Dartmouth Art Pupils Exhibit to Support St Clement’s Church

 

Year 10 Art and Design pupils at Dartmouth Academy showcased their creativity at an art exhibition held in support of the concert at St Clement’s Church this term. 

The artworks on display were inspired by each pupil’s personal choice of music, allowing them to explore the relationship between sound and visual expression.

This term, Dartmouth pupils have been focusing on visualising text and using colour to convey emotion and narrative. Through their studies, they are learning how artists communicate feeling, atmosphere, and storytelling through abstract forms, mark-making, and deliberate colour choices.

As part of their research, pupils examined the work of renowned artists Anthony Frost and Wassily Kandinsky, both known for using colour and abstraction to convey energy, mood, and emotion. These examples helped pupils understand how visual art can express ideas and feelings that are difficult to capture through imagery alone.

Pupils also deconstructed the lyrics of songs by Louis Dunford, including The Boy Who Could Fly and Ballad of Benjamin. Ballad of Benjamin, which tells the real-life story of Ben Kinsella, sparked thoughtful and sensitive discussions in class about boys’ mental health, depression, and knife crime. These conversations have encouraged empathy, reflection, and emotional literacy among pupils.

As part of this exciting project, the school hopes to invite Louis Dunford to visit and speak to pupils about his creative process and the themes within his work. 

Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

"This project demonstrates the power of community partnerships and creative learning. By connecting music, art, and important social issues, our pupils not only develop their artistic skills but also build empathy and awareness about challenges faced by young people today."

Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West said:

"We are proud to see our students using art to express complex emotions and engage with real-world stories. Projects like this encourage reflection, discussion, and emotional growth, showing how education can extend beyond the classroom while encouraging creativity and social responsibility."

Dartmouth Art Pupils Exhibit to Support St Clement’s Church   Year 10 Art and Design pupils at Dartmouth Academy showcased their creativity at an art exhibition held in support of the concert at St Clement’s Church this term.  The artworks on display were inspired by each pupil’s personal choice of music, allowing them to explore the relationship between sound and visual expression. This term, Dartmouth pupils have been focusing on visualising text and using colour to convey emotion and narrative. Through their studies, they are learning how artists communicate feeling, atmosphere, and storytelling through abstract forms, mark-making, and deliberate colour choices. As part of their research, pupils examined the work of renowned artists Anthony Frost and Wassily Kandinsky, both known for using colour and abstraction to convey energy, mood, and emotion. These examples helped pupils understand how visual art can express ideas and feelings that are difficult to capture through imagery alone. Pupils also deconstructed the lyrics of songs by Louis Dunford, including The Boy Who Could Fly and Ballad of Benjamin. Ballad of Benjamin, which tells the real-life story of Ben Kinsella, sparked thoughtful and sensitive discussions in class about boys’ mental health, depression, and knife crime. These conversations have encouraged empathy, reflection, and emotional literacy among pupils. As part of this exciting project, the school hopes to invite Louis Dunford to visit and speak to pupils about his creative process and the themes within his work.  Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: "This project demonstrates the power of community partnerships and creative learning. By connecting music, art, and important social issues, our pupils not only develop their artistic skills but also build empathy and awareness about challenges faced by young people today." Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West said: "We are proud to see our students using art to express complex emotions and engage with real-world stories. Projects like this encourage reflection, discussion, and emotional growth, showing how education can extend beyond the classroom while encouraging creativity and social responsibility."

Dartmouth Pupils Help Shape National Digital Mental Health Resource

 

Pupils from Dartmouth Academy have continued their important work this month with the University of Exeter Medical School as part of the Young Persons Advisory Group. 

The group has been collaborating with researchers for several years, sharing their insights to help shape projects aimed at improving young people’s health and wellbeing.

This term, the school welcomed Helena Traill, who is leading a national project to create a digital mental health resource for young people. Helena and her colleague Camilla invited the group to contribute ideas on the design and content of the new platform, ensuring it reflects the voices and experiences of young people across the country.

During the interactive session, students used art supplies to explore creative concepts and share their thoughts on how digital tools can best support mental health and wellbeing.

The Young Persons Advisory Group at Dartmouth Academy continues to make a real impact, giving students a platform to influence research and innovation that benefits their generation and beyond.

Nicola Perrott, Assistant  Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

“It’s fantastic to see our students playing an active role in shaping national projects that truly matter to young people. Their creativity, honesty, and insight help ensure that resources like this are meaningful, inclusive, and effective.

Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West said:

“This collaboration shows the power of student voice in real world research. By working alongside the University of Exeter, our young people are helping to create resources that will make a genuine difference to the mental health and wellbeing of others. It’s inspiring to see their ideas being valued at a national level.”

 

 

Dartmouth Pupils Help Shape National Digital Mental Health Resource   Pupils from Dartmouth Academy have continued their important work this month with the University of Exeter Medical School as part of the Young Persons Advisory Group.  The group has been collaborating with researchers for several years, sharing their insights to help shape projects aimed at improving young people’s health and wellbeing. This term, the school welcomed Helena Traill, who is leading a national project to create a digital mental health resource for young people. Helena and her colleague Camilla invited the group to contribute ideas on the design and content of the new platform, ensuring it reflects the voices and experiences of young people across the country. During the interactive session, students used art supplies to explore creative concepts and share their thoughts on how digital tools can best support mental health and wellbeing. The Young Persons Advisory Group at Dartmouth Academy continues to make a real impact, giving students a platform to influence research and innovation that benefits their generation and beyond. Nicola Perrott, Assistant  Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “It’s fantastic to see our students playing an active role in shaping national projects that truly matter to young people. Their creativity, honesty, and insight help ensure that resources like this are meaningful, inclusive, and effective. Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West said: “This collaboration shows the power of student voice in real world research. By working alongside the University of Exeter, our young people are helping to create resources that will make a genuine difference to the mental health and wellbeing of others. It’s inspiring to see their ideas being valued at a national level.”    

Rotary Club Supports Pupils with Mock Interviews at Dartmouth Academy

Pupils in Year 11 at Dartmouth Academy recently took part in mock job interviews, supported by dedicated volunteers from the local Rotary Club, providing valuable insight into future careers and post-school aspirations.

The interviews offered pupils the opportunity to discuss their ambitions, receive feedback, and think confidently about the next steps in their education and career paths. 

The school would like to sincerely thank all Rotary members for giving their time, expertise, and encouragement, which made a real difference in inspiring students and helping them prepare for the future.

Rotary volunteers praised the Year 11 pupils, commenting:

• “...had a clear understanding of what he wants to do and how to get there. He should do well.”
• “Very impressive. She is a pupil leader and I can see why. She has a clear vision of her future career. She will do very well. A future leader.”
• “A confident and positive young man.” 

The overall feedback highlighted an aspirational and ambitious year group, with pupils demonstrating confidence, clarity, and strong leadership potential. 

The school looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Rotary Club and other local community groups to provide enriching experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club for supporting our pupils in this way. Their generosity and commitment help our young people think seriously about their futures and give them the confidence to succeed.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“It’s fantastic to see our young people engaging so positively with the local community. The Rotary Club’s support gives pupils invaluable insight, helping them build confidence, ambition, and the skills they need to succeed in their future careers. Experiences like this are what truly prepare young people for real life.”

 

 

Rotary Club Supports Pupils with Mock Interviews at Dartmouth Academy Pupils in Year 11 at Dartmouth Academy recently took part in mock job interviews, supported by dedicated volunteers from the local Rotary Club, providing valuable insight into future careers and post-school aspirations. The interviews offered pupils the opportunity to discuss their ambitions, receive feedback, and think confidently about the next steps in their education and career paths.  The school would like to sincerely thank all Rotary members for giving their time, expertise, and encouragement, which made a real difference in inspiring students and helping them prepare for the future. Rotary volunteers praised the Year 11 pupils, commenting: “...had a clear understanding of what he wants to do and how to get there. He should do well.” “Very impressive. She is a pupil leader and I can see why. She has a clear vision of her future career. She will do very well. A future leader.” “A confident and positive young man.”  The overall feedback highlighted an aspirational and ambitious year group, with pupils demonstrating confidence, clarity, and strong leadership potential.  The school looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Rotary Club and other local community groups to provide enriching experiences that prepare students for life beyond the classroom. Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club for supporting our pupils in this way. Their generosity and commitment help our young people think seriously about their futures and give them the confidence to succeed.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “It’s fantastic to see our young people engaging so positively with the local community. The Rotary Club’s support gives pupils invaluable insight, helping them build confidence, ambition, and the skills they need to succeed in their future careers. Experiences like this are what truly prepare young people for real life.”    

Reading Across Borders: Dartmouth Academy Joins International Literacy Partnership

Dartmouth Academy is thrilled to announce its participation in the UK–Ukraine Reading for Pleasure Partnership, an initiative funded by the British Council and supported by the Department for Education. This exciting programme connects schools in the UK and Ukraine to celebrate the joy of reading, share ideas, and inspire a lifelong love of books among pupils.

Recently, Miss McKay from Dartmouth Academy attended the opening conference in Poland, where she met teachers from both countries and explored innovative strategies to make reading more engaging for children. As part of the programme, Class 1/2 at Dartmouth Academy has been partnered with a class of children in Ukraine. The partnership aims to encourage reading for pleasure while encouraging cultural understanding and building meaningful connections between communities.

Class 1/2 will meet their partner class online shortly after half term to begin collaborative reading activities. This initiative is part of a wider programme connecting 100 schools across the UK and Ukraine, supporting schools to use reading as a tool to develop pupils’ wellbeing, confidence, and international awareness.

Dartmouth Academy looks forward to sharing updates as the project develops and celebrating the connections built through the power of reading.

Miss McKay from Dartmouth Academy, said:

“Oksana, our partner teacher in Ukraine, was an inspiration. She loved our approach to reading and shared some of their practices, which we’re excited to explore with our pupils. This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for our children to expand their horizons, build confidence, and enjoy reading while learning about a different culture.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said:

“We are delighted that Dartmouth Academy is taking part in this exciting UK–Ukraine partnership. Projects like this open up the world to our pupils and it’s wonderful to see our schools creating meaningful international connections while inspiring children to enjoy reading.”

 

 

Reading Across Borders: Dartmouth Academy Joins International Literacy Partnership Dartmouth Academy is thrilled to announce its participation in the UK–Ukraine Reading for Pleasure Partnership, an initiative funded by the British Council and supported by the Department for Education. This exciting programme connects schools in the UK and Ukraine to celebrate the joy of reading, share ideas, and inspire a lifelong love of books among pupils. Recently, Miss McKay from Dartmouth Academy attended the opening conference in Poland, where she met teachers from both countries and explored innovative strategies to make reading more engaging for children. As part of the programme, Class 1/2 at Dartmouth Academy has been partnered with a class of children in Ukraine. The partnership aims to encourage reading for pleasure while encouraging cultural understanding and building meaningful connections between communities. Class 1/2 will meet their partner class online shortly after half term to begin collaborative reading activities. This initiative is part of a wider programme connecting 100 schools across the UK and Ukraine, supporting schools to use reading as a tool to develop pupils’ wellbeing, confidence, and international awareness. Dartmouth Academy looks forward to sharing updates as the project develops and celebrating the connections built through the power of reading. Miss McKay from Dartmouth Academy, said: “Oksana, our partner teacher in Ukraine, was an inspiration. She loved our approach to reading and shared some of their practices, which we’re excited to explore with our pupils. This partnership is a fantastic opportunity for our children to expand their horizons, build confidence, and enjoy reading while learning about a different culture.” Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, said: “We are delighted that Dartmouth Academy is taking part in this exciting UK–Ukraine partnership. Projects like this open up the world to our pupils and it’s wonderful to see our schools creating meaningful international connections while inspiring children to enjoy reading.”    

Primary and Nursery Open Mornings 

Primary and Nursery Open Mornings