HWA Blog - 30.1.26
It has been a great week. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting several classes across school, and everywhere I went I saw evidence of exceptional hard work and determination.
Thank you to all the staff who have brought children and young people to my office to proudly share their achievements. I’ve celebrated such a wide range of successes from story writing and e-safety projects, to using the toilet independently for the first time, wearing the correct uniform, saying their very first word, and even making a first request using assistive technology.
Every accomplishment, big or small, is a reminder of the incredible journey each child is on. I’ve seen so many moments of pride, effort, courage, and joy this week and it has been a privilege.
I absolutely love my job, and I am so proud of everyone I work with. But most of all, I am proud of our children and young people. They make it all worthwhile.
Sharing the highlights…
I have a real treat for you this week….
Miss Hobson has been keeping us updated while on her incredible travels, and her latest stop has taken her all the way to Thailand. She recently had the privilege of visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary called ‘Into the wild elephant camp’ where she met female rescue elephants, an experience she described as unforgettable.
From the photos and stories, she has shared, it’s clear just how emotional and powerful the encounter was. These gentle giants seem to leave a lasting impression on everyone who meets them, and Miss Hobson is no exception.
A huge thank you to her for allowing us to share a little piece of her adventure. We love seeing the world through her eyes.
Wishing you a safe onward journey Miss Hobson and please keep sending us your amazing experiences.
NHN - 30.1.26
A brilliant start to track my read…
We’re excited to share an update on Track My Read, our new school-wide initiative designed to promote a love for reading. The children and young people have really embraced it and together they’ve already logged an impressive 5,360 minutes of reading!
It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm building across the school. Whether it’s diving into a favourite story, exploring new authors, or taking quiet moments to read for pleasure, every minute is helping to strengthen reading habits and confidence.
A huge well done to everyone taking part, let’s keep the momentum going.
Let’s see what has been happening in the classroom.
"Miss Hobson’s form has had a good start to the new year in Maths we are working with fractions, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing algebraic fractions. In English we are working with our anthologies, looking at nonfiction and fictional writing preparing for our English GCSE. Science has been all about looking at our digestive system and enzymes in biology. Looking at cells through a microscope.
Students taking ICT have been creating logos for a children’s theme park, justifying design choices for example colour, font, style. Photography students have finished the sweets and desserts assignment for out portfolios and are now working on our photoshops skills to recreate a front cover of a magazine. In Food technology We are continuing to build on the basics for out GCSE’s looking at diets and the eat well guide. We made a cheese and apple quiche from scratch, making the short crust pastry and the fillings.
Spanish has been all about learning how to talk about film and tv genres in Spanish. Music students have been practicing how to play different songs using their chosen instruments. Eco systems have been the focus in Geography.
Outdoor Education has taken us to local parks for walks and going into the cafés to order a drink from the counter and sit and a have a chat for leisure. Soon be visiting local colleges and sixth forms to look at our next destinations in further education.
ECHP/RSE/Employability we have been writing CV’s and looking at different career paths in Employability. In RSE and EHCP we have been looking at navigating mental health with some neuroscience thrown in!
In PE we have been keeping fit with circuit training: performing 4-6 exercises consecutively to improve overall fitness and health.
We are looking forward to what the rest of the spring term brings."
KHN - 30.1.26
In Miss Natalia’s class…
"We’ve had a fantastic week full of hands‑on learning and happy moments!
In English, we continued exploring Goldilocks and the Three Bears through sequencing, role‑play and simple sentence work. The children enjoyed using textures like soft fabrics and cushions to bring parts of the story to life.
In Phonics, we revisited Set 1 sounds and learned new ones such as ow, ee, ay, oo and igh. The children took part in sensory phonics activities, craft tasks and lots of blending practice—it's been wonderful to see their engagement.
In Maths, we explored numbers up to 8, as well as “1 more” and “1 less.” We also investigated mass and capacity using balance scales, water trays and containers of different sizes to compare heavy and light, and more and less. These activities were definitely some of our favourites—lots of sand and water… perfect!
In Science, the children took part in exciting water experiments, testing which objects float or sink and exploring how different containers hold and transport water. Lots of hands‑on experimenting—yes please!
We also enjoyed Art, creating imaginative 3D sculptures and exploring different materials, along with our daily fine‑motor play, yoga sessions and interactive games. One of our favourites this week was building teamwork by creating a den that we could all hide in together!
We’re looking forward to even more lovely learning in the weeks to come."
NPA - 30.1.26
And now to Mr Gold’s class...
"8PGD have continued with the great start they had made to their year 8 journey.
In science they have been completing an assessed practical that will go towards their Entry Level Science qualification. They planned, carried out, presented the data and evaluated an investigation into how light intensity effects the rate of photosynthesis
In Art the students have been learning about Hundertwasser by using a wax resist technique to create lines and spirals and drawing skills to replicate the work of Hundertwasser using very creative ideas and beautiful colours.
In English they have been recreating War Horse by analysing and acting as the different characters, it's been fun listening to the students perform. They have also been recreating a diary entry from Albert's perspective. In the diary entry they have been writing about how he feels about his new horse Joey using quotes from the diary entry in the book.
In EHCP the form has been learning to work as a team. They have enjoyed being creative trying to make the tallest, strongest tower they could out of marsh mallows and pasta.
They have also enjoyed going for a walk in this cold weather and then warming up in the cafe and independently ordering their own drinks and snacks."
PGD - 30.1.26
Now to our amazing SUPER STARs and HWA We are Creative STARs
Mrs Quinn’s and Miss McDonald’s STAR of the week is Cody for brilliant engagement in a variety of activities, showing good focus and determination. Well done.
Mrs Quinn’s and Miss McDonald’s HWA We Are Creative goes to Freddy for following instructions on how to play the identify shapes game and being a great example to peers. Well done.
Mrs Bailey’s HWA We Are Creative goes to Ziyan for fantastic engagement in sensory story this week and building lots of different snow men using loose parts.
Mrs Bailey’s STAR of the Week is Euan - For working hard to communicate your wants and needs using speech, symbols and communication boards – well done!
Miss Boothroyd’s STAR of the Week is Ethan for his amazing 3D sculpture in Art.
Miss Boothroyd’s HWA We Are Creative goes to Isla for still trying even when things have been tricky.
Mrs McDonalds’ and Mrs Bramley’s STAR of the Week is Abdul for being creative in English lessons this week and making a good start on his papier mache Roamn Helmet.
Mrs McDonalds’ and Mrs Bramley’s creative star goes to George for having a wonderful week and being open to learn new self-regulation strategies to help him manage his emotions.
Mrs Matthews’ STAR of the Week is Jaxon for noticing when he needs to take time out and then returning to complete his work.
Mrs Matthews’ We Are Creative STAR goes to Loki for creating an amazing poster on Online safety.
Miss Pietraszewska’ s HWA We Are Creative goes to Sienna for listening to instructions and taking turns during Stage 3 Attention Autism. Amazing work, Sienna!
Miss Pietraszewska’ s STAR of the Week goes to Elsie for using her speech to make a request. Great job, Elsie!
Miss Oakley’s STAR of the Week is Rafael for being independent in his talk4writing this week and remembering the story map.
Miss Oakley’s HWA We Are Creative goes to Winter for being a mathematician and being eager to complete her work all around length and height.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the Week is Teddy B for some great independent maths work this week.
Mr Corrigan’s STAR of the Week is Jack for his great attitude to writing this week.
Mr Corrigan Congratulates Kian for being proud of his friends.
Miss Hulme’s STAR of the Week is Madilyn and Tommy for excellent descriptions of the Gruffalo in English.
Miss Jahnara and Miss Neelum’s STAR of the Week goes to Ace for great engagement during history and his super effort during maths.
Miss Jahnara and Miss Neelum’s HWA We are Creative goes to Simisola for being so kind and caring towards her teachers and friends this week.
Mrs Boylan’s STAR of the Week goes to Kai for working hard and moving up a group in Swimming.
Mrs Boylan’s HWA We are Creative goes to Stanley for being kind to her friend when they needed help.
Miss Davies’s STAR of the Week is Oliver Hill for having amazing engagement this week. Well done.
STARS of the Week (30.1.26)
Well done to everyone.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Miss Gordon.
