Year 10 Geography students visited the River Cole in Oxfordshire to investigate differences in the river channel. Students were required to measure the width and depth of the river channel with different sites being compared through the construction of cross sections. The students also measured the current of the river by timing how long it took a dog biscuit to travel a set distance. One student was excited at seeing “my first meander” with others pleased to see geographical theory in action. Many students enjoyed the hot sunny weather and seeing a wide range of wildlife including dragonflies.  

Our Y10 Health and Social Care students were very lucky to have a visit from the SWITCH staff at New College, Swindon. The Swindon & Wiltshire Innovative Technology Care Hub (SWITCH) is a collaboration between New College Swindon and Wiltshire College to enhance and upskill health and social care staff across Swindon, Wiltshire and beyond.

SWITCH will accelerate skills development in health, care and life science through immersive technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality, where learners ‘learn by doing’ rather than by simply watching. Embedding reality technology allows us to offer unparalleled simulation activities across a broad provision for job roles within hospitals, care homes and beyond. Our students heard about the new T Level being offered there and we hope that many will consider it when they start their college applications in the autumn. Thanks to the SWITCH team  our students learned about an amazing facility and opportunity which is right on their doorstep! 

Fifteen Year 10 students from GCSE Product Design had the opportunity to tour the Health Hydro, a Grade II-Listed historical site as part of The Health Hydro Phase 1 project which is due to be completed by January 2025.  The project includes the demolition of the existing changing block, construction of a new plant room and the conversion of a former bath house to create a new gym space.

Students were provided with all the relevant personal protective equipment by Beard Construction before being given a tour of the project, where students got to learn about different careers in construction, the history of the Health Hydro and the changes being made. Students rounded off the tour with personalised cupcakes provided by Beard Construction.

Big Business Day

The Dorcan Academy competed in the first Big Business Day and Inter-school enterprise competition run by The Platform Project. 12 Y9 Business Studies students took part with Team 1 pitching an online marketing company and Team 2 pitching an online clothes matching app. Both teams were provided support by entrepreneurs developing a business model and preparing responses to questions posed by the judges. Despite not making the final two both teams were praised for their pitches and confident delivery with students displaying the character virtues of courage and resilience. Students enjoyed the experience and recommended that Dorcan return to win next year.

Year 10 Interview Day

Back in May, Y10 students took part in our annual Interview Day to develop their interview skills,  preparing them for the world of work.  Students had the opportunity for two or three interviews where they discussed their CV and aspirations with over 40 employees from a range of different companies. Many of the interviewers praised the students for their confidence and ability to respond to challenging questions further demonstrating Dorcan’s character virtues of courage and resilience in action.  The Dorcan Academy would like to thank all the businesses who supported the event and parents who helped to prepare their child for the interviews.  If you are interested in supporting this event next year please contact the school.

Our Y9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh teams set off on their first expedition over the weekend. The sun was shining, and all teams were in high spirits fully embracing our Dorcan character virtues.  We travelled to Mayfield Park camp site in Cirencester where each team completed a 6km walk with a member of staff to put skills learned in the classroom into practise. The teams enjoyed working together to cook their evening meals and had a good night’s sleep despite being woken very early by the resident cockerel! Teams set off again walking with staff in the morning and were left to complete the second part of the route independently. We are all very impressed by the independence and determination students displayed.  

Y11 students had the opportunity to meet a range of employers and apprenticeship providers at STEAM. Whilst at the event students were given a motivational talk on the benefit of apprenticeships by Junior Saunders from Inspiring Education. Students displayed the courage character virtue when speaking to the different providers. Izzy Jones found the event “inspiring and helpful in working out whether apprenticeships are for me”. 

We are very proud to announce that our fantastic Head of Music, Ms Durston competed in Swindon music festival in March and won the Songs from Shows and Films class; she then went on to compete in the Senior Vocal Championship against all the winners from each vocal class and won the Senior Vocal Championship trophy! As if that wasn’t enough, she then had to compete in the Supreme Championship (all the overall winners from each instrument against each other) which she also won!!!! Ms Durston was up against some very talented instrumentalists and it is highly unusual for a vocalist to win the overall category. She apparently reduced the adjudicator to tears with her rendition of “Your Daddy’s Son” from Ragtime. Ms Durston is still in shock but we’re not – because she is amazing! We are very proud.

In February the GCSE Music students visited The Platform yesterday to watch the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Earlier this year, music students across Swindon composed and submitted a 4-bar melody to the Orchestra. One of these melodies would be selected and used as a starting point for an original composition. We are very proud of our year 11 GCSE Music student, Kellan, who had his 4-bar melody chosen. Our GCSE Music class had the pleasure of watching the composition be performed live, alongside a selection of other works ranging from Baroque to Video Game Music.

We’re also thrilled to share the highlights of our festive events at The Dorcan Academy!

On Tuesday 5^th December, The Dorcan Academy choir spread the holiday cheer at St Paul’s Church. The choir had the honour of performing a delightful selection of carols for the Senior Citizens Club. The joy and warmth shared during this event was truly special, and we extend our sincere thanks to the choir members for their dedication and musical talents. (photo of the choir attached, photo permissions checked).

On Thursday 14^th December, the Performing Arts and Music department hosted the much-anticipated Christmas Showcase. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the dedicated staff members who generously contributed their time to support the production. A special thanks also to the parents and carers who assisted with costumes, organisation, rehearsals, and learning lines. To our wonderful audience, thank you for championing our talented young performers. Above all, a big shoutout to the students whose unwavering talent, commitment, and energy made the showcase truly spectacular. (programme front page pasted below)

Moving on to Monday 18^th December, we were delighted to bring back the annual Carol Service to The Dorcan Academy. Students had the opportunity to partake in this traditional service, presenting a delightful array of carols, readings, and a captivating performance by the year 7 choir. A special note of thanks to Reverend Trudie for contributing to the event. (X2 programme front pages pasted below)

Thank you to everyone who played a role in making these events memorable and joyous. We look forward to more celebrations and achievements in the coming year.

Warm regards,

Miss Durston, Mr Roke, Miss Lymn