Summerhill Academy was delighted to welcome four top athletes from Pentathlon UK as part of an exciting new initiative to introduce obstacle course racing into the modern pentathlon.

The sport is undergoing a transformation, with obstacle course racing being introduced as the fifth event in modern pentathlon. Athletes will now face high-energy challenges such as rope swings, monkey bars, and the thrilling ‘tsunami wall’.

To support this change and introduce the sport to a younger generation, Pentathlon GB has partnered with the Youth Sport Trust to develop innovative teaching resources designed specifically for primary schools.

Summerhill Academy is proud to be one of only a handful of schools across the UK trialling the new materials, after the school won a recent Youth Sport Trust award for its PE provision.

During their visit, the athletes observed a lesson in action and joined pupils in tackling the obstacle course, encouraging and coaching them through each challenge.

The visit concluded with a lively Q&A session, giving pupils the chance to ask questions and learn more about the athletes’ careers and the exciting changes to the sport.

Sally Goodridge, PE Lead at Summerhill Academy, said: “It’s fantastic to see schools like Summerhill Academy embracing this new chapter in modern pentathlon.

“The enthusiasm from our pupils was inspiring, and we hope these new resources will spark a lifelong love of physical activity and sport.”

Summerhill Academy would like to thank the visiting athletes, and everyone involved in delivering such an inspiring and action-packed session.

Students at King’s Oak Academy got a hands-on taste of the world of work through a new pilot partnership being run with Clifton Coffee as part of its broader Future Workforce partnership.

The initiative is designed to empower learners by equipping them with practical skills and entrepreneurial know-how through the creation of their own student café.

Launched at the end of January, the project provided students with hands-on experience not only in barista training but also in essential aspects of running a business, including customer service, pricing strategies, and budgeting.

The program kicked off with a visit from the Clifton Coffee team to King’s Oak, where they met the first cohort of participants and introduced them to the project.

Over the course of three interactive training sessions held at Clifton Coffee HQ, students received expert guidance and practiced crafting high-quality coffee in a professional setting.

By the conclusion of the training, participants have the confidence and capability to serve exceptional coffee to parents and staff, creating a welcoming space while putting their new skills to the test

James Cornick, Specialist Leader in Education for King’s Oak’s parent trust part of the Cabot Learning Federation, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to give our catering students a chance to learn practical, industry recognised skills and get hands on experience creating and running their own business.

“Collaborating with the team at Clifton Coffee and seeing our young baristas in action was amazing.”

The student café project represents a unique opportunity for learners to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world experience, laying a strong foundation for their futures.

A spokesperson from Clifton Coffee said: “Clifton Coffee are excited to partner with the Cabot Learning Federation and King’s Oak Academy inspired by the principles of the Future Workforce initiative.

“Barista and hospitality skills are essential for young people as they teach the value of kindness, empathy, and respect for others. Learning to interact with people, solving problems, and helping others fosters strong social connections and builds confidence.

“These skills encourage teamwork and cooperation, essential for school, family, and community life. Early experience in hospitality helps young people develop emotional intelligence and prepares them for future personal and professional relationships and success, creating a foundation for a compassionate and inclusive mindset.”

Pupils at Haywood Village Academy were treated to an unforgettable experience when a variety of exotic animals – including snakes – paid a special visit to the academy.

This exciting event gave pupils the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with creatures typically found in the world’s rainforests.

Rainforest animals are incredibly diverse, exhibiting a wide range of adaptations that help them thrive in their humid, warm and lush habitats.

This visit served as a unique educational opportunity, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding of these fascinating ecosystems.

Throughout the visit, pupils demonstrated amazing curiosity and courage, asking thoughtful questions and even bravely holding some of the animals.

A school spokesperson said: “It was wonderful to see our pupils so engaged and fearless.

“Experiences like these could spark a lifelong interest in nature and science, and we’re proud of how inquisitive and respectful our pupils were during the session.”

15 miles, 11 schools, thousands of smiling children, hundreds of smiling staff, tens of smiling strangers, one chicken and one extremely proud aunt.

If you saw a team of superheroes following a giant chicken through the streets of Bristol this week, your eyes were not deceiving you – it was a school principal completing a charity run in memory of her four-year-old nephew.

Alex Davies leads Snowdon Village, a group of four Bristol schools which educate students who have either been excluded from mainstream education, or whose needs make it hard for them to succeed in mainstream classrooms.

Three years ago, Alex’s family suffered a tragic loss when her nephew Jesse died from a genetic condition so rare than it had never been diagnosed.

And this week, Alex and friends took to the streets on Undiagnosed Children’s Day (Friday 25^th April) to complete a sponsored 15-mile run around a number of Bristol schools, with participants wearing superhero costumes honouring Jesse (and all the other children facing their fears who have an undiagnosed need) and one of his favourite things, chickens.

Pupils at the participating schools waved and cheered the runners on as they passed their school. Some special schools on the route opened their playground and so students could high five or fist bump the runners as they passed.

The run was designed to raise money for two causes close to Alex’s heart.

The first is SWAN UK, the UK’s only dedicated support network in the UK for families affected by a syndrome without a name – a genetic condition so rare it often remains undiagnosed, like the one Jesse fought against.

That is why Alex chose to complete her run on Undiagnosed Children’s Day.

Alex said: “During his short life, Jesse faced his fear and taught himself to walk. Jesse also absolutely loved chickens.

“The fun run ‘Chase the Chicken’ was meant to inspire people to face their fears and do things they never thought were possible, like run 15 miles, climb Snowdon or walk across a bridge when everyone told you that you would never be able to walk.

“But also, many of the children we support at Snowdon Village have an undiagnosed need, which is why we feel this is an important charity to support.”

The second cause Alex was fundraising for was the Big Trip, an adventure activity for some of the most disadvantaged students at Snowdon Village.

The two-day expedition will see students – many of whom have never been outside of Bristol before – complete a supervised trek to the summit of Mount Snowdon in Wales.

During May, hundreds of Alex’s colleagues from schools within Snowdon Village’s parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation will be taking part in runs and walks of their own to support the cause.

They will be joining a series of events throughout the West Country – including the Great Bristol Run on 11 May.

Alex said: “The run was a huge success. I have run many races in my time but this has to be the best run I have ever done – seeing so many smiling children. Jesse would have loved it.

“We have already raised over £2,000. Half will be going to SWAN UK and half we will use to take our Snowdon Village superheroes to the top of a mountain that is special to us, Mount Snowdon. Thank you to everyone who has already sponsored us.”

Anyone who would like to add a donation in recognition of Alex’s efforts should visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/chase-the-chicken-a-15-mile-sponsored-fun-run

Students at Winterstoke Hundred Academy were treated to a lesson with a difference, when Somerset-based rock band The Entitled Sons visited the academy to deliver four concerts playing their latest hits.

The Entitled Sons performed last year at Glastonbury and are selling out concerts all over the UK. They are a family band of four brothers, Charlie on lead vocals, Raffey on guitar, Billy on keyboards, Laurie on drums and their dad Graham on bass guitar.

They are the sons of TV presenter Sarah Beeny and Graham Swift. The family have just completed their fourth series on Channel 4’s Sarah Beeny’s New Life in the Country.

After the concerts, the four brothers each took a microphone, sat on a stool and began an engaging conversation with students. The brothers discussed a range of topics including their own personal struggles with dyslexia, ADHD, bullying, doomscrolling, gaming and the pros and cons of social media.

Their positive message resonated with students as they discussed healthy living and promoting good mental health.

The band highlighted the importance of being in healthy relationships and speaking up when you have a problem.

They also encouraged students to reduce screen time, enjoy the outdoors, alongside the importance of study and not to be like them when they used their dyslexia diagnosis as an excuse for not working hard.

The band were generous with their time chatting with students afterwards, posing for selfies, signing autographs and handing out wristbands.

Students said the band had been ‘so cool and down to earth’ but most asked ‘when are they coming back?’

The Entitled Sons drove back to Somerset leaving behind them, what for many, was their first ever experience of a live performance, hundreds of smiling faces, happy memories and a positive message to reflect on.

Annie Massey, Vice Principal at Winterstoke Hundred Academy, said: “It’s not every day our students get to hear such powerful life lessons wrapped in brilliant live music.

“The Entitled Sons didn’t just perform – they connected. It’s an experience our students will carry with them for a long time,”

Year 8 students from Monkton Wood Academy have been crowned District Football Champions after a thrilling and fiercely competitive final against Bishop Fox’s School at the prestigious Taunton Town football stadium.

In a nerve-trembling game of end-to-end football, watched by a huge and passionate crowd glued to an intensive game of football, Luca Ciocan became the hero of the hour by scoring a dramatic last-gasp equaliser just before the final whistle.

With the scores level at full time, the match went to penalties. Goalkeeper Reggie Felton delivered a stunning performance, making two spectacular saves to swing the momentum in Monkton Wood’s favour.

The team held their nerve and went on to win the shootout 4-3.

Mel Pattemore, Head of Physical Education at Monkton Wood Academy, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team.

“Their resilience, teamwork, and determination were outstanding from start to finish.

“It was a brilliant display of character and talent, and they fully deserve this victory.”