Churchill Academy & Sixth Form, a secondary school and sixth form located in Churchill, North Somerset, has been rated as Good in all areas of its latest Ofsted Inspection.
This year’s Young Geographer of the Year competition invites students to explore the fascinating world of islands, a theme full of discovery and challenge.
With nearly 670,000 islands across the globe and around 11,000 permanently inhabited, islands offer a unique lens through which to study geography. Their landscapes and coastlines vary dramatically, from volcanic mountains to lush vegetation and distinctive wildlife.
Students are encouraged to create an eye-catching, creative, and informative A3 poster (or a digital Esri StoryMap for Key Stage 5) that explores what makes islands special. Your work should cover:
Years 7–9: Choose at least two islands and explore their locations, unique physical features, people, places and environments. Consider how these islands connect through geographical themes, challenges and solutions.
Years 10–11: Explore at least three islands, comparing their geographical themes, similarities and differences.
Years 12–13: Produce a poster or StoryMap examining multiple islands, focusing on shared themes, similarities and differences.
Islands face a range of challenges, including threats from climate change and socio-economic, cultural and historical issues experienced by their inhabitants. By understanding these challenges, students can unlock rich geographical insights and connections.
Your poster can be handmade or created using software such as PowerPoint, Word, or Publisher, but remember to pay close attention to spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The deadline for submission is 3rd October 2025.
We look forward to seeing your creativity and geographical knowledge shine as you explore the diverse and captivating world of islands!
The Year 10 Community class recently enjoyed thier final session at the Mendip Activities Centre, where they had the unique opportunity to learn about the world of beekeeping.
During the session, students explored the essential role bees play in our ecosystem, including their vital work in pollination. They also discovered the incredible process of how bees create honey.
It was an engaging, hands-on learning experience that left students more aware of the importance of protecting bees and their habitats.
It has been an absolute pleasure welcoming our new Year 7 students to the Academy for their induction days this week. The students made a fantastic impression — they were polite, kind, enthusiastic and eager to dive into life at Churchill.
Day 1: Induction Day
On Tuesday, we kicked off with a welcome assembly led by Headteacher Mr Hildrew, followed by guided tours of the school from our new House Captains and Student Ambassadors. Students then began exploring the subjects they will study in September.
In Science, they became young chemists, experimenting with red cabbage to test the acidity of different liquids. In Modern Foreign Languages, they played fun, interactive games to start learning key vocabulary. In Geography, ‘Globingo’ not only introduced them to important geographical themes but also helped them make new friends. In art, students tapped into their creative side by designing vibrant Kandinsky-style pieces.
Day 2: Drama Day
On Wednesday, students returned for a special Drama Day where they spent the whole day with our talented Year 10 Drama students. Together, they played team-building games, created performances and developed their confidence in a creative, supportive and fun atmosphere.
Students also enjoyed our Music Festival!
Both days were jam-packed with excitement and energy, and it was fantastic to see the Year 7s already starting to feel at home.
We can’t wait to welcome you all back in September!
This week, we were delighted to host our upcoming Year 12 students for their induction day. It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome back some familiar faces and meet new students who will be joining us from other schools in September.
Throughout the day, students participated in a range of exciting taster lessons across various subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art and Textiles, Economics, Criminology, Psychology, Law, and many more. These sessions offered students a valuable insight into the courses they have chosen to study, while also giving them a chance to experience life as a Sixth Former.
The day was filled with curiosity and enthusiasm, which has us excited to welcome everyone back in September to begin their next chapter.
If you are interested in joining our Sixth Form in 2026, our Sixth Form Open Evening is coming up on Thursday 16th October 2025 from 5:30pm - 8pm.
Click here for more information about the event and to book tickets.
Last week, we shared the stunning entries from our Tranquil Oasis Photography Competition and invited you to help choose the winners.
After counting all the votes, we’re thrilled to announce the results:
1st Place: Eliza (Photo 6)
2nd Place: Elsie (Photo 5)
3rd Place: Sophie (Photo 3)
The incredible photography skills displayed by our students made the decision very tough, and we truly loved seeing everyone’s unique interpretation of what a tranquil oasis means to them.
A huge well done to all who entered, and thank you to everyone who voted and supported the competition!
Best of luck to Sophie and Neve, who will be travelling to Spain to compete in the prestigious Dance World Cup.
This incredible opportunity is the result of their dedication, hard work, and passion for dance. Representing their team on the international stage is not only a remarkable achievement but also a chance to showcase their talent among some of the world’s best young dancers.
The Academy couldn't be prouder of Sophie and Neve, and will be cheering them on all the way. We wish them both the very best of luck!
This week, students were treated to a wonderful summer outing to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm as part of our Pupil Premium programme. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to explore, learn and enjoy a fun-filled day in the sunshine.
Throughout the visit, the students had the chance to see an incredible variety of animals up close, including rhinos, elephants, lions and zebras. It was a day filled with sunshine and valuable learning!
This week, our French and Spanish students took their food-based vocabulary to the next level by stepping into the kitchen and cooking up some delicious traditional dishes from French and Spanish cuisine.
From homemade meatballs in rich tomato sauce to Parisian crepes, the dishes looked – and smelled – absolutely amazing! It was a fantastic, hands-on way for students to bring their language learning to life.
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We are proud to announce the new House Captains for 2025/26!
Introducing…
Tudor: Noah and Wendy
Hanover: Doug and Nino
Windsor: Meg and Isaac
Lancaster: Will and Rowan
Stuart: Maddie and April
House Captains play a vital role in student leadership at the Academy, focusing on leading and directing to make a positive impact across the entire school community.
Their responsibilities include managing House Councils, supporting younger students and leading whole-school events throughout the year.
Our newly appointed House Captains have already made a fantastic start, playing a key role in helping our new Year 7 students settle in during their induction days this week.
We look forward to seeing their leadership grow as they continue to inspire, guide, and support their peers in the year ahead.
Well done to all our new House Captains!
Victoria has demonstrated a true gift for choreography throughout her dance lessons this year. She works consistently hard and has a constant determination to improve.
Her progress this year has been fantastic to see, well done!
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The 2025 Academy Music Festival was a massive hit, bringing together students, staff and the upcoming Year 7 students for three unforgettable days of music and sunshine.
Throughout the festival, audiences were treated to an incredible variety of performances, showcasing the talent and hard work of our students and staff. From bands and ensembles to solo performances, every act lit up the stage. A special highlight, as always, was the staff band, which proved to be a student favourite once again with Mr Hildrew rocking the guitar!
We’re already counting down the days until next year’s festival!