Growth Mindset was in full flow across the school today!

Year 7 were exploring different festivals,  complete with some energetic Samba dancing!

Year 8 (who aren’t in London) took part in a Young Enterprise challenge, creating their own businesses and showing real entrepreneurial spirit. 

Year 9 were focusing on wellbeing, with an excellent session delivered by Be U, they also took part in a range of disability sports. 

Year 10 set off to Bristol for a day of learning and discovery. 🚌

Year 11 were fully engaged in their Success Day, producing brilliant work in English. and we still have one more exciting trip to go, with some students heading off to watch Blood Brothers! 

It’s inspiring to see every year group embracing the Growth Mindset in their own unique way! What a fantastic way to end the term—full of positivity, resilience, and a shared commitment to growth.

Wishing everyone a restful and well-deserved break!

Our biggest Growth Mindset Day to date is off to a fantastic start! 100 of our Year 8 students will explore the Natural History Museum in London, sparking curiosity and a love of lifelong learning. We’re so proud to see our students embracing new experiences and thinking big. 

Our Year 11 Historians had a fantastic day at Hampton Court Palace on the 9^th of October. They experienced an exemplary Elizabethan session by the Palace staff and toured the apartments of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. They even had the opportunity to picnic in the palace gardens.

We are absolutely delighted to share a beautiful letter we received from the ChessMax Junior Chess Club, praising the outstanding conduct, enthusiasm, and skill of our students. The club was deeply impressed by the way our young players represented themselves and our school—showing not only strategic brilliance on the board but also kindness, respect, and sportsmanship.

This glowing feedback is a testament to the hard work and character of our students, and we couldn’t be prouder. Read on to see the full letter and join us in celebrating their fantastic achievement!

“I wanted to take a moment to recognise the wonderful contribution that Hayden Crisp and Dev Mistry have made to our ChessMAX junior chess club.

Both students joined us in 2022, at a time when the club had around 10 players, and have played a key role in helping it grow to over 60 members today. Hayden joined as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, keen to provide community service, while Dev contributed through the Hindu Samaj Swindon Community charity.

Both students have made excellent progress in chess, regularly competing in local tournaments and even representing Wiltshire.
Alongside developing their own skills, they have taken on leadership roles, supporting Group 1 coaching sessions and offering guidance to younger players. Their talent and dedication have also attracted experienced adult players to help coach our advanced groups, enriching the experience for everyone.

Chess may not always be seen as a “sport,” but for many students who are not particularly sporty, it provides a great way to socialise, have fun, and make friends. Hayden and Dev have been instrumental in creating this welcoming and inclusive environment.

I am so pleased that Dorcan Academy encourages pupils to be outstanding representatives of the school and the wider community, and Hayden and Dev exemplify this perfectly. I know they will both be focusing on their GCSEs this year, and we at the ChessMax team wish them every success.

If possible, we would be very grateful if you could acknowledge their contribution at your school assembly as excellent ambassadors of Dorcan Academy.”

Last week’s tournament brought together students for an exciting evening of darts, competition, and courage. Every participant showed great skill, character, and sportsmanship, making the event a real success! 🏆

A huge thank you to Miss Durston for organising the event and running the club, and to Dave Durston for scoring the tournament. We also want to thank the Dorcan Academy PTFA for supporting the setup of the club with a donation and helping with the tournament.

If your child would like to join the darts club next term, please hand a signed permission slip to Miss Durston in Music.