Hathershaw Highlights

On 23rd February 2026, a group of our Year 9 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the JDUP Careers Event at Manchester Central Exhibition Centre. Students explored a wide range of career pathways within the JD organisation, gaining valuable insight into future opportunities, industry roles and progression routes. The event was designed to inspire young people as they begin thinking about their next steps, offering interactive sessions and first-hand advice from professionals. It was a fantastic experience for our students, helping them broaden their understanding of the world of work and encouraging them to think ambitiously about their futures.

Staff recently took part in a sponsored fast as an opportunity to reflect on themes of gratitude, empathy and the challenges faced by others. Fasting can help develop a greater understanding of different experiences and encourage reflection on the importance of community and compassion. The day concluded with staff attending the Unity Iftar at East Oldham Islamic Centre, where they joined others in breaking the fast and taking part in an uplifting and educational evening that celebrated togetherness and cultural understanding.

World Book Day brought plenty of excitement to school, with a range of activities designed to celebrate reading and encourage pupils to get involved. Popular events included the return of the Masked Reader competition, which challenged pupils to guess the mystery staff members behind the books they were reading. The library also hosted a selection of mystery books for pupils to explore, adding an extra element of surprise to choosing their next read. In addition, a treasure hunt in The Link gave pupils the chance to take part in a fun reading-themed challenge. It was fantastic to see so many students engaging with the activities and celebrating the joy of reading.

Between 5th-16th March all Science classes in Y7 - Y9 took a break from their curriculum work and took part in a British Science Week themed lesson. The national theme for BSW this year was Curiosity: What's your question? The students investigated alternative protein rich food sources to add to their diet due to an ever increasing world population. The food sources being insects! Mealworms, crickets and scorpions were on the menu in lessons, although most students were pleased that these were only hypothetical meal plans and no cooking involving insects took place.

Who knows, maybe an insect themed cookbook featuring recipes such as Garlic Cricket Pasta, Udon Crunch, and Chocolate covered crickets may be on the book shelves very soon!

Parenting today can feel very overwhelming and it is difficult to keep up with the ever-changing digital world your child moves through. Here's a guide for parents and carers to support conversations with your child about their digital life.

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!