Forget the Pound or the Euro – one school in Fishponds has issued its very own currency. Pupils at Frome Vale Academy (FVA) can now spend Penguin Pounds.

BBC Points West sent reporter Jules Hyham along to find out more.

An academy in Weston-super-Mare put on an evening of action-packed, fun-filled talent to raise money for a school trip of a lifetime.

Hans Price Academy students and staff took part in a talent show which saw musicians, bands, impressionists, dancers and acrobats take to the school stage.

More than 70 students from Years 7-11 and 15 members of staff entertained a jam-packed audience across two outstanding performances.

Money raised will go towards the cost of a trip to Japan, taking place in January which will see 20 students from year 10 and 11 and three members of staff experience the Far East for the first time.

The trip will offer students the chance to visit a newly-partnered academy in Tokyo, participate in Japanese-speaking lessons, tea ceremonies, further education seminars, and a number of culturally immersive experiences such as visiting Japanese temples and Mount Fuji.

The goal of the initial visit is to create a long-lasting partnership where students from both academies will be able to annually visit the partner school for years to come.

Sian Angell, Raising Standards Leader and trip organiser at Hans Price, said: “It’s always an absolute pleasure to watch our students at Hans Price performing on stage. The level of talent at the Academy is exceptional and to know we are raising funds to help set up this international partnership is an exciting opportunity to be a part of.”

Bristol’s Begbrook Primary Academy has been rated as ‘Good’ in all areas by education watchdog Ofsted after impressing inspectors with its ‘rich’ curriculum and ‘inclusive’ ethos.

The judgment follows a detailed analysis by four Ofsted inspectors, who spoke with staff and parents, observed lessons and carried out a ‘deep dive’ into a number of subject areas.

They scrutinised teaching and leadership, and assessed the school’s impact on its 587 pupils – before returning a glowing endorsement of Begbrook’s provision.

Inspectors heralded Begbrook – part of the Cabot Learning Federation – as a school which pupils are proud to be part of, where high standards of behaviour are expected and upheld, and where children learn to be ‘well-rounded citizens’.

The Ofsted report said: “Pupils are proud of their school. They talk positively about recent changes at the school. The ‘pupil voice group’ ensures that pupils feel involved in school improvement.

“The school has high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. As a result, pupils are respectful to adults and each other. Pupils know the school rules, ‘be kind, be safe and show respect’. This means they conduct themselves well around school.

“The school teaches pupils to be well-rounded citizens. Pupils celebrate the diversity of their local community. They learn about festivals that reflect their different cultures and religions. Pupils who make up the eco-committee inform their peers about how to save energy to make a greener planet.

“The school is inclusive. Pupils are treated equally. They learn to form healthy relationships. Pupils understand the importance of staying physically and mentally healthy. They learn to stay safe online. Pupils feel safe in school.”

The Ofsted team went on to highlight the ‘strong start’ made by early years pupils, the good support for pupils with additional needs, and the effective role of trustees and the academy council in holding school leaders to account.

And on curriculum, the inspectors added: “The school has made significant and positive changes to the curriculum. As a result, the curriculum is rich in content and ambitious for all pupils. The curriculum prioritises reading. Carefully selected books cover a wide range of stories and topics. This has led to a culture where pupils love reading.

“The wider curriculum is ambitious. The school has set out the key knowledge it wants pupils to learn. This includes new and ambitious vocabulary, which is regularly introduced to pupils. Pupils are excited about the subjects they learn.”

Vicky Counsell, Principal at Begbrook Primary Academy, said:

“Our whole Begbrook Community is very pleased with this outcome which recognises the hard work and commitment of our whole school team.

“We are pleased that we been recognised to provide an aspirational curriculum for our children and that they are proud of our school.”

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

“We’re all delighted that the Begbrook community is served by such a strong school. Congratulations to our families and pupils. Really well done to the staff team for their tireless work and commitment.”

One very talented student from King’s Oak Academy in Kingswood spent the day at the Future Lionesses Goalkeeper Training Day.

Year 8 student Ruby Tucker was excited to attend St George’s Park Training Ground in Staffordshire to train alongside the England team goalkeepers.

Ahead of the next fixtures in their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign, the England women’s senior team hosted the country’s next generation of female goalkeepers. More than 100 girls from all over the country were invited to participate.

As well as watching the squad train, the girls were given a taste of what it’s like to be a Lioness as they took part in their own training sessions on the same pitches used by the England teams.

The aspiring goalkeepers also had the chance to speak with their idols, as they were joined by the four senior Lioness goalkeepers – Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating and Ellie Roebuck – for a meet and greet and Q&A session.

The girls were invited to St George’s Park all attend Future Lioness Goalkeeping Centres, which were established by The FA to improve the goalkeeping talent pathway and to ensure the next generation of number ones have everything they need to feel supported on their journey in the game.

Ruby said: “I really enjoyed the event as I got to watch the Lionesses train at St Georges. It was an amazing experience to watch Mary Earps and Ellie train and the other keepers. It was great to train with their coaches too and I learnt so much. I also got to see St Georges facilities and had a Q&A session with the Lionesses. We all also got the new England kit too. It was a great day!”

Katherine Ogden, Principal of King’s Oak Academy, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Ruby as she develops her exceptional football skills at a national level. Ruby is a brilliant student and member of the King’s Oak Academy community, and we are really looking forward to seeing how Ruby continues to progress and display her sporting talents over the coming years.”