Torquay Girls' Grammar School give youngsters a flavour of life

Torquay Girls' Grammar School opened its doors to 52 students who access free school meals - and the visit went off with a successful bang.

A total of 41 primary schools from Torbay and beyond were represented. The Year 4 and 5 students experienced lessons in French, Science, PE and Media. They also attended extra-curricular clubs, including the Choir Club, where they learnt a three-part harmony enabling them to perform acapella in just 30 minutes! 

A school spokesman said: "The energy they brought to the school over the two days was infectious and they even got to meet the Head Girls and other members of the infamous 6th form Leadership Team."

An information session for parents was available in order to support them on how to apply for the 11+ test and explain the admissions process. 

TGGS then hosted a geology workshop day the following week for 30 Year 5 students, on a first come first serve basis.  

Students worked through from the origin of life on the Earth, covering the evolutionary journey all the way through to the emergence of humans. TGGS may have gained some budding geologists for their GCSE and A-Level Geology courses.  

Students investigated a Cretaceous Crime Scene, were able to handle fossils and fossil replicas, as well as understanding what led to the extinction of dinosaurs. For this the students had the opportunity to make volcanoes using Coca Cola and Mentos, as well as using Party Poppers to try and work out if they could predict when a volcano may erupt.

The days were thoroughly enjoyed by guest students, existing students and TGGS staff who love nothing more than welcoming guest students into their TGGS community.

Helen Wilkinson, organiser of the FSM days, said: "It was a pleasure to hear so many talking about wanting to come to TGGS at the end of the day; some students even asked if they could come back the next day!! Unfortunately we had to decline their request but it was an absolute joy to see some of the students again at our Open Evening last week."

The school said the feedback from parents has been 'overwhelming, and included comments like: ‘I have just been hearing from my daughter about how fantastic the Geology day was today. I just wanted to personally thank you for organising and running it; she thoroughly enjoyed herself (as did her friend who also attended).  Great experiments, interesting facts and totally engaged. Once again, thank you for running this and have a wonderful summer.’

And for any parents interested in applying to the school, Sarah Foster Headteacher has this advice: "We have open days throughout the year – pop along to one of those – the next one is in October.  You will hear from me, meet the Admissions Officer and get a chance to tour the school with some of our younger students as your guide.  You can ask as many questions as you like – we’d love to see you."