Forty-Five Year 10 students from King’s Oak Academy had the unique opportunity to visit the world-renowned Airbus site in Filton for a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event during National Apprenticeship Week.

The Bristol students started the day with a site tour of the landing gear test facility and the fuel testing facility, witnessing many scientists at work and the immensely sophisticated computer systems that control the testing processes.

In a dynamic exercise, students engaged in a cabin design task where they had to work in small groups to design the inside of an Airbus cabin, thinking about maximising profit for the airline. Students had different roles within the team and really had to work together to be successful, emphasising the importance of teamwork in achieving success.

They also took part in a series of gliding activities, which included hands-on experiences in gliding simulators, mastering how to complete many different manoeuvres – including loop-the-loops – under the guidance of expert instructors.

The final task was an interactive session where students got to question different employees of both Airbus and the Gliding Association about their career pathways, gaining valuable insights into the diverse opportunities within the aerospace and aviation industries.

Laura Phillips, Associate Assistant Principal for STEM at King’s Oak, said: “The students had a really informative visit and were a real credit to the academy. Well done Year 10.”

The Great Western Air Ambulance team visited an academy in Kingswood to show their knowledge and expertise in dealing with an array of emergency situations.

Around 240 students from Years 7-9 at King’s Oak Academy took part in a range of amazing practical demonstrations.

The session was led by Carlota Appleby, who heads the air ambulance’s team of emergency department doctors from the Bristol Royal Infirmary, 999 call handlers, intensive care unit doctors, emergency care assistants and a paramedic.

During the interactive session, students were given hands-on training on crucial life-saving techniques. Students were instructed how to put people in the recovery position, how to perform CPR and when to use it. They also practiced how to use a defibrillator and where to find them in their local community.

The Great Western Air Ambulance provides emergency care to people who are in a state so critical that they require the specialist skills of their team at the scene of the accident or medical incident.

Though they are part of the regional 999 response service and work closely with NHS hospitals, they are a charity entirely funded by the community.

Robyn Harold, Teacher of Health & Travel and Tourism at King’s Oak, said: “It has been fantastic to have Carlota and her team from the air ambulance charity to run CPR workshops for our students. Our students had the opportunity to practice valuable life-saving skills, including how to use a defibrillator.

“We hope that after these workshops our students are more confident to lead and show others if they were ever to find themselves in a situation to use CPR. The students loved the fact that there were different representatives from across the medical profession.”

Students from across the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) made a big splash during the trust’s inaugural swimming gala.

Weston-super-Mare’s Hutton Moor Leisure Centre played host as five CLF academies took part in a range of aquatic events.

Swimmers from Monkton Wood Academy in Taunton, Hans Price, Winterstoke Hundred, and Broadoak academies in Weston, and King’s Oak Academy in Bristol showcased their sporting talents in a wide range of events.

Students competed in swimming disciplines that included front crawl, back stroke, breaststroke, and butterfly with skill and determination.

In a nail-biting finish, Monkton Wood emerged victorious, narrowly ahead of Hans Price in second and Winterstoke Hundred Academy in third. Organisers praised entrants from all five schools for the determination and sportsmanship they demonstrated through throughout the event.

Hans Price Academy PE teacher Chris Green, who organised the gala, said: “This was a first for me organising an event like this, so I did expect some hiccups, but everything ran real smoothly.

“It was a definite success and participation levels were high. It was fantastic to see each student represent their academies with pride.

“I hope we can continue to run this event and I anticipate it to be even bigger and better in 2025.”

A Somerset primary school teacher has been selected as one of only 70 teachers nationwide to take part in this year’s UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador programme.

Frances Abbott, of Castle Primary School in Stoke-sub-Hamdon, was invited to join the initiative to gain valuable insight into how the UK Parliament works, and how to grow pupils’ engagement in politics.

She watched debates in the House of Commons and House of Lords and learned more about the role of MPs and Lords, doorkeepers and select committees.

Mrs Abbott also toured the palace, met fellow teachers, and had an opportunity to quiz Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, and his counterpart in the Lords, Lord McFall of Alcluith.

Sir Lindsay said the three-day programme ‘offers a great opportunity for politicians and teachers to share their experiences’.

He said: “In my view, you are never too young to get involved in democracy and to make things happen – so giving teachers an insight into our world is a great way to pass that message back to the classroom.

“We also appreciate having the chance to talk to teachers about their experiences, to thank them for their hard work, and to see how we can work together to get children interested in politics.”

Mrs Abbott, who is also the Senior Mental Health Lead at Castle School, said: “It was an absolute privilege to attend the Parliament Teacher Ambassador course. I am brimming with ideas and knowledge and look forward to sharing with students and staff in our school and community.”

Fran Jeens, UK Parliament’s Head of Education and Engagement, said: “Hundreds of teachers from across the country have been trained through the Teacher Ambassador programme, and have gone on to teach thousands more students and colleagues about the UK Parliament.

“I congratulate this year’s successful applicants and thank them for their support in inspiring and engaging young people with the work of the House of Commons and House of Lords.”