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Churchill Academy & Sixth Form

Academy News

Page 6

  • Academy Students Take On The South West Regional Physics Challenge

    Published 30/01/26

    Some of the Academy's top scientists had a fantastic time at the South West Regional Physics Challenge in Exeter this week. Millie, Emilia, Xavier, Monty, Emma, Francesca, Tomos and Isaac were amongst more than 20 teams of Year 10 and Year 11 students from across the region.

    Across three demanding rounds, they pitted their brains and their calculators against some fiendishly tricky questions, ranging from “How long would a swimming pool of mayonnaise last?” to “What is the density of a block that floats three-quarters submerged in a bath of water and oil?” In the practical round, teams had to use creativity and ingenuity to measure the density of the air in the room using nothing more than a sheet of paper and a length of string.

    The room buzzed with shared ideas and eureka moments as students collaborated in a race against time to complete as many challenges as possible. Our students all had a brilliant time, and their exemplary teamwork earned them the top score in the Fermi questions round, a real triumph in our first appearance at this event. 

    The future of Churchill Physics is bright!

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  • Rising Star Caitlin at Southern Zonal Trampolining Championships

    Published 30/01/26

    Caitlin delivered an excellent performance at the Southern Zonal Schools Trampolining competition last Sunday, competing against some of the strongest athletes in the region.

    She qualified for the event back in December after finishing an impressive 7th in the South West, securing her place among the top 13 athletes who progressed to the zonal stage. At Sunday’s competition, Caitlin achieved her highest scores to date and finished 17th in a highly competitive field of 67 trampolinists.

    Although only the top five competitors advanced to the national finals, Caitlin’s performance represents a significant personal achievement. We are incredibly proud of her effort and the determination she showed in this huge competition.

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  • Eden Takes Third Place at the LSP Regional Vocabulary Finals

    Published 30/01/26

    On Wednesday 28th January, the Lighthouse Schools Regional Vocabulary Competition Final took place at the Academy. 

    Developing a strong vocabulary is central to our curriculum provision at the Academy, and we were delighted to see vocabulary celebrated in this way. Students from each of the four LSP Secondary Schools competed, tackling a range of challenging vocabulary activities, from ‘Name the Opposite Word’ to ‘Quick Draw’, where their knowledge of sophisticated words such as ‘besmirch’ and ‘peripatetic’ was put to the test.

    The overall winner and runner-up were Megan and Tom from Gordano. We are extremely proud to see Eden from Churchill secure third place.

    Congratulations to all who took part, and to the Academy’s English Department for organising the competition.

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  • Rising Star Ryan Secures Place in Under 18 Somerset Pool Team

    Published 30/01/26

    Congratulations to Ryan in Year 10 on his fantastic achievement of earning a place in the Under-18’s Somerset Pool Team.

    Ryan competed last Sunday against 40 Under-18 players from across Somerset in a highly competitive selection event. Following an impressive performance, he was one of just 11 players offered a place on the team.

    This is a significant accomplishment and a testament to Ryan’s skill, focus, and dedication. Well done, Ryan, we wish you every success as you represent Somerset!

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  • Rising Theatre Stars: Hollie-Jane and Sam

    Published 30/01/26

    Two of our talented students, Hollie-Jane and Sam, took to the stage last weekend in a production of High School Musical with Tillie’s School of Performing Arts. Their performances were full of energy, confidence and enthusiasm, captivating the audience from start to finish.

    Both students absolutely smashed it on stage, showcasing their hard work and commitment to the production. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see what they do next. Well done to both performers on a fantastic show!

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  • Lola Shines at the Future Chef Regional Final

    Published 30/01/26

    Lola delivered an outstanding performance at the recent Future Chef Regional Final, showcasing remarkable skill, composure and professionalism. After hours of dedicated practice, her hard work truly paid off and she represented the Academy with pride and confidence.

    Her success would not have been possible without the incredible support of her family, who generously provided ingredients and patiently ate an impressive amount of pork tenderloin along the way!

    Lola presented an ambitious and beautifully executed menu. Her main course featured pork loin with a quail scotch egg, cauliflower and butter bean, nduja butter, sage and crispy chicken skin. For dessert, she served a rich chocolate mousse accompanied by torched blood orange, hazelnut and cream. Both dishes demonstrated technical skill, creativity and a clear understanding of flavour balance.

    As the youngest competitor in the heat, Lola stood out as a fantastic ambassador for Churchill. She remained calm, focused and thoroughly professional throughout the competition. Although she did not win the heat, her performance marked her as a complete star.

    Lola was expertly mentored by Chef Greg Popek, whose guidance played a key role in her development. Chef Popek has since offered to continue mentoring Lola and to support her in future opportunities, a testament to her talent and potential.

    Congratulations to Lola,  and thank you to her family and Chef Greg Popek for their continued support. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and excited to see what the future holds.

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  • The Activities Week 2026 Booklet has Launched

    Published 23/01/26

    The Activities Week 2026 booklet is officially live, and it’s packed with an exciting range of experiences for students staying local this year. From headline trips like the Royal International Airshow, Shepton Mallet Prison and Go Karting, to hands-on and relaxing options including Bushcraft and a Beauty & Spa Day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    Bookings will open through the MCAS App in two separate windows. 

    Window 1 opens on Monday 2 February at 7pm and closes on Sunday 8 February at 7pm. During this time, students can make up to two bookings only

    Window 2 opens on Monday 9 February at 7pm and closes on Sunday 15 February at 7pm, allowing students to book their remaining activities for the week.

    Full details on all activities, payment schedules, and key information can be found on our Activities Week 2026 page here. For any queries, please email activitiesweek@churchill-academy.org.

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  • Our Dance Star of the Week is Leah

    Published 23/01/26

    Leah has been fulfilling her role as KS3 Dance Captain brilliantly. Her endless enthusiasm, conscientious manner and friendly nature have proven why she was such a great choice for the role. 

    Leah has been working hard not only in her dance lessons but also in Year 9 Dance Company, where she is currently taking a lead role in the choreography for one of our pieces.  

    Leah often gives up her own time to help out and co-choreograph for Year 7 Dance Club. Well done Leah!

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  • The Academy Farm Project Begins!

    Published 23/01/26

    Over the past six months, work has been underway to develop an exciting new farm project at Churchill Academy & Sixth Form in collaboration with the local community and businesses. The aim of the project is to create an on-site learning space that supports students on the Community Pathway and those with SEND, providing meaningful, hands-on experiences as part of their structured curriculum.

    The project will begin on a small scale with the Wheat Project, before gradually expanding to include vegetable growing and, in time, animals. As the farm develops over the coming years, students will gain a deeper understanding of agriculture and food production. To further enhance learning, equipment famously used in the Clarkson’s Farm television series will be brought onto the school site, demonstrating how modern farming has evolved and inspiring the next generation to consider careers in agriculture.

    Students will also have the opportunity to visit local farms, including Farm Link, where they will learn practical skills to help develop the Academy’s farm. These experiences will play a key role in building confidence, independence and real-world understanding.

    The first stage of the project involves completing a soil sample to determine what crops will grow best on the land. Local farmers visited the Academy this week with their digger to support Year 10 Community students in carrying out soil testing. This marks an exciting beginning to a project that will offer students valuable opportunities to learn outside the classroom and engage meaningfully with their local community.

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  • Matt Dickinson Inspires Students

    Published 23/01/26

    Selected Year 7 and 8 students recently enjoyed an engaging and inspiring visit from author, adventurer and filmmaker Matt Dickinson. The session offered students a fascinating insight into the life of a writer whose stories are shaped by real-life experiences.

    Matt Dickinson is well known for his thrilling teen novels, many of which are inspired by his climbs of Mount Everest and other daring expeditions. During the visit, he captivated students with vivid stories of his adventures, describing challenges such as frostbite, rats eating vital supplies, and the nerve-racking journeys to base camp in ageing planes.

    The visit sparked curiosity and excitement among the students, encouraging them to think beyond the classroom and consider the possibilities of exploring the wider world. Matt’s combination of storytelling, adventure and creativity left a lasting impression and inspired many pupils to dream big and embrace new challenges.

    Thank you so much Matt!

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  • Stagecoach Weston-Super-Mare Sponsors Legally Blonde: The Musical

    Published 23/01/26

    We want to say a massive thank you to Stagecoach Weston-Super-Mare for sponsoring our production of Legally Blonde: The Musical. Their support ensures we can continue putting on productions to a professional standard.

    Who is Stagecoach Weston-super-Mare?

    Stagecoach Weston-super-Mare is a Performing Arts School for children and young people aged 4 - 19, teaching the core Musical Theatre skills of singing, dance, and acting. 

    From the youngest students taking first steps on their performing arts journey, right through to advanced performers looking to hone their craft and prepare for a career in the arts, Stagecoach is an inclusive, friendly community where everyone is welcome.

    Early Stages (ages 4-6) take part in 90-minute lessons, and Main/Further Stages (ages 6-19) take part in 3-hour sessions with experienced tutors. The Stagecoach tutors have all trained/performed professionally and undertake the highest possible level of Safeguarding training and DBS checks - so you know that your child is in safe hands.

    All age groups perform in at least one show per year. Children in the Main & Further Stages also have the opportunity to attend events at regional theatres and Stagecoach’s annual West End showcase, which is always a highlight of the year!

    Location: Winterstoke Hundred Academy, Locking Parklands, Weston-super-Mare BS24 7NN

    Days/Times: Friday evenings & Saturday mornings (during term-time)

    Summer Workshops: usually the first week in August, we put on a show in a week - see website for details

    Stagecoach Weston-super-Mare offers a two-week trial for children who want to try the classes. To sign up and find more, visit:

    Website: https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/westonsupermare

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StagecoachWeston

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stagecoachweston

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  • A Day Trip to Bristol Crown Court

    Published 23/01/26

    On Tuesday 20th January 2026, our Year 13 A Level Law students visited Bristol Crown Court. It was an engaging and valuable experience that brought classroom learning to life. 

    Our students met with a female Circuit Judge for an hour and gained an insight into the role and responsibilities of the judiciary. This was followed by observing real court proceedings, including defendants entering pleas, trials in progress, and the Judge’s summing up a case to a jury and sentencing defendants. 

    For our students to see legal processes unfold in a real courtroom really deepened their understanding of criminal law and procedure. Furthermore, it helped them appreciate the seriousness, structure and human impact of the justice system. 

    Overall, the visit was informative, inspiring, and highly relevant to their A Level studies. 

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