HWA Blog - 8.11.24
It was lovely to welcome the whole school back after the October half term break. The children and young people have had a great first week back and it was lovely to see them so settled after the holidays.
This week we carried out our Sponsored Walk with primary on Wednesday and secondary on Thursday and it was a fantastic event. The children, young people and staff have walked over 100 miles and I think we had some tired KS4 students on Thursday as they walked from Uppermill back to school, 10.6 miles. Even the general public as they were walking through Lydgate donated to our sponsored walk.
A MASSIVE thank you goes to Mr Heap and his team for organising and coordinating the event. A HUGE well done to our amazing children and young people for taking part in the event but the BIGGEST gratitude goes to you our families, community and the sponsors. Without your support, this event would not have been possible – THANK YOU!
We are still in the process of collecting and counting the money and I know some families are still bringing this in but we are amazed already with the total. We as a school and you as families know how important outdoor education is for all of our students and we are overwhelmed with your generosity and my heartfelt thanks goes to you all. Once we have the final total we will certainly be sharing and celebrating this wide and far.
Sponsored Walk
Let’s see what some of the classes have been doing starting with Miss Bailey’s class…
"We have had a busy week this week in Engage One! Our sensory story sessions have taken us on an adventure with a little boy named Rocco, who attends a spectacular bonfire event. We have thought about all the different sounds Rocco heard and all of the things he saw, from the crunching leaves under his feet, to the crackling fire and magnificent fireworks. We have had lots of fun creating our own firework art in lots of different ways including painting, printing and sensory mark making too – we produced some beautiful colourful designs.
In our communication lessons this week we have been using an app on our iPads called TD Snap, we use this to help us to communicate and to request the items we need to complete a variety of different activities. We had a blast experimenting with squirting paint to create firework designs, using the app to select our favourite colours. Later in the week, we again turned to TD Snap to gather the ingredients for our delicious sparklers made from breadsticks and chocolate. The highlight, of course, was getting to eat our masterpieces - yum yum!
We love our curiosity and choose sessions in class each day, where we get to choose what we would like to do – communicating this using a combination of symbols and gesture. We’re all working really hard to communicate the things we want to do with the adults in class, and we have done a brilliant job of utilising the symbols available in the classroom to help us with this.
The children have adjusted beautifully after the half-term break, kicking off Autumn 2 with enthusiasm and energy. We can’t wait to see what the rest of this term has in store! "
RBA - 8.11.24
Now to Mrs Duffy’s form…
Year 9 Students – A Wonderful Term
"As we settle into the new school year, it’s been heartwarming to welcome our Year 9 students back and see the joy they bring to each day. Watching them reconnect with friends, strengthen their bonds, and build new relationships has been a true highlight.
This year, their social interactions and teamwork have really blossomed, and it was especially clear on our recent trip to Castleshaw for an outdoor education experience.
The Castleshaw walk was a perfect opportunity for the students to explore and learn together. They enjoyed investigating the area’s history, from ancient times to the present, while taking in the breathtaking views and refreshing breezes. Liam took the lead in crossing the steppingstones, with his classmates close behind. It was wonderful to see him embrace the moment, enjoying the company of his peers as they walked along the rural path, with Akeem following right behind. Akeem has not only been enjoying this camaraderie but is also excelling in lessons, particularly art, where he’s been creating drawings from images, he chose himself. Both he and Liam earned the pastoral award last term, a testament to their positive attitudes and social growth. They also love spending free time socialising with friends, strengthening the bonds they’ve built.
The weather at Castleshaw added an extra element of adventure, with Madeleine nearly blown away in the breeze! She warmed up soon enough, especially given her home baking skills – she recently made a delicious-looking vegan pumpkin cheesecake that we all admired. At school, Madeleine enjoys games with friends, especially Connect 4, adding to the laughter and fun in our classroom.
Since joining us last month, Yassin has settled in wonderfully. He’s been a natural fit, quickly becoming close friends with Logan and showing confidence in science and Spanish classes, where he speaks with poise. Logan, too, has found joy in science this term, creating fossils and exploring new species. Together, Yassin and Logan bring energy and curiosity to the classroom.
Ivy has been busy making friends and has joined the school’s friendship group, where she’s been diving into projects like diamond art. She and her friends happily worked together, sharing diamonds with each other which has been wonderful to observe.
In food lessons, Nicholas has been a standout, embracing each new recipe and showing responsibility by helping his team clean up at the end of class. This term, we’ve been exploring gelatinized sauces, making dishes like macaroni cheese, lemon meringue pie, and a hearty chicken and vegetable pie. Nicholas has been particularly enthusiastic, even taking to the interactive whiteboard to answer questions.
Alexis has also been strengthening friendships this term, not only in our class but with students across the school. She’s shown impressive focus in her studies, especially with her work on the history of mental asylums, which has been fascinating for her.
Matthew has been developing his teamwork skills in engaging ways, including a collaborative jigsaw puzzle of the solar system with Miss Brown and Miss Hobson. He’s also enjoyed building friendships and practicing team skills in P.E. with his form, especially during basketball sessions.
Overall, it’s been a busy but incredible term. I’m so proud of each student for their growth, positive spirit, and the friendships they’re nurturing. Here’s to more learning, laughter, and friendship as we move forward in Year 9! Well done, everyone – let’s keep making this year amazing."
GDY - 8.11.24
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Inspiring STARs...
Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Romy for joining in and trying her best.
Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Korey for inspiring us with his poetry and speaking and listening skills.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Albi-Lee for an amazing week in class: fabulous listening, wonderful learning and fantastic behaviour!
Miss Sutcliffe’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Kian for inspiring others with his great imagination and fabulous first week at school!
Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Harry for being so polite to friends and teachers.
Miss Oakley’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Maya for inspiring other children in art and helping them to draw just like her!
Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Jack for being an absolute superstar on the sponsored walk!
Miss Bailey’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Ziyan for sharing resources well with peers and playing alongside them beautifully.
Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Ohud for making good progress towards his EHCP targets and another great Speech and Language session this week!
Mrs Quinn’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is George for a great first week back after half term, listening to adults in class and responding well to transitions.
Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Olivia, for having a great week and using good manners! Well done!
Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Harrison, for expressing his feelings and sharing what helps him feel better when he's sad—wonderful job Harrison!
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Matthew for some wonderful independent work this week.
Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are Inspiring star is Louis for inspiring others by being a great role model.
Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Faiha. Well done!
Miss Hulme’s STAR of the week is Jaxon for having a fantastic first week at his new school.
Miss Hulme’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Loki for perceiving on the sponsored walk even though he did not want to do it.
Mrs Davies’ STAR of the week is Ethan for amazing engagement this week.
Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Alice for being a positive role model.
Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Derry for inspiring his peers to work hard across all their subjects.
Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Oscar for a great first week back at school after half term.
Miss Gittins’ HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Hadley for participating in group activities.
Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is David for fantastic attitude to learning and amazing behaviour all week. Also, to Freya for having a fantastic first week in her new school.
Miss Matthew’s HWA We are Inspiring STAR is Jacob for continuing with the sponsored walk even though he was tired and did not want to do it.
Scientists of the week is Brooke from Miss Tootill’s class.
STARS of the Week (8.11.24)
Next week is Anti Bullying week and the theme of ‘Choose Respect’ will be delivered in lessons. The Choose Respect has come about following consultation with teachers and students by the Anti-Bullying Alliance which coordinates Anti-Bullying Week every year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Teachers and students wanted a theme that empowered them to do something positive to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes. To support this, we are inviting our children, students and staff to wear odd socks. Odd Socks Day 2024 is taking place on Tuesday 12th November and marks the start of Anti-Bullying Week. It is supported by cBeebies presenter and Anti-Bullying Alliance patron Andy Day and his band 'Andy and the Odd Socks'. The Andy and the Odd Socks team came up with the idea for Odd Socks Day in 2017 and celebrates what makes us all unique.
Next Wednesday, our KS4 students start their Mock GCSE and I wish them all the best. These mock exams serve as a valuable opportunity for our students to gain experience in an exam environment and to identify any areas that may require further attention before their final exams. These exams will be conducted under examination conditions, with the aim of replicating the experience that students will have during their final GCSEs. They have been working and studying so hard and I know you will all do your best. Good luck!!
I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Millard
