Heywood Academy Blog - 09.10.2026
What another fabulous week we have had at Heywood Academy!
This week, some of our students took part in a bowling competition, where they were absolutely fantastic. We were incredibly proud of the sportsmanship they demonstrated throughout, supporting and encouraging one another and representing our school brilliantly.
We were also extremely impressed by a passionate and thoughtful proposal from one of our students, who would like to create a beekeeping area within our Forest School. As part of their proposal, they spoke confidently about the potential positive environmental impact on our local area, as well as the wider importance of bees.
It is wonderful to see our students thinking beyond the classroom and considering how they can make a positive difference to their school and local environment.
We have also been delighted to see the continued development of our outdoor spaces at Heywood Academy. Our students have been busy growing their own vegetables and making fantastic use of our outdoor classroom during their Forest School lessons. It is wonderful to see our outdoor areas becoming such valuable spaces for practical, hands-on learning.
Mrs. McManus 
Ms. Nicholson's weekly update
It has been another creative and practical week across Art, Photography and Food Technology, with students producing some fantastic work and developing a range of new skills.
Year 7 Art students have created fantastic research pages inspired by the artist Jason Vincent Scarpace. Through their work, students explored the use of line and pattern, carefully analysing the artist's vibrant marine-themed artwork and incorporating these techniques into their own creative studies.
Year 8 Art students have completed their research pages on Jim Dine, developing their understanding of how to analyse and discuss artwork. A key focus has been learning how to write an art-based opinion, encouraging students to justify their ideas and interpretations using artistic vocabulary.
Year 9 Art students have been creating exciting mixed media outcomes inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat as part of our celebration of Black History Month. Students have explored Basquiat's expressive style, combining a variety of materials and techniques to create bold and personal responses.
In Year 10 Photography, students have been editing the photographs they recently captured around the school site. They have been developing their digital editing skills, learning how professional photographers enhance images through careful adjustments to composition, colour and contrast.
In Food Technology, Year 7 students enjoyed making potato wedges with a sour cream and chive dip. During the practical lesson, they developed their knife skills, explored seasoning techniques and learned how different cooking methods affect the texture and flavour of potatoes.
Year 8 Food Technology students have been learning about different cooking methods that help retain vitamins, exploring how preparation and cooking choices can impact the nutritional value of food.
Year 9 Food Technology students made a delicious three-cheese linguine, focusing on the important culinary technique of reduction. By reducing their sauce, students learned how flavours can be concentrated while achieving the desired consistency, resulting in a rich and creamy final dish.
Ms. Nicholson
Ms. Zobenica's weekly update
A particular highlight for me this week was the Year 7 trip to tenpin bowling. Students thoroughly enjoyed taking part in a game of bowling, demonstrating enthusiasm and excellent behaviour throughout the visit. The trip provided a valuable enrichment opportunity within PE, helping students to develop their social skills, build confidence and strengthen positive relationships with their peers in a fun and supportive environment.
In school, year 7 have learned the techniques required to perform a variety of rolls and have begun working with ribbons, focusing on the different components needed to create an effective sequence.
Year 8 started practising shooting in basketball, concentrating on using the correct technique to improve accuracy and consistency.
Year 9 have further developed their netball skills and have successfully applied the rules they have learned in competitive game situations.
Year 10 have been working on their stick-handling techniques in lacrosse, building confidence and control during play.
In Outdoor Education, students have been exploring our local community. Year 7 completed a local walk, identifying different features in the town. They were sensible and safe whilst walking by the roadside, improving their independence.
Year 8 are continuing to work on their eco-project to help keep our local community clean. Both classes have now completed a litter pick and visited the library, where they created posters and discussed practical ways to be more sustainable. This week, 8G will be developing their letter-writing to organise a litterpicking event. Year 9 have visited the Cherwell Centre this week, where they carried out risk assessments as part of their visit. Students discussed how to keep themselves safe and identified ways to reduce potential risks through careful planning and assessment. They then had the opportunity to enjoy the facilities, meet the animals and spend time socialising with their peers, making it an enjoyable and valuable experience for all involved. Year 10 have continued exploring ways they can keep fit in the community. The students visited Springfield park to look at the free facilities available to the public. We discussed different uses for the facilities and how accessible it is for everyone to use.
Miss Zobenica
Ms. Thomas' weekly update
There has been a lot of cross over between D&T and Forest School this week as we start preparing for our first festive celebration – Halloween!
KS3 - Students have been looking at the artist Kate Malone who makes pumpkin inspired ceramic art and using her work as inspiration for them to make their own pumpkin pots. These can be used as tea lights or as pen holders and some of the students have taken their designs a step further making super spooky sculptures and monsters!
We are enjoying the last of our summer produce from the veg beds with a Noah harvesting a fantastic carrot and the last of the courgettes are ripening nicely. The lettuces are looking great and there are beetroots on the go. Mrs Needham kindly donated some strawberries so they will be planted next week – ready for us to enjoy in spring.
Our bug hotel is nearly complete so our Environment Leaders will start their next task which is helping us to achieve Green Tree School Awards Platinum. They will become Woodland Ambassadors and as part of their role they will be contributing to future blog posts so watch this space for their contributions!
Ms. Thomas
Mrs Kaysor’s Science Blog
Year 7 Science
7A
This week, 7A have begun their exciting new topic on Forces. Students have been exploring the different forces that act on objects and have demonstrated a growing understanding of how forces influence movement in everyday life.
7T
7T have been learning about states of matter and how substances can change from one state to another. They have explored processes such as melting, freezing, evaporation and condensation, building a strong foundation in this key scientific concept.
Year 8 Science
8K
8K have started a new topic on Charge and Current. Students have been learning about electric charge, current and potential difference, and have begun to investigate how these work together in electrical circuits.
8G
8G have been studying animal and plant cells, focusing on the similarities and differences between them. They have explored the functions of various subcellular structures.
Year 9 Science
As part of their Earth and Atmosphere topic, Year 9 students have been learning about the three main types of rock: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. They have explored how each type is formed, examined real-world examples, and discussed their uses in everyday life.
Year 10 Science
Year 10 students have made an excellent start to their new Energy topic in Physics. This week, they have been learning about the different energy stores and how energy can be transferred between them.
Ms. Kaysor
Mr. Adams’ Weekly Update
KS3
Years 7-9 Computing: E-Safety
This week, students have continued exploring e-safety, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and protecting personal information online. Students investigated common online threats, including phishing, scams, malware and unauthorised access to accounts. Activities focused on recognising suspicious messages and websites, understanding the importance of strong passwords and exploring how two-factor authentication can help keep accounts secure. Students also considered practical steps they can take to protect their personal information when using the internet.
KS4
Year 10 Creative iMedia
Year 10 have continued working on their OCR Cambridge National in Creative iMedia, focusing on the planning and design of a logo for Skillful Steering Driving School. Students started to develop detailed sketches based on the client brief, building on their earlier mood boards and initial design ideas. They explored different approaches to typography, imagery and composition, producing thumbnail sketches to compare possible designs. The activities focused on ensuring that design choices were appropriate for the target audience and met the requirements of the client brief.
Year 10 Employability
In BTEC Employability, students have continued exploring the skills and behaviours required in different job roles. This week, they investigated the responsibilities of a community nurse and a teacher, using videos to explore what each role involves. Students identified important workplace skills, including communication, empathy, patience and time management, and considered why these are essential in different working environments. They also explored some of the challenges associated with each profession and discussed how employees might overcome them.
Year 10 Personal Growth & Wellbeing
Year 10 have continued their BTEC Personal Growth & Wellbeing studies, focusing on the effects of alcohol on physical and mental health. Students used the Drinkaware website to research the consequences of alcohol consumption, including alcohol dependency and its impact on individuals, families and communities. They explored both the short-term and long-term health implications and considered how alcohol can influence behaviour and decision-making. Students organised their research into presentations to communicate key information about the risks associated with alcohol consumption. Several students presented to their peers during the lesson.
KS5
Year 12 Esports
Year 12 have continued studying Unit 1: Introduction to Esports as part of their BTEC Level 3 qualification. This week, the focus has been on Learning Aim A, specifically A4: Global organisations and bodies involved in esports. Students investigated the roles of major games publishers, including Epic Games, Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard and Riot Games, alongside global technology and esports organisations.
Mr. Adams
Ms. Taylor's weekly update
7A
I am incredibly proud of how well the class performed in their recent assessment. A huge well done to everyone for their hard work and achievement. This week, we have continued our work on algebra, focusing on identifying and combining like terms. Students have used this knowledge to simplify algebraic expressions confidently. To reinforce their learning, they took part in an engaging algebra treasure hunt along the Maths corridor, applying their skills in a fun and interactive way.
8K
This week, we have focused on the metric system and measuring length. Students have practised converting between different metric units and applied these skills when working with scale drawings. They have also explored why certain units are more appropriate than others in different real-life situations, helping them develop a better understanding of measurement and its applications.
9N
This week, 9N have been investigating 3D shapes. They have become familiar with key mathematical terminology and can identify the different faces that make up the nets of various solids. To consolidate their understanding, they completed a loop investigation that encouraged them to apply their knowledge of these properties and features.
10C
10C have worked extremely well, continuing their work on algebra, with a focus on solving and representing inequalities. Students have learnt how to solve inequalities and accurately display their solutions on a number line. Towards the end of the week, they also began rearranging formulae by changing the subject of algebraic equations, drawing on the range of algebraic skills they have developed over recent weeks.
Ms. Taylor
Ms. Pugh's update
📚 Oldham Sixth Form College Visit 🎓
Our Year 10 students recently visited Oldham Sixth Form College as part of their careers education programme, giving them the opportunity to explore a range of Post-16 education and training pathways.
During the visit, students spent time in the Sports, Arts & Culture, and Science departments, gaining a valuable insight into the courses and facilities available. They also had the chance to tour all three college campuses, where they met and spoke with current students about college life and their experiences.
We were incredibly proud of how our students conducted themselves throughout the day. They asked thoughtful and well-prepared questions to college staff, demonstrating their growing awareness of the options available to them and helping them make informed decisions about their future pathways.
A huge thank you to Oldham Sixth Form College for hosting us and providing such an informative and inspiring experience.
Ms. Pugh
