Another Fabulous Week at Heywood Academy!
We’ve had another fabulous week at Heywood Academy, with lots to celebrate.
A personal highlight for me this week was being invited into Ms Kaysor’s science lesson, where the students gave presentations on the halogens. I was blown away by how confident and knowledgeable they were. It was fantastic to see them speaking so confidently about their learning and sharing what they knew. Well done to everyone involved!
There has also been lots of excitement around our Student Council elections this week. Our candidates have been busy canvassing for votes, and I have to say, their election videos have been absolutely brilliant! We’ve been so impressed by the effort, confidence and creativity they have shown.
Students will be casting their votes in Friday’s assembly, and our new Student Council representatives will be announced next week.
Watch this space!
Mrs McManus
Ms Kaysor's weekly update
Science Weekly blog
Year 7 Science
7A
7A have been learning about how tiny particles make up all materials around us. They explored how particles behave in solids, liquids, and gases, and used practical models to show how heating and cooling can change the way particles move and spread out. This hands-on work has given them a strong foundation for upcoming lessons on energy and state changes.
7T
7T had an exciting week using bioviewers for the first time. They were able to see real plant and animal cells up close, including important parts like the nucleus and chloroplasts. This experience helped them understand how different cells work and why they are important.
Year 8 Science
8K
8K completed a research project on Noble gases and presented their findings to the class with the headteacher invited as a special guest. Their presentations were outstanding, and the quality of their work showed real dedication and resilience. We are incredibly proud of what they achieved.
8G
8G learned about the differences between metals and non metals and were able to identify some of the properties of metals that make them useful.
Year 9 Science
Year 9 have been learning about embryonic and adult stem cells, exploring how they are used in medicine and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Students engaged thoughtfully with the ethical and scientific aspects of this topic.
Year 10 Science
Year 10 have started a new unit on the digestive system. They have begun learning how food is broken down and absorbed by the body and will continue exploring the organs and processes involved over the next lessons.
Ms Taylor's weekly update
This week 7A have commenced their work on function machines. They understand the terms input and output and are able to use the inverse operation when trying to calculate the input. We have also looked at algebra function machines, using algebraic language and expressions. Some have found this new work both challenging and exciting and I am looking forward to seeing this work develop over the coming year.
8K are now working on direct proportion. The class have explored multiplicative relationships between quantities that are in direct proportion. They have discovered the unitary method, which is a technique to solve multiplicative reasoning problems by finding the value of a single unit and then scaling it.
9N have revised and built on their knowledge of equivalences between fractions, decimals and percentages. We have then explored 10% of an amount and strategies to “build up” other percentages using multiples of 10% or by halving 10% to find 5%. For other percentages, we have divided by 100 to find 1% and then multiplied. We have also used calculators to find more complicated percentages.
Factorising was the start of the week for 10C. They have used bar modelling to support this work, and it also helped to prove that factorising is the inverse of expanding. Towards the end of the week we have moved on to solving equations. Different strategies have been shown and the class have chosen the methods they prefer.
12A have also been working on factorising this week. They commenced with factorising to a single bracket and then oved onto factorising a quadratic. This skill has then been developed further and is now used to solve a quadratic equation. An impressive skill.
Mr. Adams’ Weekly Update
KS3
Years 7-8 Computer Science - Computational Thinking
This week, students have been exploring computational thinking and how it helps us solve problems. They focused on four key concepts: algorithms, decomposition, pattern recognition and abstraction, identifying what each term means and how it can be used. Students then applied decomposition to a computer game, breaking it down into smaller components such as characters, obstacles, controls, scoring and levels. They also considered how breaking a complex task into smaller, manageable parts can make designing and creating a computer game easier.
Year 9 Computer Science – E-Safety
This week, students have been exploring online gaming and the impact that negative interactions can have on emotional wellbeing. Using a scenario about a young person experiencing unkind comments from other players, students considered how online bullying and peer pressure can affect confidence and enjoyment of gaming. They also explored practical strategies for managing difficult situations online, including ways to calm down, respond appropriately and seek support when needed.
KS4
Year 10 iMedia - Mood Boards
This week, students have continued their OCR Cambridge National in Creative iMedia work, focusing on the planning and preparation of their visual identity and digital graphic for Skilful Steering Driving School. Students created mood boards to explore different design ideas, including colours, typography, imagery and visual styles appropriate for the target audience. They also gathered and organised assets to support the development of their designs, considering how these could be used to meet the requirements of the client brief.
Year 10 Employability
This week, students have continued their BTEC Employability work, exploring the skills and behaviours needed for success in the workplace. Using Lord Sugar as a case study, students identified the skills and personal qualities that have contributed to his business career, including decision-making, resilience and ambition. They also researched transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving and time management, before considering how these skills can be applied across different jobs and why they are increasingly important in a changing world of work.
Year 10 Personal Growth & Wellbeing
This week, students have continued exploring the impact of smoking on physical health and wellbeing. Using information from NHS and ASH UK resources, they researched the negative effects of smoking and the benefits of quitting. Students gathered facts and statistics about the financial cost of smoking, including the amount individuals spend on cigarettes each year, and considered the wider impact of smoking on individuals and households.
KS5
Year 12 Esports
This week, students have continued their BTEC Esports studies, focusing on the organisation and structure of the esports industry in the UK. They explored the role of the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie), the National University Esports League (NUEL) and National Student Esports (NSE). Students also examined the differences between commercial and not-for-profit organisations within the esports industry.
Year 12 Personal Growth & Wellbeing
This week, students have been exploring the effects of drug use on physical health and wellbeing. They researched different types of drugs, including cannabis, alcohol and methamphetamine, before identifying reasons why people may use drugs and the potential physical, mental and social consequences. Students also considered the impact of drug use on others and gathered evidence to prepare arguments for a debate about the legalisation of drugs.
Ms Thompson's weekly update
7T have been making up stories this week using our Talk for Writing techniques. Some of our stories have been funny, some silly and some very unusual! We have been having fun and being playful and creative with stories and language. This has made us really excited to write, so watch this space for some amazing creative writing to come from our budding authors.
In Maths we have been looking at sequences and making the next term using concrete objects such as unifix and counters.
Science has been very interesting this week as we have begun a project of making 3D models of animal and plant cells, using paper mache. Watch out for some photos to come.
Ms Thomas' weekly update
Now that we have settled in to the new term, the pace is picking up and it’s been a productive and fun week both inside the classroom and outside in the forest.
D&T
Year 9’s started the week taking part in practical engineering challenges, making bridges out of spaghetti they explored tensile strength and which shapes created the strongest structures. Year 8’s completed their Health and Safety passports and are now ready to start their practical activities. Year 7 impressed me so much with their sewing skills, practicing a range of stitches in preparation for making their monster toys.
Forest
It has been a busy week in the Forest School, following World Clean Up Day on the 20th September, all years have been helping to clear up our forest school area, creating spaces for specific tasks such as den building and creating bug hotels. Our Environment Leaders in Year 10 are taking the lead with creating habitats for mini beasts that will feed into KS3 classes. Drawing on a wide range of skills, it’s been wonderful to see how enthusiastic students are about creating an outdoor space that they enjoy and that benefits our community.
KS5
In Year 12, Employability and Home Cooking are overlapping this week with our student developing their practical cooking skills alongside promotional and organisational skills in order for them to plan and host a fundraising event in the near future– watch this space for more information!
Wishing all our Heywood students and families a wonderful weekend.
Ms Nicholson's weekly update
Food Technology
Year 7 students put their knife skills into practice by creating colourful and healthy fruit salads. They demonstrated excellent food preparation techniques while learning about the importance of hygiene and safe food handling. The finished dishes looked fantastic and gave students the opportunity to explore a variety of fruits and flavours.
Year 8 students focused on nutrition, learning about the different nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy. They explored the functions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water, building a strong foundation for future practical work and making informed food choices.
Year 9 students enjoyed making a comforting classic, macaroni cheese. They developed their skills in sauce making, carefully creating a smooth cheese sauce before combining it with pasta. Students demonstrated excellent organisation and independence throughout the practical lesson.
Art
Year 7 students continued developing their Zentangle techniques. Through creating intricate patterns and designs, students practised control and precision while also experiencing the calming and mindful nature of this artistic process. It was wonderful to see students relaxing their minds and expressing their creativity through pattern work.
Year 8 students created another monoprint, this time incorporating coloured oil pastels to add vibrant tones and interesting textures to their work. They experimented with layering colours and combining different techniques to create unique and expressive outcomes.
Year 9 students are currently working on a polyblock print, designing and carving symbols inspired by Pop Art. Their ideas show bold use of imagery and strong visual impact, reflecting the exciting and energetic style of the movement. We look forward to seeing the finished prints in the coming weeks.
GCSE Photography
Our GCSE Photography students took their learning beyond the classroom, using cameras to explore the school environment through a photographer's eye. Inspired by Cameron R. Nielson, they investigated interesting angles, viewpoints and compositions around the school building. Students experimented with perspective and framing, producing a range of creative images that demonstrate a growing understanding of photographic techniques.
Miss Grace's weekly update
🌟 Celebrating 8G's Fantastic Effort and Learning! 🌟
This week, we would like to give a huge well done to all of the students in 8G for the excellent effort they have been showing across their lessons.
Throughout the week, students have been working hard, listening carefully, and doing their best to engage with their learning. We have seen some fantastic contributions during class discussions, great teamwork, and plenty of perseverance when tasks have been challenging.
Students have shown a positive attitude towards their learning, demonstrating resilience and determination to complete their work and improve their skills. It has been wonderful to see them taking pride in their achievements and celebrating their successes, no matter how big or small.
We are particularly proud of the way 8G have supported one another, shown kindness to their peers, and followed our classroom expectations. Their positive behaviour and willingness to learn have helped create a calm and productive learning environment for everyone.
Keep up the fantastic work, 8G! We are incredibly proud of your hard work, enthusiasm, and progress. We look forward to seeing what you achieve next. ⭐
Ms Zobenica's weekly update
Students have made an excellent start to their sporting units this term. Year 7 have begun exploring gymnastics and dance, Year 8 have started basketball, Year 9 netball, and Year 10 lacrosse. Across all year groups, students have participated enthusiastically, shown a positive attitude to learning, and demonstrated a promising level of skill development from the outset.
In Outdoor Education students across all years have continued their exploration of the local community, considering potential hazards and evaluating how different areas could be improved. They engaged well in discussions, showing an increasing awareness of community safety and environmental responsibility. Year 12 students have been researching a range of organisations within the local area to identify potential voluntary work opportunities. We discussed different job roles available within these organisations and compiled a list of placements that particularly appealed to the students' interests and career aspirations.
Ms. Crossley's weekly update
This Week in English: From Instructions to Poetry
This week, our Talk for Writing work has continued across the year groups, with students exploring how language changes depending on a writer’s purpose.
Year 8: Getting Precise with Instructions
Year 8 have been looking at old technology as the stimulus for instructional writing. Using unfamiliar and outdated objects has encouraged students to think carefully about what a reader actually needs to know rather than relying on assumed knowledge.
Our main focus has been precise instructional language. Students have considered the importance of command verbs, specific vocabulary and logical sequencing. Instead of vague instructions such as “put the part in”, we have been working towards precise directions such as “Insert the cassette into the compartment with the tape facing forwards.”
This has helped students understand a key principle of instructional writing: if the language is not precise, the instruction may not work.
Year 9: Finding a Character’s Voice
Year 9 have begun their work on dialogue, starting not with punctuation, but with character.
Students experimented with impersonating different characters, considering how each person might speak, the vocabulary they might choose and how their personality could be revealed through their words.
This gave us an interesting starting point for exploring the idea that effective dialogue is not simply characters talking. The way a character speaks should tell the reader something about who they are.
As we move through the Talk for Writing process, we will begin shaping these voices into purposeful written dialogue, developing both characterisation and control of dialogue punctuation.
Year 10: Beginning the Poetry Anthology
Year 10 have begun their poetry anthology, starting the process of building the knowledge they will need to approach the poems with increasing confidence.
Our focus is not simply on identifying techniques. Students are beginning to explore the bigger ideas behind each poem, considering what the poet might be communicating and how individual language, structural and poetic choices contribute to those ideas.
The aim is to move students from spotting techniques towards being able to explain why a poet has made a particular choice and what that choice allows them to communicate.
Across all three year groups, there has been a common thread this week: words are choices. Whether students are explaining exactly how to operate an unfamiliar piece of technology, creating a believable character voice or exploring the choices made by a poet, they are learning that effective writing comes from selecting language deliberately and precisely.
Have a lovely weekend!
