Heywood Academy Friday 16th October Weekly Update
This week has been another fantastic week at Heywood Academy, with exciting opportunities for our students to share their ideas and help shape innovative learning tools.
We were delighted to welcome an app designer from Everyone Reads into school to work directly with our students. Everyone Reads is an innovative reading platform that we have recently begun trialing at Heywood Academy. Research has shown that the app can improve reading ages by up to six months over a ten-week period, making it a valuable resource in supporting literacy development.
During the visit, the app designer met with our students to gather their thoughts, ideas and feedback on improvements to the app. This provided an opportunity for our young people to have their voices heard and contribute to the future development of a product that supports readers across the country.
Over the past few weeks, we have been carrying out lesson observations across Heywood Academy, and it has been amazing to see the outstanding teaching taking place in our classrooms every day. The dedication, expertise, and care shown by our teachers, and teaching assistants, have a phenomenal impact on our students' progress, confidence, and achievement. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all of our staff for their continued commitment and passion. The difference you make to our students' lives each day is remarkable.
Mrs. Mcmanus
Ms. Nicholson’s weekly update
It has been another busy and creative week in both Food Technology and Art, with students developing their practical skills, knowledge, and creativity across all year groups.
Food Technology:
Year 7 students have been learning about the four ways food can become contaminated, exploring how bacteria, chemicals, allergens, and physical contaminants can affect food safety. They discussed the importance of good hygiene practices and how to keep food safe when preparing meals.
Year 8 students demonstrated excellent practical skills while making falafel using food processors. They carefully combined ingredients, developed their understanding of food preparation techniques, and produced some delicious results. It was great to see students growing in confidence when using kitchen equipment safely and effectively.
Year 9 students focused on nutrition, learning about macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They explored the important roles these nutrients play in maintaining health and wellbeing, helping them make informed choices about a balanced diet.
Art:
Year 7 students have begun creating wax resist jellyfish paintings. They have been practising blending techniques and experimenting with colour to create beautiful underwater-inspired artwork. The early results already show impressive creativity and developing painting skills.
Year 8 students combined drawing and photography by producing detailed observational drawings of technological items before photographing their chosen objects. This project has encouraged careful observation, attention to detail, and an understanding of composition.
Year 9 students celebrated World Food Day through an exciting Pop Art project. Inspired by artists such as Andy Warhol, they explored the relationship between food and art by photographing everyday food items, including bananas and soup cans, before editing their images in a bold Pop Art style.
Photography:
Year 10 Photography students have been busy taking professional staff portraits for our school displays. Students have shown excellent maturity and professionalism while setting up and working with studio lighting equipment. They have developed valuable photography and workplace skills while helping to create a consistent set of staff photographs for use around the school.
Ms. Nicholson
Ms. Zobenica’s weekly update
It has been another exciting and active week across PE and Outdoor Education, with students taking part in a wide range of sporting and community-based opportunities. Shout-out to our fabulous year 7s as one team achieved 3rd place in the bowling tournament and the other two teams as runners-up. A huge congratulations to Ethan for being second highest scorer of the day!! 🏆
In school this week students have recently begun exploring the exciting sport of table cricket. We were fortunate to welcome the Lancashire Cricket Foundation into school, who delivered an engaging introduction session. Students thoroughly enjoyed learning the rules, developing their skills, and experiencing this inclusive sport for the first time.
Year 9 have been focusing on netball, studying the different playing positions, and applying their knowledge during competitive game situations. It has been fantastic to see students demonstrating an understanding of tactical play and teamwork.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students have brought plenty of energy and enthusiasm to their lacrosse lessons. They have been developing their stick skills through a variety of drills and challenges, with a competitive spirit shining through.
Our Outdoor Education students have continued to engage with their local community and environment through a range of enriching activities.
Year 7 enjoyed a walk to the local woods in Roch Valley. During their visit, they took photographs of interesting features they discovered along the way and spent time appreciating the benefits of being out in nature. The walk provided a wonderful opportunity for students to develop their observation skills while enjoying the outdoors.
Year 8 have continued their efforts to help keep our community clean, with a particular highlight coming from 8G. The class organised an eco-event in collaboration with Hollinwood Academy, taking responsibility for contacting the school via email and selecting an area to litter pick. Students from both schools worked collaboratively throughout the event, and it was fantastic to see new friendships and connections being formed. We look forward to working alongside Hollinwood Academy again in the future.
Year 9 visited Queen’s Park as part of a photography project focused on capturing images that reflect their local community. Students demonstrated creativity and a keen eye for detail while exploring the park and documenting their surroundings.
Year 10 travelled to the Sports Village, where they received a guided tour and participated in an informative session about healthy hearts. The visit helped students develop their understanding of physical activity, fitness and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Miss Zobenica
Ms. Grace’s weekly update
A Fantastic Week for 8G! 🌟
8G have had another brilliant week of learning! In Science, students have been working hard to finish their specialised cell models and have started carefully adding labels to identify the different parts. It has been fantastic to see them taking pride in their work and persevering with the finer details. 🔬🧬
We also had a very exciting opportunity this week after 8G invited Hollinwood Academy to join us for a litter-picking meet-up at Chadderton Park. We were delighted when they accepted our invitation and came along! Our 8G students met up with Year 11 students and were friendly, polite and welcoming towards one another. It was lovely to see everyone working together and enjoying the opportunity to make a positive difference to the local area. 🌳🗑️💚
Well done, 8G! We are very proud of your hard work, kindness and positive attitude this week! ⭐
Ms. Grace
Ms. Thompson’s weekly update
This last week has seen us finishing off our 3D cell models. Some of us have made animal cells, and others, plant cells. We look forward to presenting the final products next week.
In Maths we have been learning about algebra and understanding how letters can be used in the place of number. It’s been a good challenge for us and we are doing well with this.
Our description writing, in English, has been coming on in leaps and bounds! We have been using some lovely, adventurous vocabulary and being innovative by creating our own mystery worlds.
Compass points have been our focus in Geography and we have been playing games in class involving direction, whilst in History, we have been learning about Roman and Medieval sanitation. We were shocked at the filthy state that the streets were in and that waste was thrown out of a window! Watch your head!
We have also been really good at pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones and trying new things like dodgeball and badminton during Boot Camp with Miss Zobenica in the mornings.
We seem to have settled into life at Heywood Academy and feel like we’ve been there much longer than we actually have. The students are telling me that they are very happy here, have enjoyed their first term and made some nice new friends.
Ms. Thompson
Mrs. Kaysor’s Science Blog
🧪 Year 7 Science
7A
This week, students have been learning about the difference between mass and weight, as well as exploring the effects of friction. They have worked hard to apply these ideas to a range of scientific scenarios and are preparing well for their upcoming Forces assessment next week.
7T
Students have been studying diffusion and investigating the factors that affect the rate of diffusion, including temperature and concentration. They have shown great enthusiasm for the topic and will be completing an assessment on the Particle Model next week.
🔬 Year 8 Science
8K
This week, 8K have been learning the symbols used for electrical components and developing their skills in drawing and interpreting series and parallel circuits. They have made excellent progress in understanding how electrical circuits work.
8G
Students have moved on to learning about the major organs of the human body, including their functions and locations. They have been developing a greater understanding of how different organs work together to keep our bodies healthy.
🌱 Year 9 Science
Year 9 students have been exploring the rock cycle and learning about the valuable materials we obtain from the Earth's crust. They have discussed the importance of these resources in everyday life and gained a deeper understanding of how rocks are formed and recycled over time.
🍽️ Year 10 Science
Year 10 students have continued their Physics studies by learning how to calculate weight, gravitational potential energy, and kinetic energy. They have been practicing their mathematical skills and applying key equations to a variety of scientific problems.
Mrs. Kaysor
Mr. Adams weekly update
KS3
Years 7-9 Computing - #BeeWell Survey
This week, students in Years 7-9 participated in the #BeeWell Survey, a research initiative involving the University of Manchester that explores young people’s wellbeing and experiences.
The survey provided students with an opportunity to reflect on different aspects of their lives, including their emotional wellbeing, relationships, school experiences and sense of belonging. By completing the questionnaire, students contributed to a wider research project designed to help schools and local communities better understand the needs of young people and identify ways to support their wellbeing.
KS4
Year 10 Creative iMedia
Year 10 have continued working on their OCR Cambridge National in Creative iMedia, focusing on the development of logo designs for Skillful Steering Driving School.
Building on their initial sketches, students have been annotating and justifying their six logo concepts. They considered how different design elements, including colour, typography, imagery and layout, communicate meaning and appeal to the intended target audience.
Students also revisited the client brief to explain how their creative decisions address the client’s requirements and the needs of the target audience. This forms an important part of the design process, helping students develop their ability to justify design choices using appropriate media terminology.
Year 10 Employability
There was no BTEC Employability lesson this week, as students participated in the #BeeWell Survey.
Year 10 Personal Growth & Wellbeing
Year 10 have continued their BTEC Personal Growth & Wellbeing studies, focusing on the impact of substance misuse on physical and mental health.
Students used the Talk to Frank website to research the effects of different drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine. They investigated the reasons why individuals might use drugs and explored the potential short-term and long-term consequences.
Activities also considered the wider social implications of drug use, including its effects on families, relationships and communities. This work forms part of the qualification’s focus on maintaining physical health and wellbeing and understanding how lifestyle choices can affect individuals and others.
KS5
Year 12 Esports
Year 12 have continued studying Unit 1: Introduction to Esports as part of their BTEC Level 3 qualification, focusing on Learning Aim A4: Global organisations and bodies involved in esports.
This week, students investigated two major organisations within the competitive esports industry: FACEIT and ESL. They explored the roles these organisations play in providing competitive gaming platforms, organising professional tournaments and supporting the wider esports ecosystem.
Activities focused on understanding how tournament organisers and competitive gaming platforms contribute to the structure and development of esports, including their involvement in competitions, player participation and the professional gaming industry.
Year 12 Enterprise
Year 12 have been putting their enterprise skills into practice by preparing for the school’s upcoming Macmillan Bake Sale, taking place on Friday 23 October at Heywood Academy.
Students have been involved in planning the event, considering the products to be sold, the resources required and how to promote the sale to the school community. Activities have provided opportunities to explore important enterprise skills, including organisation, budgeting, communication and event planning.
The bake sale will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, providing a practical opportunity to apply enterprise skills while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Mr. Adams
Ms. Taylor's weekly update
7A
Wow, what a fantastic week for 7A! The class have performed exceptionally well and should be very proud of their achievements. This week, they have been learning how to solve equations using the balancing method. Students can now confidently solve both one-step and two-step equations, including those with positive and negative solutions. Their hard work and determination have really shone through, and it has been great to see their confidence in algebra continue to grow.
8K
This week, 8K have been working with directed numbers and have made excellent progress. They can now confidently carry out all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) involving negative numbers, while demonstrating a strong understanding of the rules associated with working with negatives. It has been a really impressive week, with students showing great confidence and accuracy in applying these skills to a range of problems. Well done, 8K!
9N
This week, 9N have continued their work on geometry and have shown great determination when tackling more challenging problems. They can now confidently use the formula for the area of a trapezium, even when presented with additional information that is not needed. We have also revisited work on circles from last year, recapping the key terminology and ensuring everyone is confident with the important vocabulary. Students have then applied their understanding of the area of a circle when learning how to calculate the volume of a cylinder. Next week, we will build on this knowledge further by exploring how to calculate the surface area of cylinders and other 3D shapes. Well done, 9N, for another excellent week of learning.
10N
This week, 10N have begun their work on quadratic expressions. Our focus has been on forming quadratic expressions by expanding and simplifying double brackets. Students have developed their understanding of how two linear expressions can be multiplied together to create a quadratic expression. We have then explored the reverse process by factorising quadratics, helping students recognise the link between expanding and factorising. So far, we have concentrated on examples involving positive terms, and the class have made an excellent start to this topic. Next week, we will build on this knowledge by extending our work to include factorising and expanding expressions that contain negative terms. Well done, 10N, on a strong start to this new area of algebra.
Ms. Taylor
Ms. Pugh's weekly update
🌟 Year 12 – Careers, Independence and New Opportunities 🌟
It has been a fantastic and busy time for our Year 12 student, with lots of exciting opportunities to develop independence, employability skills and confidence. We are delighted that he has secured a work placement with the West Yorkshire Dogs Rescue Charity Shop, which he will be starting in the next few weeks! 🐾👏
In preparation for his placement, he has been practising his hot beverage-making skills, helping him build confidence with practical workplace tasks. He also visited Greggs, where he worked on important life skills including independence, making choices, handling money and budgeting. ☕💷
There have been plenty of opportunities to explore the wider world of work too. A visit to Manchester University gave him the chance to experience a live performance by talented pianist Tom Hicks 🎹, while a trip to Heywood Sports Village allowed him to speak with staff about careers and job roles within the fitness and leisure sector. During the visit, he also took part in Restart a Heart, developing his awareness of an important life-saving skill. ❤️
A brilliant range of experiences, all helping to prepare him for adulthood, greater independence and the world of work. We are incredibly proud of the progress he is making and can't wait to see him take this next exciting step into his work placement! 🌟🐾
Ms. Pugh
