We are pleased to inform the Class of 2024 that their exam certificates for Summer 2024 are now available for collection. We will be holding a small celebration on Wednesday 22nd January 2025, where the Class of 2024 are invited to collect certificates and celebrate with staff members that are able to join the event. We will share details on the timings of the event following the Christmas break.

As our Year 11 pupils progress on their GCSE journey, the academy has been dedicated to guiding them as they explore options for their post-16 pathways. To ensure they are fully informed and prepared, the academy has hosted a series of events designed to introduce pupils to various educational and career opportunities.

Careers Carousel

One of the highlights has been the Careers Carousel, where representatives from several post-16 providers visited the academy to share valuable insights. Each provider held a presentation, showcasing the unique benefits of their programs and helping pupils understand the range of opportunities available to them after Year 11 with a focus on T Levels, A Levels vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions relevant to the provider. This included questions about the best route of travel, the uniform, the requirements to continue to study Maths and English and whether the routes they had chosen would suit their needs on a decided career pathway.

 

Careers Fair 

In addition to the Careers Carousel, the academy hosted an interactive Careers Fair. Representatives from diverse sectors attended, giving pupils the chance to explore multiple career paths, understand required qualifications, and learn about potential job roles across industries. Pupils across years 10 and 11 were able to ask questions directly, gaining practical knowledge to aid in their decision-making, whilst picking up the free merchandise. This is a key event in our aim to ensure that all pupils make informed choices regarding their post-16 education or training to enable them to lead happy and successful lives.

 

Mock Interview Event 

To further support pupils in their transition to the world of work or further education, the academy organised a Mock Interview Day. Pupils prepared job applications, which they then discussed in one-on-one interviews with real employers. This experience gave pupils invaluable practice in interview techniques and allowed them to build confidence in presenting their skills and aspirations, despite their apprehensions and anxieties before the interview.

The event was a resounding success. Employers praised the event as one of the best they had experienced for student engagement and were impressed with how pupils showcased their dedication and potential as they prepared for the next stage of their lives.  Glenn Whitlow from NOV Manchester highlighted how well the pupils interviewed despite the daunting task of speaking to someone they had never met before. "They were brilliant," he remarked, commending the pupils for their admirable performance in their first-ever mock interviews.

Stevie Collins from Go Northwest found the experience insightful, both for the pupils and employees. She added "It is great that this school allows pupils to gain valuable interview skills," she said, expressing her admiration for how pupils engaged wholeheartedly despite their nerves and how well they represented the school. 

 

The feedback from pupils following these events speaks for itself, highlighting the significant impact these experiences have on their confidence, self-awareness, and readiness for the future. Hearing directly from them demonstrates how valuable and transformative these opportunities are.

Leah: "I’ve realised that interviews don’t have to feel nerve-wracking or embarrassing. They’re simply an opportunity for others to understand who you are as a person and to recognise the skills you bring to the table."

Zak: "Confidence and honesty are key during an interview. It’s important to be outgoing, answer questions truthfully, and show genuine interest in maintaining good eye contact and positive body language."

Francoise: "I’ve learnt how important it is to stay confident, even when put on the spot. Preparing for questions in advance and understanding more about myself gives me more to talk about. I also discovered how powerful eye contact can be in showing confidence."

Fahad: "The interview process has inspired me to pursue my passion for maths and engineering. I’ve also learnt about the range of opportunities available and how to approach interview questions effectively."

Lara: "I’ve realised that working on my strengths, like my communication skills, can help me improve even further."

Seada: "This experience has given me a clearer understanding of how interviews, especially college interviews, work. I feel much more confident about future interviews and applying to colleges, knowing I’ll be prepared to do my best."

Rebo: "I’ve learnt that while interviews can feel daunting at first, they’re nothing to worry about. Confidence is crucial, and this experience will definitely help me succeed in future interviews."

For Anti-Bullying Week, our school’s Anti-Bullying Ambassadors led an inspiring campaign encouraging pupils to "do something positive" and "choose respect." Pupils attended special assemblies with Mrs. Fiddler and the Ambassadors, where they learned about the importance of kindness, empathy, and taking a stand against bullying.

It was lovely to be able to see so many parents at our fabulous Open Evening - once again, we were fully booked and this is reflected in our current pupil numbers. We were really pleased to be able to share our vision and values with Year 5 and Year 6 parents and children and for them to see our pupils in action all across the academy. If your child helped at the event, please pass on our thanks, and we hope they enjoyed their roles as much as we were proud of their commitment.

Even though this half-term feels like it has sped by, it’s important to recognise all the great work our staff and pupils have done in just the first few weeks back.

We’ve had an excellent start to the term, with both returning and new pupils settling into academy life wonderfully.