Welcome to the Middle School, an exciting and pivotal chapter in your educational journey.
This stage of school life brings a perfect mix of opportunity and challenge. Over the next two years of Year 10 and 11, you will build on the foundations laid in earlier years and begin to shape the next phase of your future with confidence, purpose and pride. You will develop your academic curiosity, deepen your understanding of the subjects you are passionate about, and grow in resilience, independence and selfbelief as you take on greater academic and co-curricular challenges.
At the heart of our Middle School is a community that values each individual. We believe that success is measured not only by examination results, but by the strength of character you demonstrate, the compassion you show one another, and the commitment you bring to all that you do, whether inside or out of the classroom. Through our supportive environment, excellent teaching and a broad programme of co-curricular activities, every student has the opportunity to explore their interests, test their limits, and develop skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Our pastoral and academic staff are here to guide, challenge, and encourage you. We will work in partnership with families to ensure that every student feels known, supported and inspired, ready to take responsibility for their learning and wellbeing as they prepare for the important milestones ahead. Each student will be assigned a mentor part way through Year 10 who will meet with them 1-1 to guide them through GCSEs and beyond, considering study skills, revision plans, career options, and the best choices post-16.
Middle School is about more than GCSE assessments: it is about becoming confident, thoughtful, resilient young adults who are ready to embrace life’s next steps with enthusiasm. I look forward to supporting and celebrating your achievements - both big and small - throughout these remarkable years.
Mrs Naomi Taylor (Head of Middle School, Geography Teacher)
ABOUT PLYMOUTH COLLEGE
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Plymouth College is a HMC independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. We are based in the very heart of Plymouth, known as Britain’s Ocean City, just a few minutes away from some of the world’s best coastline to the south and the beautiful countryside of Dartmoor National Park to the north.
We have been providing an excellent education to pupils from Plymouth, all over the UK and around the world since we were founded in 1877. Indeed, our most recent ISI inspection concluded that the quality of our education provision was excellent in every respect. Our original school motto is ‘Dat Deus Incrementum’ – God Gives The Increase. Our contemporary interpretation of this is ‘Plymouth College: Where Everything Is Possible’, reflecting our positive, can-do, growth mindset and our holistic educational ethos.
GOALS
• Develop pupils’ inquisitive nature and appreciation for learning
• Help pupils become well-informed members of society
• Inspire pupils to achieve more than they thought possible
• Help pupils develop a love of learning that will last throughout their lives
PLYMOUTH COLLEGE PRINCIPLES
OUR CORE PRINCIPLES:
ASPIRATION
We inspire our pupils to dream big and strive for excellence in all that they do. Aspiration fuels our learning environment, encouraging pupils to push their boundaries, set ambitious goals, and continuously seek personal and academic growth.
RESPECT
Respect is at the heart of our school community. We cultivate an atmosphere where every individual is valued, differences are embraced, and kindness is shown to all. Through mutual respect, we create a harmonious environment where pupils learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and collaborate effectively.
RESILIENCE
Challenges are an essential part of growth, and we instill resilience in our pupils, helping them develop perseverance and confidence to overcome obstacles. By fostering a mindset of determination and adaptability, we prepare our pupils to face the complexities of life with courage and optimism.
KINDNESS
Kindness is a fundamental value that shapes our school culture. We encourage our pupils to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and generosity in their interactions with others. By creating a supportive and caring environment, we nurture individuals who contribute positively to their communities.
INTEGRITY
Honesty and strong moral principles are the foundation of a trustworthy and ethical school community. We teach our pupils the importance of integrity, ensuring they develop a sense of responsibility, accountability, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
SERVICE
Giving back to others is an integral part of our philosophy. Through acts of service, whether within the school or in the wider community, our pupils learn the value of selflessness, leadership, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
KEY CONTACTS
Mr. Peter Watts, Head of School (PA Ms. Kate French, contactable at: kfrench@plymouthcollege.com)
Mrs. Taylor (Head of Middle School): ntaylor@plymouthcollege.com
Main School Reception (Open 8am - 5pm): 01752 505100 mail@plymouthcollege.com
Reporting a school absence: 01752 505138 absence@plymouthcollege.com
Accounts: 01752 505165 fees@plymouthcollege.com
The Bursar’s Office: bursar@plymouthcollege.com
School Nurse: schoolnurse@plymouthcollege.com
School Shop: schoolshop@plymouthcollege.com
SCHOOL FEES
September 2025 Fees (VAT Included):
DAY PUPILS
Years 7 & 8 - £6,511.20
Years 9, 10 & 11 - £7,420.80
FULL BOARDING (UK LOCAL)
Years 7 & 8 - £10,809.60
Years 9, 10 & 11 - £13,239.60
FULL BOARDING (INTERNATIONAL)
Years 7 & 8 - £14,250.00
Years 9, 10 & 11 - £16,550.40
WEEKLY BOARDING (5 NIGHTS/WEEK)
Years 7 & 8 - £9,399.60
Years 9, 10 & 11 - £11,523.60
TERM DATES
AUTUMN TERM
Term Begins
Tuesday 2nd September 2025 (new Boarder arrivals from 2pm)
Wednesday 3rd September 2025 (New pupils’ induction and existing Boarders return PM)
Thursday 4th September 2025 (ALL pupils return - Senior and Prep)
Half Term Starts
Monday 20th October 2025
Half Term Ends
Friday 31st October 2025
Term Ends
Friday 12th December 2025
SPRING TERM
Term Begins
Tuesday 6th January 2026
Half Term Starts
Monday 16th February 2026
Half Term Ends
Friday 20th February 2026
Term Ends
Thursday 2nd April 2026
SUMMER TERM Term Begins
Monday 20th April 2026
Half Term Starts
Monday 25th May 2026
Half Term Ends
Friday 29th May 2026
Term Ends
Friday 3rd July 2026
THE SCHOOL DAY
TWO WEEK TIMETABLE
Plymouth College run a Week A (green) and a Week B (red) timetable. The benefits of a two-week timetable are that more of the non-core subjects such as RE, Classics and the Humanities can be allocated more teaching time over the two weeks. All pupils will be given a paper timetable to keep in their blazer pocket. If they lose it, they can go to Mrs Moore’s classroom in the morning for a new one.
ACADEMICS
As they progress to Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11), studies become more focused towards GCSE and IGCSE examinations, with a core curriculum complemented by diverse optional subjects. Small class sizes ensure personalised attention and we also offer a dedicated pre-Sixth Form course for international pupils, ensuring a robust academic foundation for all.
GCSE PATHWAY CHOICES
Years 10 and 11 mark the beginning of GCSE and IGCSE studies. While learning becomes more focused on examination preparation, we continue to provide enriching activities like drama, practical science, creative design projects and numerous curriculum-enhancing trips. Small class sizes remain a priority, ensuring personalised support for every pupil as they navigate this important stage. Academic setting is used for the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Sciences to best support progress.
All pupils undertake English Language and Literature, Mathematics and either three separate Science GCSEs or a combined science award. Additionally, they select four optional subjects and we encourage a balanced curriculum including at least one humanities subject and one Modern Foreign Language. Options include Art, Business, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design Technology, Drama, French, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Spanish. Most examinations occur at Year 11’s end, though some early entries in Year 10 are possible. Our options system is flexibly redesigned annually to maximise pupil choice, with guidance provided before selections in February.
Please refer to the GCSE Options Booklet for a detailed overview of each subject.
INTERNATIONAL PUPIL SUPPORT
PREPARATION
For international pupils joining in Year 11, we offer a dedicated one-year pre-Sixth Form course. This programme is designed to thoroughly prepare them for A Levels or the Sport Baccalaureate. Pupils integrate with their Year 11 peers for subjects like Mathematics, English and Sciences, while also receiving bespoke lessons in humanities and foreign languages. This tailored approach allows them to achieve a range of GCSE qualifications in just one year. Additional support lessons are available, ensuring the course adapts to individual pupil needs and effectively bridges them into further UK education.
EAL SUPPORT
Many of our international pupils enter the English as a Second Language IGCSE, accredited by the CIE exam board. The Cambridge English as a Second Language IGCSE is aimed at pupils whose First Language is not English and whose English is not advanced enough to study for First English, but who use English as their language of study.
The programme is taught over 2 years. It balances a thorough knowledge and understanding of a subject and helps to develop the skills learners need for their next steps in education or employment.
The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C or 9-4 are well prepared to follow a wide range of courses.
Topics are wide ranging and include healthy lifestyle, environmental issues, the world of work and current affairs.
CO-CURRICULAR
GAMES SESSIONS
Year 10 and Year 11 have one afternoon a week of games where they can select from a range of team and individual sports. Year 10 games is on a Tuesday afternoon joint with Year 9, and Year 11 join the seniors (Sixth Form) on a Wednesday afternoon. Pupils come into school in their Plymouth College branded sports kit on days when they have games in the afternoon. On any other day they must wear school uniform and change into sports kit for the duration of a club before school, at lunchtime, or after school.
BAG STORE
All pupils are encouraged to leave their games kits in the bag store. The bag store is opened every morning around 07:45 and locked each evening from 17:30. Many pupils choose to leave their games kit on the bag racks around the school, but I discourage this as sometimes, like any school, some kit can go missing.
There is full CCTV covering the bag store, so the monitoring system is particularly good at preventing any losses. On the days when pupils come into school with extra sports kit/boots etc. they should get into a habit of arriving at
school and going straight to the bag store to deposit their sports bag. When they have games, swap the school bag for the sports bag. This will cut down on the sheer quantity of bags around the school site and will also protect your computer!
SATURDAY GAMES FIXTURES
If you are part of the school sports teams, it will be required that you attend the training sessions. All games are shown in the school sports calendar which can be accessed through SOCS. If selected, you are expected to represent the school and parents are most welcome to come and watch. School fixtures take priority over outside club fixtures.
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
All published on SOCS. We have an extensive list of after school activities that run from 15:50-17:00, ranging from all the major sports clubs, DT club, space club, dance- around 142 over the week! It is envisaged that all pupils do a minimum of 2-3 sports/activities/preps per week. Prep (homework) is available every day and is a supervised session in the library.
SCHOOL SYSTEMS
SOCS
The ‘one stop shop’ app Plymouth College use is SOCS. All pupils can access their academic timetable and they can find which activities they have signed up to do. SOCS also has the sporting fixtures and the whole school calendar for your perusal. Once pupils are logged onto the school system, they can access SOCS using their username and chosen password.
All parents will be given their own login details to SOCS so they can retrieve all the calendar information and see any sporting updates/ team sheets.
iSAMS
All pupils will need to download iSAMS Pupil which is the system Plymouth College uses for information and communicating. iSAMS will have their timetables on it as well. School reports and grades are all stored on iSAMS. Parents will have full access to the system, and you will be given login details once the pupils have accessed their accounts.
The link below will take you to information about the iSAMS system. https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/iparent-app/ id959615129
GOOGLE CLASSROOM
This platform is a great addition to share your child’s classroom work and homework through. In lessons, teachers upload their power points and worksheets so pupils can access the work, should they miss the lesson.
Homework is posted, and you as parents have access to the Google Classroom so you too can monitor their work. Assignments are set and handed in online in some subjects. The form tutors will send an email ‘invite’ for you to join the Google Classroom.
Parental login details will be sent to you at the beginning of the term and pupils will be given their details on the first day of school.
BASELINES TESTS
These are known as Yellis Tests and they test: vocabulary/maths/non-verbal/skills. The test will be completed during the first two weeks and takes 45 minutes. There is no need to prepare or revise and no need to worry! Information and Q & A is on the internet.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
BYOD - BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE
Computers are being utilised in all lessons within Plymouth College and it is now part of the equipment list for pupils. Teachers put lessons, PowerPoints and worksheets onto Google Classroom and this allows all pupils access to work and revision all year. From experience, laptops are easier for pupils than iPads and keyboards. My advice with regards to the type of computer, is that pupils need a basic model. There are charging lockers in the library which will require a small padlock to ensure the laptop’s safety.
On Induction morning we will be running all the pupils through their login process, so please can they arrive with their laptop all charged. More details will follow for this date.
MOBILE PHONES
In the Lower School, we run a policy of not allowing pupils in Year 7 and 8 their phones during the day. Year 7 and 8 pupils hand their phones in at the start of schooland collected them when they leave to go home. Each year, this has been maturely actioned by all the pupils and we have seen a fantastic change in their social communication and friendship groups.
I fully expect all pupils to bring their phones into school in the morning as safety and communication is important whilst travelling to and from school.
We will collect their phones before 08:40 and safely store them in my classroom. At the end of the day these will be returned for those leaving site, or at 17:00 for the pupils who have after school activities.
I do understand that this may cause alarm to some parents and I have not taken this decision lightly but am acting upon positive results. Asking the opinion of many parents and staff bears the overwhelming consensus that they advocate this decision. If any parent needs to contact their child please either ring the school office, 01752 505100 and leave a message with the receptionist who will notify us, or email me and I will convey the notification.
Should any pupil need to access their phone during the day, we are very happy to hand it back with a valid reason. Pupils wanting to access iSAMS during the day/ prep session can use their computers.
12 - CCF (basement), Wellbeing Hub, Bursar, Accounts, HR, Director of Sport, Deputy Head Co-Curricular and Operations (First floor), Director and Deputy Directorof Swimming (Second floor)
