Enjoy the show!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Wadebridge Primary Academy.

This year's Christmas performance at Harrowbarrow Primary was magical. Our children lit up the stage with their talent, confidence, and passion, delivering a show that left everyone beaming with pride.

From the heartfelt singing to the excellent acting and stunning costumes, everything reflected the hard work, joy and creativity that make our school community what it is. What a wonderful way to end our term and celebrate the festive season.

Everyone at Harrowbarrow Primary would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year.

Blisland Primary was filled with festive cheer recently as pupils took to the stage for this year's nativity performance. Families and friends were treated to a truly magical performance.

The event began with a heartwarming film, featuring clips of the children sharing their favourite parts of Christmas. Their smiles and thoughtful answers set the perfect tone for what was to come.

The Big Little Nativity, was packed with humour, catchy songs, and plenty of festive spirit. The children's acting was outstanding, bringing the story to life in a way that had the audience laughing and clapping along. One of the highlights was the appearance of a talking donkey, which added a fun twist to the traditional tale. And, of course, we can't forget Mr Smith's memorable cameo as a Christmas tree - a moment that had everyone smiling!

After the nativity, the children showcased their musical talents by performing Jingle Bells using hand bells. It was a beautiful way to round off the evening and demonstrated just how much effort and practice had gone into every part of the performance. The evening concluded with a raffle, which was a huge success. Thanks to the generosity of our community, Blisland Primary raised an incredible 700 pounds! This will go a long way in supporting future school activities and resources.

A massive thank you goes to all the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event possible. From rehearsals to costumes, music, and organisation, your dedication ensured that the children could shine on stage and create memories that will last a lifetime. From everyone at Blisland Primary we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

This week, Tregeagle Class at Polruan Primary had the wonderful opportunity to take part in a special community event that truly marked the beginning of our Christmas celebrations. The children were invited to sing at the Community Lunch in the Village Hall, an occasion that always brings together residents, families, and friends. Our pupils sang beautifully, filling the hall with festive cheer and bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who attended.

Back at school, we continued the celebrations with our much-anticipated Christmas lunch and invited everyone to wear their favourite Christmas jumpers. The school was awash with colour and festive designs. As part of the fun, pupils also brought in donations of chocolate for our ever-popular Chocolate Tombola!

Our Christmas Performances were a triumph. The children worked incredibly hard in the lead-up to these productions, learning lines, practising songs, and growing in confidence each day. The support from families and the wider community was wonderful with warm applause. Moments like these remind us how fortunate we are to have such a supportive school community that celebrates the achievements and creativity of our children.

As we look ahead, the excitement certainly isn't slowing down! This week promises to be action-packed too. It has been a wonderful start to the festive season at Polruan Primary, and we look forward to making even more joyful memories in the final days to come of this term.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone at Polruan Primary.

This years Reindeer Run for St Lukes Hospice was once again a great success. Excited children, wore their proudly crafted antlers, which really set the mood!

This event was both fun and meaningful. A representative from St Lukes Hospice expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generous funds raised. Every penny will go directly towards supporting the incredible work the hospice does for families in need.

The whole school also recently enjoyed a truly memorable time ice-skating at the Eden Project. For many children it was their first time on the ice, and there were plenty of smiles, laughter, and a few wobbles as everyone gave it a try!

Staff and students alike enjoyed the chance to skate together, making the experience even more special.

A huge thank-you to our generous community for the donation that made this visit not only possible but completely free for all our pupils. Your support helps us create enriching experiences that our children will remember for years to come.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year from everyone at Darite Primary.

The children and staff at St Cleer wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

As preparations begin for Christmas at Brunel Primary a real highlight for the children has been working with parents and grandparents to sew their Christmas stockings.

The children absolutely loved this special activity, and it was heart-warming to see families sharing skills and moments together.  Whether they were helping with threading needles, tying knots or guiding little hands to learn new skills the children and staff were extremely grateful to those who were able to join in with this festive activity.

Your support made the experience truly meaningful.  The stockings are looking absolutely wonderful and the children are so proud of their creations!

Every so often, a musical moment comes along that captures pure innocence, unity, and joy. A small group of children from Looe Primary Academy have come together to share their touching rendition of "Somewhere Only We Know".

The song, which rose to festive fame after becoming a beloved Christmas hit, has a way of stirring nostalgia and warmth. This performance is a reminder of what the Christmas spirit is truly about: connection, joy, and finding 'somewhere only we know' in the moments we create and share together.  Sending Christmas Wishes from everyone at Looe Primary Academy.

The festive season is well underway at Polperro Primary, where children have been busy preparing for a magical event in their local community calendar the Polperro Christmas Festival. On the 6th of December, the school will proudly showcase a stunning display of hand-crafted lanterns created by their talented pupils.

In the days leading up to the parade, classes have been hard at work, using a variety of materials to create their glowing works of art. From simple paper lanterns to intricate designs, each one reflects the creativity and holiday spirit of the children. The parade promises to be a beautiful sight, with the glowing lanterns lighting up the winter evening as they wind their way through the town.

The lantern-making process has not only been a fun and engaging way for the children to express their creativity but also a fantastic opportunity for them to work together in teams, learning new skills and embracing the holiday seasons sense of community.

The Polperro Christmas Festival starts at 11am with the Lantern Parade departing from the Village Hall at 4:45pm followed by the Christmas light switch on at 6pm. Its sure to be a heartwarming event that marks the beginning of a wonderful Christmas season.    Wishing you a Merry Christmas from everyone at Polperro Primary Academy.

Dear Parents and carers,

As we approach the end of our first half term, its heartening to reflect on the incredible opportunities our children have already had at the start of this academic year.  

From engaging in academic pursuits to celebrating meaningful events, it has been a period of growth, learning, and community spirit. Children have had the chance to dive deep into their learning - whether in English, maths, or wider curriculum subjects they have been broadening their horizons helping to foster both academic and personal growth. Some have enjoyed enriching experiences like residential trips, where they've built lasting memories with peers while developing skills in resilience, teamwork, and independence. Others participating in a range of fun and educational activities expressing their creativity.

Schools have held Harvest Celebrations where children have come together as a community to give back. Generous food donations were made to support local food banks, teaching our children the importance of compassion and helping those in need. Its always inspiring to see the children engage with causes like this, understanding how their small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on others.

Recognising World Mental Health Day provided a platform for the children to have the space to express their emotions and understand their feelings. Pupils shared what makes them happy, joined in group activities, and had meaningful conversations about well-being. By opening up about what brings joy and acknowledging the importance of mental health, our schools continue to create an environment to help children understand, recognise, and express their feelings effectively which is vital for their well-being and success both in school and beyond. There are so many memorable events that have taken place across our schools over the last seven weeks, but here are just a few to share with you.

Polperro host Orwell Exhibition

There was a fantastic turnout for the Orwell Exhibition with people attending from around the world and many of last year's year 6 pupils. Visiting Orwell Society members were hugely impressed with the children's ability to speak so eloquently and passionately about their work. Quentin Kopp, Chair of the Orwell Society, said that it was great to see the support of pupils and parents present and hear the excited conversation echoing around the hall. He described the work of the pupils as outstanding. Orwell's son, Richard Blair, who attended the exhibition, presented the school with a plaque which commemorates George Orwell's time at Barnhill on the Isle of Jura, where he completed his famous novel 1984. The plaque will be put in the library along with the children's wonderful artwork from the project.

Ben Maguire MP visits Wadebridge Primary

This week, Wadebridge were delighted to welcome our local MP, Ben Maguire, to school. Year 6 House Captains did a fantastic job of leading a guided tour of the school, showing him the wonderful learning that takes place across all year groups. Afterwards, the School Council met with Ben and his assistants for a question-and-answer session. The children were fascinated to hear what daily life is like as a Member of Parliament and to learn more about working in the House of Commons. They were especially excited to discover that Ben has met both Sir Keir Starmer and the King! During the discussion, Ben shared the children's passion for tackling pollution in our rivers and seas, and their commitment to fighting discrimination. The visit also provided a valuable opportunity to discuss wider educational and community challenges and how we can continue to work together to find positive solutions.

St Cleer Primary welcome 'The Poet with Punch'

Funded by the school's PTFA Matt Windle - the poet with punch, visited St Cleer Primary to work with KS2. Matt a former Olympic athlete and poet laureate in Birmingham explored the theme 'What I want to be... in all senses of the phrase and helped create poetry with the children and staff around this theme.

Music Maestros at Brunel Primary

Brunel Primary hosted a musical extravaganza which was attended by representatives from 10 different schools, including their Y5 pupils. Ages ranged from Y5-Y13 and the event was staged by The Gabriel Explore Vocal workshop. Only two schools in Cornwall were chosen to host, with a view to performing in Truro Cathedral next year. The children and staff were thrilled to take part. 

As we close this first half term, we are very proud of what our children have achieved so far, and excited to continue supporting their growth, both academically and emotionally, in the terms ahead.

Last day of term is Thursday 23rd October as we have an INSET on Friday 24th where schools will be closed. Schools reopen for children to return on Monday 3rd November where the build up to Christmas festivities begin.

I would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you all a relaxing half term break.

With all good wishes,

Adrian Massey and everyone in Bridge Schools 

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you are well and enjoyed the summer break with some of the sunniest weather we have had in years.

We welcome new children, parents and members of staff across our schools this September.

Staff have been in school over the holidays busily preparing for the beginning of the Autumn Term. Lots of our schools have had building work completed to enhance the provision in schools. Staff at Looe have also had to contend with some flooding across the playground which hampered progress for the start of term, all cleared now, thankfully.

Everyone had a successful INSET day on Wednesday to complete mandatory training and to continue to prepare for the return of the children.

There has been a lot of media coverage about the expense of school uniform. I hope all our parent community can see we keep costs to an absolute minimum, and all schools have second hand uniform available. Thank you to all our parents and carers for ensuring the children have returned to school looking so smart; with only two days for the children this week, we hope the uniform stays clean, and the children have looked after their new shoes.

Premises

It was a busy summer for the premises team and contractors to work through maintenance schedules in the school buildings, upgrading facilities across school sites. There was a big project at Brunel this summer to move the reception classes into the main building we hope parents are as impressed as the staff with the improved provision there.

Home School Agreement/Parental Consents

As in previous years it is very important that we hold the most up-to-date information on our school systems, so please can you take some time to log into your Arbor Parent Portal/App over the next couple of days to check both your own and your childs data, amending where necessary ensuring you have details of at least two contacts on your file in case of an emergency.  All changes you make will automatically update the school. Once logged in you will notice that the 2025/26 Home School Agreement has been uploaded. Consents are to be completed for every child to enable them to have photos taken, watch PG films, attend local sporting events and access approved learning platforms etc.  Please be aware that without consent your child will unfortunately not be able to participate in certain activities.

If you do not currently use the Arbor Parent Portal/App and would like to, please contact the School Office who will arrange login details to be sent to you.  However, if you dont have internet access available to you, the School Office can arrange for a paper version to be sent out for your completion. Please note, where we do not receive a response the system entry will automatically show as a NO CONSENT' until confirmed consent is received. If you have any queries regarding the Home School Agreement/Parental Consents, please dont hesitate to contact the School Office.

Thank you for your continued support as the Autumn Term begins, we have enjoyed welcoming the children back to school this week. We look forward to a successful first half term.

With all good wishes,

Adrian Massey and everyone in Bridge Schools

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the final few days of the Summer Term, I would like to extend my thanks for your continued support throughout the year.  Whether its helping your children to be prepared for school, ensuring they attend regularly, or supporting our many school activities, your efforts are appreciated. It all helps our schools to run smoothly.

Celebrating Success: Ofsted Inspections

It has been another full academic year. We are thrilled to report, six of our schools received positive Ofsted inspections, including a monitoring visit at Harrowbarrow, which joined the Trust last September. The following schools retained their GOOD ratings:

• Lanlivery
• Looe
• Darite
• Polperro
• Copper Valley Infant and Nursery
• We are especially proud of Polruan moving to a secure GOOD in January.

We have a dedicated staff team who have worked hard over the year to give your children the best opportunities they can. We also regularly receive positive comments regarding the conduct of the children during school visits a true credit to you as parents and carers and a positive reflection on Bridge Schools.

Pupil Progress and Assessments

This years formal assessments - EYFS, Year 1 Phonics Check, Year 2, Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check, and Year 6 SATs - indicate that children across the Trust are making expected progress. We can always improve but overall, we are pleased. We remain committed to helping every child to improve their performance.

Parent Survey

Thank you to everyone who completed the summer parent questionnaire. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us identify areas for further improvement.  Results have been shared with all school heads and if you have requested a follow-up response, heads are working through these with the aim to complete by the end of next week.

Investment in IT

Over the past year, we have significantly upgraded our IT infrastructure and hardware, particularly iPad provision. Small schools now benefit from 1:1 iPad devices, and larger schools from 1:2, which helps the children with their learning opportunities.

On Friday 6th June, our Trust-wide INSET day focused on digital learning practices. Staff were introduced to Showbie, a powerful platform designed to streamline learning, feedback, and collaboration. This enables children to record videos of their understanding and to replay feedback from staff to help them to iron out any misunderstanding in learning new concepts. Training will continue next term to deepen their understanding to enhance engagement and to further improve outcomes. 

This initiative marks an exciting step forward in our ongoing commitment to harnessing technology to support high-quality teaching and learning across the Trust.

SEN

You will have seen in the media the escalating financial issues around supporting children with SEN (Special Educational Needs). The government has inherited a broken system for which they are considering some more radical solutions such as removing EHCPs (Educational Health Care Plans). Whatever the outcome of the review, we will continue to support all children within the resources we have available. Many children have individual need but dont have an EHCP, we still help them with their achievement. Please try not to become anxious about change, we will find a way to make the system work.

Collaborations

The children were able to enjoy several events over the year, meeting other children from within the Trust, where our schools came together to compete in a variety of sporting activities. A Trust Football Festival in the autumn term, followed by a Dodgeball Shoot Out in February, and Alternative Sports Day in April and most recently all the children enjoyed their Wimbledon themed Bridge Schools Games. Staff go above and beyond to make these events happen and give your children additional opportunities, we are grateful to everyone involved. Again, the children modelled excellent behaviour.

This summer Polperro Primary received exciting news that they had been named one of just two recipients of the prestigious Orwell Society School Award for 2024 - 2025. This exceptional recognition celebrates a creative and thoughtful educational project inspired by George Orwells deep love of nature - an interest that took root during his childhood holidays in Polperro.

Led by Headteacher Anthea Hillman, and a wonderfully dedicated team, the school launched a nature-focused initiative that brought Orwells passion for the natural world to life in extraordinary ways for the children.Click here to read more about this exciting project. We are incredibly proud of Polperro Primarys achievement.  Congratulations to everyone involved.

Farewells and Best Wishes

Year 6 Class of 25

To our Year 6 pupils, we really hope your final year in primary school has been memorable and enriching. We hope you have learned all you need; we wish you all the very best as you move on to secondary school.  Keep striving and remember your time with us fondly.

We also say goodbye to staff members leaving at the end of this term and wish them every success in their future endeavours.

Team

We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated team of staff across Bridge Schools. Their commitment to provide the very best opportunities for your children is extraordinary. I would like to thank them for their dedication and enthusiasm to achieve great things for all the children in our schools. Governors, trustees and members have also given a great deal of time voluntarily again this year, providing challenge and support. My thanks also go to them. And finally, my greatest accolades as ever go to the children. They have navigated their way through another academic year, with resilience and energy, showing their creativity in their ability to succeed. 

Term Dates

Please note: 

• The summer term ends on Tuesday 22nd July (INSET Day: Wednesday 23rd July)
• Whole Trust INSET Day: Wednesday 3rd September (Autumn term begins: Thursday 4th September)

In the meantime, I hope that you have enjoyed the school summer events over the last few weeks and thank you for your continued support. Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable summer break. We look forward to welcoming the children back to school on Thursday 4th September.

With all good wishes,

Adrian Massey and everyone at Bridge Schools.

Please some resources within this link that may be useful to you over the summer break

We are incredibly proud to announce that Polperro Primary Academy has been named one of just two recipients of the prestigious Orwell Society School Award for 20242025. This exceptional recognition celebrates a creative and thoughtful educational project inspired by George Orwells deep love of nature - an interest that took root during his childhood holidays in Polperro.

Led by Headteacher Anthea Hillman, with the support of Trust Academy colleague Dani May and a wonderfully dedicated team, the school launched a nature-focused initiative that brought Orwells passion for the natural world to life in extraordinary ways for their children.

In Orwells Footsteps

George Orwells connection to Polperro is not only personal but also profoundly tied to his early encounters with the natural world. Drawing on this inspiration, the Polperro team designed a project that immersed the children in the flora, fauna, and landscapes that once inspired one of Britains greatest writers.

Through a special link with Bodmin Airfield, the children studied the vibrant wildflower meadows that spread across the sites grasslands. Visits and talks from the National Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust brought to life the regions lesser-known ecological gems - including a rare temperate rainforest, a surviving fragment of an ancient landscape that once covered much of Cornwall.

Far more than just classroom learning, this project took the children out into nature - exploring the Cornish countryside and coastline, following in Orwells footsteps, and preparing for an exciting upcoming visit to the rainforest, where they will also take part in tree planting efforts.

Creating Orwells Found Nature Sketchbook

One of the most imaginative aspects of the project has been the creation of a unique, collaborative art and writing piece - a nature sketchbook designed to appear as if it once belonged to Orwell himself.

Working with local artist Sean Hewitt, children from Years 4 to 6 contributed beautifully detailed drawings and notes about the insects, plants, and animals they observed on their nature walks. Each child drew half a page that, when combined with a partners, formed a cohesive full-page spread - teaching collaboration as well as precision.

The twist? This sketchbook is presented as a recently discovered relic, as if left behind by Orwell during one of his cliffside rambles. To achieve this effect, pupils used tea-staining techniques and digital aging tools to give the book an authentic early-1900s look and feel.

Language, Learning and Environmental Stewardship

This cross-curricular project hasn't just encouraged artistic creativity - it's significantly deepened the children's scientific vocabulary, including Latin names for species, and empowered them to write evocative descriptions of the natural world. Anthea and Dani, who are both passionate about the English language and the environment, have led writing workshops that helped the children craft beautiful, thoughtful reflections - pieces that now appear throughout the fictional found notebook.

Under the guidance of poet Sally Crabtree, children also created cinquains - five-line, unrhymed poems - expressing their appreciation of the environment with newly acquired vocabulary and poetic skill.

Through this multi-faceted approach, the project has promoted teamwork, IT skills, creativity, and a joyful sense of discovery, all while reinforcing a vital message about conservation and care for the natural world.

Looking Ahead: An Exhibition and a Special Visit

As a celebration of the pupils achievements, Polperro Primary Academy will host a special exhibition in October, welcoming members of the Orwell Society - including George Orwell's son, Richard Blair. The children will proudly present their work, sharing the knowledge, insight and artistic creations that this exceptional project has helped them develop.

Headteacher Anthea Hillman said "The Orwell Polperro Project has been a truly enriching experience for our children. It has deepened their understanding and appreciation of their unique local environment, while expanding their scientific vocabulary, artistic skills, and writing skills. The project has also fostered a stronger awareness of conservation and the importance of protecting our natural heritage. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the Orwell Society to Polperro in October, where the children will proudly share their work in a special exhibition which will be attended by Orwell's son, Richard Blair."

We couldn't be more proud of our young explorers, artists, and writers - and of the inspirational team that made this unforgettable journey possible.  Well done everyone!

On Friday the 6th of June, our Trust held a dedicated INSET day focused on enhancing digital learning practices.  As part of the day's professional development, staff were introduced to Showbie, a powerful platform designed to streamline classroom workflows.

Throughout the session, teachers explored how Showbie can support both them and pupils in three key areas: organising learning materials, fostering meaningful collaboration and providing timely, effective feedback.  The platform's intuitive tools and user-friendly interface were well received, with many staff members recognising its potential to enhance engagement and improve outcomes across the curriculum.

To ensure continued support and confidence in using the platform, further training session have been planned for the coming months.  These sessions will provide staff with opportunities to deepen their understanding, share best practices, and integrate Showbie more effectively into their day to day teaching.

This initiative marks an exciting step forward in our ongoing commitment to harnessing technology to support high-quality teaching and learning across the Trust.

We are very pleased to share the positive outcome of our Ofsted inspection on 25th March.  

The report highlights "Positive, caring relationships lie at the heart of the school."

"The school has designed a curriculum that is broad and ambitious."  

"The personal development of pupils is a strength of the school. Pupils learn about healthy lifestyles and relationships. They benefit from rich experiences that bring learning to life."

"The trust and governing body offer an effective balance of challenge and support to school leaders. Staff feel happy and proud to work at the school."

Anthea Hillman, Headteacher said: 'We are incredibly proud that Ofsted has recognised the warmth, ambition, and sense of community that define our school. From our youngest children in Nursery to our oldest pupils taking on leadership roles, every child is supported to thrive both academically and personally. This report is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the positive relationships we foster, and the joy our pupils find in learning, friendship, and school life.'

A heartfelt thank you to our staff, pupils, governors, parents and carers your continued support made this achievement possible.

Well done everyone!

We are thrilled to share the positive outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection on the 1st and 2nd of April at Copper Valley Infant and Nursery Academy.  The report reflects the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our entire school community.

The report shares that Pupils at Copper Valley Infant and Nursery Academy are vibrant, confident and happy individuals. They flourish in the nurturing and respectful culture of the school.

Parents and carers praise the school for the impact it has on their children. 'Amazing school and proud to have my children part of it' is a comment that sums up the views of many.

Working together, trust and school leaders have created an ambitious curriculum. It organises pupils' learning so that they build a rich body of knowledge, across different subjects, as they move through the school.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They adapt their teaching effectively to meet pupils needs.

Those responsible for governance know the school exceptionally well. Staff embrace the development opportunities and collaborative working that the school and the trust provide to them. 

Lynn Cox, Headteacher said:  'I am delighted that the inspector recognised the dedication and commitment of all staff which has resulted in the caring, respectful ethos of the school. It was wonderful to see how confidently the children interacted with the inspector. In the feedback she expressed that she kept forgetting that the children were in an infant school as they were so articulate!

This wonderful report is testament to the support of the Trust and the fantastic team at Copper Valley Infant and Nursery Academy, which I am so proud to lead.'

A huge thank you to our amazing staff, supportive parents and of course, our fantastic pupils.  Your continued effort and encouragement are what make Copper Valley Infant and Nursery Academy such a special place.

Together, we've achieved another result to be proud of!

To view the full report please visit the school website.

Good Luck to Our Y6 Children Taking SATs Next Week!

As SATs week approaches, we want to take a moment to wish all our Year 6 children the very best of luck. You've worked incredibly hard, and we are so proud of your determination and progress.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the parents and carers for your ongoing support, encouragement, and care during this important time.

Your role in helping your children feel prepared and confident is so important.

Let's all work together to make next week a positive and successful experience for our children!

On Saturday the 3rd of May, the Darite Marine Marvels from Darite Primary Academy, competed against 67 other teams at the national finals in Harrogate.

The team of pupils were delighted to be placed 8th which is a remarkable achievement for all involved.   

Well, done to everyone, we are very proud of you all and thank you to those who kindly sponsored the team making this adventure possible once again.

To read the full story and see pictures from the day's events click here and scroll down to view Heads blog.

On Thursday 13th of March, the team of Year 5 and 6 pupils from Darite Primary Academy the Darite Marine Marvels- were crowned champions in the First Lego League Robot Performance at RNAS Culdrose for the fourth year running!

The team of 7 children competed against 24 other primary schools on the second day of the two-day competition. This years theme was "Submerged". 

The day included the children having to invent, develop and present an "Innovation Project" that would support the research of scientists studying oceanography. The team contacted scientists at NOAA in America and the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth. After an amazing Q and A with Professor David Sims and Dr Freya Womersely at the MBA, during which they learned about the cutting-edge research being done in Plymouth, the team decided to look at ways they could support the MBA team with extending battery life in the tags. This is one of the many challenges facing Professor Sims and his team as they explained. The MBA team are using tags to track shark species including whale sharks - the data from which, support research in climate change and human impact on the oceans.  The children chose to look at how batteries in the tags could be recharged, extending the life of the tag, gathering more data and allow scientists to make tags smaller to track juvenile sharks. The team discussed several ideas such as solar panels on tags until they settled on adapting hydroelectric turbines into miniature impellors that could be attached to tags. The judges on the day were very impressed with their ideas and display of teamwork.

Along with this aspect of the competition, there was a science show, interactive exhibits such as electric art, rocket making and coding. The Navy personnel were only too happy to help, and the children were very impressed with the drones on display.

The second aspect of the competition was the Robot Game.  This was a coding competition - the participants had to build and code a robot from a set number of Lego pieces to move around a mat, interacting with Lego obstacles and scoring points. The children had all shown incredible amounts of dedication, voluntarily going in for extra practice sessions at lunchtimes and after school.

The team took part in 3 rounds setting the bar high in the first round with an amazing score of 265 points. In the final round of the day, another team managed to beat this with 280 points, but the Darite Marine Marvels didn't let that put them off, working amazingly as a team to run the codes. With crowds gathering to watch their last run, you could cut the tension with a knife!  Scoring a huge total of 310 points the team from Darite Primary were very proud to win the coding phase of the competition and were awarded the trophy for the Robot Performance for the fourth time in a row!

There was very strong competition over the two days with more than 50 teams competing. The Darite Marine Marvels- were awarded the highest placed runners-up and as such, we are really proud to announce that the the team will be attending the National Finals in Harrogate for the second year in a row! We are also proud of Harrowbarrow Primary who attended the event on the Wednesday and won the Judges Award for good effort and positivity.  Thanks to the team at the MBA (www.mba.ac.uk), Cornwall Council and RNAS Culdrose for their support in making the project a great success. 

Congratulations to the Darite Marine Marvels and Darite Primary Academy.  Good luck for the National Finals.  

Trenode CofE Primary Academy climb aboard their new wooden play tractor which has been made by the very kind hands of Looe Shedders, a charitable organisation aimed at benefitting the community and tackling isolation.

One child commented that it was better than a normal tractor, and another said how they loved the name Tracky 1. Once on board the tractor the childrens imagination flowed, journeying to Hawaii and Europe, picking up invisible fast food on the way.

Head teacher Beth Pike said the creation was amazing and thinks the school is really lucky to have a community that is able to create something as wonderful as this. She commented on how a community made piece was so much more special that just buying a piece of play equipment from a catalogue.

Beth said, Our children are going to absolutely love it! and from the picture above they certainly look like they do.

Thank you to The Looe Shedders for your wonderful contribution to Trenode CofE Primary Academy, it will be enjoyed for many years to come.

The week after Darite's Ofsted visit, Polruan Primary received their Ofsted call and welcomed inspectors to the school on 21st and 22nd January. Since Polruan's previous report they have continued to work hard to demonstrate that they have always been a good school.

It is with great elation that we can now officially confirm that Polruan Primary has awarded Good across all 4 areas of inspection The quality of education; Behaviour and attitudes; Personal development; Leadership and management.

The report confirms pupils are happy and proud to be members of this small, friendly school.  Inspectors recognised that the school has a curriculum that is broad and ambitious. Across subjects, important knowledge, skills and vocabulary are clearly identified from Reception to Year 6. Teachers present new concepts in clear and engaging ways that build on prior learning.

Within the report it confirms that the school has effective systems for identifying the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. These pupils are suitably supported so that they learn alongside their peers and achieve well. Classrooms are calm and purposeful, which helps pupils to focus on their learning.

It was also highlighted that the trust and school work together effectively to raise standards. Trust staff and the hub governors challenge and support leaders effectively.   Staff say that leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being.

Congratulations to the children, staff and wider community who have all contributed to gain this well-deserved recognition. We are very proud of everyone at Polruan Primary Academy.

To view the full report please visit the school website.

Following an Ofsted visit to Darite Primary Academy on 14th January we are very pleased to announce that the school remains a Good school and the Ofsted report confirms Darite Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.

The report continues to highlight that the school has high expectations for pupils achievements. Pupils meet these expectations and are successful in their learning.  Staff are well trained to identify and support the small number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities effectively. These pupils have clear targets that are regularly reviewed.

Pupils learn to read through the effective delivery of the schools chosen phonics programme and enjoy visiting the school library, which has a rich range of fiction and non-fiction texts.

Staff feel well supported by the school and the trust, and enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from other schools within the trust.The school is always looking for ways to continue to improve and to ensure that all children start their learning at the right place to make sure that progress is as good as it can be, areas of the curriculum are already being adapted to support this.  In addition, the school is working hard to improve pupil attendance minimising the impact pupil absence has on progress and outcomes.

We are very proud of the children, staff and wider community who all contribute to maintaining the expected high standards at Darite, and thank you for your continued support.

On February 14th we held an INSET day at Wadebridge Primary for all Teachers within the Trust.  The day offered a timetable of Health and Wellbeing workshops and webinar training, heavily supported by Schools UK with their partners Sonder and Sparta Health, Healthy Cornwall and our very own Trust Subject Leads. The sessions were very well received by all and it was good to see everyone fully engaged in the wide range of topics available to them throughout the day, making it a really positive end to the half term.