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  • Family Welcome Letter 30.08.24

    Published 03/09/24

    Please click below to access the letter, or here to download a PDF. 

     

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  • The Ground Crew Wins Highly Commended – Teamwork at Ted Wragg Innovation Competition

    Published 05/07/24

    The Ted Wragg Innovation Competition, an annual event that brings together schools from across Devon, Plymouth, and Exeter, saw remarkable ingenuity and dedication from its participants this year. Among the standout achievements was our Matford Brook Academy team, The Ground Crew, who received the Highly Commended – Teamwork award with an impressive perfect score of 30 out of 30 for their teamwork whilst working on their project involving the creation of an environmentally sustainable airport.

    Teamwork and Innovative Design

    Judges lauded The Ground Crew for their exceptional team collaboration, noting the great details they provided on how they worked together. The team demonstrated brilliant insights on leveraging individual strengths, resulting in an effective team structure, clearly defined roles, and innovative working methods. This high level of organisation and mutual support was key to their success in the competition.

    The Competition Framework

    Held at the Exeter College Future Skills Centre, the competition was a collaboration between Exeter College and the South West Green Construction Advisory Panel (GCAP). This year, the themes focused on green living and home decarbonisation, as well as the creation of new, sustainable infrastructure such as airports or college campuses. Sponsored by NOCN and Willmott Dixon, the event aimed to foster creativity and problem-solving among students from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4.

    Participants engaged in learning about sustainable lifestyle choices and actions to reduce carbon emissions. They integrated environmental, social, and economic considerations into their planning, design, construction, and operational phases. These efforts were supported by masterclasses from the sponsors, providing a comprehensive educational experience.

    Event Highlights

    The competition concluded with a celebration event attended by 16 teams from 15 schools. The day featured the opening of an exhibition showcasing students' work, keynote speeches, and five-minute presentations from each team, followed by Q&A sessions with the judges. After a networking lunch, the event culminated in the awards ceremony and prize-giving presentation.

    Encouraging Innovation and Problem-Solving

    The Ted Wragg Innovation Competition aims to discover and nurture students with a talent for solving complex problems through innovative means. Participants were tasked with researching and developing creative solutions to pressing environmental issues, with a focus on using technology to improve the world.

    To assist the teams, industry sector experts conducted live virtual discussions and masterclasses before the competition. These sessions provided valuable industry insights and guidance, helping students refine their ideas and concepts into robust proposals.

    Judging Criteria and Expert Panel

    The judging panel, composed of industry experts from the technology sector, evaluated the teams based on their understanding of the criteria and the development of their final proposals. The Ground Crew’s project on an environmentally sustainable airport stood out, reflecting a comprehensive grasp of sustainability principles and excellent teamwork.

    Cecilia Golborne, Associate Teacher at Matford Brook Academy who supported this year’s team said, “The Ground Crew's victory in the Teamwork category at the Ted Wragg Innovation Competition underscores the importance of collaboration, innovative thinking, and sustainability in tackling today’s challenges. Their success serves as an inspiration to other students and highlights the potential of young minds to contribute to a greener future.”

     

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  • Students Design Innovative Airport for West Midlands

    Published 28/06/24

    A team of talented pupils from our school have taken on the ambitious task of designing a new airport for the West Midlands. Under the team name "The Ground Crew," these young innovators have combined their unique strengths to develop a cutting-edge project that showcases their creativity and collaborative skills.

    Meet The Ground Crew

    • Ahmi (Team Leader)
    • Holly-Rose (Project Manager)
    • Mia-Rose (Communications, Research, and Impact Lead)
    • Tommy Hutchings (Design Lead)

    The team has engaged in weekly meetings, substituting their usual Wednesday afternoon "Discovery" sessions to focus on this project. Ahmi, the team leader, even visited Exeter Airport and met with staff from Aviation South West to gain first-hand insights into airport operations and design.

    Innovative Learning and Engagement

    To accommodate time constraints and school commitments, the team disseminated masterclasses to their parents for engagement at home. This approach ensured that the students could fully immerse themselves in the project without compromising their regular studies.

    Testimonials and Praise

    Cecilia Golborne, Associate Teacher at MBA, expressed her admiration for the team's dedication and achievements:

    "It has been an absolute delight to work with these four talented and able individuals across the last few weeks to assemble an ambitious and challenging project which incorporates novel, high-level concepts into their existing curricular knowledge. This competition has presented a fantastic opportunity for these pupils to represent Matford Brook Academy in showcasing key principles in the research, design, and delivery of an international airport in the UK. They have collaborated their unique strengths and abilities as a strong team of four, progressing excellent ideas into an inspiring model for future innovative and sustainable airport design. I am incredibly proud of their achievements, initiative, and their enthusiasm for learning. They have developed myriad transferable skills which will, no doubt, pave the way in support of their future endeavours."

    Hannah Rose, Acting Headteacher of MBA, also praised the students:

    "Now more than ever, it's important for schools to foster innovation and practical skills in students. Our team at MBA has shown remarkable initiative and creativity in this project. Their dedication to exploring and challenging concepts beyond the classroom is commendable. This experience not only enriches their learning but also prepares them for future challenges. We are immensely proud of their hard work and the impressive results they have achieved and we wish them the best of luck at the Ted Wragg Innovation Competition next week where they will go head to head against 15 other schools."

    For more information on the Ted Wragg Innovation competition click here.

      

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  • Building Plans & Progress

    Published 28/06/24

     

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  • Residential Adventure: An Unforgettable Experience!

    Published 12/06/24

    We’re thrilled to share that our recent three-day residential trip to Exmouth was a tremendous success! Our students were not only “lovely, polite, and kind,” but they also stood out as one of “the best groups we’ve ever had,” according to the bushcraft leaders. Additionally, the lifeguarding team remarked that our students were one of “the most polite groups” they had ever witnessed. This feedback fills us with pride and joy, as it reflects the values we strive to instil in our pupils at Matford Brook Academy of scholarship, kindness and community.

    The trip was an incredible journey of mutual support and teamwork, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and enthusiasm. From the thrilling aerial adventure to mastering circus skills, our pupils embraced every moment with excitement and determination. They revelled in fun splash sessions, honed their bushcraft skills, and even tried their hand at archery tag, displaying their versatility and eagerness to learn.

    One of the most memorable highlights was seeing the students support each other through the challenges, fostering a spirit of unity and friendship. The bushcraft activities, in particular, provided a platform for students to work together, solve problems, and develop new skills in a fun and engaging environment.

    Hannah Rose, Acting Headteacher of Matford Brook Academy, expressed her delight at the success of the trip: "The residential trip to Exmouth was a testament to the wonderful character and spirit of our students. Their behaviour was exemplary, and the positive feedback is a reflection of their kindness, politeness, and teamwork. This experience was truly unforgettable, and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them. At Matford Brook Academy, we write our story, and this trip is a beautiful chapter in our collective journey."

    We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Red Rock Outdoor Ltd for hosting us and providing so many wonderful experiences. Their expertise and hospitality played a significant role in making this trip a memorable one for our students.

    Thank you for entrusting us with your children, they truly made this experience unforgettable! We look forward to more adventures and opportunities to write our story together.

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  • National Offer Day - Transition information

    Published 01/03/23

    Today is National Offer Day and we are really pleased to be welcoming to our new pupils and their families who will be joining Matford Brook Academy in September 2023.

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  • #wewriteourstory, be part of the inaugural team

    Published 14/12/22

    Are you excited by the opportunity to grow and shape a new school?

    We are looking for passionate, dynamic, ambitious and inspirational staff to be part of the inaugural team for Matford Brook Academy.

    Read more about our mission and values and share your CV with us here:

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  • Open evening families fill the room

    Published 05/12/22

    Another brilliant Open Evening for Matford Brook Academy. We loved hearing your great questions and sharing our excitement for our school. #wewriteourstory

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  • View from Ridgetop Park

    Published 15/11/22

    Spot anything familiar?

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  • Open Evenings

    Published 08/11/22

    If you haven’t been able to join one of our open events for Reception places yet, don’t worry – there are more to come! Our lunchtime webinars are 25th November and 12th December or join us on 6th December for an Open Evening @Devon Hotel. 

    Please visit here for updated open events.

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  • We write our own story...

    Published 02/09/22

    Be part of our exciting new team at this exciting new school. 

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