first in the country a number of times - last year our students filled the top four spots nationally in Edexcel's Economics and Business Studies A Level." Next for Jessica is the Unbelievable Awards, which sees her shortlisted in the Unbelievable Woman in Business category.  The event takes place at Birmingham NEC in June.  She is also due to take her A Levels in Maths, Biology and Design Technology before taking a gap year working in business. Photograph:  Jessica is pictured receiving her Outstanding Achievement Award from Plymouth Young Enterprise Chair, Joan Melville. Plymouth College sixth formers Jess Evans, Susannah Kellagher, Bobbie Moore and Tom Watkins have won the national final of Student Investor, held in London yesterday. Plymouth College wins Student Investor for a second time! - 29/4/10Plymouth College sixth formers Jess Evans, Susannah Kellagher, Bobbie Moore and Tom Watkins have won the national final of Student Investor, held in London yesterday. Plymouth College wins Student Investor for a second time! - 29/4/1002823 Plymouth College sixth formers Jessica Evans, Susannah Kellagher, Bobbie Moore and Tom Watkins have won the national final of Student Investor, held in London yesterday. 'Ladies Go Long' walked away with £2000 for the school, £200 each and an educational trip to New York.  This is the second time Plymouth College has claimed the top spot in this prestigious competition and the third national business competition won by the school in the last 12 months. Run by the ifs School of Finance, more than 40,000 students from 1,000 schools participated in this year's competition, which started with students investing a fantasy £100,000 in the stock market over a four month period.  The teams with the greatest investment growth progressed to one of four regional finals to compete in a head-to-head quiz.  The top two teams from each region went forward to the national final, where the first challenge was to design a sustainable activity or event in a school - the Plymouth College team came up with the idea of holding a Ball where all the electricity for the event was powered by people on bikes.  The final challenge of the competition was to give a presentation on 'How socially useful is banking?'.  The students presented analysis and recommendations on the highly topical subject to a judging panel that included Lawrence Gold, from the BBC's the 'Bank of Mum and Dad', David Budworth, Deputy Personal Finance Editor at The Times and Revd Dr Giles Fraser, Canon Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral. Rod McKee, Director of Financial Capability at the ifs School of Finance said: "The issues facing economies and the financial industry today underline the importance of education in schools more than ever and we are delighted to run a competition that reflects this.  The high number of entrants show students' enthusiasm for finance and the team from Plymouth College did incredibly well to beat of stiff competition this year". "We are delighted that all our hard work has paid off", said 'Ladies Go Long' member, Tom Watkins.  "The ifs Student Challenge has been a truly wonderful experience with every stage being trying and challenging, while at the same time developing skills such as teamwork, presentation skills and financial awareness." Fellow team member, Susannah Kellagher, added: "The ifs Student Investor Challenge has given me a very practical insight into the world of finance and allowed me to explore the many issues and challenges it faces today.  I have enjoyed every step of the programme, from learning how to research companies and markets to understanding the wider impact of financial decisions on the economy". "To win this competition for a second time is an amazing achievement", said Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields.  "Plymouth College has really made its mark on the national stage in the last 12 months with teams winning Young Enterprise and Make Your Mark, and finishing runners-up in the Apprentice Challenge.  We also claimed the top four students in the country in the Edexcel Economics and Business Studies A Level and had four pupils in the top ten at GCSE. "We are very passionate about ensuring financial capability among our students and the current economic climate demonstrates more than ever the need for financial literacy amongst young people.  Participation in competitions such as Student Investor really helps them to put the theory into practice and equip them with invaluable skills for the future." Photograph: L to R: Tom Watkins, Bobbie Moore, Susannah Kellagher, Jessica Evans Two local students will have the opportunity to follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma at Plymouth College from September with the launch of two Exhibition Awards - each of the awards offers up to 50% of the Sixth Form fees. Outstanding opportunity for local students - 23/4/10Outstanding opportunity for local students - 23/4/1002802 Two local students will have the opportunity to follow the <a href="/sixth-form/ib-diploma/" title="IB Diploma">International Baccalaureate Diploma</a> at Plymouth College from September with the launch of two Exhibition Awards - each of the awards offers up to 50% of the Sixth Form fees.  Although open to students from any other school, preference will be given to those from the maintained sector in Devon and Cornwall who without such financial support would be unable to attend an independent school. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) was created in 1968. Its aim is to provide 16-19 year old students with an enriching, breadth of education that allows them to gain a rigorous qualification that possesses the ultimate level of portability in a world where national boundaries are increasingly becoming less significant. IB opens up endless possibilities for students to study at universities around the world.  Equally, the qualification is highly-valued by UK universities. IB at Plymouth College runs alongside A Levels. Diploma programme students have their own lessons, but all other elements of Sixth Form life such as the tutor group system, assemblies, games and extra-curricular activities are fully integrated. Headmaster Dr Simon Wormleighton said: "Essentially we are looking for young people who can not only demonstrate sound academic ability, potential and achievement, but also those who have the potential to make a difference in their future lives in an international context." Fred Wild (pictured), from Liskeard, is coming to the end of his first year on the diploma course at Plymouth College. He is studying English, Economics, History, Maths, Physics and Spanish (ab initio).  The first three subjects are at higher level, the next two at standard level while Spanish is a completely new subject for him. "I really enjoy the style and variety of learning that IB offers", said Fred.  "We are encouraged to be quite independent and that gives us flexibility in how we learn.  In English, rather than following a set text, I was able to write my own creative piece followed by a commentary and in Physics, the class can choose where to go next because we're not following a fixed curriculum." Thinking 'outside the box' and educating the 'whole person' are integral to the ethos of IB.  Creativity, Action, Service, one of three compulsory elements, has seen Fred undertake the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and spend a week teaching in The Gambia.  In fact it was during this week that the flexibility of learning styles IB offers was really brought home to him during a Theory of Knowledge (another compulsory element) lesson. "We had the lesson sat round a camp fire", said Fred.  "I can think of no better way to get you thinking about how the world works than to lean back and look at the stars in what has to be the clearest sky I've ever seen!". Applications should be submitted by 5 June 2010.  Further information about IB and how to apply for the Exhibition Awards please <a href="/sixth-form/ib-diploma/" title="IB Diploma">click here</a> or contact Mrs Lambie on 01752 203245 or <a href="mailto:slambie@plymouthcollege.com">slambie@plymouthcollege.com</a> Great Atlantic Art, based in St Just, is exhibiting the work of two local artists at Plymouth College next week.St Just gallery exhibits at Plymouth College - 21/4/10St Just gallery exhibits at Plymouth College - 21/4/1002800 Great Atlantic Art, based in St Just, is exhibiting the work of two local artists at Plymouth College next week. Known as much for its travelling exhibitions as its gallery in Cornwall, Great Atlantic Art is showing the work of Carrie Taylor and Mark Spray in the independent school's Art Haus. Carrie Taylor will be showing paintings of "Hedgerows and Flowers", while  Mark will be showing paintings, drawings and etchings from his "Prometheus, Dartmoor Tors & Weathering" project - Great Atlantic Art has published a small book about the Prometheus project and signed copies will be on sale alongside the paintings, drawings and etchings.  "The seeds for Mark Spray's Prometheus Project were sown in acid, boggy soil in October 2006 during a hike over the bleak Dartmoor landscape", said Michael Jay of the Great Atlantic Gallery.  "Spray had been immersing himself in Ted Hughes' collection of 21 poems on the theme of the Greek legend of Prometheus and his Crag.  The combination of the legend, Hughes' poetry and the barren wilderness of Dartmoor led Spray to embark on a multi-faceted project.  The result is a cohesive collection of paintings that is both anchored in topography and floating in verse, metaphors and other literary associations." "It is an annual delight for us when St Just artist Carrie Taylor brings her latest collection of work to us", continued Michael.  "While never shy of painting the 'big picture' and extolling the delights of the majestic landscape around us here in West Cornwall, Carrie more often than not looks to the hedgerows and patches of untended ground and to the shores for her hidden glories.  Her focus on twigs and branches, grassy banks and strand lines and on the timid creatures of scrub and bush and shore, make her paintings a delight to behold. The exhibition is running Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 30th April to 14th May (excluding 3rd, 4th and 5th May)  All are welcome.  For further information please contact Michael Jay on 01736 788911 or visit www.greatatlantic.co.uk A hog roast was a much welcome addition to the annual Plymouth College Sevens tournament. Hog roast at rugby tournament raises £350 - 14/4/10Hog roast at rugby tournament raises £350 - 14/4/1002793 A hog roast was a much welcome addition to the annual Plymouth College Sevens tournament.  Not only did it provide delicious sustenance to players and supporters, it also raised £350 for two good causes - Help for Heroes and Max Levene, a rugby player from Truro School who was badly injured in a match last year. The tournament, which has been running for 39 years, saw 160 students participating in three age range competitions.   "I am delighted that we were able to raise so much for two very good causes", said Plymouth College Head of Rugby, Richard Edwards.  "The hog roast was very popular and I am very grateful for the generosity and support we received from players, parents and schools.  We hope to repeat the fund-raising initiative next year when the Sevens Tournament celebrates its 40th anniversary." Year 8 pupils at Plymouth College got to experience life during the English Civil war when experts from the 1646 Civil War Centre in Great Torrington visited Plymouth College.Civil War comes to Plymouth College - 29/2/10Civil War comes to Plymouth College - 29/3/1002773 Year 8 pupils at Plymouth College got to experience life during the English Civil war when experts from the 1646 Civil War Centre in Great Torrington visited Plymouth College. About 65 pupils got involved in sessions that included looking at weapons and armour, learning witchcraft, and hearing about the work of the barber-surgeon.  The finale was a pike drill took place on the school field. "1646 Day was a real success with Year 8", said Head of History, Lloyd Mellor.  "The Civil War visitors dressed in period costume and spent the whole day role-playing their different characters. It was a great way for the pupils to learn about this era in history.  The pike drill on the field was a fitting way to end a very lively and informative day." <img src="/media/37249/1646-day2.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="1646 Day2 2010"/> Talented upper sixth pupil, Anna-Marie Morozow, has not only been awarded Grade 8 LAMDA Verse and Prose with distinction, but she has also picked up a Royal Church Music Dean’s Award.Drama and music awards for Anna-Marie - 24/3/10Drama and music awards for Anna-Marie - 24/3/1002759 Talented upper sixth pupil, Anna-Marie Morozow, has not only been awarded Grade 8 LAMDA Verse and Prose with distinction, but she has also picked up a Royal Church Music Dean's Award. For her LAMDA exam Anna-Marie recited a piece from Ian McEwan's Atonement, a poem by Muriel Stewart and the famous 'All the world's a stage' speech from Shakespeare's As You Like It. For the Royal Church Music Award, which was presented by the Dean of Truro, Anna-Marie had to sing a religious song and three hymns unaccompanied.  She also had to answer questions about the church and Christian festivals. Anna-Marie has been singing since she was four years old and is a member of the Plymouth Philharmonic Choir.  She has been taking speech and drama classes for the last four years. Four pupils from Plymouth College have reached the national final of the Student Investor Challenge.National final of business competition for ninth year running! - 19/3/10National final of business competition for ninth year running! - 19/3/1002754 Four pupils from Plymouth College have reached the national final of the Student Investor Challenge.  This is the ninth year running a Plymouth College team has qualified for this stage of the competition, which was won by the school in 2004. 'Ladies Go Long' - Susannah Kellagher, Bobbie Moore, Jessica Evans and Tom Watkins - started the competition with the Portfolio Challenge, which saw them successfully invest a fantasy £100,000 in stocks and shares over a four month period.  Next they travelled to Bristol for the South West of England and South Wales regional event, where they beat 19 other teams in a head-to-head investment-related quiz to secure their place in the national final. Run by the ifs School of Finance, more than 30,000 students from nearly 1000 schools entered the competition this year.  The national final takes place on 28th April in London.  'Ladies Go Long' will be competing for £2000 prize money for the school and an all-expenses paid educational trip to New York.  "I am delighted that Plymouth College has again made it through to the national final of Student Investor", said Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields.  "This was the 53rd regional business competition trophy the school has won in the last decade.  Nationally, the last 12 months have been particularly successful with Plymouth College teams winning Young Enterprise and Make Your Mark, and finishing runners-up in Student Investor and the Apprentice Challenge." Plymouth College Year 9 pupils, Tim Weale and Elliot Hargadon, have raised more than £500 for Shelterbox by swimming the length of the English Channel in local swimming pools.Boys ‘swim the channel’ for Shelterbox - 18/3/10Boys ‘swim the channel’ for Shelterbox - 18/3/100 Plymouth College Year 9 pupils, Tim Weale and Elliot Hargadon, have raised more than £500 for Shelterbox by swimming the length of the English Channel in local swimming pools. Swimming at least 64 lengths (1 mile) each session, the boys completed the 1408 length challenge in just over a month using pools at Plymouth College, Lux Park (Liskeard) and St Mellion Golf and Country Club. Tim and Elliot were initially inspired to take up the challenge because of the earthquake in Haiti and were determined to finish because of the more recent disaster in Chile.  They have raised enough money for one complete Shelterbox and are looking forward to tracking its progress. Plymouth College pupils James Douie (13), Paul Vallis (12), Kevin Vandabona (13) and Ali Wass (14) are through to the national final of the UK Mathematics Trust’s Team Maths Challenge. National final for mathematicians - 17/3/10National final for mathematicians - 17/3/1002742 Plymouth College pupils James Douie (13), Paul Vallis (12), Kevin Vandabona (13) and Ali Wass (14) are through to the national final of the UK Mathematics Trust's Team Maths Challenge.  They qualified for the national event after beating 19 other schools in the Devon competition. Open to pupils in Years 8 and 9, the boys have been training for the challenge during their lunch breaks since the start of term.  The competition combines mathematical, communication and teamwork skills and offers pupils another way to express and develop their enjoyment of mathematics. The Devon event was divided into four sections - crossnumber, group, head-to-head and relay.  "I am delighted that the boys will be going to London for the national final", said mathematics teacher and team mentor, Rob Groves.  "Their performance in the Devon competition was spot-on, particularly when they scored full marks in round one.  "This is a great competition for young mathematicians to be involved in as it advances their appreciation of mathematics by going beyond the school curriculum". The national final takes place at the Royal Horticulture Society in London in June. Photograph L to R: Kevin Vandabona, Ali Wass, Rob Groves, Paul Vallis, James Douie. Hot on the heels of Creative Arts Week and the visits by former Poet Laureate, Sir Andrew Motion, and novelists, Babs Horton and Tim Bowler, students in Years 7 to 10 were tasked with writing stories or poems on the subject of “Brave New World”. Competitions inspire creative writing and poetry speaking - 9/3/10Competitions inspire creative writing and poetry speaking - 9/3/1002727 Hot on the heels of Creative Arts Week and the visits by former Poet Laureate, Sir Andrew Motion, and novelists, Babs Horton and Tim Bowler, students in Years 7 to 10 were tasked with writing stories or poems on the subject of "Brave New World".  Some students in Years 11 to Upper Sixth took part voluntarily.  All finalists won points for their Houses.  The winners were: Year 7 winner: Heloise Wormleighton; runner up: Ross Gittins Year 8 joint winners: Kevin Vandabona and Paul Vallis         Year 9 winner: Phoebe Hirst; runner up: Alistair Williams Year 10 joint winners: Emma Pearson and Clarissa Hocking Year 11 winner: Kieran Beckenkraeger; runner up: Libby Miller Sixth Form winners: Seb Watts and Fred Wild; runners up: Zoe Malone and Amalie Bleackley Overall winner: Seb Watts The Year 7 Poetry Speaking winner was Bobby Davies.  Paul Vallis won in Year 8 with the poem he had written for Creative Writing.  The runners up were Billy Goord and Annabel Norris.  These four pupils recited their poems at the Creative Arts Celebration Evening as did some of the Creative Writing winners Heloise Wormleighton, Seb Slade (on behalf of Emma Pearson), Kieran Beckenkraeger and Seb Watts. World Book Day saw a rather unusual event in the library of Plymouth College - it was the scene of a crime! Murder in the Library! - 9/3/10Murder in the Library! - 9/3/1002715 World Book Day saw a rather unusual event in the library of Plymouth College - it was the scene of a crime!   Years 7-9 came into the library to find a taped-off area where there was the outline of a body, a discarded backpack and a small step ladder lying on its side.  Pupils had to turn detective and solve a series of clues to establish the identity of the victim and how the deadly deed had happened.  Much investigation work around the library followed, discovering, for example, the name of a boat (The Plymothian, after the old school magazine), what he (yes, it was a 'he') had been doing with the gold (smuggling, not juggling!) and finding names from the War Memorial boards.  With the crime solved, 'detectives' earned themselves merits for their shrewd work and insightful skills. <img src="/media/36373/murder-mystery2.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Murder Mystery2"/> The Navy section of the Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force got the chance to take to the ocean waves by joining HMS Brocklesby on exercise in Plymouth Sound.CCF Navy section all at sea - 5/3/10CCF Navy section all at sea - 5/3/1002709 The Navy section of the Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force got the chance to take to the ocean waves by joining HMS Brocklesby on exercise in Plymouth Sound. After joining the ship beyond the breakwater courtesy of a trip on RMAS Catamaran (Cawsand), the cadets were welcomed on board by the Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Adam Northover RN - the CO is a former pupil of Plymouth College and credits the school's CCF with inspiring him to join the Navy. The cadets' visit coincided with a weapon training exercise and so after a tour of the ship and lunch in the Wardroom, they took their positions for the main event.  While half of the group donned flak jackets, anti-flash hoods and Kevlar helmets on the bridge wing, the other half remained inside with Lt Cdr Northover RN. "The first firing was the main armament from the front of the ship, which was loud and exciting", said CCF Navy section leader, Tim Lambie.  "Bullets streaked off towards Eddystone Lighthouse and bounced off the surface of the sea, which was great fun". After further firing from the lighter weapons on the upper deck, the cadets met the ship's Leading Diver who showed them the latest diving equipment in his charge. The cadets left the ship at Penlee Point and returned to shore. "This was a great experience for the cadets and a great trip down memory lane for me - it has been some time since I was last at sea!" said Tim.  "Many thanks to Lt Cdr Northover RN and his crew whose hospitality and friendliness made our day all the more enjoyable". <img src="/media/36331/ccf-at-sea2.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Cadets at sea2"/> Plymouth College sixth formers, Jess Evans and Sarah Marchant, both 18, have clinched the runners up spot and £1000 in the national final of the ‘Breaking the Mould’ Apprentice Challenge.Financial board game wins 2nd place in national business competition final - 3/3/10Financial board game wins 2nd place in national business competition final - 3/3/1002717 Plymouth College sixth formers, Jess Evans and Sarah Marchant, both 18, have clinched the runners up spot and £1000 in the national final of the 'Breaking the Mould' Apprentice Challenge. Open to girls only, entrants had to design an electronic or board game that could be used in the classroom to teach the basics of personal finance.  It had to include elements of the IFS School of Finance level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications and had to have the potential for mass production at a feasible purchase price for schools. One of four teams selected for the national final, the Plymouth girls' board game 'Financial Footprints' follows the format of a traditional board game and sees players answering questions on financial products to progress the game.  The girls also produced a business plan and made a 10-minute video presentation showing how the game works. The Apprentice Challenge final was held during the 'Breaking the Mould' conference in London, an event showcasing inspirational women in business.  The competition was judged by stars of the BBC's 'The Apprentice'. "We worked really hard on our board game and so we were delighted to be runners up", said Jess.  "The Breaking the Mould conference was really interesting and it was great to meet people like Margaret Mountford, Saira Khan and Tim Campbell".  Both Jess and Sarah were part of the Plymouth College team that won the national 'Make Your Mark' business competition in December, and Jess was Deputy Managing Director of Affinity, the Plymouth College company that won the national Young Enterprise competition last year. The Chinese New Year was celebrated in style at Plymouth College with a colourful lantern procession.Pupils celebrate Chinese New Year with lantern procession - 24/2/10Pupils celebrate Chinese New Year with lantern procession - 24/2/1002687 The Chinese New Year was celebrated in style at Plymouth College with a colourful lantern procession. Made during Art Extra, the after-school art club run by teacher Dana Roberts, the lanterns were made from natural willow and covered in 'wet strength' tissue paper.  They were lit with LED lights. Lantern-makers from across the year groups were joined in the procession around the school grounds by Chinese students who were celebrating the year of the tiger - one particularly impressive lantern took on the form of the big cat!  Other participants helped the procession on its way with the beat from a number of wooden and metal instruments. Plymouth College sixth formers, Jess Evans and Sarah Marchant, both 18, have won a place in the national final of the ‘Breaking the Mould’ Apprentice Challenge.Financial board game wins place in national business competition final - 16/2/10Financial board game wins place in national business competition final - 16/2/1002683 Plymouth College sixth formers, Jess Evans and Sarah Marchant, both 18, have won a place in the national final of the 'Breaking the Mould' Apprentice Challenge. Open to girls only, entrants had to design an electronic or board game that could be used in the classroom to teach the basics of personal finance.  It had to include elements of the IFS School of Finance level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications and had to have the potential for mass production at a feasible purchase price for schools. One of four teams selected for the national final, the Plymouth girls' board game 'Financial Footprints' follows the format of a traditional board game and sees players answering questions on financial products to progress the game.  The girls also produced a business plan and made a 10-minute video presentation showing how the game works. The national final is being held in London on 1st March and is being judged by Margaret Mountford, Saira Khan and Tim Campbell of the BBC's 'The Apprentice'. Both Jess and Sarah were part of the Plymouth College team that won the national 'Make Your Mark' business competition in December, and Jess was Deputy Managing Director of Affinity, the Plymouth College company that won the national Young Enterprise competition last year. The Apprentice Challenge final comes with a £5,000 prize and is being held during the 'Breaking the Mould' conference, an event to showcase inspirational women in business.  It is being organised by the Financial Mail. An RAF band stopped off at Plymouth College last week as part of a tour of South West schools.RAF band performs at Plymouth College - 12/2/10RAF band performs at Plymouth College - 12/2/1002664 An RAF band stopped off at Plymouth College last week as part of a tour of South West schools.  Organised by the RAF Careers Service, the series of concerts promote career options in music rather than service in the RAF. The lively event kicked off with a Big Band number and included the theme tune from 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.  The band then played a montage of TV themes, which the pupils were encouraged to guess. One unsuspecting teaching was chosen to go on stage and 'conduct' while pupils got to join the band and play a variety of percussion instruments. "This was the first time the band has visited Plymouth College", said Head of Music and Performing Arts, David Green.  "We were delighted that the RAF chose us as part of the tour and the 30-strong ensemble certainly didn't disappoint. It was a huge success and we hope to welcome them again next year." Nick Butcher, Sophia Johns and Maria Thaller have all achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Gold Awards for three Plymouth College sixth formers - 2/2/10Gold Awards for three Plymouth College sixth formers - 2/2/1002648 Sophia Johns, Nick Butcher and Maria Thaller have all achieved their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.  Completing service, physical, skill, expedition and residential challenges, activities included yoga, swimming and gig rowing; trips to The Gambia, Morocco and Scotland; volunteering with the YHA and helping out with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in school and the Plymouth area. Three former Plymouth College pupils, Holly Duncan, Dominic Lyons and Dominique Crosswood, also achieved their Gold Awards on the same day. Plymouth College’s inaugural Creative Arts Week could not have had a more fitting finale than an evening with Sir Andrew Motion. Sir Andrew Motion rounds off Creative Arts Week - 29/1/10Sir Andrew Motion rounds off Creative Arts Week - 29/1/1002642 Plymouth College's inaugural Creative Arts Week could not have had a more fitting finale than an evening with Sir Andrew Motion.  In front of a packed audience, the former Poet Laureate read some of his work, answered questions and finished the evening with book-signing.  Earlier in the day he had hosted a series of poetry-writing workshops as well as being the subject of a press conference conducted by a group of sixth form 'journalists'. Involving the whole school with two days pack full of activities, workshops included a variety of dance such as rock 'n' roll, Hindu and street; mask, prop and lantern making; meccano sculpture, block printing and Chinese brush artwork; journalism, photography and film-making to name just a few.  Pupils also had the opportunity to visit an inflatable planetarium and there were lectures on sustainability and perfumes. "I have been delighted to see the real sense of enjoyment and enthusiasm that has been generated amongst our pupils during Creative Arts Week", said Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "With so many activities to try, I sincerely hope that many will have discovered a passion for something completely new as a result of taking part." <img src="/media/35370/ca-masks.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="CA Masks"/> <img src="/media/35375/ca-drill.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="CA Drill"/> <img src="/media/35380/ca-radio.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="CA Radio"/> <img src="/media/35400/ca rock and roll.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="CA Rock and Roll"/> Plymouth College is delighted to welcome Sir Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate 1999-2009, to the Meade-King Hall on Thursday 28th January. Former Poet Laureate to host event at Plymouth College - 11/1/10Former Poet Laureate to host event at Plymouth College - 11/1/100 Plymouth College is delighted to welcome Sir Andrew Motion, Poet Laureate 1999-2009, to the Meade-King Hall on Thursday 28th January.  Starting at 5.30 p.m., the evening begins with a reading.  This will be followed by a question and answer session, finishing with book-signing of recent publications such as The Cinder Path, a collection of poems and Ways of Life: on Places, Painters and Poets, a collection of essays.  Earlier in the day Sir Andrew is hosting three workshops for Plymouth College pupils as part of the school's Creative Arts Week. The evening event is open to all.  Tickets are £5 and can be purchased from the Plymouth College School Office.  Refreshments are included in the price. Please call 01752 203300 for further information. Jan'10 6-7        NORTH OF ENGLAND EDUCATION CONFERENCE 28         PLYMOUTH College                                                                                      01752 203300  Feb'10 24         GODALMING Charterhouse with Watts Gallery                                        01483 810235  Mar'10 11         LB of ENFIELD Library Re-opening 24         ESSEX Book Festival, Colchester United Reformed Church                 01206 573948 Andrew Motion was born in 1952. He read English at University College, Oxford and subsequently spent two years writing about the poetry of Edward Thomas for an M. Litt. From 1976 to 1980 he taught English at the University of Hull; from 1980 to 1982 he edited the Poetry Review and from 1982 to 1989 he was Editorial Director and Poetry Editor at Chatto & Windus. He is now Professor of Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and lives in London. He was knighted for his services to literature in 2009. Sir Andrew is a council member of the Advertising Standards Authority and, since last July, Chairman of the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council. Andrew Motion was Poet Laureate from 1999 until 2009. His new collection of poems is The Cinder Path (Faber) and Ways of Life: Places, Painters and Poets (Faber) is his latest collection of essays. 'It's a book full of pleasures, and shows, as always, a mind turned alluringly outwards, into the world.' Philip Hensher, Daily Telegraph 'These always absorbing essays seek out the things that matter deeply to this most English of poets and holds them up again to the light.' Carol Ann Duffy, Observer  In The Blood A Memoir of my Childhood (Faber) was published in Sept'06.  'Andrew Motion's childhood memoir In the Blood is funny and spare and honest and clear. He captures perfectly the anxious yet optimistic incompleteness of being young.' Julie Myerson   'The great value of a memoir such as this is not only its revelation of someone else's experiences, someone else's consciousness, but the realisation of how much we share. He does write beautifully, of course, but I expected that; what's given me even more pleasure is the amber-like quality of his memory, and the things I found myself recalling in sympathy.'  Philip Pullman   'Deeply engaging … the innocence and the hardness of childhood are beautifully put together ... it's a strikingly good book, framed by tragedy but full of intense life.' Helen Dunmore Andrew Motion's work has received the Arvon/Observer Prize, the John Llewelyn Rhys Prize, the De Moffart Art Prize (2006) and the Dylan Thomas Prize. In 1994 his biography of Philip Larkin was awarded the Whitbread Prize for Biography, and shortlisted for the NCR Award. The Lamberts won the Somerset Maugham Award. 'Compelling, simple & mysterious' Sean O'Brien Sunday Times 'His voice is unlike any other' Lavinia Greenlaw  New Statesman & Society 'Motion is a beautiful lyricist unpretentiously and precisely describing those things worth having even as he casts unsettling shadows across them' Robert Potts The Guardian In addition to making regular visits to schools and Festivals, he has also co-founded The Poetry Archive, a web-based collection of poets reading their work which will have a significant value for general readers as well as teachers and students (it includes a dedicated 'education zone'). <a href="http://www.poetryarchive.org/">www.poetryarchive.org</a> "The best poems are those which speak to us about the important things in our lives in a way that we never forget. Any heavier definition than that begins to collapse under its own weight and exclude many forms of poetry. But we live in a very diverse culture and the great opportunity that poetry has now is to make sure that all its various voices have an equal and proper space given to them. In this way, they can link up with the lives from which they arose in the first place." Autobiography 2006                 IN THE BLOOD A Memoir of my Childhood (pub.Sept'06) Essays 2008                 WAYS OF LIFE: Places, Painters and Poets Poetry 1991                 LOVE IN A LIFE 1994                 THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING 1997                 SALT WATER 1998                 SELECTED POEMS 1976-1997 2001                 HERE TO ETERNITY an anthology edited by Andrew Motion 2002                PUBLIC PROPERTY 2003                 FIRST WORLD WAR POEMS an anthology selected by Andrew Motion 2009                 THE CINDER PATH Biography 1993                 PHILIP LARKIN: A WRITER'S LIFE 1995                 THE LAMBERTS (First published in 1986) 1997                 KEATS 2000                 WAINEWRIGHT THE POISONER Fiction 2003                 THE INVENTION OF DR CAKE Independent school, Plymouth College, is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 4th February 2010. The Year 7 Entrance Examination is a couple of days later on Saturday 6th February.Sixth Form Open Evening and Entrance Examination - 12/1/10Sixth Form Open Evening and Entrance Examination - 12/1/100 Independent school, Plymouth College, is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 4th February 2010.  The Year 7 Entrance Examination is a couple of days later on Saturday 6th February. The Open Evening will take place in the Sixth Form Centre, where visitors can drop in between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to find out more about A Level options and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.  Prospective students will also be able to talk to current sixth formers and find out what sixth form life is really like at Plymouth College.  Refreshments will be served in the bistro. Sixth form at Plymouth College provides a whole range of opportunities for students to develop their academic strengths, as well as other important life skills they will need outside of the classroom. Studying beyond Year 11 is viewed as a period of educational transition, and the aim is to equip students with the confidence to study independently and develop the self-discipline necessary to be successful at university. The Sixth Form Centre gives them independence within the framework of the school, whether it's for private study or just relaxing with a cappuccino in the bistro.  In addition, there are many opportunities to help students take their final steps into adulthood, with some becoming prefects, others captains of sports teams and some taking on social responsibilities. A Level results are consistently high, with most students getting into their first choice of university - two pupils have so far received Oxbridge offers for 2010.  It has also been a successful year for business competitions with Plymouth College clinching national titles in both Young Enterprise and Make Your Mark. But whatever choices they make - higher education, work, travel or something completely different - students leave Plymouth College prepared for their future lives. For further information about the Open Evening and to register for the Entrance Examination, please call Mrs Lambie on 01752 203245 or e-mail mail@plymouthcollege.com Lower sixth pupil and footballer, Dominic Matcham, 17, is through to the last ten of a reality TV programme that will see the winner walk away with a contract with football giants, Inter Milan.TV programme brings Italian football dream a step closer for Dominic - 8/1/10TV programme brings Italian football dream a step closer for Dominic - 8/1/1002602 Lower sixth pupil and footballer, Dominic Matcham, 17, is through to the last ten of a reality TV programme that will see the winner walk away with a contract with football giants, Inter Milan. Dominic was selected from more than 7,000 talented hopefuls from the UK and Ireland to appear on Sky 1's 'Football's Next Star'.  After a series of intensive trials, Dominic has found himself jetting off to Italy with the other finalists to stay in a luxury villa beside Lake Como.  The series is presented by former Liverpool, Spurs and England player, Jamie Redknapp who is on hand with advice and help for the finalists. With the cameras following their every move, a daily training schedule has left little time for sight-seeing.  Adding to the pressure is the knowledge that one footballer will get eliminated at the end of each programme.  Dominic was put forward for the programme by the Football Association after he went through the ranks of the Plymouth Argyle youth teams as well as completing a stint with Bristol City. "I was over the moon when they told me I was going to Milan", said Dominic.  "The training has been quite tough as the Italian methods differ to what I'm used to and the diet is very strict - no butter or milk at breakfast!  But this is an amazing experience and to win a contract with Inter Milan would be a dream come true. I'm determined to make the most of it whatever the outcome." Football's Next Star is on Sky1 Sundays at 8 p.m. and repeated on Fridays at 11 p.m. Plymouth College House, Palmers, has raised more than £100 for ‘Help for Heroes’ after hosting a series of lunchtime music events.‘Help for Heroes’ benefits from charity music week - 15/12/09‘Help for Heroes’ benefits from charity music week - 15/12/0902567 Plymouth College House, Palmers, has raised more than £100 for 'Help for Heroes' after hosting a series of lunchtime music events. Members of the audience, who had to pay 50p entry for each session, were treated to a whole mix of music such as rock, classical, jazz and inde. Staff, pupils and even former pupils took turns on the stage including piano virtuoso "Aiden Law", dance troupe "Sensational Sisters of Swing", "Ed Hurst Unplugged", "Jamie Mead and Friends" and "All The Old Dudes".  <img src="/media/34674/palmers-music2.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Palmers Music2"/> <img src="/media/34679/palmers-music3.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Palmers Music3"/> <img src="/media/34684/palmers-music4.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Palmers Music4"/> Hot on the heels of winning the BBC South West Sports Personality of the Year accolade last month, diving sensation and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, lifted the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award at the national event last night. Tom is BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year - 14/12/09Tom is BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year - 14/12/0902572 Hot on the heels of winning the BBC South West Sports Personality of the Year accolade last month, diving sensation and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, has lifted the national BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.  Held at Sheffield Arena, this was the second time in two years that Tom has walked away with the Young Sports Personality title.  His gold medal-winning dive at this year's World Championships also earned him a nomination for the senior award for the first time, which was eventually won by legendary footballer, Ryan Giggs. Young entrepreneurs from Plymouth College have been announced as winners in the national final of the 2009 Make Your Mark Challenge, the UK’s largest enterprise challenge for 14-19 year olds. Plymouth College team triumphs in UK’s largest enterprise competition - 14/12/09Plymouth College team triumphs in UK’s largest enterprise competition - 14/12/0902560 Young entrepreneurs from Plymouth College have been announced as winners in the national final of the 2009 Make Your Mark Challenge, the UK's largest enterprise challenge for 14-19 year olds.  This is the second enterprise competition the pupils have won outright in 2009 (winning the Young Enterprise competition earlier in the year). The group of four Plymouth students - Jess Evans, Sarah Marchant, Alex Smith and Tom Watkins -  triumphed in the 16-19 category of the competition after battling it out against 11 other teams from across the UK at the National Finals in London. More than 73,000 students originally took part in the competition nationwide when it was launched by Countdown presenter Rachel Riley during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November. During the action-packed day, held at King's Place, London, Rachel Riley gave a welcome address before teams got the chance to pitch to a top panel of judges, including Heather Stewart, Economics Editor at the Observer, Philip Goodwin from the British Council and Richard Gillies, director of Plan A and Sustainable Development at Marks & Spencer. The team from Plymouth impressed the judges with their Pro Planners idea, which fulfilled the judges criteria for a business idea which was locally inspired and has a low carbon footprint.  Pro Planners are online student planners that get rid of the need to use paper planners for every pupil in the school and also ensure that pupils cannot lose their planners or not know what homework is being set.  Teachers upload homework and all pupil planners are updated with the relevant work set. The Plymouth College team bagged £1,000 for their efforts which will be used by their school to develop their idea further. As part of the winning prize they will also travel to Belgrade, Serbia for the Skills@Work Challenge Final, a joint-project between the British Council and Junior Achievement-Young Enterprise (JA-YE) Europe, supported by Microsoft CEE. The UK team will work with students from European nations such as Bulgaria, Romania and Georgia, before going on to participate in a virtual final with counterparts from countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan. Each member of the team also received £100 each in high street shopping vouchers. Jess Evans of the winning team, said:  "It feels amazing to be the 2009 winners. 73,000 people entered this competition so we never expected to get this far so it has been a real surprise. We are so excited to be going to Belgrade and look forward to taking our idea further." Speaking at the final, Jonathan Shields from Plymouth College said: "We are delighted to be crowned winners in the 2009 Make Your Mark Challenge. Our students have worked extremely hard to get this far and displayed creativity, dedication and a flair for enterprise. The Make Your Mark Challenge is a great opportunity for young people because it nurtures their creativity and helps them develop valuable life skills.  " Dr Jon Rae Sustainability Coordinator for The Dartington Hall Trust, and one of the SW regional judges, comments: "Plymouth College's idea was not only a gloriously simple and ingenious solution cutting paper out of homework but also is a sound commercial proposition.  To find real talent, it is clear that we need to look no further than the young men and women in our schools across Devon.  Well done Plymouth College and I look forward to seeing this team turn into the entrepreneurs of the future." Rachel Riley said: "The Make Your Mark Challenge is a fantastic way to get young people interested and excited in business and becoming entrepreneurs. It is vital to inspire and develop the skill set of these future entrepreneurs as they will help to drive our economy in years to come. This year all entrants considered the environmental impact of their entries, ensuring they are prepared for another of the challenges that will become ever more important to business." The first man to walk the length of the Great Wall of China from West to East, Tarka L’Herpiniere, was the special guest at Plymouth College’s Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall.Adventurer is special guest at awards evening - 10/12/09Adventurer is special guest at awards evening - 10/12/0902555 The first man to walk the length of the Great Wall of China from West to East, Tarka L'Herpiniere, was the special guest at Plymouth College's Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall.  The independent school's annual prize-giving event recognises and celebrates the academic and extra-curricular achievements of senior pupils. Tarka, who is a renowned endurance athlete, mountaineer and film-maker, presented the prizes and gave a fascinating account of some of his most challenging expeditions to the gathered audience of current sixth form, 2009 leavers, staff, families and friends. The evening also included musical interludes by former pupils Jamie Mead (right) and Bridget Luff, and a performance by the school's Brass Ensemble. "Many congratulations to all our prize-winners", said Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton.  "The Senior Awards Evening allows us to celebrate our achievers from last year, including academic scholars, sportsmen and women and musicians to name but a few.  We were delighted that Tarka was able to join us to present the prizes and give such an engaging speech." <img src="/media/34506/senior-prize-winners-2009_498x235.jpg" width="498" height="235" alt="Senior Awards2 09"/> Plymouth College has bought two private properties adjacent to the school site on Ford Park Road. Plymouth College buys properties for expansion - 7/12/09Plymouth College buys properties for expansion - 7/12/0902542 Plymouth College has bought two private properties adjacent to the school site on Ford Park Road.  'Roville' and 'The Bungalow', are both 4-bedroomed, detached properties with back gardens that are contiguous to the College grounds.  The College Governors have a policy to buy property in the immediate environs as and when it becomes available to ensure that the College is not hindered by lack of space (an issue common to many city-based schools) when the time comes to expand facilities.  Just last year the Governors purchased 7 Ford Park Lane, which was opened as an additional boarding house in September 2009.  Named Thompson House after a major College benefactor, it is home to eight boarders and a Housemaster. In the short term 'Roville' will also be converted into boarding accommodation to cater for the current increase in boarding numbers and the 'Bungalow' will be used for staff accommodation.  Photograph: Boarders relaxing in Thompson House Upper Sixth chemistry pupils got to grips with the latest analytical techniques at Plymouth University recently.Chemists visit Plymouth University Analytical Department - 2/12/09Chemists visit Plymouth University Analytical Department - 2/12/0902534 Upper Sixth chemistry pupils got to grips with the latest analytical techniques at Plymouth University recently. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, infra red spectroscopy, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, the young chemists got some hands-on experience preparing samples and analysing the data. Not only was the visit a key part in the A Level syllabus, but it was explained that the techniques explored can be used to identify the origins of oil in oil spillage and chemicals in water pollution incidents, demonstrating the relevance and importance of chemistry in today's world. <img src="/media/34227/u6-chemistry1.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Chemistry2"/> Hot on the heels of winning the BBC South West Sports Personality of the Year accolade earlier this week, diving sensation and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, lifted the main award at the Plymouth event last night.Success at Herald Sports Personality of the Year Awards - 1/12/09Success at Herald Sports Personality of the Year Awards - 1/12/0902531 Hot on the heels of winning the BBC South West Sports Personality of the Year accolade earlier this week, diving sensation and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, lifted the main award at the Plymouth event last night.  His gold medal-winning dive at this year's World Championships also earned him the Champagne Moment award. The Young Sports Personality award was won by former Plymouth College pupil and elite swimmer, Emma Wilkins.  A member of Plymouth Leander, Emma competed for Great Britain in the World Championships this year.  Another former pupil, cricketer James Burke, who has a contract with Somerset and represents England at U19 level, was a runner-up in this category. Plymouth College's swimming partner, Plymouth Leander, had more to celebrate after winning the Team of the Year award, while Head Coach and Plymouth College Director of Swimming, Jon Rudd, was a runner-up in the Coach of the Year category. Former world featherweight boxing champion, Barry McGuigan, was the guest of honour and presented the prizes. Photograph: Tom Daley, Emma Wilkins and Jon Rudd are pictured with members of Plymouth College and Plymouth Leander In 1959 the Plymouth College 1st XV were the first rugby team in the school’s history to boast an unbeaten season. Unbeaten rugby team reunite after 50 years! - 1/12/09Unbeaten rugby team reunite after 50 years! - 1/12/0902526 In 1959 the Plymouth College 1st XV were the first rugby team in the school's history to boast an unbeaten season.  Fifty years on and the former players have travelled from near and far to revisit the school and reminisce. Captain, Mike Friend, managed to track down eleven of the original fifteen, including David Coxwell who now lives in Queensland, Australia. As well as a reunion dinner, tour of the school and recreation of the team photo from the 1959 school magazine, the '59ers attended a current 1st XV match where they presented the school with the '59 Cup for Outstanding Player of the Year (Mike Friend is pictured presenting the cup to Head of Rugby, Richard Edwards). "It was quite an emotional get-together as some of us hadn't seen each other since we left school", said Mike.  "Many of us have continued to be involved in rugby over the years whether it's been playing, coaching or just spectating! "Obviously quite a lot has changed at the school and there are many more facilities than in our day but there is also a lot of very familiar sights like Main School and the Cricket Pavilion.  One of the highlights was watching the current 1st XV win 29-7 against West Buckland and being able to present them with a cup that will ensure the '59 team is never forgotten." <img src="/media/34143/1959-team.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="1959 team today"/> Back row L to R: Mike Maunder, Richard Spear, David Westlake, Peter Organ Middle L to R: David Coxwell, Charles Fox, Mike Friend, Jack Harvey, Peter Anthony Front: Jon Gabitass <img src="/media/34138/1959-rugby-team.jpg" width="400" height="374" alt="1959 Team"/> As they were in 1959 Dan Snowden, 17, has retained his Boys’ Solo title in the Plymouth Music Festival. Dan clinches trophies in Plymouth Festival - 26/11/09Dan clinches trophies in Plymouth Festival - 26/11/0902518 Dan Snowden, 17, has retained his Boys' Solo title in the Plymouth Music Festival.  Winning the Matthew Ryan Cup, Dan's winning performance was the song, 'Trade Winds'.    He then went on to win the Tim Lloyd Cup in the Duo class, performing 'Me and My Girl' with his partner Charlotte Badham. He also claimed second place in the Song from a Show and Recital classes. Dan's final accolade was the festival's U17 Most Promising Singer Award. An innovative on-line homework planner has been selected as one of the ten best product ideas in the South West in the national ‘Make Your Mark’ competition. South West final for business team - 26/11/09South West final for business team - 26/11/090 An innovative on-line homework planner has been selected as one of the ten best product ideas in the South West in the national 'Make Your Mark' competition.  The team of sixth form business and economics students - Tom Watkins, Alex Smith, Jess Evans and Sarah Marchant - will travel to Bristol just before Christmas where they will find out if they have won a place in the national final. Plymouth College Young Enterprise company, Affinity, have won the Best Business category of the Plymouth Herald Youth Awards.Affinity win Herald Youth Award - 20/11/09Affinity win Herald Youth Award - 20/11/0902508 Plymouth College Young Enterprise company, Affinity, have won the Best Business category of the Plymouth Herald Youth Awards - Affinity became national Young Enterprise champions earlier this year when their book, Prambles, proved to be a best-seller. Also, Affinity deputy managing director, Jess Evans, was commended in the Young Hero category for her voluntary work helping young people with special needs. She has twice trained a team for the Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge, which is the annual Dartmoor hike for children with special needs and on a training hike in Brittany,  Jess pushed a girl in a wheelchair cross country for two days so she could complete the challenge. <img src="/media/33895/jess-evans.jpg" width="353" height="400" alt="Jess E"/> Keen linguists from Year 8 to Upper Sixth pitted their French, German and Spanish skills against the best in the South West to win three out of four trophies in the 2009 Linguafest. Juniors and Seniors win Linguafest challenge - 20/11/09Juniors and Seniors win Linguafest challenge - 20/11/090 Keen linguists from Year 8 to Upper Sixth pitted their French, German and Spanish skills against the best in the South West to win three out of four trophies in the 2009 Linguafest - they took the runner's up spot in the fourth. Plymouth College's Junior French team and Spanish/German Senior team came out on top with the Intermediate German team coming second. Sixth former, Ed Knight, won the Linguafest trophy for the Best Individual Contribution. Held at Exeter School, the South West Canford Group's linguistic challenge saw competitors from Plymouth College, Truro School, West Buckland, Exeter School and King's Bruton.| The Beginners had to deliver a sketch, song or dramatic presentation resulting in a range of topics from a presentation about 'The revenge of the pupils', to a Spanish Song, to a performance of 'Snow White', to a German Exchange talk. Intermediate teams presented a drama of the Berlin Wall, a rap, a puppet show and school-based soap opera.  Advanced students tackled French and Spanish festivals, Philippe Petit (tight-rope walker), an interpretation of the film 'Les Choristes' and lessons learnt from the destruction of Guernica. Lower sixth pupils from Plymouth College have raised £490 for Shelterbox. Pupils raise nearly £500 for Shelterbox - 11/11/09Pupils raise nearly £500 for Shelterbox - 11/11/0902493 Lower sixth pupils from Plymouth College have raised £490 for Shelterbox.  The tutor group started their efforts in Year 9, undertaking various fund-raising activities such as cake sales, pocket money donations, e-bay sales, car washes and even a painful chest and leg wax by one male pupil!  Shelterbox is a charity that responds instantly to natural and manmade disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are most in need.  Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and essential equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless. In light of the recent appeal to help the victims of the earthquake in Sumatra, the group decided now was the right time to donate the money they'd raised, which is enough for one box.  The 'all-in' price includes materials, packing, storage, transport and distribution to individual recipients worldwide. "It has been great to work together as a class and to see our fund-raising pot gradually increase over the last couple of years", said pupil, Ellie Hall.  "Shelterbox does an amazing job supporting people affected by disaster and we look forward to tracking our box and finding out who it ends up helping." Photograph: Teacher, Steven Vorster, and Lower Sixth pupils hand over the cheque to Shelterbox representative, David Compton who is also Outdoor Activities Manager at Plymouth College. Dick Turpin, a cave man, a Roman and a suffragette were just some of the characters brought to life at Plymouth College’s Open Morning.History is brought to life during Plymouth College Open Morning - 13/10/09History is brought to life during Plymouth College Open Morning - 13/10/0902459 Dick Turpin, a cave man, a Roman and a suffragette were just some of the characters brought to life at Plymouth College's Open Morning.  Staff and pupils from the History department dressed up in a range of costumes to demonstrate some of the many eras studied at the independent school.  In other parts of the school visitors were treated to a whole host of activities such as interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations.  One of the most popular departments to visit was Modern Languages, who were serving croissants and waffles in the Euro café.  The Open Morning is held each year to give prospective parents and pupils a chance to have a look around the school, meet pupils and staff, and get a real feel for what life is really like at Plymouth College.  Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, said: "We had a very impressive turnout for Open Morning, which is very encouraging as we look to numbers for September 2010.   "Our academic curriculum is really strong but we also believe firmly in the importance of the wider curriculum, which is reflected in the diverse mix of sporting, outward bound, artistic, musical and dramatic activities.  Everyone is able to find success and enjoyment along a broad front.  There is a great community spirit at the College and those who come here make lasting friendships and forge good relationships at all levels."  This summer saw a good set of results at both A Level and GCSE, with 98% and 92% pass rates respectively. The school is equally proud of its extra-curricular achievements.  The House drama competition just before Christmas always proves to be very creative and lively, while a group of pupils are looking forward helping with a building project in The Gambia at the end of October.  On the sports front, the 1st XV rugby team are hoping to repeat last year's unbeaten run and fencer, Georgina Barrington, has just won an English team gold medal in the UK Schools Games. <img src="/media/32977/open-morning2.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Open Morning2"/> World Champion diver and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, has been honoured at the Daily Telegraph/Aviva School Sport Matters Awards. One of three outstanding young athletes from across the country to be shortlisted, Tom won the Student of the Year (Male) category. Diver Tom wins Telegraph sports award - 7/10/09Diver Tom wins Telegraph sports award - 7/10/0902450 World Champion diver and Plymouth College pupil, Tom Daley, has been honoured at the Daily Telegraph/Aviva School Sport Matters Awards.  One of three outstanding young athletes from across the country to be shortlisted, Tom won the Student of the Year (Male) category.  He was presented with his trophy by Olympic silver medallist sprinter, Iwan Thomas, at the prestigious event held at Chelsea Football Club.  The lunchtime ceremony was hosted by sports legends Sally Gunnell and James Cracknell.  Other sports personalities presenting awards were Dame Kelly Holmes, Jenny Meadows, Marlon Devonish, David Weir and Brian Moore. Tom was nominated for the award by Plymouth College Deputy Head, Sarah Dunn.  "We are absolutely delighted that Tom won the Student of the Year award", said Sarah.  "He is not just a world-class diver but a model student who works equally hard on both his school studies and his diving training.  Plymouth College is very proud of him." The awards have been running for five years and other categories include Student of the Year (Female), School Sport Teacher of the Year, School Team of the Year, Excellence in Disabled Sport and Unsung Hero. Plymouth College pupils will be travelling in style after the College took delivery of two Trafic minibus 9-seater minibuses from local Renault dealer, Mumfords. Plymouth College takes delivery of two new minibuses - 29/9/09Plymouth College takes delivery of two new minibuses - 29/9/0902443 Plymouth College pupils will be travelling in style after the College took delivery of two Trafic minibus 9-seater minibuses from local Renault dealer, Mumfords.  The school will use the buses for transporting pupils to sporting events around the country and to areas like Dartmoor and the coast for after school activities. Plymouth College Bursar, David Baylis, said: "We are delighted to add the two new minibuses to our fleet so that we can continue to offer our pupils a wide range of after school opportunities beyond the school gates." Steve Fosdike, business sales specialist at Mumfords, said: "William Mumford, who is the chairman of Mumfords Renault is a governor at Plymouth College, so he was happy to get involved as there is a long-standing relationship between the two organisations. "All of the staff at Mumfords are delighted to help pupils from the college get on the road for all their sporting and out-of-school activities. The Trafic minibus has proved to be a firm favourite with drivers and passengers alike and we wish everyone involved many miles of happy motoring." On “The Last Night of The Proms”, Plymouth College musicians, Clarissa Hocking and Harriet Benson, who both play viola with South West Camerata, found themselves working with the BBC and performing at the big screen event in Plymouth. Last Night of the Proms performance for musicians - 24/9/09Last Night of the Proms performance for musicians - 24/9/0902433 On "The Last Night of The Proms", Plymouth College musicians, Clarissa Hocking and Harriet Benson, who both play viola with South West Camerata, found themselves working with the BBC and performing at the big screen event in Plymouth. Whilst neither pupil is a stranger to public performance or working with professionals and the BBC, this was a new and highly enjoyable experience. The performance lasted for an hour and a half and the repertoire was very wide ranging, culminating with the inevitable favourites. South West Camerata is an unconducted string ensemble for advanced players but many members have other talents, including superb singing and jazz. They are directed by the inspirational Fiona McLean. By the end of the performance both girls were exhausted, particularly as they had spent three hours in the morning with their Camerata colleagues recording a CD to raise funds to aid existing projects and help fund their tour next year which includes The Edinburgh Festival and performances in Glasgow. In July, five Plymouth College students represented South West England in the Young Enterprise National Final. Young Enterprise is a scheme where students set up and run their own companies. Their company – Affinity won the national final, beating 3000 other teams. This gave them the opportunity to go to Canada on an eight day business conference. Jess Evans reports...Plymouth – Bristol – London – Toronto and back - 18/9/09Plymouth – Bristol – London – Toronto and back - 18/9/0902422 <h4>In July, five Plymouth College students represented South West England in the Young Enterprise National Final. Young Enterprise is a scheme where students set up and run their own companies. Their company - Affinity won the national final, beating 3000 other teams. This gave them the opportunity to go to Canada on an eight day business conference. Jess Evans reports...</h4> If somebody had told me in September 2008 that by the end of the year our Prambles book would have outsold Barrack Obama, Stephen Fry and Gordon Ramsey in the local Waterstones - I wouldn't have believed them. The fact that it did happen meant that our company was named the Young Enterprise Company of the Year 2009 at the National Innovation Awards in July. The title is not one we gained without a lot of work, not only did we have to have a really fantastic product but we also had to complete a company report, give a speech to 600 people and go through testing interviews. In July we represented the South West at the National Innovation Awards.  It was a three-day competition and although we were put up in a luxury hotel and given good food, we didn't lose sight of why we were there - to win. The trip was not without its setbacks, on the second night we had torrential rain in London and the Park Lane Hotel flooded, leaving our seven foot plasma television display stand in three inches of water and our luxury five course dinner uncooked. Eating at KFC in our smart clothes that night just made us more determined to win and get the prize of £1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Canada for eight days. As we attempted to eat our lunch on the last day the atmosphere was tense. Our main competition was a team called Blue Moon from Suffolk who had made bird boxes that represented landmarks in Sussex; the bird boxes had UV paint on them so that they would be easily visible to birds. It was always going to be very close, so when 3rd and 2nd place were announced and we were not placed we knew that we were in with a real shot of winning and going to Canada. To win was truly amazing and a great reward for all of our hard work.  On the 7th August five students and two teachers went to Canada for the Junior Achievement Exchange (JAX) in Toronto. We were joined by students from ten other countries who had been picked for their leadership and business skills. The conference was six days long, during which we had lectures and debates on various subjects like Marketing, Innovation and Technology - it was a great way to learn more about business after the Young Enterprise experience and make some great friends. The trip was topped off with a visit to Niagara Falls, one of the wonders of the world, and a ride on the famous 'Maid of the Mist' boat tour.  <img src="/media/32419/affinity-niagara_500x294.jpg" width="500" height="294" alt="Affinity Niagara"/> This experience has taught us all to believe in ourselves and to push ourselves further than we would usually. Even though for half of last year most of us lived and breathed Young Enterprise - it was worth it! A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 10th October.Plymouth College to open its doors for the morning - 16/9/09Plymouth College to open its doors for the morning - 16/9/090 A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 10th October. The leading independent school opens its doors at Ford Park from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  Visitors will have the chance to look around the school and meet staff and pupils.  Founded in 1877, Plymouth College is a city-based day and boarding school providing education for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.  A forward-looking school with a successful history, this summer saw a good set of results at both A Level and GCSE, with 98% and 92% pass rates respectively - on average Plymouth College pupils perform one grade better in each GCSE taken than predicted by previous attainment.  A number of students achieve about two grades higher than expected in each subject. The school is equally proud of its extra-curricular achievements, with activities ranging from sports and outward bound to music and drama.  The House drama competition just before Christmas always proves to be very creative and lively, while a group of pupils are looking forward helping with a building project in The Gambia at the end of October.  On the sports front, the 1st XV rugby team are hoping to repeat last year's unbeaten run and fencer, Georgina Barrington, has just won an English team gold medal in the UK Schools Games. The school boasts a mix of cultures with pupils from the Far East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Locally, pupils come from Plymouth, the South Hams, West Devon and South East Cornwall, many using the school bus service. Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, says: "Our academic curriculum is strong but we also believe firmly in the importance of the wider curriculum, which is reflected in the diverse mix of sporting, outward bound, artistic, musical and dramatic activities.  Everyone is able to find success and enjoyment along a broad front. "There is a great community spirit at the College and those who come here make lasting friendships and forge good relationships at all levels." For more information please call the Headmaster's Secretary on 01752 203245 or e-mail mail@plymouthcollege.com Plymouth College pupil, Ellie Hall, is celebrating this morning with the news that she has achieved a remarkable 10 A*s and 1 A at GCSE. Eleven top GCSE grades for Plymouth College pupil - 27/8/09Eleven top GCSE grades for Plymouth College pupil - 27/8/0902404 Plymouth College pupil, Ellie Hall, is celebrating this morning with the news that she has achieved a remarkable 10 A*s and 1 A at GCSE.  She also secured a B grade in Greek.  With an A*/A grade pass rate of 42.4%, a further six pupils - Tristan Day, William Dickinson, Michael Haley, Alistair Lochhead, Lizzie Molloy and Rebecca Razey - gained ten top grades. Twenty-four pupils out of a year group of ninety-six achieved at least seven top grades. The Plymouth College A* to C pass rate this year continues to be well above the national average at 92%. Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton said: "We are delighted to see such a good set of results and I pass on my warmest congratulations to all our GCSE pupils.  It is reassuring to see that the hard work of both our pupils and teachers has been rewarded in this way." L to R Tristan Day, Rebecca Razey, Ellie Hall, Lizzie Molloy and Michael Haley. <img src="/media/32102/gcse-top-achievers_500x333.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="GCSE Group2"/>     Plymouth College is celebrating this morning with nearly half of its A Level results coming in at A grade - the A grade pass rate of 46% is an outstanding 16% increase on last year.Plymouth College boasts best A Level results for years! - 20/8/09Plymouth College boasts best A Level results for years! - 20/8/0902387 Plymouth College is celebrating this morning with nearly half of its A Level results coming in at A grade - the A grade pass rate of 46% is an outstanding 16% increase on last year.  At 72%, the equally-impressive A/B pass rate is up 13% and the overall pass rate is up 2% to 98%. Anthony Comyn, Edward Day, Ben Piggot and Kevin Yeung all gained a remarkable  four A grades, while  nearly one in four pupils achieved at least three top grades, including elite swimmer  Emma Wilkins who represented Great Britain in the World Championships earlier this summer. Anthony and Kevin, along with Tom Norris, all achieved maximum marks (600/600) and the top score in the country, in the Edexcel Economics and Business Studies A Level.  Edward Day was close behind in 4th position with a mark of 598/600.  This is the third consecutive year Plymouth College has clinched the top mark and out of the eight years this syllabus has been running, Plymouth College has produced the top student in the country an incredible six times! Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, said: “My warmest congratulations to all our students on their examination success.  I am delighted to see such an excellent set of results and I would like to pass on my thanks to the teaching staff for their continued commitment and hard work, which has helped our students to reach such a high level of achievement.” Photographs: Anthony Comyn, Plymouth College A Level students<img src="/media/21329/a-level-group_500x333.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="A Level Group"/>A former Plymouth College pupil, John Symons, has used his father’s life as inspiration for his first book, ‘Stranger on the Shore’. OPM’s book is ‘totally absorbing’ - 20/7/09OPM’s book is ‘totally absorbing’ - 20/7/0902346 A former Plymouth College pupil, John Symons, has used his father's life as inspiration for his first book, 'Stranger on the Shore'. A day-boy between 1957 and 1964, John won a scholarship to ExeterCollege, Oxford, where he got a first in Classics in 1966, followed by Ancient History and Philosophy in 1968. After twenty-five years in the Civil Service, he became freelance in 1995 and a few months later he started writing his book. The book follows the fortunes of John's father, William, from his days working for coal merchant, Dick Bath, in the West Cornwall town of Newlyn to a long period of service in India in the Army.Along the way the author makes reference to his time at PlymouthCollege and some of the staff who taught him.It also reveals the family's tragic inheritance of a faulty gene that can lead to Huntington's chorea. Cornish historian and writer, Margaret Perry, wrote the following review: William Symons was born in Newlyn in 1878. Following family tradition he became a fisherman and a member of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. In 1914, following some early action at sea in the First World War, he died at the age of 36 yrs, leaving a widow and seven children, a boy and six girls. Unknown to him, and to his family, he left another legacy. In his body he carried a faulty gene, which, if inherited, could lead to Huntington's chorea, a disease that normally becomes apparent in middle age. William died before symptoms appeared but the disease, known at the time as St Vitus Dance, was to claim the lives of a number of his descendants. This book chronicles the life of his eldest child, and only son, William John, who was 12 years old at the time of his father's death. There was a small naval pension and William earned what pennies he could in his spare time until he left school the following year aged 13 years and went to work, initially for Dick Bath, the coal merchant. Somehow the family managed to stay together even after the death of his mother, Florence Louisa, from tuberculosis in 1921. They attended St. Peter's Church, where the vicar, Mr Phelps, knew the family well and gave them his support. In 1919 William (always known as 'Jack' in the family) signed on as a soldier in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and thus started a lifetime career in the Army and, from 1922, a long period of service in India. Mr Phelps helped him to weigh everything up and arrive at the decision to make this move. And so the story unfolds. Eventually, at the age of 70 years, chorea would claim his life, but it was a life that saw a lot of happiness. Not least the birth of his two sons. The elder of these, John Symons, is the writer of this book. Despite the underlying tragedy this is an uplifting book and an absorbing read, It is beautifully written, on one level vividly portraying Army life in India between the wars and at home in West Cornwall, and on another exploring the meaning of suffering. I read it from beginning to end, not skipping anything as sometimes happens. The book was, to quote from a comment on the cover, totally absorbing, Margaret Perry 'Stranger on the Shore' by John Symons is published by Shepheard-Walwyn (Publishers) Ltd at £12.95. ISBN 978-0-85683-264-2. The book captures a Plymouth, a Devon, a Cornwall, an England and an India, that have gone for ever. A Russian reader has told John Symons that the story of his father and his life give an image of an Englishman (she used the word by which Russians denote the Icons which they use in Orthodox worship) which explains why for so long the nations of the whole world, justly, felt such admiration for Great Britain. When she lost her parents in Stalin's Communist GULAG the existence of our country gave her hope. Mutley Baptist Church proved to be a great new venue for Plymouth College’s Lower School Speech Day. New venue for Lower School Speech Day - 16/7/09New venue for Lower School Speech Day - 16/7/0902341 Mutley Baptist Church proved to be a great new venue for Plymouth College’s Lower School Speech Day.  As well as being walking distance from the school, the video screening system meant that nobody missed out on the proceedings.   The prize-giving event for Years 7 to 10 welcomed Young Librarian of the Year, Emma Sherriff, as guest of honour.  As well as form prizes, pupils were rewarded for effort and excellence in art, music, drama, science, sport and outdoor pursuits.   With dance and choral performances, the annual event also saw addresses from the new Chairman of Governors, Chris Robinson, the Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, and Heads of School, Yervand Agobiani and Celia Hayes.   “Speech Day is an opportunity to recognize achievement and effort across a very broad range of subjects and activities”, said Dr Wormleighton.  “Whilst the event is very much about celebrating the success of the prize winners, the review of the year by the Heads of School shows just how much more goes on in our school and I’m very proud of that.”   A Senior Awards Evening is held in December. Plymouth College Young Enterprise company, Affinity, has won the national Young Enterprise competition. Affinity is top Young Enterprise company in the country - 9/7/09Affinity is top Young Enterprise company in the country - 9/7/0902246 Plymouth College Young Enterprise company, Affinity, has won the national Young Enterprise competition.  Ben Gorvin, Jess Evans, Jonathan Coyte, Jonathan Hall and Nick Butcher were named HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Award winners after a gruelling three-day event in London involving trade stand displays, panel interviews and company presentations.   The final wasn’t without drama when thunderstorms and flooding meant a mid-event change of venue from the Park Lane Hotel to the Hilton Park Lane and the cancellation of the gala dinner.   However, the Plymouth College team triumphed and walked away with £1000 and an eight-day trip to Toronto, where they will be part of the Global Young Person Leadership Convention, attended by Young Enterprise winners from around the world.   Affinity’s winning enterprise is a book “Prambles” containing pram-friendly walks for families with young children.  It has been a sell out in Waterstones, attracted interest from a venture capitalist, created offers from publishers and even congratulations from Prime Minister Gordon Brown.   Jonathan Shields, teacher in charge of Young Enterprise said: “This is an absolutely outstanding achievement by Affinity.  More than 80,000 students and 3,000 companies take part in this competition each year and so to win it is just incredible.  Our students’ performance at each stage of this competition has been creative, mature and professional and I am very, very proud of them.” The AS French class have taken part in the ‘Réalités Françaises’ Conference in Bristol. Lower sixth French linguists attend conference and revision day - 2/7/09Lower sixth French linguists attend conference and revision day - 2/7/0902328 The AS French class have taken part in the ‘Réalités Françaises’ Conference in Bristol. The day consisted of various topic-based activities to improve both reading and listening skills and several presentations and sketches by the French men leading the conference.  Many current topics were tackled throughout the morning such as drugs, alcohol, personal identity and the increasing importance of technology.  All of which proved useful to the class, particularly as they corresponded with various oral discussion topics.    After lunch the students watched several sketches and took part in a range of other activities.  The day ended with the repeated singing of French song, ‘Elle Pleure Ma Planète’ (My Planet is Crying), which will remain embedded in everyone’s minds forever!  After a long hard day of French grammar and non-stop French, the students returned home having learnt something and feeling that their understanding of both French culture and language had improved.  A second trip saw the students attend an AS French Revision Day at Plymouth University.  This was designed to improve various aspects of the students’ linguistic skills.  After an initial induction with the language department, the linguists were split up into different groups to focus on one core skill at a time, spending an hour on each one before moving on to another.  After lunch, all the schools joined together for another episode of singing, although this time the song was slightly more upbeat!  This also proved to be a very beneficial day for the whole class, with everyone, at the end of the day, feeling more confident about their own abilities to manipulate the French language. Four Plymouth College students made an outstanding presentation at this year’s regional Young Enterprise semi-final in Bristol winning their way to the London final. Young Enterprise team make national final - 17/6/09Young Enterprise team make national final - 17/6/0902246Four Plymouth College students made an outstanding presentation at this year’s regional Young Enterprise semi-final in Bristol winning their way to the London final. Jess Evans, John Hall, Jon Coyte and Ben Gorvin, are part of the “Affinity” Young Enterprise team made up of pupils from Plymouth College and Plymouth High School for Girls.  The winning enterprise is a book “Prambles” containing pram-friendly walks for families with young children.  It has been a sell out in Waterstones, attracted interest from a venture capitalist, created offers from publishers and even congratulations from Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The team also won “Best Use of Technology Award” and Jonathan Shields was awarded “Young Enterprise South West Teacher of the Year”. Plymouth College has been involved in a number of Young Enterprise successes in recent years – four teams have made it to county finals, two teams to regionals but “Affinity” have scored a first in winning a place at a national final. John Bennett, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise South West, says: “Competition was fierce this year which shows just how good the team is. ‘Affinity’ have the calibre of a national team and they will be serious contenders in the finals”.A reception with the Lord Mayor of Plymouth was just one of the activities arranged as part of a two week visit by pupils and staff from Lycée Amiral Ronarc’h.Lord Mayor reception for French visitors - 17/6/09Lord Mayor reception for French visitors - 17/6/0902305 A reception with the Lord Mayor of Plymouth was just one of the activities arranged as part of a two week visit by pupils and staff from Lycée Amiral Ronarc’h - Plymouth College has had an exchange partnership with the Brest school since 2006.    Other activities undertaken during the two-week stay included trips to London, St Michael’s Mount and the Eden Project, as well as an evening of bowling and a cruise in Plymouth Sound.  The visit was rounded off with a traditional cream tea in the OPM Suite.   Plymouth College pupils and staff visited Brest in March, when they visited Mont Saint Michel, chateau de Brest, Océanopolis and Locronan, the village where the recent adaptation of ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’ was filmed.  Korean hip-hop group, MyoSung, took a break from performing at the Theatre Royal to host a dance workshop at Plymouth College.Workshop ‘breaks convention’ - 10/6/09Workshop ‘breaks convention’ - 10/6/0902297 Korean hip-hop group, MyoSung, took a break from performing at the Theatre Royal to host a dance workshop at Plymouth College.   Part of the ‘Breakin’ Convention’ production, the troupe, renowned for their gravity-bending, awe-inspiring physical movements, put pupils through their paces introducing them to ‘heel toe’, ‘crip walk’, ‘moonwalk’, ‘glide’ and ‘popping’.  The following day the workshop group went to see the professionals in action, watching the Korean urban dancers perform along side a mix of international and local hop-hop artists. Are boys or girls better at maths? How can colouring a map help with decision- making? Is sculpture influenced by mathematics? Three Year 9 pupils from Plymouth College have been working out the answers. University hosts maths masterclasses - 5/6/09University hosts maths masterclasses - 5/6/0902294 Are boys or girls better at maths?  How can colouring a map help with decision-making? Is sculpture influenced by mathematics? Three Year 9 pupils from Plymouth College have been working out the answers.   Clarissa Hocking, Matthew Andrews and Niall Mahoney took up the challenge to join other able maths pupils at the University of Plymouth’s Year 9 Masterclasses. Giving up their Saturday morning lie-ins and regular weekend activities, they spent five Saturday mornings extending their maths. They were introduced to ‘Hypothesis Testing’ and ‘Problems from the Past’. In addition, Sculptor Simon Thomas showed samples of his work and directed the pupils in some practical activities.  Clarissa particularly enjoyed the second masterclass on the history of maths, while Niall liked making the 3-D models, which involved choosing and combining polygons to form the surfaces. Matthew summed up that the masterclasses were interesting and introduced him to a new side of maths. Olympic diver, Tom Daley, has enrolled at Plymouth College. One of the main British medal hopes for London 2012, Tom, 15, has joined the independent HMC school after spending half term in America.Top world diver, Tom Daley, joins Plymouth College - 2/6/09Top world diver, Tom Daley, joins Plymouth College - 2/6/0902289 Olympic diver, Tom Daley, has enrolled at Plymouth College.  One of the main British medal hopes for London 2012, Tom, 15, has joined the independent HMC school after spending half term in America.   Home to an elite swimming programme of more than 30 national and international swimmers, Plymouth College, in partnership with Plymouth Leander, is no stranger to nurturing world-class athletes - Beijing 10K Open Water bronze medalist, Cassie Patten, won a clutch of world, European and national medals during her four years at the school.  As well as boasting 50 British and English age group records, several swimmers have been identified as Olympic potential for 2012 and beyond.   But the school’s sporting headlines are not just limited to swimming. The Plymouth College Modern Pentathlon and Fencing Academy saw its first British champion last year and boasts an England U18 fencer.  In addition, a 14-year-old gymnast won silver and bronze medals in the 2008 British Gymnastic Championships and an U19 England cricketer will take up a professional contract with Somerset this summer.   Tom, who recently returned from the FINA Grand Prix in Florida with his first international gold medal of 2009, said: “I’m really looking forward to going to Plymouth College and being with other young people who understand the pressures of high-level competition.  The school has a lot of experience in putting together academic programmes for pupils like me so I won’t miss out on my school work when I’m away.  The location is also very convenient as it’s just across the park from where I do my training!”   Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton said: “We are delighted that Tom has joined the school.  In common with many of our athletes, he has a busy training and competition schedule so we are working on a flexible academic programme to fit in with his various commitments.  We will help Tom to keep on top of his studies so that he can reach the high academic standards of which he is capable whilst at the same time, fulfilling his extraordinary potential in the pool.  We also have an excellent pastoral network in place with staff on hand to provide help and support in all aspects of school life.”   “Tom will be fine here”, said 15-year-old pupil Grant Halsall, who has won more than 12 international swimming medals, has been identified as having Olympic potential and is representing the Great Britain in the European Youth Olympics this summer.  “There are more than 30 of us on the elite swimming programme and we all compete nationally – some internationally – and we all support each other so Tom will feel at home.  Plymouth College is a great school and everyone is helpful – he will enjoy himself.” Leaving Exeter airport at 5 a.m., pupils Zoe Noakes and Hannah Pryke, and teacher Lesley Clark, were just three of 226 sixth formers and teachers from across the South West to be invited to go on a visit to Auschwitz by the Holocaust Educational Trust.To Auschwitz and back in a day - 28/5/09To Auschwitz and back in a day - 28/5/0902275 Leaving Exeter airport at 5 a.m., pupils Zoe Noakes and Hannah Pryke, and teacher Lesley Clark, were just three of 226 sixth formers and teachers from across the South West to be invited to go on a visit to Auschwitz by the Holocaust Educational Trust.  Despite an orientation seminar prior to the trip, where both adults and teenagers were humbled to hear the testimony of a Jewish survivor, no amount of preparation could address the reality of the emotions experienced when confronted with the evidence of the depths to which human beings can go when prejudice and hatred motivate people’s behaviour.   The stillness of the camp, the railway tracks, fences and sentry posts assaulted the senses but it was the displays of piles of human hair, of babies' clothes and of artificial limbs which were the most heart-rending sight. The gas chamber, which countless people had innocently entered to take a “shower”, was truly awful.  The Birkenau site was the second destination and the sheer scale of it was awesome: row upon row of huts where people were cooped up and where lice and the typhus were rife. Sanitation was woefully inadequate and prisoners were huddled on bare wooden bunks at night with only rats for company. The tour of this site was interspersed with readings of survivors’ accounts of their experiences, making it so much more memorable.  The full scale of this site could be appreciated from the famous watchtower over the entrance to the camp. The tour ended with a very moving service at the memorial near the gas chambers. As the sun went down, the air chilled and the words of a Hebrew prayer rang out. Everyone then took a candle and walked in silence up the iconic railway tracks, overwhelmed with thoughts on how anyone could do this to men, women and children whose only crime was to be either Jewish, Romany, disabled, homosexual or a political opponent.   The sad fact is that it still happens today around the world and that is why these visits must continue so that young people can be ambassadors for tolerance.   A truly memorable experience. <img src="/media/18716/auschwitz3.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Auschwitz2"/>This proved to be one of the best years for Plymouth College in the annual Ten Tors event.Good year for Plymouth College in Ten Tors - 15/5/09Good year for Plymouth College in Ten Tors - 15/5/0902273 This proved to be one of the best years for Plymouth College in the annual Ten Tors event. The training started back in November 2008 with day walks, so that the basics of navigation could be taught and progressed through to a two-day full practice walk two weeks before the real event. Along the way lots of cold windy conditions were encountered, but the hardest was the snowy weekend in February.   The 35 mile team were very lucky as they found that their real route was similar to their last practice hike and they walked with confidence to their 7th Tor before camping. They arrived at the finish just before 12.20 p.m. on the Sunday, this being one of the best times recorded for this distance by the College. The team was led by Ed Hirst.  The 45 mile team had a long circuit of the southern moor that included the tussock grass area of Pupers Hill, but even so they pushed on well and arrived at their 7th Tor before deciding to camp. Annie Wigginton, as team leader, brought the team home for a 2.30 p.m. finish on the Sunday. Another excellent time for this route.  Plymouth College also had a team of six who trained and walked with young people with special needs in the Jubilee Challenge. <img src="/media/18706/45-mile-team-09.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="45-mile team"/>Plymouth College business and economics teacher, Jonathan Shields, has seen his name in print for the first time with the publishing of a leading GCSE text book.Business and Economics teacher has book published - 21/5/09Business and Economics teacher has book published - 21/5/0902269 Plymouth College business and economics teacher, Jonathan Shields, has seen his name in print for the first time with the publishing of a leading GCSE text book.   Already a principal examiner for Edexcel’s Business and Economics GCSE, Jonathan was tasked with writing the standard core text for the course.  Fifty thousand copies of the text book have been printed with 11 launch events around the country.   Also head of sixth form, Jonathan is more than qualified to write about the subject.  Plymouth College has produced the top student in the country in this subject at GCSE, AS, A Level and Diploma in Financial Services many times in recent years – the ifs School of Finance presented the school with an Excellence in Education Award two years running in recognition of its achievement in the diploma.    In national competitions, Plymouth College has reached the final of the UK Student Investor five years in a row, winning in 2004, and has won the Share Forecast Challenge, Young Business Writer of the Year and the CIMA Management Competition (three times!).  Young Enterprise also features strongly with Plymouth College teams winning the Plymouth competition four years in a row and the Devon competition twice.   “It’s quite surreal seeing the book in print at last”, said Jonathan.  “I started writing in October so it’s been quite a few intense months for me as the writing had to be fitted in around teaching commitments.  However, it’s a subject I’m very passionate about and I’m delighted that I have the opportunity to play such a key role nationally in the development and teaching of business and economics.  “The credit crunch has demonstrated more than ever the need for financial literacy amongst young people. It is reassuring to know that students who study these courses can leave school with a good grounding in business and economic issues and practises." Upper Sixth pupil, Hollie Goodall, and Year 9 pupils Sebastian Slade and Luke Dickinson, have all secured places with National Youth Theatre.Budding thespians successfully audition for National Youth Theatre - 18/5/09Budding thespians successfully audition for National Youth Theatre - 18/5/0902257 Upper Sixth pupil, Hollie Goodall, and Year 9 pupils Sebastian Slade and Luke Dickinson, have all secured places with National Youth Theatre.   Sebastian and Luke were up against some of the best young actors and actresses in the country before being offered junior member places.  The boys will initially take part in a training workshop at Easter in London next year after which they will get the chance to get involved with various National Youth Theatre projects and productions.   With more than 4,000 young people auditioning, Hollie was accepted as a senior member and will attend a new members’ workshop in August.  She will then get the chance to work with some of the countries’ top writers and directors in the coming years until she turns 21.  With a busy summer ahead, Hollie has also gained a place on the LAMDA Acting Shakespeare course in London in July, which is aimed at drama undergraduates as well as qualified actors.   “I’m really excited to start my gap year with six weeks in London”, said Hollie.  “I expect it will be tiring but a lot of fun.  I’m hoping to learn a lot from it.” <img src="/media/18573/hollie-goodall2-may-09_500x333.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Hollie Goodall3"/>   More than 100 pupils got to grips with probability, puzzles and the Big Bang Theory when Dr Simon Singh MBE visited Plymouth College the at the end of April. Maths lecture is ‘mind-boggling’! - 8/5/09Maths lecture is ‘mind-boggling’! - 8/5/0902245 More than 100 pupils got to grips with probability, puzzles and the Big Bang Theory when Dr Simon Singh MBE visited Plymouth College the at the end of April.   Dr Singh is an author, journalist and TV producer who is renowned in the worlds of mathematics and physics. His work has been awarded a BAFTA and nominated for an Emmy. The pupils reported that they found his talk ‘very interesting’, ‘useful’, ‘mind-boggling’, ‘humorous’, ‘excellent’, ‘entertaining’ and ‘eye-opening’.   Dr Singh’s niece, Grace, is a Lower Sixth pupil at Plymouth College and helped to organise the lecture. Hot on the heels of winning 'Best Overall Company in Plymouth' (as well as five other trophies) at last week's Plymouth Young Enterprise Awards, Plymouth College/Plymouth High School for Girls team, Affinity, has clinched the 'Best Overall Company in Devon' accolade as well.Affinity is top Devon Young Enterprise company - 7/5/09Affinity is top Devon Young Enterprise company - 7/5/0902246 Hot on the heels of winning 'Best Overall Company in Plymouth' (as well as five other trophies) at last week's Plymouth Young Enterprise Awards, Plymouth College/Plymouth High School for Girls team, Affinity, has clinched the 'Best Overall Company in Devon' accolade as well.  Affinity's resounding success is down to the production and sales of the book, 'Prambles', a guide to family-friendly walks in the area.  More than 350 copies have been sold through Waterstones, Tourist Information Offices and Pixieland Nurseries with sales still going strong.  As well, Ordnance Survey and Bossiny Books are reportedly interested in buying the book from the team in return for royalties.  Teacher in charge of Young Enterprise at Plymouth College, Jonathan Shields, said: “The Devon judges were very impressed with Affinity and commended the team on its innovation.  They have already made in excess of £500 profit, which is outstanding for a Young Enterprise company.  I have high hopes for the team in the South West final.”  This is the second time in eight years that a Young Enterprise team involving Plymouth College students has won the Devon final.  It is the fourth year running that a Plymouth College team has won the Plymouth honour. Affinity will go to the South West final in Bristol on 15th June. Photograph: Some of the Plymouth College members of Affinity Working this year with students from Plymouth High School for Girls, Plymouth College Young Enterprise company, Affinity, has been presented with the trophy for the best overall company in Plymouth.Plymouth College takes Young Enterprise crown for fourth consecutive year - 1/5/09Plymouth College takes Young Enterprise crown for fourth consecutive year - 1/5/0902246 Working this year with students from Plymouth High School for Girls, Plymouth College Young Enterprise company, Affinity, has been presented with the trophy for the best overall company in Plymouth.  This is the fourth consecutive year that a Young Enterprise company with Plymouth College pupils has walked away with this accolade.    Affinity won the top prize this year after the success of their book, ‘Prambles’, a guide to family-friendly walks in the area.  They subsidized the printing of the book by creating ‘make your own Christmas crackers’ and ‘paint your own Christmas decorations’, which were sold at Young Enterprise trade fairs.   More than 200 copies of the book, retailing at £3, have already been sold through Waterstones, Tourist Office and Pixieland Day Nurseries.  The current profit stands at £550, which could double if all copies are sold.  As well, Ordnance Survey and Bossiny Books are reportedly looking at the possibility of buying the book from the team in return for royalties.   In addition to the top prize, Affinity also won trophies for marketing, innovation, administration and the Christmas and Spring trade fairs.  Another Plymouth College team, Green Zebra, won the award for quality.   Teacher in charge of Young Enterprise, Jonathan Shields, said: “Affinity have done amazingly well and stand a real chance of success at the Devon final.  Plymouth College pupils have been members of the top Plymouth company for the last four years and have won numerous trophies, but this year has been particularly outstanding with Affinity achieving a record six awards.  I’m really looking forward to seeing how far they can go with this.” Photograph: some of the Plymouth College members of Affinity   Plymouth College maths teacher, Dr Andy Norris, cycled the 859 mile journey from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise £1000 for St Luke’s Hospice.Teacher cycles from Lands End to John O’Groats for St Luke’s - 29/4/09Teacher cycles from Lands End to John O’Groats for St Luke’s - 29/4/0902230 Plymouth College maths teacher, Dr Andy Norris, cycled the 859 mile journey from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise £1000 for St Luke’s Hospice.   Taking seven days and averaging 123 miles a day, Andy took on the challenge during the Easter break.  Starting at dawn each day and cycling for over 10 hours on some occasions, Andy stayed at B&Bs and with friends and family as he made his way up the country.    On day five his team mate, Martin, had to pull out because of severe knee pains, which he’d already endured for a day and a half.  It was the right decision as the Highlands brought big hills, head winds and rain.  A puncture and seized bike pump nearly left Andy stranded but after knocking on several doors, the loan of a 50-year-old bike pump did the job.   Andy made it to John O’Groats at midday on Friday 10th April.  Just over two weeks later he completed the London Marathon in under three hours! Bethany Gare, 13, has passed her LAMDA Grade 5 Drama exam with distinction. She has also passed her Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate Foundation Ballet exam, the first of her Majors in Ballet.Drama and Ballet success for Bethany - 27/4/09Drama and Ballet success for Bethany - 27/4/0902226 Bethany Gare, 13, has passed her LAMDA Grade 5 Drama exam with distinction.  She has also passed her Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate Foundation Ballet exam, the first of her Majors in Ballet.   Bethany has studied Drama since she was seven years old and takes lessons with Mrs Blake.  For her exam she had to present a piece with the theme of ‘contact’ and improvise as an animal.  She has taken Ballet lessons with Italia Conti since age five. Hollie Goodall has passed her LAMDA Acting gold medal with distinction, the final exam in a series of three that completes her LAMDA Advanced Performance Award. Hollie achieves her final LAMDA gold medal - 24/4/09Hollie achieves her final LAMDA gold medal - 24/4/0902221 Hollie Goodall has passed her LAMDA Acting gold medal with distinction, the final exam in a series of three that completes her LAMDA Advanced Performance Award.  Hollie achieved gold medals in Mime and Devised Performance just before Christmas.  Achieving 92 points, her highest mark of the Award, Hollie acted pieces from Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Seagull’, Jean Anouilh’s ‘Antigone’ and ‘Made in Spain’ by Tony Grounds.   Hollie has previously completed the LAMDA Advanced Communication Award, achieving gold medals in Verse and Prose Speaking, Reading for Performance, and Public Speaking.  Last September she also won the Advanced Communication category at the LAMDA National Finals.   A member of the Raleigh School of Speech and Drama, Hollie’s next challenge will be to study for a Drama Teaching Diploma during her gap year – she also hopes to work in France and do a sailing course in the USA.  Her ultimate aim is to go to one of the top London drama schools after gaining a degree in English at university.   Photograph: Hollie performing in the recent Upper School Production. Four pupils from Plymouth College have reached the final of the national Student Investor Challenge. Plymouth College in Student Investor final for fifth year running - 9/4/09Plymouth College in Student Investor final for fifth year running - 9/4/090 Four pupils from Plymouth College have reached the final of the national Student Investor Challenge.  This is the fifth year running a Plymouth College team has reached this stage of the competition, which was won by the school in 2004.   Having won the South West of England and South Wales competition, ‘Credit Crunch Crushers’ – William Tyrell-Moore, Edward Yeung, Edwards Day and Anthony Comyn – will take part in the national final on 29th April.  Here they will compete for £2000 prize money for the school and an all-expenses paid educational trip to New York.   Run by the ifs School of Finance, a record 40,000 students from more than 1000 schools entered the competition this year.  Each team were given a fantasy £100,000 to invest in stocks and shares over a four month period. Former pupil, Becky Tetley, took on the grueling challenge of a 40-mile running race to raise money for Help for Heroes.Current pupils sponsor former pupil’s 40-mile challenge - 3/4/09Current pupils sponsor former pupil’s 40-mile challenge - 3/4/0902200 Former pupil, Becky Tetley, took on the grueling challenge of a 40-mile running race to raise money for Help for Heroes.  A collection by current Plymouth College pupils raised £427.66 of the £550 she donated to the charity.   A fitness instructor who left Plymouth College in 2002, Becky completed the Tring2town event in 7 hours and 36 minutes, running from Brentford in London along the Grand Union Canal to Tring in Hertfordshire.   After the race Becky came along to a school assembly to thank the pupils for their support, show off her medal and tell them all about her experience.    Not one to rest on her laurels, her next challenge is to organize a 3-peaks event. Joanna Symons, Year 11, has achieved the National Pool Lifeguard qualification at the pool in her home town of Totnes. Joanna passes lifeguard qualification in five days! - 26/3/09Joanna passes lifeguard qualification in five days! - 26/3/0902167 Joanna Symons, Year 11, has achieved the National Pool Lifeguard qualification at the pool in her home town of Totnes.    She undertook the intensive course - run over five, eight-hour days - at half term.   The training involved first aid and CPR, as well as towing ‘casualties’ while fully-clothed.  Since gaining the qualification Joanna has secured herself a Saturday job as a lifeguard at Totnes pool. Nick Butcher, Huw Ayling-Miller and Shogo Usuki have had some hands-on experience in information technology by helping local law firm, Foot Anstey, test their equipment as they move into new offices at Salt Quay House, Plymouth.Pupils test law firms IT equipment - 18/3/09Pupils test law firms IT equipment - 18/3/0902149 Nick Butcher, Huw Ayling-Miller and Shogo Usuki have had some hands-on experience in information technology by helping local law firm, Foot Anstey, test their equipment as they move into new offices at Salt Quay House, Plymouth.   Over two weekends the lower sixth pupils (pictured with Foot Anstey’s Julia Green), who are studying ICT at AS Level, unpacked, connected and tested desktop computers to ensure they were working before staff moved in.  They tested an average of 70 computers a day.   The project is part of a partnership between Plymouth College and Foot Anstey, which also includes visits by Foot Anstey staff to teach the pupils about the application of information technology in the workplace.   Dr Andrew Miller, Head of ICT at Plymouth College said: “Our ICT students have a large amount of theory work to understand and some of it is fairly abstract.  Being able to find out how ICT is put into practice really helps to bring the subject alive.  We are very grateful to Foot Anstey for the opportunities that this partnership brings.”   Andrew Saunders, ICS Operations Manager at Foot Anstey said: “We have been really impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the students as we demonstrate the practical application of technology in the workplace.  Being able to involve the students in our latest office move was a natural extension of this.  We are committed to developing our partnership with Plymouth College further.” Helen Taylor in Year 9 has recently gained Grade 8 Recorder with Distinction.Music exam success - 13/3/09Music exam success - 13/3/0902153 Helen Taylor in Year 9 has recently gained Grade 8 Recorder with Distinction.  Sophie Brown in Year 10 has achieved Grade 5 Horn with Distinction, Grade 7 Trumpet with Distinction and Grade 7 Piano with Merit.  Maria Thaller in Lower Sixth has passed Grade 7 Flute.  Helen, Sophie and Anne-Marie Morozow (Lower Sixth) all took part in the Plymouth Youth Music Service Royal Marine Band Day workshop and concert in early March, and Bridget Luff (Lower Sixth) is through to the Singing and Acting final of the London College of Music ‘Music Theatre’ competition in April.  The top prize is £2,000. Photograph: Sophie Brown Computers, bicycles, medical supplies, tables and books are just some of the many items donated to fill a large container destined for The Gambia as part of Plymouth College’s Gambia Aid Project.Container for The Gambia - 9/3/09Container for The Gambia - 9/3/0902137 Computers, bicycles, medical supplies, tables and books are just some of the many items donated to fill a large container destined for The Gambia as part of Plymouth College’s Gambia Aid Project.   Relocation to a new building at Sutton Harbour saw local law firm, Foot Anstey, donate a number of old computers.  Medical supplies came from St John Ambulance and both Plymouth College and Plymouth College Preparatory School cleared out a mountain of unused tables and chairs.  As well, Plymouth College parents and staff donated books, stationery, bedding, clothing and even a bath to name but a few!   The container was paid for by various school fund-raising initiatives including the recent acoustic evening, raffle and art sale.  Local removal firm, Brays Removals, provided the services of two employees (Stuart and Rob) to load the container.  They were helped by David Compton, Plymouth College’s Gambia Project Co-ordinator, and a number of pupils.   The contents of the container will be distributed during the school’s next visit to the West African country in October. <img src="/media/16449/gambia-container-2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Gambia Container2"/> A fund-raising concert with music ranging from inde/rock to folk was the brainchild of Plymouth College sixth former and budding singer/songwriter, Jamie Mead.Acoustic evening raises money for The Gambia - 4/3/09Acoustic evening raises money for The Gambia - 4/3/0902131 A fund-raising concert with music ranging from inde/rock to folk was the brainchild of Plymouth College sixth former and budding singer/songwriter, Jamie Mead.   Hosted by Plymouth Sound Radio’s Hana Best, the line-up included acoustic performances by Harry Stephenson and Ed Hirst, and a folk set from Chelsea Orme-Williams and Ella Thurston.     Used to headlining Plymouth Sound’s high profile events that can draw crowds of up to 28,000 people, Jamie was equally pleased to perform his Oasis-influenced inde/rock set to a packed audience in the Meade-King Hall.   Ticket sales, an art sale in the foyer and a raffle organized by teacher Mrs Russell-Copp raised £180 for the school’s Gambia Aid Project.   “We have a lot of talent in the school and it was great to be able to showcase it in this way and raise money for a good cause at the same time”, said Jamie.  “We had some excellent feedback and I must say a big thank you to Plymouth Sound for their support.”   As well as performing at Plymouth Sound events throughout the year, Jamie will be busking in Barbados at Easter when he hopes to secure some gig bookings so that he can return in the summer.   Photograph: Jamie Mead  Plymouth College boarding house cleaner, Lenora Brimacombe, aged 76, is retiring after a staggering 48 years.‘Brim’ retires after 48 years at Plymouth College - 25/2/09‘Brim’ retires after 48 years at Plymouth College - 25/2/0902113 Plymouth College boarding house cleaner, Lenora Brimacombe, aged 76, is retiring after a staggering 48 years.   Known as ‘Brim’, Lenora joined the College in 1961 and has worked in the same section of the boarding house (Mannamead 2) ever since.  Originally all boys, the house became home to girl boarders when the school went co-educational in the mid 1990s.   Earning two and six an hour and working every other Sunday, Brim’s main job when she started was organizing the boarders’ laundry.  Since then her duties have encompassed most aspects of cleaning and she has worked under five sets of house parents.   “The boarding house has always been a home-from-home for me”, said Brim.  “In the early days there was no matron or handyman so we were very involved with the boarders on a daily basis.  All the cooking was done in the house as well and we were often down on our hands and knees scrubbing the floors!  I’m not sure that it’s any easier these days, just different as we have more mod-cons.”   Originally from Elburton, Brim has lived in Crownhill for 54 years.  She was widowed 14 years ago and has two children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.  She is looking forward to spending time with her family and friends and hopes to visit her sister in Canada.  Retirement will also mean that she will be able to go swimming more often.   Housemistress, Mary Tippetts, said: “Brim has been more than a housekeeper in the boarding house, she has been a member of the family and all the staff and pupils are going to really miss her.” Dan Snowdon (Year 11) has won two singing classes in the Saltash Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.Double success in music festival for singer - 13/2/09Double success in music festival for singer - 13/2/0902102 Dan Snowdon (Year 11) has won two singing classes in the Saltash Festival of Music, Speech and Drama.  His success in Saltash follows a win in the Plymouth Festival at the end of last year.   Singing ‘Silent Worship’, Dan took the top mark in the Boys’ Solo Under 17 class.  His rendition of ‘On the street where you live’ from ‘My Fair Lady’ gave him his second win in the Song from a Show Under 17 class.   Currently working towards his grade 6 singing exam, Dan has singing lessons with Brian Gerry. In the future he hopes to go to music school and ultimately wants to perform in the West End and on Broadway in shows like Oliver and West Side Story. The school’s link with The Gambia started about 28 years ago when I arranged for my form to sponsor a child in a developing country. Plymouth College Aid Project to The Gambia - 10/2/09Plymouth College Aid Project to The Gambia - 10/2/0902091 The school’s link with The Gambia started about 28 years ago when I arranged for my form to sponsor a child in a developing country. For a couple of years we sponsored a school boy called Musa through ActionAid.  When he left ActionAid we decided to join Group 7, a group of English schools working together to help a Gambian school. Gradually the other schools dropped away and Plymouth College was the only one left. My tutor group at the time wanted me to organise a holiday for them and eventually we agreed on a visit to The Gambia to see the school we were sponsoring in the village of Kerewan Samba Sira, 300km from the coast.  We arrived and were put in the charge of Mr Demba Bah, a field engineer for ActionAid in the interior of the country.  Over the next 18 years, under his guidance and patience, we built seven classroom blocks, a dining hall and kitchen, a library, staff housing quarters, stone wall fenced the whole school site and employed 11 full time teachers. We also extended our support into the community and built and equipped a health post.  Thereafter a doctor would join us on the trips and run surgeries.  Sometimes we were also joined by a dentist who carried out full screening of the village population. In our final years in Kerewan Samba Sira, one of our senior pupils, Jilli Edwards, asked if she could teach at the school during her Gap Year.  This ended up as a six month placement and now, three years on, she has returned to the village and has married a local man with whom she is running a flourishing transport firm!  Three years ago we moved the focus of our work to the village of Bissary Mardi, the home village of Mr Demba Bah. We have established a new base and so far have helped with the local needs by sending out a shipping container of books, clothes, sports equipment and a large amount of medical items. The new health centre we have been building is nearly complete and attracts patients from all over the surrounding area, some walking for four hours when they hear that our doctor is “in”. The local school is now well equipped and starting to thrive.  We are currently working on two long-term projects for Bissary Mardi. Firstly we are raising funds so that we can establish a clean water supply to each compound that does not become contaminated in the wet season and, secondly, we want to buy a strong lorry for Demba Bah, so that he can extend the scope of his new construction business – when ActionAid moved on to new locations, Demba was left without a job and no income.  He has started an independent construction company but is hampered by a lack of transport. Once running he will employ six villagers as workmen and therefore really boost the economic development of the village.  A second container will be sent out to The Gambia in March and the next visit will be in October.  David Compton, Outdoor Activities Manager and The Gambia Aid Project   <img src="/media/15657/the-gambia-1.jpg" width="500" height="335" alt="The Gambia 1"/>The Economics and Business department at Plymouth College is adding another qualification to its portfolio - the Securities and Investment Institute’s ‘Introduction to Investment Foundation’ Certificate.Stockbroker qualification on offer at Plymouth College - 29/1/09Stockbroker qualification on offer at Plymouth College - 29/1/0902079 The Economics and Business department at Plymouth College is adding another qualification to its portfolio - the Securities and Investment Institute’s ‘Introduction to Investment Foundation’ Certificate.   The qualification, which has to be passed to become a professional stockbroker, compliments the Economics and Business Studies A Level and the Financial Studies Diploma already run at the school.   Nine pupils from the Lower Sixth have signed up to the first course, which is likely to take about six months.   Plymouth College is the first school in Devon and Cornwall to run the qualification.    “The addition of the Certificate is really good news for Economics and Business Studies at Plymouth College”, said Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields.  “We have a track record second to none, which has seen a Plymouth College student get the top mark in the country at A Level seven times and the top mark in the Financial Studies Diploma twice.  We also do extremely well in off-timetable business competitions – success this year includes CIMA Management Competition (1st in country for the third time in five years), Student Investor Competition (3rd in country) and for the fifth time in six years, best Young Enterprise company in Plymouth.   "The credit crunch has demonstrated more than ever the need for financial literacy amongst young people. It is reassuring to know that our students can leave school with a good grounding in business and economic issues and practises."    Photograph: L to R Anna-Marie Morozow, Michael Lin, Abdullah Hamza, Ben Gorvin, Doug Newman, Ben Harker, Edward Knight, Jonathan Hall, Joe Harker The Chinese New Year was celebrated in style at Plymouth College with a colourful lantern procession.Pupils celebrate Chinese New Year with lantern procession - 28/1/09Pupils celebrate Chinese New Year with lantern procession - 28/1/0902075 The Chinese New Year was celebrated in style at Plymouth College with a colourful lantern procession.   Made during Art Extra, the after-school art club run by teacher Dana Roberts, the lanterns were made from natural willow and covered in ‘wet strength’ tissue paper.  They were lit with LED lights.   Lantern-makers from across the year groups were joined in the procession around the school grounds by Chinese students who were celebrating the year of the ox – one particularly impressive lantern was even shaped as an ox!  Other participants helped the procession on its way with the beat from a number of wooden and metal instruments.    <img src="/media/15421/lantern-procession-2_539x320.jpg" width="539" height="320" alt="Lantern Procession 2" style="width: 539px; height: 320px"/>       Nina Jackson, 17, has passed her Grade 5 Ballet with distinction. Dancing since she was three years old, Nina trains with SJS Dance Academy in Tavistock and Stoke Climsland.Nina passes ballet exam with distinction - 26/1/09Nina passes ballet exam with distinction - 26/1/0902071 Nina Jackson, 17, has passed her Grade 5 Ballet with distinction.  Dancing since she was three years old, Nina trains with SJS Dance Academy in Tavistock and Stoke Climsland.   Her Royal Academy of Dance exam consisted of Bar (warm-up), Ballet, Free Movement and Character.  She had to undertake two dances, which were marked on presentation and accuracy.   An upper sixth student, Nina is planning a gap year after her A levels when she will go to France to perfect her French.  She also hopes to fit in a ski season and travel further a field, possibly to Australia and New Zealand.   Although not yet decided on what she wants to study at university, Nina is considering French with Dance or Drama, or Community Arts.   “I’m really pleased with my ballet exam result”, said Nina.  “Although I dance for pleasure rather than with a career in mind, I love doing well in the exams and hope I can continue with classes when I’m at university”. Having completed the LAMDA Advanced Communication Award (achieving gold medals in Verse and Prose Speaking, Reading for Performance, and Public Speaking) and winning the national championship, Hollie Goodall, 17, is now working towards the LAMDA Advanced Performance Award. More LAMDA gold medals for Hollie - 19/1/09More LAMDA gold medals for Hollie - 19/1/0901934 Having completed the LAMDA Advanced Communication Award (achieving gold medals in Verse and Prose Speaking, Reading for Performance, and Public Speaking) and winning the national championship, Hollie Goodall, 17, is now working towards the LAMDA Advanced Performance Award.    Just before Christmas, Hollie achieved two of three gold medals towards this Award, gaining distinction in both her Mime and Devised Performance exams.   “I am really thrilled and encouraged by these results”, said Hollie.  “I am now set for my final gold medal exam in Acting in March.  After this I will be focusing on the first unit of the P CERT LAM.” Harry Ross, 15, has won a ski trip to Switzerland in a photography competition run by First Eleven magazine. Photographs win ski trip for Harry - 13/1/09Photographs win ski trip for Harry - 13/1/0902065 Harry Ross, 15, has won a ski trip to Switzerland in a photography competition run by First Eleven magazine. He won the competition with a series of photographs documenting the lives of village children in the Gambia after visiting the West African country with Plymouth College last year.    Pupils from the school have been visiting the Gambia for more than 20 years and have worked and helped to fund a number of projects, including the recent building of a health post in Bissary Mardi.  The trip that Harry went on in October also involved making improvements to the village’s sanitation by digging 14 long-drop toilets about 10 feet deep.   “I really enjoy photography and took my camera to the Gambia because I needed some landscape pictures for my photography GCSE but found myself drawn in by the villagers”, said Harry.  “Bissary is miles from anywhere – it’s a 45-minute donkey-cart ride to the next village!  It was a fantastic opportunity to go to Africa and really experience how the African people live.   “I was pretty stunned when I found out I’d won the competition.  I wasn’t expecting it at all.”   The ski trip is being run by International Camp Suisse, who runs alpine adventure trips for young people.  Harry will take the skiing break at half term with his Mum, who encouraged him to enter the competition.  Independent school, Plymouth College, is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 26th January.Sixth Form Open Evening at Plymouth College - 7/1/09Sixth Form Open Evening at Plymouth College - 7/1/090 Independent school, Plymouth College, is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 26th January. The Open Evening will take place in the Sixth Form Centre, where visitors can drop in between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to find out more about A Level options and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which is being run from September 2009.  Prospective students will also be able to talk to current sixth formers and find out what sixth form life is really like at Plymouth College.  Refreshments will be served in the bistro.  Earlier in the day trials are being held for the Sixth Form Rugby Scholarship.  The successful player will have the opportunity to develop his rugby-playing career while at the same time be able to benefit from the wide range of academic, sporting and cultural opportunities available at the school.  As well as being part of an established and highly-regarded team, the rugby scholar will also be mentored by staff from Plymouth Albion RFC.    Sixth form at Plymouth College provides a whole range of opportunities for students to develop their academic strengths, as well as other important life skills they will need outside of the classroom. Studying beyond Year 11 is viewed as a period of educational transition, and the aim is to equip students with the confidence to study independently and develop the self-discipline necessary to be successful at university.   The Sixth Form Centre gives them independence within the framework of the school, whether it’s for private study or just relaxing with a cappuccino in the bistro.  In addition, there are many opportunities to help students take their final steps into adulthood, with some becoming prefects, others captains of sports teams and some taking on social responsibilities.  A Level results are consistently high, with most students getting into their first choice of university – two pupils have received Oxbridge offers for 2009, including the 1st XV rugby captain. But whatever choices they make - higher education, work, travel or something completely different - students leave Plymouth College prepared for their future lives.  For further information about the Open Evening and to register for the rugby trials, please call Mrs Lambie on 01752 203245 or e-mail mail@plymouthcollege.com Plymouth College 1st XV captain, Phil Beak, 17, has received a conditional offer to read medicine at St Catherine’s College, Oxford.1st XV captain gains Oxbridge offer - 7/1/091st XV captain gains Oxbridge offer - 7/1/0902054 Plymouth College 1st XV captain, Phil Beak, 17, has received a conditional offer to read medicine at St Catherine’s College, Oxford.                                     The talented rugby player needs to gain three A grades at A Level to take up his place in October – he is currently studying Biology, Maths, Chemistry and Economics.   Phil recently led the 1st XV through their most successful season in 30 years, winning the Devon Cup and all Saturday fixtures, losing out only to an academy team in the 4th round of the Daily Mail Cup.  As the 7s season gets underway, Plymouth College are hoping to continue their winning streak at tournaments around the region.  First up is their campaign to retain their Kelly 10s title later this month.  The season culminates in the national Rosslyn Park tournament at the end of March.   In between rugby fixtures, Phil has been doing voluntary work at Derriford Hospital’s neurology department.  He has also completed work experience at St Luke’s Day Hospice and a residential care home in Bere Alston.  Although it’s too early to say what area of medicine he would like to ultimately work in, Phil already has an interest in stem cell development and surgery.   “We’ve had an amazing rugby season and I’m really pleased that we won some silverware to show for all the hard work the team put in”, said Phil.  “We had a run of about four or five games when we didn’t concede a try, including the match we lost, which was against a formidable side.    “I’m very excited about my place at Oxford and will be working hard over the next few months to make sure I get the grades.  Hopefully I will be able to continue playing rugby when I’m there.”  Plymouth College is launching a Sixth Form Rugby Scholarship. The successful player will have the opportunity to develop his rugby-playing career while at the same time be able to benefit from the wide range of academic, sporting and cultural opportunities available at the school.  As well as being part of an established and highly-regarded team, the rugby scholar will also be mentored by staff from Plymouth Albion RFC.  Trials for the scholarship are on Monday 26th January.  To register, please contact Mrs Lambie on 01752 203245 or e-mail <a href="mailto:mail@plymouthcollege.com">mail@plymouthcollege.com</a>.  A Sixth Form Open Evening is being held on the same day between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m.Two former pupils were the special guests at Plymouth College’s Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall. Former pupils are special guests at awards evening - 11/12/08Former pupils are special guests at awards evening - 11/12/0802038 Two former pupils were the special guests at Plymouth College’s Senior Awards Evening, held at Plymouth Guildhall.   Charlotte Jones, Joint Head Girl in 2005, presented the prizes and made an address.  Charlotte, who graduated from RADA this summer, also sang as part of a musical interlude.    The second guest was 10K Open Water Olympic bronze medallist, Cassie Patten.  The school’s first swimming scholar in 2001, Cassie left in 2006 to study and train in Stockport.  As well as being presented with an award to recognise her Olympic achievement, Cassie also gave a brief address to the gathered audience of current sixth form, 2008 leavers, staff, families and friends.   <img src="/media/14681/senior-awards-08_425x207.jpg" width="425" height="207" alt="Senior Awards" style="width: 425px; height: 207px"/>    On the 25th and 26th of November, the lower school drama club treated us to their version of the enthralling tale of Roald Dahl's 'The Witches'.Lower School Drama Club give a ‘bewitching’ performance - 1/12/08Lower School Drama Club give a ‘bewitching’ performance - 1/12/0802020 On the 25th and 26th of November, the lower school drama club treated us to their version of the enthralling tale of Roald Dahl's 'The Witches'.  The magical story of how a young boy falls victim to a society of witches determined to change all children into mice was highly entertaining.   However, in this case some big bad witches may be no match for the resourcefulness of a single rodent.  We were transported into their ghastly world at the Annual General Witches Convention, and we witnessed the ghoulish transformation of the members.  From dapper and stylish to bald, hook nosed, sharp-clawed witches on a mission of mass destruction.    There were outstanding performances from Luke Dickinson as the evil Grand High Witch and Sebastian Slade as the innocent boy entangled in the witches’ evil foils.  The production was set against the backdrop of the 1950s with music and songs reminiscent of that era to establish the nostalgic scene.    An excellent evening was enjoyed by all.  The cast and technical crew clearly worked very hard, under the creative direction of Mrs Jayne Hansford, to bring us this wicked evening of bewitching, bedazzling, rodent-infested entertainment.Andrew Barr, former Head of Education and Religious Broadcasting BBC Scotland, put the sixth form through their paces in a lively hands-on session, which saw them write, edit and broadcast a series of news bulletins.Former BBC journalist conducts workshop and judges Spoken English - 28/11/08Former BBC journalist conducts workshop and judges Spoken English - 28/11/0802013Andrew Barr, former Head of Education and Religious Broadcasting BBC Scotland, put the sixth form through their paces in a lively hands-on session, which saw them write, edit and broadcast a series of news bulletins – Mr Barr almost didn’t make it to the school after suffering a nasty fall at Edinburgh Station and having to take a detour to casualty at the start of his journey.   The aim of the afternoon was to introduce the students to the pressures of rapid broadcasting, learning to work together and express themselves in good quality English in a very short space of time.  The session concluded with the recording of the students’ bulletins.   The evening saw the final of the Spoken English Competition.  Pupils spoke on a wide variety of topics from rain forests to school, misconceptions to Malaysia and even ‘Is Elvis dead – really?’. Andrew Barr’s adjudication was ‘spot on’, fair and encouraging. The winners were:   Year 7  Josh Bean                    Year 8  Emil Agobiani                Year 9  Niall Mahoney                Year 10 Martin Tongue   Year 11 Charlie Maidment           L6        Bridget Luff U6        Hollie Goodall who was also the overall winner Finalists and winners (pictured with Andrew Barr) won points for their Houses.  Sixth form pianist, Aidan Law, took joint first place in both his open classes winning the Worth and Gordon Dyer Cups with pieces by Mozart and Chopin. Music and drama success in City of Plymouth Festival - 26/11/08Music and drama success in City of Plymouth Festival - 26/11/0802012 Sixth form pianist, Aidan Law, took joint first place in both his open classes winning the Worth and Gordon Dyer Cups with pieces by Mozart and Chopin.  He has also been presented with the Barbara Hannon Cup for the highest mark for a pianist aged 18 and under, and he shares the Charles May Cup for the highest mark in an open pianoforte class.    In the open mime class, festival veteran, Hollie Goodall, came away with the Anderson Cup.  She also went on to win the TK Stevens Trophy with a piece from Anton Tchekov’s ‘The Seagull’ in the U18 solo acting class.    In the singing classes, Ed Hirst came joint second in the 14-17 years category while his sister, Pheobe, came 3rd in the 11-14 years age group singing ‘Fields of Gold’.   Photograph: Pianist, Aidan LawA team of Year 11 students from Plymouth College have won the Plymouth Business and Enterprise Challenge event.Economics and Business pupils win marketing and investment challenge - 26/11/08Economics and Business pupils win marketing and investment challenge - 26/11/0802005 A team of Year 11 students from Plymouth College have won the Plymouth Business and Enterprise Challenge event.   Jack Berry, Cameron Deardon, Will Dickinson, Fiona Ellis, Alistair Lochhead, Dan Snowdon, Sam Straughan and Oli Wace competed against teams from nine other schools across the city in the event held at the Guildhall.   Part of National Enterprise Week, the competition had two sections – Investment Challenge and Marketing Challenge.  Investment Challenge required the participants to undertake active trading of funds across a range of financial products, resulting in the Plymouth College team coming out on top.    Marketing Challenge involved a five minute presentation on the launch of a new product for the ‘credit crunch’.  The Plymouth College team came up with a plan for a competitively-priced breakfast cereal called ‘Berry Munch’.  They won the judges over with a reasoned report explaining the marketing strategy – product details, pricing and a promotional campaign, which included a musical jingle ‘Beat the Crunch with Berry Munch!’.   Plymouth College Head of Economics and Business Studies, Jonathan Gregory, said: “I’m delighted that the Plymouth College team won.  It was really good to see our pupils successfully put into practice what they’ve been learning in the classroom.” Dr Angela Hawker, teacher in charge of Plymouth College’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) RAF section, has been presented with her Officer Scrolls by the oldest World War 1 veteran, and the oldest man in Europe, Henry Allingham, aged 112.Plymouth College teacher passes RAF Officer Training - 18/11/08Plymouth College teacher passes RAF Officer Training - 18/11/0801987 Dr Angela Hawker, teacher in charge of Plymouth College’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) RAF section, has been presented with her Officer Scrolls by the oldest World War 1 veteran, and the oldest man in Europe, Henry Allingham, aged 112.   Flight Lieutenant Hawker, a chemistry teacher at the school, undertook her week’s training at RAF Cranwell, where she completed courses in leadership skills, presentation, oral skills, marching and drill, dress, and RAF/CCF history.   The RAF is the only service in the CCF that requires its officers to pass the course and be commissioned by the Queen.  Dr Hawker is now fully responsible for RAF activities at school, which includes the chance to fly and glide.   Made up of Army, Navy and Air Force sections, the Contingent of 14 to 18 year olds meets once a week to undertake a range of service and adventure training activities.  As well as having fun, the Combined Cadet Force helps to boost young people’s confidence by developing leadership and self-reliance skills. Plymouth College has been awarded accreditation to run the globally-recognised international Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) from September 2009. International qualification on offer at Plymouth College - 3/11/08International qualification on offer at Plymouth College - 3/11/080 Plymouth College has been awarded accreditation to run the globally-recognised international Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) from September 2009.   The diploma programme will run alongside traditional A Levels in the school’s sixth form.  IB students will have their own lessons but all other elements of sixth form life such as the tutor group system, assemblies, games and extra-curricular activities will be fully integrated.   The structure of IB offers a true breadth of study, designed to equip students with the ability to not only be international in their outlook but also to develop independence in learning and life to give them an all-round educational benefit.  Students choose six subjects from the ‘outer hexagon’, including a language, as well as completing the three elements from the ‘inner hexagon’ or core: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity, Action, Service.  These areas very much drive the IB ethos for encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives, developing independent study and life skills and fostering students’ awareness and understanding of life outside the academic arena.   In awarding accreditation to run the diploma, the IB assessment team commended Plymouth College for “a strong collegiate spirit that centres upon the student and the desire to address the need for a broader, more holistic education.  This is evidenced by a strong extra-curricular programme, the many existing links and exchanges outside the immediate school community and the sound pastoral and student support systems that are in place.”   Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton said: “The International Baccalaureate is an exciting addition to the educational mix at Plymouth College.  It is a rigorous qualification that possesses the ultimate level of portability in a world where national boundaries are increasingly becoming less significant, opening up endless possibilities for students to study at universities around the world.  Equally, the qualification is highly-valued by UK universities not least because of the independent research element of the Extended Essay.    “As a school we very much encourage our pupils to look outwards, learning to respect themselves and others, becoming self-sufficient and independent so that by the time they leave school they will be ready to contribute responsibly as members of a global community. IB fits very much into this vision.”   To find out more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma at Plymouth College, please call Mrs Lambie on 01752 203245 or e-mail <a href="mailto:slambie@plymouthcollege.com">slambie@plymouthcollege.com</a> French and German students from Plymouth College have won the intermediate and advanced sections of the South West Linguafest competition.Plymouth College teams win South West Linguafest - 15/10/08Plymouth College teams win South West Linguafest - 15/10/0801959 French and German students from Plymouth College have won the intermediate and advanced sections of the South West Linguafest competition.   Set up last year when it was hosted by Plymouth College, the event gives young linguists in the South West the opportunity to demonstrate and compare their skills in a multi-lingual dimension.    Held this year at West Buckland School, Plymouth College pupils from Years 9 to Upper Sixth competed against teams from the host school, Truro School, Exeter School, Millfield School and Prior Park School.  Beginners, intermediate and advanced level students delivered sketches, songs, poems and dramatic presentations on topics including Cinderella, visits to German cities, the delights and dangers of eating omelette ‘Chez Paulette’, German film, Coco Chanel, and the sunny and shady sides of Pablo Escobar and Costa Rica.   The Plymouth College intermediate team impressed the judges with their winning presentation, ‘Sprachreise nach Berlin’.  The advanced team’s Powerpoint presentation on ‘Aspects of German cities: Munich and Berlin’ won them joint first prize, and the College’s slick and entertaining beginners’ team sketch in French, ‘Chez Paulette’, came a close second to Prior Park’s sketch ‘Cinderella’.   Prizes and sponsorship were provided by the participating schools together with vouchers from Cactus Travel and Millfield Enterprises, language-learning discs from Eurotalk and goody-bags from the Goethe Institut and the Spanish Embassy.   “I am delighted that the Plymouth College teams did so well”, said Richard Robinson, Head of German at Plymouth College.  “The judges were keen to praise the flair, fluency and confidence of all the students who took part.”   Photograph: The Plymouth College pupils who took part in Linguafest The Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force has had its biennial inspection. Aged between 14 and 18, the male and female cadets were inspected by Wing Commander Guy Bazalgette RAF, Senior British Officer, Joint Maritime Facility St Mawgan, on the school’s parade ground. Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force inspected by Wing Commander - 10/10/08Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force inspected by Wing Commander - 10/10/0801952The Plymouth College Combined Cadet Force has had its biennial inspection.  Aged between 14 and 18, the male and female cadets were inspected by Wing Commander Guy Bazalgette RAF, Senior British Officer, Joint Maritime Facility St Mawgan, on the school’s parade ground.   The formal inspection was followed by a number of displays and activities by the cadets such as rifle-firing on the range and a communications command task in the school grounds.  Wing Commander Bazalgette then addressed the cadets and presented trophies to the top cadets for 2008. Made up of Army, Navy and Air Force sections, the Contingent meets once a week to undertake a range of service and adventure training activities.  As well as having fun, the Combined Cadet Force helps to boost young people’s confidence by developing leadership and self-reliance skills. “Inspection day is a very important occasion for the cadets”, said Contingent Commander, Major Sarah Johnson.  “It only happens every two years and passing the inspection is a requirement of the MOD.   “Wing Commander Bazalgette was very impressed with what he saw and I look forward to receiving a good report.  I was really proud of all our cadets.”A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 4th October.Plymouth College to open its doors for the morning - 25/9/08Plymouth College to open its doors for the morning - 25/9/080A Euro café, interactive science displays, musical interludes, drama performances and sport demonstrations are just some of the activities on offer at the Plymouth College Open Morning on Saturday 4th October. The leading independent school opens its doors at Ford Park from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  Visitors will have the chance to look around the school and meet staff and pupils.   Founded in 1877, Plymouth College is a city-based day and boarding school providing education for boys and girls aged 11 to 18.  A forward-looking school with a successful history, this summer saw a good set of results at both A Level and GCSE, with 96% and 93% pass rates respectively – on average Plymouth College pupils perform one grade better in each GCSE taken than predicted by previous attainment.  A number of students achieve about two grades higher than expected in each subject. The school is equally proud of its extra-curricular achievements, with activities ranging from sports and outward bound to music and drama.  This term’s junior production of The Witches promises to be lively and colourful, while a group of pupils are looking forward helping with a building project in The Gambia at the end of October.  On the sports front the 1st XV rugby team remain unbeaten so far this term while Modern Pentathlete, Sarah Palmer, has just become British Youth Champion. The school boasts a mix of cultures with pupils from the Far East, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Locally, pupils come from Plymouth, the South Hams, West Devon and South East Cornwall, many using the school bus service. Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, says: “Our academic curriculum is strong but we also believe firmly in the importance of the wider curriculum, which is reflected in the diverse mix of sporting, outward bound, artistic, musical and dramatic activities.  Everyone is able to find success and enjoyment along a broad front. “There is a great community spirit at the College and those who come here make lasting friendships and forge good relationships at all levels.” For more information please call the Headmaster’s Secretary on 01752 203245 or e-mail mail@plymouthcollege.comPlymouth College has won £1000 from the ifs School of Finance for the second year running. Plymouth College Receives Excellence Award for Financial Diploma - 19/9/08Excellence Award for Financial Diploma - 19/9/0801935Plymouth College has won £1000 from the ifs School of Finance for the second year running.  The Excellence in Education Award comes on the back of continued success by Plymouth College students in the Diploma in Financial Services.   This year Robyn Mulhall came top in the country overall winning her £325 after coming 3rd in module 1 and first in module 3.  Monica Guly came 6th in the country overall after coming 1st in module 1 and 3rd in module 2 winning her £125.  Equivalent to an A Level, last year's top mark was also achieved by a Plymouth College student. Having already received their own cheques, Monica and Robyn accepted the £1000 cheque on behalf of the school.  It was presented by Rod McKee from ifs School of Finance. “I am delighted that the success of Economics and Business Studies at Plymouth College has again been recognised at a national level”, said Economics and Business Studies teacher, Jonathan Shields.  “Not only have our students done well in the diploma, but we also had the 1st and 3rd highest scores in the country in Edexcel’s Economics and Business Studies A level.  It has also been a very good year for us in business competitions such as CIMA Management (1st in country for the third time in five years), Student Investor (3rd in country) and for the fifth time in six years, best Young Enterprise company in Plymouth.   "The credit crunch has demonstrated more than ever the need for financial literacy amongst young people. How can consumers make informed decisions about financial products, that over the course of a lifetime they will spend many thousands of pounds on, if they do not understand the product they are buying in the first place?  It is reassuring to know that our students can leave school with a good grounding in business and economic issues and practises."  Photograph: Front L to R Monica Guly, Robyn Mulhall, Rod McKee (ifs School of Finance); Back L to R Jonathan Shields (Economics and Business Studies teacher), Dr Simon Wormleighton (Headmaster).  It was third time lucky for Plymouth College pupil, Hollie Goodall, 17, who has won the Advanced Communication category of the LAMDA National Finals, held in London.National LAMDA Win for Hollie - 16/9/08National LAMDA Win for Hollie - 16/9/0801934 It was third time lucky for Plymouth College pupil, Hollie Goodall, 17, who has won the Advanced Communication category of the LAMDA National Finals, held in London - she has previously made the finals twice at intermediate level.  Hollie’s winning recital of TS Eliot's 'The Naming of Cats' saw her presented with a top prize of £500 by actress Michelle Collins.  She qualified for the final after achieving one of the top five aggregate scores in the country for her gold medals in Verse and Prose Speaking, Reading for Performance and Public Speaking. A member of the Raleigh School of Speech and Drama, Hollie hopes to study for a Drama Teaching Diploma during her gap year.  Her ultimate aim is to go to one of the top London drama schools after gaining a degree in English at university.  Photograph: Hollie Goodall Plymouth College pupils are celebrating this morning with ten gaining at least ten A or A* grades at GCSE. One pupil clinched 12 top grades and another came away with 11. Ten top grades for ten Plymouth College pupilsTen top grades for ten Plymouth College pupils0 Plymouth College pupils are celebrating this morning with ten gaining at least ten A or A* grades at GCSE.  One pupil clinched 12 top grades and another came away with 11.  Guy Walker secured an impressive 10 A*s and 2 As while Jonathan Hall was awarded 6 A*s and 5 As as well as 1 B grade.  James Goldney, Will Mears, Grace Singh, Maria Thaller, Ed Knight, Alex Smith, Matthew Bernasconi and Adam John all achieved ten top grades.  Ed Knight was amongst the top ten who achieved the highest overall marks in the country in Edexcel’s Business Studies and Economics.  The A to C pass rate this year is 93% with and A/A* pass rate of 39%.  Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton said: “We are delighted to see such a good set of results and I pass on my warmest congratulations to all our GCSE pupils.  It is reassuring to see that the hard work of both our pupils and teachers has been rewarded in this way.”    For further information please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241 Plymouth College pupils are celebrating this morning with nine picking up at least three A grades at A Level – four of these students gained four grade As. The overall pass rate for Plymouth College is 96%, with an A/B pass rate of 59%. Nearly a third of passes were at grade A. At least 3 A grades for nine Plymouth College pupilsAt least 3 A grades for nine Plymouth College pupils0 <img src="/media/12102/a-level-students.jpg" width="300" height="200" alt="A Levels 08"/> Plymouth College pupils are celebrating this morning with nine picking up at least three A grades at A Level – four of these students gained four grade As. The overall pass rate for Plymouth College is 96%, with an A/B pass rate of 59%.  Nearly a third of passes were at grade A.   Sam Critchley, Harriet Foster, Rob McCormick and Ben Neville are the pupils walking away with 4 A grades.  In addition, Harriet has scored the top mark in the country in Edexcel’s Economics and Business Studies A level and Monica Guly has achieved the third highest mark.  This is the third consecutive year that a Plymouth College pupil has come first nationally and the sixth time in eight years.  Robyn Mulhall is the top student in the UK for the ifs Diploma in Financial Services, an A Level equivalent.  This is the second year running this accolade has been achieved by a Plymouth College pupil.  Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton, said: “Congratulations to all our students on their examination success.  We have again seen a good set of results for Plymouth College and I would like to pass on my thanks to the teaching staff for their commitment and hard work, which has helped our students to reach a really high level of achievement.”  (14/08)  For further information please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241 Photograph: L to R Sam Critchley, Harriet Foster, Ben Neville, Monica Guly, Rob McCormick Cassie Patten, 21, a former swimming scholar at Plymouth College, has received official notification of her place on the GB team for 800m freestyle in Beijing. She qualified after coming second in the required time in the Olympic trials for 800m freestyle a couple of weeks ago.Former Plymouth College pupil secures place in OlympicsFormer Plymouth College pupil secures place in Olympics0 Cassie Patten, 21, a former swimming scholar at Plymouth College, has received official notification of her place on the GB team for 800m freestyle in Beijing.  She qualified after coming second in the required time in the Olympic trials for 800m freestyle a couple of weeks ago.  An open water specialist, the qualification is a bonus for Cassie who hopes to also qualify for the 10K Open Water event, for which she won a silver medal in last year's World Championships.  An Olympic event for the first time, the trials are being held in Seville in a couple of weeks.  Cassie joined Plymouth College in 2002 and was the school's first swimming scholar. Run in conjunction with Plymouth Leander, the elite swimming programme now boasts 25 swimmers who in the last couple of years have won World and European medals, competed in World Championship finals and have broken over 50 British and English records.  Since 2004, fifteen have been selected for Great Britain and/or England swim teams, and national records are held by Plymouth College swimming scholars in five different countries around the world.    Now based in Stockport, Cassie is still a member of Plymouth Leander and trains several weeks a year with the club.  Plymouth College director of swimming, Jon Rudd, said: “The school's elite swimming programme has gone from strength to strength and it is fantastic to see the years of hard work and determination by both Cassie and her coaches come to fruition with her Olympic selection.  I’m sure Cassie is just the first of many Olympians who will come from the Plymouth College/Plymouth Leander programme in the future.”     29/04/2008 For further information please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241 The Senior and Junior Schools of Plymouth College are celebrating the ‘outstanding’ results of a rigorous inspection carried out by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Successful Inspection for Plymouth College1842Successful Inspection for Plymouth College0 The Senior and Junior Schools of Plymouth College are celebrating the 'outstanding' results of a rigorous inspection carried out by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Not only did both schools meet all the regulatory requirements in the areas assessed but between them they achieved three 'outstanding' and nine 'good' judgements accompanied by a clutch of positive comments. Inspectors commended the "diverse and enriching" education at the Senior School and observed "high levels of success" across a wide range of activities. They said that "staff teach their pupils well" and that "the relaxed and friendly manner in which pupils and staff work together enhances every aspect of the life of the College and promotes the development of pupils". The inspectors concluded that "good leadership and management throughout the College give clear direction and support in creating an educational experience of benefit to all pupils". They said that the life of a pupil at Plymouth College Junior School is "rich and rewarding" and praised the school for its good teaching and for the high standard of its activities. Inspectors commended the school on providing "an all-round education of high quality that fulfils the aims of the school in challenging pupils with high expectations and providing opportunities for each child to fulfil their potential within a wide and balanced curriculum". ISI is the independent schools sector's equivalent of OFSTED. Inspections take place every six years. The latest inspection was carried out in November 2007, with the official report published in February 2008. "We are extremely pleased with the inspection report", said Plymouth College Headmaster, Dr Simon Wormleighton. "We knew that we had all the elements of a resoundingly good school and it is so rewarding to have that officially recognised. I am particularly delighted that the school was judged 'outstanding' in three areas of assessment. The report states that the College has very few issues to resolve. Never the less this will not result in a complacent satisfaction with things as they are. Rather it will provide the spur to develop and improve further all that we offer in order to provide the very best education possible for present and future pupils". Chris Gatherer, Plymouth College Junior School Headmaster said: "I am particularly pleased that the report reflects the 'strong sense of cohesion in the community' and the fact that the 'quality of the care, guidance and personal development of pupils' is such a strong feature of the school. I am delighted that the inspectors were so impressed with our academic results and the happy atmosphere. We have a great history and this report shows how well we are retaining the traditional strengths of the school while constantly evolving to ensure that our pupils get the best possible preparation for secondary education and beyond". Copies of the reports are available by calling 01752 203245 (Senior School) or 01752 201368 (Junior School). For more information please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241. <h4>ISI Inspection System:</h4> The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) arranges and carries out the inspection of any school that wishes to be accredited by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), thus enabling its head to become a member of one of the ISC's affiliated association of schools. The ISI also inspects every school whose head is already a member of one of these associations. The ISI inspects schools according to a standard framework for inspection which it has laid down for the purposes of ensuring that standards are maintained and that the school complies with relevant legal requirements. This framework has been agreed with the DCSF and they have recognised the ISI as the body responsible for the regular inspection of schools in England which are affiliated to the ISC. Young linguists from five independent schools in the south west demonstrated their modern language skills in a competition that involved sketches, songs and presentations.Inaugural Linguafest Held At Plymouth College1843Inaugural Linguafest Held at Plymouth College0 Young linguists from five independent schools in the south west demonstrated their modern language skills in a competition that involved sketches, songs and presentations. Organised by the South West Canford Group of Independent Schools and hosted by Plymouth College, teams of pupils from Plymouth College, Kelly College, Exeter School, West Buckland School and Prior Park School competed at junior, intermediate and senior level. Topics ranged from the French Revolution and the recent film Moliere, to German Fashion and the Street Children of South America. Prior Park School won the senior competition, claiming an all-expenses-paid language course in a French or Spanish location of choice. The intermediate and junior team winners both came from West Buckland School and received gift vouchers. The runners-up were awarded IT software in French, German and Italian to further equip their schools' learning facilities. Head judge was Mme. Marie-Marthe Gervais-le-Garff, Head of the Languages Faculty, University of Plymouth Business School. She was supported by modern languages teachers from local schools. Prizes and sponsorship for the Linguafest were provided by Plymouth College, Kelly College, West Buckland School, Acorn/Halsbury Travel, Eurotalk and the Goethe Institut. "The aim of the Linguafest was to give pupils the opportunity to extend their range and enjoyment of modern languages in a stimulating environment", said Richard Robinson, Head of German at Plymouth College. "The judges praised the dramatic enterprise of the competition as well as the fluency and confidence of the pupils that took part. We very much hope that this event will grow in the future." For further information, please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241 Plymouth College pupil, Harriet Benson, has gained a place in the National Children's Orchestra GB. National Children's Orchestra for Harriet1844National Children's Orchestra for Harriet0 Plymouth College pupil, Harriet Benson, has gained a place in the National Children's Orchestra GB. Still only 12 years old, Harriet has been chosen for the main orchestra, which is exceptional - she has previously been involved in the orchestra at lower levels for the last seven years. With residential courses during the Easter and Summer holidays, Harriet will take part in a number of concerts including one to celebrate the orchestra's 30th anniversary. She will also be travelling to Italy to play in a concert being held at Sir William Walton's estate on the island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples. Harriet is working towards Grade 8 Violin and Grade 8 Viola, and also plays the piano. "I am really pleased to have been selected for the orchestra again", said Harriet. "I have always enjoyed taking part in the courses and concerts but I am particularly excited about this year because of the concert in Italy at the end of the summer." For further information please contact Stephi Baker on 01752 203241 Plymouth College trumpeter, Sophie Brown (Year 9), has successfully auditioned for a place in the National Symphony Orchestra. National Symphony Orchestra For SophiePlymouth College trumpeter, Sophie Brown (Year 9), has successfully auditioned for a place in the National Symphony Orchestra. 1845National Symphony Orchestra For Sophie0 Plymouth College trumpeter, Sophie Brown (Year 9), has successfully auditioned for a place in the National Symphony Orchestra. With more than a thousand young musicians vying for a place in the prestigious orchestra each year, Sophie will get to play alongside professional musicians and receive expert coaching on the trumpet. Already heading towards Grade 8 Trumpet, Sophie is also accelerating rapidly through the grades on the piano and more recently the French horn.