“
The Product Design Team were fantastic. I was
able to make useful things for my business as
projects for GCSE and A level. And the
encouragement I got from the teachers made
all the difference.
”
Religious Studies and Performing Arts students were given
a fascinating insight into the culture of Tibetan monks
from the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.
The monks presented a moving and inspirational insight into
their world of sacred music and monastic dance. Students were
invited to participate, playing instruments that belong to an
ancient Tantric tradition, including the majestic Dungchen
(long horns) and joining in with Cham - dance, Taksel - the art of
debate, and the learning of hand gestures, Mudras - that
represent words in the chants.
The monks also led 'hands-on' workshops where students
learned about some of the occupations of the monks and what
the significance of each is in their life of worship and prayer.
In the evening KEVICC hosted a performance of sacred dances,
chants and music by the monks which was enthusiastically
received by the Totnes community.
The Ten Tors Challenge, which has now taken place for
over 56 years, remains as challenging as it has ever
been. Teams of 6 young people hike set courses of
35,45 or 55 miles unaided, camping, cooking and
navigating independently.
Recent years have been very successful for KEVICC. Recently,
three teams took part, with students aged 14-18. Training
began in November, with day walks, overnight camps, and
sessions in school on first aid, navigation and camping skills.
All three teams completed as full teams with every KEVICC
student finishing the course.
Students at the finish line of Ten Tors Competition
Former student
Alice Giorgi
is studying Spanish and German
at Bath University after a year out working in Germany and
Spain.
From Spain she wrote:
I have taken conversation classes with groups of about 6
students of all ages, and helped in classes - sometimes in
charge of a class of 20!
I've also prepared activities for students taking English
exams, seeing about 100 students a week.
It has been really interesting living in Cataluña during what
is a very exciting time politically.
Where are they now?
Julie Spiller
is a writer from South Devon. As well as her debut
novel,
The Cornubian
, she also writes children’s books and has
co-presented on various local radio stations.
A student at King Edward VI Community College and Sixth
Form from 1993 to 2000, Julie maintains links with the
College that helped her achieve top grade in English GCSE and
A Level. Her eldest daughter is now at KEVICC.
Julie is a firm believer that if you can believe it, you can
achieve it, and she hopes to install this mantra in others
looking for a little positivity and direction in their lives.
“
It was a once in a lifetime experience to see how
people with such different religions live.
”
Student
Jeremy Ireland,
an ex-student of KEVICC, graduated from
Brunel University in London gaining a fir
st in Product
Design. Jeremy, as part of his final year developed a
buoyancy aid to be provided to school children in high
flood risk areas such as Bangladesh.
The design has already won development monies from
the Dyson Foundation and Jeremy was the winner of the
Brunel Universities Dragons Den Competition. Jeremy
has been working in Bangladesh developing the product
further in conjunction with UNICEF.
