Trailblazers: KCC Students Smash Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions Across All Levels

Students at  Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have shown resilience, teamwork, and determination as they take on their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award expeditions, from the rugged trails of Dartmoor to the rolling hills of the Peak District.

In June and July, 35 KCC students completed their Silver Award expeditions, first navigating practice routes through the South Hams, before successfully finishing their final expedition on a sunny Dartmoor. In parallel, 86 Year 9 students undertook their Bronze Award treks around the Prawle and Torcross area, experiencing the challenge of multi-day hiking and wild camping.

The college is now preparing to send 14 determined Gold Award students to the Peak District during the first week of the summer holidays, where they will complete their final assessed expedition, the last and most demanding stage of the DofE journey.

Alongside the expeditions, students have also committed to completing volunteering, physical, and skills-based activities to achieve their full award. The programme has seen huge engagement this year, with 95 Year 8 students already signed up to begin their DofE journey next year in Year 9.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be a central part of KCC’s commitment to developing well-rounded learners, offering students opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement through hands-on, real-world experiences.

Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:

"The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be one of the most enriching and empowering experiences we offer at KCC. Our students have shown remarkable commitment and resilience across all levels of the award, and we’re incredibly proud of every single one of them. Whether it’s volunteering in the community or navigating Dartmoor with a rucksack, they’re developing lifelong skills that go far beyond the classroom."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

"This is a shining example of character education in action. DofE is about leadership, confidence, service, and adventure  and the students at Kingsbridge have embraced it all. I’m thrilled to see so many young people stepping up to the challenge and making memories that will last a lifetime."

 

 

Trailblazers: KCC Students Smash Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions Across All Levels Students at  Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have shown resilience, teamwork, and determination as they take on their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award expeditions, from the rugged trails of Dartmoor to the rolling hills of the Peak District. In June and July, 35 KCC students completed their Silver Award expeditions, first navigating practice routes through the South Hams, before successfully finishing their final expedition on a sunny Dartmoor. In parallel, 86 Year 9 students undertook their Bronze Award treks around the Prawle and Torcross area, experiencing the challenge of multi-day hiking and wild camping. The college is now preparing to send 14 determined Gold Award students to the Peak District during the first week of the summer holidays, where they will complete their final assessed expedition, the last and most demanding stage of the DofE journey. Alongside the expeditions, students have also committed to completing volunteering, physical, and skills-based activities to achieve their full award. The programme has seen huge engagement this year, with 95 Year 8 students already signed up to begin their DofE journey next year in Year 9. The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be a central part of KCC’s commitment to developing well-rounded learners, offering students opportunities to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement through hands-on, real-world experiences. Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said: "The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to be one of the most enriching and empowering experiences we offer at KCC. Our students have shown remarkable commitment and resilience across all levels of the award, and we’re incredibly proud of every single one of them. Whether it’s volunteering in the community or navigating Dartmoor with a rucksack, they’re developing lifelong skills that go far beyond the classroom." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: "This is a shining example of character education in action. DofE is about leadership, confidence, service, and adventure  and the students at Kingsbridge have embraced it all. I’m thrilled to see so many young people stepping up to the challenge and making memories that will last a lifetime."    

KCC Students Unearth Local History in Powerful Wartime Exhibition

Two outstanding Year 12 students from Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have made a lasting impression through their participation in a remarkable community history project in partnership with Cookworthy Museum. 

As part of the college's Sixth Form enrichment programme, students Tilly and Harley have spent the past several weeks collaborating with the museum curator and a dedicated team of volunteers. Together, they have sifted through thousands of wartime photographs, uncovering powerful local stories and piecing together a compelling visual narrative of the area’s past.

Their work has culminated in a stunning new exhibition now open to the public at Cookworthy Museum for the next few weeks.

Cookworthy Museum was opened in 1972 in the old Kingsbridge Grammar School buildings. Mrs Evelyn Northcott persuaded English China Clays Ltd to rescue the derelict building and founded a museum to collect and record the social history of the area. The museum was named after William Cookworthy (1705 – 1780), who was born in Kingsbridge and who developed the first true hard-paste porcelain (“china”).

Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want our students to experience, where classroom learning meets real-world impact. I’m incredibly proud of Tilly and Harley for their enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“Projects like this not only enrich students’ learning but also strengthen community connections. It's inspiring to see young people preserving local history for future generations.”

KCC Students Unearth Local History in Powerful Wartime Exhibition Two outstanding Year 12 students from Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have made a lasting impression through their participation in a remarkable community history project in partnership with Cookworthy Museum.  As part of the college's Sixth Form enrichment programme, students Tilly and Harley have spent the past several weeks collaborating with the museum curator and a dedicated team of volunteers. Together, they have sifted through thousands of wartime photographs, uncovering powerful local stories and piecing together a compelling visual narrative of the area’s past. Their work has culminated in a stunning new exhibition now open to the public at Cookworthy Museum for the next few weeks. Cookworthy Museum was opened in 1972 in the old Kingsbridge Grammar School buildings. Mrs Evelyn Northcott persuaded English China Clays Ltd to rescue the derelict building and founded a museum to collect and record the social history of the area. The museum was named after William Cookworthy (1705 – 1780), who was born in Kingsbridge and who developed the first true hard-paste porcelain (“china”). Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said: “This is exactly the kind of opportunity we want our students to experience, where classroom learning meets real-world impact. I’m incredibly proud of Tilly and Harley for their enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Projects like this not only enrich students’ learning but also strengthen community connections. It's inspiring to see young people preserving local history for future generations.”

Kingsbridge Students Embrace Adventure at Slapton Outdoor Learning Day

 

Students from Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have returned full of enthusiasm following an action-packed day at the Slapton Field Studies Centre. 

Year 8 and 9 students took part in a wide range of outdoor learning experiences designed to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience, including den building, bush craft, team games, low ropes, and a blindfolded assault course.

The day was a huge success, with students embracing every challenge with positivity and energy. Staff at the centre were quick to praise the students for their excellent behaviour, determination, and collaborative spirit throughout the day.

The trip forms part of the college’s wider commitment to offering enriching experiences beyond the classroom, encouraging students to grow both academically and personally.

Slapton Ley Field Studies Centre, operated by the Field Studies Council, is nestled on the Start Bay coast,  adjacent to the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England.

Surrounded by diverse habitats including reedbeds, marshes, and woodlands, the centre offers immersive environmental education experiences for learners of all ages. Its proximity to both coastal and inland ecosystems makes it an ideal location for studying geography, biology, and ecology. 

Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said: "It was wonderful to see our students stepping outside their comfort zones and engaging so positively with the activities. Opportunities like this help build essential life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and communication. We’re incredibly proud of how they represented the college."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: "Outdoor learning is such an important part of a well-rounded education. It’s fantastic to see Kingsbridge Community College offering these kinds of experiences, which encourage independence and build the kind of character and resilience that serve young people for life."

 

 

Kingsbridge Students Embrace Adventure at Slapton Outdoor Learning Day   Students from Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) have returned full of enthusiasm following an action-packed day at the Slapton Field Studies Centre.  Year 8 and 9 students took part in a wide range of outdoor learning experiences designed to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience, including den building, bush craft, team games, low ropes, and a blindfolded assault course. The day was a huge success, with students embracing every challenge with positivity and energy. Staff at the centre were quick to praise the students for their excellent behaviour, determination, and collaborative spirit throughout the day. The trip forms part of the college’s wider commitment to offering enriching experiences beyond the classroom, encouraging students to grow both academically and personally. Slapton Ley Field Studies Centre, operated by the Field Studies Council, is nestled on the Start Bay coast,  adjacent to the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England. Surrounded by diverse habitats including reedbeds, marshes, and woodlands, the centre offers immersive environmental education experiences for learners of all ages. Its proximity to both coastal and inland ecosystems makes it an ideal location for studying geography, biology, and ecology.  Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said: "It was wonderful to see our students stepping outside their comfort zones and engaging so positively with the activities. Opportunities like this help build essential life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork and communication. We’re incredibly proud of how they represented the college." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: "Outdoor learning is such an important part of a well-rounded education. It’s fantastic to see Kingsbridge Community College offering these kinds of experiences, which encourage independence and build the kind of character and resilience that serve young people for life."    

Year 9 Art Bytes Competition

Congratulations to Tilly, Charles & Betsey - achieving 1st , 2nd & 3rd place based on the public vote - prizes to follow!

Year 9 Art Bytes Competition Congratulations to Tilly, Charles & Betsey - achieving 1st , 2nd & 3rd place based on the public vote - prizes to follow!

Kingsbridge Community College Hosts Dutch Educators for Evidence-Based Education Exchange

Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) was delighted to welcome a delegation of 16 school leaders, teachers, and academics from the Netherlands, as part of an exciting collaboration with Devon Research School.

The visit offered Dutch educators the chance to explore how English schools, including KCC, use evidence-based practices to guide decision-making in leadership, curriculum design, and teaching methods.

Throughout the day, the visitors gained valuable insights into the principles that underpin Education South West’s approach to curriculum and pedagogy, as well as how partnerships with the Research School and the Education Endowment Foundation drive improvements in educational outcomes.

The delegation also had the opportunity to observe KCC’s classrooms, where they were impressed by the calm, purposeful learning environments and the collaborative efforts of staff and students.

The Devon Research School is committed to developing a culture of evidence-informed practice in schools across the South West. Its focus is on breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. The partnership and professional development work is about putting educational research into practice and improving learning experiences and prospects for all students.

Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:

"We were thrilled to host such a distinguished group of educators from the Netherlands. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how we use research and evidence to enhance teaching and learning. We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff, and it was a pleasure to share our best practices with our international visitors."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“This visit highlights the importance of global collaboration in education. By learning from one another, we can continue to improve the educational experiences of students both locally and internationally. We are excited to continue exploring these valuable partnerships."

Kingsbridge Community College Hosts Dutch Educators for Evidence-Based Education Exchange Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) was delighted to welcome a delegation of 16 school leaders, teachers, and academics from the Netherlands, as part of an exciting collaboration with Devon Research School. The visit offered Dutch educators the chance to explore how English schools, including KCC, use evidence-based practices to guide decision-making in leadership, curriculum design, and teaching methods. Throughout the day, the visitors gained valuable insights into the principles that underpin Education South West’s approach to curriculum and pedagogy, as well as how partnerships with the Research School and the Education Endowment Foundation drive improvements in educational outcomes. The delegation also had the opportunity to observe KCC’s classrooms, where they were impressed by the calm, purposeful learning environments and the collaborative efforts of staff and students. The Devon Research School is committed to developing a culture of evidence-informed practice in schools across the South West. Its focus is on breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. The partnership and professional development work is about putting educational research into practice and improving learning experiences and prospects for all students. Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said: "We were thrilled to host such a distinguished group of educators from the Netherlands. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how we use research and evidence to enhance teaching and learning. We are proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff, and it was a pleasure to share our best practices with our international visitors." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “This visit highlights the importance of global collaboration in education. By learning from one another, we can continue to improve the educational experiences of students both locally and internationally. We are excited to continue exploring these valuable partnerships."