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Features
KEVICC hosted the local Schools' Annual Carnegie Shadowing
event this year in June. We were lucky enough to be allocated
local author Philip Reeve, winner of the prestigious Carneige
Medal for
Here Lies Arthur
in 2008. Regarded as the greatest
accolade a children's writer or illustrator can receive, the medal
is unique in that it is judged solely by librarians across the UK.
It was enlightening to hear at first-hand about the Carnegie
selection process from a winner's perspective. Our year 7 and
9 students performed brilliantly, inspired by their allocated
shortlisted novel, T
he Fastest Boy in The World
by Elizabeth
Laird. Their piece gave an evocative interpretation of the book,
using cleverly devised physical theatre. Also, the year 7 ushers
worked really hard, helping to make sure the day ran smoothly.
Alongside our own students, other participating schools
included Coombeshead, Dartmouth Academy, St Cuthbert
Mayne, Stover, Teign, Torquay Academy, Torquay Boys and
Westlands.
Jane Riley and Gabriella Woodcock, Librarians
Carneige Medal Shadowing Event
The Ten Tors Challenge is now in its 55th year and, despite some
changes to the event by the Army to ensure its continuation, it
remains as challenging as it has ever been. In the event teams
of six young people hike set courses of 35, 45 or 55 miles
unaided; camping, cooking and navigating independently.
Three teams from KEVICC took part, with students aged
14-18. Students began training in November, with day walks,
overnight camps, and sessions in school on First Aid, navigation
and camping skills. All students who complete the training
receive an award in recognition of their commitment, even if
not selected for the final teams.
This year was very successful for KEVICC – all three teams
completed as full teams without any fall-outs (usually around
25% of teams entering either don’t complete the course or have
members drop out). The 45mile team, in particular, did very well
to finish together – with members suffering from blisters and
strains, they carried on due to the support of team members,
and the determination of the individual students. Teams often
wear something distinctive to cross the finish line – KEVICC 45
arrived in vibrant tie-dye, which made them easy to spot!
All three teams finished in the early afternoon, which is a very
good finishing time (the bulk of teams tend to finish 1-3pm, with
a cut-off of 5pm.) Particular praise goes to the 35 mile B team
who finished at 12:15, and showed how much their navigation
had improved over the year, doing a tricky leg to Watern Tor in
the morning when fog was causing visibility of below 10m. The
team arrived at the finish in their high-vis jackets that they’d
been wearing to make sure they didn’t lose each other!
Will Manley , Outdoor Education Co-ordinator
The KEVICC 35 BTeam
from l-r: Stefano Catalano (navigator), WilliamSpooner
(leader), Arthur White, Katy Smith, Kit Cregan (navigator), Ben Timothy
Ten Tors ~ success for our teams!
After a community meeting at
KEVICC last term, works are now
under way on the Hydropower
Scheme at Totnes Weir.
It is hoped that, when completed,
itwillmeet someof theelectricity
needs of the College with green
electricity at a reduced price,
and greatly reduce our carbon
footprint. Additionally, there is
the potential for an educational
facility at the control building.
Atmos Totnes will also benefit
from the supply of electricity.
Alan Hocking, Site Manager
Totnes Weir Hydropower Scheme
KEVICC students with Philip Reeve
