THORNLEIGH SALESIAN COLLEGE WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024
Welcome to our Winter Newsletter! As we approach the Christmas holidays, we reflect on what has been a busy and rewarding term at Thornleigh Salesian College. We are incredibly proud of our students for their impeccable behaviour and positive attitudes during our recent external inspections. In response to the recommendations from Ofsted, we are actively listening to feedback from parents and students. As a result, we are reviewing key aspects of school life, including our assessment model, homework, and the structure of the school day. We are also excited about the work of our newly established parent group, who are playing an important role in evaluating and enhancing school practices. This term, our school community has come together to support the most vulnerable in our local area. Our annual Pensioners’ Party was a joyful celebration, filled with fun, food, and music, fostering community spirit and connection. In addition, our students have shown tremendous generosity in their fundraising efforts, supporting CAFOD, Caritas and Urban Outreach. Every form group contributed to ensuring that those in need are cared for and supported during this festive season. One of the highlights of the term was our school musical, The Wiz. This fantastic production involved over 70 talented students who worked tirelessly to bring this inspiring story to life. The themes of selfbelief, vision, and teamwork resonated throughout, and the dedication of both students and staff was evident in every applause-filled performance. We concluded the term with our Bolton Catholic Schools Carol Service for the community, followed by special services for all year groups in school. These events brought this busy term to a meaningful close, embodying the joy and reflection of the Christmas season while celebrating our Catholic ethos. On behalf of everyone at Thornleigh Salesian College, I would like to wish you and your families a very happy and peaceful Christmas. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year, refreshed and ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead. With warm wishes, Mr Fitzsimons 2 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 HEADTEACHER’S MESSAGE
3 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 CONTENTS Page 2 Headteacher’s Message Page 4 - 5 Religious Education Page 6 - 10 Chaplaincy Page 11 Curriculum for Life Page 12 - 13 The Wiz Page 14 - 15 Parliamentary Action Day Page 16 - 17 English Page 17 Library Page 18 Maths Page 18 IQM Award Page 19 Art Page 20 - 21 Thornleigh Art Gallery Page 22 Computer Science Page 23 MFL Page 24 - 25 Music Page 26 - 32 Year Team News Page 33 - 35 Sixth Form
4 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 RELIGIOUSEDUCATION Reconciliation The Pilgrims of Hope reconciliation service was a profound experience that gently guided our Year 10 and 11 students into the heart of Advent, preparing them for the coming of Christ at Christmas. As they walked into the sacred space, the atmosphere of peace and reflection invited them to pause amidst their busy lives and consider their personal journey with God. The scripture reading about the disciples on the road to Emmaus resonated deeply with many, reminding them that even when they feel lost or distant from God, Christ walks beside them, ready to rekindle their hope. The sacrament of reconciliation in school gives our students a renewed sense of freedom and joy. The reflection activity, where students placed their “footprints of hope” along the path, was particularly impactful. Seeing their hopes joined with those of their peers symbolised a collective journey, reminding them that they are not alone in seeking God’s light. In the season of Advent this service has helped students prepare their hearts to embrace the themes of waiting, renewal, and hope that are central to the season. By experiencing God’s mercy in such a tangible way, they are now better equipped to journey toward Christmas with open hearts, ready to welcome the Christ child as their source of hope and joy. Send My Friend to School Year 7 This term, Year 7 students have been diving deep into the new Religious Education Directory (RED) introduced by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Through engaging lessons and creative projects, they have explored the foundational themes of Creation, Covenant, Prophecy, and Promise, enriching their understanding of faith and scripture. The theme of Creation invited students to marvel at the beauty of the natural world and recognise humanity’s responsibility to care for it as stewards of God’s creation. Through group discussions and reflections, students connected these teachings to contemporary challenges like climate change and environmental justice. In their study of the Covenant, students unpacked the stories of God’s promises to His people, from Abraham to Moses, exploring how these sacred commitments reveal God’s love and fidelity. They reflected on how covenants are a call to respond in faith and trust, both in their lives and within their communities. The themes of Prophecy and Promise encouraged Year 7 to look at the messages of hope and renewal delivered by the prophets. Students were particularly inspired by the prophetic call to justice, compassion, and hope for a better future, linking these ancient texts to modern-day examples of prophetic voices in society. Throughout the term, students have demonstrated a thoughtful and creative approach to their learning. Whether through artwork, KAPs, or group discussions, they have embraced the richness of these themes, showing how the new RED can inspire a vibrant faith journey at school and beyond. Year 8 This term, Year 8 students have continued their journey of faith by engaging with the themes of Creation, Covenant, Prophecy, and Promise as outlined in the new Religious Education Directory. Their studies have encouraged a deeper exploration of scripture, theology, and the relevance of these themes in their daily lives. In studying Creation, students examined the theological significance of humanity being made in God’s image. Discussions focused on how this understanding shapes our relationships with others and our responsibility to protect the environment as a reflection of God’s creative love. The exploration of the Covenant gave Year 8 an opportunity to delve into the historical and spiritual journey of God’s people, particularly focusing on the covenants with Noah, Abraham,
5 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 and Moses. Students reflected on how these covenants symbolise God’s enduring commitment to humanity and challenge us to live lives of faithfulness and trust. The themes of Prophecy and Promise allowed students to analyse the role of prophets as God’s messengers of hope and renewal. By studying key prophetic figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah, students considered how these messages of justice, peace, and restoration continue to inspire Christians today. Year 8 students have approached these themes with enthusiasm and insight, using creative projects, debates, and reflections to connect scripture to their own lives. Their work this term demonstrates not only their growing theological understanding but also their commitment to living out our core values of Respect, understanding, affection and Humour. RE Support Sessions Year 11 have made an excellent start to the academic year by preparing for their first PPE examinations. Many students have attended revision on a Tuesday morning and Thursday after school. They have shown commitment and resilience in preparing for their upcoming exams. Keep up the fantastic start! Core RE All students at Thornleigh Sixth Form study Core Religious Education which offers students the chance to explore new topics, ethical issues and respond to modern day issues around the world. This half term students have been studying what it means to be made in the image of God and how we can be stewards of our earth, with a focus on Pope Francis’ teaching that the earth is our common home. Students have also explored what it means to be human, making links to Catholic Social Teachings around human dignity and the sacredness of life. RELIGIOUSEDUCATION Follow us @tsc_re
6 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 CHAPLAINCY Leadership Programmes Every year a number of students make the best of opportunities to lead our community in growing together in faith as GIFT leaders, or SVP leaders, or CAFOD Young leaders, or Chaplaincy leaders and so on. They not only live their faith in an exemplary way, but invite others to join in and share with the whole community. These leadership experiences have made a deep impact in the lives of young people. Collective Worship Monday through Wednesday in the first week of school term, all the students had collective worship during afternoon assembly. Based on the weekly theme, Form groups, departments and SLT lead and share experiences and reflection. These assemblies become the focal point to be growing together rooted in faith. It becomes an opportunity to gather, listen, respond and are given a mission to live the week together as a community. Sunday gospel is proclaimed, making it the centre of all reflective moments. Congratulations to Fr Chris - CAMINO STAR Fr Chris has run over 924 kilometers from Lourdes to Compostela, which began in the middle of September and completed in October. We did keep track of his progress and along with supporting him to raise money for Caritas Salford. During this Advent and Christmas, you could still donate to Caritas on his justgiving page. Thank you for your wonderful support. www.justgiving.com/page/fr-chris-camino
7 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 CHAPLAINCY Local Parish Mass Timings for Christmas Parish of Corpus Christi (Churches of St John the Evangelist, St Columba’s, & St Brendan’s) Christmas Vigil - 4.00pm (SB), 6.00pm (SJ) Christmas Day - 9.30am (SJ), 11.00am (SB) Parish of Blessed Dominic Barberi (Churches of St Teresa’s, St Osmund’s) Christmas Vigil - 5.00pm (ST), 11.45pm Carol Singing and Mass (SO) Christmas Day - 9.00am (ST), 11.00am (SO) St Cuthbert (Churches of St Joseph’s and St Thomas of Canterbury) Christmas Vigil - 5.30pm (SJ), 8.00pm (ST) Christmas Day - 9.30am (SJ), 11.15am (ST) St. Patrick Catholic Parish Christmas Vigil - 6.00pm Mass Christmas Day - 10.30am The Holy Infant and St Anthony Parish, Astley Bridge Christmas Vigil - 7.30pm Christmas Day - 10.00am Salesian Brothers Salesian brothers volunteering to support Thornleigh has become a tradition over the years. Every year we are fortunate to have a Salesian Brother or two. This year we have Bro Dominic and Bro Thomas who are originally from Vietnam. They became Salesians in their own country and came over to help us and continue the same Salesian work among young people. Both are talented in various areas, able to help out in school especially in Bosco Centre. Bro Dominic enjoys football and fishing, while Bro Thomas has a great taste in music. We wish them all the best during this academic year working with us. Flame 2025 Flame 2025 is a Catholic youth event that will take place on Saturday 15th March, 2025 at Wembley Arena. The event is open to young people from secondary school through to university age. The theme for Flame 2025 is “Unstoppable: Fan the Flame of Hope”. The confirmation candidate and Thornleigh students will be there to participate in the event. Sacramental Programme The staff and students have opportunities to celebrate sacraments in the school context at different times. Mass, Sacrament of Reconciliation and Confirmation are regular features at Thornleigh during the academic year. During Advent, Lent and Season of Pentecost all the students are offered chances to celebrate the Sacrament of reconciliation. The partnership confirmation programme has become part of faith formation and connections to our deanery parishes have grown over the years. The Confirmation Programme gives opening for staff from other departments than RE to become catechists to share and grow in faith. This year we have over 70 candidates who have begun their sacramental programme for confirmation and they will be confirmed by Bishop John on Wednesday 25th June 2025.
8 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 CHAPLAINCY CAFOD Family Fast Day - Friday 4th October 2024 The CAFOD young leaders, along with GIFT Team members organised the day, making people aware of the Family Fast Day. The chapel was set up for moments of prayer, lighting a candle and some quiet time. GIFT leaders went into each form for donation in support of the work of CAFOD. Commissioning and Welcome Mass - Thursday 24th October 2024 Thursday, 24th October was a momentous day for Thornleigh, marking the commissioning of new student leaders in a ceremony that resonated with significance and community spirit. The event, attended by parents, staff, and students, was woven into the fabric of a special Mass, with Fr Steven delivering a thought-provoking homily that encouraged the leaders to lead by example. This call to action set the tone for the proceedings, highlighting the importance of integrity and responsibility in leadership. Mr. Fitzsimons had the honor of officially commissioning the leaders, while Fr Saju served as the main celebrant of the Eucharist, adding a spiritual depth to the occasion. More than 30 student leaders took the oath, affirming their commitment to serve their peers and school with dedication and enthusiasm. This ceremony not only celebrated the beginning of their leadership journey but also underscored the values and ethos that Thornleigh holds dear.
9 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 CHAPLAINCY Visit to Thornleigh House and Mini Retreat with Year 7s In October, as the Year 7 students acclimatized to secondary school, the RE Department and Chaplaincy organized a mini-retreat and visit to Thornleigh Salesians House. This mini-retreat emphasized on mental well-being and the Salesian ethos of RUAH - Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour - principles that underpin the school’s daily life. During the visit to Thornleigh House, students explored the origins of the Salesian community that has thrived for nearly a century in educating young people through their ministry. Fr. Michael guided them through the history of Thornleigh, interweaving his personal experiences and reflections. Additionally, the Year 7 students had the opportunity to visit Don Bosco Publications and the Head Office of the Salesians of Don Bosco charity in the UK. Remembrance Sunday - Sunday 10th November The Thornleigh tradition of gathering on Remembrance Sunday is a poignant and heartfelt occasion, where Bolton Catenian families come together to honour those who have sacrificed their lives in wars. This solemn day is marked by the roll call of names from the memorial plaque, as well as those who have passed away recently, evoking cherished memories of the departed. This year, Fr. Michael led the Eucharist, while Fr. Eugene, a Salesian from Ukraine, delivered a moving homily that urged the congregation to become ambassadors of harmony and peace in a world too often divided by conflict. The service concluded with a warm and communal sharing of refreshments, coffee, and tea, fostering a sense of unity and reflection among all attendees. Savio Retreats - Monday 11th to Friday 15th November The Savio Retreat for Year 7 students during the week starting November 11th was a remarkable experience, fostering reflective learning and personal growth. Divided into two groups, the young participants were encouraged to contemplate the concept of building bridges - both in their personal lives and in their interactions with others. This metaphor served as a guiding principle throughout the retreat, inspiring students to forge positive connections and maintain constructive relationships. Through a variety of themes and activities, the retreat emphasized self-discovery and mutual understanding, allowing students to better know themselves and each other. This enriching experience not only strengthened bonds among the students but also equipped them with valuable skills for future interactions.
10 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 CHAPLAINCY Red Wednesday - Wednesday 20th November Every third Wednesday of November, many churches, religious institutions, schools and public offices around the world light up in the colour of martyrs: red. This annual observance, called Red Wednesday, honours persecuted Christians worldwide and pray for the end of the wars. This year the focus of Red Wednesday was young people who are caught in the war. It began in 2016, initiated by the papal charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Form Masses - Patron SAINT / Formation Masses This innovative approach to integrating saints’ names into your traditional year forms is both enriching and inspiring. By aligning each group with a patron saint (instead of the traditional form names), you offer students a unique opportunity to learn about inspiring historical and spiritual figures, fostering a deeper connection with their faith. The celebration of saint days, strategically placed close to their actual feast days, adds a meaningful rhythm to the school calendar, encouraging reflection and community spirit. Fr Tony’s involvement as the main celebrant at the Mass, along with his insightful life sketches of St. Therese, Blessed Carlo Acutis, and St. Zatti, provides students with concrete examples of virtuous living. These celebrations not only honor the saints but also inspire students to embody their values and virtues in everyday life, creating a vibrant and faith-filled school environment. Advent Campaign - CAFOD World Gifts This Advent the whole school charity campaign will include fundraising for CAFOD World Gifts. CAFOD is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, a charity that helps the poorest, most hard-to-reach people around the world. World Gifts are a great way for students to learn about the joy of giving, and they help to transform the lives of people living in poverty around the world. They will learn about how global gifts such as cows, solar lamps and water for a family help to change lives. We have chosen to support CAFOD as a way for our students to put their faith into action. By raising money for World Gifts, we will be supporting our brothers and sisters around the world, inspiring our students to become active global citizens and living out our school mission. You can find out more about CAFOD together as a family by visiting cafod.org.uk/families
11 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 CURRICULUMFORLIFE This first term in Curriculum for Life has been busy. Students have attended Personal Development assemblies throughout the term on PSHE themes, British Values, Literacy and Careers delivered by teachers in addition to their taught lessons in tutor time. We had another successful Safety Week with CfL lessons for Years 7 and 8 focused on rail safety, a presentation from Sue Tinker from Bolton Council on road safety and one from Mr Atkinson on online safety to Year 7. PC Heald delivered to Years 8 and 11 on cyber safety and cyber crime and the Safeguarding teams presented to Years 7 to 11 on topics such as consent and mindfulness. Safety Week finished with two performances and a question and answer session from Perception Theatre to Year 10 on knife crime. This was extremely well received by both staff and pupils with Mr Hughes describing the play as ‘the most powerful learning experience I’ve seen in a school from an external provider.’ Students described it as ‘great because it was realistic’ and ‘it was moving.’ We look forward to working with Perception Theatre again in the future.
412 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 THEWIZ The Wiz In the first week of December over 70 students across Year 8 to Year 13 performed in a stunning production of The Wiz! Complete with live band, a neon backdrop and an LED yellow brick road, the performance was a treat for all! Well done to all involved!
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4814 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 PARLIAMENTARYACTIONDAY Send My Friend To School Have you ever heard about Send My Friend to school? Send My Friend to School is the UK coalition of the Global Campaign for Education. Send my friend to school is campaigning to demand quality education for all children across the globe. This year’s theme for the campaign is: Education in Emergency. They are asking the Uk Government to Prepare, Protect, Invest and Act so that all children across the world can learn in times of emergency. How is it apparent in the world today? Even though it is something which is not often talked about, lack of access to education affects a lot of people. Here are some examples. • 224 million children in the world do not have an education due to an emergency • Currently there are 262 million children who don’t get an education - many who are in school are not actually even learning Action Here at Thornleigh Salesian College we have Alessandro O and Iman B who are Send My Friend to School Campaign Champions. As part of the Campaign, Iman and Alessandro had the honour of going to London and into Parliament to speak to parliamentarians about this arising problem, advising them of some of the next steps the UK government could take to fulfil SDG4 - To ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong opportunities for all. Our Experience Our trip to London was an unforgettable experience, combining sightseeing, education, and advocacy. From the start, we aimed to make education a central topic in our conversations with key decision-makers, and we truly believe we succeeded. On our first day, we explored the iconic landmarks of London - a breathtaking introduction to the city. During our exploration we got to see and enter the Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood - it is the seat of Cardinal Nichols as head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. This was followed by an intensive two-hour training session designed to prepare us for our engagements in Parliament the following day, where we would be advocating for the rights of children worldwide, with a focus on access to a quality education especially in times of emergencies.
1 59 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 Parliamentary Action Day Upon arriving at Parliament, we were given an insightful tour by Bambos Charalambous, MP, who guided us through the iconic Palace of Westminster. As we explored the building’s vast, art-filled rooms, he led us through the historic halls, offering a glimpse into the heart of British politics. We had the opportunity to visit both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, gaining a deeper understanding of their significance. To top it off, we experienced a live general debate from the public gallery in the House of Commons, which provided us with a fascinating and firsthand look at parliamentary proceedings in action. We would like to extend our thanks to Anneliese Dodds, the Minister of State for Overseas Development, for taking the time to meet with us. During our discussion, we shared our perspectives on education, which appeared to inspire her to approach the issue with a fresh perspective. Additionally, we had a productive meeting with three civil servants, where we exchanged ideas and made a compelling case for prioritising education. We urged the government to increase funding for education, emphasising its critical importance for global development and the future of children everywhere. Shortly after, we participated in the MP drop-in session, where MPs and members of the House of Lords joined us to discuss the urgent need for education in emergencies. It was incredibly empowering to engage in meaningful conversations with them and see our ideas resonate, reinforcing the critical importance of ensuring access to education even in times of crisis. “Overall, this trip was a perfect blend of learning and advocacy. I left London feeling proud of our efforts to bring attention to education in emergencies and I am now inspired to continue making a difference.” - Alessandro O “Voicing out the beliefs of people, particularly young people in our community about the right of access to education for all children to parliamentarians felt empowering. I hope that our words get put across into actions and that soon we are able to see a positive change, for the better.”- Iman B PARLIAMENTARYACTIONDAY
4816 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 ENGLISH Reading Quests Pupils in Year 7 have been challenged to read two books and complete two reading quests this half term. Here is Thor showing off his fantastic alternative book cover for Philip Pullman’s Four Tales! Maryam thoroughly enjoyed reading Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus and created an excellent comic strip for her reading quest! After studying Myths and legends in her first half term of Year 7, Thea was so inspired, she wrote her own story inspired by the legendary outlaw, Robin Hood. Thea has demonstrated great creativity and dedication. Rotary Club The Rotary Speaking Competition will begin in the new year with pupils competing in a National Competition in February. The experience of public speaking is hugely valuable in building confidence and ambition, something we seek to foster within all of our pupils at Thornleigh Salesian College. Working alongside Mrs Naylor, both the junior and senior team are preparing their speeches on their chosen topics. Each team consists of the Chair, the Speaker and the Proposer of the Vote of Thanks. We wish them all the best! Junior team: Elsiar E - Speaker, Perpetua E - Chairperson, Ciara S - Vote of Thanks, Reserve: Lyra C Senior team: Alessandro O - Speaker, Modadeoluwa O - Chairperson Olivia K - Vote of Thanks An Inspector Calls Performance Pupils in Year 10 are in for the performance of a lifetime on Wednesday, 18th December. Be prepared to be transported back to 1912 Edwardian England on the eve of an upper-class family’s celebration. The arrival of the formidable Inspector (played by the one and only Mr Pierce) shatters their veneer of respectability and forces the family to admit their wrongdoings. The annual English Department’s production of An Inspector Calls will take place during period 1 on the 18th December. We look forward to seeing the English Department take the stage!
1759 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 ENGLISH Year 11 Literary Theory Pupils in Year 11 have been delving into the world of Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud. They have demonstrated excellent critical thinking skills and creativity. After grasping the concept of Marxism and Psychoanalysis, pupils have applied these literary theories to their GCSE Literature texts. Here are some excellent examples: Year 11 Revision Year 11 have shown great dedication to their studies through attending their weekly revision sessions after school. These sessions have provided pupils with the necessary content and skills required for their PPE’s. Pupils have found the sessions extremely beneficial and demonstrated their willingness to succeed. Keep up the good work, Year 11! A special shout out to Mrs Whittle and Mrs Cooper for introducing the Sheila Shake, our Year 11 pupils will be sure to never forget their key quotes for Sheila! Museum of My Life Our Year 7 pupils completed a ‘Museum of my Life’ project as part of their transition work over the summer holidays. They were given a booklet where they had to create a museum of their life - the most important moments, objects or beliefs that make them who they are. They could draw or stick in a picture or representation of what they had chosen to exhibit. They then explained why that moment, object or belief deserved to be in their exhibit. Here are some fantastic examples of the work they produced. Well done, Year 7! Follow us @Thornleigh_Eng LIBRARY All Booked Up! What an amazing start to the term with students busily ‘booking’ up their time with reading. Our librarians have been busy organising the library with our new non-fiction section and updating our fiction stock. Did you know that we now have a virtual library catalogue which you can take a look at on our library laptops? It’s great for checking if we have a book in stock. Our library is open every break and dinner for students to use the computers for homework, to borrow books or just sit in the comfy nook and read. Checked out our real Mini Cooper in the library! In September, we held a book fair and raised over £650 which means that we will get a percentage of that back in vouchers to spend with Scholastic. If you didn’t get chance to come then we are running a December and March book fair too, where you can purchase the latest titles. Our story doesn’t stop there as forms have been warmly invited to the library for a tour of what’s on offer. Students can read both our fiction and non-fiction titles, but we also have the amazing virtual library: ePlatform. Students have been shown how to access this via the school website under the library link. Here students can access a whole virtual library of books, with some titles being hot off the press! The final chapter of this term saw us launch the ‘Reading Quest’ with KS3. Ms Whittle went into assemblies in October to explain how the ‘Reading Quest’ works: students are to read two books by the end of the Christmas holidays and complete a different quest for each one. At the start of the Spring term, all students who complete the two quests will receive a certificate and the winning form in each year wins a trophy. The gauntlet has been thrown down…
14018 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 IQMAWARD Thornleigh Salesian College Awarded Centre of Excellence in Inclusion We are delighted to announce that Thornleigh Salesian College has been awarded the prestigious Inclusion Quality Mark’s (IQM) Inclusive School Award, recognising our dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This accolade is a reflection of the school’s deeprooted Salesian values, inspired by the teachings of Saint John Bosco, and our unwavering commitment to ensuring every student feels valued and cared for. The IQM report praised the strong relationships between students and staff, noting the atmosphere of mutual respect and care that was evident throughout the school. This sense of belonging was particularly highlighted during the assessor’s visit, where the welcoming and inclusive nature of the school stood out. Our curriculum has also been commended for its careful design to meet the diverse needs of all students, with a special focus on those with additional learning requirements. In addition, our wide range of extracurricular activities and trips, both locally and internationally, are widely appreciated by students. Thanks to funding from the Turing Scheme, disadvantaged students have been able to access these valuable opportunities for personal growth. This award reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported. Our ambition is to continue building on this success, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or needs, have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Mr Tye MATHS Numeracy Challenge The numeracy challenge has run in all Year 7 and 8 forms this year. As the competition nears its conclusion for the Autumn term the battle between students and form tutors to gain top spot has been as intense as ever. In Year 7 at the time of writing Miss Liptrott’s 7 Zeta lead the way with 13 point lead over Mr Alvarez’s 7 Delta with Ms Crabtree’s 7T 19 points from the top in third place. All forms have competed really well with almost all forms gaining large numbers of correct entries on a consistent basis and most forms having a week when all students got a correct answer. In the Year 8 numeracy challenge, a lot of forms have performed fantastically well this term, with many forms scoring 100% on the challenges each week. The current leaders in Year 8 are Ms Hawksworth’s 8T with Mr Eccleshare’s 8 Lambda shortly behind in second place and Mr Hodson’s 8 Zeta a close third. All three of these forms have been consistently the best all academic year. The only question is which of the top three forms comes out on top in the final reckoning! The competition will continue until the final week of term when the winners will be presented with the coveted numeracy challenge trophy and a form prize. Follow us @ThornleighMaths
19 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 Follow us @tsc_art ART Astley Bridge Art Display Art club students have created Christmas artwork for the Astley Bridge community art display. These large boards will be proudly displayed alongside other pieces of art from neighbouring schools, nurseries and groups over the Christmas period. Art club is every Wednesday breaktime, new members are always welcome. Wreath Making A group of students joined Ms Williams for a rewards activity making wreaths. They worked hard combining different foliage and Christmas ornaments to produce these lovely wreaths.
120 Follow us @tsc_art WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 THORNLEIGH ART GALLERY
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422 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 COMPUTERSCIENCE Robotics Club: Unleashing Creativity and Innovation! We are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in our Robotics Club as we welcome a vibrant group of enthusiastic students! This term, our members have been diving headfirst into the fascinating world of robotics, working diligently to design and build robotic cars that can navigate their surroundings with precision and flair. Spotlight on Innovation A special shout-out goes to Riley, who has wowed us all with the creation of an impressive F1 car! But that’s not all! Our talented Year 9 girls have also been creating innovative mini projects. They’ve brought their ideas to life by constructing a delightful Ferris wheel and a captivating spinning character. These projects not only highlight their technical skills but also their ability to think outside the box and collaborate effectively. Join the Fun! Are you interested in exploring the exciting field of robotics? Robotics Club meets every Tuesday from 3:10pm to 4:00pm in Room 15. To find out more or to sign up speak to your computer science teacher. Follow us @_Computing
235 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 MFL Global Leaders On the 26th November, we welcomed Neil Sledge, the Global Learning Projects Support Officer at the Liverpool World Centre, who led an engaging workshop focused on global issues and innovative global learning methods with our Global Leaders and the Green Team. Throughout the session, Neil introduced our students to powerful approaches that deepen understanding of global challenges and encourage meaningful, transformative action. Through the lens of global learning, our students gained valuable tools to cultivate critical and creative thinking, enhance self-awareness, and develop a more open-minded approach to diverse perspectives and cultural differences. This experience not only broadened our awareness of pressing global issues but also helped us explore the interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on communities around the world. The workshop empowered us to think beyond local boundaries, igniting a sense of shared responsibility for creating positive change. We left with a renewed sense of optimism and a strengthened commitment to taking action in our own lives, fostering a more compassionate and sustainable world for future generations. As Global Leaders, we are committed to taking meaningful action in support of creating a positive impact on the current state of the global climate. Recognizing the urgency of addressing climate change, we are launching a series of initiatives designed to inspire and engage our community in environmental stewardship. Among these initiatives are exciting events, such as a community beach clean-up aimed at reducing ocean pollution, and a recycled textile fashion show that highlights the potential of sustainable fashion. Through these events and others, we aim to raise awareness and promote eco-friendly practices, and encourage a collective commitment to preserving our planet for future generations. As Global Leaders we believe that together, we can make a difference and drive the change needed to protect our environment. By Iman B Follow us @tsc_mfl_dep Lancaster University Talk The Spanish department at Thornleigh were delighted to welcome Lancaster University to deliver a talk to Year 9 students on the importance of learning languages. Senior teaching associate Cyrille Rollet, from the University’s School of Global Affairs, delivered an inspiring assembly, where he talked about a variety of careers, salaries and benefits to learning a second language. Watch this space for more collaborations with the University.
424 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 MUSIC BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Live Radio 3 Broadcast Year 10 and 11 GCSE Music students were part of the audience in a live Radio 3 broadcast of the new BBC ‘Ten Pieces’, performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and guests at the Dock Studios, Salford Quays. A huge thank you to Fr. Saju, Mrs Pierce and Br Thomas who came along too, to support our students. The live Radio 3 broadcast and recording celebrates the Tenth anniversary of BBC ‘Ten Pieces’ and the launch of the new set of recordings, with a focus on female composers. We had a fantastic time and all the students and staff were overwhelmed by the amazing performances. It was great to be part of a live broadcast and to see the whole event brought together. Rock Pop and Musical Theatre Night A huge thank you and well done to our wonderfully talented musicians and singers at Rock, Pop and Musical Theatre Night on Monday 18th November. The sell-out gig was a huge success and all performances were outstanding. It was wonderful to hear live music and the atmosphere at the gig was electric. The concert was recorded with many students using the night as an opportunity to prepare for upcoming GCSE and BTEC L3 Performing Arts assessments.
25 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 Many of our super talented musicians were performing on stage for the first time although you would never have known!! We were able to raise funds for new equipment in the Music department. A massive thank you to parents, family, friends and students who attended on the night and we hope to see you all again at the next gig in March 2025. If you are interested in performing at our next event, or just want to get into performing with a band see Miss Birtley for further information. If you’d like your child to start instrumental or vocal lessons contact Bolton Music Service on 01204 333533 or sign up on their website www.boltonmusicservice/parents-and-pupils MUSIC
426 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 YEARTEAMNEWS Year 7 Extra Curricular Activities Year 7 embraced our extra-curricular activity programme this year. We have a huge number of students regularly participating in a wide range of activities. Please see the school website for details of all the clubs and activities we currently offer. The PE department update the programme each half term. Art Club The Art Club has proved really popular with the year 7 students who attend each week to draw, paint and create. Here are a couple of photos of their work so far: I can’t wait to see what they create next! Choir The Year 7 and 8 choir is always a popular choice for the students. School choir has been running every Thursday lunchtime since the third week of this term and we have lots of new year 7 students that have started! It has been lovely to see so many new young students who enjoy singing! Also, lots of year 7 students have signed up for instrumental lessons via Bolton Music Service. Please visit www.boltonmusicservice.com for more information. Girls Netball Team The girls netball team have made a fantastic start to their journey this year. Here is a photo of them in their first match against St James’. They fought hard for a win but it wasn’t to be this time with the match ending in a 1-1 draw. They have made huge progress in their skills as a team! Miss Crabtree (netball coach) Here is a photo showing how resilient our girls can be after completing a gruelling cross country race in VERY muddy conditions. They didn’t give up and all finished the event with a smile, and some mud, on their faces.
275 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 Chaplaincy All the children in Year 7 have had an opportunity to visit the Salesian House this half term and spent an afternoon having a retreat with Father Saju and the Salesian Brothers. This has helped them develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Salesian and share our values and vision to build a community built upon Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour so all can know they are valued, loved and cherished. YEARTEAMNEWS Football Teams The girls football team have made a great start to their matches. They stormed home with an impressive performance against Parr Wood whom they beat with a score of 10-1! They are developing their skills and sportsmanship with the help of Miss Morris. Student Wellbeing As we approach the end of this year, students may begin to feel the pressure of balancing their schoolwork with extra-curricular activities. Our pastoral team is always available to support students who may be feeling overwhelmed. Please remind your child that asking for help is a sign of strength. What you can do: • Encourage your child to talk about how they feel. • Help them to establish a balanced routine between work and leisure activities. • Stay in touch with the school if you notice any significant changes in their behaviour or mood. Reminder: School uniform and attendance Please ensure that your child is in full school uniform every day. As the weather gets colder, appropriate school dark coloured coats can be worn but hoodies are not allowed. Full uniform details can be found on our school website. Good attendance is essential for ensuring your child is able to reach their full potential at Thornleigh. Please remember to contact the school if your child is absent for any reason. Contacting the school If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact the Year 7 Team. We are here to support both you and your child through this important transition year. Mrs H Porter - Year Leader Hporter@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk Miss R Morris - Student Progress Coordinator Rmorris@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk Warm regards, The Year 7 Team Year 8 As we move closer to the festive season, I want to take a moment to share how immensely proud I am of the entire year group. Their dedication to learning, compassion, and community spirit have shone brightly this term. From their excellent attitude in the classroom to their enthusiastic support for school initiatives, Year 8 students are truly living up to our Salesian values of respect, understanding, affection and humour. One highlight has been their incredible effort in raising funds for Cancer Research UK. Their creativity, generosity, and teamwork during fundraising events have been inspiring, and the contributions they’ve made will support vital work for those affected by cancer. It’s a privilege to see the students thrive academically, socially, and personally. I thank you for your ongoing support in helping them achieve their best and wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Mr Pierce and Mrs O’Grady Celebrating Sporting Success This term has been filled with sporting triumphs for Year 8, and it’s wonderful to see so many students representing Thornleigh Salesian College with pride. Football Our Year 8 boys’ football team demonstrated outstanding teamwork and skill, securing several wins in their league matches. The girls’ football team, new to the league this year, made a brilliant debut with determination and sportsmanship. Thank you to all staff that give up an immense amount of time preparing training sessions and arranging matches.
428 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 YEARTEAMNEWS Rugby The Year 8 rugby team impressed us all with their resilience and powerful performances in recent tournaments. Their ability to work as a cohesive unit is something to celebrate in what is an incredibly difficult sport to play! Netball Our netball players continue to impress under the leadership of Mrs Reid. Matches tend to be competitive, but the Thornleigh girls never give in and remain resilient throughout the whole game. Congratulations to all the players for their hard work, dedication, and spirit, whether they were scoring goals, defending, or cheering on their teammates from the sidelines. The Wiz: A Theatrical Triumph We couldn’t be prouder of our talented Year 8 students who shone in the school production of The Wiz! From acting to singing, set design to backstage support, their involvement brought this vibrant musical to life. The show was a tremendous success, showcasing the creativity and commitment of everyone involved. Thank you to all parents who supported their children throughout rehearsals and showtime - it truly was a memorable production and we appreciate how much time is devoted to picking students up and dropping them off. Thank you too to all staff who volunteered their time to give students this opportunity - producing a musical of this scale requires quite a considerable amount of time and effort and this does not go unnoticed. Outstanding Conduct During Inspections This term, Thornleigh Salesian College was visited by two teams of inspectors and I just wanted to recognise and thank Year 8 for their excellent conduct throughout both. Indeed, both inspections highlighted the exceptional behaviour and positive attitudes of all students. Year 8 played a key role in demonstrating what makes our school community so special. Inspectors praised the students’ politeness, engagement, and respect for others - a testament to the wonderful young people they are becoming. A heartfelt thank you to all Year 8 students for their mature and responsible approach during these inspections. They are a credit to the school and to you as parents. Looking Ahead As we approach the final weeks of the term, we encourage all students to maintain their focus and continue embracing opportunities to learn and grow. With more events, activities, and achievements on the horizon, we look forward to sharing more of their successes soon. Thank you for your ongoing support and for being part of the Thornleigh Salesian College community. Warm regards, The Year 8 Team Year 9 We are excited to share a few important updates and achievements from Year 9 this month. It’s been a busy and inspiring time as we welcome new leadership, reflect on important moments, and work together for a meaningful cause. Introducing Our New Student Leaders We are delighted to announce our new Year 9 student leaders for this academic year: Elsie, Agata, Perpetua, Elise and Ciara. Elsie and Agata have been chosen as the student council leaders for Year 9, and we are confident they will represent our year group with enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility. Perpetua and Ciara have also stepped into significant roles, and together, they will play an important part in shaping the voice of Year 9 students. We look forward to their leadership and the exciting ideas they will bring to the table. Elsie B - Year Captain / student council Agata N - Year Captain / student council Perpetua E - Student Leader Elise H - Student Leader Ciara S - Student Leader
295 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2024 YEARTEAMNEWS Remembrance Assembly Year 9 Sigma led an incredibly moving assembly for Remembrance Day. They did a wonderful job of honouring those who have given their lives for our country. The students thoughtfully prepared readings, shared personal reflections, and led the moment of silence with the form tutors lighting candles. It was a poignant and educational experience for all, fostering respect, gratitude, and a deeper understanding of the significance of Remembrance Day. Fundraising for Charity: Motor Neurone Disease / CAFOD In the spirit of giving, Year 9 students have come together in their forms to brainstorm ideas for raising funds for our chosen charity, Motor Neurone Disease (MND). MND is a devastating illness, and we are determined to make a difference by supporting research and care services for those affected. Our students have been actively discussing and organising various fundraising initiatives, and we are already seeing some fantastic ideas emerge. Whether through bake sales, sponsored events, or creative campaigns, we are excited about the impact our efforts will have. More details on how you can support our fundraising efforts will be shared soon. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as we work together to create a positive and supportive school community. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication Year 9 students are showing in all their endeavors. Safety Week and Talk on Consent This month, we also took part in Safety Week, where we focused on ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students. A key component of Safety Week was a session led by our Safeguarding team on the important topic of consent. The session provided Year 9 students with valuable information about understanding and respecting boundaries, as well as how to communicate openly and responsibly in relationships. We hope this will help students feel empowered to make safe and respectful decisions. Year 9 Parents’ Evening We are delighted to report that our recent Year 9 Parents’ Evening was a great success. It was wonderful to see so many of you attending, either in person or virtually, to discuss your child’s progress and achievements. The evening provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate their hard work and to plan for the next steps in their learning journey. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education - it truly makes a difference. Attendance for Academic Success In Year 9, we continue to emphasise the importance of positive attendance in achieving academic success. We are proud to see many students with excellent attendance records this term. Regular attendance is directly linked to better academic outcomes, as students who attend school regularly are more likely to engage with their lessons, build stronger relationships with their teachers and peers, and maintain a positive learning attitude. Please encourage your child to continue prioritising their attendance, especially as we move towards the end of term. We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable, but we appreciate your efforts to ensure that your child attends school regularly. If you ever have any concerns about attendance or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact our attendance team. Attendance / Tips for Parents Being in school is important to your child’s academic achievement, wellbeing, and wider development. There is evidence to suggest that regular school attendance is a key mechanism to support children and young people’s educational, economic and social outcomes. Schools can facilitate positive peer relationships, which contributes to better mental health and wellbeing. Children can sometimes feel a little bit worried about going to school. Mostly, this is a very normal emotion. It is important to recognise that going into school can help children to feel less worried than letting them stay at home. 100 % Attendance = 100% Achievement Keeping Safe Over the Christmas Break As the holiday season approaches, we want to take a moment to remind both students and parents about the importance of staying safe during the Christmas break. The holidays are a wonderful time to relax and enjoy family and friends, but it’s important to stay mindful of safety both at home and when out and about. Some key reminders for students: Online Safety With increased screen time over the holidays, please ensure that students are mindful of their online activity. Remind them to only communicate with people they know and to report anything that makes them uncomfortable.
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