Schools should always be a source of hope and promise for the future, and guiding students in schools is both a privilege and a challenge. Working to support and guide young children and adolescents through what seems an increasingly uncertain world is a truly important vocation, carrying great responsibility and accountability. For those of us who choose to take on this challenge, witnessing the development and flourishing of young people is the greatest reward.
Ours is a community which believes in learning for all, learning for life and learning in a fuller sense than just academically. For our students, this means that whilst examination success and demonstrable academic progress is valued, so too is the personal growth and character development gained through co-curricular activity, but also opportunities to support and lead others and to undertake community service.
Pastoral care and education, and knowing all of our students well in our inclusive community, underpins all that we do. For our staff, learning is key too, through opportunities for career development and continuing professional development of high frequency and measurable value.
Success in life is measured in many different ways, most obviously by gold medals and examination results. Our community is rightly proud of our Olympic heritage in sport and the excellent achievements of our students at both GCSE and A level, but we also recognise that success for each individual means different things. We support our students in testing themselves in and beyond the classroom, and value resilience, teamwork, perseverance and service as much as we do raw attainment.
Ultimately, how our students are as people and how they build relationships with others will be of more importance to them, and to society, than how talented they are. Our community thrives in supporting both those who display excellence and those who struggle; it thrives in the development of academic and emotional intelligence and literacy, and in enhancing in our leavers a sense of their responsibility for themselves and their own actions, to others and to their environment and in creating a more compassionate and aware global community.
As you explore our website, we hope it gives you a flavour of the vibrant daily life of Plymouth College. We invite you to visit us in person; a chance for you to experience first hand the nurturing relationships, holistic education, and limitless possibilities that define our community.
To find out more and experience this in person, please do come to visit us. I look forward to meeting you.
Peter Watts
Headmaster
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