HWA Blog - 11.7.25
I would like to start this week’s blog by congratulating our year 6 children for their SAT’S results. The children demonstrated resilience, determination and positive attitudes. We have seen some fabulous results across the board, and we are extremely proud of the achievements of all the children.
Thank you to the staff who supported the children throughout this challenging time and for ensuring their mental health and wellbeing remained priority.
The results below clearly demonstrate how hard the children have worked.
On Friday the year children left for Gulliver’s world to celebrate the end of a successful year. They were so excited to get there for a fun packed adventure. Some children stayed overnight, and some came home, which ever option they chose, they all had a fabulous time.
Gulliver's World
We have such an amazing staffing team at Hollinwood Academy, and to say thank you we organised a Coffee truck to come to school on Thursday. Staff were invited to grab a free coffee as a token of our appreciation and thanks, for their support and hard work this academic year. The coffee truck was much appreciated and well deserved…
What a great little pick me up! Thank you for the treat
What an unexpected, lovely surprise ❤ Thank you!!!!!
I very much appreciated my hot chocolate. A pleasant and unexpected surprise!
Thank you for the pick me up after a very long summer term!
What a lovely surprise, thank you very much. 😊
You are all very welcome.
Coffee Truck
Our year 10 Geographers ventured out on their second field trip this week.
They headed to East Manchester visiting the Etihad Stadium and the surrounding area to investigate if regeneration has been successful in East Manchester. Firstly, they had a talk from the team at the stadium about why regeneration was needed in East
Manchester, what has been done, and what is still to be done. They then were given a tour of the stadium to see behind the scenes at the club – apologies to the United fans amongst you for this! We then went to look at how some of the surrounding streets have been improved, carrying out environmental quality surveys, land use surveys and annotated photos. The group worked really well and thank you to all the staff who supported the trip.
Geog - Year 10
And now for a sneak peek into what Miss Pietraszewska’s class have been up to, we have had butterflies in the classroom.
Miss Pietraszewska’s science group have been raising butterflies, and it’s been an amazing experience. They arrived as tiny caterpillars and spent the first week eating and growing. Soon, they formed cocoons and transformed into beautiful butterflies.
The children observed each stage of their life cycle and recorded it in our “Caterpillar Diary.” After feeding them fruit for a few days, we released them into our forest garden, hoping they’ll return and start the cycle again. What a fascinating journey. The children were so excited to see the butterflies go.
Butterflies - 11.7.25
Now let’s look at what has been happening in the classrooms across school.
Starting with Miss Bailey’s class….
"¡Hola from Mexico!
This week in RBY, we’ve been continuing our Food Around the World topic with a colourful and sensory-rich journey to Mexico. The children have loved getting hands-on with Mexican-themed activities designed to engage all their senses.
We started the week by making our own guacamole—mashing up avocados was a big hit! Our little chefs enjoyed exploring the textures and smells as they prepared their dip. We also got creative in our mark-making sessions, painting bright stripes inspired by traditional Mexican serapes, and explored sensory bins filled with themed materials for some tactile fun.
Our sensory story this week was Don’t Put Your Finger in the Jelly, Nelly! —which was an absolute favourite. The children were delighted to dive into all the foods from the story: squelching jelly, swirling spaghetti, and topping fruit pies with whipped cream. Things got very messy—and even more fun!
In communication, we’ve continued working hard on developing our social interaction and expressive skills. The children have taken part in exciting Attention Autism sessions, where we’ve been practising focus and turn-taking through high-interest activities—including launching rocket balloons, which brought lots of smiles and laughter! We’ve also been using TD Snap to support our communication, taking part in interactive tasks like making foam ice creams and playing basketball turn-taking games. It’s been wonderful to see the children using their voices—through speech, signs, symbols, or devices—and growing in confidence each week.
With the sunny weather making a return appearance, we’ve made the most of our outdoor space, enjoying water play with our friends from other Engage classes. There were giggles, splashes, and even a few ice pops to help us keep cool.
As we come to the end of the year, we’re reflecting on what an incredible journey it’s been. We are so proud of every child in RBY and all the progress they have made—socially, emotionally, and communicatively. It’s been a year full of laughter, learning, and sensory adventures. We can’t quite believe it’s over, but we’re finishing the year with full hearts and big smiles."
RBY - 11.7.25
And now to Mrs Duffy’s class and Mrs Duffy and the team would like to wish year 9...
"A fond farewell to 9GDY and a Warm Welcome to 10GDY
As we come to the end of another academic year, I’ve found myself reflecting on how quickly this time has flown. It feels like only yesterday we welcomed our Year 9s into the classroom—and yet here we are, preparing for their transition into Year 10, where the journey towards GCSEs truly begins.
This year has been a significant one for our students. They’ve worked incredibly hard, tackling assessments across all subjects with focus and determination. I’ve watched them mature, not only academically but emotionally and socially too. Each one has now chosen their GCSE subjects, and I’m delighted to say they’ve all secured places on the courses they were hoping for—thanks to the incredible support and guidance of Mrs Needham, who helped them make confident and thoughtful decisions about their futures. Come September, 9GDY will become 10GDY, and I can’t wait to see them take their next steps with the same resilience, warmth, and enthusiasm they’ve shown all year.
We’ve also welcomed some wonderful new faces to our form this year: Yassin, with his interesting conversation and academic sparkle; Jasmine, whose quiet giggle, kind nature, and creativity brighten our days; and more recently, Eliza, whose fun-loving spirit and cheerful smile have made her an instant part of the 9GDY family. It’s been a joy to see how easily they’ve settled in, and how beautifully the rest of the form embraced them.
I couldn’t be prouder of how the students handled their recent assessments. With the constant care and support of Mrs Brown and Miss Lennon in lessons, and also thanks to Mrs Lyon, who starts every Friday morning with a delicious, cooked breakfast—a gesture that never fails to lift spirits and helps our children flourish—our students have thrived. Behind the scenes, their teachers, our pastoral team, dedicated TAs, and the fantastic intervention staff have quietly created a web of support around each child, lifting them when they’re tired, encouraging them when they’re unsure, and celebrating them every step of the way.
This term has been filled with joyful memories. Our whole-school bowling trip was a brilliant way to unwind after a busy assessment period. Akeem bowled with focus and determination, while Nicholas enjoyed a game of pool. Jasmine and Madeleine shared laughs and conversation over lunch, simply enjoying the moment together.
We’ve loved learning beyond the classroom too. With Mrs Bottery, the class became geographers at Rossall Beach in Cleveleys, measuring sediment, drawing field sketches, and investigating sea defences. Yaseen especially loved his ice cream—although he kept a wary eye out for seagulls! Ivy found their loud squawking hilarious, Nicholas enjoyed hunting for unusual rocks, and Ivy and Jasmine collected a beautiful variety of shells to remember the day.
At Tandle Hills, students explored the adventure trail with confidence and joy. Alexis and Eliza were side by side, laughing, encouraging each other, and simply enjoying being outdoors together. It was a beautiful day full of fresh air, friendship, and fun. Eliza also enjoyed cycling with Madeleine, both of them embracing the sunshine and freedom of the trails.
With Miss Bennett, the class visited Oldham Leisure Centre, where they explored swimming, gym sessions and games like badminton—discovering new ways to stay healthy and active outside of school. Logan especially enjoyed a lively game of bar football, getting stuck in with his usual energy and enthusiasm.
In Art with Mrs Whalley, the students continued their project inspired by Michael Craig-Martin, experimenting with fine line drawings and pastel tracing. They learned how bold outlines and vibrant colours can bring ordinary objects to life. Matthew and Ivy especially shone during
these lessons, putting their heads down with quiet focus and producing some truly impressive pieces of work. The results were outstanding and full of character, showcasing just how creative and thoughtful they both are.
In Food Preparation and Nutrition, the students completed a delicious pastry project, making chocolate tarts from scratch. Eliza really enjoyed the process, taking great care with each step, while Liam demonstrated his usual flair in the kitchen, impressing us all with his organisation, hygiene and creativity. The final products were as tasty as they looked!
At the Careers Fair, Madeleine had a special moment when she spoke with the NHS representatives. She said it was “fantastic” to learn more about becoming a pharmacist—her dream job—and came away feeling inspired and focused on her future.
And at the heart of it all is our incredible form group. Each student brings something unique and wonderful to our 9GDY family: Matthew, with his quiet confidence, creativity and brilliant ICT skills; Ivy, with her sharp wit, hilarious stories and expressive artwork; Nicholas, gentle and reflective, with insightful questions and a dry sense of humour; Yassin, academically gifted and full of interesting conversation; Akeem, calm, kind and always smiling; Liam, mature, dependable and always ready to help anyone in need; Jasmine, sweet-natured, steady and quietly determined; Madeleine, bubbly, helpful, full of Taylor Swift facts and always happy to support in form; Alexis, with her
love of books, music and her trademark bucket hats; Eliza, whose happy smile, sense of fun, and warmth have made her such a valued addition to our group; and Logan, with his fun personality, incredible talent, and a deep love of reading and books that brings thoughtful insight to every discussion.
As I look ahead, I know these next two years will bring new challenges—but I also know this group is more than ready. And while I’m so proud of their academic progress, I’m even more proud of the kind, curious, and beautifully individual young people they are becoming.
Teaching at Hollinwood Academy is more than just a job—it’s a privilege. It’s a place where students are known, supported, and truly celebrated. It’s the people—students, families, and staff—that make Hollinwood such a special place to teach, and it fills me with pride (and a few happy tears) to be a part of their journey.
So, as we look forward to a well-earned summer break, I want to thank every student and every family for being part of the 9GDY adventure. Let’s rest, recharge and return in September ready to embrace all that Year 10 has to offer—together.
Have a wonderful summer, Mrs Duffy and team"
GDY - 11.7.25
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Creative STARs
Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Madilyn for super dancing and engagement with her friends outside on the playground.
Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are trusting goes to Romy for bringing joy to us with your sense of humour.
Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Roma for being super brave and totally awesome during her recent operation. Well done superstar.
Miss Quinn’s HWA We are trusting goes to Ohud for being an absolute superstar while settling in with new friends. You've shown amazing courage and kindness, we're all so proud of you! Well done.
Mrs Boothroyd’s STAR of the week is Ethan for doing we well with his new splints this week.
Miss Boothroyd’s HWA We are trusting goes to Louie for always trying his hardest with his work.
Mrs Bailey’s STAR of the week is for adapting well to change during transition and amazing engagement in Sensory Story this week.
Mrs Bailey’s HWA We are trusting goes to William - for adapting well to change during transition and building positive relationships with new adults.
Miss Pietraszewska’ s STAR of the week is Diana for being an amazing helper in the classroom—always ready to tidy up, help wipe tables, or hand things out to others. Diana, you are a star!
Miss Pietraszewska’ s HWA We are trusting goes to Roman.
For: Sharing his knowledge about his special interests with others. Seeing how passionate you are makes us all very happy.
Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Simon for always making us laugh and being an active participant in group activities.
Miss Oakley’s HWA We are trusting goes to Harry H- for coping with transitions so incredibly well and designing what he wants his corner in the classroom to look like.
Mrs Matthew’s STAR of the week is Logan for adapting to change so well.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Mysha for a fantastic PE lesson.
Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are trusting goes to Faiha for a fantastic PE lesson.
Mr Corrigan congratulates Kai for being proud of his friends.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Teddy W- for amazing instruction writing this week.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s Wow moment is for Jack for being able to express himself using his words.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s HWA We are trusting goes to Kian Chafer-Burton- for always being able to trust Kian to make the right choices all day every day.
Miss Hulme STAR of the week is loki for always being a kind and generous friend.
Miss Hulmes HWA We are trusting goes to Henry M for completing some great writing in English this week.
Mrs Davies’s STARs of the week go to Maleek for playing nicely with his friends in soft play.
Miss Gittins’ STARs of the week go to Hadley, Joshua, Lewis, Oscar, Jared, Cole and Derry have managed brilliantly with changes this week. Brooke, Freya and Caitlin have showed determination and resilience during the Y6 Residential trip.
STARS of the Week (11.7.25)
Well done, everyone.
Finally, I would like to share my experiences of visiting Heywood Academy this week. On Wednesday I had the privilege of meeting the new staffing team, and I was invited to attend a tour of the new school. The school is amazing, and it was so nice to see the excitement on the faces of the new staff. They are eager to get in and get started with the new cohort of children in September. I am really looking forward to working with Heywood Academy and sharing best practice to ensure all our children and young people receive the best possible opportunities and outcomes. As I walked through the corridors, into new classrooms and learning areas, I felt confident that our values would be shared and promoted throughout the school. The staff are certainly caring, passionate, and trusting, the building allows for innovation and creation, and I was inspired.
Have a lovely weekend everyone. Plenty of sun cream and sun hats. Enjoy it while you can.
Miss Gordon.
