Heywood Academy Blog - 26.9.25
Celebrating International Peace Day at Heywood Academy
This week, we celebrated International Peace Day which was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what peace truly means and how we can nurture it within our school.
What Does Peace Mean?
We began our celebrations by exploring the word “peace.”
We learned that peace isn’t just the absence of conflict, it’s about respect, understanding, and making everyone feel safe and valued.
Making Our School a Peaceful Place Together, we discussed how we can make our school a peaceful place to be. Pupils suggested thoughtful actions, such as:
• Welcoming new classmates with a smile
• Listening carefully to others’ ideas
• Using kind words, even when we disagree
• Taking turns and sharing resources
• Looking after our school environment
Our Peace Pledges
To finish our assembly, each class created their own “Peace Pledges.”
Every child wrote or drew a promise about how they will help keep peace in our school. Some pledged to be a good friend, others to help someone who is feeling left out, and many promised to use their words to solve problems.
Year 8 Round Up from Ms Pugh
This week in Food Technology, we’ve been taking part in sensory analysis by tasting a variety of biscuits and rating them based on texture, flavour, and appearance. Most of us were big fans of the biscuits, though custard creams were not everyone’s favourite!
In English, we’ve been getting creative by designing our own monsters using descriptive writing techniques. We focused on using adjectives, noun phrases, and adverbs to really bring our creatures to life, and then used an AI generator to see what they would look like!
Wednesday was extra special as we had our first minibus outing to Queen's Park in Heywood. We spent time in nature: feeding geese, counting squirrels, collecting leaves for our clay forest models, and enjoying the sunshine, while watching people play bowls. A lovely day out!
In Maths, we’ve continued exploring linear and non-linear sequences, getting to grips with patterns and how to describe them mathematically.
Over in Science, we’ve been investigating states of matter, looking at how temperature affects molecules and causes changes between solids, liquids, and gases. In Art, we’ve been working with oil based pastels to recreate the work of artist Jim Dine, focusing on his monogramming of tools.
We chose to bring everyday objects to life through bold colour and texture, with many of us drawing scissors and wrenches in our own unique style.
Year 8 Round Up
Outdoor education Ms Zobenica’s update
As the autumn leaves begin to fall and the crisp air settles in, our students have been making the most of the beautiful outdoors and showing great enthusiasm in their physical education lessons.
This week in Outdoor Education, our Year 7 students took a scenic walk around Roch Valley, exploring the rich wildlife and learning more about the natural environment right on our doorstep.
Meanwhile, Years 8 and 9 visited Queen’s Park, where they discovered the fantastic leisure activities available to our community. From feeding the birds to simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, it was a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to have such spaces nearby.
In PE, our students have impressed us with their teamwork, resilience, and determination.
Year 7 and Year 9 have been introduced to the fast paced and fun world of dodgeball, while Year 8 have been honing their netball skills, showing great focus and collaboration. It’s been a joy to see our young people engaging so positively with both nature and sport.
These experiences not only support their physical health but also nurture their social skills, confidence, and appreciation for the world around them.
Curriculum Highlights and Upcoming Events from Ms Crossley
This term, students have been engaging in a wide range of exciting learning across the curriculum. In English, Year 9 have been studying the Gothic novel The Woman in Black, exploring how writers create atmosphere and tension.
Year 8 have also been working with extracts from Gothic texts, while Year 7 have been developing their love of reading by choosing and reviewing their own books.
In History, our younger students are taking a thematic approach: Year 7 are investigating the history of water through time, and Year 8 are studying London’s development across the centuries.
Year 9 are focusing on the First World War, considering its causes, impact, and legacy. In RSE, all year groups are reflecting on the theme of diversity in society, encouraging respect, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate National Poetry Day, giving students the chance to explore and share their creativity with words. We will also be taking part in UK Parliament Week, where pupils will learn more about democracy, debate, and the importance of having their voices heard.
More on this to come!
Ms Nicholson’s update!
Creative Explorations in Year 9: Pop Art & Biscuit Tasting!
This week in Art, our talented Year 9 students have been diving into the vibrant world of Pop Art. Using oil pastels, they created mono prints inspired by popular symbols, and the results were fantastic! From bold colours to imaginative patterns, each piece highlighted the students’ creativity and flair.
It was wonderful to see how confidently they experimented with this expressive style. Meanwhile, in Food Technology, students have been sharpening their senses through Sensory Analysis of different biscuits. They explored the appearance, texture, smell, taste, and even the sound of each treat. The clear favourite...Chocolate Hobnobs, of course!
The activity sparked great discussion and lots of enthusiasm (and maybe a few crumbs too!). It’s been a week full of colour, creativity, and curiosity.... well done, Year 9!
Mr Lord’s weekly update
As we move through the term, our students continue to explore exciting concepts in both Maths and Science, building their confidence and curiosity along the way.
Maths: Sequences and Number Properties Our learners in Maths have been diving into the world of sequences, learning to identify both linear and non-linear patterns.
They have begun investigating term-to term rules, helping them understand how sequences progress and how to predict future terms. It’s been fantastic to see their analytical skills developing as they tackle these foundational concepts.
Meanwhile, our Year 9 students have wrapped up their topic on the properties of number. Their final lessons focused on interpreting and analysing Venn diagrams, a powerful tool for visualising relationships between sets of numbers.
This has helped them consolidate their understanding in a clear and structured way. Science: States of Matter and Respiration In Science, Year 7 students have continued their exploration of states of matter, focusing on the transformation from liquid to solid. Using simulation software on iPads, they’ve been able to observe these changes at a molecular level, making abstract concepts more tangible and engaging.
Our Year 9 scientists have been studying respiration, both aerobic (with oxygen) and anaerobic (without oxygen). To bring the topic to life, students participated in a hands-on activity to experience the effects of lactic acid buildup in muscles.
Hopefully, their hands have recovered from the exercise, but the learning certainly left a lasting impression!
Wishing you all a lovely weekend and we look forward to seeing you all next week.
Mrs McManus