South Dartmoor’s Got Talent

The South Dartmoor’s Got Talent contest is not only hotting up, it’s becoming dirty. Today in the staffroom members of one entry were actually seen trying to bribe one of the judges! Mrs Ingham-Hill has been warned. Fortunately, our upright, moral and virtuous Head of Religious Studies (and of the judging panel) was not for turning. He brushed off the blandishments of the thriller/killer harpies and dashed away clutching his garlic bulb. Now the big question: will they be disqualified? Mr Jenkins is an upright, law abiding and honourable man. What will his co-judge, Carol Murray say? Will she call for the entry to be de-thrillered? Perhaps it’s time for a quick purification ceremony on the top corridor? For they are dangerously close to Media Studies and ICT where much of this is coming from. At least they have new material for their Ethics A level course.

There’s been no cheating, so far as we can tell, in this year’s mock exams. The marks are just coming in but it’s beginning to look promising for this year group. There’s no reason why they should out-perform other years and yet they seem to be pushing hard with good attendance and great potential. Talented teachers are doing their best for them.

We’re trying to help them manage their time, especially those we’ve identified as under particular pressure, with a new Gradewatch scheme that will see a number reducing the subjects studied to concentrate on areas where catch-up is needed. There’s particular pressure on English, Maths and Science now and we want everyone to get their best grades in these vital subjects. So staff volunteers will be on hand next term to give individual help at set times in the week. We’ll be only too pleased to keep noses to the grindstone.

Performance Leaders are working flat out to interview students and make proposals. It’s complex but worthwhile- and we’re early enough in the academic year to make a difference. This is another Kate Garvey innovation so I know it will work. In her new role as lead practitioner for the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, she’s at the forefront of developments. While I cut edges, she is at the cutting edge. She’s soon to offer a Deep Learning Day at a venue near you. There will be more about that next term. And if you don’t yet know what a Deep Learning Day is, please don’t try to guess.

... to deep learning among students

At the end of the year we will be saying farewell to two of our deepest learners- rocks on which the school has been built. So this week we interviewed for new Assistant Principals to replace Andy Hamlyn and Heather Stimson. This talent contest took us two days. The judges, a Panel of Governors and senior staff, were dazzled by the quality of presentations, ideas and innovations from a large field of internal applicants. Nat Parnell will take on the new role of Director of Teaching and Learning; Joss Glossop the post of Director of Student Performance.

It’s been a week of talent identification. With great colleagues to work with throughout the school and at every level, teaching and non-teaching, and a strong year 11, it looks as if the new year will be bright. So forget Christmas. Beam it across the website; fill the electronic space; write the message in bold and large: South Dartmoor’s got talent.