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| What's new 08/02/10 |
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Weekly College News
County Badminton Final 23/02/10
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Student Question Time 05/02/10
Education was a favourite topic for the students. Cameron Houdmont in Year 9 asked about the unfair funding system for education which leaves Devon students worse off than their counterparts across the country. Richard Younger Ross had just spoken on this subject in the House of Commons and he felt passionate about this issue. He said that because rural deprivation was harder to identify, Devon had become a victim of the funding system. Alison Seabeck agreed that there needs to be a fairer formula for funding but supported her party by affirming that millions has been ploughed into the education system in recent years resulting in seven new schools for Plymouth.
The issue of grammar schools versus comprehensive schools was also raised. Sixth former Sophie Smith feels that it is an elitist system which discriminates against working class people. Catriona Maslin in Year 7, expressed her appreciation for her education at Newton Abbot College. Cat’s speech was met with warm applause from the audience! Richard declared firmly that he didn’t believe that the grammar school system is a fair one. Those who failed the entrance exam, especially in the days of secondary modern schools, often felt like failures and had a real struggle to make a success of their lives. He said, “It’s important that comprehensive schools like Newton Abbot College provide an excellent education, then parents will make it their first choice!”
The debate also covered the war in Afghanistan, underage drinking, police presence in the community and finally – leisure opportunities for young people in Newton Abbot. All these topics were of great importance to the students. Sixth form student Ben Scott commented after the programme, “It was very enjoyable to take part in this debate. We are all concerned about these issues, especially the ones that affect us personally.”
Michael Chequer was a brilliant chair person, keeping order and steering everyone calmly in the right direction. At the end of the programme he asked the students, “Did you feel that the politicians really listened to you?” You might be quite surprised, but the students in the majority gave an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ |
Newton Abbot College’s League Plate Success 05/02/10 Right from the kick off, Newton Abbot College dominated the first half, pinning Paignton in their twenty-two. This constant pressure and some fantastic rucking from the forwards paid off and with ten minutes to go before half time, Brad Carter managed to break through with a try, putting Newton Abbot College 5 – 0 up. Five minutes later, the outstanding work of the forwards and backs again put pressure on Paignton and they conceded a penalty 35 yards out. Without any hesitation, Jake Monnington stepped up to kick for goal and increased the lead to 8 – 0 at half time.
In the second half there seemed to be a change of fortune, as Paignton pressured NAC in the home team’s half. Unfortunately despite their best efforts, NAC were unable to hold off this pressure and conceded a try fifteen minutes into the second half. The away team failed to convert the kick, but managed to narrow the gap to 3 points. But the NAC boys showed continued resilience and outstanding teamwork, putting Paignton under constant pressure. The forwards showed great strength, winning scrums against the head. The forwards continued to pin Paignton back close to their try line and managed to get the ball out of the base of a ruck. They dived for the line but unfortunately the ball was held up. Five nail biting minutes left on the clock! The referee awarded an attacking scrum to NAC, 5 metres out. Ed Glanville, at scrum half, put the ball in and the pack secured the ball at the back foot, allowing the backs to set their line for one last attacking run. Ed passed out to Brad Carter at fly half who then off loaded to Jake Monnington. Jake charged in at full tilt, carrying himself and the defence over the line for the winning try. Jake followed up with a conversion, to help secure Newton Abbot College the 15 – 10 victory they so deserved!
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Destination – University! 28/01/10
The students were welcomed at the station by student ambassadors, who later commented how polite the young people were and that it was a pleasure to work with them. The programme for the day enabled the Year 11 students to investigate what continuing their education at university might entail – including all important details like the Student Union, Halls of Residence and social events. There was also an opportunity to discuss GCSE revision and successful exam techniques.
The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. George Hodgson commented, “It was a very interesting and helpful day and I learnt a lot about university and the courses that interest me.” Sam Zilkha added, “It was very informative. It gave me a real insight into student life at university and has motivated me to work hard to get there. And thank you First Great Western for the opportunity!”
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Maximise Your Chances! 22/10/10 Clive, originally from South Africa, was a teacher and is now an examiner but as a young man he worked as a coastguard in shark infested waters! On one occasion, he went to the rescue of a young man who had fallen overboard with no life jacket and who was now drifting seriously towards some large rocks. He threw the man a life jacket attached to a rope but unbelievably the man didn’t take it. He seemed not to want his help, as if he could manage by himself. Unfortunately Clive witnessed the young man’s tragic death. This powerful image motivated him to devote much of his life to working with young people to inspire them and plead with them to accept the ‘lifelines’ that are thrown to them continuously by their teachers, parents and other helpful people. It was a powerful message that could change the students’ attitudes, not only to their studies but to their whole lives.
| Praise and Prizes 14/01/10
Lesley Ring, Assistant Principal, hosted the events, inspiring students with stories of her visit to Calcutta during the Christmas break where she had seen unbelievable levels of poverty. Students realised that no matter how difficult their own circumstances may be, they have much to be thankful for, especially for their education and the many wonderful opportunities available to them. Mr Davies, who has an MBA (Master of Business Administration), shared an interesting insight with the students. He came across a popular book recently that seemed to offer an easy shortcut to gaining this qualification – ‘The 80 minute MBA’. His own qualification was only obtained after two years of hard work and determination. A short glance at the book however reassured him, that while the author offered many helpful ideas, there was no substitute for doing the real thing. He realised that his certificate, the piece of paper, was actually priceless! He showed the students the real value of their awards and certificates, which represent the intangible qualities and skills that they have developed on their journey through life.
Accomplished musicians, Elliot Winterton, Lathaniel Collins and Jack Bennett on guitars with Olly Dixon.on drums, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It was an inspirational start for students and staff alike to a new year brimful of potential. |
Dynamic Dance 08/01/10
The students were put through their paces and rose to the challenge. The workshop was inspiring and a real confidence booster. Their final performance at the end of the day against three other competing schools was dynamic. They experienced a variety of activities and totally excelled in all they did. Fiona was amazed by the quality of their performance and she complimented them on their unstinting efforts and brilliant attitude.
This opportunity followed on from a Dance Project that the girls had been involved in during their games lessons led by Gill Honey, a dance specialist, as part of the South Dartmoor Schools Partnership. The project aimed to encourage participation in dance, both in and outside College. The girls involved were a credit to the College. Well done, Beth Clarke, Natasha Young, Beth Harris, Nivana Bartlett, Abbi Charnley, Gabi Roxon-Hammond, Rachael Watson, Tiffany Lait, Zoe Wheeler, Stephanie Rowe, Emma Scott and Emily Brace.
| LOST CHILD - A Review 18/12/09 ‘Lost Child’ told the story of Yasmin, an isolated teenage girl on the margins whose only refuge lay in playing complex computer games where a series of avatars fight her battles for her. But Yasmin’s world is turned upside down when her real-world tormentors enter her digital world. What ensues is a journey of adventure into virtual reality where Yasmin seeks to free the enslaved Lost Child. Her journey culminates when Yasmin finds courage she did not know she was capable of, defeats her tormentors and frees the Lost Child and herself.
Eschewing a traditional set the backdrop to ‘Lost Child’ was composed of sophisticated filmed images that cut between recorded video of the company and the animated inner workings of a computer. This arresting and highly professional device perfectly complimented the action on the stage. ‘Lost Child’ used stylized movement and arresting and startling stage pictures to tell its story. The play constantly asked questions of its audience. This was not the comfortable, predictable journey of most musicals, but a roller coaster ride into the unknown. A wonderful journey into the imagination told with the authority of youth.
The score was original and always fascinating. Much of the action was under-pinned by music making the journey into the world of virtual reality even more compelling. There were also some great individual songs including ‘Badlands’ - a real hit if I’ve ever heard one. Musicians Amy Bond, Beth Hawkings, Tamsyn Pearce and Nicola Bond were excellent throughout. The company all acquitted themselves very well. Great stage discipline and concentration was evident in all the performers but a special mention must go to Byrony Jones as the tormented Yasmin, Nivana Bartlett as her arch nemesis Karli, Mawgen Penrice as the vain and cruel Ben, Ollie Taylor as the kindly Mark, James Griffin as the child-hating teacher, Vicky Worth as Yasmin’s Mother, Abby Spragg as the trench-coated Detective, Catline Hill as the powerful warrior Amazon, Emily McElhinney as the chirpy Lucky, and Atlanta Houdmont as the sparky Little ‘Un. Maria Bond gave a particularly powerful and heart-felt performance as the Lost Child. Praise must also go to Keiden Cude, Lewis Potter, James Pidwell, Luke Daniell, Sam Down, Tash Tapper, Adam Shalders, Rachel Worthington, Lianne Williams, Codey Reeves and Emily Atkinson - all of whom gave performances of great concentration and focus. Of the many people involved in ‘Lost Child’ special praise must go to the inspirational and highly skilled staff team who led the project. Sharon Godfrey and Judy Leigh devised and directed, Colin Spencer and Emily Watts composed the music and wrote the songs, and Ivor Abiks was responsible for the extraordinary visuals.
‘Lost Child’ was a major achievement. It was a fearless piece of musical theatre, one of the most complex and demanding of all theatrical forms. Newton Abbot College has created a new and brave work, which deserves to be seen by a wider audience. Congratulations to all who were involved and to the college itself for having the courage and foresight to undertake such a venture. ‘Lost Child’ was part of the Identity Project involving four Devon secondary schools. Each school is writing and producing their own original musical. In addition to Newton Abbot College the project also involves Dartmouth Community College, South Dartmoor Community College and Kingsbridge Community College. Nick Stimson Newton Abbot College would like to thank BBC South West for the loan of microphones for the production. |
Class of 2009 Awards 18/12/09
Patrick Durston and Jess Crinks received an award for Effort, Perseverance and Improvement. Tom Joslin and Beth Hughes won prizes for Outstanding Effort with Coursework. Dan Harrison was recognised for his excellent progress between primary school and GCSEs. There were many exceptional performances at GCSE by students who achieved A and A* Grades but the overall winner was Guillaume Godbehere.
| Preparing for a Successful Future 11/12/2009
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