Monkton Wood Academy has congratulated former student Richard Capstick, who left Heathfield School (the former name of Monkton Wood) in 2016, on his continued success in professional rugby.
Richard has been a key player for Exeter Chiefs and has now achieved another milestone in his career – his recent selection to play for England A.
He was part of the England A team that secured an impressive 28-12 victory against Ireland A.
A spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud of Richard’s achievements.
“His dedication and hard work have been evident since his school days, and it’s fantastic to see him continue to excel at the highest levels of rugby.
“We wish him all the best in his future performances with England A and Exeter Chiefs.”
Richard’s journey from Heathfield to professional rugby serves as an inspiration to current students.
His selection for England A is a testament to his commitment and talent, and school leaders look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.
Ex-Monkton Wood Academy student Toby Wright is making waves in the world of athletics as a promising hurdler.
This year, he proudly earned his first Great Britain vest, representing his country at the U18 European Championships in Slovakia.
Demonstrating outstanding performance, he finished 4th in Europe in the hurdles and also helped his team achieve the same ranking in the medley relay.
Toby’s exceptional form has continued into the indoor season, where he recently competed in his first British Indoor Championships in Birmingham. Racing in the 60m hurdles, he secured 2nd place in his heat and impressively reached the British Championships Senior Men’s Final. Clocking a time of 8.12 seconds, he finished with the 8th fastest time overall.
Currently ranked as the number one hurdler in Great Britain at the U18 level, Toby’s achievements mark him as a rising star in British athletics.
A spokesperson said: “Toby’s dedication and achievements at such a young age are truly inspiring.
“His progression on the national and international stage is a testament to his hard work, and we are excited to see what the future holds for him.”
Young swimmers from Taunton’s Monkton Wood Academy made a big splash in the pool by securing victory in the second annual Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) Swimming Gala.
Monkton Wood – which also won the inaugural title last year – competed against peers from six other CLF schools in Bristol and Taunton at the successful event.
Weston-super-Mare’s Hutton Moor Leisure Centre played host as students took part in a range of aquatic events.
Students competed in swimming disciplines that included front crawl, back stroke, breaststroke, and butterfly with skill and determination.
Additionally, for the first time in the event’s history, there was also a thrilling 25-metre raft race, which involved two students on a float and two students pushing the craft from the water.
In a nail-biting finish, Monkton Wood Academy proved in victorious, finishing narrowly ahead of Hans Price Academy in second and Broadoak Academy in third.
Organisers praised entrants from all seven schools for the determination and sportsmanship they demonstrated through throughout the event.
Hans Price Academy PE teacher Chris Green, who organised the gala, said: “It was inspiring to see so many athletes representing their schools and giving it their all in the pool.
“We hope students had a great time and we look forward to seeing even more schools participate next year, as we aim to make the event even bigger and better.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this year’s gala a success, and we can’t wait to see the swimmers continue to grow and compete in the future.”
Monkton Wood Academy proudly staged its much-anticipated Young Musicians of the Year Competition, showcasing the incredible musical talents of its students.
The event featured three prestigious categories: Young Musician of the Year (Solo Performer), Young Band of the Year, and Young Composer of the Year.
Students auditioned during lunchtimes and dedicated months of rigorous rehearsals to perfect their performances and composition presentations.
Their hard work and dedication culminated in a night of spectacularly talented performances, leaving the audience captivated and judges with the challenging task of selecting winners.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Julian Breeze, David Duthie, and Faith Harrell, deliberated and announced the following winners:
Each winner was honoured with a trophy and certificate, celebrating their outstanding musical achievements. The evening was a resounding success, highlighting the incredible depth of talent within the academy and developing a love for music among students.
Joshua Horsey, Head of Music, said: “The level of talent showcased at this year’s competition was truly remarkable.
“Our students’ dedication, creativity, and passion for music were evident in every performance.
“We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the vibrant musical culture at Monkton Wood Academy.
“Events like this not only celebrate our young musicians but also inspire future generations to explore and develop their musical abilities.”
Monkton Wood Academy extends its congratulations to all participants and expresses gratitude to the judges, staff, and supporters who made the event possible. All within the school are already looking forward to another year of inspiring musical excellence.
Monkton Wood Academy’s Year 11 basketball team has surpassed all expectations this season, showcasing outstanding skill and determination on their way to an unbeaten campaign.
The team emerged victorious in the area cup, having won every fixture throughout their entire season.
In their final game, they secured a commanding 56-32 victory against Pyrland, capping off an incredible season of success.
A spokesperson for the school said: “We are immensely proud of our Year 11 basketball team.
“Their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship have been truly inspiring.
“Going unbeaten all season is an extraordinary achievement, and they have represented Monkton Wood Academy with great pride.”
Students at the SPACE Post 16 Performing Arts provision at Monkton Wood Academy have had a hugely successful week sharing their creative work with the community.
SPACE Company Members had the opportunity to choose between two impactful projects: a theatre-in-education performance for local primary schools, which included an engaging show and interactive workshop, or a dance project designed for children with additional needs, including students at the academy’s own Cedar Centre.
Eventually students decided that they would perform a piece from each project.
The featured photos capture two powerful moments – an acting piece exploring the inspiring story of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and a sensory dance performance designed to help SEND students connect with emotions through movement.
A spokesperson for The SPACE said: “We are incredibly proud of our students for using their creativity and passion to make a meaningful impact.
“These projects not only showcase their talent but also foster inclusivity and engagement within our wider community.”
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.”
