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Academy News

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  • Academy Sports Rundown: 10th October 2025

    Published 10/10/25

    It’s been an exciting and busy week for Team PE as we hosted four schools for a Rugby tournament, competed in the U12 Girls Football Cup and even played some Netball for good measure. Read all about how we got on below:

    Year 8 Rugby Warm Up For Round Robin Tournament

    Our Year 8 Rugby boys started the week off strong, playing an internal game to prepare for the upcoming tournament, where they would face four other local schools. 

    We had an incredible number of players sign up and their confidence was high. It was a fantastic afternoon showcasing their Rugby skills. 

    U12 Girls Football Cup

    Our U12 Girls team faced Wellsway in the Somerset Cup this week. Our Player of the Match was awarded to Anna, who decided to try her hand at writing a match report. 

    Here’s Anna’s report: 

    “On Wednesday 8th of October, Churchill Under 12 Girls went to play Wellsway in the Somerset Cup on a glorious Autumn afternoon. After a long drive to the away ground, we discussed our tactics before kicking off.

    With the game underway, there were chances at both ends, building up the tension before halftime. Sadly, in the second half, an accidental handball led to a penalty, which put Wellsway one nil up. We just could not get that ball in the back of the net. The full time whistle blew, and the score ended up 0-1.

    The team should hold their heads high as we all represented Churchill in our first ever football match! We improved as a team and we had fun. Thank you to Miss Heyworth and Miss James for supporting us throughout. I am looking forward to many more fixtures in the future!”

    Year 8 Face Four Schools in Round Robin Rugby Tournament 

    Following the start of the week’s warm up fixture, Churchill hosted Backwell, Nailsea, Clevedon and St Katherine’s in a round robin set of Rugby fixtures. 

    With nearly thirty Year 8 students, Churchill was able to field two teams, with some students experiencing their first competitive Rugby match! 

    Results are still to come, but we want to say a massive thank you to Dan and Sid for assisting with the competition. Well done to everybody involved! 

    Year 11 Rugby sail to victory against Crispin 

    It was a victorious afternoon for our Year 11 Rugby boys as they faced Crispin in a tense fixture for two great teams.  

    Both teams played with confidence and determination; however, it was our boys who came out strong, securing an incredible 44-25 victory. Well done! 

    Year 10 Rugby training is off to a great start 

    It was fantastic to see so many Year 10s at Rugby training this week. It is clear to see that the confidence level will be high going into their next game and we can’t wait to see this grow over the course of the year. 

    We welcome any Year 10s interested in playing Rugby for the Academy to come along on Wednesdays. It’s shaping up to be a great season!

     

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  • Year 12 Biologists Bring Cell Science to Life with Membrane Models

    Published 10/10/25

    Year 12 Biology students took their learning beyond the textbook this week by creating detailed models of plasma membranes. The hands-on activity helped students visualise the structure and function of cell membranes, reinforcing key concepts such as phospholipid bilayers, protein channels, and selective permeability.

    By building the models themselves, students were able to engage more deeply with the topic and gain a clearer understanding of how membranes regulate what enters and exits the cell—a crucial aspect of cell biology.

    This practical approach not only supported classroom learning but also encouraged collaboration and critical thinking, making complex biology both accessible and memorable.

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  • Year 12 Law Students Day in Court

    Published 10/10/25

    On Tuesday 7th October 2025, our Year 12 A Level Law students visited the St George’s Magistrates Court in North Somerset. Students witnessed how magistrates, legal advisors and solicitors interact in court and how decisions are made based on evidence and legal principles. They were also given the opportunity to observe several real-life cases being heard, providing a valuable insight into how justice is administered at a local level. 

    After the hearings, our students spoke with a legal advisor who explained the role of the court and the importance of ensuring fairness in every case. They also met with members of the Board of Magistrates, who discussed their responsibilities as volunteers serving the community and representatives from the Probation Service, who shared how they support offenders in rehabilitation and reintegration into society. 

    The visit was both educational and eye-opening, helping our students to understand the workings of the criminal justice system in a practical and engaging way. 

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  • Budding Chefs Impress in Round 1 of Future Chef Competition

    Published 10/10/25

    This week marked the exciting first round of the Future Chef competition at the Academy, where ten talented students showcased their culinary skills. With just one hour and a budget of £6.50 to prepare two portions, students served up an impressive array of dishes that wowed both parents and staff alike.

    From shakshuka to sushi, bento boxes to chilli con carne, and classics like chicken chowder and chicken goujons, the variety and creativity on display were nothing short of inspiring. Each student selected their own dish, carefully planned their ingredients, and delivered meals that reflected both flair and flavour.

    After a tough round of tasting and judging, two students stood out: Rowan (Year 11) and Lola  (Year 9). Rowan was crowned the overall winner and will now go on to represent the Academy at the Future Chef Local Heat, held at the City of Bristol College on Thursday 13th November.

    The judges praised all the competitors for their dedication, creativity and the extra time many spent preparing their dishes outside of school hours.

    Congratulations to everyone involved!

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  • Year 7 Shot Put Star Goes From Beginner to UK-Ranked in Under a Year

    Published 10/10/25

    It all started with an opportunity to try something new. For Year 7 student George, the chance to participate in the school athletics team led to the surprising discovery of a hidden talent in Shot Put. 

    George's rise has been fast-tracked. After joining North Somerset Athletics earlier this year, he has wasted no time, reaching county status and breaking the South West record for U13 boys. His throw of 11.2 metres has landed him an impressive second place in the UK rankings for his age group, solidifying his status as a remarkable emerging star.

    This outstanding achievement is a testament to George’s hard work, dedication and natural talent. We’re incredibly proud of his success and his curiosity to learn something new!

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  • Dance Star of the Week is Evie

    Published 10/10/25

    Evie has made a brilliant start to Year 11. She has consistently shown a positive mindset in her lessons, pushing herself to achieve the best she can. 

    Evie has also been impressing staff with her contributions to the Legally Blonde rehearsals by giving 100% in every session. We cannot wait to see her on the stage!

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  • Riley’s Remarkable Charity Challenge in Mallorca

    Published 10/10/25

    In September, Year 8 student Riley completed a gruelling three-day charity cycling challenge in Mallorca, taking on a series of demanding rides. Among them was a 100 km route, which he completed at an average speed of 25.3 km/h. He also completed a tough 158 km endurance ride, which involved 1,200 metres of climbing, and he approached it at an impressive pace of 24.2 km/h.

    Over the course of the challenge, Riley cycled more than 250 miles and climbed over 10,000 feet, tackling cliff-edge roads and high-speed descents in a bid to fundraise. His impressive efforts raised £1,500 for local charities.

    This wasn’t Riley’s first charitable ride. At just 9 years old, he completed a 70-mile route across North Somerset, and last year, he cycled 100 km through Bristol in support of the Bristol Sport Foundation.

    To date, Riley has raised over £3,800 across all his charity events.

    In recognition of his talent and dedication, Riley has been accepted into the British Cycling South West Talent Pathway — a programme designed to identify and support promising young riders with the potential to compete at national and international levels. He continues to train locally across North Somerset and the Mendips, and there is little doubt he’s a name to watch in the future of British Cycling.

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  • Invitation to join The Futures Programme 2025-26

    Published 03/10/25

    Each year Churchill Academy runs a “Futures Program” designed for our most able students with high aspirations for their education and future career. Program sessions are run by David Hunt who has many years of experience in this area. Sessions run during term time and help our students explore their future career aspirations, career pathways including degree apprenticeships. They will research different University degrees, their A level requirements and find out what Universities are looking for when they select students. 

    The selected students have the opportunity to listen to reflections and advice from Year 13 students and undergraduates and also be able to take part in ‘Learning Visits’. These visits take place during holiday periods and have included: engineering companies, law firms, architects, medical centres, medical researchers, physicists, accountants, banks, investment managers, TV journalists and psychologists. 

    Here are some extracts from the recent feedback from Year 12 students that have participated:

    “The term time sessions were in small groups and were always tailored to you.”

    “The group discussions were good; there was valuable information about careers and futures. “

    “The learning visits this summer have been great and I wouldn’t be as sure as I am about a career in law without them”

    “The learning visits gave insights into the routes into the professions and often the opportunity to talk to someone who would tell you the truth about the job rather than try to glamorise it. “

    “Go on as many learning visits as possible if you're not sure what you want to be so you can find out what you do enjoy/don't enjoy”

     

    “Don't be worried about changing your opinion on what you want to do - that's the point of the visits”

    The students involved stand to gain a great deal from the ‘Churchill Futures Programme’ and join many of our students that have used it to help gain access to some of the country’s top universities and kick start exciting careers.

    Interested students should complete the following google form. You are also welcome to speak to, or email me, Mr G. Davies grd@churchill-academy.org

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  • Our Dance Star of the Week is Eva!

    Published 03/10/25

    Eva has started the year with a fantastic mindset, incredible positivity and enthusiasm in all of her lessons and rehearsals. Eva does not shy away from a challenge and consistently pushes herself to achieve the very best. 

    Eva has been a standout in the Legally Blonde rehearsals with her high standard of work and brilliant characterisation. She has really impressed us all in the Dance department. 

    Well done Eva!

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  • Churchill Students Join Prestigious Junior Chef Academy with Compass Catering and City of Bristol College!

    Published 03/10/25

    We’re incredibly proud to announce that five of our students have been selected to join the Junior Chef Academy, run in partnership with Compass Catering and top professional chefs at City of Bristol college!

    This 10-week culinary programme is a unique opportunity, designed to give aspiring young chefs hands-on experience in a professional kitchen. Students will learn advanced cooking techniques, kitchen management skills and menu planning, all under the guidance of Matt Lord and his top chefs from Compass Catering.

    Out of the 15 places available across all participating schools in the South West, we’re thrilled that five of our students will be in the group — a testament to the passion, talent and dedication of our students.

    The course will culminate in a grand banquet at MOD Abbeywood, where students will showcase their new skills by preparing and serving a full meal to college staff and special guests. It's an incredible opportunity to shine — and we can’t wait to see what our young chefs create!

    Congratulations to our students:

    Alice, Emma, Theo, Ted and Xander – we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

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  • Academy Sports Rundown: 3rd October 2025

    Published 03/10/25

    The Netball season is well underway and our rugby players returned to the field. Check out how everyone got on below: 

    Year 9 Netball team take on Kings of Wessex 

    We had two Year 9 teams play against Kings of Wessex this week. Both teams matched with Kings of Wessex players for the first half of both games. As the games reached halftime, both teams were narrowly behind at scores of 10-8 for the green team and 10-6 for the purple team. 

    The green team fought hard until the bitter end but were unable to secure the win, with a final score of 23-11. The purple team put in a stellar performance in the second half,  with an incredible win of 22-15! 

    Players of the match were Aurelie and Frankie. Well done to all our players! 

    Sixth Form Netball start the season at Kings of Wessex 

    It was the first game of the netball season for our Sixth Form girls, who also played against Kings of Wessex.

    It was an exciting game, with every player working hard and keeping it close for the first half. Kings of Wessex ultimately took the victory with a final score of 26-15.  

    Well done to all our Sixth Form team, onto the next one! 

    Year 10 Rugby plays a tight contest against Backwell School

    Our Year 10 Rugby team played a tight game against Backwell this week, giving it their absolute all at the start of an exciting season. Backwell won this match 3-1; however, that isn’t dampening our boys' spirits as they gear up for the next match. 

    Player of the match was awarded to Ashton for his powerful carries and solid defence. Well done! 

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  • Rising Star: Harriet Celebrated as 'Most Improved' Dancer at BDC Awards

    Published 03/10/25

    On 26th September, Year 7 student Harriet was proudly named as the Most Improved Dancer in her StreetDance team, Trixters, at an annual awards night hosted by her dance company, BDC.

    Harriet joined the team in September 2024 and quickly took to the challenge, demonstrating incredible progress and dedication throughout the year. Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed, earning her this well-deserved recognition.

    Trixters had a standout season, remaining undefeated in all their StreetDance competitions last season. Harriet has loved every moment of her experience and continues to grow as a performer.

    Well done, Harriet — we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!

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