Hathershaw Highlights

This has been a much shorter half term, but it has still been a busy one. Year 11 have just started their second round of mock exams and their interviews for college courses are well underway.

As usual, the vast majority of our students are keen to progress to our trust partner, Oldham Sixth Form College (OSFC). As well as mock exams, those students in year 11 who are studying GCSE Food and Nutrition have completed their practical assessments, producing what looked to me like Michelin star meals. I hope they brought some home for Mums and Dads.

It has also been great to see so many year 11 students attending D6 provision on a Saturday morning, working alongside our former students who now attend OSFC. I helped supervise a session a few weeks ago and it was really heartening to see students supporting students.

Thank you to those parents who attended our year 9 and 11 parents’ evening. 94% of those who attended the events thought that they would recommend Hathershaw to other parents, a figure well above the national benchmark. Thank you for the confidence you continue to show in us.

On the horizon as we return after half term is the month of Ramadan. I am looking forward to supporting our Muslim students by fasting myself to help to raise money for charity and to hosting a community Iftar, which I will provide more details on in the near future.

Best wishes.

Mark Giles

Principal

This half term, our Year 9 students embarked on an exciting trip to Factory International, where they experienced the incredible immersive David Hockney exhibition. This visit was a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with art in a unique and interactive way, sparking creativity and inspiring new perspectives.

Year 9 students took a trip to Aviva Studios, where they explored the world of media and creative production. During the visit, they had the chance to engage with industry professionals, learning about the production process, design, and visual storytelling. The experience provided insights into the creative industries, inspiring students to think about potential career paths. The trip was a great success, offering students a hands-on learning opportunity outside the classroom.

TikTok is hugely popular with young people, but it comes with risks like harmful content, dangerous trends, and online interactions with strangers.

This handy guide from the National College helps parents and educators understand these challenges and support our children in using the platform safely and responsibly.

What do we need to look out for on TikTok?

• Age-Inappropriate Content: Children may encounter content unsuitable for their age.

• Body Image and Dangerous Challenges: Some trends and challenges can promote unhealthy behaviours or pose physical risks.

• In-App Spending: TikTok’s virtual gifts can lead to unexpected charges.

• Contact with Strangers: The platform allows messaging, which could expose children to harmful interactions.

• Misinformation and Radicalization: Content may spread false information or extremist views.

• Addictive Design: The app’s algorithm encourages prolonged use, which can impact mental health.

Advice for Parents and Educators:

• Enable Family Pairing to control settings for your child’s account.

• Block in-app spending to avoid unexpected costs.

• Discuss potential dangers with your child, including harmful content and online interactions.

• Stay alert for signs of negative impacts on mental health or behaviour.

At The Hathershaw College, we are proud to foster a supportive and inclusive community for all students. Our PROUD group continues to be a safe space where LGBTQ+ students and allies can connect, share experiences, and support one another. This dedicated group has been instrumental in raising awareness, promoting inclusivity, and celebrating the diversity of our school community.

We are incredibly proud of the efforts made by the PROUD group to strengthen our school's commitment to diversity and inclusion. We encourage students to get involved and continue fostering a supportive, open-minded community.

Year 7 student Ethan Shaw has shown incredible dedication by running 31 miles in January to raise funds for the MND Association. Students really got behind Ethan and donated their EPraise points to support this fantastic cause. His original target was £150, but he smashed expectations, raising an impressive £737!

Ethan’s efforts have been recognised in the Oldham Chronicle, and by rugby legend Kevin Sinfield.

A huge congratulations to Ethan and a big thank you to everyone who supported his fundraising journey! The Hathershaw community is extremely proud of his commitment and kindness.

This half term, KS3 students showcased their skills in the North West Hearing Impaired Boccia Competition. Both teams played exceptionally well, with the girls securing 4th place and the boys winning a thrilling final, 5-4, to become NW Boccia Champions!

A huge well done to all our players for their fantastic effort and teamwork!