Sixty Year 9 students from Monkton Wood Academy successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Award practice walk. This event marks a significant step in their preparation for the upcoming Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition in June.
The students embarked on a scenic route along a canal path, concluding their journey at the school. This practice walk was designed not only to prepare them for the physical demands of their upcoming expedition but also to develop essential skills such as teamwork and independence.
During the practice, they participated in first aid scenarios using their ability to respond to potential emergencies. They supported one another throughout the trek, demonstrating the values that the Duke of Edinburgh Award aims to instil in young people.
Becky Smith, Associate Assistant Principal, said: “We were incredibly impressed with their teamwork, independence, and enthusiasm, and we look forward to their achievements in June.”
Students from Monkton Wood Academy have been working with their parish council recently to get a better understanding of local governance.
Keeleigh Bryant, Noah Day-Hitchen, Megan Luton, Effie Ellwood and Leo Cridge, from years 7-9, have worked alongside Kate Walsh from Monkton Heathfield Parish Council, and supported by Pastoral Support Officer Miss Kyle Williams in this new initiative.
The aim of this project is to help students understand the work of the parish council, play a part in making Monkton Heathfield a great place to live and go to school and get to know the local community better.
Monkton Wood students have been involved in the council’s community work in a number of ways. They have looked at urban planning, written and analysed questionnaires and provided ‘youth voice’ on a range of projects.
Most recently, they have supported Kate and a team of volunteers in replenishing the ‘community fridge’.
The community fridge is an important welfare initiative which was opened in July 2022. This project is run by community volunteers who collect food that would otherwise go to waste from local supermarkets.
This food is then shared with the community via the open access shed which is based at The Brittons Ash Community Hall (BACH.) The project is run in conjunction with the Coop, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, Bookers and M&S to help reduce food waste.
Monkton Wood Academy student Den Maestro made such an impression at his work experience placement at Rotec Hydraulics, they published an article on their website about him and the work he carried out.
To find out more click here.
Pic Den Maestro & Louise Husband, Assistant Principal.
Monkton Wood Academy’s Year 10 rugby team showcased their talent in their County Cup semi-final clash against a strong side from Clevedon School, emerging victorious with a scoreline of 41-24.
It was an impressive team performance, and a number of players on the scoresheet. Ben A (2) Kenzie R, Harrison SL, Seth W (2), Sam D all scored tries, and converted goals by Seth helped the team finish as comfortable winners.
The final against Beechen Cliff in early May promises to be an exciting showdown.
A big thank you to all the parents who came to watch and support, and Jon Roberts for his coaching and refereeing. A massive thank you also to Taunton Rugby Football Club for providing the venue for the match.
As the final approaches, let’s rally behind the Monkton Wood Academy boys and cheer them on to what will hopefully be a victory!
Monkton Wood Academy is thrilled to announce that four of its football teams have secured their spots in the district finals, marking an extraordinary accomplishment for the Academy.
This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication, skill, and teamwork demonstrated by the players throughout the season.
Monkton Wood Academy extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the staff, parents, and students whose unwavering support has been instrumental in the teams’ success. Special recognition goes to Dan Chalk, Tom Lock, and Jon Roberts for their exceptional leadership and guidance throughout the football season, contributing significantly to the teams’ journey to the finals.
The district finals schedule is as follows:
Year 10: Thursday, April 25th, 6:15 PM at Bishop Lydeard
Year 11: Friday, April 26th, 6:00 PM at Taunton Town
Year 9: Tuesday, April 30th, 6:15 PM at Bishop Lydeard
Year 7: Date and team to be confirmed in May
Good luck to all teams in their respective finals!
(Pictured Year 11 football team)
The MHST are the Mental Health Support Team, an NHS organisation. They are partnered with the school and are running a series of parent/carer webinars over the April-June period on the following topics:
– Supporting your child’s big feelings
– Supporting Exam wellbeing
– Supporting change and (school) transitions
Parents/carers can sign up via the links below.
Supporting your child’s big feelings:
Supporting Exam Wellbeing:
10/04
01/05
Supporting your child with change and transitions:
29/05
Staff and pupils at Monkton Wood Academy in Taunton really got into the spirit of the magical World Book Day.
World Book Day provides a fantastic opportunity for students to focus on reading for pleasure, supporting children’s autonomy in book choice, and embedding a habit of reading that brings a wide range of benefits.
Students from the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) made a splash at their first swimming gala.
The event took place at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre in Weston-super-Mare, with five CLF academies showcasing their aquatic prowess.
To read the full story on the Somerset County Gazette website click here.
Monkton Wood Academy Under 15 boys rugby team took on Ralph Allen School in the quarter final of the Somerset Cup at Monkton Wood Academy.
Both teams started strongly in what proved to be a fiercely contested fixture, with the away team scoring three early tries.
However Monkton Wood came back strongly, scoring two tries through Drew and Sam, before Seth kicked the extra points to make the score 14-15 at the break.
Ralph Allen scored very early in the second half, but the Monkton boys didn’t let their heads drop and found a rich spell of form in a second half purple patch.
MWA went on to score 26 unanswered points to finish the game with a sizeable winning margin. The final score was 40-20 – and Monkton Wood march on to the semi finals.
Monkton Wood Academy’s Music Department is proud to announce that four students – Josiah, Chloe, Lucy and Verity – have been selected as members of Somerset Youth Concert Band.
The Concert Band, run by Somerset Music, has a long history of excellence in performance, and gives students the opportunity to work at a high level with other musicians from across the county. Selection for the band is via a very tough audition.
The department is also delighted to see Monkton Wood Academy percussionist Robert earn a place with Somerset Youth Orchestra.
All five musicians attended courses during the school Christmas break, culminating in Christmas concerts to large audiences from across the region.
Music teacher Sian Bowen said: “We are all very proud of you! This is an excellent achievement, well done and congratulations!”
