Year 4 girls from Herons’ Moor Academy recently took part in a national campaign aimed at raising the profile of girls’ participation in football.

Pupils attended the North Somerset PlayHers Festival, where they spent the morning developing their football skills through a range of engaging training activities.

The session focused on key techniques such as ball control and passing, while also encouraging teamwork and communication.

Throughout the event, the girls demonstrated fantastic enthusiasm and determination. Staff were particularly impressed by the growth in the pupils’ confidence, as well as their ability to work together and support one another.

The experience proved to be highly enjoyable for all involved, with many of them leaving inspired to continue their football journey and stay involved in the sport long term.

A spokesperson for the school said: “We are incredibly proud of the girls for their enthusiasm and commitment at the festival.

“It was wonderful to see their confidence grow throughout the morning, as well as the teamwork and positivity they showed.

“Opportunities like this are so important in inspiring young girls to get involved in sport, and we hope this has sparked a lasting interest in football for many of them.”

Year 5 pupils from Redstart Primary School recently enjoyed an extraordinary educational visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum, where they explored the rich history of naval aviation and experienced iconic aircraft up close.

The museum, the largest of its kind in Europe, features four expansive exhibition halls charting the evolution of flight, from early aviation pioneers to modern technological advancements.

During the visit, pupils toured an extensive collection that includes over 90 aircraft, two million historical records, and more than 30,000 artefacts.

A standout moment for many was the opportunity to step inside the world-famous Concorde, a remarkable feat of engineering that continues to inspire generations.

The experience was further brought to life as pupils dressed in Fleet Air Arm uniforms, allowing them to imagine themselves in the roles of naval aviators and gain a deeper understanding of life in aviation history.

A school spokesperson said: “It was incredible to see our pupils so engaged and inspired by the exhibits.

The hands-on learning experience really helped bring history to life, and I know this trip will leave a lasting impression on them.”

The visit forms part of the school’s commitment to enriching learning beyond the classroom, providing memorable experiences that spark curiosity and enthusiasm.

Year 7 and 8 students from City Academy had the exciting opportunity to attend A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bristol Old Vic, one of the oldest working theatres in the country.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy play written by internationally-renowned William Shakespeare around 1595-96. The play is set in Athens and follows several interwoven subplots surrounding the marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta.

It was truly a memorable experience for all who attended. From the very start, students were captivated by the avant-garde storytelling, vibrant characters, and powerful performances on stage.

Rebecca Pearce, Teacher of Drama, said: “Seeing the students so engaged with Shakespeare’s language and the imaginative staging was incredible.

“Moments like these inspire a lifelong love of theatre and storytelling.”

The trip provided students with a unique opportunity to experience live theatre, deepen their understanding of classic literature, and see the magic of performance come alive.

Like a scene reminiscent of the iconic musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, pupils at Waycroft Academy eagerly unwrapped chocolate bars in the hope of discovering a winning prize.

The initiative, organised by The Friends of Waycroft Academy, has captured imaginations across the school. This year’s theme, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, brought a whimsical twist to the much-anticipated fundraising event.

Around 400 chocolate bars were sold, with all proceeds being reinvested back into the academy to support pupils and enhance school experiences.

Each bar was carefully rewrapped by organisers, hiding a special surprise underneath. Pupils who discovered a Queen of Hearts card beneath their wrapper were rewarded with an exciting prize.

A wide range of prizes were up for grabs, including five sets of circus tickets for Paulo’s Circus, bowling vouchers from Hollywood Bowl, Nando’s vouchers, family swim sessions, and cinema tickets.

The academy also contributed a selection of unique in-school rewards, including hot chocolate with Principal Mr Smith, a non-uniform day for an entire class, the chance to sit on a chair during assembly for a week, and a VIP lunch table experience.

A spokesperson for The Friends of Waycroft Academy said: “This event has been a fantastic way to bring a sense of fun and excitement into the school while raising valuable funds. Seeing the pupils’ reactions as they opened their chocolate bars has been truly magical.”

Adam Smith, Principal of Waycroft Academy, added: “We are incredibly grateful to The Friends for organising such a creative and engaging fundraiser. Events like this not only support the school but also create memorable experiences for our pupils.”

Pupils and staff at Queen Margaret Primary Academy were delighted to welcome a very special visitor — one of the 29 road gritters that help keep Gloucestershire’s roads safe during winter.

Earlier this year, the school took part in a county-wide competition to name the fleet of gritters. With nearly 500 entries submitted, one name from Queen Margaret Primary Academy was selected as a winner, the brilliantly creative “Queen Margritter.”

Although the visit had to be postponed several times due to the gritters being in high demand during periods of cold weather, pupils were thrilled when the long-awaited visit finally took place.

During the visit, children had the opportunity to see their gritter up close and learn all about how it operates. They discovered key facts such as the vehicle’s impressive weight, how up to 10 tonnes of salt are loaded into the machine, and the important role gritters play in keeping roads safe during icy conditions. Pupils were also particularly excited to hear just how loud the gritter’s horn can be.

The experience brought learning to life and provided a memorable insight into an essential public service.

Heather Evans, Administration Assistant and Clerk to the Academy Council, said:
“We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Queen Margritter to our school.

“The children were so excited to see the gritter they helped name and to learn more about the important work it does to keep our communities safe.

“It was a fantastic hands-on experience that they will remember for a long time.”

Waycroft Academy was delighted to welcome retired Winter Olympian and Team GB skeleton racer Laura Deas for a special visit designed to inspire pupils through sport and perseverance.

Laura, who represented Team GB, enjoyed a highly successful career, winning her maiden Skeleton World Cup race in Altenberg in November 2015, following earlier podium finishes with silver in Calgary and bronze in St Moritz. She later achieved international acclaim by reaching the Olympic podium at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.

The visit was organised through the school’s partnership with Great Athletes, a social enterprise that connects Olympic and elite athletes with primary schools across the UK to motivate children through fitness and personal development.

Two special assemblies were held. In the first, 390 pupils from Reception through to Year 6 took part in an energetic fitness circuit led by Laura, testing their stamina and teamwork.

The second assembly gave pupils the opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session, where Laura shared insights into the dedication, resilience, and mindset required to become a world-class Olympic athlete.

As part of the initiative, children were encouraged to seek sponsorship from families, parents, and carers to participate in the event. Funds raised will go directly towards purchasing new sports equipment for the school, supporting ongoing physical activity and wellbeing.

Emma Sweet, Vice Principal at Waycroft Academy, said: “Having Laura visit our school has been an incredible experience for our pupils.

“Her story of determination, resilience and success has truly inspired everyone. Events like this not only promote physical activity but also show our children what can be achieved with hard work and belief.

“We are extremely grateful to Great Athletes for making this opportunity possible.”