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  • West Exe School staff help fundraise for Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival

    Published 18/03/24

    Staff from West Exe School and the Ted Wragg Trust attended a fundraising quiz for the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival this month.

    The festival this year will run from the 18th to the 22nd of September. As a registered charity, their mission is to celebrate books and their authors and promote the art of writing and the enjoyment of reading in the East Devon community and in other local schools.

    Chloe Fox, a Senior Leader at West Exe School and Carrie McMillan, Secondary Lead for South West Teacher Training were invited to attend the fundraiser quiz at the new cricket club to raise funds to facilitate the festival's target of reaching over 2000 children this year with their talks and workshops.

    Last year West Exe School hosted author Manjeet Mann to talk about her book as part of the Budleigh Literary Festival schools outreach program.  Her debut novel RUN, REBEL for young adults was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal in 2021 and won the CILIP Carnegie Shadowers Choice Award, The UKLA Award, Diverse Book Award and Sheffield Children's Book Award. It was also a Guardian best book of 2020. Manjeet’s second novel The Crossing, won the Costa Book Award for a Children’s Book in 2021 and was also named the Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week.  She also founded Run The World, a not for profit organisation that uses sport and theatre as a means to empower women and girls. 

    Sue Briggs Chairperson of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, said that she was thrilled to have Ted Wragg Trust schools as part of the programme and that she is looking forward to working more closely with the trust in the coming years.

    Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “Developing a lifelong love of reading makes all other forms of learning easier and at West Exe we will continue to put literacy at the heart of our curriculum.  I am looking forward to working closely with the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival team again this year; it’s clear how much benefit their outreach programme brings to students. We have taken part in their poetry slam competition several times too (even winning it once!). These events bring the written word to life for our students and we are very proud to be associated with the festival.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

    “I am delighted that West Exe and Ted Wragg staff took the time to go and help fundraise for the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival.  It’s such a brilliant event and brings so much to the South West in terms of cultural capital.”

     

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  • It’s checkmate for Matford Brook in chess competition with West Exe

    Published 13/03/24

    West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, recently hosted their first inter-school chess competition with 9 of the school’s Year 8 students who attend a lunchtime Chess Club taking on their counterparts from Matford Brook.

    There were a few nerves alongside a lot of excitement amongst the students who were proud to represent the school.  Both sets of students played some excellent chess over the course of the afternoon, with a lot of incredibly close games as students got to grips with the pressure of playing under timed conditions for the first time. 

    The West Exe students ultimately won the majority of the games played, claiming an overall victory on the day!  Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon with students from both schools showing both a competitive spirit, as well as fantastic sportsmanship all round.

    Texts referencing the origins of chess date from the start of the seventh century.  The game received a surge in popularity in recent years following the TV show The Queen’s Gambit which centres on a woman trying to become a chess champion.

     Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    "I am delighted that West Exe students won our very first inter-school chess tournament and want to offer everyone who took part a big congratulations!  Watching our Year 7s take such joy not just in their chess, but in hosting students from MBA was the highlight of my week.  I am incredibly proud of them all."

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

    “It was great to hear that West Exe has hosted this chess challenge and to see that so many students were excited to take part.  Many congratulations to the West Exe students for their victory.”

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  • West Exe students triumph at Philosothon UK!

    Published 21/02/24

    Several students from West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, recently took part in Philosothon UK.

    A Philosothon is a friendly “competition” between small teams in which students participate in a series of “Communities of Inquiry” and are judged by the quality of their participation. Students are asked to consider open-ended questions which require an extended response and typically involve appeal to more than one discipline. 

    Students are asked to have a conversation in mixed age group teams about a clearly defined philosophical or ethical issue. They are judged by professional philosophers from local universities on the level of their engagement with the topic and with each other.

    Following on from their impressive performance in the University of Oxford Schools’ Debating Competition, Mia Wyatt and Amelie Walch in Year 10, joined together with Year 11s Poppy O’Neale and Evie Kane and Year 9s Flo Richardson and Klara Oczko to represent West Exe School at Philosothon UK. 

    The whole team was amazing, making some really insightful comments and respectfully challenging or questioning the views of the students from the other competing schools.  At the end of the evening, Evie came second in her age-range scoring a fantastic 77/100, agonisingly missing out on finishing joint first by one point.

     Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “I am so proud of every student who represented West Exe at Philosothon UK, they did fantastically well.  There is a perception that philosophy is an outdated, navel gazing subject, however the critical thinking aspects it promotes are relevant to all sorts of issues and careers in modern day life.  At West Exe we know it’s not just what you know that’s important but your ability to question information and come to your own conclusions and embracing philosophy is a great way of promoting that.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

    “It’s brilliant to hear how well the students from West Exe did at Philosothon UK, everyone at the trust is so proud of their efforts and achievements at this national platform.”

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  • West Exe students visit local primary schools to teach children about mindfulness ​​​​​​​

    Published 20/02/24

    West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has been marking Children’s Mental Health Week this week.  Children’s Mental Health Week is a mental health awareness week that empowers, equips and gives a voice to all children and young people in the UK and runs this year from the 5th until the 11th of February.  Children's Mental Health Week was launched in 2015 and each year, hundreds of schools, children, parents and carers take part.  Now in its 10th year, the theme for 2024 is ‘My Voice Matters’.

    Students at West Exe are supported with their mental health in a manner of ways;  the school has Student Wellbeing Ambassadors who have been trained by the NHS mental health support team and they provide ideas for events, advocate for positive student mental health and listen to students who share concerns with them.

    The school also offers an elective programme on mindfulness, where coping skills are developed with students through psychoeducation, psychoeducation reduces stigma around mental health and improves overall wellbeing. 

    As part of the mindfulness elective, West Exe students will be visiting local primary schools to share their healthy coping strategies with Year 6s through games, such as bingo.  The secondary students will also speak to Year 6 students about the importance of speaking openly about their feelings and emotions. 

     One student commenting on the mindfulness elective said:

     “I think it’s great that I can discuss how I’m feeling openly in a safe place where there is no judgement and I have learnt a lot about the reasons behind mental health conditions and how I can help myself in stressful situations.”

    A debate on mindfulness in schools was actually held in Westminster Hall in Parliament this week, with Charlotte Nichols MP who led the debate stating that:

    “Mindfulness programmes are becoming increasingly popular in schools and educational settings worldwide, with a growing quantitative evidence base emerging from research studies. Mindfulness in schools is about introducing children to skills as early as possible to support their lifelong wellbeing. It has benefits for educators, too, including stress regulation and reduction, increased self-compassion and teaching efficacy.”

    The school is committed to promoting good mental health and is going to continue investing in this area, they have recently appointed a new Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead, Leanne York and she’ll be working with the Student Ambassadors to support and prioritise ideas that support good mental health and wellbeing across the community. 

    Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “At West Exe School, we recognise that good mental wellbeing can support students through day-to-day challenges, in relating to others, making healthy choices and developing into resilient young adults.  That is why we help students to create their own mental health toolbox during their school life, through learning and utilising healthy coping strategies to manage life challenges.” 

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

    “It’s been great to shine a light on the work our schools do on mental health this Children’s Mental Health Week.  I am so proud of West Exe for the pioneering actions they have taken to support the whole child when it comes to looking after the mental and emotional wellbeing of their students and of their student ambassadors for the role they play in supporting other children in primary schools in their communities.”

     

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  • Beauty and the Beast production at WES...

    Published 06/02/24

    Wow, what a production!


    Did you come to watch our production of Beauty and the Beast last week?


    It really was a show stopper with our wonderful students putting on an amazing performance over three evenings.

    A massive well done and thank you to all students involved. It truly was an amazing experience working with you all, and we are really going to miss this being a huge part of our daily lives. We couldn’t have been more proud of the hard work and dedication you have shown towards this production that has been worked on since September as part of the elective program here at WES.

    So much talent and we are so very proud of everyone involved!

     

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  • Exeter primary pupils tackle sports and secondary transition at West Exe tag rugby festival!

    Published 02/02/24

    Pupils from six local primary schools have taken part in a tag rugby festival at West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, thanks to the school’s Primary Sports Offer. 

    The primary schools taking advantage of West Exe’s Primary Sports Offer are Alphington, Exwick Heights, Ide, Bowhill, St Gabriel’s and St Thomas.  Each school is invited to participate in six festivals across the school year, these involve a wide range of sports from cross country and multi skills to tag rugby.

    Each school also takes part in a Year 6 Competitive sporting league in football and netball, with the Cowick Cats Netball Club delivering a free coaching session for all primary students involved.  All events are assisted by West Exe Sports Leaders who help plan, organise, and deliver each event.

    On Monday, 29 January West Exe held their last week of the Year 6 Netball league.  They had teams from Alphington, Bowhill, Exwick Heights, St Gabriel’s and St Thomas, each school played each other over the course of 4 weeks and the league consisted of Year 6 students playing in a seven a side format.

    Aside from the clear physical and mental benefits of taking part in sports, it is hoped that allowing the primary children to experience the surroundings and atmosphere of a secondary school will make the transition when leaving primary school easier. 

    The Primary Sports Offer means that there is an opportunity for each primary student to visit West Exe for a sporting activity in each year of the primary education from Year 1-6, meaning they develop strong links and familiarity to the school, which is especially helpful for those joining them for their secondary education journey.

    On Tuesday, 30 January, West Exe held a Gymnastics Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshop at Bowhill.  Teachers from Bowhill and St Thomas took part in the session which was delivered by Lianne Johnson who is a gym specialist with extensive knowledge and expertise in gymnastics.  A West Exe student assisted with the session to very ably demonstrate the skills and supports needed.

    Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “I am so proud of our Primary Sports Offer here at West Exe, not only does it encourage children to try out new sports and form a positive relationship with exercise, it also helps them become comfortable in a secondary school environment."  

    “Forging strong links with the other schools and teachers in our local community is very important to me and it’s brilliant to be able to offer them training sessions from some of our expert sports leaders.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

    “I am delighted that West Exe provides such a strong Primary Sports Offer, part of the Ted Wragg Trust mission is to make sure we benefit and strengthen our local communities, and this is an excellent example of that.”

     

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  • New Youth Club at WES for Year 7 & 8...

    Published 31/01/24

    Dear Parents/Carers,

    Exeter City Community Trust are excited to announce the launch of a new Youth Club, hosted at West Exe School, starting on Monday 5th February from 3.30pm – 5pm.

    The youth club is for students in Year 7 and 8 only and is a fantastic chance to hang out with friends, listen to music and play games. There will also be the chance to get involved in social action and wellbeing activities.

    To sign your child up please click on the link below or scan the QR code on the attached flyer. Places are limited and will be given on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

    https://forms.office.com/e/J3R1c9KfBc

    Any questions please get in touch,

    Best wishes

    Inclusion Team

    Exeter City Community Trust
    St James Park
    Exeter
    EX4 6PX
    07487233094
    01392 255611 (Option 2)
    Email: [email protected]

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  • Superb performance from a Year 9 Student at the Devon Schools Cross Country...

    Published 26/01/24

    Congratulations to Y9 student, Leo D-C, who recently represented WES at the Devon Schools Cross Country. A superb performance saw Leo finish fourth in the junior boys' race. Leo’s next race will be the South West Schools Cross Country in February but his fourth position means he automatically qualifies to represent Devon Schools (and WES) at the English Schools National Championships later this term in Pontefract! Well done, Leo! We are so proud of your performance, hard work and training! #BestExe #WestExeProud

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  • Year 7 Netball Success...

    Published 26/01/24

    Congratulations to the Year 7 Netball teams who recently took part in the following matches;

    Year 7 Netball v Exeter School

    Congratulations to our Year 7 Netball team who had a resounding win against Exeter School on Tuesday, 23 January 2024. We played at Exeter school and had the following results;

    Team A – 16-2 to WES with Grace L and Ella B both being awarded MVP. Great netball was played and a high standard of netball on offer.

    Team B- 14 – 4 to WES with Freya L and Elsie T being awarded MVP for the match.

    Both teams played brilliantly with a dominant performance from all players across all playing positions. Well done girls!

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  • West Exe School students take part in live national webcast with Holocaust survivor Hedi Argent MBE...​​​​​​​

    Published 24/01/24

    Students at West Exe School, part of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust, have been taking part in a range of activities this week designed to have them learn more, and reflect on, the holocaust ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) on Saturday the 27th of January.  The 27th of January marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp and the theme of this year’s HMD is the fragility of freedom.

     The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust encourages remembrance in a world scarred by genocide, they promote and support Holocaust Memorial Day  to remember the 6 million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions of people murdered under Nazi persecution of other groups and during more recent genocides. 

    Throughout this week at West Exe School every student has attended an assembly on the significance of the Holocaust and genocide, based on resources and research from the Holocaust Education Trust.  Students also watched testimonies from survivors from not only the Holocaust but other genocides such as Rwanda and Cambodia.

     A group of students also took part in a live nationwide webcast organised by the Holocaust Education Trust and hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky OBE.  Holocaust survivor Hedi Argent MBE delivered a deeply profound testimony of her experiences under Nazi persecution in the late 1930s and students had the ability to ask Hedi questions through a live webfeed.

    Hedi Argent was born in 1929, and lived in a suburb of Vienna in Austria, the anti-Jewish laws and backlash that accompanied Hitler’s annexation of Austria in 1938 were something Hedi remembers very well.  She remembers seeing Jews being made to scrub the pavements and having stones thrown at them. Hedi’s family arrived in England in 1939 and stayed in a safe house.  After the war, Hedi and her parents wrote to the Red Cross to try and find their extended family; they found out that most of their other family members in Europe had been murdered during the Holocaust.

    In the centre of the school, the students are being asked to reflect on a visual representation of the proportion of people killed during the Holocaust, with symbols representing approximately 200,000 human lives. Students have been discussing the fact that it was not just the Jewish population who were persecuted during the Holocaust and were shocked at the total numbers of deaths.

    To finish the week, Year 7 and 8 students are reflecting on individual experiences of Holocaust and they are researching and creating commemoration cards to be displayed around the school, in order to draw a more personal connection to the individuals who lost their lives. 

    Julie Fossey, Headteacher at West Exe School said:

    “I think it’s really important for young people to understand the history of the holocaust and to learn about more modern genocides.  Though these are difficult topics, it is right that we learn about them and take the time to hear the stories of those that survived these horrors.  There are not that many years left that children will be able to hear directly from a Holocaust survivor, so I am very grateful to Hedi Argent and the Holocaust Education Trust for making it possible for students to ask her questions.”

    Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust said:

    “Holocaust Memorial Day is such a powerful day of reflection and I am glad to hear that students at West Exe have been engaging in a number of topical and thought provoking activities in the run up to it.”

     

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  • WES holds Jazz concert alongside Exeter College...

    Published 22/01/24

    We look forward to welcoming you to our Jazz concert, featuring our own jazz band and The Big Band from Exeter College. 

    Parents of WES can purchase tickets via their MCAS account, members of the community/Exeter College are able to purchase tickets at the door on Friday, 2 February 2024. 

    Published 22/01/24

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  • Check out our new curriculum pages

    Published 19/01/24

    Delighted to share our new and improved curriculum pages where you can read about our successes and delve deeper into our Framework of Excellence. 

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