Learners from Year 6 at Woodlands Academy recently took part in school council elections, gaining first-hand experience of the democratic process.
As part of the elections, pupils prepared and delivered speeches to their classmates, explaining why they felt they would be good representatives and what they could contribute to the school council.
Each speech was read aloud to the class, helping pupils develop confidence, communication skills and an understanding of leadership.
Following the speeches, pupils took part in an official vote to decide who should be elected as members of the school council, ensuring that every learner had a voice in the decision-making process.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “Taking part in the school council elections is a valuable learning experience for our pupils.
“It helps them to understand democracy in action, develop their confidence, and recognise the importance of listening to others and having their say.
“We are very proud of the maturity and enthusiasm shown by all of our Year 6 learners.”
Year 4 pupils at Woodlands Academy went on an exciting imaginary expedition to the fascinating world of the Galapagos Islands, where they investigated the wide range of animal species that live there.
During their exploration, pupils encountered a strange animal that had never been seen by them before, a dragon. This creature was inspired by the marine iguana, the world’s only sea-going lizard, which is native to the Galapagos Islands. Known for its prehistoric appearance, dark skin, spiky crest and remarkable ability to dive into the ocean to feed on marine algae, the marine iguana captured pupils’ imaginations.
The expedition will now form the foundation of pupils’ writing for the rest of the term, helping them to develop descriptive language, creativity and scientific understanding through engaging, cross-curricular learning.
A spokesperson for Woodlands Academy said: “This imaginative project has sparked real excitement among our pupils.
“By combining geography, science and creative writing, the children are developing a deeper understanding of the natural world while building confidence and enthusiasm in their learning.”
Year 3 and 4 pupils at Woodlands Academy recently took part in an exciting, combined lesson that brought together history and investigative skills, turning pupils into ‘detective historians’ for the day.
During the session, pupils explored a range of historical sources and information about the Gunpowder Plot. They carefully examined the evidence, asked thoughtful questions, and made informed judgements based on what they discovered.
The lesson also provided a valuable opportunity for pupils from both year groups to work together. They demonstrated excellent collaboration skills, supporting one another and sharing ideas as they pieced together their historical findings.
A spokesperson for Woodlands Academy said: “This lesson was a fantastic example of how we bring learning to life at Woodlands Academy.
“Pupils showed great curiosity, teamwork and critical thinking, and it was wonderful to see them working so confidently together across year groups.”
Year 4 pupils at Woodlands Academy recently took part in an exciting and engaging cricket session delivered by the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation (GCF).
The session gave pupils the opportunity to explore the sport of cricket while developing key physical skills, teamwork and confidence. Pupils worked hard throughout the activities, showing excellent collaboration, communication and sportsmanship during gameplay.
The GCF is a charitable organisation responsible for developing and promoting recreational cricket across Bristol, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire.
It works to increase participation by delivering school programmes, supporting local cricket clubs and creating inclusive cricket opportunities in community, urban and rural settings for people of all ages and abilities.
Pupils thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills and applying them in fun, practical activities, with many showing enthusiasm and determination throughout the session.
A spokesperson for Woodlands Academy said: “Our pupils had a fantastic time working with the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation.
“The session not only introduced them to cricket but also helped them develop important teamwork and communication skills in a fun and inclusive environment.”
Woodlands Academy would like to thank the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation for providing such an inspiring and enjoyable experience for pupils.
Learners from Year 3 at Woodlands Academy have been working hard to develop their speaking and listening skills through an engaging and thought-provoking history lesson.
As part of their learning, pupils took part in a lively debate exploring whether King James I should or should not have become King of England in 1603.
The debate encouraged children to examine historical evidence, listen carefully to different viewpoints, and confidently explain their own ideas.
By questioning the past, sharing opinions, and justifying their reasoning, learners are beginning to think like real historians while strengthening key communication skills.
Year 3 teacher Jasmin Tsun said: “The children showed fantastic enthusiasm and confidence during the debate.
“They listened respectfully to one another, used evidence to support their ideas, and demonstrated real curiosity about history. It was wonderful to see them thinking critically and expressing their views so clearly.”
Year 1 pupils at Woodlands Academy have been enjoying an exciting maths activity focused on combining part shapes to create whole shapes.
As part of their learning, pupils explored how different shapes fit together by using trial and error to assemble a variety of fruit and vegetable shapes.
The activity encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance, while making learning both engaging and fun.
Pupils worked enthusiastically to match the correct parts, developing their understanding of how smaller components can be combined to form complete objects.
A spokesperson for the academy said: “This activity gave our Year 1 pupils a fantastic opportunity to learn through play.
“By experimenting with different shapes and combinations, they were able to build confidence, develop key mathematical skills, and most importantly, enjoy their learning.”
Woodlands Academy staff and pupils joined forces for a day filled with fun activities to raise money for Children In Need.
The school community showcased their creativity by donning a variety of Pudsey Bear-themed outfits, bringing joy and colour to the school while contributing to this incredible cause.
Thanks to everyone’s enthusiastic participation, a quick count reveals that over £120 has been raised so far for the BBC appeal.
The funds will go towards helping disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
A spokesperson for Woodlands Academy said: “We’re incredibly proud of the amazing effort shown by our staff and pupils.
“Every penny raised makes a real difference, and we’re delighted to have played our part in raising money for such a worthy cause.”
Woodlands Academy in Bristol has celebrated a major day in its history as it embarks on a new chapter of growth and collaboration by joining the Cabot Learning Federation.
Woodlands – alongside sister primary schools Wicklea and Waycroft academies – have transferred to the CLF from the former Waycroft Multi-Academy Trust.
The decision to join follows extensive due diligence by school and trust leaders to ensure a close values match and shared ambitions.
CLF CEO Steve Taylor and Education Director Susie Weaver visited Woodlands on the day the transfer into the trust was formally completed, to meet pupils and staff and answer key questions about the CLF.
They also enjoyed a tour of the academy, gaining valuable insights into the strengths and ethos of the school.
School and trust leaders spoke of the significance of the move and the benefits it will bring for colleagues and students.
Lisa Craig, Headteacher at Woodlands Academy, said: “Everyone at Woodlands is excited to be part of Cabot Learning Federation. Being part of a larger family of schools will bring more opportunities to our children, enabling them grow and be the best they can be today and in the future.”
CLF Education Director Susie Weaver said: “It was a real privilege to meet Headteachers and their teams, meet with children, pupil leaders and have time to start to make and develop relationships with a range of people.
“My thanks go to you all for all the efforts made to make the visits such a success and for all the planned next steps too, over the coming weeks and months. It is really good to welcome you into our family of schools.”
The transfer of Woodlands, Wicklea and Waycroft schools – as well as Queen Margaret Primary Academy in Tewkesbury – concludes a period of rapid CLF growth which has seen the trust grow from 22 to 35 schools in the past eight months.
