HWA Blog - 20.6.25
Where to begin, what a week it has been at Hollinwood Academy. Year 11 have now finished their exams, and they celebrated in style at the prom on Wednesday evening. This was a fantastic event and all who attended thoroughly enjoyed it. I have to say this was one of the best I have ever attended. The students blew us away with their speeches, showcasing their successes throughout their time at Hollinwood Academy. I am so proud of who they have become and the achievements they have made. We are going to miss year 11 but we wish them all the luck in the world for a successful and happy future, each and every one of them deserve it.
Prom - 20.6.25
Crucial crew
On Thursday afternoon our year 6 children embarked on an exciting trip to the Mahdlo Centre in Oldham to attend a Crucial Crewe event. This engaging event provided our Year 6 students with a hands-on practical experience designed to deepen their understanding of various community services, including the police, the railway police, and school nurses.
During the event, we discussed important topics such as the implications of being a victim, the significance of diversity, and how we can sometimes be quick to judge others. The interactive sessions allowed the children to explore these concepts in a safe and supportive environment, fostering valuable discussions.
One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for the children to visit a mock crime scene—a thrilling experience that showcased the expertise of the different services present. The children's enthusiasm was palpable as they interacted with the professionals and engaged in the activities provided.
Throughout the trip, I was immensely proud of their exemplary behaviour, as they answered questions thoughtfully and demonstrated respect towards the presenters. This event not only enriched their understanding of community roles but also encouraged them to think critically about important social issues. Overall, it was a memorable day that blended learning with fun.
Crucial Crew - 20.6.25
Cultural day
On Friday afternoon we welcomed external performers into school to help us celebrate our cultural day. a truly spectacular day, everyone got involved. This was in response to our #Beewell results and student voice following school council and anti-bullying meetings. The cultural day was our final Artsmark celebration which we have been working hard on for the past 2 years.
Students were able to immerse themselves in dance workshops provided by Rachel Li from Zarts and we also had a visit from the Dhol Drillerz who put on an amazing performance in the afternoon. Students have created some lovely artwork throughout the Artsmark journey, this is on display for the whole school to see and recognise their efforts.
Students had the chance to try a selection of snacks from around the world. We also unveiled our cultural logos created by our secondary cohort with a local artist. These have now been made into weatherproof plaques which have taken pride of place on our friendship benches in the outside area. All students loved having a look at the traditional clothes, games, instruments and accessories. Part of Artsmark funding has been used to support our forest school to promote creating learning in the outdoors. This has enabled us to provide students with 3 wicker teepees and a water wall which should be arriving very soon.
We would like to say a big thank you to all staff and students for supporting and engaging well, this has been key towards meeting our Artsmark priorities which are to continue to create an inclusive and diverse environment for our children and young people to flourish. Artsmark will continue to be weaved throughout our curriculum both at primary and secondary. This is the end of a chapter
Cultural Day - 20.6.25
Now let’s look at what has been happening in the classrooms...
Starting with Mrs Quinn’s class….
"This half term in Mrs Quinn’s class, we’ve been diving into our topic ‘What Destination: Food Around the World’ and what an incredibly fun and engaging journey it’s been! One of the highlights has been our sensory story based on The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr. The children have absolutely loved it. We've followed little Sophie and her surprise visitor, a very hungry tiger, exploring the story through music, play, and, of course, lots of food!
We’ve tied in Italian culture with a whole array of exciting activities. The children have made tiger mandarins through mark making, created pasta jewellery in green, white, and red, enjoyed spaghetti painting, explored vegetable printing, and painted bold tiger stripes. And we're all looking forward to our very own tiger tea party next week—with a very special guest.
We have enjoyed seeing how everyday maths has naturally been integrated into the children’s play. Threading pasta, building structures, and playing target games have sparked so many learning moments. The Super Marble Run has been a particular hit during our curiosity lessons; it’s such a joy watching how much enthusiasm and teamwork it brings out in the pupils.
Alongside all of that, the children have been growing in confidence through Attention Autism, Outdoor Education, PE, Soft Play, and music. It has already been a well-rounded half term that’s nurtured curiosity, creativity, and lots of laughter.
Next week promises even more tiger-themed fun, and we can’t wait!"
JQN - 20.6.25
And to Mrs Daniel’s form…
"The time has come where we say goodbye to our year 11’s, the memories that have been made over the years will be cherished forever. 11ADS have been outstanding during their exams and officially sat their last GCSE exam on Monday. We are so proud of them all.
They have all pushed through and persevered through these past difficult weeks.
It’s time to say goodbye but not forever. We are excited for them to start their new chapter and progress into the brilliant young men we know they will all be. We wish them nothing but good luck and happiness."
Miss Daniels, Miss Callaghan, Miss Ali.
ADS - 20.6.25
And finally to Mrs Bottery’s form…
"This week, 8HBY have visited Mahdlo as part of their Outdoor Education lesson. This term’s theme is leisure; they toured the site and learned about the activities they offer there.
In their Food lesson, the students made a courgette lasagne, following the recipe, making the pasta from scratch, and using their knife skills to slice the courgette. They certainly smelled delicious!
In English, the students have been studying speeches. They have been reading and watching speeches given by Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai. They will write their own inspiring speeches in lessons.
In Spanish, 8HBY have been getting into the swing of summer by using the future tense to discuss their holiday plans. It sounds like they will all have an amazing summer, with trips to the beach, Turkey and even a mystery holiday…. we can’t wait find out where it was to."
HBY - 20.6.25
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Creative STARs
Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Korey for coming back to school and being super focused and happy.
Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are trusting goes to Gabriel for – being a super star answering questions and trusting his ability to get the answer right.
Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week Roma for bringing beauty and brightness to our mornings with her wonderful singing during the “Good Morning” song this week. Such a cheerful voice lifted our spirits and helped us to start each day with a smile. What a shining example of confidence and joy.
Miss Quinn’s HWA We are trusting goes to Riley for his amazing teamwork on our class walk. He took great care carrying the tray to collect nature’s treasures - leaves and sticks a fantastic example of responsibility.
Mrs Davies’s STAR of the week is Arissa for having a great transition over to new bridge school.
Mrs Boothroyd’s STAR of the week is Benjamin for having an amazing week in School, trying his best with his learning and doing fantastic listening.
Miss Boothroyd’s HWA We are trusting goes to Max for coping with change super well this week.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Abu-Bakr for being such a lovely friend this week and using lots of kind words.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s We are trusting goes to Jack for having a great first transition day.
Mrs Bailey’s STAR of the week is Maja for playing well alongside her friends and excellent listening this week.
Mrs Bailey’s HWA We are trusting goes to Silva for accepting adults support and just generally having a fabulous week.
Miss Pietraszewska’ s STAR of the week is Freddie for enthusiastically engaging in learning about rhymes in English! Great work.
Miss Pietraszewska’ s HWA We are trusting goes to Roman, for having a great week at school, full of smiles.
Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Winter for answering questions in phonics for the first time, we are so proud of how far you have come in your confidence and happiness in school.
Miss Oakley’s HWA We are trusting goes to Harry for trying is hardest to come into school with a big smile on his face, you have done amazing this week Harry! We are proud of you.
Mrs Matthew’s STAR of the week is for Alice for her contributions in every lesson and HWA star is for Freya for her incredible ability to support friends and make them smile.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Kai for a wonderful transition morning.
Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are trusting goes to Simisola for a wonderful transition morning.
Mr Corrigan’s WOW moment goes to Lewis & Matthew for a great transition morning
Miss Hulme STAR of the week is Shane for his fabulous English work this week.
Miss Hulmes HWA We are trusting goes to Jaxon for always being positive and a lovely friend.
Miss Gittins’ STARs of the week is Jared and Oscar are our Stars for coping well with our transition day. We are so proud of them.
Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week goes to Jason for fantastic interaction with crucial crew staff.
Miss Tootill’s We are trusting goes to David for trusting safe adults during crucial crew.
STARS of the Week (20.6.25)
Well done, everyone.
Mr Heap and Mrs Needham attended evidence for learning conference on Friday to showcase the power of movement and Outdoor Education. Mr Heap presented Hollinwood Academy outdoor education journey sharing the positive impact of movement, exercise and learning outdoors. Mr Heap shared how outdoor education at Hollinwood Academy has helped develop our children and young people’s confidence, ability to be more independent and supported them to form positive relationships.
Have an amazing weekend and stay safe in the heat.
Miss Gordon
