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  • Parent Survey Feedback...

    Published 13/12/24

    We’d like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the key themes from our parent survey which took place earlier this term.  Our staff video version can be viewed here and a transcript of the video is available below.

    Hello West Exe families! It's Joe Bispham here, I'm the Deputy Headteacher for Community and Education and I am just sharing with you some of the feedback you gave us on the Edurio parent survey. Thank you so so much for all of you that took the time to provide that really valuable feedback it makes an absolutely huge difference to what we do here and we really really want to be working with the community to ensure that your child's experience at school is the best it possibly can be.

    Ric Claydon, Head of Year 7:

    We were absolutely thrilled to see that more of you than ever felt really informed and empowered by the work of our attendance team following your feedback last year. We have improved our systems and processes around attendance and we are so pleased that has had the impact we hoped for. We will continue to work hard in this area as children being in school means that they not only get access to all of their brilliant lessons but can also be involved in making memories that will last a lifetime.

    Kelsey Flynn, Head of Year 8:

    Last year you said communications were coming from too many different places, we listened and streamlined our systems so now that we only have one parent app and a fortnightly Head Teacher update. We're so pleased to hear from you that it's having the desired impact and you're telling us you feel much better informed this year and not overloaded with information. The rewards that celebrate good behaviour are particularly positive and we want to let you know even more about this going forward.

    Laura Peacock, Head of Year 10:

    Last year you raised your frustration with not always being able to contact the school and we've been working hard behind the scenes to address this. Over October half term, we had a new telephone system installed, that enables us to answer so many more telephone calls. Obviously it's early days yet, but we're already seeing a rise in the number of calls answered and this will remain a focus for us this year so watch this space.

    Ric Claydon, Head of Year 7:

    You told us that you see lots of opportunities for your child to take part in activities and clubs here at school which we're really pleased to hear. We know that the electives are now just a part of the school culture but there is so much more, from debating to Duke of Edinburgh trips and visits and after school sports clubs. Your children were involved in more than ever before but we are not done yet. We are focusing on widening participation and giving even more experiences that make your child’s school day so special.

    Chris Mayes, Head of Year 9:

    This year some of you told us that you don't always feel confident supporting your child's learning at home or you can't always see how the school's learning approach fits your individual child's needs.

    We are keen to help with both of these things. We are looking at ways to share more tips and ideas with you around your child’s development and learning journey. We'll be back in touch in the summer time about that.

    Joe Bispham, Deputy Head Teacher

    We really appreciate all your feedback and it really does help us to improve all aspects of the school and help us serve the community much better. Some of these things are much longer projects, they will take time, but there are some really quick things we can do to support for example you told us you wanted more notice on key dates and events and things that are happening so we're adding a key dates document to our website that will be really easy to access for you. On top of all of these exciting changes we are also adding our year group on a page, something we're going to be launching over the next few months and over this year which is going to give you an overview of everything's happening with your child’s year group throughout the year so do watch this space and that will be coming your way soon.

    Nicky Lewis, Head of School:

    The parent survey is a fantastic listening opportunity for us to hear from you and take action as a direct result, so thank you once again for all of you that participated. However, we don't just listen once a year, if you have any feedback, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us, we love to hear from you.

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  • Year 7 Christmas card competition...

    Published 06/12/24

    The Christmas Card competition was introduced during our Year 7 welcome week in September. The cards were judged anonymously by our Year 7 tutors, who were highly impressed by the artistic talent displayed by our students. We are extremely proud of Daria for winning the competition. Since moving to the UK from Ukraine, Daria has exemplified the West Exe student attributes, demonstrating resilience and kindness throughout her time with us.

    Families are very welcome to download the electronic version of the Christmas should you wish to print or email this Christmas card to your friends and family.

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  • Young Writers Poetry Competition for all year groups...

    Published 04/10/24

    Here is how to enter:

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  • Singing Yr7's at WES...

    Published 03/10/24

    🎤Our Year 7's are doing a fantastic job of finding their voices in Music. Students have been learning how to warm up safely, sing with confidence as well as singing in parts requiring lots of resilience.

    All the students are really becoming wonderful singers!

    Watch this space for the Christmas concert where they will be showing their talent.

    Don't forget the choir is free for all to attend every Friday after school in MU1, no need to sign up just come along.🎵

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  • The Ted Wragg Choir

    Published 12/09/24

    Do you enjoy singing?

    We welcome students from Year 6 - 13 to get involved in this exciting free activity led by a fully trained vocal coach... more information below:

     

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  • Exeter students take part in national programme to raise aspirations...​​​​​​​

    Published 10/09/24

    Year 9 students Zack, Daisy and Maisie from West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, travelled to London last month to celebrate their success taking part in the AQA’s Unlocking Potential Programme.

    They spent the day having fun at London Zoo along with their mentor paralympian David Hill as part of his work with the Dame Kelly's Trust, AQA’s Unlocking Potential Programme is run by the trust. 

    They had a great time visiting the zoo, along with students from 27 schools across the country.  London Zoo is home to over 10,000 amazing animals from tiny marching leafcutter ants to a giant 193kg silverback gorilla. 

    The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust was set up in 2008 by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. It supports retired athletes as they transition from sport, and uses their skills and experience to transform the lives of young people through mentoring programmes.  The AQA Unlocking Potential programme, run jointly with the trust aims to bring out the best in young people so that they can achieve their goals.  

    The mentors know what it takes to overcome adversity and have the will to succeed not only in sport, but in life too.  Paralympic swimmer and triathlete David Hill grew up by the sea where he learnt to swim at a young age. Despite being born with no left forearm, David was earning swimming badges by the age of 3! His talent was nurtured until David qualified for the 2004 Paralympic Games. He was world silver medalist in swimming in 2006 and took bronze medals in 2009 in both European and World competitions.

     Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “Everyone at West Exe is so proud of Zack, Daisy and Maisie for their participation in the AQA Unlocking Potential Project.  The social action projects they have taken part in this year from cooking hot meals for the homeless to collecting over 250 pairs of socks for St Petrocks have been amazing, they very much deserved a brilliant day out in London!”

     

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “It’s great to hear that these West Exe students got to spend some valuable time with their mentor while enjoying a visit to London.  Raising aspirations for the young people of Devon is central to the Ted Wragg Trust and it’s lovely to see schools working closely with organisations with this as their mission.”

     

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  • Exeter students achieve brilliant exam results at WES...

    Published 22/08/24

    Students and staff from West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, have been celebrating exceptional GCSE results today (22nd Aug.) 

    Students achieved a fantastic set of GCSE results, with 69% of children achieving a grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and Maths, and 53% achieving a grade 5 or higher in both subjects. In addition to this, nearly one third of all entries taken at West Exe achieved grade 7 or higher. They have risen magnificently to meet the unprecedented challenges of the last five years.

    At West Exe School they are committed to educating children so that they live great lives and go on to make the world a better place.  West Exe demonstrates its love by having the highest expectations of young people because they want them to achieve truly great things – and they do; in fact, they are consistently the school that outperforms the national average for results.

    It was no surprise then to see many happy faces at West Exe today with:

    • Poppy O who achieved an incredible ten grade 9s.
    • Charlie and Freddie J with shared nine grade 9s and six grade 8s between them.
    • Ally R who achieved ten GCSEs grade 7-9 with a brilliant five grade 9s.
    • Samuel E who achieved 4 strong passes after just a short time in the UK. We are so proud of him and all he has worked for.

    Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said: "I am so proud of our West Exe class of 2024. These results are a powerful reminder of what you can achieve when you set your mind to something. However, these results are just one chapter in the story of our students’ lives. So today as they celebrate with family and friends, I encourage them to continue to aim high, stay curious, and never stop believing in themselves. I know our students have a bright future ahead and I wish them all the very best in their chosen next steps!"

     

    Moira Marder, Chief Executive Officer of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “Huge congratulations to everyone collecting results today.  I am incredibly proud of our students' GCSE results this year.  Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, resilience, and commitment.

    “I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers and supportive parents, whose unwavering encouragement has been instrumental in these achievements. I am excited to see what our students will accomplish next."

     

    Siobhan Meredith, Executive Director of Education at the Trust praised students for their “ambition and resilience” and noted that “school teams will be working closely with all students in the coming days to ensure they are able to take the next step of their choice, continuing to give them all the support they can towards the next stage of their journey.”

     

    The twelve Ted Wragg Trust secondary schools are the Plymouth-based Marine Academy Plymouth, All Saints Academy, Lipson Co-operative Academy and Tor Bridge High; Queen Elizabeth’s School, Crediton; Cranbrook Education Campus; the Exeter-based schools, Isca Academy, St James School, West Exe School and St Luke’s Church of England School; and Honiton Community College and Sidmouth College in East Devon.

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  • Exeter students create ‘Diversi-trees’ to celebrate differences...

    Published 19/07/24

    West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has celebrated Schools Diversity Week this term.

    West Exe School’s Cultural Champions led the way in helping to design, create and sell badges to raise money for the school’s charity Exeter Food Action to help celebrate and support both diversity within their community and the wider world.

    Exeter’s Devon Diversity group led several workshops for Year 7 students, helping them to understand the importance of cultural diversity.  The students showed real enthusiasm and a keen interest,  asking some really thought-provoking questions.

     As a whole school project, every student took part in sessions around LGBTQ+, cultural diversity and disabilities, acknowledging and celebrating differences and the positive impact this can have on our wider world. 

    The students ended the week celebrating their own identities by creating their very own ‘Diversi-trees’ helping them to not only identify differences but celebrate them!

     Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “I am so proud of everything staff and students at West Exe have done to celebrate Schools Diversity Week.  We want every young person at our school to know that it’s ok to be different and I hope they have enjoyed all the different activities and opportunities for learning during this important week.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “I was delighted to hear that West Exe put so much effort into marking Schools Diversity Week.  It sounds like they put on a brilliant range of sessions and it’s clear that these will have had huge value to students when it comes to how they think about themselves, others and society.”

     

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  • Places where kids eat free (or for £1) during the summer holidays 2024...

    Published 09/07/24

     

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  • Welcome to West Exe School...

    Published 09/07/24

    We welcome families considering the jump to secondary school to visit us at West Exe School to find out more about us and what we have to offer your child.  

     

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  • West Exe students volunteer with St Petrocks cooking meals for rough sleepers

    Published 21/05/24

    Year 9 students Zack, Daisy and Maisie from West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, cooked a hot homemade meal for the homeless clients of St Petrocks this month.

    Originating as a community project providing humanitarian response to rough sleepers in Exeter, St Petrocks officially opened its doors in December 1994, having been given permission by the Central Parish of Exeter to adapt two thirds of St Petrock’s church for use as a homeless centre.  Over 600 people every year face homelessness and multiple disadvantages in Exeter and the surrounding areas.  

    Many of those who use St Petrock’s are people often viewed as being on the fringes of, or outside of, society. They include rough sleepers, those being supported in accommodation subsequent to homelessness, those facing imminent homelessness, those released from prison and those discharged from hospital, mental health facilities/specialist accommodation.  

    The students have been mentored by the paralympian David Hill as part of his work with the Dame Kelly's Trust.  The four Year 9s are all taking part in AQA’s Unlocking Potential Programme which is run by the trust and donating the meals was part of the project’s social action component. 

    The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust was set up in 2008 by double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes. It supports retired athletes as they transition from sport and uses their skills and experience to transform the lives of young people through mentoring programmes.  The AQA Unlocking Potential programme, run jointly with the trust aims to bring out the best in young people so that they can achieve their goals.  

    The mentors know what it takes to overcome adversity and have the will to succeed not only in sport, but in life too.  Paralympic swimmer and triathlete David Hill grew up by the sea where he learnt to swim at a young age. Despite being born with no left forearm; David was earning swimming badges by the age of 3! His talent was nurtured until David qualified for the 2004 Paralympic Games. He was world silver medallist in swimming in 2006 and took bronze medals in 2009 in both European and World competitions.

    The group from West Exe also went along to visit St Petrocks, along with their mentor David, and they were given a guided tour and told more about the charity’s work.  Zack, Daisy and Maisie are now partnering with St Petrocks for a ‘sock collection’. They are asking their fellow students to consider donating a new pair of socks for a rough sleeper.  The ‘give a pair to show you care’ drive is another part of the students’ social action work to impact the local community. 

     Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “I am so proud of Zack, Daisy, and Maisie for the work they have done on their social action project.  They all really wanted to do something that would benefit the local community and I know they took a lot away from their visit to St Petrocks.  I hope the sock drive will be a big success!”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “Being part of and contributing to the local community is a key part of the Ted Wragg ethos and I am delighted that these West Exe students have given their time to help those less fortunate than themselves.  I also want to say a big thank you to the staff and volunteers at St Petrocks, not only for everything they do to help the homeless, but for taking the time to show these students around and help them learn more about social issues.”

    https://www.radioexe.co.uk/news-and-features/local-news/students-cook-for-homeless-in-exeter/

     

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  • Exeter school celebrates the birthday of the bard!

    Published 26/04/24

    West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, celebrated Shakespeare’s birthday this week.

    William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in April 1564. The exact date of his birth is not recorded, but it is most often celebrated around the world on the 23rd of April.  Shakespeare also died on 23 April; in 1616, when he was 52 years of age.

    The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust states that: 

    Shakespeare’s baptism is recorded in the Parish Register at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon on Wednesday 26 April 1564. Baptisms typically took place within three days of a new arrival, and parents were instructed by the Prayer Book to ensure that their children were baptised no later than the first Sunday after birth. This means that it’s unlikely that Shakespeare was born any earlier than the previous Sunday, 23 April. Given that three days would be a reasonable interval between birth and baptism, 23 April has therefore come to be celebrated as his birthday. 

    To mark the day, Year 8 students at West Exe School explored some of the most memorable scenes from Shakespeare’s most famous plays.  The school is also holding a creative writing script competition to discover any budding playwrights!

    At West Exe they explicitly teach in depth social and literary contexts to ensure that students have the cultural capital to appreciate how the written word can be used to bring about social change and, more importantly, social justice.  The English curriculum is deliberately academic and covers a broad range of contexts that are designed to inform students’ interpretation of texts and ideas, this allows students to explore perspectives outside of their own, to promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of difference and diversity.

     Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “It was great to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday this week, his plays remain such a core part of young people’s literary journey and I am excited to see the submissions for the creative writing competition.” 

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “I was delighted to hear that West Exe School marked Shakespeare’s birthday in appropriate dramatic fashion by exploring some of his most memorable scenes.  Learning more about the author is such a helpful way of bringing texts to life for students and helps everything they learn to really stick with them.”

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