Academy News

Last night’s Spring Concert was a triumphant celebration of musical talent, playing to a sold-out audience. The evening showcased an impressive range of performances from students across the Academy, offering something for every musical taste.

The evening kicked off with a vibrant 80s flashback medley performed by the Concert Band, channeling Bon Jovi-style energy that set the tone for the night. This was followed by a beautifully atmospheric set from the Senior Choir, who performed a Georgian folk song and Sing My Child by Sarah Quartel, enhanced by a trio of African djembes that added rich texture and rhythm.

The Brass and Woodwind Ensembles took the spotlight next, presenting the results of their hard work this term with polished and confident performances. A particular highlight came from the String Group, led by Year 13 student Toby Wilson, who delivered a stunning arrangement of Vivaldi’s Lute Concerto RV93. Its calm elegance provided a striking contrast to the high-energy pieces that bookended the programme.

A standout moment of the night came from Year 7 band Stormborn, who made their debut with an electrifying rendition of Mr Brightside that brought the house down. Guitar Group turned up the volume in the second half with rocking versions of Eric Clapton and The Darkness, paving the way for the Year 10 band Yunc to keep the momentum going.

The KS3 Choir then took the stage to perform Africa by Toto and Misery Business by Paramore, supported by the Year 10 GCSE Music class. Their set was a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern edge and showed just how much talent lies in the younger years.

To close the concert, the Orchestra delivered a rousing performance of Mussorgsky before being joined by the Soul Band for the finale. Together, they brought the evening to a close with authentic arrangements of Night Fever by the Bee Gees and a spectacular Earth, Wind & Fire medley.

This unforgettable evening was not only a fitting end to the term, but also marked the final performance for several Year 13 musicians. Their dedication and contributions over the years have played a huge role in shaping the musical life of the Academy – and they certainly ended on a high note.

Bravo to all involved!

Year 12 and 13 Philosophy and Ethics students attended an inspiring A-Level Buddhism conference at Bristol University. The event featured a series of lectures and workshops led by esteemed scholars, providing students with valuable insights into Buddhist thought and practice.

The day commenced with a thought-provoking lecture by Professor Rupert Gethin, who explored Abhidharma philosophy and challenged students to reconsider their understanding of the world. Following this, students selected from a variety of engaging workshops, each offering a unique perspective on Buddhist traditions.

One such workshop, led by Dr. Rita Langer, facilitated a debate on the extent to which Buddhist monastics should be socially engaged. Students from the Academy participated in discussions with peers from other schools, examining the role of the monastic sangha in contemporary society.

Another workshop focused on Shakyo calligraphy, where students practiced the traditional art of sutra copying. Using authentic calligraphy tools and techniques, participants carefully transcribed Buddhist verses, creating beautifully crafted Kanji characters.

For those interested in meditation, sessions were offered on different meditative practices. Soho Kim guided students through Korean Seon meditation, while Professor Rupert Gethin introduced them to Samatha meditation, providing practical experience in mindfulness and concentration techniques.

Dr. Benedetta Lomi led an intriguing session on the use of Koans in Zen Buddhism, encouraging students to transcend dualistic thinking. Questions such as "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" prompted deep reflection on the nature of perception and understanding.

In the second session, Dr. Hannibal Taubes delivered a compelling lecture on Madhyamaka philosophy. He elucidated Nāgārjuna’s insights into dependent arising (pratītyasamutpāda) and the concept of emptiness (śūnyatā), demystifying these complex ideas and their significance in Buddhist thought.

The afternoon concluded with an engaging talk from Venerable Pelwatte Dhammananda Thero, a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk. He provided valuable insights into monastic life, addressing questions such as whether Buddhist monks can use mobile phones (yes, with mindful boundaries), the challenges of monastic practice, and perspectives on the fear of death.

Overall, the conference was an intellectually stimulating and enriching experience. Students left with a deeper appreciation of Buddhist philosophy and its relevance in the modern world, making it a truly memorable and thought-provoking day.

 

As part of their preparation for the upcoming Unit 2 exam, Year 13 Level 3 Food Science students recently visited Uncle Paul's Chilli Charity. This hands-on experience at the local food manufacturer’s site provided valuable insights into the food production industry, helping students enhance their knowledge and practical skills before their final exam in May.

During the trip, students participated in the end-to-end process of producing sauces and jams, gaining first-hand experience of the techniques and procedures involved. Delyse Taylor, a key figure at the charity, guided the students through the various production stages and shared the comprehensive risk assessments required for operating a professional production kitchen. This insight into health and safety protocols was particularly beneficial for students as they prepare for their assessments.

A highlight of the visit was seeing Jack, a former Churchill student, who the charity now employs. His journey from student to industry professional was inspiring for the current students, demonstrating the career opportunities available in the food science field.

The visit to Uncle Paul's Chilli Charity was an engaging and educational experience, providing students with a deeper understanding of food production and the challenges involved. The knowledge gained will undoubtedly support them in their upcoming exams and future careers in the food industry.

To learn more about the charity and the work they do, you can visit their website here: chillicharity.org.uk. 

Our third annual M Stars Musical Theatre Competition was a sell-out show and an unforgettable evening filled with incredible performances, heartwarming moments, and an overwhelming sense of community. 

Building on recent rugby successes, we have further exciting achievements to celebrate!