Reception children at Red Start Primary School had an exciting and memorable visit from wildlife experts, as animals were brought into the classroom by Fangs ‘N’ Feathers.

Fangs ‘N’ Feathers is a UK-based animal education service that provides reptile encounters, sensory visits, and interactive workshops for schools, with a focus on handling and learning about often misunderstood animals.

During the visit, pupils had the opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide range of exotic creatures, including several species of snakes and a lizard. The hands-on experience allowed children to explore the animals in a safe and supportive environment.

The children showed impressive confidence throughout the session, remaining calm and brave while handling the animals. They also demonstrated great curiosity, asking thoughtful and engaging questions about the creatures and their habitats.

A spokesperson said: “It was wonderful to see the children approach the experience with such confidence and curiosity.

“Opportunities like this not only spark a love of learning but also help children develop respect and understanding for animals that are often misunderstood.”

Pictured: Gemma Larkin BMA left, Lalita Taylor, We Job Box second left, Franglin JayachandraSuja BBA right, Craig Jordan CLF second right.

A pioneering digital work experience (WEX) programme has been successfully rolled out across academies within the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), engaging more than 100 Year 10 students aged 14–15 in a transformative careers initiative.

Students from Bristol Metropolitan Academy, Digitech Studio School, Bristol Brunel Academy, King’s Oak Academy, and Hanham Woods Academy participated in this innovative pilot, designed to raise aspirations at a pivotal stage in their educational journey.

The programme reflects CLF’s core HEART values, demonstrating high expectations, equity, resilience, and togetherness throughout. By removing barriers to participation through the provision of technology, facilitators, and transport, all students were able to fully engage and benefit from the experience.

Delivered in partnership with We Job Box, the programme combined five virtual days across a range of industry sectors with two in-person workshop days hosted by the Bristol Met.

Students attended interactive sessions, completed real-world activities, and took part in live Q&A discussions with leading industry professionals.

Participating organisations included the NHS, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Chelsea FC, BBC Media Operations, Spotify, London Stock Exchange Group, Deloitte, and Bosch, alongside innovators in sustainability, healthcare, robotics, and technology. Students also engaged with teams from BBC R&D, BBC WiSTEM, and BBC Radio One, and took part in interview practice sessions with Chelsea FC.

This initiative has helped students develop vital transferable skills including IT, communication, presentation, teamwork, creativity, and networking.

It also reinforced the importance of resilience and lifelong learning, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

The programme’s impact extended beyond the classroom. Students were inspired by exposure to a diverse range of professionals, embodying the idea that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. Their experiences will now help encourage younger students to actively engage with future work experience opportunities.

Further recognition of the programme came with attendance at the official launch of We Job Box at the House of Lords. Representatives from CLF engaged with national stakeholders and decision-makers committed to expanding access to work experience opportunities for young people and adults re-entering the workforce.

The CLF has been invited to remain part of the national working group, helping to shape and expand the pilot to benefit hundreds more students, including those within the trust.

Craig Jordan, CLF Careers Lead, said: “I have seen this programme grow and the students develop over the term. It has been a privilege to be part of the pilot, and I look forward to participating in future opportunities.

“Special thanks are extended to Lalita Taylor FRSA and the team at We Job Box, as well as careers leads and IT support staff across all participating schools. Particular recognition goes to Gemma Larkin, Careers and Pathways Lead at Bristol Metropolitan Academy, for her leadership and commitment in championing the programme.”

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pupils at Uphill Village Academy have been exploring the important role of people who help their communities as part of their learning this term.

As part of this topic, pupils were delighted to welcome a team of paramedics, who visited the school with their ambulance.

The visit provided a hands-on and engaging experience, giving pupils a real insight into the vital work carried out by emergency services.

During the visit, they learned about what paramedics do and why their role is so important in supporting local communities. They eagerly asked questions and showed great curiosity about the day-to-day responsibilities of the profession.

A highlight of the visit was the opportunity for pupils to explore the ambulance. They were able to look inside, sit in the driver’s seat, and even try out some of the medical equipment used by paramedics, making the experience both exciting and educational.

A school spokesperson said: “We are incredibly grateful to the paramedics for taking the time to visit us and share their knowledge.

“Experiences like this bring learning to life and help our pupils develop a real understanding of the important roles people play in keeping our communities safe.”

All Year 7 students at Winterstoke Hundred Academy (WHA) immersed themselves in the world and words of poetry by taking part in a Poetry by Heart competition.

Students first performed their chosen poems within their classes, showcasing confidence, expression, and interpretation. From these performances, two students from each class were selected to compete in the grand final, held in the main hall in front of their peers.

Poetry by Heart is a national poetry speaking competition for schools and colleges, open to pupils aged 7–18. The initiative aims to develop confidence and a deeper appreciation of poetry in a way that is enjoyable, accessible, and engaging.

The final was judged by Principal Matt Randle, Lead Cover Supervisor Susannah Plomer-Fielden, and guest judge Dr Tim Shortis, the pioneering director of the Poetry by Heart competition.

Judges praised the exceptionally high standard, noting how close the competition was.

After much deliberation, the top three performers were announced:

• 3rd place: Lucas
• 2nd place: Dahlia
• 1st place: Theodore

John Rowley, Deputy Curriculum Leader of English and event organiser, said: “Poetry by Heart has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to build confidence, develop their speaking skills, and engage with literature in a truly memorable way.

“The standard this year was incredibly high, and I am immensely proud of every student who took part.

“Events like this show just how powerful poetry can be in bringing young people together and giving them a voice.”

Hans Price Academy’s older female students participated in a recent day at Avon and Somerset Constabulary headquarters in Portishead for a workshop day on the theme of ‘Violence Against Women and Girls.’

The girls enjoyed a tour round of the building, including a visit to the emergency call handling room.

During the workshops, the group designed some T-shirts which will form part of a large display on the College Green in Bristol during Knife Crime Awareness Week. This is to help raise awareness for youths not to carry knives or become involved with gang culture.

They also listened to Rhia from the Fly Girl Foundation who spoke about violence against girls, recognising red flags, coercive control and exploitation.

Rhia was a survivor herself of coercive and controlling behaviours from a partner and received a custodial sentence for her part in storing some illegal drugs in her home under peer pressure from her partner. She now advocates for females to speak out and have the strength to stand up for themselves.

It was an interesting talk, from someone that has had a lived experience, and has managed to overcome her obstacles for a better quality of life.

This workshop highlighted to all the girls present how anyone can be affected, and the controlling behaviours often start off small and subtle.

The Barnardo’s workshop highlighted the national work being carried out under the police initiative ‘Operation Makesafe.’ This is a programme helping to prevent child sexual exploitation, specifically incidents which take place on public transport and in the hospitality industry.

Students designed their ‘protective shields’ and thought about what red flags they need to be aware of in relationships, how to set boundaries, and how to protect themselves and report to trusted adults.

The girls enjoyed their day and found the talks interesting and informative. They especially liked listening to Rhia and her life story.

Andi Davis, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Hans Price Academy said: “This was an incredibly valuable experience for our students.

“It gave them the opportunity to engage with important real-life issues in a safe and supportive environment, helping them to better understand the risks and recognise the signs of harmful behaviour.

“Hearing Rhia’s story in particular was powerful, and it really resonated with the girls.

“We are proud of how thoughtfully they contributed throughout the day and how seriously they approached such important topics.”

They followed the winding Yellow Brick Road and arrived at Broadoak Academy, where students and staff delivered a spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz.

The much-loved story follows Dorothy Yoliswa (Y8) and her loyal dog Toto, who are swept away from Kansas to the magical land of Oz by a powerful cyclone.

Determined to return home, Dorothy journeys along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City, meeting unforgettable companions along the way: the Scarecrow Frankie (Y10), in search of a brain; the Tin Woodman Tommy-Lee (Y9), longing for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion Eden-Lee (Y10) hoping to find courage.

After a dramatic encounter with the Wicked Witch of the West, the group discovers that the Wizard is not all he seems. Nevertheless, Dorothy ultimately finds her way home with the help of her magical silver shoes.

Auditions for the two show production began in September, and what made this group so special was not only their talent on stage or the skill demonstrated behind the scenes, but also the kindness, encouragement and teamwork they have shown one another throughout the process.

The cast and crew — numbering around 50 students from Years 7 to 11 – brought together a mix of experienced performers and those bravely stepping into the spotlight for the very first time. Together, they formed a company that has been a joy to watch and work with.

Staff have had the privilege of witnessing confidence grow week by week, as students who once quietly rehearsed their lines developed the courage to project across a full auditorium. The production showcased problem-solving skills worthy of the Scarecrow, compassion to rival the Tin Man, courage braver than the lion’s and leadership that even the Wizard himself might admire. Every challenge was met with enthusiasm, resilience and a strong sense of camaraderie, with just a touch of theatrical magic along the way.

Audiences were invited to share in the joy, dedication and friendships that have shaped this journey. While Dorothy may say there’s no place like home, there is something truly special about the stage, and about the extraordinary company who have made this production their own.

Naomi Aves, Head of Creative and Performing Arts, and Kayleigh Turk, Teacher of Performing Arts, said: “Every year, we stand with our cast on the final night, listening to the rapturous applause and wondering how we will ever top it, and this year is no exception.

“The standard was incredibly high, and the energy our students sustained right through to the final bow was remarkable. We are so proud of every student who took part, both on stage and behind the scenes. While we’re grateful for a short rest, we’re already looking forward to getting started on next year’s production.”