Hathershaw Highlights

At the beginning of November, we hosted the first MiSST Play Day of the year! Students from multiple schools, some travelling as far as Barrow, came together to refine their musical skills and collaborate throughout the day. The event gave them the chance to make new friends through their shared love of music. The day concluded with a spectacular concert, leaving everyone inspired and proud of what they had achieved.

Students recently enjoyed a fantastic day at the Castleshaw Centre, taking part in a range of outdoor team-building activities designed to build confidence, communication and cooperation.

Throughout the day, they worked together to solve challenges, support one another and try new experiences. Whether they were navigating group tasks, tackling problem-solving activities, or simply getting stuck into the outdoors, it was great to see them encouraging each other and developing their teamwork skills.

The trip gave students the chance to step outside the classroom, make new connections, and build resilience in a fun and active environment. Staff were really impressed with the enthusiasm and positive attitude shown by everyone who took part.

Overall, it was a brilliant day out at Castleshaw, and a valuable opportunity for students to grow, work together, and enjoy learning in a different setting.

Year 9 students have the opportunity to sign up for the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award this term. The award involves four key sections:

• Volunteering: Giving time to help the community or a local charity.
  
  

• Physical: Taking part in a sport or physical activity to improve fitness.
  
  

• Skills: Developing a new skill or hobby, such as music, art, or cooking.
  
  

• Expedition: Planning and completing a team expedition, including navigation, camping, and outdoor challenges.
  
  

We've had lots of interest in this - watch this space for updates when they start their challenge!

On Tuesday 16 December, a group of our students attended the Young People’s Voice SEND and Inclusion Conference at Oldham Athletic. The event provided students with the opportunity to share their views, listen to others, and take part in important discussions around SEND and inclusion. It was a valuable experience that allowed our students to represent the school and have their voices heard.

Our star pupils were celebrated this afternoon with hot chocolate and sweets in recognition of their outstanding effort, excellent homework, strong attendance and impressive reports. It’s important that we recognise and celebrate the positive choices our students make every day. Well done to everyone for your hard work and commitment!

This half term, our Year 11 students sat their first round of mock exams, giving them a valuable taste of what the real exams will be like. The experience allowed students to test their knowledge, manage their time, and experience the pressures of formal exam conditions.

Following the exams, students took part in a mock results day, where they received feedback on their performance. This reflection helps them identify strengths, target areas for improvement, and prepare fully for the upcoming real exams. The mock exams give students a clear idea of what to expect, helping them approach their final assessments with confidence.

1. Make a plan that works for you
Use a timetable or digital planner to organise your revision around your routine. Be realistic. Shorter, focused sessions (30–45 minutes) are more effective than long, unfocused ones.

2. Focus on understanding, not memorising
Don’t just reread notes; try to explain what you’ve learned to someone else or write short summaries in your own words. Use mind maps and diagrams to connect ideas.

3. Use past papers and mark schemes
Practising real exam questions is the best way to get familiar with what’s expected. Time yourself and check your answers against the mark schemes to see where you can improve.

4. Space it out
Revisit topics regularly instead of cramming. Reviewing material several times over a few weeks helps knowledge stick for longer.

5. Work smart with friends
Test each other on key topics, quiz together, or explain answers out loud. Teaching someone else helps you learn twice!

6. Look after your mind and body
Healthy habits fuel learning. Eat well, stay hydrated, and get at least 7–8 hours of sleep. Take short breaks to rest your brain; a quick walk or stretch can make a big difference.

1. Keep routines steady
Encourage regular bedtimes, balanced meals, and screen-free study periods. A consistent daily routine helps students stay focused and reduces last-minute stress.

2. Encourage small, regular revision sessions
Support your child to study in short bursts (around 40 minutes), followed by a quick break. Cramming rarely works, little and often is far more effective.

3. Be interested and involved
Ask what they’ve been revising or which subject they feel most confident in. You don’t need to know the content, showing genuine interest helps them feel supported and motivated.

4. Create a positive environment
Help them find a quiet, well-lit study space with minimal distractions. Keep conversations calm and encouraging, especially if they’re feeling overwhelmed.

Being in school every day makes a huge difference to your learning, friendships, and success. When you attend lessons regularly, you don’t miss out on important learning, activities, or chances to achieve your best.

To make it even more exciting, this half term we launched the Beat The Bell Challenge!🔔 Here’s how it works:

• Everyone starts with 100 entries into the end of half term prize draw

• Lose 3 entries every morning you are late to school

• The more you're on time - the more chances you have to win!
  
  

The more weeks you attend fully, the more entries you keep, and the bigger your chance of winning amazing prizes!

🎁 Prizes up for grabs include:

• 100s of pounds worth of prizes

• Draw winners in each year group

• Rewards for the best Home groups
  
  

We have also had the 10 Day Christmas Countdown competition, where there is something to look forward to everyday!

Regular attendance isn’t just about prizes, it helps you:

• Keep up with lessons

• Build strong friendships

• Take part in clubs, trips, and events

• Achieve your personal best
  
  

So make every day count, keep your streak going, and you could be a winner!

We are committed to providing healthy breakfasts for our pupils to help them start the day settled, focused, and ready to learn.

Pupils are welcome to join us each morning from 8.10am for a nutritious breakfast and a positive start to the school day.

Eating well in the morning makes a real difference to energy, concentration, and learning, so come along and fuel your day the healthy way!

At The Hathershaw College, we believe that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. Taking part in extra-curricular clubs gives students the chance to explore new interests, develop skills, and make lasting friendships.

Participating in clubs can help students:

• Build confidence by trying new activities and challenging themselves

• Develop teamwork and leadership skills through group projects and sports

• Boost wellbeing by providing a fun, creative, or active outlet after lessons

• Explore passions that might inspire future careers or hobbies

• Enhance learning by connecting classroom knowledge to real-life experiences
  
  

📝 Our Extra-Curricular Clubs Include:

• PROUD group, for LGBTQ+ students and allies

• Sign Languages classes

• Chess Club

• Orchestra

• MiSST (Music in Secondary Schools) special school

• Football, Netball, Fitness and Multisport

• Boccia and Bowling teams
  
  

Joining a club is a great way to have fun, meet new friends, and grow your skills. There’s something for everyone, and everyone is welcome!

As part of our Hathershaw Acts of Charity & Kindness (HACK) initiative, our staff organised a food bank collection to support local families in need. Generous donations of non-perishable items and essentials were collected. The collection will help provide much-needed support to those in need in Oldham, and demonstrates the positive impact we can have beyond the classroom. A big thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make a difference!