Pupils at Redstart Primary School recently stepped into the world of filmmaking as they took part in an exciting project for the upcoming Chard together event, the ‘Festival of Friendship,’ scheduled for Saturday, 22nd March.

A huge thank you goes to Richard Tomlinson, who generously dedicated his time and expertise to guide the pupils through the filmmaking process. Richard Tomlinson is working with the Chard Community Hub – he’s a freelance film-maker.

Pupils had a fascinating morning learning about the various elements involved in producing a film, from camera techniques to sound recording and directing.

The hands-on experience provided invaluable insights into the creative world of filmmaking.

“We can’t wait to see the results!” said a school spokesperson. “The children were incredibly enthusiastic, and this opportunity has sparked a real interest in storytelling and visual media.”

The completed film will debut at the Festival of Friendship, an event designed to celebrate community connections and togetherness.

The Academy encourages everyone to come along and support the talented pupils of Redstart Primary School as they showcase their creative achievements.

Pupils from Year 5 at Evergreen Primary Academy recently enjoyed an exciting and educational visit to the Portishead headquarters of Avon & Somerset Constabulary.

The visit provided a unique opportunity for pupils to gain valuable insights into the vital role of the police in their community.

During their visit, pupils explored the Communication Centre, where they discovered how emergency calls are managed and learned about the critical decisions made during these calls. Officers engaged with children, sharing details about their roles and responsibilities, inspiring curiosity and respect for the profession.

One of the most valuable lessons came when pupils learned how to correctly call 999 and select the appropriate emergency service in various situations. This practical knowledge helped build their confidence in responding to emergencies.

The highlight of the day was the chance to step into the shoes of a police officer. Pupils enthusiastically practiced using the police radio to communicate with an officer and even had a go at mastering the phonetic alphabet.

A spokesperson for Evergreen Primary Academy said: “It was such a memorable experience for our pupils.

“They gained invaluable knowledge while having so much fun.

“We are incredibly grateful to the officers at Portishead Police Headquarters for welcoming us and providing this fantastic opportunity.”

City Academy proudly celebrated National Women’s Day by participating in the Barclays and England Football’s Biggest Ever Football Session.

This inspiring initiative brought together girls from schools across the country, aiming to empower and motivate the next generation of female footballers.

As part of the celebration, Year 9 girls at City Academy enjoyed a specialist football session led by Bristol City’s Robins Foundation Coach, Maisy. The engaging session encouraged students to embrace their skills, teamwork, and confidence on the field.

The event highlighted the significance of women supporting women in sport.

A spokesperson for City Academy said: “We are incredibly proud to have taken part in this fantastic initiative.

“It was wonderful to see our students engaging in football and learning from an inspiring coach like Maisy.

“Encouraging girls to participate in sport is vital, and we are committed to providing opportunities that foster confidence, resilience, and teamwork.”

Year 13 biology and environmental science students from Winterstoke Hundred Academy recently embarked on an enriching field course at Slapton Ley Nature Reserve in Devon.

This hands-on experience provided students with invaluable practical skills and insights into ecological conservation.

During their visit, students successfully completed two of their required practicals, honing their expertise in using specialised measuring equipment and refining their wildflower and freshwater invertebrate identification skills in the field.

The trip offered students a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world environment, strengthening their scientific understanding.

In addition to their practical work, students were given a guided tour of the nature reserve, learning firsthand how the area is managed to balance the needs of both people and wildlife.

This educational experience deepened their appreciation for the environment and sustainable land management practices.

The students demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout the weekend, working long hours in the field and spending their evenings diligently analysing and writing up their collected data.

Ella Downing-Sterne, Head of Sixth Form, teacher of science, and Eco-coordinator at Winterstoke Hundred Academy, praised the students, stating: “I am incredibly proud of the hard work and enthusiasm our students showed throughout the field trip.

“Their commitment to learning and their dedication to environmental science were truly impressive.

“This experience has not only enhanced their practical skills but also strengthened their understanding of conservation and ecology.”

Two professional players from Bristol City Women’s Football Club recently visited Frome Vale Academy to deliver an inspiring talk to pupils. The assembly focused on the powerful message: “Big setbacks just make for big comebacks.”

During the session, the players shared their personal experiences of overcoming challenges in their careers, emphasising resilience, determination, and the importance of a positive mindset. Their stories encouraged pupils to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth.

The talk concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where pupils had the opportunity to ask questions about life as a professional footballer.

The players provided insights into their training routines, match preparations, and the dedication required to succeed in professional sports.

A spokesperson for the school commented: “We were thrilled to welcome the Bristol City WFC players to our academy.

“Their words of encouragement and real-life experiences left a lasting impression on our pupils, inspiring them to stay motivated and resilient in the face of challenges.”

Frome Vale Academy extends its heartfelt thanks to Bristol City WFC for their time and support in inspiring the next generation.

Lansdown Park Academy welcomed a team from the National Space Academy as to deliver a ‘Space to Learn Masterclass’ to Key Stage 3 pupils.

The interactive session showcased the science, scope, and opportunities within the UK space industry. Delivered by highly-qualified, specially-trained educators, the masterclass featured a cutting-edge kit designed to bring space science to life.

Closely linked to the national curriculum, the workshop provided exciting, hands-on learning experiences, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm among pupils.

A spokesperson said: “The National Space Academy’s Space to Learn Masterclass was an incredible opportunity for our pupils to engage with the wonders of space science in a truly interactive way.

“It not only deepened their understanding of key scientific concepts but also opened their eyes to the vast opportunities within the UK space industry.”