HWA Blog - 4.10.24 

Student voice is very, very important to Hollinwood Academy and over the last few weeks, we have been discussing the role of the student council. The purpose of the student council is to give students an opportunity to develop leadership by organising and carrying out school activities, events and projects. 

A council serves as the voice for an entire school and actively works with teachers and the senior leadership team to look at ways we can improve our school and local community. We are extremely proud of our student council, and we are really looking forward to working with the new council this year. When I saw the names of the secondary student council, I just know they are going to bring great energy and ideas to the meeting. We are just waiting for primary to carry out their final selection activities next week and then I can’t wait to share with you our 2024/25 student council line up.  

This week, we have seen week three of lesson observations and it has been amazing to see the children and young people engaged and enthusiastic in their learning. The following subjects have been observed: PE, communication, Primary English T4W in the Explore, Inspire and Thrive pathways, Phonics in EYFS, English at KS3 and 4, English – KS3 feedback lesson, sensory story, geography KS3, science KS 3 and 4 and maths KS3 and 4. The enthusiasm from teachers shone through encouraging participation from all students; building their confidence and developing their self-esteem. Progress over time was evidenced.  

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

We have had a busy start to the school year, and I am extremely proud of how the whole class has settled back in and adjusted to the new school routines. Our first topic of the year is “Once Upon a Time.” 

During our sensory story sessions, we employ a multi-sensory approach to learning. Our first story of the term was The Gruffalo. A couple of our favourite activities included making our own chocolate Gruffalo claws, preparing owl ice cream, and using story puppets to retell the tale. We then moved on to Jack and the Beanstalk, where the children enjoyed making the giant’s footsteps, milking Jack’s cow, and exploring the beanstalk. This week, we have started our third book of the term, A Dinosaur That Pooped a Princess. This week's focus has been on The Gingerbread Man and The Three Little Pigs, as the dinosaur encounters them on his way to save the princess. We have had fun exploring ginger-scented cloud dough and retelling the story of the three little pigs using resources from the narrative. 

During the school day, we utilise a communication app called TD Snap Core, which is used in various ways, such as requesting breakfast, lunch, and snacks. It is also employed in lessons throughout the day, including communication, music, and magic box activities. During our communication sessions, it is used to request a variety of objects needed to complete tasks; currently, we are learning to use the app to create two to three-word sentences, for example, “Open soil” or “Sophie, open soil.” A few examples of activities we have participated in include making a playdough face, planting magic beans, creating a bear sandwich, and crafting magic wands. 

In music, the children use TD Snap to request an instrument and take turns selecting a song to play along with. 

The class has really enjoyed our magic box sessions so far this year. During these sessions, the children come to the front of the class one at a time and, using TD Snap, request a sensory object from the box, again using either a two or three-part sentence. Bubbles seem to be the biggest hit! Once the child has requested their desired object, they can explore it while the staff in the room sing a song linked to that object. After the song has finished, the child returns the object to the magic box. 

During our curiosity and cause-and-effect sessions, we have six activities available for the children to explore, allowing them to take ownership of their learning by deciding which activities to engage with. As they participate in their chosen activities, staff work on their individual EHCP, SCERTS, and EM targets. There is always a messy play activity, cause-and-effect experience, social interaction, communication session, mark-making opportunity, and regulation activity available. A few of our favourite activities this year have included bowling, floating and sinking water trays, and mark-making with paint. 

In order to facilitate learning, the children need to be regulated. The class participates in a sensory circuit twice a day and has access to our sensory room and equipment throughout the entire day. Timetabled into the school week are Tac Pac or Sherborne sessions twice weekly. Some children access Tac Pac, while others participate in Sherborne. During the Sherborne sessions, we begin by sitting in a circle and engaging with the song "Everybody Do This." This captures their attention and prepares them to participate. Following this, the children again take ownership by choosing from activities such as being pulled on a wheely chair, rolling on a ball, rocking on the balance board, or jumping on a trampoline. The session concludes with everyone coming back together to relax in whichever way individual students prefer, whether that be lying down, reading a book, playing with sensory toys, or squeezing some playdough. 

We cannot wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for us. Have a wonderful weekend! "

SDS - 4.10.24

Now to Miss Rashid’s form… 

"This week our Vision hub students have welcomed two new teaching assistants: Miss Ashcroft and Miss Smith who bring with them a wealth of experience. We want to thank Miss Shaw and Miss Broughton for all their support, and we will miss them lots.  

Last week HWA held our annual Macmillan coffee morning, and the vision hub students were asked to support. I was so impressed with how all of them presented themselves throughout the morning and how they addressed parents. Jack and Connor greeted parents and made them cups of tea or coffee while Kaden, Lewis and Prezidente cut the cakes and tempted parents to a slice.   

During our targeted support lessons, we have been looking at independence and further opportunities. Each student has identified an area they would like to focus on. This week it has been how to put our socks on, tie our shoelaces and put a tie on independently. We have also looked at different career opportunities within their chosen field. We are also trying really hard to focus on our values and how we present ourselves both at HWA and in the wider community. This will be an ongoing target for each student.   

During RSE lessons we have started to explore the term consent and healthy relationships. We have looked at the importance of consent and to always remember that saying yes once does not mean yes every time. All students behaved maturely and engaged really well throughout.  

We continue to work throughout anthology texts during English lessons and have started to implement ‘technique of the week’ as a fun way of remembering our language techniques. We have been focusing on the poem ‘Disabled’ and have started to draft the first copy of their coursework. We have also implemented student/teacher feedback sheets so all students can identify what their strengths are but also what their target will be.  

Option lessons continue to be productive. As you can see Connor and Jack are persevering with composing their own music, Lewis and Prezidente have been looking at exam questions in food technology and Kaden has started to engage with theory work during PE lessons. Some amazing artwork has also been created and DofE takes them on a well needed walk throughout the week- this week was Heaton park.   

In science, students had the opportunity to engage with practical learning using the microscopes to look at different cells. They have also been learning about all the different organs and functions in the human body. Next week, students will be dissecting a pigs heart!  

We have welcomed Mr Parker as our new maths teacher and have started to look at ratio and proportions. Although the topic is challenging, all students have tried really hard to complete the tasks set and are showing increased confidence. 

Despite challenges this week with staff changes, students have shown resilience and have ended the week on a positive note earning their weekly rewards. Well done Vision hub."

ZRD - 4.10.24

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

Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Ariella for being so very helpful in class and making sure we are super organised at teeth brushing time. 

Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Benji for caring about his class environment and helping to tidy up the dinosaurs.  

Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Abu-Bakr for amazing focus in lesson times this week and being so lovely and kind when his friends are upset. 

Miss Sutcliffe’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Louie for caring towards his friends and always wants to seek them out to play chasing games. 

Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Lyla for amazing persuasive language in English this week. 

Miss Oakley’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Libby for celebrating her friends and being kind. 

Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Noel for building positive relationships with his peers and fantastic listening.  

Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Cody for good verbal communication in class this week and making new request.   

Mrs Quinn’s HWA We are Caring STAR is George for exploring patience and understanding (good waiting) and sharing resources with his peers 

Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Olivia for settling into her new class and making friends so quickly! Well done Olivia! 

Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Alfie for always being a lovely friend to his peers and looking after everyone. Well done Alfie! 

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

Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are Caring star is Lewis for some lovely communication with his friend this week. 

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

Mrs Davies’ STAR of the week is Ethan for waiting patiently for his turn on the swing.  

Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Brooke for settling onto tasks and complete quickly.  

Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Alice for being a caring role model. 

Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is Jacob for settling back into school so well and applying himself in lessons.  

Miss Matthew’s HWA We are Caring STAR is Jason for adapting his choice of vocabulary so that his friend wouldn't become upset.  

STARS of the Week (4.10.24)

Scientists of the week is Roman from Miss Pietraszewska’s class.

What a busy week at Hollinwood Academy and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  

Mrs Millard