Dartmouth Academy Pupils Explore Local Landscapes in Creative Environmental Project

 

Pupils from Dartmouth Academy joined students from King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) and local artists for an innovative environmental project celebrating the region’s landscapes this term.

The project encouraged young people to explore their local environment and express their experiences through creative arts. Pupils visited Beesands to discuss storm damage and the costs of repairs, and they took part in a range of Forest School-inspired activities including fire making, archery, mud kitchen activities, and various crafts.

 As a final task, groups created mixed-media compositions imagining what the local landscape should look like in 50 years. Pupils then presented their ideas to peers and National Landscape staff, who are collecting this “youth voice” as part of broader environmental consultation. Unanimously, pupils expressed a desire for a rural setting with fewer buildings, less concrete, and reduced human impact, with a strong focus on self-sustainability.

The project was closely aligned with Dartmouth Academy’s Art and Design curriculum, allowing pupils to develop their skills across multiple media and techniques while engaging in meaningful conversations about creativity, environment, and sustainability.

Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

"This project has been a fantastic way for our pupils to connect with the environment around them and express their creativity. Working with local artists and students from KEVICC has given them a fresh perspective on both art and the natural world. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and ideas come to life while also applying the skills and thinking developed through our Art and Design curriculum."

Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, added:

"It’s wonderful to see our students using their creativity to engage with the world around them. This project demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for exploring environmental themes, developing both practical skills and critical thinking. By collaborating with local artists and fellow students, our young people are learning to see, interpret, and respond to their surroundings in a meaningful way, experiences that will stay with them long beyond the classroom."

 

Dartmouth Academy Pupils Explore Local Landscapes in Creative Environmental Project   Pupils from Dartmouth Academy joined students from King Edward VI Community College (KEVICC) and local artists for an innovative environmental project celebrating the region’s landscapes this term. The project encouraged young people to explore their local environment and express their experiences through creative arts. Pupils visited Beesands to discuss storm damage and the costs of repairs, and they took part in a range of Forest School-inspired activities including fire making, archery, mud kitchen activities, and various crafts.  As a final task, groups created mixed-media compositions imagining what the local landscape should look like in 50 years. Pupils then presented their ideas to peers and National Landscape staff, who are collecting this “youth voice” as part of broader environmental consultation. Unanimously, pupils expressed a desire for a rural setting with fewer buildings, less concrete, and reduced human impact, with a strong focus on self-sustainability. The project was closely aligned with Dartmouth Academy’s Art and Design curriculum, allowing pupils to develop their skills across multiple media and techniques while engaging in meaningful conversations about creativity, environment, and sustainability. Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: "This project has been a fantastic way for our pupils to connect with the environment around them and express their creativity. Working with local artists and students from KEVICC has given them a fresh perspective on both art and the natural world. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm and ideas come to life while also applying the skills and thinking developed through our Art and Design curriculum." Matthew Shanks, CEO at Education South West, added: "It’s wonderful to see our students using their creativity to engage with the world around them. This project demonstrates how art can be a powerful tool for exploring environmental themes, developing both practical skills and critical thinking. By collaborating with local artists and fellow students, our young people are learning to see, interpret, and respond to their surroundings in a meaningful way, experiences that will stay with them long beyond the classroom."  

Dartmouth Academy Brings Stories to Life for World Book Day 2026

Dartmouth Academy celebrated World Book Day 2026 on Thursday 5th March with a day full of excitement, imagination and a love of reading. Pupils arrived at school dressed as their favourite book characters, from unicorns and classic villains to Harry Potter favourites. 

Parents and carers were welcomed into the school at the start of the day to share stories with their children. The activity highlighted the importance of reading together and demonstrated how shared reading experiences can inspire a lifelong love of books.

A special highlight of the celebration was a performance by the teachers, who brought a poem in the style of Allan Ahlberg’s Please Mrs Butler to life on stage. Pupils were thrilled to see their teachers perform, combining storytelling, humour and theatrical flair to make reading fun and engaging.

To conclude the day, every child went home with a free book, ensuring that the magic of World Book Day could continue at home and encouraging further reading and storytelling.

Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

 “World Book Day was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate reading with our whole school community. Seeing the children so enthusiastic about books, and sharing stories with their families and teachers, was truly inspiring. We hope that the books and experiences from today will continue to spark curiosity and a love of reading long after the day has ended.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“World Book Day at Dartmouth Academy was a wonderful celebration of reading and creativity. It’s fantastic to see pupils so engaged and inspired, and to witness the whole school community coming together around books.”

Dartmouth Academy Brings Stories to Life for World Book Day 2026 Dartmouth Academy celebrated World Book Day 2026 on Thursday 5th March with a day full of excitement, imagination and a love of reading. Pupils arrived at school dressed as their favourite book characters, from unicorns and classic villains to Harry Potter favourites.  Parents and carers were welcomed into the school at the start of the day to share stories with their children. The activity highlighted the importance of reading together and demonstrated how shared reading experiences can inspire a lifelong love of books. A special highlight of the celebration was a performance by the teachers, who brought a poem in the style of Allan Ahlberg’s Please Mrs Butler to life on stage. Pupils were thrilled to see their teachers perform, combining storytelling, humour and theatrical flair to make reading fun and engaging. To conclude the day, every child went home with a free book, ensuring that the magic of World Book Day could continue at home and encouraging further reading and storytelling. Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:  “World Book Day was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate reading with our whole school community. Seeing the children so enthusiastic about books, and sharing stories with their families and teachers, was truly inspiring. We hope that the books and experiences from today will continue to spark curiosity and a love of reading long after the day has ended.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “World Book Day at Dartmouth Academy was a wonderful celebration of reading and creativity. It’s fantastic to see pupils so engaged and inspired, and to witness the whole school community coming together around books.”

Dartmouth Academy Year 8 Pupils Learn Lifesaving CPR Skills

 

Year 8 pupils at Dartmouth Academy have taken part in vital, hands‑on workshops designed to give them the confidence and skills to act in a cardiac emergency. The interactive sessions were led by Jay’s Aim, a South West charity dedicated to reducing sudden cardiac deaths among young people.

During the workshops, pupils learned how to recognise the signs of a potential cardiac arrest, call for emergency assistance, and perform basic CPR. The practical nature of the training meant that every pupil had the chance to practise these lifesaving skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Jay’s Aim was founded in memory of James (Jay) Osborne, a 28‑year‑old father who tragically passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest. In response to his loss, Jay’s family set out to make sure other young people and families are better protected. Their mission is driven by the stark statistic that around 12 people under the age of 35 die each week in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions, often with no prior symptoms.

By delivering free CPR education and installing defibrillators across the South West, Jay’s Aim is equipping communities with the knowledge and tools they need to save lives. Dartmouth Academy is proud to be part of this important work, helping empower young people with the confidence to act quickly and decisively in an emergency.

Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

“These workshops were incredibly valuable for our Year 8s. CPR is a skill that every young person should have, and the team from Jay’s Aim made the learning accessible, engaging and memorable. We are grateful for the work they do and proud of how well our pupils embraced the training.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“Equipping young people with the skills to save a life is one of the most meaningful things a school can do. We are incredibly proud of Dartmouth Academy for providing this opportunity and grateful to Jay’s Aim for their commitment to educating and empowering our communities. These pupils now have knowledge that could make an extraordinary difference in an emergency.”

Dartmouth Academy Year 8 Pupils Learn Lifesaving CPR Skills   Year 8 pupils at Dartmouth Academy have taken part in vital, hands‑on workshops designed to give them the confidence and skills to act in a cardiac emergency. The interactive sessions were led by Jay’s Aim, a South West charity dedicated to reducing sudden cardiac deaths among young people. During the workshops, pupils learned how to recognise the signs of a potential cardiac arrest, call for emergency assistance, and perform basic CPR. The practical nature of the training meant that every pupil had the chance to practise these lifesaving skills in a safe and supportive environment. Jay’s Aim was founded in memory of James (Jay) Osborne, a 28‑year‑old father who tragically passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest. In response to his loss, Jay’s family set out to make sure other young people and families are better protected. Their mission is driven by the stark statistic that around 12 people under the age of 35 die each week in the UK from undiagnosed heart conditions, often with no prior symptoms. By delivering free CPR education and installing defibrillators across the South West, Jay’s Aim is equipping communities with the knowledge and tools they need to save lives. Dartmouth Academy is proud to be part of this important work, helping empower young people with the confidence to act quickly and decisively in an emergency. Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “These workshops were incredibly valuable for our Year 8s. CPR is a skill that every young person should have, and the team from Jay’s Aim made the learning accessible, engaging and memorable. We are grateful for the work they do and proud of how well our pupils embraced the training.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Equipping young people with the skills to save a life is one of the most meaningful things a school can do. We are incredibly proud of Dartmouth Academy for providing this opportunity and grateful to Jay’s Aim for their commitment to educating and empowering our communities. These pupils now have knowledge that could make an extraordinary difference in an emergency.”

Louis Dunford’s Song Sparks Thought Provoking Art Project at Dartmouth Academy   Students at Dartmouth Academy have embarked on a powerful and thought-provoking project inspired by the music of Louis Dunford. The project began when a Year 10 teacher was introduced to Louis Dunford’s song Ballad for Benjamin by her husband. Deeply moved by the song, which pays tribute to a young victim of knife crime, she developed a classroom project exploring the themes and realities behind the music. Over recent weeks, students have learned about Benjamin’s story through the Ben Kinsella Trust, discussed the impact of knife crime in their communities, and created reflective artwork in response. Ben had ambitions to become a graphic designer and loved art, making it particularly poignant to see students expressing their reflections through creative pieces. The project ties directly into Dartmouth Academy’s art and design curriculum, which encourages pupils to develop skills across a range of media, techniques, and processes while encouraging personal expression and aesthetic judgement. Beyond technical skills, the curriculum promotes historical and cultural awareness, critical thinking, and the ability to engage in wider philosophical conversations about art. The school hopes the project will not only develop artistic skills but also encourage empathy, discussion, and awareness of the serious impact of knife crime on communities. Nicola Perrott, Assistant Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “This project has been incredibly moving for both staff and pupils. Art gives our young people the opportunity to respond personally to real-life issues, and Louis Dunford’s music inspired them to reflect, discuss, and create in a meaningful way.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Projects like this demonstrate the incredible power of art and music. We are proud of the students and staff at Dartmouth Academy for engaging with such an important topic with thoughtfulness and creativity. This is exactly the kind of learning that helps not only develop skills but also compassion.”        

Primary Pupils Find Their Voice as Dartmouth Academy Triumphs at Youth Speaks

Primary pupils from Dartmouth Academy celebrated an outstanding evening of success at the Rotary Youth Speaks competition, held at Stoke Fleming Village Hall this month. The Rotary Youth Speaks competition is designed to develop public speaking, teamwork and critical thinking skills. 

The event showcased the talent, confidence and commitment of pupils from local schools, with teams delivering researched and thought-provoking speeches on a range of topical issues. Other schools taking part included Stoke Fleming Primary School and Blackawton Primary School.

Dartmouth Academy enjoyed exceptional success on the night. The Junior 1 team, made up of Year 6 pupils Mia-Rose M, Thea C and William H, were crowned overall winners for their compelling and well-argued speech on “A Social Media Ban for Children Under 16”. Their presentation impressed judges with its clear structure, strong research and confident delivery.

The achievements continued with individual awards for the Junior 2 team. Oakley F was named Best Overall Chairperson and Sienna S received the award for Best Overall Speaker for her outstanding performance. The Junior 2 team’s speech, titled “How Useful Is AI?”, demonstrated thoughtful analysis and teamwork, with Evan C delivering an excellent Vote of Thanks.

The school would also like to thank Dartmouth Rotary Club Chairperson Robert Benns for organising and hosting the event, which continues to provide valuable opportunities for young people to develop public speaking skills. Dartmouth Academy was honoured to have Dartmouth’s Mayor, Councillor Andrea Cates, on the judging panel and is grateful to the Rotary Club for their continued support and for generously donating book token prizes to the winners.

Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said:

“We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the confidence, curiosity and ambition they demonstrated on stage. Their success reflects not only their hard work, but the emphasis we place on communication, critical thinking and giving pupils the confidence to express their ideas clearly and respectfully.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

“Congratulations to all the pupils who took part in the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. Their passion, teamwork, and ability to present complex ideas with clarity is truly inspiring. Events like this highlight the talent and potential in our schools and show just how much our young people can achieve when given the opportunity and support to shine.”

Primary Pupils Find Their Voice as Dartmouth Academy Triumphs at Youth Speaks Primary pupils from Dartmouth Academy celebrated an outstanding evening of success at the Rotary Youth Speaks competition, held at Stoke Fleming Village Hall this month. The Rotary Youth Speaks competition is designed to develop public speaking, teamwork and critical thinking skills.  The event showcased the talent, confidence and commitment of pupils from local schools, with teams delivering researched and thought-provoking speeches on a range of topical issues. Other schools taking part included Stoke Fleming Primary School and Blackawton Primary School. Dartmouth Academy enjoyed exceptional success on the night. The Junior 1 team, made up of Year 6 pupils Mia-Rose M, Thea C and William H, were crowned overall winners for their compelling and well-argued speech on “A Social Media Ban for Children Under 16”. Their presentation impressed judges with its clear structure, strong research and confident delivery. The achievements continued with individual awards for the Junior 2 team. Oakley F was named Best Overall Chairperson and Sienna S received the award for Best Overall Speaker for her outstanding performance. The Junior 2 team’s speech, titled “How Useful Is AI?”, demonstrated thoughtful analysis and teamwork, with Evan C delivering an excellent Vote of Thanks. The school would also like to thank Dartmouth Rotary Club Chairperson Robert Benns for organising and hosting the event, which continues to provide valuable opportunities for young people to develop public speaking skills. Dartmouth Academy was honoured to have Dartmouth’s Mayor, Councillor Andrea Cates, on the judging panel and is grateful to the Rotary Club for their continued support and for generously donating book token prizes to the winners. Jennifer Tierney, Primary Principal at Dartmouth Academy, said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils and the confidence, curiosity and ambition they demonstrated on stage. Their success reflects not only their hard work, but the emphasis we place on communication, critical thinking and giving pupils the confidence to express their ideas clearly and respectfully.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Congratulations to all the pupils who took part in the Rotary Youth Speaks competition. Their passion, teamwork, and ability to present complex ideas with clarity is truly inspiring. Events like this highlight the talent and potential in our schools and show just how much our young people can achieve when given the opportunity and support to shine.”