HWA Blog - 17.10.25

Guess what? It’s been another busy and brilliant week here at Hollinwood Academy.

We’ve now completed our lesson observations, and I want to thank all staff for their dedication and professionalism throughout the process. We’ve moved straight into teacher performance management meetings, and it’s been such a pleasure to hear what’s working well across the school. These conversations have been filled with positivity as we reflect on the achievements of our staff and look ahead to how we can continue improving teaching and learning for all our children and young people.

One of the highlights of my week has been the constant stream of children arriving at my door, eager to show off their fantastic work. Their enthusiasm and pride in their learning is infectious and I must admit, I’m running out of reward stickers.

Moments like these remind me why Hollinwood Academy is such a special place. Our staff are committed, our students are thriving, and together we’re building a culture of celebration, growth, and high expectations.

Thank you to everyone who continues to make our school such a vibrant and inspiring community.

This leads me on nicely to share some exciting news about one of our former students. I’m delighted to share Kian’s inspiring story; Kian has shown remarkable determination and resilience throughout his journey.

Kian joined Hollinwood Academy in Year 7 and quickly became a valued member of our school community. Over the years, we’ve watched him grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and stay focused on his goals. His hard work and perseverance have really paid off and Kian has now secured his dream job with First Bus.

This is a moment of celebration not just for Kian, but for everyone who has supported him along the way. His success is a powerful reminder that with dedication and belief in oneself, anything is possible.

We, alongside future finders are incredibly proud of Kian and all that he has achieved. Keep going, Kian your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you next.

Please the extract below from first bus.

Local lad Kian Lewis secures job with First Bus after supported internship success.

A 20-year-old neurodivergent student from Oldham has taken a major step into the world of work after securing a job with First Bus in Rochdale, following a successful supported internship placement.

Kian Lewis joined First Bus’ Rochdale depot in September 2024, as part of the Future Finders Employability College supported internship programme, based in Oldham. The programme provides young people aged 16 to 24 with diverse learning needs the chance to gain real-world experience in the workplace, supported by tutors and job coaches.

Over the past year, Kian, who is a care leaver, worked 2.5 days a week with the operations team at First Bus in Rochdale, gaining hands-on experience in a busy depot environment. His role included supporting daily bus turnout, acting as a banksman, assisting customers at Rochdale Interchange, and helping prepare buses for service.

 

Colin Morrison, Senior Job Coach at Future Finders Employability College, said: “Kian’s placement with First Bus Rochdale has been truly life changing. He was welcomed from day one and has grown in confidence, skills, and independence. His enthusiasm and work ethic made such an impact that First Bus didn’t want to lose him, and we’re thrilled he’s secured paid employment. It’s been a fantastic partnership, and we’re proud to have supported Kian on this journey.”

Alison Chew, Interim Network Bus Director at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “The Bee Network is run for the people of Greater Manchester and it’s vital we are inclusive, accessible and reflect the diverse communities we serve. Kian’s success story is a brilliant example of how local partnerships - between employers and supported internship providers - can open doors to meaningful employment.

“Placements like these not only empower young people with diverse learning needs to thrive but also strengthen the workforce and helps us grow a bus service that truly works for the public. I’m delighted to hear Kian will continue to be part of this team and wish him every success for the future.”

Well done, Kian, I hope you are proud of yourself.

Today it was a privilege to attend an Evidence for Learning conference where EFL excellence was celebrated across schools. Thank you to Hawthorns school for hosting this event and to Blake and Alan for organising it. It was great to share best practice with colleagues from across the sector. The event was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the incredible work that is happening in our schools and to learn from one another.

I was especially proud to see our very own Louise Needham take the stage to showcase the inspiring journey Hollinwood Academy has been on. Louise shared how

we’ve embedded EFL across the school and extended its impact throughout the wider Multi-Academy Trust (MAT).

Colleagues from other schools were genuinely blown away by the innovative ways we use EFL to engage families and enhance teaching, learning, and assessment. It was wonderful to see our approach recognised and celebrated, and we left the conference feeling energised and excited about the future of EFL.

 

 

Now let’s see what has been happening in the classrooms...

 

Starting with Miss Bramley’s and McDonald’s class…

 

"Our first half term in Explore 3 has been wonderful. Full of fun, learning and exploring.

This week in class we have been on a ‘bear hunt’ in the park on outdoor education, this is to support our writing. We have written a shared recount ready to do our independent writing next week.

We have been playing team games and working on our communications skills and turn taking in our EHCP lessons. We enjoy working as a team and collaborative learning.

In forest school we have been exploring, creating natural art using cotton sheets and foliage.

We have been learning about place value and adding and subtracting in maths this term and have done lots of hands-on learning as well as our work on showbie and in our maths folders.

The children have been learning all about skeletons, muscles and how we move this term and we have just started to explore the Eatwell guide and been discussing how we can have a healthy balanced diet and still enjoy all of our favourite sweet treats.

We have decorated the classroom with a Halloween focus this week and the children love our new door display. We are excited to take part in lots of Halloween learning activities next week.

The children have settled into their new class well and we are super proud of them all.

Well done team CML/GBY."

 

GBYCML - 17.10.25

 

 

And now, to Mrs Bennett and what has been happening on Outdoor Education...

 

"This term Mrs Bennett's classes have been focusing on keeping ourselves safe whilst active in our local community. Our engage and explore pathways have been following stop and go instructions whilst exploring a variety of woodland environments. They have used touch, smell, hearing, vestibular and proprioceptive senses. They have shown awareness of dangers they could face whilst exploring outdoor environments, practised good road safety whilst walking along pavements and crossing roads with full adult support.

Our thrive and inspire pathways have also learnt about dangers they could face whilst visiting outdoor environments. They have visited Strinesdale reservoir and learnt about the dangers open water could pose and what they need to do to keep themselves safe. They have practised good road safety skills on site using the zebra crossing before putting this into practice in the local community. This week they have been orienteering at Alexandra Park and learning basic map reading skills.

In our outdoor classroom the children have been learning about birds and the important role they play in biodiversity to help sustain our eco system. They identified varied species of birds and made bird feeders. They have also learnt how leaves change colour in the Autumn season and before trees shed their leaves. They have listened to ‘The Leaf Thief’ story and collected leaves, identified which trees they came from and created clay leaf plaques which they took back to class and painted them in their art lesson. This week they collected leaves and created leaf prints on material. Well done everyone."

 

JBT - 17.10.25

 

  

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

 

Mrs Lerigo’s and Mrs Sutcliffe's STAR of the Week is Finely for amazing work in phonics and recognising some of the sounds and remembering the phonics songs.

Mrs Lerigo’s and Mrs Sutcliffe's HWA We Are Caring goes to Cree for super engagement and always following instructions and routines, being a great role model.

Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the Week is William for showing great interest in exploring all activities in curiosity.

Mrs Quinn’s HWA We Are Caring goes to Ethan for doing fantastic sitting amongst peers during morning and afternoon routine.

Miss Boothroyd’s STAR of the Week is Romy for always looking after and being kind to her friends and teachers. Well done.

Miss Boothroyd’s HWA We Are Caring goes to Isla for having an amazing week in School, trying her hardest with her lessons and staying settled. Well done, Isla.

Mrs McDonalds’ and Mrs Bramley’s STAR of the Week is Alfie for his enthusiasm and contribution in class this week! Especially during our shared write.

Mrs McDonalds’ and Mrs Bramley’s caring star Roman for always showing affection and care towards staff and his friends.

Mrs Matthews’ STAR of the Week is Isaam for trying hard and staying focussed in maths.

Mrs Bailey’s STAR of the Week is William for two fantastic outdoor education sessions this week.

Mrs Bailey’s HWA We Are Caring goes to Ziyan for accepting adult support when dysregulated and building positive relationships with new adults.

Miss Pietraszewska’ s HWA We Are Caring goes to Ivy for being super brave and going down the slide in the playground. We are so proud of you, Ivy well done.

Miss Pietraszewska’ s STAR of the Week goes to Maximus for doing so well with his speech at school — using his words to ask for items and help. We’re so proud of you, Maximus.

Miss Oakley’s STAR of the Week is Lyla for always contributing her unique ideas in class discussions.

Miss Oakley’s HWA We Are Caring goes to Harrison for always being a ray of sunshine.

Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the Week is Kian for using some lovely creative ideas in his writing this week.

Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Teddy B for working hard on his new spellings this week.

Miss Hulme’s STAR of the Week is Ariella for being super helpful in class all week.

Miss Hulme’s HWA We Are Caring goes to Gabriel for being a fantastic role model to his friends and new reception children.

Miss Tootill’s STAR of the Week goes to Maya for creating a fantastic description in English.

Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Caring goes to Cleo for caring for her class by baking Halloween Cupcakes.

Miss Gitten’s STAR of the Week goes to Oscar for 10/10 spellings.

Miss Gitten’s HWA We are Caring goes to Mysha for fantastic, independent English work.

 

 

STARS of the Week (17.10.25)

 

 

Well done to everyone.

 

Have a fantastic weekend.

Miss Gordon.