Academy News

Our Christmas Concert was a resounding success, wowing the packed audience at The Playhouse. The students brought energy, humour and their high level of musicianship for all to share and kick start our Christmas preparations.

Orchestra grabbed our attention immediately as they opened the concert with Tchaikovsky’s Trepak from The Nutcracker and a Christmas Medley, superbly arranged by Toby.  

Concert Band enthralled us with their energetic playing throughout The Incredibles (Giacchino), and clearly also enjoyed the Guns ‘n’ Roses classic Welcome to the Jungle.

This year’s Junior Young Musician winner and runner-up, Joey and Senuli, showed off their musical prowess, captivating the audience with their huge musical talent.

The KS3 Choir performed ABBA’s I Have a Dream before introducing us to an unknown but enticing song written by Britain’s most successful singer/songwriter, Gary Barlow, entitled Don’t Know What I’m Looking For. The Senior Choir were exquisite in their performance of What I Was Made For, from the movie Barbie, by Billie Eilish and Happy Together. 

Brass Group, String Group and our Woodwind Group both delighted us with some classic film scores, pop songs, show songs and Christmas tunes before we were treated to a sneak preview of the forthcoming production of We Will Rock You.

The second half of the programme opened with some classic songs performed by our brilliant Soul Band, including Mr Big Stuff, before our Guitar Group rocked the place with an AC/DC Medley and Van Halen’s Jump - this group is a fantastic addition to the huge range of ensembles at Churchill Academy & Sixth Form and is very much open to new members, as indeed are all of our groups. 

The final item was our now infamous Junior Choir. This choir of Year 7 and

8 students told the Christmas story in their own way, singing songs which they had themselves composed. The massed choir of around 200 students is always a spine tingling moment and most definitely one of the highlights of the whole school year. Simply put, it was a stunning conclusion to a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

We are incredibly proud of all of our students who performed and expect great things from them in the future, particularly in the music and performing arts fields. Congratulations to all of our performers.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our audience for their unwavering support and appreciation of the arts. We firmly believe that events like these have the power to bring our community together and inspire a love for music and performing arts.

We eagerly anticipate seeing everyone again next year!

One of our Year 11 students, Tommy, recently wrote to Sir David Attenborough regarding his interest in dolphin behaviours, particularly their treatment of other animals. He enquired whether a documentary on dolphins' aggressive nature has been made or if it is likely to become the subject of an upcoming documentary. 

Sir David responded in a wonderful handwritten letter to Tommy informing him that he had not ever made a documentary on this topic, noting that at the grand age of 98, he isn't likely to be going underwater swimming anytime soon either! 

It was such a special moment for Tommy to receive this letter and we’re so grateful to Sir David for taking the time to respond. 

Take a read of both Tommy’s and Sir David’s letters below.

On Friday during break time, Windsor House Council held a charity bake sale. Windsor students enthusiastically took to their kitchens to whip up an array of delicious treats, including brownies, flapjacks, biscuits, cakes, and more. The sheer enthusiasm and effort of the students impressed everyone.

The bake sale was in support of Joseph's Smile, a charity that holds special meaning for one of our Windsor students. Joseph's Smile helps children access life-saving or life-changing medical treatment or equipment not currently provided by the NHS.

Students showed their support not only through baking but also by indulging in the incredible variety of goods, contributing to a remarkable total of £184.39! This outstanding achievement showcases the generosity and spirit of all of our students! 

Congratulations to Windsor House on this fantastic event! 

For more information about Joseph's Smile and the vital work they do, click here: https://josephssmile.org/

The Academy hosted the first Lighthouse Schools Partnership Business Breakfast of the academic year on Wednesday 20th November. Over 100 Business Partners and education colleagues attended the successful event.

Our main speaker at the event – Simon Lawrence OBE, General Manager of the National Trust Bristol Portfolio – provided an interesting and insightful reflection on the principles and values of ‘Servant Leadership’ that he has learnt throughout his military and diplomatic career.

Visitors were welcomed by Mr Hildrew, and LSP CEO Dr Gary Lewis, who thanked all the business partners and colleagues for their valued collaboration and support. We also heard from Chew Valley School Headteacher, Mr Beynon, who inspired us all with his talk on the importance of the outdoors when it comes to educating our children and young people.

Finally, we heard from two of our Sixth-Form students, Sofia and Tobias, who shared details of their upcoming two-week trip to Madagascar to complete conservation and ecology work. The students not only impressed the audience with the trip's educational and life-experience value but also showcased their salesmanship with a hilarious pitch to help drum up sponsorships from business owners!

It was a fantastic and informative morning, giving us all an opportunity to feel inspired. 

If you are interested in becoming an LSP Business Partner or would like further information about the Business Breakfast please email businesspartnership@lsp.org.uk.

On Thursday 14th November, Rowan and Isla proudly represented the Academy in the Springboard Future Chef Local Heat, held at Bristol City College. 

Competing in a professional kitchen, the students showcased their culinary talents while adapting to the challenges of working in a commercial kitchen with unfamiliar equipment. 

The competition required the students to prepare two portions of a main course within one hour, adhering to a strict budget of £5. Despite the pressure, both students excelled, impressing judges with their efforts and dishes.

Both Rowan and Isla performed exceptionally, demonstrating skill, creativity, and teamwork, earning praise as true ambassadors for the Academy.

Rowan’s outstanding performance earned him first place, and he received a fantastic recipe book as a prize. His victory also secured him a spot in the Regional Heat of the competition, which will take place in January. 

For this next challenge, Rowan will have 90 minutes to create a two-course meal with a budget of £10, raising the stakes and expectations.

Congratulations to Rowan and Isla on their hard work and success. Best of luck to Rowan as he advances to the next round—the Academy is rooting for you!

On Tuesday, our Year 11 students had the exciting opportunity to experience life as a Sixth Former for the day. Selecting four subjects to try out, alongside a private study period, students gained first hand insights into what it’s like to be a part of our Sixth Form. 

It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm as they engaged in a variety of lessons, exploring opportunities and independence in their study programme. Students took advantage of sampling subjects not offered at GCSE level, such as Psychology, Criminology and Government & Politics.  

Year 11s loved wearing their own clothes for the day and hanging out in our Sixth Form Centre, which gave them a glimpse into the supportive and dynamic environment that awaits them. 

Students wanting to join our Sixth Form can submit their application now. 

Remember to submit your application before Monday 6th January 2025 as this will allow you to choose any three courses and our team will build the timetable around your studies! Students applying after this date will have to choose their subjects from the set option boxes.  

Students applying after this date will have to choose their subjects from set option boxes.  

Applications are now open using the login details sent via email to students, or by using this link: https://churchillacademy.applicaa.com/sixthform