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Young Voices, Bright Ideas: Dartmouth Pupils Share Hopes for Their Community

Pupils at Dartmouth Academy have been given the chance to have their voices heard in a meaningful way thanks to a new partnership with Dartmouth Community Chest.

In a thought-provoking session pupils from Years 7 to 11 sat down with Dawn Shepherd, local community advocate and representative of Dartmouth Town Council, to discuss what they value about living in and around Dartmouth and what they hope can be improved.

The session, facilitated by Dartmouth Academy assistant headteacher, Nicola Perrott, invited pupils to engage in open, aspirational conversation about the future of their town. After sharing her role in the community and council, Dawn encouraged the pupils to think boldly and creatively about what could make Dartmouth an even better place to live and grow up.

Ideas from the pupils ranged from more youth focused events and environmental initiatives, to improvements in public spaces and transport. Dawn promised to take their thoughts seriously and committed to meeting with the group again to explore how some of their suggestions could be taken forward in collaboration with local organisations.

This ongoing partnership marks the beginning of a wider initiative to strengthen links between young people and local decision makers, giving pupils the confidence and platform to become active participants in the future of their town.

Paul Girardot, principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

"It was fantastic to see our pupils engaging so thoughtfully with real issues in their community. We are proud to be a school that encourages pupil voice and community connection. This is how we build confident, compassionate citizens."

Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:

“Creating opportunities for students to connect with and shape their local communities is a powerful part of Education South West’s mission to transform lives through education. We’re delighted to see Dartmouth Academy leading by example.”

Young Voices, Bright Ideas: Dartmouth Pupils Share Hopes for Their Community Pupils at Dartmouth Academy have been given the chance to have their voices heard in a meaningful way thanks to a new partnership with Dartmouth Community Chest. In a thought-provoking session pupils from Years 7 to 11 sat down with Dawn Shepherd, local community advocate and representative of Dartmouth Town Council, to discuss what they value about living in and around Dartmouth and what they hope can be improved. The session, facilitated by Dartmouth Academy assistant headteacher, Nicola Perrott, invited pupils to engage in open, aspirational conversation about the future of their town. After sharing her role in the community and council, Dawn encouraged the pupils to think boldly and creatively about what could make Dartmouth an even better place to live and grow up. Ideas from the pupils ranged from more youth focused events and environmental initiatives, to improvements in public spaces and transport. Dawn promised to take their thoughts seriously and committed to meeting with the group again to explore how some of their suggestions could be taken forward in collaboration with local organisations. This ongoing partnership marks the beginning of a wider initiative to strengthen links between young people and local decision makers, giving pupils the confidence and platform to become active participants in the future of their town. Paul Girardot, principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: "It was fantastic to see our pupils engaging so thoughtfully with real issues in their community. We are proud to be a school that encourages pupil voice and community connection. This is how we build confident, compassionate citizens." Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said: “Creating opportunities for students to connect with and shape their local communities is a powerful part of Education South West’s mission to transform lives through education. We’re delighted to see Dartmouth Academy leading by example.”

Dartmouth Pupils Share Volunteering Experience with St Johns Ambulance  

 

Pupils at Dartmouth Academy have taken centre stage in a dynamic, pupil-led careers assembly that highlighted the power of youth voice, community engagement, and creative talent.

Two impressive Year 11 pupils shared their inspiring experiences as volunteers with St John Ambulance, giving their peers insight into the value of giving back and the real-life skills they’ve gained from supporting their community. The volunteers' stories reflected dedication, compassion, and the impact of learning beyond the classroom. 

St John Ambulance is a charity that provides first aid, health, and safety training and services across the UK. Its core mission is to save lives and support communities through first aid.

Adding a creative spark to the assembly was a moving musical interlude by a talented Year 8 singer and guitarist, who performed a self-selected piece that captivated the audience and showcased the diverse talents within the school.

At Dartmouth Academy, preparing pupils for their next steps in education, employment, or training is a key priority. Their Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is embedded across the school to support informed, confident transitions for all pupils. Through partnerships with employers such as the NHS, armed forces, local businesses, and hospitality providers, pupils gain valuable insights and experiences.

Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

“We are incredibly proud of our pupils, not only for their confidence and leadership, but for the real-world commitment and creativity they bring to our school community. This assembly was a powerful reminder that our young people are both the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:

“It’s fantastic to hear about students stepping up to lead, inspire, and share their journeys with one another. At Education South West,  we believe in nurturing confident, compassionate learners who are prepared to shape their futures and assemblies like this show that vision in action.”

 

 

Dartmouth Pupils Share Volunteering Experience with St Johns Ambulance     Pupils at Dartmouth Academy have taken centre stage in a dynamic, pupil-led careers assembly that highlighted the power of youth voice, community engagement, and creative talent. Two impressive Year 11 pupils shared their inspiring experiences as volunteers with St John Ambulance, giving their peers insight into the value of giving back and the real-life skills they’ve gained from supporting their community. The volunteers' stories reflected dedication, compassion, and the impact of learning beyond the classroom.  St John Ambulance is a charity that provides first aid, health, and safety training and services across the UK. Its core mission is to save lives and support communities through first aid. Adding a creative spark to the assembly was a moving musical interlude by a talented Year 8 singer and guitarist, who performed a self-selected piece that captivated the audience and showcased the diverse talents within the school. At Dartmouth Academy, preparing pupils for their next steps in education, employment, or training is a key priority. Their Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is embedded across the school to support informed, confident transitions for all pupils. Through partnerships with employers such as the NHS, armed forces, local businesses, and hospitality providers, pupils gain valuable insights and experiences. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils, not only for their confidence and leadership, but for the real-world commitment and creativity they bring to our school community. This assembly was a powerful reminder that our young people are both the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow.” Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said: “It’s fantastic to hear about students stepping up to lead, inspire, and share their journeys with one another. At Education South West,  we believe in nurturing confident, compassionate learners who are prepared to shape their futures and assemblies like this show that vision in action.”    

Year 5 Get a Glimpse of the Future at Dartmouth Academy’s Activity Day

Dartmouth Academy Hosts Activity Day with Local Primary Schools 

Dartmouth Academy, part of Education South West, has held a Year 5 Activity Day with 76 pupils from Stoke Fleming Primary School, Blackawton Primary School, and the primary element of the all through school coming together for a day full of hands-on fun and learning.

The event was designed to give Year 5 students a preview of what to expect when they transition into Year 7 at Dartmouth Academy, offering them the opportunity to explore the school’s vibrant learning environment and its range of exciting academic and physical activities.

Throughout the day, the pupils took part in a series of engaging activities, including mind bending maths challenges, amazing art exploration, super science experiments, and fun physical challenges. These interactive sessions gave pupils a taste of the diverse learning experiences Dartmouth Academy has to offer while encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity.

Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

“We were thrilled to welcome local Year 5 students to Dartmouth Academy for an exciting and enriching day. This event is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to explore the subjects and activities that await them in Year 7, and we hope it sparks their enthusiasm for learning and joining our school community. We look forward to showing them all that Dartmouth Academy has to offer and how we can support their growth and development as they transition into secondary education.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:

“The Year 5 Activity Day is a fantastic initiative that allows children to experience a taste of the hands-on, engaging learning environment at Dartmouth Academy. It’s a great opportunity to prepare young people for success in Year 7 and beyond, ensuring they feel supported and excited as they take the next step in their educational journey.”

More information:

 

• Education South West is a trust of eight primary schools, four secondary schools, one all through school and a University Technical College all based in Devon.
• Education South West is focused on creating a culture which supports and challenges all whilst also working with those in and outside their community of schools to improve all. 
• All Education South West schools have UNICEF Rights Respecting accreditation, which recognises their commitment to creating safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive.
• Dartmouth Academy is rated Good by Ofsted for Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management and Early years provision.

Year 5 Get a Glimpse of the Future at Dartmouth Academy’s Activity Day Dartmouth Academy Hosts Activity Day with Local Primary Schools  Dartmouth Academy, part of Education South West, has held a Year 5 Activity Day with 76 pupils from Stoke Fleming Primary School, Blackawton Primary School, and the primary element of the all through school coming together for a day full of hands-on fun and learning. The event was designed to give Year 5 students a preview of what to expect when they transition into Year 7 at Dartmouth Academy, offering them the opportunity to explore the school’s vibrant learning environment and its range of exciting academic and physical activities. Throughout the day, the pupils took part in a series of engaging activities, including mind bending maths challenges, amazing art exploration, super science experiments, and fun physical challenges. These interactive sessions gave pupils a taste of the diverse learning experiences Dartmouth Academy has to offer while encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “We were thrilled to welcome local Year 5 students to Dartmouth Academy for an exciting and enriching day. This event is a wonderful opportunity for pupils to explore the subjects and activities that await them in Year 7, and we hope it sparks their enthusiasm for learning and joining our school community. We look forward to showing them all that Dartmouth Academy has to offer and how we can support their growth and development as they transition into secondary education.” Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said: “The Year 5 Activity Day is a fantastic initiative that allows children to experience a taste of the hands-on, engaging learning environment at Dartmouth Academy. It’s a great opportunity to prepare young people for success in Year 7 and beyond, ensuring they feel supported and excited as they take the next step in their educational journey.” More information:   Education South West is a trust of eight primary schools, four secondary schools, one all through school and a University Technical College all based in Devon. Education South West is focused on creating a culture which supports and challenges all whilst also working with those in and outside their community of schools to improve all.  All Education South West schools have UNICEF Rights Respecting accreditation, which recognises their commitment to creating safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. Dartmouth Academy is rated Good by Ofsted for Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management and Early years provision.

Spotlight on Careers: Dartmouth Academy Hosts Inspiring Alumni Including BBC's Ben Woolvin Dartmouth Academy was delighted to welcome Ben Woolvin, Home Affairs Correspondent at BBC South West, and alumnus William Carver from Xpremedia,a leading media company, to the school for an engaging and inspiring careers assembly. Ben, whose expertise in journalism and current affairs provides invaluable insight into the media industry, spoke to students about his career journey and the exciting opportunities within broadcast journalism. William, who now works with Xpremedia, also returned to his roots to share his professional experiences with pupils. William spoke about his work delivering professional photography, videography, and podcast services. The assembly highlighted the importance of exploring career options, seeking opportunities for personal growth, and working hard to achieve career goals. Dartmouth Academy is dedicated to offering pupils a wide range of opportunities to explore different career pathways through its comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) programme. The school encourages alumni and local professionals to get involved in future career events, either by speaking at assemblies or providing valuable work experience opportunities. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful to these alumni for coming in to share their experiences and insights with our pupils. Our aim is to provide real-world inspiration and advice, helping our pupils understand the variety of paths available to them. We are committed to preparing our pupils for successful transitions into further education, employment, or independent living, and these career assemblies are a key part of that effort.” Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “It is so gratifying that our supportive alumni provide these meaningful employer encounters for our pupils. Our assemblies provide a vehicle for part of our careers provision to ensure we hit all the Gatsby Benchmarks, which are a framework of eight key principles that define world-class careers provision in education” Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West said: “It’s fantastic to see alumni returning to inspire the next generation at Dartmouth Academy. The opportunity for young people to hear firsthand from professionals like Ben and William is invaluable in helping them make informed decisions about their futures. We are proud to continue supporting our schools and communities in preparing students for success in life and work.” For more information on how to get involved please contact Dartmouth Academy at: Phone: 01803 839700 Email: admin@dartmouthacademy.org.uk

Spotlight on Careers: Dartmouth Academy Hosts Inspiring Alumni Including BBC's Ben Woolvin Dartmouth Academy was delighted to welcome Ben Woolvin, Home Affairs Correspondent at BBC South West, and alumnus William Carver from Xpremedia,a leading media company, to the school for an engaging and inspiring careers assembly. Ben, whose expertise in journalism and current affairs provides invaluable insight into the media industry, spoke to students about his career journey and the exciting opportunities within broadcast journalism. William, who now works with Xpremedia, also returned to his roots to share his professional experiences with pupils. William spoke about his work delivering professional photography, videography, and podcast services. The assembly highlighted the importance of exploring career options, seeking opportunities for personal growth, and working hard to achieve career goals. Dartmouth Academy is dedicated to offering pupils a wide range of opportunities to explore different career pathways through its comprehensive Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance (CEIAG) programme. The school encourages alumni and local professionals to get involved in future career events, either by speaking at assemblies or providing valuable work experience opportunities. Paul Girardot, Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful to these alumni for coming in to share their experiences and insights with our pupils. Our aim is to provide real-world inspiration and advice, helping our pupils understand the variety of paths available to them. We are committed to preparing our pupils for successful transitions into further education, employment, or independent living, and these career assemblies are a key part of that effort.” Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “It is so gratifying that our supportive alumni provide these meaningful employer encounters for our pupils. Our assemblies provide a vehicle for part of our careers provision to ensure we hit all the Gatsby Benchmarks, which are a framework of eight key principles that define world-class careers provision in education” Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West said: “It’s fantastic to see alumni returning to inspire the next generation at Dartmouth Academy. The opportunity for young people to hear firsthand from professionals like Ben and William is invaluable in helping them make informed decisions about their futures. We are proud to continue supporting our schools and communities in preparing students for success in life and work.” For more information on how to get involved please contact Dartmouth Academy at: Phone: 01803 839700 Email: admin@dartmouthacademy.org.uk

Primary Newsletter - 4th April 2025