A Year 7 student from Winterstoke Hundred Academy took on a heroic task and ran a mile every day in February to raise money for pancreatic cancer.

Isabella Jackway started this fundraising adventure initially with her stepdad, but after he broke his ankle Isabell decided to carry on, on her own.

Isabella completed the one-mile circuit by her home, in all weather conditions, every day for 28 days completing 28 miles, and so far raising over £240 for this vital cause.

Isabella said: “It means a lot to me, I am so pleased to raise money for this very worthy cause. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support throughout.”

Ian Garforth, Principal of Winterstoke Hundred Academy, said: “We’re very proud of Isabella’s determination and thoughtfulness to achieve this wonderful fundraising outcome. Well done, Isabella!”

They snapped their fingers! Everyone’s favourite creepy and kooky family hit the stage in a frighteningly funny and fresh production of The Addams Family starring the brilliantly talented students from City Academy.

Performed over two nights to packed houses, this magnificently macabre musical comedy was supported by a cast and crew of more than 50 students from Year 7 to Year 10. That included Jason Menhinnitt from Year 9, who successfully managed the stage management team.

Students worked extremely hard to produce this eccentric and unconventional family show, giving up hours of their own time and rehearsing since last September.

Filled with wildly funny moments, the play focuses on a bizarre, macabre, aristocratic family who dance on the graves or their ancestors in order to raise them from the dead, intertwined with the love story of Wednesday Addams and a normal boy called Lucas.

Drama Teacher Rebecca Pearce, who directed and produced the show, said: “This must be the strongest, most committed and most creative cast and crew I have ever worked with.

“Thanks go to the team of amazing teachers and support staff who supported the show and made it all possible. All the actors have certainly taken ownership of their very quirky parts and are also extremely talented singers and dancers – I feel proud of what they have achieved.”

Ex John Cabot Academy student, Ellis Genge captained England rugby for the first time on Saturday. So ITV West Country News went along to John Cabot to speak to two of Ellis’s teachers and students about this amazing achievement.

The inimitable Mary Poppins flew over the rooftops of Weston-super-Mare and into the auditorium of Broadoak Academy for two supercalifragilisticexpialidocious sell-out shows.

In a story based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time and a Broadway musical that played for over 2,500 performances and received multiple Olivier and Tony Awards nominations, the Broadoak Academy cast captured the hearts of all who the watched the performances.

Mary Poppins (played by Nikki Plows, Year 7) and Bert (played by Scarlett Davidson, Year 9), headed up a cast and crew of more than 30 students, ranging from Year 7 to Year 11. Students worked extremely hard to produce a magical show, giving up hours of their own time and rehearsing since last November.

The plot is centred around Edwardian London, where yet another nanny resigns from keeping an eye on George Banks’ boisterous children, Jane and Michael. But then, as if by magic, a new nanny – the enchanting Mary Poppins – lands on their doorstep to take control of the situation. Thrilling adventures alongside her Cockney performer friend, Bert, pave the way for a wonderful transformation.

Naomi Aves, Head of Creative and Performing Arts said, “It is always an immense pleasure working with our students outside of the classroom. This was our first fully staged production since before Covid and for most of our cast and crew, the first time they have been involved in a show like this. I am incredibly proud, not only of how they have developed as individual performers but together, how they have contributed to rebuilding the performing arts community at Broadoak Academy.”

ENDS

Pic left to right Tony Searle, Steve Taylor, Rhiana Ahmed, Olivia Boardman, Marianne Stewart and Claire Morris.

Primary and secondary students from across the Cabot Learning Federation came together to battle for glory in the trust’s annual CLF Big Bake competition.

Pupils from schools in Bristol and Weston took part in a fiercely competitive contest to prove their baking prowess and be crowned as champions.

The Primary winners were Olivia Boardman, Rhiana Ahmed from Uphill Primary Academy. The secondary winners were a team from Lime Hills Academy.

Held this year at Winterstoke Hundred Academy, the competition saw a team from each CLF school invited to participate in the third annual bake-off.

Showcasing the bakers’ creative flair and technical ability, each school team presented six cupcakes with the theme of the ‘environment’ to CLF CEO Steve Taylor and special guest judge and Junior Bake-Off runner-up Robbie Hedges.

The amazing selection of cupcakes were blind tasted, and points were awarded for taste and links to the main theme of the environment.

While the cake tasting took place, the oven gloves were off in a live technical challenge. Primary school pupils were asked to design and make a pizza while secondary pupils were challenged to make (and flip!) the perfect pancake. These again were marked by the judges and added to each academy’s overall score.

Before the winners were announced, judges praised the baking on display and noted the incredible effort students had put into the competition. Judging the competition were Steve Taylor CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation, Tony Searle Principal of Hans Price Academy, Marianne Stewart Pastry Chef, and Claire Morris local restaurateur and North Somerset Liberal Democrat councillor.

Kate Richardson, CLF Executive Principal, said: “The CLF Big Bake is a great opportunity to inspire our future bakers, and show pupils they are a part of something bigger; our wider CLF family of schools.

“Today has been brilliant, so big thanks to all of our wonderful pupils for taking part.”