So what is it really like at Churston Ferrers Grammar School - here some new staff and students give their impressions of the place after their first full week.

Ben (Year 7)

On my first day at Churston, I arrived early because I was really excited and couldn't wait to start the new school year. I felt proud to be in such an amazing school.

It has been great to make lots of new friends as well as meeting new teachers. I have enjoyed all my lessons so far, especially History, Maths, Science and English

The food here is delicious. My favourite lunches are pizza and chicken burgers.

I feel I have settled in well and I know I am going to enjoy being at this school.

 

Holly (Year 12)

I have joined Churston Ferrers for the VI Form. I expected my first day to be a repeat of Year 7 but instead it was an extremely enjoyable experience!

Everybody here is so welcoming and friendly and there is an incredible atmosphere throughout the school.

I am really looking forward to spending the next 2 years here, particularlyif it includes more absurd lessons like reinacting Plato's 'analogy of the cave', or everybody (including Mr Maloney) wearing false beards in a Sociology lesson Click here to see

 

Charlotte (Year 7)

My first impressions of Churston were that I would never find my way around. But here I am, 7 days later, nearly knowing my way around.

The teachers are really friendly and treat you in a pleasant manner.

Churston teaches a variety of different subjects that either were not done at primary school or very little was done.

The timetable is rather fixed here unlike primary school and the rules here are there for a reason.

 

There is something very strange about leading an organisation where you apparently know less than all those you are leading. However it did not take long to get up to speed. My first morning began by welcoming seven new members of staff to the school and 24 meetings, 176 emails and countless pieces of paper later a week as a Headteacher seems a long time.

However it has been a great week; everyone from students and staff to parents and governors have been extremely welcoming and everything I have seen supports the view that Churston is a great school.

Mrs J Fairclough (Administration)

I joined the admin team in the main office at the beginning of term. Previously I was employed at Paignton Community and Aports College in reception.

Some aspects of the work are very similar but my role at Churston will be extended to assist the finance and general admin team.

I am enjoying my new position and would like to thank everyone for making me welcome.

 

 

Mr L Johnston (Business Studies)

First impressions of Churston and Devon was that it is a lot warmer than Edinburgh

The teachers and pupils seem very friendly, especially for the first week of term.

I have even found a new sport in Ultimate Frisbee, I need to thank Mr Mansfield for that.