HWA Blog - 02.02.24

 

On Monday morning, Miss Tootill and Ms Nuttall held our whole school assembly which focused on National Story Week. Here, is an update… 

 

"We wanted to take the time to inform you on the successful celebration of National Story Week at our school, which took place last week. It was an incredibly engaging and inspiring event filled with creativity and imagination. 

National Story Week is a national celebration that aims to promote storytelling and encourage people of all ages to share their own stories. It takes place in various venues such as storytelling clubs, theatres, museums, schools, and hospitals. We are delighted to be part of this celebration, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering a love for reading and creative writing among our students. 

Throughout the week, we encouraged our children and young people to work collaboratively within their classes to construct their own short stories. We were thrilled to receive an array of wonderful stories from our talented students. Each submission was carefully read and evaluated by our esteemed judges, Mrs. Millard, Mrs. Needham, and Miss Gordon and the winners will be announced next week. Well done to everyone who took part, we are very impressed with the stories submitted. " 

 

On Tuesday, Danny and Julie from Oldham College visited Year 10 students to let them know about their provision offer. Students were able to ask questions about specific courses but also find out about the application process and any access arrangements they might need. Year 10 will be visiting Oldham College for tours in the summer term. It was a very informative and productive visit – thank you.  

College Visit Spring 2024

 

This week, as part of our commitment to further enhancing our school grounds, we had Uniplay onsite as they have created our fabulous brand-new bike track.  

During the summer term, of last academic year, Mr Heap applied to the Opening School Facilities Funding. The funding is to help schools open their sports facilities outside of the school day, to both school and community users to create sustainable change in increased physical activity levels in communities where they are needed most. I am pleased to say that in September we were granted this funding application.  

The first part of this project was the new bike track. This new addition to our school not only expands the opportunities for outdoor education and PE lessons but also provides our students with a safe and challenging environment to enhance their physical development and well-being. We have purchased 12 different sized balance bikes, 12 mountain bikes along with protective equipment for the children and young people. Alongside this, we have trained 15 staff members so they are balance bike trained.  

Over the next few weeks, we will also be purchasing a range of adapted bikes and trikes. This will allow school to offer cycling sessions on site for after school club, holiday club and interventions. You will also see a new storage unit, for the bikes to be securely locked away and the final step is to plan a grand opening of the track when it is all complete. Well done Mr Heap and team – I can’t wait to see our children and young people access this soon.  

Bike Track

On Wednesday afternoon, the Wellbeing Hub students recently had an exciting opportunity to experience a ride in a traffic car, thanks to the visit from PC Needham of @GMPTraffic. It was an engaging and educational experience the students involved. 

During the visit, some of our primary classes not only had the chance to sit in the car but also explore its fascinating features. They listened with awe to the blaring sirens and learnt about the important role that traffic police play in keeping our roads safe. 

The presence of PC Needham was greatly appreciated, and the event left a lasting impression on all the students. It's experiences like these that not only enhance their knowledge but also instil a sense of curiosity and excitement about the world around them. 

Thanks to PC Needham from @GMPTraffic for taking the time out to visit our school. Such collaborations between educational institutions and the community play a vital role in fostering a holistic learning environment. 

Police Visit

 

Let’s see what some of the classes have been doing starting with Miss Tootill’s class… 

 

"I am delighted to report that the start of the spring term for Class KS2LTO has been filled with enthusiasm, determination, and a wonderful sense of growth. Our children have returned to school with a positive attitude, a keenness to learn, and a greater sense of maturity. 

In our English lessons, we have embarked on an exciting journey through C.S. Lewis' classic novel, 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe'. Using the highly effective 'Talk for Writing' approach, our students have been able to internalise the story through visual images, enabling them to retell it with great flair. We have also begun utilizing the 'Talk for Writing' toolkits to enhance our writing skills, prompting our children to be more creative and expressive. 

This term in science, our focus is on the intriguing topic of 'Light'. Through hands-on experiments and engaging discussions, our young learners will explore the wonders of light and its properties. Our aim is to spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of this fascinating subject. 

In History, we have dived into the captivating world of 'The Maya's'. Our students will have delved into the rich cultural heritage of this ancient civilization, learning about their traditions, achievements, and daily life. This exploration has enabled our children to develop a greater appreciation for diverse cultures and historical contexts. 

Furthermore, as part of our ongoing commitment to support the individual needs of each student, we continue to work towards the targets outlined in their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). By focusing on these specific goals, we aim to facilitate their progress and enable a smooth transition to Secondary. 

Alongside academic development, our emphasis this term will also be on nurturing confidence and life skills. We firmly believe that a well-rounded education should equip our children with the tools necessary for successful social integration and personal growth. By encouraging independence, teamwork, and resilience, we are confident that our students will be well-prepared for their next educational adventure. 

As we move forward, we aim to create lasting memories for our children, foster strong friendships, and prepare them for the exciting challenges that lie ahead in their educational journey."

Mrs Tootill - 2.2.24

 

Now to Ms Nuttall’s form… 

 

"10NNL have had a fantastic week and we are so proud of them for being so resilient and trying their best in all their lessons. I’ll hand over to the students so they can tell you all about what they’ve been up to!"

 

This week in Maths we have been learning about bearings. There are three things you need to remember for bearings: we always start from the North, bearings always travel clockwise and they are written using 3 digits. We also started looking at using Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry to solve bearing problems. Most of us found this tricky at first but after a bit of practice I started to understand it." 

-Emily  

 

“In Geography we have been covering the topic of tropical rainforests using the Amazon rainforest as a case study to define the different peaks, characteristics and adaptations of the unique climate of the rainforest. We have also looked at the biotic and abiotic factors that contribute to the destruction of our rainforests. I don’t know if I could ever live in a rainforest, too much rain! Though I don’t think the weather in Oldham is much different!” 

-Mathew  

 

“This week in Food Tech we have been making onion bread. I really enjoyed the process of measuring and mixing the ingredients, however unfortunately I didn’t get to taste my bread (as I was off sick) but I’m sure it would have been delicious!”  

-Bobby  

 

“In Science, we have been learning about different pathogens and what the symptoms can be. We have also learnt about different bonding such as metallic, covalent and ionic. At the moment, we are learning about the immune system and how it helps us." 

-Luke  

 

“In ICT we have been learning about different file types and the advantages and disadvantages of each. We have also looked at product advertisement and how different digital methods can help improve sales."

-Lucas  

 

“In Art we have been looking at the work of Lucy Sparrow. She works mainly with felt and wool creating replicas of common food items. This week we’ve been working on our research pages showcasing the artists work as well as practising our sewing and making felt fruit."

-Louis 

 

“In Spanish we have been learning how to say our opinions on social media and technology.  Me gusta usar Instagram porque es divertido y util! (I like to use Instagram because it is fun and useful!)” 

-Jacob 

 

"Thanks for a brilliant week 10NNL! "

 

Miss Nuttall and Miss Nassim 

Miss Nuttall's Class - 2.2.24

 

Now to Mrs Datta’s form… 

 

"Since we arrived back to school our form has been working hard in all subjects. We have been strengthening our skills for revision and finding what works best for each of us. 

In Maths we have been covering big maths that has brought some challenges and taught us resilience along with sharpening our maths skills. 

In English we have been analysing nonfiction articles to aid our IGCSE. We have been working hard on identifying the language and structural techniques in nonfiction and thinking of the effect the techniques have. 

In science we have been looking at the eco system and population of a range of species and in Computing we are making progress with our Gym Ads and web page designs. 

In options we are making great progress with course work. In food we have been trailing different ingredients in breads and biscuits to see what ingredients combined make the best outcome and in D of E we are working on our independent navigation skills. 

In History we have a big task of structuring revision time, we are working towards having a go at the big mark question on a previous exam. 

We approach our EHCP lessons with ease now and have found some enjoyment from this subject. We are starting to understand what an EHCP is and why we have them and in employability we have completed our C. Vs and are currently having a go at answering some interview questions. 

The whole form has been working very hard this term and have come back in the new year with a great attitude to learning showing great resilience.  

Keep up the great work 11 SUA! "

Mrs Datta's Class - 2.2.24

 

Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA Innovating STARs... 

 

Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Jack for showing such resilience and asking for help when needed.  

 Mrs Lerigo’s HWA Innovating STAR is Albi for creating the most beautiful iceberg scene and then making two penguins with salt dough. Albi gave them flippers and a beak each. They looked fantastic. 

Miss Bramley’s STAR of the week is Abdul Ellah Usman for super spelling. 

Miss Bramley’s HWA Innovating STAR is Lyle for brilliant story writing. 

Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Diana for having great fun and interacting with her best friend Harrison. Well done! 

Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA Innovating STAR is Roman for innovating animal sculptures out of play dough. We love them! 

Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Euan for his enthusiasm in our communication lessons. 

Miss Oakley’s HWA Innovating STAR is Oliver for requesting what he wants from the café in Outdoor Ed and signing thank you. 

Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Ohud for participating in all our communication activities and using some words independently. 

Miss Bailey’s HWA Innovating STAR is Cody for using a variety of methods to communicate what he wants and needs, including copying some signs! 

Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Olly for great work on a new ‘see and learn’ task in English. 

Mrs Quinn’s HWA Innovating STAR is William for always having a positive outlook in class. 

Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Faiha for showing great independence at lunch times. 

Mr Corrigan’s HWA Innovating star is Stanley for wonderful communication at the café this week. 

Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Stanley, Louis and Simisola. Well done! 

Miss Boothroyd and Miss McDonald’s STAR of the week is Isaam for his creative writing in English. 

Miss Boothroyd and Miss McDonald’s HWA Innovating STAR is Jacob for making good choices all week and having a really good week. 

Mrs Davies’ STAR of the week is Ijaaz for initiating interaction with other children by going up to them and saying “ high five.” 

Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Mia for writing an excellent independent story for National Story Telling Week! 

Miss Gittins’ WOW spellers of the week are Caitlin, Mia, Lewis, Joshua and Zakariya for achieving full marks. Well done! 

Miss Matthew’s STARs of the week are George for having shown much improvement in his engagement in lessons and for trying harder to remember his manners and Corey for his mature attitude this week and determination to work on personal targets!  

Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Dylan for making better choices and following instructions.  

Miss Tootill’s HWA Innovating STAR is Connor for creating an innovating story. 

STARS and Innovative Stars - 2.2.24

 

 

What a busy, busy week. However, next week will be equally as busy as we will be engaging in safer internet day, children’s mental health week and National Apprenticeship week. Lots to look forward to.  

 

Have a lovely weekend.  

Mrs Millard