Christmas Newsletter
December 2024
A message from the Principal
That was a really busy autumn term and what has been really pleasing is that we have been able to celebrate both our academic and creative success.
Following our open evening. we have just had sight of the number of applications we have received from parents of children in year 6 and we are more popular than ever. We are already one of the most over-subscribed secondary schools in the town, despite buildings which will be 80 years old next year. Our prize presentation evening was a lovely event and our most inclusive ever, celebrating academic success, but also recognising those who achieve in so many different ways. As good a term as it has been, the highlight for me was our production of Bugsy Malone. If you saw it, you will know exactly what I mean and if you didn’t manage to get a ticket, you missed out on a great event. As you read our newsletter, you will get a sense of how strong our creative arts provision is, with our Arts Mark status yet another accolade for us.
If you are celebrating during the festive period, please accept my best wishes for Christmas and Happy New Year in advance to everyone.
Mark Giles
Principal
KS3 Bowling team Strikes Gold!
Congratulations to the KS3 bowling team for their fantastic win at the Oldham Schools Competition earlier this month. A special shoutout to Hafiz for achieving the highest score overall! The team will now advance to the next round in March, where they’ll face schools from across the North West.
Good luck, team!
GCSE History Students Explore York
In October, our GCSE History students enjoyed an exciting trip to York. They explored the gripping stories of the past at York Dungeons and discovered the rich history of Clifford's Tower. The visit brought their studies to life and gave them a fascinating glimpse into the city’s heritage.
Art in Action: Year 10 visit Whitworth Gallery
On Monday, 18th November, a group of Year 10 students visited The Whitworth Art Gallery to explore the inspiring Barbara Walker exhibition. The trip was a fantastic opportunity for them to engage with contemporary art and deepen their understanding of artistic expression.
MiSST Play Day at Hathershaw!🎻
We hosted the MiSST Play Day on Thursday 28th November, where we were joined by pupils from Radclyffe School, Furness Academy, Essa Academy and Burnage Academy. Pupils spent the day taking part in various musical workshops, rehearsing and perfecting their skills. They finished the day with a spectacular performance for their teachers, peers, parents and carers, showcasing their talent.
James Dixon Shares HI Sports Success and Inspires Future Athletes🏏
James Dixon visited our school to inspire and raise the profile of hearing-impaired (HI) athletes. As an HI England cricketer who won the Ashes in Australia and a captain of his local team, James shared his journey, encouraging pupils to aim high in sports and education. An ambassador for Panathlon events and a coach with the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, he highlighted his work in promoting Deaf and Disability Cricket for individuals with various challenges. The pupils were captivated throughout his talk and engaged enthusiastically during the Q&A session.
Students Excel at World Skills Final
On Thursday, 21st November, Year 10 students had the opportunity to attend the World Skills Final at Oldham College. The event showcased incredible talent and provided valuable insights into a wide range of careers and vocational opportunities. It was an inspiring experience for all involved!
Hathershaw Students Shine in Another Year of Success
Students and staff celebrated another successful year of achievements at our annual Prize Presentation Evening in November. This year we celebrated a significant rise in GCSE results and a record number of students progressing to top colleges and apprenticeships. As a school we are incredibly proud of the hard work, resilience, and dedication of both students and staff, and the evening highlighted the pride we have of our Hathershaw community.
Welcome to our new newsletter series, I Belong at Hathershaw, where we celebrate the successes of our students, alumni, and staff who embody the spirit of our school community. Each issue will highlight stories of achievement and connection, showcasing how Hathershaw has been a foundation for growth and excellence.
In this edition, we feature Mr. Iqbal, an ex-student who has returned to Hathershaw as a Maths teacher. His journey from student to staff member is a testament to his dedication and the strong sense of belonging that our school fosters.
He said, “Mrs Green was my maths teacher when I was a student at Hathershaw, and she was a huge inspiration for me. She sparked my love for the subject, and led me to pursue a career in an area I am passionate about. Now, as a teacher myself, I hope to pass on that same enthusiasm to other young people in our Hathershaw community”
Day 6 Tuition Returns for Year 11 Students
Day 6 Tuition is back this January, offering vital support for Year 11 students as they prepare for their final exams. Run by peers from Oldham Sixth Form, these sessions provide focused guidance and revision help in a supportive environment. We encourage all students to take advantage of this fantastic resource.
Parents' Evenings
- Year 11 Parents' Evening, Thursday 16th January
- Year 9 Parents Evening, Thursday 6th February
We encourage all parents to attend Parents' Evening as it is an opportunity to meet your child's teachers, find out how they are progressing in school and how you can support them to reach their potential. We will be in touch with more information about Parents' Evening closer to the time.
