Heywood Academy Blog - 5.6.26
Welcome Back!
We hope you all had a wonderful half-term break and were able to enjoy some time in the sunshine.
As we head into the final half-term of the academic year, we have an exciting few weeks ahead, with a range of events planned, from chess tournaments, visits to Chester Zoo and a lovely day out planner and Moorlands!
We are also delighted to share that we have successfully recruited some fantastic new members of staff who will be joining our growing school community this September. Over the coming weeks, we look forward to introducing them to you and sharing their profiles.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Ms Pugh’s weekly update
🌟 Year 8 Weekly Blog 🌟
What a fantastic and busy week it’s been for Year 8! 🎉 Here’s a look at all the exciting learning that has taken place across our subjects:
📚 English
This week, students were introduced to a brand-new reading challenge 📖✨. They also explored using the Calibre audiobook app, helping to develop their listening and comprehension skills while enjoying a wide range of texts.
➕ Maths
In Maths, we began an engaging new topic on circles 🔵. Students learned about circumference, radius, and diameter, building their understanding of how these measurements are connected.
🔬 Science
Science lessons took an interesting turn as we started a new topic on reproductive cells 🧬. Pupils explored key concepts and began developing their scientific vocabulary.
💬 RSE
In RSE, the focus was on emotional literacy ❤️🧠. Students discussed recognising emotions, managing feelings, and building positive relationships.
🌿 Outdoor Education
A highlight of the week was our trip to Bolton Aquarium 🐠🌊! Students had a fantastic time exploring marine life and learning more about aquatic environments.
💻 ICT
In ICT, students got creative by designing and planning their own health and fitness apps . They thought carefully about features, users, and how technology can support healthy lifestyles.
🍎 Food Technology
Food Tech lessons focused on macronutrients 🥦🍞🥩. Students learned about carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and discovered which foods contain them.
👏 Well done to all Year 8 students for their enthusiasm and effort this week! Keep up the great work—we’re proud of you! ⭐
Miss Zobenica’s weekly update
All students demonstrated excellent effort during their rounders assessment this week. They were evaluated on both their practical skills and their written understanding of the rules. It was great to see students applying their knowledge confidently in both areas.
In Outdoor Education this week, Year 8 students visited Bolton Aquarium. Here, they explored a variety of aquatic life. They showed curiosity and engagement by asking thoughtful questions and learning more about different species of fish.
Years 7 and 9 visited Rochdale bus station, where they practiced essential independence skills. Students safely navigated around the station to different stops, successfully read bus timetables, and demonstrated strong recall from previous lessons. Their growing confidence and knowledge of public transport was evident.
This week marked an exciting achievement in Forest School, as students harvested their first crop- cress and radish. They thoroughly enjoyed pulling up the vegetables they had grown and were given the opportunity to taste them, making this a rewarding hands-on experience.
Ms. Nicholson’s weekly update
Creative Arts Weekly Update
It has been another exciting and productive week across Creative Arts, with students exploring a rich mix of cultural, technical and creative themes across year groups.
Year 9 – Food Technology
Our Year 9 students have been developing their understanding of religious, moral, and cultural influences on diet. They have explored how beliefs and traditions shape food choices around the world, considering topics such as halal and kosher diets, vegetarianism, and ethical food sourcing. This work is helping students build not only their practical knowledge of cooking, but also a deeper awareness of respect, diversity, and global citizenship.
Year 8 – Art
In Art, Year 8 students have begun an exciting new project focused on African art. They have been studying traditional patterns, learning how colour, shape, and repetition are used to convey meaning and identity in different cultures. Students are also exploring the cultural significance behind these designs, developing both their artistic skills and cultural understanding as they begin to create their own inspired pieces.
Year 7 – Computing / Creative Skills
Year 7 students have been consolidating their word processing skills, building confidence in presenting their work effectively. They have been demonstrating their ability to format documents, use different tools, and apply professional presentation techniques. It has been fantastic to see students taking pride in their digital work and showcasing their growing independence.
Year 8 – Music
In Music, Year 8 students have been introduced to world music through practical exploration of the djembe drum. They have been learning basic rhythms and techniques, understanding how percussion is used in different musical traditions. The energy in the classroom has been fantastic, with students developing coordination, teamwork, and an appreciation for global musical styles.
Year 9 – Design Technology
Year 9 students in Design Technology have begun an engaging new topic on materials used in space travel, with a focus on the lunar landing. They are exploring the properties of materials that make them suitable for use in extreme environments, linking science and engineering concepts to real-world applications. This topic is already sparking curiosity and inspiring innovative thinking about future technologies.
Today we have a guest blog from Libby Gibson in year 9 with her thoughts about our class text "A Christmas Carol"
English blog post – 05/06/26
Written by Libberty Gibson, year 9
A Christmas Carol: the Year 9 perspective of Victorian literature
We all know about A Christmas Carol. Despite its origins as a simple Christmas story of redemption and the price of solitude, it’s still relevant even today, as new variants of the Victorian tale are being introduced to newer and more modern generations. Despite its history and reputation as a classic Christmas story, now more than ever it’s warning needs to be heeded as greed becomes more increasingly common among the modern generation. The newer technology and the poverty that politics is causing has completely transformed and changed our society and mindset, as money becomes increasingly scarce. I believe, as a part of this new generation, that this Victorian piece deserves a better outlook than mere rewrites and modern versions of the story can provide. In this post I will explain how the biggest Christmas story’s moral and message means more to the new generation now than ever before. The most important thing to remember and take away from this story is the evolution of Scrooge himself as the most relevant redemption in history. Despite his lack of empathy towards his fellow man at the beginning of the story, by the end he has made a complete effort to change. I believe every politician and rich person should follow the example of Scrooge and give more to those less fortunate in this country. Not everyone can afford to buy basic necessities nowadays, and it seems that those more fortunate have once again became more hoarding than ever. In conclusion, a Christmas carol is, truly, something to look at no matter what season.
I think you will all agree that Libby is a budding writer in the making – well done, Libby!!
Miss Grace’s weekly update
7G have made a really positive start to the new half term, jumping straight back into their learning with enthusiasm and focus. They began the week with an Outdoor Education trip to the bus station, where they explored how public transport works in a real-life context, demonstrating excellent curiosity and sensible behaviour out in the community. Back in the classroom, pupils have been working hard in Maths, developing their skills in multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000, and showing growing confidence in their understanding. They have also approached their English assessments with maturity and determination, giving their best effort throughout. In Science, the class have started an exciting new topic on gas exchange, engaging well with new concepts and asking thoughtful questions. It has been a fantastic and productive first week back, and a big well done to all of 7G for settling in so quickly and confidently.
