Former Monkton Wood student shines in Royal Marines Band
An ‘exceptional passion’ for music has helped a former Monkton Wood Academy student to accomplish her lifelong ambition of joining the prestigious Royal Marines Band.
Harriet Manning is now a bass drummer in the Corps of Drummers, has already achieved a career milestone by participating in the esteemed Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
Sian Bowen, Music Teacher at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “Harriet has always demonstrated an exceptional passion for music and dedication to her craft.
“To see her achieve this remarkable accomplishment and represent her country through music is truly inspiring.
“She is a fantastic role model for our students and a testament to where hard work and determination can lead.”
The Festival of Remembrance, held annually, is a deeply significant event honouring those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces. Harriet’s role highlights her talent and the rigorous standards of the Royal Marines Band.
(Pic Harriet Manning left with colleague.)
Two Monkton Wood Academy students recently competed in a national sailing contest in Southport.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
Monkton Wood Academy has launched a new student-led club, GEMS (Global Ethnic Majority Students), created to celebrate and share the diverse cultural heritage within the school community.
This initiative was developed by students with the support of Kylie Williams, Monkton Wood’s dedicated Student Support Assistant.
The club’s aim is to foster inclusivity and cultural appreciation through activities that highlight the unique backgrounds and traditions of students.
The first meeting of GEMS took place on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, with an enthusiastic turnout of approximately 30 students. The group discussed a range of activities they’d like to explore together, including:
A spokesperson said: “GEMS gives our students a platform to both teach and learn about each other’s cultures in a meaningful, fun, and interactive way.
“It’s wonderful to see the passion they have for celebrating diversity.”
Two nautical students at Monkton Wood Academy recently took part in a prestigious national sailing competition held in Southport.
Harvey Scott, Year 10, and Charlie Scott, Year 9, earned their spots in the national competition after securing victories in two prior regional events.
The national contest brought together young cadets from across the country, from London to Scotland, showcasing top talent in youth sailing.
Harvey and Charlie’s journey to this point has been the result of months of rigorous training. Since March, the duo has been racing weekly at the Bristol Corinthians Yacht Club at Cheddar Reservoir, dedicating Wednesday evenings to honing their skills. Additionally, from May to September, they often trained on Tuesdays and Thursdays, working hard to prepare for the national stage.
Charlie competed in the highly-competitive Pico class, finishing 5th out of eight racers. What made this achievement particularly remarkable was that the four sailors who outpaced Charlie were all members of the Youth GB Sailing Team, highlighting Charlie’s impressive performance in a challenging field.
Harvey served as the helm of a double-hander RS Quest junior boat and, along with his crew, finished 8th out of 14 teams. Their performance in this competitive class was a testament to their hard work and determination.
A Monkton Wood spokesperson said: “Both Harvey and Charlie have shown exceptional dedication and sportsmanship, and their achievements are a source of pride for Monkton Wood Academy. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented sailors.”
Students and staff at Monkton Wood Academy gathered to observe a two-minute silence today as part of the National Act of Remembrance, paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of service members past and present.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
Students from Monkton Wood Academy took part in the Somerstage Gifted and Talented Singing and Musical Theatre Workshop.
To read the story in full on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
Students from Monkton Wood Academy had an exceptional opportunity to participate in the Somerstage Gifted and Talented Singing and Musical Theatre Workshop, organised by Somerset Music.
This dynamic workshop was designed to boost students’ confidence, refine their performance abilities, and offer an insight into the professional world of musical theatre.
Facilitated by two seasoned performers with experience in national and international theatre tours, the workshop combined elements of dance, acting, and singing.
Students engaged in a variety of physical activities and exercises that challenged them to stretch their creativity and expressiveness on stage.
Students said: “It was an amazing and tiring experience, but it really inspired us and helped us to grow in confidence—especially as we prepare for auditions for our upcoming school musical production of School of Rock.”
A school spokesperson said: “The academy is thrilled to see how this experience has energised and inspired the students, sparking enthusiasm and self-confidence as they take on new performance opportunities in the school year ahead.”
Monkton Wood Academy joined millions around the globe in celebrating World Mental Health Day 2024, with staff and students proudly dressing in yellow to show their support and raise awareness for mental health issues.
The academy organised a series of activities aimed at promoting good mental health and a supportive environment for all.
Throughout the day, students were encouraged to visit pop-up resource stands, where they could access information and guidance on maintaining mental wellbeing. These stands provided resources on a wide range of topics, and outlined where students can find help if they or someone they know is struggling with mental health challenges.
As part of the celebration, students participated in tutor group discussions, learning more about the importance of mental health.
Students made yellow-ribboned tags with supportive messages and mental health tips, which were then displayed around the school. The tags served as a visible reminder of the academy’s commitment to fostering a caring and understanding community.
Nicola Patmore, a member of the school’s Safe Hub team, said: “At Monkton Wood Academy, we believe it’s crucial to create an environment where students feel safe to talk about their mental health.
“World Mental Health Day gives us the chance to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, but it’s a conversation we want to keep going throughout the year.
“Our students’ engagement has been inspiring, and we hope the tools and messages they’ve shared will have a lasting positive impact.”
Twenty-four students from Monkton Wood Academy have volunteered to stay behind after school to take on the challenge of studying for a further maths qualification.
This advanced program offers a unique opportunity for students to dive deep into higher-level mathematical skills, with a strong focus on algebraic reasoning.
This tough qualification is designed to push students beyond the standard GCSE mathematics curriculum, preparing them for Level 3 studies and beyond. It builds upon the knowledge acquired during Key Stage 4, giving students the tools they need to excel in future academic pursuits
A school spokesperson said: “We’re incredibly proud of our students for their commitment and passion for learning. With this opportunity, they are truly maximising their potential.”
Monkton Wood Academy has announced that 61 students have successfully completed their entire Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award.
To read how the Somerset Gazette reported this, please click here.
