HWA Blog - 18.10.24

Happy weekend everyone.

We have had another busy week at Hollinwood Academy.

Our door continues to open to the successful learning stories across school. This week Harley and Chris from Mrs Young’s class came to showcase their peer assessments. This has helped to develop their confidence, and trust in one another. Skilfully, they have been able to provide constructive criticism to each other which has helped them to improve their writing. Well done. 

 

 

The secondary student council met for their first council meeting this half term. This was a very productive meeting and there are lots of exciting times ahead.

The agenda included discussions relating to being more inclusive, creating a buddy bench, fundraising, Black History month, mental health awareness day and Hollinwood academy out in the community.

I am looking forward to seeing the new initiatives and ideas evolve throughout the school year. Well done student council.

 

 

Now let’s look at some more successful learning stories across school...

 

Starting with Miss Mathews class. What a busy half term they have had…

 

Year 6's Fantastic Start to the Term.

"This term, Year 6 have made an amazing start to the year so far. They have all settled into their new environment beautifully, establishing some wonderful working relationships with the staff, and learning so much about themselves and their peers as they go along.

We've delved into the topic of World War II in History, and the children have really flourished in their understanding. They’ve been building on the information we discuss in history lessons by engaging in cross-curricular research in both Art and Music. It’s been fascinating to see them study sources of photographs and music from the era, which has truly enhanced their learning experience. They’ve been making sense of code-breaking, discovering the vital roles of Bletchley Park, Government Code, the Enigma Code, and the Codebreaking School, all of which were integral to our victory in World War II.

To enrich their learning even further, Year 6 have been reading the poignant fictional novel 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.' This book is providing them with valuable insight into how all those involved in wartime were affected—an impactful way to delve into such a significant period in history.

In English, we have embarked on the whimsical world of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' using the Talk 4 Writing approach. This method has really supported the children in reciting model texts filled with rich imagery and has encouraged them to innovate until they felt confident enough to create their own unique pieces. As a fun twist, the children have been tasting chocolate and exploring the many film adaptations that have emerged, which certainly inspires their creativity when crafting their own settings and worlds. Imagination knows no bounds here!

Science has also been a hit this term, as we’ve been investigating classification keys and the myriad of variations of organisms that populate our world. Moreover, we've placed a significant focus on Guided Reading, tackling various texts—both fiction and non-fiction. Using tools like Reading Vipers and Spelling Shed, the children are learning how to approach different question styles and discovering strategies to extract information effectively.

It’s heartening to witness the children's growing confidence each day. As a team, we are incredibly proud of the focus and resilience displayed so far. I’m eagerly looking forward to watching them progress this year, especially as I can already see the remarkable development they’ve made in such a short time. Well done, Year 6HMS! Keep up the fantastic work!"

HMS - 18.10.24

 

Now to Miss Hobson’s form… another busy half term for team Hobson, non stop teaching and learning.

 

"It’s the penultimate week of Autumn half term and what a busy week it’s been for NHN.

This week we have celebrated Black History month in subjects such as EHCP and the school assembly, drawing attention to prominent figures in our community and their contributions to change, also having meaningful discussions.

In core subjects Maths, Science and English, the students have been hard at work. In English students have continued reading Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, as well as completing the Autumn reading assessment to showcase their reading abilities. During Maths, students have been learning how to solve equations using algebra before moving onto expanding brackets. Science saw students investigate gametes, how they are formed, Mitosis V Meiosis and began to describe the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction.

Art allowed the students to explore the human anatomy, closely linked to science as they were tasked with drawing features such as the eyes nose and mouth. Students produced amazing sketches! During Music, students created their own games sound effects for games such as Super Mario.

In Geography this week the class had to design a tourist poster for a town called Volcanius, where they had to emphasise the benefits of living near a volcano whilst downplaying some of the negatives of living next to an active volcano. In History, we debated on which factor was most significant in the commencement of WW1 and practiced strutting essay style questions. I was very impressed with the students' knowledge on factors such as imperialism and nationalism.

During Spanish, the form completed their end of term assessment, including listening to Spanish and working out the time, the television programme and which device it was on as well as the location.

In computing students learned about the dangers of topics closely linked to RSE such as hacking, malware, and computer viruses, before completing an E safety test and how to keep ourselves safe online.

For this week’s lesson in RSE, we focused on reducing conflict in family/ friendship situations as this terms focus has been all about respectful relationships. Students have been engaging in script reading to play out the conflict and have a better understanding on how easily situations can escalate, looking at each character's emotions before and after conflict resolution.

Now for the physical subjects. This week in PE, students played basketball games, practicing how to shoot a hoop which is dependent on hand-eye coordination. This term in Outdoor Education, students have been learning about how to stay safe in the community, including stranger danger, learning how to cross busy roads safely, road safety and water safety visiting Castleshaw.

Reflecting on this week and 9NHN’s first term back after Summer, I am extremely proud of their efforts and look forward to the next term working towards greatness!"

 

NHN - 18.10.24

 

 

Now to Mrs Whalley’s class. It has been lovely welcoming students in 8DWY back to school and welcoming 2 new students to Hollinwood Academy.

 

"Here are some of the things our students have been learning this half term.

In PE students have shown a great effort in Basketball working as a team passing the balls and communicating well.

During outdoor ed, students have been learning about dealing with situations such as what to do if you get lost and trusted adults in the community. Students have responded well and had a mature approach.

In Art students have been looking at the work of Jon Burgerman and have created their own wallpaper designs inspired by his work.

Students look forward to Food Tech lessons and have made chicken nuggets, mug cakes and smoothies. They have also worked on sensory analysis and described the texture, taste and smell of various foods.

In science students have been learning about medicinal drugs and recreational drugs, students have been engaged in the learning and are able to name medicinal drugs and how they can help people.

In English some students have been using Talk for Write to make storyboards, we are very proud that Sofia received a Headteachers award for her excellent work.

We have looked at learning styles in EHCP and students have been identifying how they learn best. They have also reflected on the support they get in school and what other areas they might need further support. It has been lovely to hear the students’ discussions around this.

Well done 8DWY. Mrs Whalley, Miss Mills and Miss Bibi"

 

DWY - 18.10.24

 

Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Caring STARs...

 

Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Nico for being a superstar, and waiting patiently for the exciting activities he really likes, well done Nico.

Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Nevaeh for: showing a kind and caring nature with the dolls in the home corner.

Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Jack for an amazing week. Managing his emotions and using his words to ask for help.

Miss Sutcliffe’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Teddy Bent for always being a caring friend and for being so helpful to all his teachers.

Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Kai for creating a fantastic persuasive letter.

Miss Oakley’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Eliora for always being kind and sharing with her friends.

Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Silva for fantastic independent walking on Outdoor Education with Miss Jen.

Miss Bailey’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Maja for showing affection towards her peers and sharing resources with them.

Miss Bailey’s WOW moment is for Noel for eating all of his school dinner for the first time today.

Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Euan for participating in every activity this week, he has particularly enjoyed our communication and curiosity, cause and effect lessons.

Mrs Quinn’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Basil for managing his emotions well in school this week.

Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Diana for being selected as the Anti-Bullying Ambassador to represent our class.

Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Olivia for being selected as the Student Council Ambassador to represent our class.

Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Matthew for accepting help and turning things around to finish his work when he was upset.

Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are Caring star is Simisola for keeping herself calm in a difficult situation.

Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Lewis for being proud of his friends.

Miss Hulme’s STAR of the week is Isaam for fantastic writing in English and creating a fabulous story.

Miss Hulme’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Thomas for being a caring friend and making new friends from different classes.

Mrs Davies’ STAR of the week is Arissa for trying really hard to verbally form a sentence to request items.

Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Cole for being a caring friend and always making people smile.

Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Brooke for being helpful in the classroom and trying her best.

Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Jared for an excellent week of learning.

Miss Gittins’ HWA We are Caring STAR is Lewis for trying hard in Maths.

Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is Jacob for having a fantastic week of work- particularly in maths.

Miss Matthew’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Blaire for always being respectful and for using her manners every day.

 

STARS of the Week (18.10.24)

 

And a huge well done to our secondary Hollinwood Academy STARs this week:

 

Secondary STARS (18.10.24)

 

Well done everyone, thank you to all staff for always going above and beyond to support our children and young people.

 

Have a fabulous weekend.

Miss Gordon