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Welcome from Co-op Academy North Manchester
As the leaves turn, the year is well underway and I want to share some of our latest highlights and updates with you. It’s been a really strong start to 2026-2027 with pupils looking smart in their new uniforms, working hard in lessons and completing their homework diligently.
Firstly, our new Year 11 pupils have started the year with real purpose and are working hard to prepare for their first set of upcoming mock exams which start on Monday 9th November. It is vitally important that Year 11 prepare thoroughly for their mocks so that we can provide the focussed feedback needed to realise their full potential - pupils are leaving school today with lots of revision materials for the two week October half term. The Year 11 autumn mock series runs until Friday 27th November and as always, 100% effort and attendance is vital.
To support our Year 11 in every way that we can, we're also pleased to invite our Year 11 parents, carers and pupils to a Year 11 Information Evening on Tuesday 3rd November 5:30pm-6:30pm where we will provide essential guidance on how to best support your child at home as they manage their revision workload, establish effective revision habits and prepare for their final examinations in the summer term. We will provide practical support including revision materials, equipment, and a breakdown of Year 11’s personalised revision and intervention timetables so that we are working closely together to ensure that your child achieves the best possible exam results. If you haven’t already, please sign up to attend here: Y11 Information Evening Booking Form
 Now to some highlights, this week each year group recognised pupils’ individual achievements through our rewards’ assemblies. Congratulations in particular go to the 10 pupils (two per year group) who were rewarded for their outstanding attendance this half-term by winning the attendance golden ticket draw today. We hope that you enjoy your new 40 inch TVs!
This half-term we also hosted our Open Evening for prospective Year 5 and Year 6 pupils where we  proudly showcased our academy and the evening was bustling with future pupils, parents and carers. Thank you for supporting the evening and to all of our pupil helpers; a reminder that the deadline to apply for a place for new Year 7s starting in September 2027 is the 31st October. Admissions are managed by the local authority and we are currently over-subscribed so we strongly advise putting Co-op Academy North Manchester as first choice on the form.
As always, we aim to keep you fully informed. A reminder that our Co-op Academy North Manchester Instagram account, @coopnorthmcr, is a great way to receive positive messages and important reminders, in addition to our Facebook page, @coopacademynm. For any direct queries, please continue to use noma-enquiries@coopacademies.co.uk.
There are lots of exciting opportunities planned for the next half-term, not to mention preparing for our production of High School Musical - the pupils have been cast and rehearsals are underway!
Enjoy the new two week October half-term as an opportunity to take a family holiday - all pupils return to school, rested and ready to learn on Monday 2nd November at 8:30am.
Mrs T.Sloper-Russell
Principal
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The Co-op Academy North Manchester English Department recommends…
Always, Angel
Kimberly Whittam
If the author's name sounds familiar, that’s because Kimberly Whittam is the Manchester-based writer behind ‘Quiet Storm’, a hugely popular title that pupils at Co-op Academy North Manchester enjoy reading in Year 7. Her latest release, ‘Always, Angel’, is a return to that same relatable, heartfelt storytelling and makes the book an ideal addition to any Key Stage 3 reader's bookshelf.
Suitable for ages 11 to 14, the novel follows Angel as she tries to navigate the turbulent waters of growing up, secondary school pressures, and finding her own voice. Angel has always been the reliable, quiet presence who tries to keep the peace both at home and among her peers. However, as shifting dynamics in her friendship group test her self-worth and loyalty, she is forced to decide whether to stay true to herself or keep pleasing the people around her.
What makes ‘Always, Angel’ such a fantastic read is Whittam’s ability to capture the authentic voice and experiences of UK teenagers. This book tackles everyday secondary school challenges, such as peer pressure, identity, and personal boundaries, with deep empathy and understanding. Much like ‘Quiet Storm’, its empowering message reassures readers that you do not need to be the loudest person in the room to be strong, resilient, and valued. It‘s an insightful and uplifting story that we thoroughly recommend encouraging your child to borrow from the school library!
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Curriculum Corner
A Glimpse into the English Department at Co-op Academy North Manchester
A Glimpse into the English Department at Co-op Academy North Manchester
The English Department at Co-op Academy North Manchester is back in full swing, and we could not be prouder of the exceptional start our pupils have made. Stepping into their classrooms with purpose, pupils from Year 7 all the way through to Year 11 have hit the ground running, taking part in lively discussions, tackling challenging new topics, and setting a high standard for the months ahead. It has been a joy watching them settle in so quickly, and with such a passionate community of learners, we’re set for a great year ahead.
Key Stage 3: Starting Strong
It's been a great start for Year 7, who have settled in and are already getting to grips with new ideas and concepts in English. They’ve started reading the wonderful ‘Quiet Storm’ by Kimberly Whittam during their PD time and have already begun developing their creative writing skills, drawing inspiration from works of literature about journeys and adventures.
Meanwhile, Year 8 pupils are engrossed in ‘The Edge’ by Alan Gibbons, a gripping novel that explores themes of escape and resilience. The pupils are analysing the characters and plot, preparing them for higher level literary analysis.
In Year 9, pupils are getting to grips with the world of political satire and allegory as they explore George Orwell's classic novel, ‘Animal Farm’. They are studying the powerful themes of power, rhetoric, and rebellion, while learning to analyse how language is used to manipulate, persuade, and shape society.
Key Stage 4: GCSE Preparation and Hard Work
Our Year 10 pupils have made an excellent start to their GCSE courses. They're kicking off their English Literature studies by reading Shakespeare’s most famous and tragic tale, ‘Romeo and Juliet’. As a department, we love exploring this text with our pupils because it brings timeless drama to life, showing that four-hundred-year-old struggles with passionate love, intense rivalries, and split-second decisions are just as relevant and relatable today as ever.
Last, but certainly not least, Year 11 pupils are in their final year and are tackling their last new content before the mock exams begin after half-term. They are studying the famous Victorian novella, ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, a text that challenges them to analyse themes of good versus evil and the duality of human nature. This final push will set them up for success in their upcoming mock examinations.
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CANM Cabin is Open
The CANM Cabin has been up and running now for a few weeks. Word spread quickly and lots of visitors have found it useful since our launch.
The CANM Cabin operates under simple but powerful principles:
Take what you need | Donate what you can | Reduce waste
We’re looking to bring the local community together. At the CANM Cabin, you'll find:
- Community Fridge: Free surplus food for all.
- School Pantry: Top up your weekly shop.
- Book Swap: Bring a book, take a book.
- Baby & Mummy: Preloved clothing and donated essentials.
The Cabin is open to everyone. If you or anyone you know might benefit from a visit, please do let them know.
Half Term Opening Hours
We're running reduced hours over our half term break.
The CANM Cabin will be open from 9am - 11am on Tuesday, 20th October only.
The Cabin will go back to the usual opening hours on Tuesday 3rd November.
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The Rewards Shop
 The rewards shop has had a busy opening this academic year. Pupils have flocked to the rewards shop every Friday lunchtime/after school to spend their hard earned rewards points. There’s been no shortage of prizes to choose from.
Pupils are buying the usual study aids such as highlighters, four-way pens, fun post it notes and football fidget spinners. The ‘just-for-fun’ items in the shop have also proved popular, like foam planes, squishy balls and pencil toppers. The generous donations keep coming in, so expect more wonderful and interesting prizes to hit the shelves in the coming term.
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Extra: Extra-curricular Loyalty Cards Are Here!
With over 60 clubs taking place during lunchtimes and after school, there has never been a better time for pupils to try something new. We’re celebrating extra-curricular participation with the launch of our Extra-curricular Loyalty Cards.
Here is how pupils can get involved and earn rewards:
 Earn Achievement Points: Every time a pupil attends a club, they will receive 2 Achievement Points.- Collect Your Stamps: Each loyalty stamp card has 10 spaces for stamps. They’ll get the card signed or stamped by the club leader at each extra-curricular session.
- Enter the Half-Termly Prize Draw: Once a card is fully stamped, pupils can drop it into the designated loyalty postbox in the library.
- Win Big: A prize draw will take place at the end of every half term.
There‘s no limit to how many completed loyalty cards a pupil can submit. The more cards posted in the library postbox, the greater their chance of winning.
Encourage your child to pick up a card, explore our extra-curricular offers, and start earning rewards today!
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Thrive: Year 11 Careers Fair
 On Wednesday, 23rd September, we hosted our first careers fair of the year for Year 11. The fair was packed; a testament to this cohort’s ambition, drive and maturity as they look to their future. We’re certain that they’re going to thrive.
Pupils had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from a wide range of institutions, gathering insights into courses, apprenticeships, and entry requirements.
A huge thank you to all the visitors in attendance:
- Sixth Form Colleges: Bury College, Holy Cross Sixth Form College, Loreto College, Oldham Sixth Form College, Rochdale Sixth Form College, and Xaverian College.
- Further Education & Vocational Colleges: Connell College, Hopwood Hall College, Oldham College, The Manchester College, and Worsley College.
- Specialist Academies: Learning Curve Group Hair and Beauty Academy.
As well as the external visitors, the pupils benefited from the wealth of experience we have right here in our academy community. Teachers and staff across departments were on hand to share stories of their own career journeys, words of wisdom, and expert guidance to guide pupils toward success.
More Time to Excel with the Thrive Curriculum
This Careers Fair was delivered as part of our Thrive curriculum, which takes place as part of our extended Wednesday school day.
The Thrive curriculum allows us to enrich our pupils' education far beyond the traditional classroom. Each year group receives a bespoke programme featuring guest speakers, live performance, in-class workshops, and hands-on events like Wednesday’s fair designed to:
- build cultural capital, independence, and resilience;
- support scholarly enquiry and personal growth;
- inspire ambition and prepare every learner for success in education, employment, and life beyond the academy.
The careers fair’s outstanding turnout, and enthusiastic participation from our year 11s showed us the Thrive’s purpose in action. Thank you to all the colleges, providers, staff, and pupils who made the day such a resounding success!
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Kayaking for Cambridge Nationals
Year 11 Sports Studies pupils took to the water this week to complete the coursework component of their Cambridge Nationals qualification. The Sports Studies unit often includes some of the most adventurous activities pupils can study as part of the curriculum. This crucial practical component constitutes 20% of their final grade.
Our pupils rose to the occasion despite some challenging weather conditions. They mastered key paddling techniques, precise manoeuvring skills and water safety practices.
The Year 11 group were praised by the staff involved for their exemplary attitudes. They listened attentively to the instructors, showed respect, took water safety seriously and were grateful for the opportunity to develop their practical skills. The trip was a resounding success. Well done to all pupils involved for representing the academy brilliantly!
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Celebrating Roald Dahl’s Birthday
Our library buzzed with phizz-wizarding energy at lunchtime on Tuesday, September 15th as young readers gathered to celebrate Roald Dahl’s birthday with interactive crafts, creative writing, colouring, and drawing.
 To celebrate the birth of one of our most iconic writers, here's a few Roald Dahl facts:
- Word Master: Dahl invented over 500 playful words, from scrumdiddlyumptious to whizzpoppers, these are collected in his official Gobblefunk dictionary.
- Writing Sanctuary: All his stories were written from a cozy hut in his garden. He’d sit in a worn armchair with a wooden board on his lap, writing exclusively with HB pencils on yellow legal pads.
 Chocolate Tester: During his school years at Repton, Cadbury regularly sent boxes of brand-new chocolate bars to pupils for testing. This experience inspired Dahl to write Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!- Ace Pilot & Spy: Before writing full-time, he served as a World War II RAF fighter pilot and later worked for the British Secret Intelligence Service alongside James Bond creator Ian Fleming.
Here’s a look at what we had on offer:
- Witches Potion Parlour: Inspired by The Witches, pupils concocted revolting potions using wiggle worm gizzards, slime-toad eyeballs, poisonous purple spider legs, slivers of sleeping snake tongue, and rotten apple maggots.
- The Dream Chamber: Drawing inspiration from the dream catching jars in The BFG, visitors designed their own dazzling dreams and illustrated dream jars to store them in.
- The Wonka Room: Pupils’ imaginations were allowed to run wild, just like Willy Wonka, as they designed their own weird and wonderful candy creations.
- Quiz & Book Vote: Pupils put their knowledge to the test in a Roald Dahl quiz and voted for their favourite Roald Dahl book.
Every participant was issued a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Roald Dahl book to take home and keep the literary magic alive.
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Uniform Reminder
Our pupils have been looking exceptionally smart as the new academic year gets underway. We’d like to thank all parents/carers for ensuring their children arrive at school dressed in full school uniform.
To help everyone maintain these high standards, please review key uniform expectations below:
- Grey Quarter-Zip Top: Must be worn at all times, including over the blue PE t-shirt on PE days.
- Footwear: Plain black school shoes or full-leather plain black trainers are required every day, including PE days (pupils can swap footwear during PE lessons).
- PE Bottoms: Plain black tracksuit bottoms (non-jersey material) or plain black shorts (mid-thigh length minimum). Cycling shorts and leggings are not permitted.
- No Mixed Uniforms: Pupils must wear either full academy uniform or full PE kit on designated PE days: no mixing and matching (e.g., school trousers with a PE t-shirt).
- Ordering Extra Kit: Uniform items can be ordered directly from Debonair Schoolwear.
Here’s why we do it:
- Building team spirit: Wearing school uniform boosts pupil pride and builds a sense of belonging to the academy community.
- No label pressure: Leaving designer brands and fashion trends at home takes the pressure off pupils to dress a certain way, and off parents to buy pricey gear.
- Practical & fair: It ensures everyone starts the day on an equal footing in smart, durable clothes that offer great value.
- Keeping the focus on learning: With uniform sorted, pupils can spend less time worrying about what to wear and more time getting stuck into the school day.
Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community looking sharp and ready to learn.
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