Hathershaw Highlights

It’s that exciting time of year again for our year 9 students. They will soon be choosing their GCSE options! After half term, we’ll be holding information evenings for students and parents to find out more about the subjects on offer and get advice on making the best choices, along with providing information booklets and videos from each faculty with details of different GCSE subjects and what you can expect to be studying.

• Thursday 12th Feb, 5-6pm– Parents/Carers Options Information Evening, in the main hall. Please remind your parents/carers about this.

• Monday 23rd Feb – The google form will be made live via an email to your individual student email for you to choose options. This is the only way to access the form.

• Friday 13th March – Deadline day for option choices. You must complete the google form by this deadline!

• Monday 29th June – Confirmation of subjects that you will study will be posted home during this week

Students from our Hearing Resource Centre have begun an exciting new project with Comino at RHS Bridgewater. As part of the project, students will be planting and maintaining a purpose-built garden, while developing key horticulture skills. Visits will take place once a month, with students attending alongside staff and pupils from other schools.

“I just wanted to say thank you to you for choosing such amazing staff and students to attend yesterday's session at the RHS. Despite the cold and damp weather everyone showed great enthusiasm for each of the activities and were an absolute credit to the school in terms of their behaviour and attitudes. I am excited to work with them moving forwards as are the staff at the RHS."

Quote by Diane Ainsworth

For a closer look at everything your child is learning this term, from maths and science to languages and the arts, check out our Curriculum Newsletter. It’s packed with updates on each subject, highlights of student work, and tips to support learning at home.

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.

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.

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!