HWA Blog - 10.1.25
Happy New Year everyone and welcome to the Spring term. I hope you had a fabulous Christmas break and it was lovely to welcome the children and young people back this week full of spirit and stories.
The Spring term is the shortest term we have but by all means it will be full of exciting topics across various subjects. We also have the year 8 Disney residential in March and we are busy finalising the finer details. Families will be welcomed into school for an information session and here we will answer any questions that you have, and you will also get to meet the staff who will be accompanying the students on the trip.
This week, Miss Gordon, Head of School at Hollinwood Academy, and Mrs Needham, Director of Curriculum and Assessment for Hollinwood Academy and Heywood Academy, have started their new roles. Over this term, I will be working closely with Miss Gordon to transition her into her new post and working through expanding the leadership structure here at Hollinwood Academy. Also, Mrs Needham and myself will be working with the central teams as there’s lots to do in terms of building, recruitment and curriculum for the new Heywood Academy – building a new school is very exciting. I will endeavour to keep families up to date with both schools.
At Hollinwood Academy, we embrace a range of volunteers, college students and university trainee teacher placements as we like to share our wonderful school and give these students a range of experiences across five different Key Stages.
Mrs Needham is our induction tutor for Hollinwood Academy and she works closely with the university placements. We welcome trainee teachers to Hollinwood Academy and we take immense pleasure in witnessing the growth of new teachers in our nurturing school environment. It is always a joy to see educators who are just beginning their careers flourish, particularly when they are working within our exceptional school, alongside our school team. Here is Mrs Needham to further explain…
"Last term, we welcomed two secondary PGCE students: Miss Jade, specialising in Art, and Miss Miah, specialising in Science. I am delighted to share that both students performed admirably during their training. They expressed warm sentiments upon leaving, stating how grateful they were for the supportive and welcoming atmosphere created by our children and young people. Their experiences here have genuinely inspired them, allowing them to focus on working with children and young people with autism and feel empowered to make a difference in their upcoming placement at Droylsden Academy. As a school, we extend our best wishes to them for their future endeavours and hope that their paths may cross with ours again in time.
This term, we are excited to welcome two more PGCE students: Miss Rhoden, who will again be teaching in secondary Art, and Ms Harris, who will support Ms Young's form. I am confident that both will seize the remarkable opportunities that arise here at Hollinwood Academy, setting the foundation for successful teaching careers.
It is particularly special to note that Miss Rhoden is an alumnus of Hollinwood Academy, having been one of our first students when the school opened in September 2015. I had the privilege of teaching her Maths, and it is gratifying to witness her success and commitment to returning here as a teacher herself. Miss Rhoden serves as an inspiring example for our current children and young people, demonstrating that with perseverance and dedication, they too can reach great heights beyond Hollinwood Academy. "
When Mrs Needham asked if Miss Rohden could carry out her placement with us here at Hollinwood Academy I accepted straight away. Here are a few words from Miss Rhoden, as she shares her journey from 2015, when she started Hollinwood Academy, to where she is now in January 2025…
Miss Rhoden: From Student to Teacher: My Full-Circle Journey at Hollinwood Academy.
"Reflecting on my journey, it is truly remarkable to consider how far I have progressed from being one of the first students at Hollinwood Academy in 2015 to now training to teach there. Hollinwood Academy, a school dedicated to supporting neurodivergent students, provided me with a strong foundation, and returning feels like coming home. While many changes have occurred- an increase in student enrolment and building expansions—the supportive and caring atmosphere I recall as a student remains unchanged.
When I first began at Hollinwood, I was a shy individual, lacking self-assurance and unsure of my place in the world. Over time, with the unwavering support of my teachers, I experienced significant personal and academic growth. One of my former teachers remarked upon my increased confidence upon my return as a trainee teacher. This school played a pivotal role in my development, and it is deeply gratifying to now be a member of the teaching staff.
My time at Hollinwood was not without its challenges. Like any adolescent, I navigated life's complexities, learned to interact with my peers, and overcame obstacles. However, I remained resolute in my determination to succeed. I diligently worked toward my objectives and successfully completed and passed all six of my GCSEs, leaving Hollinwood Academy prepared for the next chapter of my life.
Initially, I pursued higher education in law and business, excelling academically and achieving top marks in my classes. Despite this success, I recognised that my true passion lay elsewhere. This realisation led me to undertake a year-long course in art and design, which I thoroughly enjoyed and which redirected my path. Subsequently, I studied graphic design at university, graduating with First-Class Honours. Currently, I am pursuing my teaching qualification to assist students in unlocking their creative potential, mirroring the support my teachers provided me.
Returning to Hollinwood Academy as a trainee teacher feels like a complete circle. I understand the student experience, the challenges of navigating life while thriving as a neurodivergent individual. I aspire to inspire students, demonstrating that with determination and appropriate support, they can achieve their goals and discover their passions, as I have done."
Trainee Teacher - Grace
I remember going to observe Grace in her previous education setting as we prepared to open Hollinwood Academy in September 2015 and I am immensely proud of Miss Rhoden, how she has overcome many barriers and continued to push and strive to achieve her goals. I can’t wait to see how she supports our children and young people as she: ‘aspires to inspires students’.
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Innovative STARs
Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Romy for amazing speaking and interactions with staff and students. Using sentences to make her needs known.
Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are Innovative STAR is Gabriel for brilliant innovative work when creating his frosty winter tree.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Louie for fantastic engagement in his learning this week.
Miss Sutcliffe’s HWA We are Innovative STAR Ethan for showing innovation with drawing our new story front cover in English.
Miss Oakley’s STARs of the week are Libby for having a brilliant start to 2025, being happy, being a good friend and having a smile on her face all week! Lyla for trying hard with her handwriting all week, we are so proud you and Harry for coming into school all week and working hard in all lessons.
Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Silva for having a fantastic week and have some wonderful interactions with staff.
Miss Bailey’s HWA We are Innovative STAR is Ziyan for his fantastic rainbow creations with the Duplo and finding his own picture during morning routine!
Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Basil for a great first week back, lots of happy vocalisations and use of early language in class.
Mrs Quinn’s HWA We are Innovative STAR is Cody for completing his work independently in his art lesson this week.
Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Diana for being a maths superstar!
Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA We are Innovative STAR is Roman for innovating new ways to replicate human organs. Well done!
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Lewis for settling back into school really well this week.
Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are Innovative star is Matthew for excellent listening and understanding in Science this week.
Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Faiha. Well done!
Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Brooke for being innovative in her intervention lesson.
Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Innovative STAR is David for having a great first week in his new class.
Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Lewis for excellent phonics contributions.
Miss Gittins’ HWA We are Innovative STAR is Joshua for helping others.
Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is Oscar for settling into our class so well.
STARS of the Week
Scientists of the week is Matthew from Mr Corrigan’s class.
Well done to our secondary Hollinwood Academy STARs this week:
Just a reminder, as we have experienced some colder and icier weather this week, f we experience heavy snow and ice my priority is always the safety for the children, young people and staff. All decisions are taken around that concern. There may be extreme circumstances when it is necessary to close the school. I would only take that decision if the student’s and staff’s safety are put at risk because:
- There are not enough staff in school because of unexpected snow/weather conditions
- The weather makes it too dangerous for staff and students to travel to school
- The grounds are too dangerous
- The heating/hot water is not working
- School dinners are not available
I will try to make a decision about school closure as soon as possible and will inform parents through Arbor, a message on the school website, social media, local radio stations and through Oldham Council’s website www.oldham.gov.uk (School Closures). Please can you ensure we have up to date contact details so you receive any news as soon as possible.
After school clubs may be cancelled when the weather is poor too. We will contact parents via Arbor.
During the winter period, if it is safe to do so, the children and young people will spend some time outside playing in the snow. This means the students will need wellingtons or sturdy boots plus a change of footwear and spare socks for inside. Also ensure your child is well wrapped up with a thick coat, hat, gloves and scarves.
I hope you have a lovely weekend, stay safe and keep warm.
Mrs Millard
