HWA Blog - 2.5.25
What an exciting week we have had at Hollinwood Academy. Last week, I mentioned that we were recruiting for a Deputy Head of School for behaviour and safeguarding and the Primary Assistant Head for curriculum.
This week, we have carried out interviews to find our successful next leaders for Hollinwood Academy. All the candidates had to endure a demanding few days in a fiercely competitive process with a strong field for both positions. It was an honour to hear about each applicant's unique educational experience and leadership journey. However, our successful candidates displayed outstanding leadership, dedication to their roles and resonated their passion for education, while displaying how they would continue to promote our vision and ethos.
I am looking forward to working with the next aspiring leaders to help drive the school forward and assist Miss Gordon, as Head of School, in the next phase of Hollinwood Academy’s journey. Miss Gordon will be sharing with our families and stakeholders who our successful candidates are and moving forward, Miss Gordon will be sharing the weekly blogs.
Let’s see what some of the classes have been doing starting with Mrs Lerigo’s class…
We have had the most fantastic week this week and are well and truly back in the swing of learning since starting the new term.
This week we have been luckily enough to attend the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) who provide amazing experiences for children in a safe and exciting environment. We all had the most amazing time, from seeing all the animals to playing on the amazing park, with sand pits, zip wires and a huge climbing frame. It was all made more wonderful by the fantastic weather we had. The children behaved amazingly; and I am super proud of them.
In phonics we have been continuing our set 3 sounds and learning some new diagraphs, we have been using our phonic knowledge to write words using the new sounds. We have also been attempting to write some simple sentences; we are all trying our hardest.
In maths we are looking at different ways that we can see the number 9 and number 10. We have represented these numbers on tens frames, number beads and made buildings of 9 and 10 to make a cityscape.
Our topic this half term is about colours and also planting/things that grow. We have started to explore how rainbows are formed and have lots more exciting experiments planned. We have started to plant some seeds and are going to be planting our own vegetables, using some special growing houses to keep the seeds and plants warm so that they grow.
Our Talk for Writing story is Elmer - Elmer is a colourful elephant who feels different to his friends who are all grey in colour. We have discussed how difference is good and how it wouldn't be right if we all looked the same. We have started to learn the story by heart and have been drawing and writing about the story. Next week we will start sequencing the story.
We’ve had a great week, with lots more exciting things to write about, I could be here all day .....a day in EYFS is never dull. Well done Reception Class you have been fabulous as always.
ELO PIC
Now to Miss Gordon’s form…
9AGN have been having a great time starting all of their summer term topics!
In English we have been learning about dystopian fiction, so far we have studied Chapter One of the Hunger Games and watched the Hunger Games movie which we all really enjoyed! We can’t wait to get stuck into the book now we know the story well!
In science we have started a new topic about Electromagnetism. This has been really exciting, and we have learnt some really cool new stuff – like how to make an electromagnet out of an iron rod and a battery!
In Art we have been making masks out of everyday objects such as paper cup lids, cotton wool balls and cotton buds, pieces of string and paper straws. We can’t wait to see how they turn out.
In ICT and Creative Media we have been learning about cameras; how to use them and how to take good photographs. We even went out on the playground to take some of our own!
In PE we have started to learn how to play badminton. So far, we have learnt how to serve properly. It has been really fun to play against each other and see who wins.
In Food Technology we have started to learn about different types of pastry. Last week we made cheese and onion mini quiches using shortcrust pastry. We had to blind bake our pastry cases before we added our filling and baked them again. Delicious!
In Spanish we learnt to use our language skills to have conversations about global issues such as drought, deforestation and pollution of the seas.
In Outdoor Education this week we have been to Wythenshawe Park riding bikes which we always love doing. We learn how to ride bikes as well as how to be safe when we are on them.
AGN PIC
Now to Miss Smith’s form…
A Week of Sunshine and Learning for 9JSH:
As the days get longer and the weather warmer, our classroom activities have been anything but ordinary. From the energising beats of drum pads to the thought-provoking depths of dystopian literature, it's been a week of creativity, curiosity, and connection. Here's a peek into what we've been up to lately:
Music: Making Magic with 'Counting Stars'
One of the highlights of this week has been our exploration of music through the song Counting Stars by OneRepublic. We’ve been practicing accompaniment on a variety of instruments—drum pads, keyboard, and guitar. The diversity of instruments in our classroom has allowed everyone to explore rhythm, melody, and harmony in their own way, whether by pounding out beats on the drums, creating melodies on the keyboard, or strumming along on the guitar.
Playing along with such an upbeat, dynamic song has brought us together as a group. We've been learning about different musical techniques, but most importantly, having fun. Plus, there's nothing like the energy of a class full of students jamming to a song that everyone knows and loves.
Maths: Angles in the Real World
In our maths lessons this week, we’ve been diving into the world of angles. From acute to obtuse to right angles, we’ve explored how angles show up in the world around us, whether in architecture, nature, or even in the design of our favourite objects. We've been hands-on, using protractors and engaging in activities where we measure, name and draw various angles.
To make it even more interactive, we brought the sunshine into the classroom by using outdoor spaces for angle hunts. Students searched for examples of angles in the environment, from the corners of buildings to the shapes of trees and shadows. It's a great reminder of how maths connects to the real world!
English: Dystopia, Utopia, and Society—Studying The Hunger Games
In English class, we’ve been exploring the gripping world of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, diving into the dystopian universe of Panem. Through the lens of this intense survival story, we've examined the stark contrast between dystopian and utopian societies.
Dystopian societies, like the one Katniss Everdeen faces, are often marked by oppression, inequality, and a loss of freedom—key themes we’re exploring in our discussions. On the flip side, utopian societies represent the idea of a perfect, ideal world, free from conflict and suffering. We've been comparing these fictional societies with our own, questioning whether elements of both dystopia and utopia can be seen in the world around us today. We have focused on how the themes of control, power, and resistance in The Hunger Games reflect the struggles for freedom and justice in our own society, encouraging us to think critically about the world we live in and the future we want to create.
History: Part of Our Study of WW1—Life in the Trenches
As part of our ongoing study of World War I, we’ve been diving deep into what life was really like in the trenches during the war. From the constant threat of enemy fire to the harsh conditions soldiers endured, we’ve been learning about the sacrifices made by so many during this difficult period in history and discussed how life in the trenches shaped the lives of those who fought.
Science: Investigating the Conductivity of Electricity
In science class this week, we’ve been investigating the conductivity of electricity. Students have been experimenting with different materials to determine which ones conduct electricity and which ones act as insulators. We have studied the properties of metals and tested metals and non-metals to see how electricity flows through various substances.
This hands-on experiment not only taught us about how electricity works but also gave us a deeper understanding of the role of conductors and insulators.
And of Course... Sunshine!
Amid all the learning, we’ve also made sure to take full advantage of the gorgeous weather. Whether its regular movement breaks outside in the sunshine, taking breaks for a quick ball game, or simply enjoying some fresh air, it’s clear that the sunshine has made a big difference in our energy levels and overall mood.
We’ve discovered that being outside not only makes learning more enjoyable but also boosts creativity and helps with focus. The combination of sunshine, fresh air, and engaging classroom activities has made for a perfect blend of learning and fun.
As the weeks roll on, we’re excited to continue exploring new topics, trying new activities, and making the most of the time we have in the classroom. There’s always something new to discover, and with the sun shining, it feels like there’s no limit to the possibilities!
Mrs Smith, Miss Shaw and Mrs Gul
JSH PIC
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Passionate STARs
Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Ivy for settling into her new class and making new friends.
Mrs Lerigo’s HWA We are Passionate STAR is Nico for being passionate about reading.
Miss Boothroyd’s STAR of the week is Max for settling into his new class so well and trying his hardest in his lessons.
Miss Boothroyd’s HWA We are Passionate STAR is Ethan for his amazing 3D Elmer the Elephant. Ethan tried so hard with this and really thought about the colours he was using.
Mrs Sutcliffe’s STAR of the week is Jack for being a really lovely friend, giving cuddles and helping a friend he saw was upset.
Miss Sutcliffe’s HWA We are Passionate STAR is Teddy for being such a passionate writer. He has done such amazing writing this week. We have loved reading all the 'books' he has made!
Miss Oakley’s STAR of the week is Libby for being a rhyming superstar in English this week.
Miss Oakley’s HWA We are Passionate STAR is Winter for being so brave coming to the farm and enjoying herself on outdoor education.
Miss Bailey’s STAR of the week is Everyone for being absolute superstars on the farm trip!
Miss Pietraszewska’s STAR of the week is Diana for being a superstar while learning about food chains in science! Great work, Diana!
Miss Pietraszewska’s HWA We are Passionate STAR is Olivia for doing great in English, learning about similes, and having an amazing week overall! Great job, Olivia!
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Kai for coping really well with changes on the farm trip.
Mr Corrigan’s HWA We are Passionate star is Lewis for working extremely hard on some tricky maths this week.
Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Simisola and Matthew. Well done!
Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is David for showing his class his passions and sharing his values.
Miss Tootill’s HWA We are Passionate STAR is Jack for his fantastic engagement in class.
Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Oscar for 10/10 spellings!
Miss Gittins’ HWA We are Passionate STAR is Brooke for being a consistent role model to others.
Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is Freya for helping a new starter to feel comfortable in their new school.
Miss Matthew’s HWA We are Passionate STAR is Jacob for his resilience and for progress made in his personal targets.
Scientists of the week is Blaire from Miss Matthew’s class.
Well done to our secondary Hollinwood Academy STARs this week:
PICS Secondary stars
Next week, on Tuesday 6th May we have our second Parents’ Evening session for our primary, year 9 and year 10 families that will be held at school, face to face, from 3:20pm – 6:50pm.
As I have mentioned, this will be my last weekly blog for Hollinwood Academy as Miss Gordon will be sharing the weekly exciting news, as I start to concentrate on Heywood Academy, with the pending opening date being September 2025. I have loved sharing the weekly blog with families and stakeholders for the past 8 years as I am so proud, week in and week out, of the achievements of our amazing children and young people, which I love to showcase. I will certainly be checking in every week to see what exciting and fun activities our children and young people are taking part in.
As the Executive Headteacher for Hollinwood and Heywood Academy, I will be splitting my time between both schools and checking in weekly with the senior leadership team and the children, young people, staff and families. It is a really exciting time and I feel extremely privileged to lead both schools. Thank you to our families for your continued support and I know that this will continue into the next phase of Hollinwood Academy.
I hope you have a lovely, long bank holiday weekend and the sun keeps shining for us and we welcome everybody back on site on Tuesday 6th May.
Mrs Millard
