News & Events

This September a Year 9 geography class from Tavistock College started an exciting project which brings the real world into the classroom.

Each member of the class has written to a member of the crew on board the Royal Naval Frigate HMS Northumberland, currently on deployment in The Gulf and Arabian Sea. The class asked them about their geographical experiences and highlights of their deployment so far, as the class are hoping for an insight into geography in action before doing a unit on Conflict later this year. The box of letters and Tavistock College pens have now been followed with boxes of biscuits to stay thank you for the help that Devonport based HMS Northumberland will be providing to the year 9 geography students.

Although we haven’t received the blue BFPO letters back from HMS Northumberland yet, several have been emailed to Mrs Froud, the class teacher, for the students. It turns out the HMS Northumberland enjoyed
receiving the letters and they are posting their responses from their next port in, so hopefully the class will receive their replies late October, as well as charts and maps to show their deployment journey so far.

However the Ship’s Company and the Geography Department are so impressed by the communications that they would like to continue the link beyond one letter. A visit to the ship has been suggested and the sailors working with the College will be invited to come out to the school for a
workshop scenario.

“This project is one that we would like to see evolve; promoting students learning of geography in action whilst supporting our servicemen and women at the same time. It is a superb way to engage students of all abilities” said Mrs Froud from the Tavistock College Geography Department.

CPO AWW Burgoyne, liaise with the College from the Gulf says “It’s been a great opportunity for members of the ships company to educate Tavistock year nine geography students on elements of our deployment. The ships company that replied ranged from an able rate who has just joined the RN to a LT CDR RN. LT CDR King studied for a geography degree and really enjoyed his involvement with the school. We look forward to hosting them on board one day.”

1968 400m hurdles Olympian and gold medallist, David Hemery, visited Tavistock College to train all staff, teaching and non teaching, on the aspirational programme he leads: “Be the Best You Can Be.”

The programme was established after the London 2012 Olympics and forms part of the promised legacy that the Games will inspire a generation.

The programme does not just focus on sport, however, but encourages and challenges young people to follow their dreams. The programme aims to help young people take more control of their lives by increasing their self-awareness and self-responsibility, so that they can establish what steps they should take to reach their goals. They will also learn how to look after themselves and how to support and coach each other.

Year 7 students will be the first to be introduced to the programme, although David’s message of taking responsibility and realising how to achieve goals will be embraced throughout the College.

On Oct 24th another Olympian, Craig Figes, will start the Year 7s on their journey to “be the best you can be”, when he visits them and shows them how to transfer inspiration into action.

Principal Helen Salmon said, “This programme will help us unlock the potential of every child.”

Tavistock College student, Tate Budge, has become a world champion for his age and class in Takwon-do.
Tate, who trains with South Coast Martial Arts, started Taekwon-do at the age of 4. He gained his first degree black belt at the age of 9, followed by his second degree at the age of 11. Over the last few years he has been entering competitions all over the country, winning medals at nearly every stage.

Over the last 12 months Tate has become the Taekwon-do champion for Cornwall, Britain and the UK in the male under 16 second degree patterns. This made Tate eligible to train with Team UK ahead of selection for the World Championships in Rome this July.

Tate travelled to Bristol for squad training as many weekends as he could and was picked to be part of Team UK and compete in Rome this summer.

Tate competed in male 2nd degree patterns at the world championships ……and won, beating competitors from around the world including Canada and Argentina.

Tate was also selected to make up part of the six man junior team for the team events and as part of that won a further two bronze medals for special technique and patterns and one silver for sparring, making his tally four medals in total! However, it’s the gold in his individual event that means the most.

Tate plans to continue to represent his country again at the European Championships next summer in Moldova , followed by the next world championships in London in 2016.