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Churchill Academy & Sixth Form

Academy News

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  • Year 12 Students Day at the HE+ Conference

    Published 02/04/26

    Thirteen of our Year 12 students attended the HE+ conference at Kings of Wessex Academy last Wednesday, taking part in the prestigious programme designed to support applicants aiming for highly competitive university courses. The HE+ scheme, run by Cambridge University, helps students develop the skills and confidence needed for success in applications to top institutions. 

    As part of the conference, students presented posters they had prepared in advance, delivering their ideas in small group settings. This activity allowed them to build their presentation skills while engaging in academic discussion with peers. In addition, they participated in a workshop focused on strengthening university applications and preparing for potential entrance exams they may encounter.

    The programme will continue with a residential course at Cambridge University in July, offering students a valuable opportunity to further immerse themselves in academic life and preparation for higher education.

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  • Windsor House Ends Term 4 with Successful Charity Bake Sale

    Published 02/04/26

    Windsor House council brought Term 4 to a close with a fantastic bake sale, combining delicious treats with a meaningful cause. Throughout the week, students dedicated their time to baking and preparing a wide variety of goodies, ready to share with the Academy. 

    From cakes to biscuits, the selection proved to be a hit, with many praising both the quality and variety on offer.

    More importantly, the bake sale supported a worthy cause. Windsor House has chosen to support the Alzheimer’s Society this year, and the event successfully raised an impressive £120.19 for the charity.

    Well done to everyone involved for their hard work and generosity!

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  • Level 3 Food Science Students Visit Yeo Valley

    Published 02/04/26

    On 26th March, our Level 3 Food Science students had the opportunity to visit Yeo Valley for a highly informative and engaging trip. The visit provided valuable insight into the role of microorganisms in food production, with a particular focus on products such as yoghurt and kefir.

    During the tour, students explored the processes involved in manufacturing food products, including key considerations around hygiene, safety and risk assessment. They were able to observe real-world applications of concepts studied in the classroom, deepening their understanding of large scale food production.

    An important aspect of the visit was experiencing industry-standard safety procedures firsthand. Students were required to wear two different sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering specific areas of the factory, highlighting the strict protocols followed to maintain product safety and quality.

    We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Emer Keene and the team at Yeo Valley for organising and delivering such an insightful experience. Their time and expertise provided students with a valuable perspective on the food industry.

    The knowledge gained from this trip will play an important role in supporting students as they prepare for the externally assessed Unit 2 component of their course.

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  • Rising Rowing Star Amy Shines for City of Bristol Rowing Club

    Published 27/03/26

    Amy continues to make waves at the City of Bristol Rowing Club. She recently competed in the world’s largest women’s rowing event, taking on the iconic Boat Race course alongside Olympians!

    Amy’s squad has qualified for the regional finals next month, representing Wiltshire, Avon, Gloucester, Somerset, and Wales at national level. They are also expected to compete at the British Championships for the third consecutive year, cementing their reputation as one of the country’s top crews. 

    We are wishing you the best of luck in both competitions, well done Amy!

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  • Our Dance Star of the Week is Scarlett

    Published 27/03/26

    Scarlett is an exemplary member of our Year 10 BTEC Dance class. She works extremely hard in each and every lesson, asking for feedback regularly to ensure she reaches her potential.

    Scarlett is always positive and enthusiastic, a pleasure to teach. Well done!

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  • Sixth Form Students Shine at LSP University Challenge

    Published 26/03/26

    A huge well done to our Sixth Form students who showcased their wit and academic flair at the LSP University Challenge hosted by Backwell School.

    Competing against teams from across the Trust, they tackled questions ranging from particle physics to classical literature, demonstrating impressive quick thinking and teamwork under pressure.

    It was a great afternoon for all, well done!

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  • Year 13 Performing Arts Present Mean Girls: The Musical Excerpts

    Published 26/03/26

    On Wednesday, 29th and Thursday 30th April at 7:00 PM, the Year 13 Performing Arts students will take to the stage at The Academy to perform excerpts from Mean Girls: The Musical as part of their final exam unit.

    This is a unique opportunity to see the students showcase their talent and hard work in a live performance. Tickets are free, and refreshments will be available to purchase on the night.

    Please note, this is an exam performance and will contribute to the students’ final grades, making every performance a moment of both entertainment and academic achievement.

    Don’t miss this chance to support the next generation of performers!

    Book your free tickets here.

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  • Korean Club Makes Kimbap

    Published 26/03/26

    This week, Korean Club put their culinary skills to the test, making kimbap! They watched a demonstration before they formed their own and got to tasting. They had to be careful not to overfill their seaweed wraps with rice and other ingredients to prevent them from bursting when rolled up.  

    Whilst it may look like Sushi, Kimbap is a distinct Korean dish. Unlike sushi, kimbap rice is seasoned with sesame oil and filled with cooked ingredients, making it a tasty and savoury picnic food. In contrast, sushi rice is seasoned with vinegar and often features raw fish.

    Korean Club meets every Wednesday lunchtime in L6, come along and explore this incredible culture with us!

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  • Year 13 Business Students Attend A-Level Grade Booster Workshop

    Published 26/03/26

    On Friday, Year 13 Business students took part in a valuable A-Level Grade Booster workshop led by experts from Tutor2U. The day featured four fast-paced, interactive sessions, including Writing Winning Paragraphs, The Importance of Knowledge and Understanding, Writing Contextualised Answers, and Success in 20-Mark Questions.

    Students also gained insight into the Confectionery industry in preparation for Paper 3 and revised key quantitative skills and numerical concepts. The workshop provided an engaging and practical boost to their exam readiness.

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  • English High Attainers Explore The Turn of the Screw

    Published 26/03/26

    As part of this week’s English High Attainers programme, 17 students from Years 8 to 10 joined Mr Grimmett’s Year 12 English Literature class to explore the supernatural elements in The Turn of the Screw by Henry James.

    Working in pairs with Sixth Form students, they engaged in thoughtful and collaborative discussions. Together, they identified key quotations, analysed literary techniques and explored characters in greater depth. It was fantastic to see such strong teamwork and enthusiasm across year groups.

    The opportunity to experience A-Level Literature gave younger students an exciting insight into advanced study, and many spoke afterwards about how much they enjoyed the intellectually stimulating experience.

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  • Year 13 Economics Students Get Hands On Revision Experience

    Published 26/03/26

    Our Year 13 Economics students enjoyed an informative and engaging full day of revision at Vue Cinema, last week. Some of us were slightly star struck by having the excellent Geoff Riley, one of the UK’s leading Economics educators, guiding the sessions!

    The day provided invaluable insight into exam structure, effective evaluation, and how to secure top marks in extended responses. Students benefited enormously from the use of real-world examples, while the practical advice on approaching exam questions gave a clear understanding of what examiners are looking for.

    It certainly feels like a moment when Economics is firmly in the spotlight, with widespread discussion of issues such as oil prices helping to bring the subject to life.

    Students left the day feeling more confident, better prepared, and motivated as they approach their final exams this summer, as well as equipped with a range of useful resources to support their revision. 

    We look forward to celebrating their success in August.

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  • Student Council Meet With Aspens Catering

    Published 26/03/26

    This week, members of the Student Council met with staff from Aspens to discuss various aspects of the Academy’s catering provision. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including dining areas, healthy options, menus, pricing, biometrics, queuing, communication and meal chips.

    The discussion was highly positive, with students confidently sharing their ideas and feedback. Their contributions highlighted thoughtful suggestions for improving menu choices, enhancing communication, and creating a better dining experience overall.

    The Academy will now work closely with Aspens to review these suggestions and explore what can be implemented in the coming months. Updates will be shared with the Student Council as progress is made.

    Well done to all the students involved for their confidence, curiosity and valuable input!

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