Aureus School in Didcot hosted 160 pupils and their families at its annual Post Offers Evening, designed to support the transition to secondary education for students who will start in September.

Headteacher Kirsty Rogers said: “This event is a way to bring together our new families early on.

“It gives us an opportunity to meet everyone who got a place at our school, and our students talk our rising Year 7s through their transition experience.

“This helps our rising Year 7s feel safe and become familiar with their new surroundings.

“It is also an opportunity to see others who are joining the school and for families to talk to each other.”

Families were welcomed with refreshments, followed by a programme that included speeches from current Year 7 students and a performance by the school choir.

Three students spoke about their first year at the school, describing initial nerves and how they settled in.

Mrs Rogers said: “The student speeches were incredible.

“Reuben, Mary and Vardahn spoke honestly of the fears they had when they were in Year 6, and how those fears quickly went away as they made new friends and found their place in the school.”

The event was organised by deputy head pastoral Vicki Knight, with the support of head of Year 7 and transition Callie Fisher, and the student speakers.

Aureus School is part of the GLF School multi-academy trust.

Taking place at The Leys College, the event will be held on Wednesday, April 29, from 4.30pm to 7pm.

The open evening will showcase the college’s range of study, leisure and professional programmes.

A spokesman for Activate Learning said: “Activate Learning are excited to welcome visitors on-site to showcase their extensive range of study programmes and employment opportunities at The Leys College during the Spring 2026 Open Event on Wednesday 29 April, 4.30-7pm.”

Visitors will have the chance to hear subject presentations, meet current students, and speak with staff about courses and campus life.

Other activities include an introduction to college life led by the Group Director of The Leys College, insights from T Level employers, and information about Access to Higher Education courses.

Attendees can also explore the college’s IT hub and tour facilities for construction, brickwork, carpentry, and motor vehicle programmes.

Staff will be on hand to help visitors plan a personalised learning pathway and discuss application options.

Careers advisers will also be available to offer expert, independent guidance, alongside the Student Services team who can advise on bursaries and financial support.

Attendees will also be able to submit early applications to secure a place for next year.

Banbury Community Action Group (CAG) is hosting the first local screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing at the theatre at Lock 29 on Saturday, April 25.

The film explores the climate and nature crisis, its local impact, and how communities can better prepare for related emergencies.

Jim Smith, chairman of Banbury CAG, said: “We want to support our community in adapting to and being ready for the climate changes that will impact on all our lives.

“Flooding and increased temperatures are already here in Oxfordshire and will only become more challenging.

“A community that can work together and be prepared for such emergencies has a much better chance of recovering quickly.

“People often understand these issues most clearly when they begin to think about what they may mean locally.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing, launched nationally on April 7, is part of a UK-wide programme with more than 2,000 screenings planned.

The event opened with broadcaster Chris Packham, who said: “I’d encourage people everywhere to attend a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing.

“It creates exactly the kind of honest local conversation we now urgently need, both about what these changes mean where we live, and about what we can do together to address them.”

The film is based on a national briefing delivered at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, which gathered more than 1,200 MPs, peers, and leaders from business, faith, and other sectors.

Following the screening, attendees will learn about emergency risks specific to Banbury and begin discussions on practical preparedness.

Conversation topics will include what items to include in a ‘grab bag’ to be ready for any emergency.