Additional to our Enrichment and Intervention provision Great Torrington School has a breadth of activities which are available for pupils at lunchtime and after school. 

The GTS team is instrumental in organising many of these events, often produced jointly with pupils. Great Torrington’s Got Talent, Summer and Christmas Concerts, GTS Film Premiere, Junior Sports Leader programmes, Rotary Club competitions such as Young Chef, Photographer and Writer of the Year and of course the Youth Speaks debating competitions are all fine examples of what is on offer across the board.

We provide the opportunity to pupils, who already compete in equestrian disciplines on their own ponies, to compete in school’s competitions. This may be at National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) competitions, British Show jumping (BS) competitions or at local level in the North Devon Schools Show Jumping League (NDSSJL).

Library

The library is open for pupils both before and after school and can be used for the completion of home learning. There is an active reading club with reading mentors every day of the week before school and during registration. The library is open every day before and after school from 8.15am-8.50am and 3.10pm-4.15pm.

We encourage and advise all students to enjoy reading for pleasure, learn to use a library successfully and explore all forms of literature.

Open at break & lunchtimes (no food in the library to avoid sticky books).

Class/Tutor Group visits, supporting all reading also literacy initiatives (Reading Aloud, Reading Groups).

GTS subscribes to Devon School Library Services comprehensive service.

Termly exchanges of the latest young adult fiction/non-fiction/graphic novels/manga/emerging readers/dyslexia friendly books.

Desktop computers for school and homework.

Here pupils will find the GTS Careers Library, along with all Photocopying/ Printing services.

Duke Of Edinburgh

What is the DofE

A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.

The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.

14-24 year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition.

Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.

Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and uni and job applications. Top employers recognise the work-ready skills Award holders bring to their business.

The DofE licenses organisations that work with young people to run DofE programmes, such as schools, colleges, youth groups and clubs. Through the Licensed Organisation (LO) young people (or their parents / carers) pay for a Participation Place and are supported by Leaders who support them through their programmes, helping them to choose their activities, set their objectives and achieve their Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a registered charity, funded by donations, Participation Places and licences. The charity works with LOs across the UK to increase opportunities for young people to gain the benefits of doing their DofE.

If you are interested then please speak to James Britton or Zoe Robertson.