Year 4 pupils from Herons’ Moor Academy enjoyed an unforgettable educational visit to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, a 100-acre, award-winning conservation charity and zoo.

The North Somerset attraction is home to over 100 animal species, including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions, and bears, and the trip brought classroom learning to life as pupils deepened their understanding of South American animals and ecosystems.

A highlight of the day was taking part in the engaging Rainforest Explorer workshop, where children explored the different layers of the rainforest, discussed the impacts of deforestation, and experienced hands-on learning.

During the session, pupils had the unique opportunity to get up close to a hissing cockroach and a big royal python, an experience that sparked curiosity and excitement among the group.

Pupils demonstrated enthusiasm, excellent behaviour, and a genuine eagerness to learn throughout the visit. The day also provided a wonderful chance to learn in a beautiful outdoor setting, making it both educational and memorable.

A spokesperson said: “Spending the day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm was a fantastic experience for our pupils.

“The Rainforest Explorer workshop brought their learning to life in such an engaging way, and they showed great curiosity and respect throughout.

“We are incredibly proud of how they represented our school and embraced every opportunity to learn.”

The Sky Academy proudly took part in Children’s Mental Health Week, a national initiative that encourages young people to understand the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing.

As part of the week, students enjoyed a special enrichment afternoon, where they were able to choose from a variety of activities designed to support relaxation, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

Staff across the school led engaging sessions that gave students the opportunity to try new experiences, develop new skills, and take time to reflect on their mental health.

Activities included weight training, cooking and baking, mindful colouring, board games and puzzles, VR and gaming, and a fire pit session with hot chocolates. Students also enjoyed a trip to Haynes Motor Museum, adding an exciting off-site experience to the programme.

The afternoon was not only enjoyable but also closely linked to the academy’s personal development curriculum.

By offering opportunities to collaborate, build resilience, explore new interests, and strengthen social skills, the event supported students’ growth both in and beyond school.

Bringing together students from different year groups further encouraged teamwork, communication, and a strong sense of community.

Overall, the week proved to be a highly successful and uplifting experience, giving students valuable time to prioritise their wellbeing while continuing to grow as confident and resilient young people.

Charlie Ennals, Careers and Personal Development Lead at The Sky Academy, said: “Children’s Mental Health Week is such an important opportunity to remind our students that their wellbeing matters just as much as their academic success.

“It was fantastic to see so many students trying new activities, supporting each other, and taking time to reflect.

“The positive energy throughout the week really showed the strength of our school community.”

Students at Monkton Wood Academy are taking the lead in online safety following the launch of a new student group digital leaders.

The digital leaders play a vital role in supporting students and staff with student apps, online learning tools, and tackling everyday digital challenges.

The group has already made a positive impact across the academy, helping to build confidence and promote safe, responsible technology use.

As part of Safer Internet Week, three of the digital leaders – Natalia, Kieran and Melissa – bravely took to the stage during assemblies to support this year’s focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

Safer Internet Day (SID) is a major international event, celebrated in approximately 170 to 200 countries worldwide, dedicated to promoting the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology, particularly for children and young people.

Their presentations helped students better understand the opportunities and risks linked to AI, while encouraging thoughtful and informed use of digital tools.

A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy said: “We are incredibly proud of our digital leaders for the confidence, maturity and enthusiasm they have shown.

“By supporting their peers and leading important discussions around online safety and artificial intelligence, they are helping to create a safer and more informed digital community within our academy.

“A huge well done to our digital leaders for leading the way and empowering others to use technology safely and smartly.”

Year 2 pupils at Uphill Village Academy enjoyed an immersive Victorian day as part of their history learning. Becoming historians for the day, pupils took part in a range of activities linked to the Victorian era, bringing their topic to life.

Pupils wore examples of Victorian clothing, wrote on traditional blackboards, explored a range of Victorian artefacts and even experienced what school life would have been like with strict Victorian teaching.

These hands-on activities helped pupils deepen their understanding of the past in a fun and memorable way.

A spokesperson for the academy said: “Victorian Day was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to experience history first-hand.

Children were fully engaged throughout the day and showed great enthusiasm and curiosity while learning about life in Victorian times. It was wonderful to see them so excited about being historians.

“Pupils had a fantastic day and thoroughly enjoyed stepping back in time to explore the Victorian era.

What a huge treat for the audience at the Bristol Beacon on Wednesday 11 February, when more than 200 CLF students took to the stage and delivered an absolutely excellent concert.

The confidence and talent on show was impressive, with musicians from Broadoak, Bristol Brunel, Bristol Metropolitan, Hans Price, Hanham Woods, John Cabot, King’s Oak and Winterstoke Hundred delivering a range of pieces – culminating in a mass choir and band performance of Let Me Hold You, conducted by Drew Salida of Bristol Brunel.

The programme and acts were very diverse, including solo, duet and ensemble vocal performances, a solo violinist, several bands and choirs, and covering a wide range of genres, from Bach to Wicked, Olivia Dean to Nirvana.

It was a packed auditorium with more than 500 parents and staff in the appreciative audience.

The students stepped up with real bravery onto the famous Beacon stage and delivered brilliantly, including the comperes.

The event offered an incredible experience, to be backstage, do soundchecks, and then perform after weeks of rehearsing.

Congratulations and thanks to all the music teachers involved and especially to Drew Salida who organised and coordinated the event.

Jemma Morrell, of King’s Oak Academy, said: “Our staff and children were absolutely buzzing and the parents were just blown away.

“From our perspective, the opportunity for Years 5 & 6 to see such talent has just meant everything.”

And event lead Drew Salida added: “What a night! As a musician I can’t hide the fact that being a part of something on the main stage at Beacon was an absolute buzz.

“To see 200 students feel the same thing in front of 500 people was brilliant.”

A group of Year 9 and Year 10 students from Monkton Wood Academy took on the challenge of competing in the annual United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Intermediate Maths Challenge.

This national competition is designed to stretch high-achieving students with complex, thought-provoking problem-solving questions. It encourages mathematical reasoning, logical thinking and creativity beyond the standard curriculum.

Monkton Wood was proud to learn that 37 students achieved bronze, silver or gold awards, which is a fantastic accomplishment.

Even more impressively, two Year 9 students have progressed to the next round, earning a place in the Grey Kangaroo 2026, a follow-on round to the Intermediate Mathematics Challenge. It is a 60-minute multiple-choice test comprising 25 questions.

A huge well done to all students who took part, and good luck to Oliver and James as they prepare to compete in the next round.

A spokesperson for the academy said: “We are immensely proud of all the students who represented Monkton Wood Academy in this year’s UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge.

“Their dedication, resilience and enthusiasm for mathematics have truly shone through.

“Achieving 37 award winners is a remarkable accomplishment, and we are especially delighted that Oliver and James have progressed to the Grey Kangaroo round.

“We wish them every success as they continue this exciting mathematical journey.”