HWA Blog - 29.11.24
Monday morning always starts with our whole school assembly. This week, Miss Pietraszewska, our primary science curriculum lead, took the assembly as we celebrated National Tree Week at Hollinwood Academy. She delivered an engaging assembly about the importance of trees in our lives. She shared amazing facts, including why some animals depend on trees, how to estimate a tree's age, and even how trees can make us feel more positive and calm—by hugging them!
To take this idea further, Miss Pietraszewska encouraged students to try hugging a tree to see if it really makes a difference. During Outdoor Education, our students gave it a go, and they confirmed feeling a positive energy!
Miss Pietraszewska also organised a quiz for the students, testing their knowledge about trees. Some of our secondary students were very quick to deliver the answers—well done to them!
My assembly is Monday 2nd December and I will be talking to our children and young people about our school Governors; who they are, what they do, how they work with myself and the senior leadership team and that they will see them in and around school. We have our second governors meeting of the academic year next Monday 9th December where I will welcome all of the governors into school to showcase our external accreditations from the summer, our current successes and challenges, our financial position and where we are with our school improvement plan.
Our KS4 students have completed week three of their GCSE mocks and it has been a busy, intense and challenging few weeks, but they have made it. They have applied themselves greatly and we will look at the next steps to support them moving forward. Next week, some year 11 students have their art practical mock exam left to complete, over two days.
On Friday 6th December, you will receive your child’s end of term report and then on Tuesday 10th December we have the year 11 academic parents' evening and our pastoral parents' evening for primary, KS3 and year 10. This is an opportunity to speak to your child’s class/form teacher, to discuss how your child has settled into their new class and the progress they have made. We look forward to welcoming you to school.
Let’s see what some of the classes have been doing starting with Miss Pietraszewska’s class…
"This term has been busy! In English, we’re exploring The Elves and the Shoemaker using Talk4Writing to help us sequence, retell, and rewrite. We love the story of the grateful shoemaker who made clothes for the helpful elves!
In Attention Autism, we watched our teacher stitch fabric, linking to our science lessons on materials like fabric, plastic, and wood. We’re also learning about recycling and are now ready to recycle at home!
In maths, we’ve been working on place value up to 100, and counting by 2s and 10s—and we’ve mastered it with fun songs! In PSHE, we’re exploring our identities by describing ourselves. We even used mirrors to check our eye colours!
In Humanities, we’re learning about schools from the past and prehistory, using Talk4Writing to help us understand these important times. In music, we’ve started learning our Christmas song, Keep the Fire Going, and we’re excited to perform it!
This week, we had a Super Learning Day on road safety, practicing rules and using puppets to role-play scenarios. Safety on the road is so important!
We’re looking forward to even more learning and fun over the next few weeks as we head into December."
NPA (29.11.24)
Now to Miss Rashid’s form…
"As we approach the final weeks of school, 10ZRD have been getting into the Christmas spirit. Students have been using their team building and communication skills to put the tree up together, as you can see this was completed successfully.
In English lessons we have continued to work through the GCSE anthology book. Coursework is very nearly completed and the whole class are now becoming more confident in annotating an extract independently.
In science, we have been working on Osmosis. They have engaged well with practical lessons in order to plot results and findings for their GCSE coursework. All students are working hard and being sensible during these practical lessons.
In maths, we have started to look at probability, looking at tree diagrams for independent events. All students are working hard consistently.
During PE lessons we are continuing with trampolining, this week we have learnt a new skill of front belly drops onto a mat. This term several skills have been developed including pike tuck and straddle. All students have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in trampolining.
All students are continuing to show progress in their option lessons. Prez and Lewis have been working hard to understand recipes and then cook a meal from scratch. Connor and Jack have now started some theory music work whilst also having time to enjoy playing their chosen instrument.
We have also started our interventions this term, all students have engaged well with Lego therapy, social thinking and 5 against the law. We are already seeing the impact these are having on students, particularly during unstructured times. Using the skills developed during these interventions have enabled Vision hub students to interact positively with not only younger students but those from our Inspire pathway.
During our super learning day, we went out to visit local places of worship. We discussed the similarities and differences between Churches, Mosques and Synagogues and how we should always show respect for other people’s beliefs. Behaviour was impeccable throughout.
Finally, last week we visited Oldham town centre to work on our road safety skills. We also had a lovely time looking at all the Christmas decorations!
We wish all our families a very Merry Christmas. Team Vision Hub"
ZRD - 29.11.24
Now to Miss Harris’ form…
"As December rolls in, the corridors are alive with festive decorations, and the scent of excitement in the air. Christmas is almost here! For our nurture classes this time of year is extra special – a moment to celebrate the achievements of the past term and eagerly anticipate the journey ahead.
First, let’s take a moment to give yourselves a big round of applause for the hard work and dedication year 10 and year 11 shown during your mock exams. Preparing for exams is never easy, but you’ve faced the challenge with courage and determination. Mock exams are like stepping stones, guiding you toward even greater success in the future. Every small step forward is worth celebrating, and the festive season is a great opportunity to do just that.
But Christmas isn’t just about looking back; it’s about looking forward too. After the holiday break, a brand-new term awaits, full of exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve even more. With the support of your teachers and classmates, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.
For now, though, it’s time to relax and enjoy all the wonderful things that make this season magical. Whether it’s cozying up with a good book, watching Christmas movies, spending time with loved ones, or indulging in some delicious festive treats, make sure you take the time to recharge.
From all of us here at Hollinwood, we’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved so far and can’t wait to see what’s next for you all!"
KHS - 29.11.24
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Inspiring STARs...
Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Romy for amazing singing, and answering some questions during lessons without prompts.
Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Gabriel for inspiring us with his enthusiastic singing in a clear, loud and confident voice.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Louie for being really vocal with his wants and needs this week. Great focusing in group times this week too!
Miss Sutcliffe’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Abu-Bakr for inspiring us with his fantastic writing this week– using the power of 3.
Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Libby for having a fantastic week! Being polite, caring and having a beautiful smile.
Miss Oakley’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Zachary for beautiful singing in our rehearsals for the Christmas show.
Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Maja for engaging well in activities and some lovely speaking too!
Miss Bailey’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Jack for Waiting patiently for his turn during our communication activities.
Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Basil for fantastic engagement in all areas of his learning this week particularly in English and communication lessons.
Mrs Quinn’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Ohud for transitioning well to and from the bus during outdoor education this week.
Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Alfie for making great progress in handwriting—your motivation is fantastic, Alfie!
Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Olivia for doing well in her phonics group, well done Olivia!
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Kai for some wonderful independent work in maths this week.
Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are Inspiring star is Lewis for coping really well with change this week.
Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Louis and Faiha. Well done!
Miss Hulme’s STAR of the week is Thomas for trying incredibly hard with his spellings this week.
Miss Hulme’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Jaxon for writing a fantastic newspaper article in English.
Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Cole for working hard in all his lessons.
Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Brooke for inspiring others to work hard.
Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Joshua for following instructions and listening to adults.
Miss Gittins’ HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Oscar for achieving 10/10 in his spelling test.
Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is Jacob for trying hard in all his lessons and showing more resilience staying in lessons.
Miss Matthew’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Freya for sharing information about her drama classes and for volunteering to be the donkey in our school nativity!
Scientists of the week is Loki, from Miss Hulme’s class.
STARS of the Week (29.11.24)
Well done to our secondary Hollinwood Academy STARs this week:
We have a busy weekend ahead with Lilly’s football, Isla’s netball, making our house look festive and cosy and participating in the Dr Kershaw’s ‘Light Up a Life’ event taking place on Sunday at 5pm. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Millard
