Maximising opportunities and increasing life chances

The curriculum at Newton Abbot College extends beyond the academic and vocational to provide students with a broader development as we aim to maximise the opportunities and experiences every student has in their time with us.

Enrichment opportunities

We firmly believe in developing students’ confidence, resilience and independence and in developing their strength of character.  Our expectation is therefore for all students to participate in at least one enrichment cub.  There are a vast array of clubs that are offered at both breaks, after college and outside of the normal college day.  These opportunities allow our students to develop and nurture their talents and interests in, for example,  the Arts, different sports, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Ten Tors, wellbeing, our college council and subject based clubs.  Click here for our most current Enrichment programme.

Character development

Newton Abbot College’s curriculum has been designed to enhance students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Our college values and how we support developing our students’ characters is what we believe supports our students to have the best educational experience possible.  Students are taught personal, social, health and economic education, and relationships and sex education.  This is most clearly defined through ourReligious Studies and Values curriculums and through tutor time.

All subject areas, however, contribute to the character development of our students and preparing them for life in modern Britain.  Students will develop their understanding of the fundamental British values of democracy and the rule of law.   The college promotes equality of opportunity and diversity. Students are taught to  respect differences in our community and in the world and its people, celebrating the things we share in common across cultural, religious, ethnic and socio-economic communities.  Subjects also integrate the protected characteristics into their curriculum to support educating students that no forms of discrimination are tolerated.

Tutor time and assemblies

Every student is in a tutor group, which are all in the same year.  This allows us to deliver age-appropriate content through assemblies and tutor time.  Assemblies support our culture of kindness and respect built on high expectations.  Many are aligned with national and international events, as well as regularly addressing matters relevant to them and respond to the current and relevant matters.  Students also have a safeguarding assembly each half term.

Charity

In order to provide meaningful opportunities to understand how to be responsible, respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to society, the college has an annual charity.  This is chosen by students, is typically locally based and all students are expected and encouraged to participate.  The college is exceptionally proud of the £10 000 annual target that we more often than not exceed.  For more information on our charity fundraising please click here.

Careers

Newton Abbot College has been awarded Investors in Careers.  Working closely with Careers South West, we continue to provide a comprehensive careers provision, which supports students for their next phase of education, training or employment. This is very much about the Gatsby Benchmarks.  Students are presented with a range of experiences from speakers, visitors, talks, university and workplace visits, as well as year 10 and year 12 work experience placements, throughout their time at the college. For more information, please click here.