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Dear Colleagues,

This week has highlighted once again how collaboration and teamwork across WeST are the driving forces behind our sustained improvement and development. Whether it’s through leadership discussions, innovative practice, or sharing expertise, it is the collective efforts of our teams that make the difference.

A particular cause for celebration is the wonderful outcome of Ivybridge Community College’s recent Ofsted inspection. The report reflects the tremendous work happening across the College, with inspectors highlighting significant improvements in all areas. It speaks volumes about the dedication of the ICC team, the wider WeST family, and the positive impact of working together toward a shared vision. This is a fantastic achievement, and I extend my congratulations to everyone involved.

Our Secondary Headteachers’ Meeting this week provided a valuable opportunity for leaders to come together, share insights, and continue shaping the strategic direction for our secondary schools. These collaborative discussions are essential in ensuring we maintain a consistent and ambitious approach to delivering the best outcomes for all our students. We are determined to meet our target of 53% of our Year 11 children achieving a strong grade in both English and Maths.

On Tuesday, our Teaching & Learning Leads focused on an exciting and timely topic—the use of ChatGPT in education. Led by Charlie Jacks from Coombe Dean, the session explored practical ways to harness AI technology to enhance teaching and learning. From generating comprehension questions and scaffolding learning materials to creating extension tasks and adapting content for different age groups, the possibilities are vast. A huge thank you to Charlie for delivering such an insightful and forward-thinking session.

Meanwhile, our Early Reading Leads gathered for an important session led by Heidi Longworth. These meetings play a crucial role in ensuring we continue to prioritise and strengthen early literacy across all our settings—a foundation for future success.

As ever, my sincere thanks to everyone for your continued hard work and collaboration. It’s through working together that we achieve extraordinary things.

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

WeST Year 12 Summer Conference

Invitation to Lecture

The WeST Y12 Summer Conference has been held at the University of Plymouth for the past two years. The conference invites Year 12 students from schools across WeST to attend 3 lectures throughout the day on a range of topics. This allows all WeST Year 12 students the opportunity to experience Higher Education style teaching and sample topics that they have never previously experienced. 

The lectures are delivered by a mix of both University of Plymouth and WeST staff and we are now looking for volunteers who would like the opportunity to deliver a lecture.  We know that WeST staff have a wide variety of specialist subjects, many of which are not fully realised through their curriculum teaching.  It has been wonderful to see the passion and enthusiasm of WeST teachers delivering lectures at our last two events and they too have gained a lot from the experience of delivering in this university setting.

The conference will take place on Friday 20th June 2025 and lectures will be split across three time slots throughout the day. The lecture time slots are:

1. 10:25 – 11:15

2. 11:20 – 12:10

3. 12:45 – 13:35

If you are interested in delivering a talk, please speak to your Line Manager or Head of 6th Form to discuss your availability and complete the below form with details of the lecture you are able to offer.

https://forms.office.com/e/nAJiakC4Ev

Paediatric First Aid Course

Ugborough Primary School is hosting a two day Paediatric First Aid course, taking place on the 14th and 28th March. The course is designed to equip attendees with essential skills and knowledge in responding to emergencies involving young children. This invaluable training is open to all school staff, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle medical situations confidently and effectively.

For more details and to book a place, please contact Ugborough Primary School directly on admin@ugborough-primary.devon.sch.uk.

Word Of The Week!

We are excited to introduce a new feature in the Weekly Whistle. Each week, we will highlight a word for you to reflect on and incorporate into your daily interactions.

This week's word is "ambition". 

Definition: a strong desire to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work. 

Example: Ambition drives us to push the limits of what is possible. 

Important Notice: Temporary Entrance Change at WeST HQ

For the next 12 weeks, there will be a different entrance to WeST HQ. Visitors should continue to park in the usual car park, enter through the front entrance of the school from the car park, and then turn left to reach the office entrance. Please continue to walk round to the normal office entrance. 

If you have any questions, please email admin@westst.org.uk.

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Mindful March

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Internal Vacancy: 

Westcountry Schools Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to the position of Executive Headteacher. The successful applicant will have a proven track record of success and school improvement at Headship level. The ideal candidate will have the interpersonal skills to build confidence and excellent relationships and the drive and determination to secure successful outcomes for all students.

For more information, please click on the link below: 

https://mynewterm.com/jobs/3547/EDV-2025-WST-33695

Initial informal expressions of interest should be made direct to Nat Parnell by 3 March, ahead of submitting a formal application.  The vacancy will close to formal applications at 9am on Monday 10 March 2025.  

Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you of the following exciting career opportunities within our Trust:

Eggbuckland Community College are looking to appoint a Vice Principal. This crucial post is to support the Principal in raising standards for all students across the College with a focus on Culture and Standards. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 24 March 2025. 

 

Ivybridge Community College are seeking to appoint Casual Examinations Invigilators. Hours of work are by negotiation, to cover examination sessions throughout the year. The ability to work at least three days a week during the peak times in May and June. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 18 July 2025. 

Plymstock School are seeking to appoint a Sports Centre Assistant. The Sports Leisure Assistant will support the Sports Centre Manager in all aspects of the Sports Centre operations.  The successful applicant will be flexible and hard working. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 17 March 2025. 

 

Westcountry Schools Trust are seeking to appoint Secondary Initial Teacher Trainees (unpaid). Are you passionate about teaching and ready to make a significant impact on the lives of young people? We are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and passion to join us as an Aspiring Secondary School Teacher, to uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. This is a 12-month, full-time, postgraduate programme in a Secondary School environment where you’ll experience a mix of study modules, live training sessions and classroom practice. Study modules can be completed at your own pace through our online learning platform, which will provide you with a foundation of theory to build your practice on. At every stage, you'll be guided by your own personal mentor. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 20 June 2025. 

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