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Churchill Academy & Sixth Form

Academy News

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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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  • Lancaster win the Golf House Challenge

    Published 03/10/25

    Team PE hosted a successful Golf House Challenge this week. Students and staff competed for house points by trying to sink golf balls into a target (a very fetching wheelie bin). Precision was key: the closer to the bin, the more points they scored.

    Ex-student and professional golfer Monty joined us for the event, showcasing his golf skills and offering our students valuable tips on how to move the ball further down the fairway. We also had Academy golf caddies on hand to support our golfers with their equipment, making it a real community event. 

    It was a brilliant afternoon in the sunshine. Many golf balls were hit across the field. Unfortunately, none made it into the wheelie bin itself, but plenty got close.  Team PE spent the afternoon tallying the scores, and the results are in: 

    1st Place Lancaster (Winning shot by Riley)

    2nd Place Hanover (Winning shot by Finn)

    3rd Place Windsor (Winning shot by Tom) 

    4th Place Tudor (Winning shot by Noah)

    5th Place Stuart (Winning shot by Quinn) 

    Well done to Lancaster, and to our overall winner Riley! 

     

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  • Year 7 Students Learn Life Skills with Heart Starters and The Royal Navy

    Published 03/10/25

    This week, Year 7 students were lucky enough to be visited by both Heart Starters and the Royal Navy for an exciting learning experience. 

    Heart Starters, a company run by South West Air Ambulance, provided students with the opportunity to learn and practice CPR, respond to emergency situations, and utilise vital equipment such as defibrillators.

    The Heart Starters programme introduced students to the basic principles of CPR. Instructors guided them through the critical steps, emphasising the importance of acting quickly during emergencies. 

    The Royal Navy sessions were full of excitement as students learnt a variety of life skills and improved their knowledge on how the Royal Navy helps communities around the world.  Part of the session involved an engineering task, focused on building a transportation device suitable for use in a humanitarian crisis, followed by a race to determine which design was the best. 

    Both training sessions focused on building confidence, so students would feel ready to step in and help during an emergency. Year 7 students walked away from the session equipped with practical knowledge that could one day help them save a life. 

    We would like to extend a massive thank you to both Heart Starters and the Royal Navy for visiting our students and spending time with them.

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  • Meadow Wins The Fish Hero Award

    Published 03/10/25

    The Fish Heroes team donated a book to be presented to a standout Food & Nutrition student of our choosing. 

    The decision was made to present the award to Meadow, who consistently went above and beyond in every lesson last year. Her enthusiasm and commitment to Food & Nutrition have been truly exceptional. 

    She produces outstanding practical work, always paying close attention to the presentation and visual appeal of her dishes. Beyond the classroom, she demonstrates a genuine passion for the subject, conducting detailed food science research at home independently, for her own enjoyment. 

    A fantastic member of the class, her dedication, creativity, and curiosity have been an inspiration to others.  Well done Meadow!

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  • Legally Blonde Rehearsals Off to a Fabulous Start!

    Published 26/09/25

    The cast has been called, the creative team is read, and rehearsals are officially underway - what a start to this fabulous story! 

    The cast is already showing why they were born to be on stage. The teamwork on display is a joy to watch, and the Delta Nus have already formed a strong, sisterly bond.

    During the first rehearsal on Tuesday, we were treated to a hilarious rendition of “Serious” from our Warners and Elles, complete with fantastic comic timing. The Delta Nus then brought the house down with “OMG”—their energy, smiley faces, and big voices proved that they are already the closest of sorority sisters.

    The cast also had the chance to perform during our Open Evening, giving Year 6 students and their families a glimpse behind the scenes. The cast did not disappoint; the dance and drama studios were filled with sass, sparkle and character from start to finish.

    A few practical updates, too:

    • Lift shares – We’ve contacted the cast via Google Classroom to encourage more carpooling after rehearsals. Please do take a moment to fill this in if you can.

    • Schedules – The schedule for the next two weeks can be viewed here. However, please note that it is subject to change. We’ll do our best to give you as much notice as possible.

    • Production team – A Google Form has been sent to students interested in joining the production team for Legally Blonde. If you missed the email, the Google Form is available here.

    With such a strong start, this promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved and a show that audiences will not want to miss!

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  • Academy Sports Rundown: 26th September 2025

    Published 26/09/25

    It’s the first sports rundown of the 2025/26 academic year and our sports fixtures are off to a brilliant start. See how we got on this week below: 

    KS4 Hockey face off with Sidcot for the first match of the year 

    Our KS4 girls' Hockey team visited Sidcot School for the first match of the year, with some students playing in their first-ever Academy hockey game! 

    It was an evenly matched game that ended 1-0 to Sidcot, and although we didn’t win, our girls certainly put up a great performance. The player of the match was awarded to Laura. Well done to all of the players! 

    KS3 Netball brought back THREE victories 

    Our KS3 Netball teams headed to Sidcot for an afternoon of Netball tournaments.  It was an absolutely dominant performance from all our teams, marking a great start to the season. 

    Year 9 won their game 23-3. The player of the match was awarded to Immy. 

    Year 8 won their game 14-3. The player of the match was awarded to Zoe. 

    Year 7 Orange won their game 6-3. The player of the match was awarded to Jess. 

    Year 7 Red lost their game 1-4. The player of the match was awarded to Carys. 

    Year 8 Rugby Match Report

    Year 8 student, Rileigh, has tried his hand at being a sports journalist and reports on the Year 8 Rugby tournament that took place at Gordano School on Tuesday, 23rd September:

    Game 1 Backwell

    Score 4-3 Churchill win

    Player of the match was Alfie Fogg 

    Game 2 Yatton

    Score 5-4 Churchill win

    Player of the match was Tom

    Game 3 Gordano 

    Score 7-5 Churchill win

    Player of the match was George 

    The player of the tournament was Sean, 3/3 win, well done Churchill Year 8!

     

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  • Meg’s Women’s Rugby World Cup Journey

    Published 26/09/25

    Rugby star and Windsor House Captain, Meg, recently played a key role from the sidelines at the Women’s Rugby World Cup when it was hosted at Ashton Gate Stadium. As a ball technician for the tournament, she was involved in several matches, including the semi-finals, which saw England qualify for the World Cup finals!

    In the lead-up to the event, Meg appeared in two live interviews on BBC Radio Bristol. In her first interview, she discussed her journey into rugby, her experience playing for the North Somerset Barbarians and her previous role as a ball technician at the Six Nations.

    After an action-packed weekend at Ashton Gate, Meg returned for a second interview, sharing her highlights from the tournament. She discussed a rogue ball from the crowd, meeting the professional players and the motivation she drew from being so close to the action. 

    Both interviews are well worth a listen, and we couldn’t be prouder of Meg for chasing her dreams.

    Listen to Meg’s interviews here:

    Friday, 12th September – Interview begins at 2 hours 8 minutes

    Monday, 15th September – Interview begins at 2 hours 10 minutes

     

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