The News at Sixth
The News at Sixth 
09/06/2010 |
Higher Education Evening |
The annual Higher Education Evening will be held on Thursday 17/6/10 in the Sixth Form Lounge from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Parents of students thinking of going on to study at university next year are invited to attend. You will be told about the application procedure and the situation surrounding student finance. All welcome. |
21/05/2010 |
Plant a planter competition |
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The terrace outside the Sixth Form Centre has been well used over the last two years, and has been just plain and functional and in serious need of some greenery. That has all been changed thanks to the Year 12 tutor groups and Elizabeth Mitchell, the College gardener. On Friday 7th May in the spring sunshine, representatives from each of the 8 tutor groups got busy planting up some trendy grey flowerpots with a range of annuals, herbaceous perennials and shrubs. They were given some guidance on how to combine the plants for the best effect but magnificent results were a tribute to the students’ green fingers. You can see the finished items in these pictures or just pop round to the back of the Sixth Form Centre to appreciate them in all their glory. |
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19/03/2010 |
Student Loans Delay |
| The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned the student loans and grants system is at “substantial” risk of being hit by delays again in 2010.
Last year, almost a quarter of a million students were left without cash prior to the start of term, as a new system resulted in delays. It is vital that students planning to go to University in September/October 2010 make their application for student finance as soon as possible. Don’t delay while waiting for details of a new student bank account or because you think you might change your mind about your university choice. Your application for finance can be amended at a later date. Apply as soon as possible.
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10/02/2010 |
English Speaking Union School’s Mace Debating Competition 2009/2010 |
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| After months of preparation the Kingsbridge Community College debate team and its loyal followers headed off to Devonport School for Boys in Plymouth for the regional first round of the ESU School’s Mace debating competition.
Debaters Esther Fraenkel and Tom Tozer formed the proposition in a debate on making organ donation compulsory. Having watched an impressive West Buckland team do away with Truro School on the matter of assassinating dictators, the Kingsbridge team sat down to face opposition in the form of Wadebridge Community College. Esther began the debate with a excellent defining of the motion and went on to deliver a measured, eloquent and powerful argument for why organ donation should be made compulsory. After their opposition set out their argument against the motion, Tom Tozer took the floor with what judges described as “the best performance of the night”. His rebuttals of the opposition’s argument were devastating and his own speech on making organ donation compulsory was forceful, compelling and near flawless. |
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| After points from the judges were collated West Buckland and Kingsbridge Community College were completely tied in first place and with only one team able to go through to the West of England round the teams awaited the judges decision with anticipation. After half an hour of deliberations the judges sent West Buckland through, much to the disappointment of the Kingsbridge team. However, through their participation in the competition, Esther and Tom have done themselves proud and both recognise the huge progress they have made as public speakers through their involvement in one of the most prestigious debating competitions in the world. Esther said, “Debating has had a really positive impact on my communication skills, both inside and outside of competitions. It has really opened doors for me and strengthened my university applications.” Tom added to this, stating, “This competition was a fantastic opportunity make a genuine impact on the world through public speaking.”
Kingsbridge Debating Society debates weekly in the sixth form centre, deciding its own motions and inviting involvement in debates from experienced speakers and absolute beginners alike. For more information about debating and public speaking see or contact Mr Randall. |
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08/02/2010 |
Audience questioning prospective Westminster candidates |
As the General Election looms large, six prospective candidates from political parties large, small and none at all are preparing to be grilled by new young voters from local schools. The six politicians have agreed to tackle questions from Yr13 pupils at schools in Totnes, Kingsbridge and Churston in a special Young Voters Hustings to be held at the King Edward VI Community College in Totnes on Wednesday March 3rd. It will be the first time all the candidates are seen together debating current issues. With the retirement of Conservative MP Anthony Steen after 27 years, there’s a guarantee of a new face to represent the constituency at Westminster, and after a volatile political year every candidate thinks their chances will be enhanced. An enthusiastic response from students eager to challenge a future MP has produced a panel of three young people who will lead the questioning on the stage in a head-to head with the six prospective candidates, Conservative Sarah Wollaston, the Green Party’s Lydia Somerville, Independent Simon Drew, Labour’s Carole Whitty, Liberal Democrat Julian Brazil and for UKIP, Jeff Beer. Hundreds of local pupils have been canvassed for their concerns. With the help of senior teaching staff the panel of young students has distilled all the views to produce questions to challenge the politicians on the night. Keeping order will be the chairman, Chris Rogers, former Political Editor of BBC South West and a veteran presenter of political programmes on both BBC and ITV. This offer is open to Year 12 and Year 13 students. See Rosemary for details DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY |