Year 11 students at West Exe School are celebrating a truly magnificent set of exam results.

• 22% of students achieved a grade 7 or above across all subjects in line with the national average and above the South West regional average of 20.8%
• 80% of students achieved a standard pass in both English and Maths, significantly outperforming the national average of 68.2% against all subjects

Head teacher Julie Fossey said “We are so proud of each and every one of our students today.  Regardless of their starting point or prior learning, they have risen to the challenge and bucked the national trend.  They should be so proud of all they have achieved not just today, but over the last five years. I know they will join me in thanking every member of the West Exe School staff and wider community for all that they have done, and continue to do to enable our young people to achieve success and to leave us ready for the exciting challenges of the next few years.”

These results demonstrate the resilience and determination of our students; they have worked tirelessly both in school and out and proved to themselves just what their hard work can do. They are now really well placed to go on to the destination of their choice with so many of them celebrating that today.

Some noteworthy individual successes:

Evan O - 10 grade 9s
Oliver C - 6 grade 9s
Emily T - 8 grade 9s
Jacob M - 4 grade 9s plus *2 in music.

Holly O, a Year 11 student who is moving onto Exeter College to study Drama, Environmental Science and Politics said “It is a relief but also such an achievement to have conquered so much through Covid and I am so pleased with my results. On top of the extra activities I took part in such as Ten Tors, DofE and the role of Head Prefect, it is the supportive staff and tutors and an incredible amount of hard work that enabled me to achieve this. I feel really proud of myself and it feels wonderful that I have had such a positive impact on the school in my time here.”

Julie adds “Year 11, today’s results are results you can be proud of – you have been an amazing year group who have achieved so much throughout your time here, well done to each and everyone one of you."

Four WES students have been working with AQA Unlocking Potential/Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, on a social action project which is to boost awareness of hunger and food poverty in the local community.

They are hoping to increase awareness by cooking and giving out homemade meals to the homeless, working with a St Petrocks charity, and by collecting items needed by rough sleepers.
They will also be collecting food items for Exeter Food Bank.

If you feel you are able to donate one of the listed items (please see below) our students will collect them and deliver these personally to the charities, and you will be making a real difference in our local community.
Students who donate will also be awarded 10 kindness merits from their school.

Aoife Yr7 has been recognised by Topsham Girls Rugby Club, in their junior section awards ceremony as most improved in the under 12 group.

Photo of Aoife receiving her award from Jacques Vermeulen who plays for Exeter Chiefs. An amazing success for Aoife to celebrate and a great turning point in girls team sports.

More than 100,000 children in Devon have now received Bikeability cycle training.

Click the link below more the full story:

https://www.devon.gov.uk/news/bikeability-in-devon-100000-and-counting/

West Exe School have gained a national anti-bullying silver award from the Anti-Bullying Quality Mark UK (ABQM-UK)  to recognise that anti-bullying has been embedded in life at school. The remarkable efforts of the school team, made up of students, staff, parents and governors, meant their application for a bronze award was upgraded to silver during the review process.

The ABQM-UK award challenges schools to demonstrate their effectiveness in anti-bullying and the prevention of harassment. School communities that gain the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards can show that:

• Children and young people come to school without the fear of being bullied or harassed
• Staff members respond to all aspects of bullying behaviour and harassment with confidence
• Families are confident that they know who to approach about bullying and harassment and that it will be dealt with efficiently and effectively.

Julie Fossey, Headteacher comments "We are so proud of our anti-bullying ambassadors for being fundamental in achieving The Anti-Bullying Quality Mark - Silver award. This award is testament to the caring and nurturing environment the staff work so hard to create each and every day, and the support from parent and carer advocates."