A dedicated team of ECO Warriors at Minerva Primary Academy have once again worked hard to achieve the prestigious Green Flag award in recognition of the school’s outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability.

Throughout the academic year, Minerva pupils focused on three key environmental aims: water conservation, marine protection, and reducing litter. These objectives guided a series of impactful activities and projects that engaged the entire school community.

Key initiatives this year included:

• Assemblies and an Eco-Conference: Pupils participated in discussions and presentations, learning more about the global environmental challenges and how they can make a difference locally.
• Environmental audits: Pupils carried out audits to assess the school’s environmental practices and areas for improvement, driving positive change.
• Art and Eco Project: A whole-school art and eco project allowed students to creatively express their passion for the environment while reinforcing the importance of sustainability.

A spokesperson for the academy said: “We are all very proud of this achievement and cannot wait to continue our work with a brand-new set of aims and a fresh group of dedicated ECO Warriors.”

Minerva Primary Academy is excited to continue its journey toward a greener, more sustainable future, with a renewed focus and energy for the upcoming year.

A curry and quiz fundraiser evening at Broadoak Academy has been held by the academy’s hospitality and catering students to raise money to help fund a day in the hospitality and catering industry for students.

This is the third year the academy has run the fundraiser. Held in Broadoak’s main hall, the event raised over £400.00.

Danny McGilloway, Principal of Broadoak Academy, was the eloquent quizmaster for the evening. Danny’s favourite round was the ‘Music round’ which featured questions set by students from Years 7-11.

Naomi Aves, Broadoak’s Head of Creative, said: “It’s always a joy to see our students taking part in events outside of school times.

“This event gives our students a flavour of working in event catering from setting tables and greeting guests right through to preparing and serving food.

“They have all worked hard for this event and I am extremely proud of what they have achieved.”

Out of 12 teams The Crazy Kormas emerged victorious and claimed the prize of a bottle of wine and a gift voucher, both gifted by the new Indian restaurant Tamala, in Weston-super-Mare

In a powerful display of unity and commitment to eradicating racism, staff and students at Bristol Brunel Academy came together for a school-wide event dedicated to showcasing their support for anti-racism initiatives.

Thought-provoking lessons were set up throughout the school day to educate students about Wear Red Day. The content of these lessons has been carefully created with resources from the Wear Red charity and are designed to encourage discussions on the topic of prejudice. They aim too to share valuable knowledge with all students, who are encouraged to report racism if they witness it.

The event not only served as a platform for education but also reinforced the school’s commitment to fostering a culture of respect, understanding, and acceptance.

Bristol Brunel Academy remains dedicated to promoting anti-racism initiatives and creating an environment where every student feels valued and included.

James Ferguson, Associate Assistant Principal and event organiser, said: “At Bristol Brunel Academy, we take great pride in our diverse community.

“We believe that standing up to racism is crucial to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and has a true sense of belonging.

“Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that all members of our community can thrive together, celebrating our unique identities while supporting one another.”

Bristol Brunel Academy remains determined in its mission to promote anti-racism and create a positive environment where diversity is celebrated, and all students are empowered to succeed.

Minerva Primary Academy’s commitment to competition and participation has earned a School Games Silver Mark Award for the 2023/24 academic year.

The School Games Mark is a government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community, and the academy Minerva has been recognised for its success.

As part of the application, the school was asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, and school leaders are pleased the hard work of the academy team has been rewarded this year.

A spokesperson said: “We are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport this year and their personal developments within keeping active.

“We look forward to another active academic year at Minerva Primary Academy.”

Eighty Year 9 students at King’s Oak Academy participated in an exciting and hands-on science, technology, English, and maths (STEM) workshop focused on robotics.

The workshop aimed to inspire students by introducing them to a variety of STEM-related careers, promoting both creativity and critical thinking skills.

As part of the workshop, students were tasked with designing, building, and programming a Lego robot to perform specific tasks.

This activity encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation as the students worked together to complete their challenges.

Laura Phillips, Head of Science at King’s Oak Academy, said: “Students demonstrated effective communication and problem-solving skills to complete the challenges successfully.

“The workshop was a great success, sparking enthusiasm for STEM subjects among students, many of whom showed a keen interest about the possibilities of pursuing STEM careers in the future.

“Well done Year 9!”

In a vibrant show of solidarity and support for World Mental Health Day, teachers and staff at Tewkesbury Academy dressed in yellow to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

By taking part in this initiative, Tewkesbury Academy joins a nationwide effort to highlight mental health struggles, demonstrating to students that they are never alone and that help is always available.

Kathleen McGillycuddy, Principal of Tewkesbury Academy, said: “We are proud to wear yellow to celebrate World Mental Health Day — the wellbeing of our young people and colleagues is really important to us.

“It is a symbol to our school community that it is okay to not be okay, and as a Young Minds Matter school, we are thankful to all our partner organisations for their help in keeping our children and young people well.”