Welcome back to all students and staff. It has already been an eventful week and there is much to celebrate.
Congratulations to Robert Waddy who has been selected to represent the UK at the 2017 International Physics Olympiad. Robert will be travelling to take part in the Olympiad in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in late July.
This is a tremendous achievement and Robert will be one of only five students from the UK.
When he heard the news Mr Adams said, "That's absolutely fantastic news Rob and testament to your utter focus and dedication. We are extremely proud and look forward to following your progress in July".
Well done also to Jonathan Tunnicliffe who started climbing in March 2012 with a school club and has not stopped since!
Jonathan has recently qualified for the national finals of the British Mountaineering Council Youth Climbing Series which will be held in Edinburgh later this month.
To qualify Jonathan competed at three regional competitions and was placed sixth in Exeter, fourth in Plymouth and third in Bristol giving him bronze overall in the South West and a place at the national finals.
Each round at the regional competitions consists of three roped climbs of increasing difficulty (Jonathan lead climbs which means he has to clip the rope in as he goes) and three bouldering routes, again of increasing difficulty.
We're looking forward to hearing how Jonathan does at the nationals.
Eggcellent Work
Following the Easter holidays it's appropriate that we feature some eggcellent work this week!
Mrs Mintoft ran a competition during the last two weeks of the Spring term for Year 7 students to decorate an egg as an historic character. Entries ranged from Neil Armstrong to Obama and William the Conqueror to Ghandi.
An overall winner was difficult to choose so prizes go Josh Cumberland 7E for entering three well decorated eggs based on his History lessons this year and producing two kings from 1066 and Ghandi, and to Archie West, Dominic Ambler and Jules Dean 7N for a fantastic representation of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings.
Mrs Mintoft said, "House points to all entrants – well done".
Look out for some exciting activities in school on Monday, led by Miss Nally, as we celebrate Shakespeare's birthday!
The Year 11 and Year 7 teams played in the finals of the Plymouth Cup this week, with both teams finishing as runners up after meeting strong opposition.
Mr Manley said that the Year 11 team lost their final 4 – 2 after extra time. The team are pictured collecting their second place medals.
Mr Carpenter added, "Our Year 7s showed great character during the match but lost out on penalties 8 – 7. Well done Stoke Damerel".
The Easter Holiday in Pictures
Training for the Ten Tors Challenge continues apace.
Here are some photos from the training weekend which took place from 1 – 2 April.
We have received many positive messages from students and staff following the Easter holiday ski trip.
Thank you Mr Orkney, Mr Huq and Mr Carpenter for leading the trip.
We wish students, staff and parents safe journeys and a good day as they travel to Alton Towers on the PTFA organised trip tomorrow.
1 May Bank Holiday
5 – 7 May Ten Tors Challenge
8 – 12 May Year 9 Exams
10 May PTFA Meeting
13 May PTFA Shopping Trip to Bristol