HWA Blog - 23.1.26
This has been another incredibly busy and positive week, full of learning for our children and valuable training opportunities for our staff. I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting classes this week; it has been a real pleasure to see the progress our children are already making so early in the term.
I have also had the opportunity to see the developments taking place within the Engage Pathway. The impact of this work is shining through, and it is wonderful to see how well our children are responding. I know these updates have been shared with parents, who are just as pleased and proud as I am of the achievements being made.
Thank you as always to our amazing staffing team.
Sharing the highlights…
Let’s see what has been happening in the classroom.
In Miss Rahman’s class this week…
"We had such a fun and exciting time over the Christmas holidays, taking part in lots of enjoyable activities and making special memories. Coming back to school, we have settled in really well and are feeling refreshed, positive and ready to learn.
Already this term, Year 8 Inspire have completed lots of fantastic work. A key focus for us has been working towards our EHCP targets. We have been challenging ourselves, celebrating small successes and working closely with staff to help us achieve our individual goals. Everyone has shown great determination and effort.
In English, we have been using Talk for Write, which has allowed us to be creative and confident with our learning. We have enjoyed exploring and learning our class text, using actions, repetition and discussion to help us remember and understand it better.
In Science, we have been experimenting with magnets, exploring how they work and discovering what materials they attract. We loved being hands-on, making predictions and talking about what we observed during our experiments.
In Maths, we have been working hard to practise our timetables, knowing that this will support us across all areas of learning. Everyone has shown great perseverance and focus, and we are already seeing progress.
Year 8 Inspire are happy to be back at school and proud of the effort we have made so far. We are excited and looking forward to everything the rest of the term has to offer."
TRN - 23.1.26
In Mrs McGregor's class…
"This week year 8 have been developing their scientific skills by investigating neutralisation reactions. Pupils used equipment carefully to gradually add a base to an acid, they recorded their observations using universal indicator and a digital pH probe. Next week we will be building on these skills by plotting a graph of their results and analysing their data.
Year 9 have been learning about variation and natural selection. We have explored how different beak shapes are better adapted for different food sources using a variety of tweezers and bird seeds. Pupils developed their fine motor skills during the practical and engaged in an excellent discussion about their findings. We also modelled the effects of different selection pressures using a board game in which pupils studied the effects of environmental changes on populations on an island.
Year 10 are studying reactivity and have developed an excellent understanding of the periodic table. They have observed the reactions of group one metals with water and have independently tested for the presence of hydrogen gas following the demonstration. Pupils have also investigated the reactivity of different metals with acids and worked well in pairs to record their observations."
MMR - 23.1.26
And now to Miss Rashid’s class
"The first term back after Christmas for 11ZRD has been a busy and productive one, with students settling back into routines and beginning important preparation for their GCSEs. Across subjects, there has been a strong focus on building skills, deepening knowledge, and developing confidence as we move further into the academic year.
In Form Time, the focus has been on team building and communication skills. Activities such as jigsaws, games, and think-pair-share tasks have helped students build positive relationships and develop confidence in sharing ideas with others. I have also observed students supporting each other during lessons when they are finding something particularly difficult. This has been lovely to see.
In English, students have been working on anthology texts in preparation for their exams. Lessons have focused on developing understanding of key themes, as well as analysing language and structure. Students have been practising how to write clear, well-structured responses and use quotations effectively to support their ideas.
In Maths, pupils have been completing revision work to strengthen their understanding of core topics. This has included revisiting key methods, practising exam-style questions, and identifying areas where they may need extra support as they prepare for GCSE assessments.
Science lessons have been hands-on and engaging, with students completing practical work and learning about chemical reactions. This has helped them to link theory with real-life experiments, while also developing important practical and investigative skills required for their exams.
In PE, students have been using a range of sports to develop their team-building skills. Activities have included cricket, basketball, and dodgeball, encouraging cooperation, communication, and resilience while keeping active and healthy. Next term, students will be visiting the gym and developing their own fitness routine.
In Art, students have been focusing on their coursework. They have been completing research on different artists, exploring styles and techniques, and using this research to inform and develop their own creative work.
Photography students have been completing their assessments and working on improving their work based on teacher feedback. This reflective approach has helped students refine their skills and strengthen their final outcomes.
During Targeted Support, students have been learning about the law for young people, including discussions around mitigating factors. These sessions have encouraged thoughtful discussion and helped students gain a better understanding of responsibility, consequences, and rights.
Finally, in RSE, students have been exploring the positives and worries they may have about further education. These discussions have supported students in thinking about their next steps, managing anxieties, and recognising the opportunities ahead.
Overall, the first term back has been a strong start to the year, with students showing commitment, teamwork, and a positive attitude towards their learning and future goals."
ZRD - 23.1.26
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Creative STARs
Mrs Quinn’s and Miss McDonald’s STAR of the week is David for -Setting a great example to peers by doing great sitting, looking and listening during sensory story.
Mrs Quinn’s and Miss McDonald’s HWA We Are Creative goes to Riley for - fabulous engagement across all activities demonstrating enthusiasm, commitment with a positive attitude.
Mrs Bailey’s HWA We Are Creative goes to Jack for brilliant engagement in our communication sessions this week when making your autumn themed ‘soup’ and requesting all of the available resources.
Mrs Bailey’s STAR of the Week is William for amazing progress and engagement in communication, using a communication board to make a request for the first time.
Mrs Lerigo’s and Mrs Sutcliffe's STAR of the Week is Blaire O'Neil for amazing engagement in her learning this week, writing sounds and numbers.
Mrs Lerigo’s and Mrs Sutcliffe's HWA We Are Creative goes to Adam for wonderful maths work this week, counting spots on ladybirds.
Miss Boothroyd’s STAR of the Week is Effy for creating such fantastic plan for her 3D artwork this week.
Miss Boothroyd’s HWA We Are Creative goes to Albie for using kind hands throughout the week.
Mrs McDonalds’ and Mrs Bramley’s STAR of the Week is Olivia for being creative in English this week and adapting her design to be different from everyone else.
Mrs McDonalds’ and Mrs Bramley’s creative star goes to Diana for being a really kind friend this week.
Mrs Matthews’ STAR of the Week is Henry consistently delivered high-quality work throughout the week and remained resilient.
Mrs Matthews’ We Are Creative STAR goes to Ruby has been passionate in her organisational skills and following the rules in the playground.
Miss Pietraszewska’ s HWA We Are Creative goes to Ivy for creating a boat using different materials that successfully floated on the water. Wow.
Miss Pietraszewska’ s STAR of the Week goes to Benjamin for sharing the swords with another child and taking turns beautifully while playing Pop Up Pirate. Great work.
Miss Oakley’s STAR of the Week is Kai for helping his classmates during Maths, being a perimeter superstar.
Miss Oakley’s HWA We Are Creative goes to Harry- Remembering his talk4writing model text and writing the text with help.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the Week is William for great engagement with the story map in English this week.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the Week is Teddy for using his ear defenders independently this week.
Mr Corrigan Congratulates Albi-Lee & Kian for being proud of their friends.
Miss Hulme’s STAR of the Week is Tommy for fantastic Science work this week.
Miss Hulme’s HWA We are Creative goes to Ariella for her wonderful, imaginative ideas during English.
Miss Jahnara and Miss Neelum’s STAR of the Week goes to Maya Bryer for working extremely hard to write some fantastic descriptive sentences.
Miss Jahnara and Miss Neelum’s HWA We are Creative goes to Jared Beever for demonstrating an improved attitude to his learning.
Mrs Boylan’s STAR of the Week goes to Louis for accepting support from adults when feeling upset this week.
Mrs Boylan’s HWA We are Creative goes to Stanley for trying hard to verbally pronounce his phonics sounds.
Well done to everyone.
STARS of the Week (23.1.26)
Have a fabulous weekend everyone.
Miss Gordon.
