HWA Blog - 28.03.2024
As we finish for the spring term I would like to share with you the children and young people who received a Head Teacher’s Award for this half term. Well done to you all and keep up the hard work…
Headteacher's Awards - 28.3.24
On Wednesday we participated in an Easter Egg Hunt around the school site that the student council organised. We welcomed the return of Hartley from Dr Kershaw’s, many of our children recognised him and were eager to interact and welcome him to school.
We searched for pictures of numbered eggs and embraced being outside and active before our half term. Whilst completing the hunt, we raised funds to support Dr Kershaw’s Hospice by wearing bunny ears as we hopped, skipped and jumped around the route. The funds raised aim to provide the vital help and support doctors and nurses provide for patients who require care, comfort and dignity in our community at a time when they are vulnerable and need our help the most.
I would just like to thank all our student council children, young people and Dr Kershaw’s for a fantastic day and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Also, a big thank you to Miss Tootill and Miss Bramley for organising this event and to Miss Rashid and Miss Harrington for running our school council sessions as they really do have a positive impact on student voice and life here at Hollinwood Academy.
Easter Activities
On Thursday we celebrated Super Learning Day to complete the end of term. Our focus of the day was based on Easter and New Beginnings, as part of our religious offer at Hollinwood Academy we explore how Christianity and Hinduism recognise our key focus. The day was filled with class-based activities that enabled our children and young people to discuss religious teachings and to recognise different beliefs. Thank you to everyone who contributed and created another fabulous opportunity for our children to become ambition learners.
Classes across the school welcomed Mark from Sync to deliver iPad workshops, enriching the learning experience for the children and young people. The workshops provided an opportunity for everyone to explore the creative potential of technology in education.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage and Miss Natalia's class, the workshop focused on the use of Apple Clips. The children were engaged in using the app to record and narrate a story based on the popular tale of the Hungry Caterpillar. This hands-on activity allowed the children to enhance their storytelling skills while utilising modern technological tools.
Miss Gittens' class delved into the concept of Life Cycles through the use of Clips. The children creatively showcased their understanding of this scientific process using digital media skills.
In a similar vein, Miss Tootill's class explored an Easter theme through the lens of technology. By using Clips, the children were able to craft a narrative that reflected the essence of the Easter season.
Ms Nuttall's class delved into the realm of Myths and Legends by using the iMovie app. The young people demonstrated their understanding of these traditional tales through digital storytelling, merging creativity with historical narratives.
Lastly, Mrs Jones’ class utilised iMovie to create a captivating story that showcased their knowledge and creativity. The workshop not only enhanced the young people’s digital literacy skills but also fostered their ability to communicate ideas effectively through visual storytelling.
Overall, the iPad workshops provided a platform for the children and young people to unleash their creativity, develop digital skills, and enhance their learning experience. The integration of technology in education continues to be a valuable tool in preparing our students for the dynamic world ahead.
iPad Photos
Let’s see what some of the classes have been doing starting with Miss Oakley’s class…
"Wow! What an amazing fun filled week we have had in COY and we have been so excited to share with you all.
In COY we are working hard on independence and communication. We try to practice this in all areas of our learning even from the beginning of the day in our morning routine. We are using snapcore to say good morning alongside singalong, what day it is and what the weather is like. We are getting very confident using the iPads and are doing amazing at finding and getting their own coats for our morning walk. We are requesting items and objects from all over the classroom, from sand to pop up pirate, it has been amazing to see the children thrive in their new environment and take these skills and transfer them to their home life.
This week has been all about the celebration of Easter. Let’s start with our sensory story. We have made a poem about the Easter bunny, about him jumping, hiding chocolate and even pooing on the grass! The sensory stories bring words to life for our children by letting them engage with physical items and being involved in a sensory experience. They jumped on the trampoline just like the Easter bunny and found and ate chocolate that the bunny hid. Once we have explored and listened to the story we head straight to the tuff trays, we had flour eggs which then using food colouring we made beautiful patterns. We also had a sensory tray filled with rice, feathers, and baskets. We scooped, poured, tipped to fill and empty the baskets with the items.
In our communication lessons we are focusing on key words ‘open, give and pour’. We use see through containers with symbols on the top to encourage these key words.
Inside the containers are interesting items for the children to explore. This week we have had plastic Easter eggs, filled with different Easter treats including bunny’s, Pom poms, feathers, lambs and even glitter. It has been incredible to see all the children waiting for their turn and working in a group to create a wonderful sensory tray.
It would not be Easter without baking yummy, tasty treats. The children have worked amazingly whilst making Easter nests, mixing chocolate, and stirring the cornflakes together. All whilst requesting items they would like on top using snapcore. Not only were they working on requesting but determination by not trying to sneak a mini egg!!
It has been wonderful watching you all develop your voice using technology and symbols. You are all incredible!
Wishing everyone a great Easter from Chloe, Emily and Libby."
COY - 28.3.24
Now to Mrs Jones’ form…
"It’s now just a few weeks until the GCSE exams officially start, every lesson counts and we’ve been making great strides with our work.
In Maths, we’ve been going over areas we need to work on, practicing old exam questions. These questions mostly include algebraic equations, along with mixed fractions and number facts.
In English, we have been going over text extracts and answering GCSE style questions, these texts include “Young and Dyslexic,” “Indian Relay,” and “127 Hours.”
In Science, we have been revising for our exams.
We have also been making great progress with our class scrapbook, hopefully this can be a nice way to store memories from year 11.
This week we have had lots of one -off events such as the Bunny Hop and an IPAD lesson from Apple Sync where we presented our Geography coursework using the app ICLIPS.
In ICT this week we visited New Bridge College where we took photographs of the Gym to help promote their website.
On Wednesday afternoon we went for a mindfulness walk around Alexander Park."
RJS - 28.3.24
Now to Mr Challinor’s music lessons…
"Our musical talent is growing at HWA – there are some very talented musicians rising through our ranks and Mr Challinor has been so impressed with students this Term.
Primary students have moved on to exploring Keyboards and how to perform chords and songs as a group – they were really grooving along!
Year 7 students have been developing their instrumental skills on both the drum kit and ukuleles – one set of instruments being so loud, the other very peaceful and quiet (I’ll let you guess which!).
Year 8 have explored music for film, looking at how different atmospheres are created through music – they created some fantastic tracks using GarageBand ranging from very spooky to upbeat and uplifting.
Year 9 have been exploring creating music for Artwork that they created in Art lessons, choosing cover songs to perform on instruments of their own choice.
The Choir had a fantastic time at the Young Voices Concert at the AO Arena. They saw Nandi Bushell performing a fantastic rock solo on the drums and enjoyed singing pop tunes, along with songs from Moana and Matilda.
The rock band and music clubs are creating as much noise as they can over lunchtimes – we have some really great musicians here at Hollinwood!"
SCR - 28.3.24
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA Creative STARs...
Mrs Lerigo’s STAR of the week is Albi-Lee for amazing work in all his learning! Super young man!!
Mrs Lerigo’s HWA Creative STAR is Effy for amazing work threading pipe cleaners on an easter egg!
Miss Pietraszewska’s STARs of the week are the whole class for trying their best this term and progressing in everything they do. Well done, all.
Miss Oakley’s STARs of the week are the whole class for participating amazingly in the bunny hop and easter egg hunt.
Miss Bailey’s STARs of the week are the whole class for a wonderful Spring Term. Well Done Everyone!
Miss Bailey’s HWA Creative STAR is Cody for outstanding progress with his communication throughout this half term. Well Done Cody, we are all so proud of you!
Mrs Quinn’s STAR of the week is Riley for his fantastic number recognition during our ‘easter bunny hop’ yesterday and my creative star is Kai for working towards his new target by letting his learning take place in a different environment.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the week is Faiha for a great work ethic and positive attitude to learning this week.
Mr Corrigan’s HWA Creative star is Mysha for some wonderful independent Easter artwork this week.
Mr Corrigan’s WOW moments go to Maya and Lewis. Well done!
Miss Boothroyd and Miss McDonald’s STAR of the week is Logan for always being amazing and being the perfect role model.
Miss Boothroyd and Miss McDonald’s HWA Creative STAR is David for his creativity in his English work this week.
Miss Hulme’s STAR of the week is George for having a fabulous week and trying his best in all lessons.
Miss Hulme’s HWA Creative STAR is Derry for creating a fabulous diary entry in our English lessons.
Mrs Davies’ STAR of the week is Maleek for improved engagement and completing all tasks this week.
Miss Gittins’ STAR of the week is Mia for an amazing week of learning!
Miss Gittins’ HWA Creative STAR is Zakariya for designing and creating a fantastic mini beast hotel!
Miss Matthew’s STAR of the week is Renico for his much improved target towards having patience within class.
Miss Matthew’s HWA Creative STAR is Gerard for his entry to the science competition.
Miss Tootill’s STAR of the week is Jackson for using all his skills from English to create a fantastic diary entry.
Miss Tootill’s HWA Creative STAR is Madison for using all her skills from English to create a fantastic diary entry.
STARS of the Week (28.3.24)
Our scientist of the week is Logan. Well done.
Also, well done to Gerard for his participation in the British Science Competition.
The pastoral team have been looking at recent positive improvement with behaviours and wanted to recognise these changes with achievement certificates. The Pastoral team is here to promote these positives and support our students across the school.
We are all very proud of the effort we have observed from students this term and hope this continues next term.
Happy Easter break from the pastoral team.
Miss Gordon is thrilled with the attendance this half term as she handed out over 180 Attendance certificates to children and young people who achieved 90% and above attendance. Please congratulate your child and continue to encourage excellent attendance to school. I am really proud of the developments made this term and I look forward to seeing further progress next term.
Attendance Photos - 28.3.24
On Thursday morning, we celebrated a thank you breakfast for all our fabulous staff at Hollinwood Academy as staff wellbeing is extremely important to us.
Have a lovely Easter break and I look forward to welcoming the children and young people back on Monday 15th April 2024.
Happy Easter!
Mrs Millard
