HWA Blog - 20.12.24

 

Well, that’s a wrap for the Autumn term and what a great week we have had in school.  

I would like to start my blog this week by sharing with you the students who received a Head Teacher’s Award for this half term.  

(Pictures Coming Soon...)

Well done and keep up the hard work next half term everyone!! 

 

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

 

"What a term! Safe to say we are all ready for the break. We’ve been busy with the festivities, we’ve made some decorations to take home and all decorated our class tree. We’ve also enjoyed Christmas jumper day, dinner and the lovely annual markets with lots of games and treats. Our Christmas Nativity was sensational, they practiced relentlessly to learn signs and songs – and even more so our lines. We read without scripts which is such an achievement in front of so many people. Very well done! 

The children have worked so hard this term, especially in English were we have written some fantastic poems using figurative language. Using Talk for Writing, we have studied “In Flanders Field” by John McCrea – we know this poem is describing events from WW1 and McCrea uses a certain writing style to make his poem powerful to the reader. Using our knowledge from our History topic last term, we have written a WW2 war poem about The Blitz – I am so proud of the children’s effort and what amazing creative writing they have produced. Here are some examples… 

In Science we have been learning about Space, we made some paper mache planets and learned about the differences between the geo-centric model (if Earth was in the centre of the Solar System) and the helio-centric model (the Sun being in the centre). We know why we have 4 seasons and this is dependent on how the Earth orbits, and we know how day and night happen – because Earth takes 24 hours to spin on it’s axis. We’ve been able to remember some very tricky language! 

We’ve also worked hard in all our other subjects until the very last day – where we have had our class dojo reward, a well-deserved Christmas movie and popcorn! 

I can’t wait to see what Santa brings – hopefully a relaxed 2 weeks and a rearing to go attitude in January 2025. Class RGS wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! "

RGS - 20.12.24

 

 

Now to Mr Ottoway’s outdoor education and PE sessions… 

 

"This term has been very busy and enjoyable, especially with the run up to Christmas. 

In outdoor education we have explored busier environments from Oldham town centre to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda Superstores and Oldham library. One of the topics this term has been shopping, with our primary classes we have used a shopping list for the students to locate items around the store by using visual pictures to help. In secondary, we walked around the stores and asked the students to locate items by walking up and down aisles and remembering where they were located after that secondary students were able to buy some items themselves with their own money. Each child enjoyed this experience and used their maths and English skills to find the correct items and then patiently waited to help pay for them. We have also visited Notcutts and Gordon Riggs Garden centres and looked at the magical Christmas displays before looking at the small animals in pets corner and a variety of fish in the aquariums. 

In PE our primary classes of MCN and COY have been working on their fundamental skills, their agility, balance and co-ordination. This term we have incorporated lots of throwing, kicking and catching into our lessons. In key stage 2, 3 and 4 students have been participating in trampolining for some of our students this is there first time experiencing this, during our lessons we have learnt different twists, seated drop, front drop and back drops as well as putting on their own and routines. Our year 10 sport studies group have started the Cambridge national qualification and are doing really well having completed two topics this term of cycling and rock climbing. Throughout this term all of the students have showed amazing commitment and determination.  

Well done everyone, hope you all have a Merry Christmas ." 

Mr Ottaway  

TOY (20.12.24)

 

 

Now to Mrs Cowling’s form… 

 

"What a busy term we’ve had, from learning to write a non-fiction text in English to dissecting animal hearts in science and that is before all the Christmas festivities!  

In Computing, the class have begun their coursework on creating branding for a new chocolate bar. They have been researching expensive chocolate brands and have created a mood board with various images of logos, chocolate boxes, web banners and promotional photos. The class have found out the prices charged by retailers such as Hotel Chocolat, Fortnum and Mason and John Lewis for their luxury products.  

In Spanish, some of the class have been learning how to talk about healthy diets and words and phrases associated with the topic.  

In photography, we are exploring the different settings on our DSLR cameras. We have begun to evidence this in our sketch books and have completed a photoshoot with various items with Hot Coffee, Donuts, Teddies and Plants.  

During science with Miss Bouttell, the class have been learning about the different functions of the heart during their Biology lessons. They enjoyed dissecting a lamb’s heart to see the different chambers associated with it and so they could visualise how the blood runs through it.  

Some of us have even had time to have a little dance in form to some Christmas songs. 10SCG would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a relaxing break. See you all in 2025! "

SCG - 20.12.24

 

 

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

 

Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Teddy for being such a kind friend this week and being an amazing mathematician too 

Miss Sutcliffe’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Ethan for inspiring us all with his amazing communication this week and his huge infectious smile! 

Miss Oakley’s STARs of the week are the whole class for being so brilliant this half term.  

Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Jack for having a fantastic week and participating in all of our Christmas activities with a smile. 

Miss Bailey’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Noel for showing concern for a friend when they were upset.  

Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Cody for requesting his wants and needs with a new adult in class. 

Mrs Quinn’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Basil for using verbal communication this week. 

Miss Pietraszewska’s STARs of the week are the whole class for their incredible teamwork and dedication in collecting all the marbles in the jar and earning the reward - a Christmas party. Well done everyone! 

Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Stanley for some wonderful independent maths work this week. 

Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are Inspiring star is Louis for getting full marks on his spelling test this week. 

Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Hadley is our Star of the Week for being a kind friend to others. 

Miss Gittins’ HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Oscar for giving his best effort in Maths this week. 

Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is Jason for settling into his new learning environment for his mature attitude.  

Miss Matthew’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is David for his positive attitude to learning this week.  

STARS of the Week (20.12.24)

 

Scientists of the week is Sienna from Mrs Lerigo’s class.  

 

Today we finish for the Christmas break and school reopens Monday 6th January 2025. Look out for our autumn newsletter that will certainly bring a festive smile to your face when you read this.   

All that is left for me to say is I hope you all enjoy a relaxing and well-deserved break over the festive period and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  

Mrs Millard