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governors’ News

Michael Saltern, Chair of the governing Board, Sir gary Streeter
MP and Ray hennessy, Deputy Principal, meeting Year 7
students, oliver, Charlotte and harriet hastings, during their visit
to the College to see the lateral Flow Testing Facility.
Pen Portrait -
Charles Thornton

Charles Thornton, MBA PhD has
worked in commercial banking and
higher education.
he currently lectures at Plymouth University and is an Associate of the london
Institute of Banking and Finance.
Previously a Parent governor, Charles is now a Co-opted governor and is a member
of the Audit and Risk Committee.
he is passionate about the value of education and believes that high quality
education should be available to all. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family
and exploring the South West countryside.

News 3

Spirited Arts - Art in heaven 2020

National Winners

Year 8 students, emily and george, have won two categories in
this year’s national Spirited Arts Competition. Together with
edward and William in Year 8 and Mia in Year 9 who were highly
commended in three categories. NATRe, who organise this
annual competition, received 65,000 entries, a record number
from the UK, as well as receiving entries from Indonesia, China
and Brazil! The competition has an impact on standards, depth,
creativity and enjoyment in Religious education for students.
emily, in Year 8 said, “I chose the category ‘god’s good earth’.
A mandala is a symbolic picture of the universe. At this time,
during the Coronavirus lockdown, my universe has been
reduced to my home and garden. I have chosen to decorate
my mandala with hundreds of small images from my garden to
represent what I have and can be grateful for. During the
creation of this artwork, I have been able to recognise the colour
and life that surrounds me. My garden has become my comfort blanket during these difficult times.”
george, also in Year 8 said, “My Art in heaven work shows peace and tranquility in a sad and difficult time.
Prior to a recent bereavement of a friend we spent some quality and peaceful time at Buckfast Abbey, where
we all prayed and found some peace in our hearts. The photos and the poem show the quietness and deep
thoughts we all had prior to her passing and allowing us the peace to carry on but always remember our final
times with her.”
gail Snodin, head of Religious education at the College, said, “I am so proud of the outstanding pieces of work
that our students have produced. They were created at home during lockdown which was the inspiration for
some of the pieces of work. Yet again Ivybridge Community College students have managed to create
thoughtful and imaginative entries which were recognised nationally."
“The whole team at NATRe were impressed with not only the quality of the artwork we received, but also the
excellent Re and deep thinking that was evident in the entries sent in
to us. We are so pleased that this competition continues to give
children and young people the opportunity to explore and express
their personal worldview, and showcase their knowledge through
creativity.”