The Courier is printed locally on 100% recycled paper using vegetable inks. It is fully recyclable. Kind &Committed Inclusive Issue No 200 Winter 2023 Photograph by Oscar Davies Our River Dart Courier
Oscar's prize-winning cover photograph speaks to the values that we hold dear at KEVICC. Our Dart holds an important place in our community and local ecology. Oscar's clear mastery of drone photography speaks to the commitment and dedication we hope to nurture. Alan Salt Page 2 Principal's Hello How quickly time flies. The Autumn edition of the Courier always causes us to pause for reflection. In these pages we celebrate natural passings and new beginnings. Firstly we are proud of our 2022 student outcomes. Yes they place us handsomely within the newly released DfE school performance tables, but more than that, every single outcome is testament to the hard work our students and teachers put in every day. Each one is hard won and totally deserved. We celebrate our Year 7 students and their new start with us. A fantastic group of young people who've made a great beginning to life with us, their Freshers Enrichment Fair and residential were huge successes in making them feel welcome and grounded here. Also in this edition we see last Summer's superb Jukebox Festival, The Ten Tors and our wonderful whole college performance of The Sound of Music. Please do read Dylan's Mary Lidstone Trust entry. We are so grateful to have the Trust fund available to our students. The financial backing Dylan received post-KEVICC has been truly life changing. The window for applications is open. Go online to apply.
Page 3 This term we have welcomed our brilliant new Year 7 students into the college. We have been so impressed by their kindness, their attitudes and their focus in classes. We caught up with a number of our Year 7 students personally and spoke to them about their start with us at KEVICC. We spoke about making friends, feeling at home, their teachers, learning in class and the jump from primary. Here are some of their reflections... Now a KEVICC tradition, our new Year 7 students spent three glorious days over in Torbay as part of their residential in October. Partaking in a range of outdoor activities helps build community and togetherness at the very start of the year. i I have really enjoyed starting at KEVICC. I was a little nervous on my first day but when I started I met some good friends. The teachers are all really nice too. Gwen, Year 7 Wonderful Year 7
Page 4 Above: Our Freshers Enrichment Fair for all new Year 7 and Year 8 students runs every September. From Parkour to Computing Club, from Photography to The Leaky Cauldron; there’s something for everyone. Our transition to secondary has been really gentle and all the teachers have been very welcoming and understanding. I have especially enjoyed English and Maths, teachers manage to make them fun whilst also teaching us what we need to know. Molly, Year 7 Our tutor is amazing. You should join! Skye, Year 7 As always, meeting and welcoming our new Year 7 community into our college has been a real pleasure for us all. Spending time walking around the site and going into a huge number of Year 7 classes, I have been impressed by their attitude to learning and care for each other. Our Enrichment Fair was really well attended and provides a great way for students to connect and make those social networks so important to life at college. Countless staff have commented to me and my leadership team how impressed they are with our new year group. Alan Salt, Principal A Great Start
Students at Kennicott achieve incredible results across the academic subject range. Our outcomes put us in the top bracket of 1619 colleges in the South West, out-performing many local providers including a number of selective schools. In 2022 73% of students achieved A* to B with 100% of our students passing their exams. 39% achieved an incredible A*/A. In 2023 almost half of students achieved A* to B and over 99% of students passed their exams. We are very proud of this attainment and every student story that sits behind it. A large proportion of students have scored top grades, with Alice Dunn achieving A* grades in English Literature, Philosophy and Extended Project Qualification, as well as an A in History. Alice will be going on to Oxford University to study English. Ollie Boyacigiller leaves us with A* grades in Biology, Physics and Extended Project as well as an A grade in Mathematics. Ollie will be going on to study Biology at the University of Bristol. Max Adderley achieved A* grades in Textiles and Art, as well as Grade C in French. Max will be studying Fashion Design at the prestigious Central St Martins in London. Ella Wyatt, who will be studying History at University College London, achieved an A* in Extended Project and A grades in English Literature, History and Film Studies. Ed Read achieved A* in Mathematics, A grades in Further Maths and Computer Science and grade C in Physics. Ed will be moving on to the University of St Andrews to study Computer Science. Jay Hockings achieved an A Grade in Geography and Bs in Sociology and History. Kennicott Results Page 5
Page 6 Our Year 11 GCSE results place us as one of the best performing comprehensive colleges in the area. 77% of students achieved 9-4 in English, whilst 71% achieved 9-4 in Maths. The progress our students make is as good as any other college we know locally. Behind our excellent headline figures sit some very impressive and very happy success stories. These individual successes were the result of hard work, determination and relentless effort from both our students and staff. Toby Albano achieved five grade 8s in Maths, Religious Studies, Biology, Chemistry and Physics and two grade 7s in PE and Spanish. Nina Chambers' hard work culminated in a grade 9 in Religious Studies, grade 8s in Maths, PE and Spanish and grade 7s in English, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Theo Clark achieved two grade 9s in Biology and four grade 8s in Chemistry, Computer Science, Maths and Spanish. Reuben Guest achieved two grade 8s in English Literature and Geography alongside four grade 7s in Art, English, Maths and Science. Elizabeth Read exceeded all expectations in achieving eight grade 9s in all her subjects bar Physics where she achieved a grade 8. Likewise Manu Rees-Durham achieved an impressive eight grade 9s. Holly Whittles achieved a grade 9 in Art, two grade 8s in Geography and History and grade 7s in English and Religious Studies. Page 6 Brilliant Outcomes
www.kingedwardvi.devon.sch.uk Open Mornings KEVICC Friday 5th July & Friday 12th July 2024 9.00am to 11.00am We have seen record applications to our College in 2022. Our Summer Open Mornings are a fantastic opportunity to come and see why so many students, parents and carers are making us their first choice school. Bookings will go live in early 2023. Battle of the Bands 2022 Sports Day 2021 Year 7 Residential Slapton Fieldtrip 2022 Page 7
In June we took our Year 10 Geographers out on two days of field visits. First up, Bristol, spending the day evaluating the city's various regeneration strategies and approaches to sustainable urban living. Students visited Queen's Square to see the impact of regeneration from the 1990s. Then they headed to St Nick's Market to sample the independent retail offer and experience regeneration that seeks to keep place identity unique. Mid morning the group headed to Castle Square - the site of many festivals since the 2000s - and onto Broadmead and then Cabot Circus. We ended the day passing through the Bear Pit - quite possibly the coolest roundabout regeneration in the UK - led by the People's Republic of Stoke's Croft. Page 8 Geography Visits
A second very wet and blustery day was spent on Slapton Line. Year 11 collected beach profile, wave energy and barrier degradation data. Our students' stoicism was rewarded by lunch in the Start Bay Inn. Fieldwork Learning Page 9 Using clinometers, ranging poles and tape measures our students set about their beach transects. The data collected allowed students to calculate the cross sectional area of the barrier, providing an insight into which zones would be most at risk from further erosion and a possible breach. Wave data and degradation index provide further understanding of threat levels. The field experience from both days and the data collated will go towards preparing students to sit their third GCSE Geography paper in the Summer; an exam which looks at practical application of fieldwork.
In June our wonderfully talented music students planned, curated and performed at their own run of music festivals. 'Jukebox' saw a range of standout performances. The acoustic evening in our Peace Garden was a more intimate affair. We never cease to be amazed by the talent in our community... Page 10 Summer Festivals Brilliantly attended and billed on the same week as Glastonbury, our students' Jukebox gathering was the real highlight of the Summer festival circuit for us. Supportedbyour Headof Music Nicky Hansford and Performing Arts Technician Tom Greig, the performances showcased the eclectic talent that our community has to offer: From Arun's powerful Hurt, to Palemoon's euphoric MGMT covers, to The Vive's take on Arctic Monkeys...
Our Year 9 students have been producing some excellent writing in their English lessons with Ms Preece. Using narrative scaffolds based on Freytag's pyramid, students were playing around with structure. We've included Diego's brilliant five-part story here... Page 11 English Year 9 December 24th. Christmas Eve. Frost cradled in the street corners and chalky slush carpeted the drives and draped over the cars, but inside the merry houses the fragrance of tangy gingerbread and frankincense wove and intertwined themselves into the house and the murmur of crackling fire echoed through the halls like a festive phantasm. But I didn’t care. All I had my eyes on was the lively, embellished gifts under the ornate sage Christmas tree. Right there, in the centre, lied the object of my obsession for the past 359 days, or was it 358? I don’t know. But below the plaid vermillion and viridescent wrapping was my deepest desire. My holy grail. A Wildcat BMX bike. Through the paper bulged the intricate artisanry of its delicate handlebars and its imposing wheels seemed to jitter in excitement to be unravelled and set free. Sure, there were other things in my card to Santa, like a lightning-blue Gameboy or one of those He-Man figures in the catalogue but nothing matched the yearning and longing I had for that bike. December 25th. Christmas Day. Like falling snowflakes, milk and biscuits clung to my tacky chin. An excited surge vigorously coursed from my head to my toes incessantly like a spasm. Eagle eyed, I glared at the presents from across the living room. Waiting. “Okay you can go open your presents now.” said mum through a bite of mince pie. Before I could even think I reached for the wrapping paper and violently tore it to shreds but... “Why is it pink?” A Christmas Craving by Diego Marti-Gimenez
Page 12 Redworth Library A hundred and fifty new-to-us books have arrived in Redworth Library this term, as part of our Devon School Library Service and funded by The Foundation Governors. Covering a wide range of interest areas, reading levels and styles, our newly formed ‘Kevicc Critics’ will be reviewing many of the titles over the next few months. Check out the brilliant reviews here from Gilbert and Martha... The Blue Book of Nebo By Manon Steffan Ros I felt thestorytookabit of time towarmup, but thisdid mean that the characters were introduced in depth. Reading the story from two different perspectives, mother and son, helped me empathise with each of their struggles, challenges and actions. It made me reallyappreciatemodern comforts like electricityand not take it for granted. It was interesting to see how well both Rowena and Dylan adapted to life without electricity. The story came to life much more when it revealed there had been a nuclear war and there was a nuclear cloud hanging over their home. Then I understood why the electricity went off and why it was so quiet. It is a good book and I recommend reading it as it really makes you think. Reviewed by Gilbert Baker-Sharman Light in Everything By Katya Balen The light in everything was a very good, informative book. The author was very detailed and good at describing the character’s emotions. I liked that you got to see both Tom’s and Zofia’s point of view one chapter at a time. Reviewed by Martha Wolf
Page 13 Sports Day is an annual KEVICC celebration and well-established tradition. We believe traditions are important to nurture our identity and to foster our comprehensive values. We build our Sports Day on the values of inclusion, fair play, respect and teamwork. Our four Team Houses: Babbage, Davis, Gyles and Scott compete for the House Shield. July 13th saw another very successful KEVICC Sports Day, despite the rather grey skies looking like they could soak the party at any moment. Lots of pupils got stuck into the events, with high numbers particularly amongst Key Stage 3 pupils. The day is always primarily focused on participation and representing your house more than the actual winning and the KEVICC pupils truly bought into that this year with lots of pupils putting themselves forwards, even where they might not initially have thought they would succeed. The early morning drizzle forced some lastminute changes to the events, with high jump taking place in Redworth Gym and regular surface checks needed to ensure the outside events could go ahead safely. However, each time the skies darkened and we looked to be heading for a washout, the sun would break through and keep everyone’s spirits high. Sports Day 2023
Page 14 Sports Day 2023 Mr Quick and Miss Perring’s dance off made an entertaining return, whilst it was also the first time we have invited parents to watch the afternoon events of the hurdle finals, relays and 100m sprints. Special mentions must go to some record-breaking pupils. Rose B (y10) demolished the girls triple jump record, increasing it by well over a metre. Isla P (y7) debuted as a TRIPLE record holder, breaking the 100m (2001), 800m (1997) and the hurdles (1995) records! A massive thank you to former pupil Harry B who filmed the day. He produced a stunning clip of last year’s event so we look forward to seeing what he comes up with this year. Our Y10 GCSE PE and 6th form helpers were fantastic at ensuring events ran smoothly and scores were entered quickly, whilst some also ran alongside our Bidwell Brook attendees to support and cheer them on. Babbage house made it a hattrick of wins as they took the overall trophy for a 3rd time in a row. Scott 2nd, Gyles 3rd and Davis 4th were the remaining placings. Overall, it was yet another example of the fantastic way our pupils come together to support each other and take pride in their school. Planning for the event always starts very early and the PE department, who organise much of the day, are always very grateful for the support and help from our fantastic admin and leadership team to ensure the logistics of the day are sewn together. We look forward to July 2024! Mr Sam Quick, Head of PE
DJ Club, Theatre Tech, Badminton, Chess, Parkour, Rugby, Surf Club, Climbing & Bouldering, Computer Building, Dungeons & Dragons, Tennis, Illustration, The Leaky Cauldron, Humanities Film Club, Photography Club... to name but a few. What ever you are into, there is literally a club for everyone. We are so proud of our enrichment offer here at KEVICC. Page 15 Incredible Enrichment
Page 16 Sound of Music This year’s production, the Sound of Music, has blown our and the audiences’ socks off here at KEVICC. The atmosphere in the theatre, the dance studio and Ms Shaw’s room got to fever pitch by the Wednesday of the play week and with the rehearsals done, we couldn’t wait to get on stage and start! And what a successful start it was! Both casts of the production had a fab time on stage and sang their hearts out. The not very far away Dartmoor ‘hills’ were indeed alive with the sound of music and it sounded absolutely wonderful. I’d like to say a very big thank you to all the Performing Arts Team for bringing this production together so smoothly, as always. Bring on next year’s play! Alex Meszaros Year 8 student
Congratulations to the whole cast and crew of the Sound of Music @KEVICC. Such dedication from everyone with outstanding performances from Codie and Sara in particular.. Ms Shaw and the Team do it again! KEVICC Parent on X Page 17 The Hills are Alive
Page 18 Page 18 Artist Workshops Our Art students have been working with a range of visiting artists and professionals to broaden their grasp and application of skills. Our provision is enriched hugely by the work Mr Rangecroft and his team do in inviting colleagues into school. Be it working with cardboard and scrap with sculptor James Lake or being commissioned by the NHS to develop and realise a project on wellbeing - our students really do have their horizons broadened in this brilliant subject area.
Over the course of 3 days, our Year 10 students will be working with NHS England and Plymouth University to create a bespoke project that advocates holistic wellbeing. Culminating in display within a professional environment, our students are tasked with a brief, success criteria and a series of deadlines to manage. The final work is shaping up well. Nick Rangecroft, Head of Art Page 19 Bringing Art to Life
Page 20 Outdoor Expeditions The Ten Tors weekend is always a special one for us. Throughout the training and the event itself, our young people learn how to work as a team, how to cope in challenging circumstances and how to develop true resilience. The weekend is a culmination of months of training. Our students and staff really do put the hours and miles in over the Winter and early Spring in order to be ready for the weekend in April. Mr Earl leads the programme brilliantly... We had a 35, 45 and 55 mile team through the finish line this weekend. They all did really well and are, rightly, very proud of themselves. The 35 mile team were particularly determined and worked well together to come in ahead of schedule. It was a great weekend. Jim Earl, Lead Outdoor Educator
Two of our Year 11 students - Kolo and Jonas - were interviewed by the BBC before heading up to the moor. They spoke brilliantly and brought a slice of celebrity to the start of the weekend. As happens every year, there were some disappointments due to setbacks and injury. Regardless of whether students 'finish' the weekend, the Ten Tors is about the journey together as opposed to the destination. All involved should be very proud of themselves. None of this could be done too, without volunteers - like the brilliant Nick Hardy. Thanks all. Jim Earl, Lead Outdoor Educator Page 21 True Team Work
Page 18 Page 22 Rugby Fixtures KEVICC hosted 7 schools in a Central Venue League format on 7th November. Staff had originally only planned a tournament of 4 schools based on responses but, as the minibuses kept arriving, Mr Lyndonmanaged to work hismagic with the schedule and allocate plenty of game time for all schools. The Y7 boys represented KEVICC incredibly well throughout and managed to win 3 of their matches, with a very close one-point loss to a strong Teignmouth side. The CVL brings an end to our school rugby this year. It was an action-packed evening which saw around 100 year 7 pupils across the schools taking part in some very competitive rugby! A massive thanks to Mr Whane for organising the event and for his expertise in refereeing lots of the matches. Girls' Rugby Year 7 Playing in a mini league format, KEVICC were in the same pool of TBGS, Churston and Teignmouth. The boys played some good rugby against Teignmouth and were unlucky to lose 12-7 (Leo L with the try and conversion). The following two games were 21-0 (Churston) and 26-0 (TBGS) losses against strong opponents who finished at the top of the pool. Finishing in the bottom two with Teignmouth, KEVICC dropped into the second pool for the afternoon. The first match in the afternoon session finished with a 14-0 win for KEVICC against Coombeshead. Joe H with both tries, with conversions by Leo L. The second match saw another loss to Teignmouth by 10-24 (Joe H and Ewan WB with the tries, no conversions made). The third match ended in a loss to Paignton by 5-17 (Kye D with the try for KEVICC). Boys' Rugby Year 10
KEVICC students have been supporting the work of local community action group, Friends of the Dart. This has included: a student photography competition, learning about citizen science in lessons and the creation of our new Green Club. Page 23 Friends of The Dart Friends of The Dart (FoD) began with a group of friends coming together after people became ill from swimming in the river. They started to ask: 'What was in the water?' The group has rapidly gained momentum and have been joined by a whole host of river lovers including, swimmers, landowners, farmers, kayakers, paddle boarders and more. FoD is a growing movement that includes local businesses, clubs and schools. It exists as an advocate for the River Dart and for our community. Collectively the group hope to move towards long-term sustainable health for our rivers with tangible and notable outcomes that enrich and revitalise both the river and our community’s connection to nature. KEVICC students have supported the action group in a variety of ways and there are big plans for future involvement. During the Summer term, a photography competition was launched to learn more about your connections to the River Dart, and the important role that the natural world plays in your lives. Oscar Davies Y10, was chosen by the FoD panel as winner of the photo competition and his photo was entered into the month-long exhibition held in Totnes town centre. Oscar’s photo appeared alongside a professional artist, sculptor and two other photographers, and also made the front page of the Totnes Times too! Oscar has even managed to sell his photograph to a member of the public well done, Oscar! FoD have been collecting information from the local community in the River User Survey, which is providing evidence from all those who use the river, what they do, why it is an important resource to them. This information is helping to make connections between river health and community health. During the Summer term, all students at KEVICC were given the opportunity to contribute to this survey during their science lessons. This has helped to give a strong evidence base to support the importance of the river throughout our community.
Page 18 Page 24 Green Club This Autumn, a new group has been established at KEVICC – The Green Club. A passionate group of students have been coming together fortnightly to discuss how we can improve the green credentials of KEVICC, and they are currently putting together an action plan to regenerate an area of the school site. Later in the year the club will be getting involved with testing water quality along the River Dart, to support the campaign for for bathing water status sites along the river. A brilliant opportunity for our students to get involved with real life citizen science projects! Words by Ms Leticia Hooper, Science Leader Green club exists at KEVICC as a space for students and adults to come together to reflect upon the environmental impacts across our local community. We are currently action planning how to regenerate an area of the school site, in order to protect and nurture its ecology. We also will begin working with Friends of the Dart later this year, in order to learn more how we can best safeguard our wonderful local water way...
Mackenzie Alexander Cockburn in Year 11 competed in the World Tap Championships in September in Riesa, Germany with Team GB. He now stands as World Tap Dance Champion, again! Mackenzie is a rare talent. He certainly is naturally gifted. Yet it is his determination to train so hard and put in the hours which allows him to achieve so brilliantly at such a high level. He is an inspiration to us all. Sarah McInally, Dance Leader Page 25 World Champion Mackenzie went as the reigning World Champion from Croatia in 2022 and knew there was going to be a tough competition ahead of him. He trained hard up to the event and was able to secure first place again retaining his status as the Solo World Champion for his age group. This is the first time that a Team GB member has achieved winning for two consecutive years. All the better as Mackenzie was the youngest one competing. Mackenzie also went on to win two further Gold Medals with his teammates (Trio and Group) and a Silver in his Duo (one mark off Gold). He also won a scholarship for a week of training in Dubrovnik, Croatia, next summer. These results are extraordinary after an extended level of illness that Mackenzie suffered earlier in the year which stopped all of his training. He has come back stronger by sheer grit and determination and continues to train every weekend in Swindon with Tap Attack and the Team GB squad. It also means Mackenzie has already achieved 6 World Gold medals, 4 Silver medals and 2 Bronze medals and is currently the All-England Champion – not bad for 15 years old! Next year it is Prague, Czech Republic which Mackenzie is looking forward to. Three years running? – watch this space!!
We caught up with Dylan Pegg who benefitted from our Mary Lidstone Trust grant back in 2020. He now is in his third year studying Marine Biology through Exeter at Penryn, Falmouth... I’ve just returned from my field course trip to the the Azores which forms one of my third year modules. The support from the Mary Lidstone Trust helped facilitate this essential part of my degree. We learnt about the unique marine environment of the archipelago by working with local scientists and staff from University of the Azores. Project work included the monitoring of commercial fisheries, spatial mapping of cetacean habitat use, snorkelling biodiversity surveys and the deployment of baited underwater cameras for research use. All photos by Dylan. Page 26 Mary Lidstone Trust Considering an undergraduate course in Marine Biology? Dylan would be happy for you to contact him at dylan.dmp@icloud.com
Page 18 Page 27 Most people you talk to who have seen Amelie will exclaim that they ‘love that film!’ I used to be one of those people. This a little review as to why but also a little review as to the more vitriolic why nots, and by doing so I will likely alienate myself frommore staff and possibly some parents, possiblymore so thanmy Grease Review did (which was a thoroughly delightful result because it meant I never had to talk to people who liked Musicals ever again, and when I had the misfortune of doing so, I could just utter the words ‘Grease is sexist tripe’ and my card would be marked and I would be left alone in the comfort of knowing I had annoyed an annoying person who likes annoying things and probably listens to The Lighthouse Family). In fact, that Review was the only time Kathy Rablah told me off in all my years of knowing her; she and another member of staff preceded to boo me as I walked out the English Block (as I’m getting towards 50 and am working towards curmudgeon status, I’m actually becoming quite pleased with such outcomes). It was the only time in my life I felt like a Premiership Footballer. Or a Politician. I’ve always wanted to be one and not the other - you can probably guess which - unless you’re getting me confused with that Fauxcialist, Mr. Brooks (you can’t go to the Conservative Club, have a second house in France and drive a convertible Audi and still claim you’re fighting for Miner’s Rights, sir, sorry). Now onto Amelie. I loved this movie due to its innocent protagonist travelling around Paris being sweet and kind to everyone in a film that has a truly beautiful use of mise-enscene throughout it. ‘Mise-en-scene?’ I hear you say. Ask any Film or Media student – they’ll roll their eyes and mutter something but will be able to tell you what that means – and if they can’t – let me know their name and I’ll hunt them down like The Terminator. The colours of green, red and yellow are seen throughout this film, and they are used to perfection. You can see them in the film poster above. The consistency with the use of colour, the landmarks of Paris, the kind message that is communicated via the messages and values of the narrative, the oddball characters that make it interesting, the framed narratives linked to these and the fact it’s in French (which just makes it seem infinitely classy to, say, a South London Cockney whose only experience of class most of his life was actually sitting in one) just makes Amelie a delightful, quirky, romantic and uplifting piece of cinema. That’s until you find out it’s racist. Yes, racist. Because when you actually visit Paris you realise that the world Amelie lives in has basically been whitewashed. These are just SOME of the footballers who could have played for France at the last World Cup (many did) who were born and bred Parisians. However, in Amelie, YOU DON’T SEE A SINGLE BLACK PERSON IN THE WHOLE FILM. ‘Why are you SHOUTING?’ I hear you ask. BECAUSE IT’S STUPID. It’s like setting a film in a school during term time and not including any kids. Sure, there will be some people who will love that because they hate kids, but those people should never apply to actually work in a school ‘cos they’ll be in for a rude awakening when they get there. Similarly, I guess there are some people who love Chilton on Film Mr Chilton is back to take on another unsuspecting flick. This time: Amelie. Amelie because it’s a white utopia, but they should never visit Paris because the Paris of Amelie is not a true representation of Paris. Now, it could have been an accident. The Director, Jeunet, may just have forgotten to cast a single black person in the film. But come on. The guy is French, this would be staggeringly ignorant of him. The more creative idea – and I quite like this one – is that it’s not Jeunet who’s racist, but the character Amelie herself. The whole film is presented from Amelie’s point of view. The colours throughout the film (the reds, yellows and greens mentioned earlier) are Amelie’s favourite colours. These are seen most prominently in her flat. They are there wherever she goes – vibrantly in places she likes, less so in places she does not. The film contains examples of pathetic fallacy throughout too. When Amelie is upset the weather gets worse; when she’s happy it’s bright. All this indicates the film is from Amelie’s perspective and we see what she sees. Here’s a possibly autistic girl, who is brought up in isolation in the confines of her parents’ home, who seems to be scared of anyone or anything outside her comfort zone. There is a scene where there are three young black men following Amelie at the train station (it’s less than 10 seconds long), but they’re represented as intimidating her as she walks quickly with her gnome to get away from them. So it’s highly plausible that it’s in fact Amelie who has whitewashed her own world because she knows no better. What the girl really needs is to read a Film Review about a French film that presents a whitewashed Paris to open her eyes. So, I’m in a real pickle with how to rate this one. Its use of film language is beautiful, it’s premise of being a do-gooder’ is nice, and it’s quirky as hell. If it’s also a very clever criticism of its main character whilst at the same time celebrating her, it’s close to Vertigo levels of MacGuffin genius. But if it’s an accidentally whitewashed world, it’s a problematic piece, so I’m gonna have to settle on… Rating: ***
Culture and language are two concepts impossibletoseparate. It is not possible to fully learn a language, if you do not learn the culture that goes alongside. With this inmind, theModern Foreign Languages department has been providing students with opportunities to develop their knowledge in both: language and culture. In September, we launched our now famous “Spaghetti and marshmallow” competition. This has been running with great success for the past 5 years, and each year, the Eiffel towers have increased in numbers. We had lots of entries and once, again, the year 7 and 8 students, worked extremely well in teams, and managed to build some very interesting towers. In October, we launched a “Day of the Dead” mask workshop. This time, our students were encouraged to design their own masks emulating those in Mexico. There were some really interesting designs and it was a real pleasure to see our students so engaged. Ms Cris Fernandez, Head of MFL Page 28 Language & Culture
As part of the GCSE Year 10 Product Design learning students are asked to complete an ergonomic evaluation of their home kitchen. Developing their evaluative skills, researchstrategiesanddiscussionswith users, students are asked to design an ergonomic and efficient spatula. This seems like a simple product but these every day products are sometimes the hardest to create. They need to be both simple and highly efficient. Subtlety and attention to detail are core in developing innovative and personalised responses. In the development of these solutions, students design in an iterative manner, sketching, modelling, testing and reviewing in an ongoing manner, until they reach a refined and considered solution. This year students have also undertaken surface finish explorations on a range of timbers so that they can select the performance and aesthetics they require. David Irish, Head of Design Page 29 Innovative Design
In February 2024 40 students and 6 staff head off to Italy for a week of skiing in the Alps. Preparations are well underway. ... Page 30 College Ski Trip Students have been getting prepared by attending ski lessons at Plymouth Snowsports Centre dry ski slopes. The students, a mix of Y8, Y9 and Y10’s, have made brilliant progress in their first lessons. There was a little nervousness and a lot of excitement amongst the group; apparently “it’s not as easy as it looks on TikTok!”. As a beginner skier too, Mr Beach has also been joining in with the lessons. He’s been doing a great job, but did take a rather big fall on his second run down the slope…! He say’s “It was the kids’ fault - just kidding! They made me laugh before my go because they were all telling me I was going to fall over, and when I did, it was an epic fail. Can’t wait for my next lesson though” and we can’t wait to update you on the Italian trip in the next edition of the Courier. Ms Leticia Hooper, Science Leader
At the end of September, the Year 13 biology students went on a field trip to Oyster Bay, Paignton, to survey the abundance and distribution of different intertidal species. After a few days of rain, we were lucky enough to have a glorious day of sunshine for our data collection! We spent the morning exploring the rockpools and looking for patterns of distribution that would help us with our sampling. We found some very confused snakelocks anemones that were much higher up on the shore than usual as well as a lovely seal that swam past us in the bay. As you can see from the photos the year 13s were very competent at using their data collection equipment, with Hebe showing particular enthusiasm to make sure that the entire tidal range was surveyed! Page 31 Oyster Bay
King Edward VI Community College Totnes TQ9 5JX www.kingedwardvi.devon.sch.uk
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