Students at John Cabot Academy had the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into healthy relationships, the right to make personal choices, and the dangers of forced marriage and ‘honour’-based abuse in a recent talk led by Charlotte Gage from The Sky Project.
Students from Year 10 and Year 11 at John Cabot Academy were treated to an amazing theatrical experience at the Bristol Hippodrome, where they watched the blockbuster production of Mary Poppins.
Based on the stories by PL Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, the tale of the world’s favorite nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane captivated the audience from start to finish.
The performance dazzled with its stunning choreography, magical effects, and unforgettable songs, including Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and A Spoonful of Sugar, leaving students and staff enthralled.
Charlotte Grierson, Team Leader of Performing Arts at John Cabot Academy, said: “Students and staff had a brilliant time seeing this wonderful performance, bringing the West End to Bristol.
“The trip not only provided an opportunity to enjoy top-tier live theatre but also served as an inspiring experience for the academy’s students, who gained valuable insights into professional production standards and stagecraft.”
John Cabot Academy is celebrating the outstanding achievement of Year 10 student, Jonathan Cheung, who delivered a stunning performance in the prestigious Rotary Young Musician Greater Bristol Competition.
Jonathan wowed the audience and judges with his rendition of Partita No.3 in E Major (Gavotte en Rondeau) and Partita No.2 in D minor (Allemanda) on the violin, securing third place overall in a fiercely-competitive field.
The competition’s head judge commended Jonathan’s dedication and talent, stating: “We were delighted to have Jonathan among our contestants this year. It seems he had thought of reducing his programme, but in the end gave a very accomplished performance.
“Congratulations to the school for nurturing him and his talent.”
Charlotte Grierson, Team Leader of Performing Arts at John Cabot Academy, said: “Jonathan performed with poise and brilliant musicianship, and we are incredibly proud of his achievements to reach the final among students from a variety of schools and sixth form settings across Greater Bristol.
“We look forward to Jonathan competing in the esteemed Rotary Young Musician Competition again next year.”
Students at John Cabot Academy had the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into healthy relationships, the right to make personal choices, and the dangers of forced marriage and ‘honour’-based abuse in a recent talk led by Charlotte Gage from The Sky Project.
The interactive session, held as part of the academy’s commitment to student wellbeing, aimed to educate students on these critical issues and equip them with the knowledge to navigate and foster respectful, positive relationships.
The talk focused on identifying healthy relationships, recognising personal boundaries, and understanding the power of saying ‘no’.
Through thought-provoking discussions and real-world examples, Charlotte emphasised the importance of autonomy in relationships and encouraged students to seek support if they ever find themselves in situations that feel wrong or unsafe.
These topics are crucial for young people as they grow, make decisions, and build their understanding of respect, consent, and personal rights.
The Sky Project, a registered charity based in Bristol, has been a national leader in providing accredited training on forced marriage and ‘honour’-based abuse. The organisation strives to spread awareness and education on these issues across the UK, promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and choice for all individuals.
A spokesperson for John Cabot Academy said: “It is essential for young people to be informed about these matters.
Understanding what constitutes a healthy relationship and knowing they have the right to say ‘no’ can make a profound difference in their lives.”
A group of students from John Cabot Academy recently enjoyed an extraordinary live concert by the renowned cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who performed alongside the acclaimed Sinfonia of London Orchestra.
This special event offered students a unique opportunity to experience a live orchestral performance by one of the world’s most celebrated young musicians.
Attending the concert gave students valuable insight into the discipline and dedication required for orchestral performance, while also showcasing the beauty of classical music and the collaborative spirit of a world-class orchestra.
The event was not only a source of inspiration but also an extension of John Cabot Academy’s commitment to broadening the cultural horizons of its students.
A school spokesperson said: “We are thrilled to have provided our students with this opportunity to witness such a remarkable live performance.
“Sheku Kanneh-Mason is an inspirational figure, particularly for young musicians, and seeing him perform with the Sinfonia of London will be an unforgettable experience for our students.
“We hope it inspires them to pursue their own musical ambitions.”
Students at Bristol’s John Cabot Academy are outshining their peers both locally and nationally by recording some outstanding exam results.
The dedication and commitment of both students and staff paid off in style on GCSE results day this year, with achievements that significantly exceed national averages across key subjects.
Latest data shows the students have excelled in the core subjects of English and maths – achieving pass rates of up to 15% higher than students across England.
Key achievements:
Core subjects (grades 9-4):
These results are well above the national average and stand as the highest among secondary schools within the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), which John Cabot Academy is part of.
Core subjects (grades 9-5):
Again, these results surpass national benchmarks and rank as the best in the CLF secondary schools.
In addition to these academic milestones, disadvantaged students at JCA achieved the highest results above their predicted grades across the region.
This highlights both the academy’s commitment to supporting all learners, and the wider federation’s ambition of eradicating disadvantage from its classrooms.
Moreover, JCA students made half a grade more progress per subject compared to the national average, further emphasising the exceptional teaching and learning environment at the school.
Principal Kate Willis said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for their hard work and perseverance.
These results reflect the dedication and excellence that define the John Cabot Academy community.”
“We aspire for our students to thrive academically and are realising this ambition. We have challenged and inspired our students in the classroom.
“The JCA ‘routines’ have created a culture in the school where children feel safe and are safe; they can take risks and make mistakes, explore and develop as individuals. All of this within our wonderfully diverse community with trusting and respectful relationships between staff and students.”
John Cabot Academy is pleased to announce another year of outstanding achievements by its students in their GCSEs this summer. The students at John Cabot Academy always thrive academically in a supportive and compassionate culture. This year 79% achieved a grade 4 or above in English and Maths. And 60% achieved a grade 5 in both subjects. This demonstrates the consistently excellent education that has inspired the students at John Cabot.
Kate Willis, Principal said: “We are incredibly proud of all the hard work and achievements of our students. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to engage, challenge and motivate our students so that when they leave us they have a strong sense of self, place and the agency to fulfil their potential. We look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future. I would like to thank parents and carers for their support for our academy, one another and their children over the last 5 years.”
Steve Taylor CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation said: “Across the Cabot Learning Federation, we have almost 1,800 students collecting their results today after 12 years of education, and the day is all about them as individuals. There are some extraordinary stories of young people achieving well against the odds, showing the tenacity and commitment to invest in themselves and their futures. We know that they are making their parents and carers and our colleagues proud, and we’re just as excited to see where they go next as what they find when they open their envelopes today. Well done to them and thank you to the many colleagues who have nurtured their potential and helped them to grow from the first day they were dropped off at school!”
