Hans Price Academy was a hive of activity when the Army arrived – not for military manoeuvres, but to work with students in their PE lessons.

The visit formed part of the Army’s Careers Surge Week, an initiative designed to engage young people with the opportunities and challenges of Army careers through interactive activities. It combines fun, hands-on activities with practical insight into what it takes to join and succeed in the Army.

The Army team spent the day with students from Years 8, 9, and 10, delivering recruitment assessment-style tasks. These activities gave students a firsthand look at the teamwork, physical fitness, and problem-solving skills essential in a military career.

During the lunch break, the team set up a stand designed to provide students with insights into the diverse career opportunities available in the Army.

Jackie Fielding, Careers Advisor and Work Experience Coordinator at Hans Price Academy, said: “Our students had a great time, and the feedback from the Army staff about their engagement and performance was amazing.”

The event provided an exciting opportunity for students to explore career possibilities while developing new skills and learning more about themselves in the process.

Throughout November, male colleagues at Bristol Brunel Academy (BBA) embraced Movember, growing moustaches to shine a spotlight on men’s health issues, including testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and mental health.

This year, mental health took centre stage, as the BBA community honoured the memory of their late colleague, Ashley Jackson, by working to raise awareness and spark meaningful conversations.

To mark the end of Movember, BBA staff organised a powerful pop-up lesson addressing mental health in men.

At the end of Movember, staff staged a pop-up lesson for students that addressed mental health in men. As part of this, students watched a video emphasising the importance of talking. The video is hard hitting but has a very positive spin.

Parents and carers were also given the opportunity to view the video in advance, ensuring transparency and preparation for discussions at home.

Recognising the sensitivity of the topic, Year Teams at BBA provided additional support to students who may have found the material challenging. The lesson extended beyond the video, teaching students how to recognise signs of someone struggling and equipping them with practical tools to check in on friends and loved ones.

Staff at BBA sold 250 fake moustaches and could have sold double that amount. Students wore these throughout the day last Friday in support of Movember. Early estimates indicate that the initiative raised over £120, with all proceeds going to Off the Record, a local charity that supports mental health initiatives and was also supported by BBA last year.

James Ferguson, Associate Assistant Principal at Bristol Brunel Academy, said: “Movember is about more than moustaches; it’s about starting conversations that save lives.

“This year’s focus on mental health allowed us to engage students, parents, and staff in meaningful ways, promoting understanding and action.

“We are incredibly proud of the entire BBA community for coming together to raise awareness and support such an important cause.”

A team of young eco warriors at Frome Vale Academy are taking big steps to address food waste within the academy.

This passionate group of pupils have set an ambitious target to significantly reduce the amount of food wasted across the school.

The eco warriors are leading by example, actively engaging with staff and pupils to raise awareness about the impact of food waste on the environment.

Here is one of our eco warriors in action working alongside the academy’s site manager to responsibly manage lunchtime waste, working as a team to achieve their targets.

Jan Saunders, Principal of Frome Vale Academy, said: “Our eco warriors are an inspiration to us all.

“Their commitment to reducing food waste highlights the importance of environmental responsibility and shows what can be achieved when young people take the lead in driving positive change.”

Evergreen Primary Academy, Year 5 pupils had an unforgettable day exploring the ancient Roman Baths, diving into history and experiencing life as young archaeologists.

The trip began with an educational tour of the museum, where pupils learned fascinating facts about Roman daily life, culture, and innovations.

The interactive experience was brought to life as they dressed in authentic Roman attire, dressing up in togas and tunics, and took part in a creative mosaic-making workshop, just as the Romans would have done thousands of years ago.

To finish their Roman adventure, they transformed into budding archaeologists. Equipped with tools, they dug for ancient artefacts, discovering hidden treasures and deepening their understanding of the past.

A spokesperson said: “This trip was an incredible opportunity for our pupils to connect with ancient history in such a hands-on and meaningful way.

“Pupils came away inspired and brimming with knowledge about the fascinating lives of the Romans.”

A Minerva Primary Academy pupil has won a gold medal at the Southwest Taekwondo (SWTKD) competition for under 18s.

Rava Rebwar, a Year 6 who trains with SWTKD – Lyde Green, won gold for sparring at the event, which was held at Lyde Green Community Centre.

Her instructor Gavin Reader, a 3rd degree black belt in the Korean-based martial art, said she reflected the school’s values and ethos of Learning, Believing, Growing, Achieving.

Mr Reader, who has worked as a paramedic and is a project manager for the NHS, said: “Rava continues to learn, grow and achieve, which is reflected in her performance at competitions.

“She shows what is possible when you believe and is a credit to both our club and her school.”

Health benefits of taekwondo include improved balance, flexibility, stamina, strength and posture. Psychologically, it is reported to help develop confidence, self-esteem and resilience.

Jenny Harvey, Principal of Minerva Primary Academy, said: “We are immensely proud of Rava’s achievements to date, and we wish her continued sporting success.”