HWA Blog - 28.2.25

What a short but busy week here at Hollinwood Academy! We kicked things off with an INSET day that was well received by our staff. Blake from Evidence for Learning (EFL) joined us to facilitate a reflective inquiry on using EFL, prompting insightful discussions among our team about the quality of evidence we collect and share with families. The morning sessions allowed staff to delve deeper into effective strategies for measuring progress and assessment, ultimately leading to some exciting action points aimed at enhancing how we communicate this evidence to families and learners.

We were also fortunate to have Emma from Talk 4 Writing, who conducted two incredibly enriching workshops. One session focused on developing writing skills within science and the concept of working scientifically, while the other revolved around crafting an engaging Year 7 unit on A Midsummer Night's Dream for the upcoming summer term. The enthusiasm in the room was palpable, with staff eager to integrate these strategies into their own lessons.

The afternoon was equally enlightening, featuring professional development sessions from resources provided by the Autism Education Trust, given our status as an AET partnership school. Mrs Lerigo led a compelling discussion on the significance of play for autistic students, while Mrs Bones provided valuable insights on supporting anxiety among autistic secondary students. The feedback from our staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their eagerness to put this new learning into practice. As we move forward, it’s clear that the commitment to improving our educational strategies is stronger than ever, and we can’t wait to see the impact of these initiatives on our students’ learning experiences.

This week, Mr Heap took 17 students to Manchester Airport in preparation for our upcoming year 8 Disneyland residential. The purpose of our visit was to prepare our students and help them cope with the busy environment of the airport. The amazing Manchester airport team showed us the departure area, baggage area, security and allowed our students to explore the terminal. They took time to answer any questions our students had and gave them a positive experience of the airport. All of the students behaved brilliantly, followed instructions and stayed with the group at all times. I would like to also thank the staff that helped support this trip and make it possible.

BHP - 28.2.25

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

"Wow! What an exciting first week back we have had. We have started the week off by winning the ‘Love is love’ door competition which you can find a picture of down below!

Our topic this half term is all about weather. In English this week, we have been on a weather sensory adventure, exploring and experiencing lots of different weathers inside our classroom!! We have made thunder and lightning by using a bongo drum and flicking the lights, we have stood under an umbrella whilst water poured on us, sat under a heater with our sunglasses on and was stuck in the middle of a snowstorm!!! We have read the story ‘Shark in the Park on a Windy Day’ and ‘Storm Cat’. We have also been doing lots of fine-motor work in class this week, to help with our writing skills.

In Maths we have been focusing on doubles. To start our doubles journey off, we have been listening to lots of songs and using concrete objects to reinforce our learning.

In Geography we have been looking at the UK and the different countries that make up the UK. We have also learnt about the different weather seasons that happen! This week we have explored the map of the United Kingdom, learnt the different countries and the capital cities of each country. We then labelled our maps with the correct countries and coloured in our own United Kingdom flags. The children really enjoyed learning about the different countries and their flags.

In art we have had lots of fun exploring colour mixing. We learnt what ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ colours mean and made some guesses about what colours we could make by mixing the primary colours together. We then went outside and made some lovely paintings by mixing colours together.

We can’t wait to carry on our weather adventure this half term and see the fun and learning it brings."

CSF VBD (28.2.25)

Now to Miss McDonald’s form…

"After a well-deserved break, our Year 7 Inspire class has settled back into school with enthusiasm and dedication. The students have shown a remarkable focus on their work across all subjects, putting their heads down and working incredibly hard. It's been wonderful to see their enthusiasm for all the different activities they’ve been engaged in.

One of the standout moments this week was in Food Technology. The class had the chance to get creative with their cooking skills as they stretched their own dough and made pizzas. Not only was this a hands-on experience that the pupils thoroughly enjoyed, but it also gave them a sense of achievement as they saw their delicious pizzas come to life.

In Music, the Year 7s have been diving into the world of digital music production with GarageBand. This has been a fantastic way for them to express their creativity while learning about the different elements of music production. The students have been exploring various tools, from recording their own sounds to experimenting with different loops and beats.

We have been focusing on road safety in Outdoor Education lessons. With a combination of practical activities and discussions, we’ve been learning important life skills that will keep us safe as we navigate our communities. The students are gaining the confidence to take these skills into their daily lives and be responsible pedestrians.

It's been a positive start to the term for year 7 Inspire, with the students showing great resilience and focus. They’ve embraced every lesson with positivity and a willingness to learn. Well done year 7!"

CML TRN (28.2.25)

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

Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Madilyn for amazing speaking and listening, and improved writing, it has developed so much – Super proud.

Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are Creative STAR is Korey for improved drawing skills. You are now starting to enjoy creating your own pictures. Super.

Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Ethan for wonderful first week back, using lots of communication and Jack for an amazing first week back at school, being super happy and joining in with all of his learning!

Miss Sutcliffe’s HWA We are Creative STAR is Teddy for showing so much excitement creating colour mixing masterpiece in art this week.

Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Kai for having a great first week back to school and playing sensibly on the playground.

Miss Oakley’s HWA We are Creative STAR is Lyla for always having a great imagination in class and on the playground.

Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Ziyan for wonderful communication this week, using TD Snap to put 2 symbols together to make a request.

Miss Bailey’s HWA We are Creative STAR is Noel for great independent mark making whilst making his giraffe artwork this week.

Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Olivia for having a great week.

Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA We are Creative STAR is Diana for being super active in every lesson.

Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Lewis for wonderful engagement on the carpet this week.

Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are Creative star is Matthew for coping really well with change this week.

Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Simisola. Well done!

Miss Hulme’s STAR of the week is Jaxon for always being kind and caring towards his friends.

Miss Hulme’s HWA We are Creative STAR is Thomas for creating a fabulous potion recipe.

Mrs Davies’ STAR of the week is Arissa for amazing engagement in all sessions this week. We're so proud of her.

Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Jack for contributing fantastic ideas throughout his learning.

Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Creative STAR is Cole for sharing his creative ideas with peers.

Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Joshua for creating an excellent oil pastel drawing of Hogwarts.

Miss Gittins’ Super Spellers is Freya. Well done!

Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is Blaire for making lots of progress in her personal targets this week - we are very proud of her!

Miss Matthew’s HWA We are Creative STAR is Xander for his creative work on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

STARS of the Week (28.2.25)

Scientists of the week is Libby from Miss Oakley’s class.

Next week, we are celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 6th March and the children, young people and staff are invited to dress in their favourite pyjamas and bring their favourite books to share. We will be taking part in lots of exciting activities throughout the day and look forward to sharing these with our families.

This weekend, I am celebrating my brother’s birthday, alongside Lilly’s football and Isla’s netball matches. I hope you have a lovely weekend too.

Mrs Millard