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."

A Tasty Triumph for Kingsbridge Students at Maths Feast Challenge

Two teams of talented Year 10 students from Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) recently showcased their mathematical brilliance at the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) Maths Feast held at the Exeter Met Office.

The event, organised by the AMSP, is designed to stretch and challenge high-attaining students through a series of collaborative tasks that test not only mathematical problem-solving but also communication and creative thinking.

The KCC students rose to the occasion, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, resilience, and a genuine love of learning. Their strong performance was the result of weeks of dedication, having regularly attended Further Maths Club after school with Mr Hart.

The design of the Mathematics curriculum at Kingsbridge Community College focuses on building a strong foundation of core mathematical knowledge, progressing through hierarchical layers of procedural understanding. With the students already eyeing up future competitions, it’s clear that for KCC, this is just the start of a very exciting mathematical journey.

Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:

 "We are incredibly proud of our Year 10 teams—not just for how well they performed, but for the enthusiasm, commitment and curiosity they’ve shown throughout. Their drive to challenge themselves and support each other is exactly what we want to see at KCC."

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:

 "This is a fantastic example of what happens when students are given opportunities to go beyond the curriculum. Events like the Maths Feast encourage critical thinking, collaboration and a real sense of achievement. Congratulations to everyone involved!"

A Tasty Triumph for Kingsbridge Students at Maths Feast Challenge Two teams of talented Year 10 students from Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) recently showcased their mathematical brilliance at the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme (AMSP) Maths Feast held at the Exeter Met Office. The event, organised by the AMSP, is designed to stretch and challenge high-attaining students through a series of collaborative tasks that test not only mathematical problem-solving but also communication and creative thinking. The KCC students rose to the occasion, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, resilience, and a genuine love of learning. Their strong performance was the result of weeks of dedication, having regularly attended Further Maths Club after school with Mr Hart. The design of the Mathematics curriculum at Kingsbridge Community College focuses on building a strong foundation of core mathematical knowledge, progressing through hierarchical layers of procedural understanding. With the students already eyeing up future competitions, it’s clear that for KCC, this is just the start of a very exciting mathematical journey. Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge Community College, said:  "We are incredibly proud of our Year 10 teams—not just for how well they performed, but for the enthusiasm, commitment and curiosity they’ve shown throughout. Their drive to challenge themselves and support each other is exactly what we want to see at KCC." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said:  "This is a fantastic example of what happens when students are given opportunities to go beyond the curriculum. Events like the Maths Feast encourage critical thinking, collaboration and a real sense of achievement. Congratulations to everyone involved!"