Students at Monkton Wood Academy have taken part in an exciting collaboration with Nadja Media, an online publication dedicated to reporting news and social issues through a lens that highlights their impact on women and girls.

This unique opportunity not only supported the students in developing their English language and communication skills but also gave them first-hand insight into the world of journalism.

Over the course of the project, students engaged in six supervised Zoom sessions with a professional journalist, who provided guidance, mentoring, and real-world perspectives on media production.

Through these sessions, students learned how to research effectively, identify and understand bias, and apply journalistic techniques to produce their own written pieces.

The project culminated in each student creating a piece of work that showcased the skills they developed throughout the programme.

To celebrate their achievements, the students work will be presented to the wider school community during upcoming assemblies.

A spokesperson for Monkton Wood Academy said: “We’re incredibly proud of our students for embracing this opportunity with such enthusiasm and maturity.

Working with Nadja Media has given them not only valuable academic skills, but also a deeper awareness of the role journalism plays in society—especially in highlighting the voices and experiences of women.

“This project has been a powerful step in building both confidence and critical thinking.”

Year 4 pupils from Uphill Village Academy wrapped up their residential camp with a thrilling step back in time at the historic St Briavels Castle, in Lydney. The day was packed with immersive activities that brought history vividly to life.

Set against the backdrop of the castle’s ancient walls, pupils launched catapults to ‘attack the castle’, tried their hand at traditional archery, and even attempted the age-old challenge of carrying water as medieval water bearers.

Dressed in authentic period costumes, pupils embraced every aspect of medieval life – including the sport of fencing – and prepared for a lavish banquet fit for royalty.

Adding a touch of drama and excitement, one lucky pupil was even knighted during a specially created scenario, complete with ceremony and pageantry.

A school spokesperson said: “This was an unforgettable experience for our pupils. They didn’t just learn about history – they lived it.

“The castle setting, the activities, and the hands-on approach brought the past alive in a way that no classroom ever could.

“It was a perfect end to an incredible camp.”

Seventeen Year 9 students from Tewkesbury Academy have helped make history by taking part in an successful Guinness World Record bid alongside peers from around the world.

Alongside 10,515 cooks from across six continents and 42 countries, they participated in Jamie Oliver’s largest cookery lesson in multiple venues, smashing the previous record.

Their passion, energy, and love for food lit up the kitchen. Whether they were chopping, stirring, or tasting, Tewkesbury students played a vital role in this global celebration of food and skills — proving that young people can do incredible things when they come together.

At the heart of this record-breaking event lies a powerful belief that every child, everywhere, should leave school able to cook confidently and take care of themselves — no matter what life throws at them. That’s the mission behind Jamie Oliver’s 10 Skills Programme, which equips young people with essential life skills — from nutrition and knife safety to budgeting and more.

Helen Butt, Teacher of Design Technology at Tewkesbury Academy, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our students for being part of something so inspiring.

“Cooking is a vital life skill, and this event has not only given them a fun and memorable experience but also taught them the importance of healthy eating, confidence in the kitchen, and working together. What an achievement!”

Congratulations to all involved — Tewkesbury Academy students are officially world record breakers!

The Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) hosted its annual Summer Conference at Winterstoke Hundred Academy, welcoming more than 2,000 staff members from the trust’s 36 academies and partner organisations.

The event served as both a hub for professional development and an opportunity to connect across the federation, blending insightful educational sessions with engaging fun activities designed to foster collaboration and celebration.

This year, the conference placed a special focus on giving back to the local community. Staff from Hans Price Academy led a trust-wide initiative to support the Weston-super-Mare Foodbank, organising a large-scale donation drive during the conference.

The collected items included essential food and household supplies, all of which were gratefully received by representatives from the foodbank.

A spokesperson for Weston Foodbank shared: “Since 2011, Weston Foodbank has been supporting individuals and families facing food poverty and hardship. Last year alone, we distributed 7,211 food parcels – a 36% of which were for children, and 10% for young people aged 17–24.

“We are part of the Trussell Trust network and are working to ensure everyone can afford life’s essentials.

“Support from organisations like CLF has a real and lasting impact on the most vulnerable in our community.”

Dr Andrew Watts, Second in Science at Hans Price Academy and organiser of the initiative said: “Academies in our North Somerset cluster have supported Weston Foodbank for several years.

“We’re proud to continue this tradition and help meet the needs of families in our town.”

Broadoak Academy in Weston-super-Mare was buzzing with energy and excitement as it hosted its third annual Festival of Culture.

The sun was shining, and students, families, and members of the local community alike attended to support throughout the day.

The Festival of Culture is not just any school fete, it is a day dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity, creativity, and community spirit that makes Broadoak and the town it’s nestled in so special.

Now in its third year and growing stronger, the festival returned with a schedule full of music, gymnastic performances, food (including an incredible traditional sweets stall) and most importantly fun.

Visitors were treated to a varied showcase – from the hypnotic beats of a Turkish folk singer to a fast-paced gymnastic performance from Splitz gym club. It was a true feast for the senses!

The event wasn’t just about watching; it was about getting involved. Interactive stands invited people of all ages to roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on cultural experiences. With 35 local partners on board, there was something for everyone: cultural exhibits including henna, sports from Uphill Juniors Football Club, Avon Fire and Rescue, interactive virtual reality racing simulator from the F1, and a delicious spread of international dishes that had everyone coming back for seconds, so generously whipped up by members of the town’s Lebanese, Bangladeshi and Thai communities, plus many more.

Principal Danny McGilloway summed it up perfectly. He said: “The Festival of Culture 2025 was a resounding success, highlighting the importance of cultural celebration and community unity in Weston-super-Mare.”

At its heart, the Festival of Culture was a celebration of what makes Weston-super-Mare shine: its people. With music, dance, games, food, and shared stories, the day brought everyone together and reminded us all of the beauty in our differences – and the strength in our unity.

Children ‘flourish’ at ‘happy and caring’ Haywood Village Academy, according to Ofsted inspectors – who say the ‘exceptional education’ on offer continues to make the school ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

Ofsted spent two days assessing the Weston-super-Mare school, during which time they met leaders from the school and its trust, spoke with parents and pupils, and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into a number of subject areas.

At the end of their analysis, the inspector concluded the school has ‘taken effective action to maintain the standards’ which previously earned it an ‘Outstanding’ rating for its leadership and management, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, quality of education and Early Years.

Lead inspector Caroline Musty heaped praise upon the school’s ‘highly-effective and ambitious’ curriculum, ‘extensive’ personal development offering, and the ‘impeccable’ attitudes of pupils who ‘work hard and achieve exceptionally well’.

In her report, she said: “Pupils flourish at this happy and caring school. The school places a great emphasis on knowing all pupils well. Relationships between staff and pupils are strong. Staff support pupils well in their learning.

“The school has very high expectations of what pupils can achieve. It has deliberately constructed a curriculum that makes sure all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils thrive. The ‘street’ corridor and classrooms buzz with learning.”

The report went on to highlight the school’s notable successes in a number of important areas.

On teaching and curriculum, Ofsted said: “The quality of education is exceptional. The school has high expectations for all pupils. From the start of the early years, the school delivers a highly effective and ambitious curriculum. Its design supports pupils to build their knowledge exceptionally well.

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge across the curriculum. They reinforce knowledge and support pupils well to secure their understanding.”

On pupil behaviour, the report said: “Pupils have impeccable attitudes to their work. They are highly motivated to build their knowledge.

“From pre-school, children engage well with their learning. They listen carefully and are keen to share their ideas. Pupils take great pride in how they present their work. Pupils work hard and achieve exceptionally well. They are very well prepared for their next stage of education.”

On SEND, the inspector said: “Pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND) flourish during their time at the school. There is a clear process in place to identify their needs and barriers. High quality support from staff and effective adaptions help pupils with SEND to access their learning and achieve well.”

And on personal development, the report said: “The personal development programme is extensive. It supports pupils to have enriching experiences that help them make sense of the world. By learning about and celebrating difference, pupils value themselves and each other.

“The school’s work on creating ‘lovely people’ is exceptional. This enables pupils to demonstrate what a good citizen is. The ‘citizenship certificates’ empower pupils to demonstrate the school values and the fundamental British values in their actions. Pupils have a positive impact in school and within the wider community.”

Additionally, inspectors heralded Haywood Village’s ‘ambitious’ leadership, ‘effective’ safeguarding and its ‘carefully designed professional development programme’ which enables staff to ‘build their expertise exceptionally well’.

Ofsted’s findings have been warmly welcomed by Haywood Village pupils, as well as leaders within the school and its parent trust the Cabot Learning Federation.

“When I read that report, I felt really proud to be in the school and be a student and that in the school,” said Nelesh in Year 6.

“I was elated to read this report and be in this school,” added Pippa, Year 5.

Craig Jones, Principal at Haywood Village Academy, said:

“We are thrilled with this report. These judgements reflect the commitment and ambition for high standards in all aspects of school life at Haywood Village Academy, from our team, over time and each day.

“We are also pleased for the community of Haywood Village and appreciate the support and engagement from our families to enable children to experience…”

Steve Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation, said:

“Haywood Village has been a brilliant place to go to school ever since it opened. Maintaining outstanding provision is often more challenging than establishing it in the first place. What this team has achieved together with its community is exceptional.”