Whole School Messages

As the colder months approach, we can expect to see increases in common airborne viruses. Illness is the biggest single reason for school absence; while some absences due to illness are unavoidable, many can be reduced through simple, proactive measures that minimise the spread of infections. Scientific evidence demonstrates that vaccination, disinfection (cleaning), handwashing, and ventilation can significantly reduce the transmission of infectious diseases. 

Please take time to read the two links below to help us reduce the number of student absences this winter: 

Is my child too ill for school? - NHS      

Top tips on how to keep your child healthy at school – The Education Hub 

Please ensure all absences, lates, appointments, etc. are recorded on ParentMail. Phone calls and messages will delay your child’s attendance being recorded accurately. Many thanks. 

If your child has borrowed uniform from Pastoral, especially a tie, please check and return them promptly. We no longer have uniform for students to borrow, as a result of students not returning or collecting deposits. 

This is a polite reminder that we are a nut free school. Please ensure your child does not bring nuts or food containing nuts as part of their lunch. Many thanks.

Homework Club All years, every day after school in the library 3.15-4.15pm 

KS4 Sophrology Club – Supporting Exams Wellbeing

As exam pressures continue to rise, many parents are understandably concerned about how their children cope; not just academically, but emotionally. At our school, we are proud to introduce a new initiative aimed at supporting students’ mental wellbeing and enhancing their exam preparation: the KS4 Sophrology Club. Tuesdays after school in Room 40 with Mrs Duthuit.

Sophrology Club

French Pen Friend Club

Our French Penfriends Club is back in full swing, and we're excited to continue building friendships across the Channel.  If you're looking for a fun, relaxed way to practise your French, learn about life in France, or simply connect with someone new, this is the perfect place to start.

When and Where

• Fridays at lunchtime.

• Room 43.

Bring your lunch, bring your curiosity, and settle in for a friendly session of letter-writing, cultural exchange, and conversation. 

Why Join?

Our partner school in France has been wonderfully enthusiastic - so enthusiastic, in fact, that we currently have more French students then English penfriends.  A few of their students are even sharing an English partner because we're short on members.

That's where you come in.

By joining the club, you'll

• Be matched with a real French student eager to write to you.

• Improve your French in a natural, enjoyable way.

• Learn about French culture, school life, and daily routines.

• Make an international connection that could last for years.

• Help us balance the numbers and keep the exchange thriving.

Open to Everyone

All year groups are welcome - no experience needed.  Whether you're confident in French or just starting out, the club is a supportive space where everyone learns together.

Come along this Friday, grab a seat in Room 43, and help us fill the ranks.  Your future penfriend is waiting!

Creative Writing Club - will start again in January 2027.  Watch this space for further details.   

Music Clubs - Please see Mr Thomas at break or lunch to sign up 

Tuesdays - Lunch Time - Choir Rehearsals  

Thursday - Lunch Time - Music Club 

Wednesday –Lunch Time and Thursday - 3:15 - 4:15 - School Ensemble 

Friday - Lunch Time - Jazz Band 

PE and Sports Clubs 

Students playing Football on the AGP at lunchtimes must wear their shin pads with trainers or football boots. They do not need to wear PE kit.

PE Extra Curricular Programme - Term 1

Fixtures List 2026 - 2027

Please find a link below to the PE page of the website where you will find the updated fixtures list for this year (near the bottom of the page).  

Physical Education - Braunton Academy - Aspire and Achieve

Braunton Academy Climbing Club 

We are delighted to announce that booking is now open for our upcoming after-school climbing club, hosted right here in the Braunton Academy Sports Hall! Led by qualified, professional instructors, this block offers structured, 
progressive coaching designed to build confidence, agility, and safety awareness. The first session starts on Tuesday 22 September.  

Who: Open to all year groups.  

Kit Required: Students should wear their PE kit (or sportswear that fully covers harness points) and clean, lace-up trainers. All technical safety equipment is provided.  

How to Book: Spaces are strictly limited and pre booking is essential. Bookings are as a full block commitment. Secure your child's spot via our new, secure online portal below:-

Radventures Outdoors

Basketball Club - September 2026 - 2027

Parents/Carers,  

I am delighted to confirm that we have once again managed to secure the services of Basketball coach, David Roper, a Level 3 advanced Basketball coach, former England Player and qualified Physical Education teacher, to 
support the coaching of our students for the duration of the Autumn term. We are therefore offering your son/daughter the opportunity to book a place in our upcoming Basketball Academy during the Autumn term, See below all 
details.  

Mondays - Year 7, 8 and 9 from 3.30pm - 4.45pm 
Start date - Monday 14th September   
End date - Monday 19th October   
6 sessions at £4 per session - £24  

Fridays - Year 10 and 11 from 3.30pm - 4.45pm 
Start date - Friday 11th September   
End Date - Friday 23rd October   
7 sessions at £4 per session - £28  

N.B. - Please note there may be changes if the hall is unavailable due to mock exams.  This year, all parents/carers MUST book their child's place directly with David Roper and NOT through Braunton Academy ParentMail system. David would 
like to manage all bookings and payments direct from now on. Therefore, apart from this email, all queries, questions etc must go directly through David Roper from now on. See details below.  

Booking- email David direct at davidropersports@gmail.com to book your child's place. Please copy and paste these details into your email and fill in the details for your child.  

School: Braunton Academy  
Name:  

Year Group

Parents Name:

Parents Contact Details: 

  
Payment Details

 
Name - Mr D G Roper  
HSBC 40-10-16  
Account no. 21191160  
Payment reference: BA Childs name and year group   
Contact details : David Roper  
Email: davidropersports@gmail.com  
Facebook: North Devon bucks  

Autumn 2026 Tennis Club

Dear Parents

 
We are delighted to announce that the Devonshire Tennis Academy will be continuing our after-school Tennis club at Braunton Academy in the Autumn Term. Tennis club develops crucial hand eye co-ordination. Teaching students the  
techniques and rallying skills through fun games.

  
Dates - Tuesday 8th September – Tuesday 8th December (excl. 27th October for half 
term) :

Time - 5-6pm

Years 7, 8, 9 & 10 £78 (13-week course)  

 
To book please email the following to: 

bookings@devonshiretennisacademy.com - places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

 
Player’s Name:

D.O.B: Year:

Parent’s Name(s):  

Contact tel N°:  

Alternative tel N°:  

Email Address:

Medical conditions / allergies / additional information:  

How to pay  

Devonshire Tennis Academy

Sort code -  30-98-97

Account No. - 57684068 

 
(Please use your child’s name & school as a reference) 

www.devonshiretennisacademy.com 

Volleyball Club  

Time - 3:30pm -4:30pm

On - Thursdays 

With - Danny Mulford

Price (£30 for 10 sessions)  

Dates – starts Thursday 17th September and runs through to Christmas.

 
All levels and year groups are welcome, it’s great for beginners and all those who regularly come will be able to play in the North Devon Schools competition in the spring term.  

NO TRAINING  12th and 19th November due to exams in the hall.  

Please book via the school portal. 

Ecoclub

Looking for something fun, friendly, and meaningful to get involved with during lunchtime? Room 25 is the place to be every Tuesday lunchtime! Whether you’re already passionate about making a difference or just curious to try something new, everyone is welcome.

Bring your lunch with you — or grab it first and then come along — and get stuck into a range of great activities. It’s a relaxed, positive space where you can meet new people, share ideas, and take part in projects that genuinely matter.

💬 What’s Happening?

We’ve got a brilliant mix of activities lined up, from creative tasks to planning events and taking action on issues that affect our school and wider community. New members are really welcome, so don’t worry if you’ve never been before. Just drop in, say hello, and get involved.

🌍 Kicking Off Next Week: Earth Action Litter Pick Team

Our first mission of the term starts next week, when we’ll be organising a team for Earth Action’s annual litter pick. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a visible difference to our local environment while working together as a team.

If you’re keen to help out, share ideas, or simply want to be part of something positive, make sure you join us in Room 25 on Tuesday.

History Film Club

Calling all GCSE Historians — the History Film Club is launching soon, and you’re invited.

Beginning Thursday 26th February, the club will run every Thursday lunchtime in Room 24. It’s the perfect place to deepen your understanding of key historical events, explore different perspectives, and enjoy thought‑provoking films and documentaries with friends.

If you want to boost your GCSE knowledge and love history, this is the club for you.

Bring your lunch, bring your curiosity, and join us for a weekly journey into the past.

Latin Club

Ever wondered what Carpe Diem really means?  Curious about Roman myths, ancient history, or the roots of modern languages?  Or maybe you just want a fun, friendly place to spend your Thursday lunchtime.

Good news: our brand-new Latin Club is launching!

When and Where

• Thursday at lunchtime

• Room 43

• Open to all year groups and staff

Whether you're a complete beginner or already know your amo, amas, amet, this club is for everyone.  No prior knowledge needed - just enthusiasm and a willingness to explore the language and culture that shaped so much of the world we live in today.

What to Expect

• Learn Latin words and phrases you'll actually recognise in everyday life.

• Explore Roman mythology, history and culture.

• Decode mottos, spells, and scientific terms.

• Try your hand at fun translation challenges.

• Meet others who share an interest in ancient languages.

Latin isn't just about dusty textbooks - it's a doorway into stories of gods, gladiators, emperors, and ideas that still echo through modern languages, literature, and even pop culture.

We will also follow a real Pompeian family in the run-up to Vesuvius's eruption.  Who will come out alive?

Everyone is Welcome

Students from all year groups and staff members are warmly invited.  Bring your lunch, bring a friend, and bring your curiosity.  

See you on Thursday in Room 43 - veni, vidi, vici awaits!

First Tech Robotics Club

Get involved with First Tech Robotics! Meet every Wednesday lunchtime in Room 40 to design, build, and programme robots while developing valuable STEM skills.  Everyone is welcome.  

True Colours Club

Monday lunchtimes in room 21. Open to LGBT+ students and allies. A calm and focused space to explore issues affecting the LGBT+ community, share ideas, and celebrate diversity within our school.

Please use the email contact list on our website (link below) to help you direct your enquiries to the correct members of staff. 

Specific Contact Options

Any lost property that has not been claimed by the end of each half term will be either disposed of or donated to charity. Please label all children’s belongings and encourage them to check lost property for anything they may have misplaced. 

Please remember messages to students during the school day should only be required to be delivered in rare/emergency circumstances and must be received as early as possible, but no later than 3pm. 

Please communicate after school arrangements prior to your child leaving home in the morning. If you feel regular communication of this nature is needed e.g. about changing arrangements, please consider providing a non-smart phone for your child to aid such communication after school. 

Braunton Co-operative Learning Trust Smartphone policy

Uniform Expectations