Year 11 students at Monkton Wood Academy have been cooking up a culinary storm in the kitchens this term.
The assessed practicals for the food preparation and nutrition course are now well underway, with students demonstrating an impressive range of skills and creativity. Some of the dishes attempted have been particularly ambitious, showcasing a wide variety of techniques and flavours.
Scott Ellwood, Head of Department for Food and Design & Technology, said: “I have been incredibly proud of the students’ efforts so far. It has been really rewarding to see the confidence, creativity and pride they have shown throughout their practical work.”
The Design and Technology (D&T) Club at Monkton Wood Academy has continued in full festive spirit, with students working hard to design and make a range of beautiful Christmas decorations.
Students combined creativity with technical skills, creating their designs on computers before bringing them to life using the school’s laser cutter. The finishing touches required just one final ingredient, a generous bucketload of glitter, resulting in eye-catching decorations ready for the festive season.
The project gave students the opportunity to develop key design, digital, and manufacturing skills while enjoying a fun and seasonal challenge.
Scott Ellwood, Head of Department for Food and Design & Technology, said: “It’s been fantastic to see students so engaged and enthusiastic throughout this project.
“They’ve shown real creativity and attention to detail, while also developing valuable practical and digital skills.
“The finished decorations look brilliant and really capture the festive spirit of the club.”
A 16-year-old student from Taunton is running 400km to raise money for Cancer Research UK after suffering a football injury.
Addison Davis, a Monkton Wood Academy student, sustained a serious knee injury during Bristol City’s under-16s’ training on October 28, 2024, the day before her 15th birthday.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
Sixteen-year-old Addison Davis a student at Monkton Wood Academy in Taunton is turning a devastating sports injury into a powerful mission — pledging to run 400km by Christmas Day 2025 to raise awareness and vital support for people affected by cancer.
Addison was a rising football star, she started playing with Taunton Town Youth before being picked up Bristol City U16s and then training with FA Wales. On 28 October 2024 a major knee injury occurred during a normal training session — just one day before her 15th birthday and just as her sporting dreams were coming to life. The injury required ACL repair surgery on 17 January 2025, followed by a lengthy period of recovery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Rather than letting the setback define her, Addison set herself a challenge that combines determination, purpose, and fierce resilience: starting at the end of September she set out to run 400 kilometres — the equivalent of nearly ten marathons — by Christmas Day.
“Not being able to play football was devastating,” Addison says. “And it came at a time when I lost two close family members to cancer in the space of 6 weeks. For many months it was extremely hard, but once I was able to run again I thought if I can turn something negative into something good for people facing their own battles, then every kilometre is worth it.”
Addison is raising money for Cancer Research UK, inspired by the strength of those she has seen face the disease. Her fundraising goal is £2,000 — and she’s already raised £1,500 thanks to the support of family, friends, and the local community.
Her family hopes the story will motivate others experiencing a setback to keep pushing forward.
“We are so incredibly proud of her,” says her mum. “She has shown such courage and maturity — and wants to help others even while she’s still figuring out her own future.”
Addison is continuing her rehabilitation while completing her challenge and hopes that come January, one year on from surgery, she’ll get the all clear from her medical team and will be back on the pitch she loves.
If you can help Addison reach here target here is the fundraising link:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/addison-davis-400km
Monkton Wood Academy is celebrating the outstanding success of its Year 11 girls football team, who remain unbeaten in both the national cup and the county cup so far this season.
The squad has battled through a series of fiercely competitive fixtures, demonstrating exceptional teamwork, resilience, and moments of individual brilliance.
Their collective determination has seen them overcome strong opponents and secure their place as one of the academy’s standout sporting teams this year.
With some very tough matches still ahead, the team is continuing to train with focus and ambition as they push for further success.
The academy will continue to share updates as the competitions progress.
Mel Pattemore, Head of Physical Education and team coach, said: “This group of players continues to impress us with their commitment and belief.
“Their attitude on and off the pitch sets a fantastic example for younger students, and we’re incredibly proud of how they’ve represented the academy so far.
“We’re excited to see how far they can go this season.”
Students at Monkton Wood Academy’s Design & Technology Club have been putting their creativity and practical abilities into action as they develop their own steady hand games.
Both Year 7 and Year 10 pupils have individually designed and built their games from scratch, gaining valuable hands-on experience along the way.
The project required students to learn new skills, including soldering electronic components and refining their woodworking techniques.
A spokesperson said: “Our students have shown incredible enthusiasm and resilience throughout this project.
“Not only have they gained technical skills, but they’ve also built confidence in problem-solving, creativity, and independent learning.
“We’re extremely proud of what they’ve achieved.”
Monkton Wood Academy is celebrating today after its Key Stage 3 girls badminton teams delivered outstanding performances to claim the area championship title.
After a series of intense and competitive matches, the teams demonstrated exceptional teamwork, unity, skill, and dedication, securing their place at the top and earning the honour of representing the area in the upcoming county competition.
A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy said: “We are incredibly proud of our Key Stage 3 badminton teams. Their commitment, sportsmanship, and determination have been evident throughout the tournament.
“This achievement reflects not only their talent, but also their hard work and positive attitude.
“We are excited to see what they can accomplish at county level.”
An autumn concert has showcased the talent and teamwork of young performers from a school in Taunton.
Held at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Monkton Wood Academy’s annual autumn concert featured a packed and varied programme, including performances from the academy band, choir, soloists and several student-led bands.
To read the full story on the Somerset Gazette website please click here.
A week of events at Monkton Wood Academy has been taking place in acts of remembrance, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War Two.
The whole school came together to observe a two-minute silence at 11am on Armistice Day, honouring all those who have fallen in conflict.
Throughout the week, school assemblies focused on themes of inclusion and community, encouraging reflection on the importance of peace and unity. Students also created handmade poppies as personal acts of remembrance.
Students who are members of the cadets, scouts and guides were invited to attend school in their uniforms to represent their organisations and show respect for those who served.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “At Monkton Wood Academy, we believe it is vital that young people understand the significance of remembrance and the sacrifices made by previous generations.
“This week has given our students the opportunity to reflect, show respect, and come together as a community to honour those who gave so much for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Monkton Wood Academy’s very talented performers took to the stage for their annual autumn concert, held at the Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre.
The concert featured an impressive array of musical genres and performances, including the academy band, choir (MWA Voices), soloists, and several student-led bands.
The standard of musicianship and creativity on display was exceptional throughout the evening, leaving the audience thoroughly impressed.
Audience feedback was overwhelmingly positive, praising both the professionalism of the students and the vibrant variety of the programme.
Joshua Horsey, Head of Music at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “It was a joy to see our students perform with such confidence, passion and teamwork.
“Their hard work and dedication really shone through on stage, and the audience response was fantastic.
“Events like this show the power of music to bring our school community together and celebrate the incredible talent we have at Monkton Wood Academy.”
