THORNLEIGH SALESIAN COLLEGE SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025
2 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 HEADTEACHER’S MESSAGE Dear Thornleigh Salesian College Community, As we approach the end of another academic year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on some of the wonderful experiences and achievements that have taken place within our school community. This year, our school chaplain and a group of students embarked on a meaningful pilgrimage walk to Walsingham, deepening their faith and connection to our Catholic tradition. Additionally, we celebrated our Year 11 students with a beautiful Mass, followed by a memorable Prom event at Rivington Barn, which marked a significant moment in their educational journey. I am thrilled to announce the formation of our new student leadership team, which promises to bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our school community. We also had the privilege of celebrating our students’ achievements at the Rotary Youth Speaks event, where they showcased their impressive speaking skills and confidence. One of the standout projects this year was the remarkable work done in our Design and Technology department, where students created timber-based products to support Kristien with his physical and memory challenges. This initiative exemplifies the compassionate spirit of our school and our commitment to inclusivity. Our students have also enjoyed enriching experiences outside the classroom, including a successful trip to the Yorkshire Sculptor Park, a fantastic MFL trip to Barcelona, and an exciting ski trip to Austria. The competitive spirit was alive and well at the Salesian Games in Woking, where over 300 students participated, showcasing their athletic talents and teamwork. As we bid a heartfelt farewell to our Year 13 students, we celebrate their accomplishments and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. I would also like to remind everyone that our 100-year celebration events will commence in September, and we look forward to celebrating this significant milestone together. As we head into the summer break, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. I would like to extend my thanks to all the parents who attended our information evening. Your participation in our discussion about the rationale for transitioning to a five-period day, attendance, the new assessment model, and our curriculum intentions for the upcoming year is greatly appreciated. Lastly, I am delighted to welcome Mr Harwood as our new Deputy Headteacher for Curriculum, who joins us from Corpus Christi in Preston. We are excited to have him on board as we continue to strive for excellence in our educational offerings. Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing everyone in the new academic year. Warm regards, Mr Fitzsimons Headteacher
3 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CONTENTS Page 2 Headteacher’s Message Page 3 Contents Page 4 - 9 Chaplaincy & RE Page 10 Curriculum for Life Page 11 Student Leadership Page 12 - 13 English Page 13 Computer Science Page 14 Library Page 15 Maths Page 16 Design Technology Page 17 Art Page 18 History Page 19 Child Development Page 19 Girls Out Loud Page 20 - 21 MFL Page 22 - 23 The Salesian Games Page 24 - 27 Physical Education Page 27 - 28 Dance Page 29 Sixth Form Page 30 100 Years of Salesians in Bolton Page 31 The Addams Family
4 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE Pope Francis: A Ministry of Hope, A Legacy for the Future After 12 years of leading the Catholic Church Pope Francis went to his Father’s abode. We remember his extraordinary ministry marked by humility, compassion and his powerful call to be “Pilgrims of Hope.” His leadership has left an indelible legacy for the Church of tomorrow - one that prioritises the poor, embraces mercy and listens to the voices of young people and the margins. In this Jubilee Year, we honour his life by continuing his mission with courage and faith. As a school community we celebrated Mass for his repose alongside prayer moments which were organised to honour his memory and extraordinary service. Pope Leo: A Historic Moment for the Church History was made with the election of Pope Leo, the first American to be chosen as Pope. His election brings a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the Church, uniting people across continents. As he steps into this significant role, we pray for wisdom, strength and the Holy Spirit to guide his leadership. Fr Fabio Attard Elected Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco In a historic moment for the Salesian family, Fr Fabio Attard was elected Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco during the 29th General Chapter held in March 2025. He now becomes the 11th successor of Don Bosco, entrusted with leading the Congregation into a new chapter of mission and service. The election took place at the Mother House in Valdocco, Turin, where 220 provincials and delegates from around the world gathered to discern the future leadership of the Salesian Order. Fr Attard brings with him a wealth of experience and deep pastoral insight being well known for his previous work in Youth Ministry at the Generalate. His election is a moment of joy, hope, and renewed commitment for all in the Salesian world as we continue to walk forward as “Pilgrims of Hope” in this Jubilee Year. We pray for Fr Fabio as he begins this important ministry, asking Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians to guide and inspire him in his leadership. We hope he will be able to join us in the centenary year for the celebrations.
5 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE Ash Wednesday: A United Beginning to Lent Our school community gathered as one on Ash Wednesday for a beautiful service held in the school yard. With every student and staff member present, it was a powerful sign of unity and shared faith as we began our Lenten journey together, marked with ashes and hope. Pilgrim Cross Walk to Walsingham During Holy Week 2025, three students from our school, accompanied by the School Chaplain, took part in a remarkable spiritual journey - a Pilgrim Cross Walk from Ely Cathedral to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Over the course of three days, the group walked more than 65 miles, joining nearly 400 pilgrims from across the UK in preparation for the Good Friday and Easter services at the Shrine. This pilgrimage was not a fundraiser or charity walk, but a deeply personal journey of faith, reflection, and spiritual enrichment. For our students and the wider group they walked with, it was an unforgettable experience - physically challenging, spiritually uplifting, and filled with a strong sense of community and purpose. We give thanks for the courage and commitment of our young pilgrims and for the powerful witness to Christ during Lent and Easter. pilgrimcross.org.uk Confirmation Service 2025 On Wednesday 25th June, Thornleigh Chapel was filled with joy and celebration as over 90 young people from across the St Joseph’s Deanery received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop John Arnold presided over the moving service, confirming candidates from various parishes in the presence of their families, sponsors, catechists and friends. Congratulations to all the candidates who took this important step in their faith journey. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped prepare and support them along the way - especially the catechists, families and parish communities.
6 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE Year 11 Celebration Mass and Awards On Tuesday 29th April, our school community gathered in the Chapel for the Year 11 Celebration Mass and awards presentation. It was a joyful and prayerful occasion, with students and families coming together to mark this important milestone. In his homily, Fr Steven Lloyd SDB reminded students that they will always have a home at Thornleigh. He encouraged them to share the gifts they’ve developed here - kindness, courage, patience - with a world in need of hope and light. Each student received a hand-crafted olive wood holding cross from Bethlehem, engraved with our school badge, and a copy of Trust the Road, a Salesian book of reflections and prayers - symbols of comfort and guidance for their journey ahead. Award Winners: Mugan Shield - Louis E, for outstanding contribution to school sport. Caritas Award - Alfie R and Alfie K, for fund-raising for ‘Andy’s Man Club’. Slupski Award - Iman B, for living out the spirit and values of Thornleigh. We are proud of all our Year 11 students and wish them every blessing as they move forward.
7 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE Savio Retreats: Fun, Faith, and Friendship Students from Years 8, 9, and 10 at Thornleigh Salesian College recently had the opportunity to take part in a residential retreat at Savio House, a treasured place of reflection, community, and spiritual growth. Each Year group engaged with a unique theme to guide their experience. Year 8 focused on the theme of “Choices,” helping them reflect on the decisions they make and the values that guide them. Years 9 and 10 explored the theme of “Water,” a powerful symbol for their journey of personal discovery and inner depth. The weather was kind, allowing for refreshing long walks, team-building games, and plenty of fun and laughter. The retreat provided students with space to connect more deeply with themselves, with one another, and with God in the Salesian spirit of joy and friendship. A big thank you to the staff at Savio House and all who supported the retreat, helping to create such a memorable and meaningful experience for our young people. www.saviohouse.org.uk Farewell and Thank You, Fr Chris After more than seven years of dedicated service to the parish of St Cuthbert (St Joseph and St Thomas of Canterbury) and school community, we bid farewell to Fr Chris. Fr Chris has been a constant and compassionate presence among us - always available, always willing, and deeply committed to the lives and faith of our young people. His impact has been felt widely across the school, and especially in the Chaplaincy and Religious Education Department, where his wisdom, energy and care have made a lasting difference. We are ever grateful for his ministry and for the Salesian spirit he has shared with us so generously. As he begins this next chapter, we hold him in prayer and ask for God’s continued blessing on his new mission. Thank you, Fr Chris - go with our love and prayers.
8 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE Welcome, Fr Roman! We are delighted to welcome Fr Roman (from Savio House) as the new priest looking after the parish of St Cuthbert (St Joseph and St Thomas of Canterbury). With warmth and enthusiasm, he has already begun to make a positive impact in our community. We look forward to journeying with him in faith and collaboration. Confirmation Retreat: A Step Toward Sacrament Young confirmation candidates from various parishes came together for a shared retreat experience, offering time for prayer, friendship and learning. The retreat helped candidates reflect on their call to live as mature disciples in today’s Church, preparing them spiritually for the sacrament of Confirmation which will be administered by Bishop John on Wednesday 25th June, in Thornleigh Chapel. GCSE After months of hard work and resilience our Year 11 students have now completed their GCSE examinations. They have worked extremely hard in the lead up to the exam series, they attended after school revision and lunch time intervention as well as all the hard work they put into their classwork. We wish them all the very best with their results this summer! Farm Trip Our St Francis Animal garden leaders have once again been working hard this year to look after our school guinea pigs. During the summer term, to celebrate their hard work and help them understand more about caring for all of God’s creations, the garden leaders will be taking a trip to Smithills Farm! The Anchor Pilgrimage: A Jubilee Journey with the Diocese of Salford As part of the Diocese of Salford’s Pilgrims of Hope journey, we were blessed to host the Anchor - our diocesan symbol of hope and faith - for two days. During its time at Thornleigh Salesian College, we gathered in prayer and celebration, including a special Mass with some of our Year 7 students and in the staff gathering. The presence of the Anchor reminded us of our shared mission to be signs of hope in our communities. In a beautiful gesture of unity and faith, our GIFT Team passed the Anchor on to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. We pray it continues to inspire all who receive it on this meaningful diocesan journey.
9 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE A Joyful Farewell: Final Service for Year 11s in the Chapel On Friday 13th June, the Chapel at Thornleigh Salesian College was filled with gratitude, joy, and a sense of accomplishment as the school community gathered to celebrate the final service for our Year 11 students. The simple yet heartfelt service was a moment to pause, reflect, and thank God for the many blessings experienced throughout the students’ journey at Thornleigh. Beautifully led by the Year 11 choir, the service included prayers of thanksgiving and moments of quiet reflection, creating a deeply meaningful atmosphere. Both the Headteacher and Heads of Year shared moving messages, expressing their pride and appreciation for this exceptional group of students. Their words captured the spirit of Year 11 - resilient, caring and full of promise - and offered encouragement as the students now look ahead to new chapters beyond their GCSEs. As the service concluded, the school community came together to wish our Year 11s every success, with our thoughts and prayers accompanying them on their continued journey. Year 11, you have been a joy to journey with - thank you, and go forward with hope and courage. Follow us @tsc_re
10 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CURRICULUMFORLIFE As we approach the end of the academic year, we wanted to share some of the enriching experiences our students have taken part in this term as part of our PSHE curriculum. One highlight was a powerful assembly on the importance of positive male role models - both recognising them and striving to be one - with students contributing their thoughts through interviews with PSHE Leaders. Another assembly focused on staying safe during the summer, with important reminders about water safety as well as road and rail awareness. In response to themes raised by the Netflix series Adolescence, we invited all year groups to take part in a survey exploring their experiences and perceptions of toxic masculinity, helping us better understand student perspectives and inform future learning. Our PSHE Club has been busy with creative and reflective activities, including making honeycomb paper balls and planting sunflower seeds as a symbol of hope and personal growth. Thirty students from the PSHE club and PSHE student leaders also took part in an engaging educational trip to Lancaster Castle and the Police Museum. The visit offered a fascinating look into British values, law and order and prison reform, with guided tours highlighting the castle’s long history as a site of justice and incarceration, its role in the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials, and its operation as a working prison until 2011. Weekly Picture News sessions in form time have sparked discussion on key British values through current events, with recent topics including communication, zoos, national memorials, and the story of the Popemobile. Our Key Stage 3 creative competition this term, The Kindness Ripple Project: Be the Drop that Starts the Wave, encouraged students to reflect on the power of small acts of kindness. We hope all our students take what they’ve learned this term with them, and we wish everyone a safe, peaceful and enjoyable summer.
11 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 STUDENTLEADERSHIP Year 11 Student Leadership Team 2025/2026 We would like to introduce our Year 11 Student Leadership Team for the 2025 / 2026 school year. They have introduced themselves to students in Years 7, 8 and 9 and are looking forward to having positive impacts on the school community. Head Students Alessandro O, Evangeline K, Kian K Literacy / Charity Prefects Joshua B, Samuel M Bright Leaders Within Programme We are extremely proud to share that 21 of our Year 10 students have been selected to take part in the Bright Leaders Within course. This opportunity was offered to students who submitted exceptional applications for Head Student roles - each demonstrating maturity, ambition and a strong desire to contribute to our school community. As a reward for their efforts, and in recognition of their potential, these students have been invited to participate in a six-week leadership development programme designed to equip them with the tools, confidence and mindset to become outstanding leaders in Year 11 and beyond. Each session is interactive and reflective, encouraging students to learn not only from the course materials but also from each other. The first session took place on Thursday 12th June in school, and it was a fantastic start. We are confident that this experience will empower them to take on leadership responsibilities in school next year - whether as Head Students, prefects, peer mentors, or ambassadors - and also equip them with valuable life skills for sixth form, college, university and beyond. We’re excited to see how they continue to grow and lead in the coming weeks! Deputy Head Students Daniel N, Olivia K, Tatyana N Events / Community Prefects Ellie D, Lewis A Tackling Online Exploitation - Finals Day Visit On Thursday 8th May, Mr Whitehead and Miss Salisbury accompanied five Year 9 and four Year 10 students to Manchester Metropolitan University, where our Year 9 team took part in a finals day event, pitching their initiative to tackle online child exploitation in Greater Manchester. This event was organised by Manchester City Council and supported by the Mayor, aiming to raise awareness and promote youth-led solutions to this serious issue. Our students presented a project called SeekSafe, which proposed a creative campaign to raise awareness of child exploitation through a city-wide scavenger hunt, supported by eye-catching posters distributed across Greater Manchester. Their innovative idea and confident delivery were a real credit to Thornleigh. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they conducted themselves throughout the day.
12 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 ENGLISH Young Writer’s Empowered Poetry Competition Students in Years 7 to 9 were given the opportunity to take part in a poetry competition. Young Writers encouraged students to find their voice through verse on any subject to feel confident and empowered. From current affairs, religion and identity to love, loss and everything in between - our students produced an excellent range of poems. Rotary Club On the 16th March, our Intermediate and Senior teams entered the Rotary Youth Speaks District Finals at Rochdale Town Hall. Both teams did extremely well with the senior team, consisting of Iman B, Alessandro O and Olivia K, winning their heat and being awarded the Farraday Challenge Shield and our intermediate team coming runners up. Both teams successfully went on to compete in the Grand Final the following week in Frodsham on the 23rd March. This was a fantastic event, with competitors competing to an extremely high standard. Both teams worked extremely hard and gave outstanding performances, with our intermediate team coming runners up in this round. We were fortunate enough to be asked to compete in the North and East of England Finals, which took place on the 29th March in the Intermediate category. Elsiar, Perpetua and Ciara once again astounded their audience and showed how much time and effort they had placed into learning and practising their speeches. The girls gave an incredible performance, making it to one of the final 8 teams out of 96 teams in total. Whilst they didn’t win this time, I’m sure both teams will continue to improve and progress with their public speaking! Well done to each team member! Follow us @Thornleigh_Eng Reading Quests Our KS3 students have continued with their reading quests this half term. They have created some outstanding examples, demonstrating both their creativity and dedication to the reading quests. Well done to Olivia in Year 9 and Lucy in Year 7 for their outstanding projects. As we bid farewell to another term filled with literary adventures and linguistic feats, it’s time to gather ‘round and celebrate the triumphs of our language-loving learners. Get ready to dive into a world of literature, intrigue and bad jokes as we present to you our sparkling summaries of what each year group has been up to! Year 7: Iconic Speeches & ‘The Bone Sparrow’ Our adventurous Year 7s swapped fairy dust for fiery words this term as they leapt into the rousing world of iconic speeches. With passion in their pens and purpose in their voices, these budding orators explored the powerful rhetoric of changemakers like Greta Thunberg and Martin Luther King Jr. From rallying cries for the planet to dreams of justice and equality, our students discovered how words can spark revolutions and stir souls. But the journey didn’t end there! With hearts open and minds engaged, Year 7 turned the page to ‘The Bone Sparrow’, a moving and powerful novel that led them into the world of refugees, resilience, and hope. Through the eyes of young Subhi, they reflected deeply on compassion, injustice, and the strength of the human spirit. A voyage of empathy and courage, beautifully told - and thoughtfully explored by our insightful young readers.
13 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 ENGLISH Year 8: ‘Blood Brothers’ & Crime Fiction Our brilliant Year 8s kicked off the Spring term with heart-pounding drama and haunting melodies as they delved into the world of Blood Brothers. With every twist of fate and echo of superstition, they unravelled the tragic tale of Mickey and Eddie - twin brothers separated at birth and doomed to collide. They explored themes of class, destiny, and family with wide eyes and open minds, all while discovering how a musical number can sometimes be the most powerful punchline of all. From tragic ballads to twisted mysteries, Year 8 then stepped into the shadowy world of crime fiction. Armed with magnifying glasses (metaphorically, of course), they investigated the sharp minds and darker motives behind Sherlock Holmes and The Speckled Band, uncovering how clues, red herrings, and deductive reasoning make for a cracking good story. But the mystery didn’t end there - Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter brought a devilish twist to their sleuthing, proving that sometimes, the most dangerous weapon is hiding in plain sight... (and maybe even in the freezer!). Year 9: ‘A View From the Bridge’, Writing a Viewpoint and ‘Julius Caesar’ This term, our dynamic Year 9s have wrestled with loyalty, justice, and betrayal in some of literature’s most gripping tales. They began with Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, where the tension simmered on Brooklyn’s docks and erupted into powerful questions about honour, family, and pride. Next, they sharpened their own voices in a writing to express a viewpoint scheme, where the humble zoo became a hotbed of debate. With fierce opinions and carefully crafted arguments, Year 9s tackled complex ethical questions - should animals be kept in captivity? What role do zoos really play in conservation? To round off the term, they plunged into the political whirlpool of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. From persuasive speeches on the steps of the Roman Senate to deadly conspiracies and moral conflict, our students didn’t just read history - they dissected power and ambition. Year 10: Mock Exams, Poetry, and Speechwriting - Oh My! Year 10 faced a trifecta of challenges this term, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their first challenge: their PPEs. With pens blazing and minds sharp, they tackled a GCSE English Language paper, followed by GCSE Lit Poetry and Macbeth for good measure. Our Year 10s then turned their attention to the beauty of poetic expression. From Blake to Armitage via Wordsworth and Duffy, students have made a really positive start at the wide range of poems they’ll have to know by the end of Year 11. And last but certainly not least, our eloquent wordsmiths took on the art of speechwriting. They honed their oratory skills, addressing important topics and captivating their classmates with their brilliant presentations. These persuasive geniuses could convince a cat to fetch a ball! Year 11: GCSE English Exams - The Final Chapter Begins! Our wonderful Year 11s have now officially closed the final chapter of their Key Stage 4 English journey - and what a story it’s been! Armed with pens, highlighters, and plenty of determination, they tackled their Eduqas English Language and English Literature exams with grit, focus, and flair. Whether crafting compelling narratives or arguing their viewpoint with precision, their writing showed insight, imagination, and real maturity. In Literature, they stepped back in time and across class divides - witnessing Scrooge’s icy heart thaw in A Christmas Carol, unpicking the secrets and social conscience behind An Inspector Calls, and walking the haunted corridors of power with Macbeth. As they move on to exciting new adventures, we couldn’t be prouder. Good luck, Year 11 - wherever your next chapter takes you, we know you’ll write it brilliantly. COMPUTER SCIENCE Year 7s Get Creative with Coding and Circuits in Computer Science! It’s been a hands-on, high-energy year in Computer Science for our Year 7 students! Pupils have been diving into game design using Scratch, where they’ve had great fun creating their own interactive Maze Games - complete with custom characters, levels, and challenges. But the creativity didn’t stop there. To bring their games to life, students also explored the world of physical computing with Makey Makeys - clever circuit boards that turn everyday objects into touchpads. Many pupils went above and beyond by designing and building their own game controllers to use with their Scratch projects. From foil-covered cardboard buttons to banana joysticks (yes, really!), the level of innovation and imagination has been fantastic. We suspect a few parents got involved at home too - and we’re sure they were just as impressed as we are with what their children have created! A huge well done to all of our budding coders and inventors - the future of tech is in safe hands. Follow us @_Computing
4814 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 LIBRARY All Things Library and Literacy! If you read our Spring article in the newsletter, you will know how busy we were in the Spring term. It hasn’t stopped this term either! Continuing with our Thornleigh vision for reading that “the books are not the end; they are the instrumental means for improving the way of life for our students”, we have been looking for as many opportunities as we can to celebrate reading. In April, Miss Whittle, Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Page took around 30 students to Bolton School to participate in the Bolton Book Awards. This is an annual event which secondary schools can sign up to. The challenge is to read the three shortlisted books and then students get to meet the authors at the event. Whilst there, we got to meet poet Matt Goodfellow, children’s author Piu Dasgupta and postman-turned-writer Ben Davis. Whilst we might be accused of being biased, which we absolutely were on the day, our students really did stand out. They asked so many thoughtful questions to the authors, but what made them really stand out was the scrapbooking creations they shared with the authors. The Bolton School librarians commented on this and Piu Dasgupta even used them for her own social media promoting! Well done to our students for being so dedicated over the months in the build up to this event. During the summer term, we have continued to ensure reading has permeated throughout school life. Our KS3 students continue to accept the reading quests, battling with other forms in their year group to be the best reading form! In addition to this, they also have their form reading book which their form tutor reads to them each week. At KS4, we continue to promote independent reading, directing students to recommended lists on our school website, as well as Dua Lipa’s ‘Service 95’. This is a fantastic website which includes the singer’s own book club, podcasts, author interviews and reading lists. In the final weeks, we will be rewarding those students who rise to the challenge with their reading for pleasure by taking them on another Waterstones trip to spend their £20 gift vouchers. Plus, we have an exciting trip to Manchester to visit the libraries there. With literacy, we like to think of it as an epic or a saga: we only finish chapters and books but there is always another instalment to follow. So, thank you for your support this year and we will be back with a new chapter in September! Bolton Book Awards 2025 Our KS3 book club have had a wonderful day at the Bolton Book Awards 2025. We got to meet all three shortlisted writers: Piu DasGupta, Ben Davis and Matt Goodfellow. We even got a shout out for our creative representations of the books. Well done! #bcfa2025
1 59 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 Follow us @ThornleighMaths 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 summer term the battle between students and form tutors to gain top spot has been intense. In Year 7 at the time of writing, Ms Brett-Andrew’s 7 Kappa lead the way with a huge 78 point lead over Miss Liptrott’s 7 Zeta with Ms Keogh’s 7T 8 points from second in third place. The overwhelming majority of forms have competed really well with almost all forms gaining large numbers of correct entries on a consistent basis and most forms having at least one week where all students got the 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 Ms Bajkowski’s 8 Gamma 41 points behind at the time of writing. Mr Eccleshare’s 8 Lambda are in third place, and Mr Hodson’s 8 Zeta are currently in fourth place. All four of these forms have been consistently the best all academic year. The only question is which of the top four forms comes out on top in the final reckoning with Ms Hawksworth’s form looking the hot favourites. 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.
4816 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 Year 10 Photography Trip Mr McGreevy and Mrs Tattersall took our Year 10 Photography students into Manchester to explore the textures within the environment, in and around the urban landscape, the canal and former industrial buildings. They will use these Photographs as part of their GCSE portfolio work. ART Year 7 Art Trip to Yorkshire Sculpture Park 4th June We had the pleasure of taking 80 of our Year 7 students to The Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The students had a wonderful time exploring the sculptures hidden around the park and found sculptures taller than our teachers, copied the shapes and angles within their forms and found weird and wonderful creatures and humans everywhere we looked. Thank you Year 7 for spending the day with us From all the Art Team Follow us @tsc_art
1759 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 DESIGNTECHNOLOGY Design Showcase: Year 10 Impress with Inclusive Design Projects This term, our Year 10 Design Technology students took on a meaningful real-world brief: to design inclusive, timber-based products for Kristien, a client living with physical and memory challenges following a childhood accident. Over 12 weeks, students worked through the full design process - research, concept development, prototyping, and evaluation - while keeping Kristien’s needs at the heart of every decision. From one-handed kitchen tools to accessible storage and memory aids, their final designs were both creative and deeply thoughtful. The project culminated in a portfolio presentation to proud parents and their client, where students showcased their prototypes and design thinking. Kristien thanked the class for creating designs that could help not only him but many others with disabilities. He praised their talent and urged them to consider apprenticeships in design and engineering. We are incredibly proud of the care, skill, and professionalism our students showed. They’ve proven that great design isn’t just about making - it’s about making a difference. Follow us @tsc_dt
14018 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 HISTORY During History this year we have studied many battles, wars and key events! Throughout Year 7, we have looked at the invasion of the Romans, Saxons and Vikings in England- to which the students could not believe the Romans built so many of our roads that they go on today! Then, we moved onto the battles for the new King of England. We had students acting as Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada and William of Normandy, telling the class why they should be the new King of England! This led us onto the more gruesome Battle of Hastings, which saw Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy battle it out to be King. Following this, a keen student from the lesson asked if she could bring in a piece of history that she had at home. Eva J, 7 Beta, brought in coins from the Second World War, showing her keen interest of history. One of these coins even had Winston Churchill on and as he said, “The most important thing about education is appetite,” which is certainly a quality Eva has shown here. Within Year 8, we have looked at the key events of the 1600s, the Industrial Revolution, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the British Empire and World War One. Students still can’t believe that King Charles I was publicly beheaded! A student asked Miss Fearn which part of history is her favourite. Without a doubt, we all know Miss Fearn loves teaching World War Two in Year 9! With equal excitement for this era, Harry N, 8 Omega, was eager to share the story of his Grandad in World War Two. Harry shared that his Grandad was on the HMS Ceylon from 1943 - 1945 at the age of 18. With the class captivated with this story, Harry went on to explain that his Grandad received 2 service medals and a medal of the Burma Star with the Pacific Band because that is where he served. Harry also shared that Burma is now called Myanmar and Ceylon is now called Sri Lanka. So, we all learnt some Geography too! We encourage all students to share stories of their historical backgrounds and are keen to take a look at any artefacts, to help develop our historical knowledge at Thornleigh. If your child has a keen interest of the past, please take a look at the Greater Manchester Young Archaeologists Club - www.yac-uk.org/clubs/manchester. This is open to children between the ages 8 - 16 years old and involves visiting and investigating archaeological sites and historic places, trying out traditional crafts, taking part in excavations and lots more. Follow us @tsc_history
19 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHILDDEVELOPMENT Our Year 10 Child Development students have made a fantastic start on their Component 2 studies and have shown an excellent understanding of how children can learn through play at different ages and in different environments. The students have really enjoyed the Physical Play section as it lends itself to a more practical approach. We have worked on our hand / eye co-ordination by completing a juggling workshop and we worked on how to help a child’s fine motor skills in a junk modelling activity. We also looked at how to make breakfast more fun to help with healthy eating, diet and nutrition GIRLSOUTLOUD All of our Year 8 girls recently took part in an inspiring and empowering workshop delivered by the national charity Girls Out Loud. The day was filled with positivity, ambition, and real-world advice from women blazing trails across a wide range of industries. The event began with four powerful stories from guest speakers - women who shared their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, from overcoming adversity to finding confidence in male-dominated fields. Following the talks, our students had the unique opportunity to network with 20 female professionals from companies including Porsche, Sainsbury’s, and Carrs Pasties. Through smallgroup conversations, our girls explored what success looks like both in school and beyond. One of the most exciting outcomes of the day is that 20 of our Year 8 girls have now been selected to join Girls Out Loud’s flagship mentoring programme. Each girl will be paired with a “Big Sister” - a female role model from industry - who will support, guide, and encourage them through their journey at Thornleigh. This event was a powerful reminder of the importance of community, mentorship, and visibility. We are so proud of our students for engaging so positively and we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Girls Out Loud and to every industry professional who gave their time to inspire the next generation of strong, successful women.
120 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 MFL Luces, Cámara, Acción On Friday 4th April a group of 12 Year 8 students took part in a study day at the Instituto Cervantes in Manchester in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy. After the students arrived, they enjoyed a session discussing the importance of learning Spanish. They then had a workshop to introduce the film “Los Futbolísimos”, watched the film and then had a workshop after. The students enjoyed a fabulous day immersed in Spanish culture and film. Follow us @tsc_mfl_dep International Schools Update We are in the process or applying for reaccreditation of our International Schools Award. As a school we are committed to enhancing our curriculum further to include many international and global activities. We have been engaged in another of exchanges and visits over the past 3 years, which have featured in our many newsletters and we hope to bring you successful news in September. Turing Scheme Following four years of success with the Turing Scheme, we have applied for funding for next year and we await the decision of this month. In the meantime, we have another experience planned with our Year 12 students. Following many applications, 4 students - Geiste, Lexie, Luke and Lucy - are about to embark on a two-week work experience in Gibraltar with our international friends - The Nautilus Project. During the 2 weeks, the students with participate in many activities in the field of marine biology - from dolphin and whale watching, to beach cleans and lab work. This is a fabulous opportunity for our Sixth Form students and we look forward to their presentations and feedback on their return in the summer. Modern Foreign Languages Over the last term we have been learning some exciting topics in Spanish. The Year 7s have been learning to talk about ‘Mi Tiempo Libre’ and their free time activities. They are going to consolidate all their learning this year by studying “Encanto” and creating their own character for the film. In Year 8, the students learnt all about “Mi Vida Digital” and social media. They have then finished with the topic of school and this is supported by the film study of “Zipe y Zape y el club de canicas”. The Year 9 students have been learning all about “Las Costumbres” and festivals in the Hispanic World and studying all about El Salvador before the film study of “Voces Inocentes”. At the beginning of the final half term, all Key Stage 3 students completed their End of Year assessments in the four skill areas of Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing and we have used Chromebooks for the Listening and Reading components. Students were able to prepare answers for their speaking and writing assessments with teachers in class, before taking them home to learn. During the year the students have been developing a deeper understanding of Spanish phonics and part of the speaking assessment was reading an extract in Spanish with accuracy and there was also dictation in the writing component. Japanese Lesson Spanish students in Year 7 produced some excellent work when they swapped their usual learning for a Japanese taster lesson. 7B took part in the virtual session as part of the Routes into Languages NW Festival of Languages, organised by Lancaster University, the University of Liverpool, the University of Manchester, and Manchester Metropolitan University. Students learned basic greetings and sounds and took part in a quiz on Japanese culture. The session, one of several different language sessions scheduled over a two-week period, was led by Manchester Metropolitan University.
21 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 MFL Year 9 and 10 Turing Scheme Trip to Barcelona from 2nd - 7th April 2025. Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona 20 students and 4 staff began their journey to Barcelona with a flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport. After arriving late afternoon, we were taken to our HTOP Hotel Amatista in Lloret de Mar, a coastal town in the Girona region of Catalonia. Day 2: Barcelona Quest Trail Our Spain adventure began with the Barcelona Quest Trail, a 1.5 mile walking challenge through the city’s iconic sights. Starting at Plaça de Catalunya, students embarked on a quest that took them to: Mercat de la Boqueria Plaça Real Mirador de Colón Rambla de Mar Teams completed various cross-curricular tasks and challenges along the way, enhancing their exploration of Barcelona’s rich culture. After the quest, students enjoyed a packed lunch before heading to Proyecto Español for an afternoon Spanish lesson. Day 3: Visit to Salesians Horta On Friday morning, we visited one of our international partner schools, Salesians Horta, a local school in Barcelona, where we participated in a number of icebreaker activities before having a tour of the school. We were then all involved in carousel activities exchanging cultural ideas and insights into each other’s school. This visit provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and insight into the educational system in Spain and to further develop our international partnership. We have established a strong connection and are already planning further activities together. Day 4: Nou Camp Stadium & Poble Espanyol Saturday featured a visit to the Nou Camp Stadium, home of FC Barcelona, offering a glimpse into the world of professional football. The day continued with a trip to Poble Espanyol, an open-air architectural museum showcasing replicas of buildings from various regions of Spain. Established in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition, Poble Espanyol includes 117 full-scale buildings, artisan workshops, restaurants, and a contemporary art museum Day 5: Olympic Museum, Montjuïc Castle & Olympic Stadium Sunday’s itinerary included a visit to the Olympic Museum where the students learned more about the history of sport and what is means across the world in such an iconic celebration of sporting events. After the museum visit, we walked to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the Olympic Stadium used during the 1992 Summer Olympics and currently home to FC Barcelona. We then visited Montjuïc Castle and enjoyed a Cable Car ride, offering panoramic views of the city before heading back to Lloret to visit the local town and enjoy some beach down time. Day 6: Ciutadella Park & Boat Trip On the final day, we visited Parc de la Ciutadella, a historic park featuring a lake, museums, and the Catalan Parliament. Students then enjoyed free time at Port Vell, the city’s old harbour, before embarking on a boat trip offering scenic views of Barcelona’s coastline. This trip provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Spanish sport, culture, history, and language, fostering personal growth and international friendship. Another enriching and memorable Turing trip. “We are all different, we are all special in our own way. Each one of us has a sparkle of fire inside, a creative force…” Stephen W. Hawking “Todos somos diferentes, todos somos especiales a nuestra manera. Cada uno de nosotros tiene para su interior una chispa de fuego, una fuerza creativa…”
422 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 THESALESIANGAMES Salesian Games The annual Salesian Athletics Meeting took place on Friday 6th June at the Sportbox Leisure Centre in Woking, drawing together over 300 student athletes from Salesian schools across the country for a day of competition, teamwork, and Salesian spirit. Thornleigh Salesian College was proudly represented by nearly 60 enthusiastic students! This year also marked a special milestone with St Michael’s Catholic College, Bermondsey - one of our Salesian associate schools - joining the event for the first time. Their presence added a new dimension of friendship and collaboration to the day. The event was expertly organised by Salesian College, Chertsey and ran smoothly thanks to their dedication and hospitality. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for making the day such a success. It was an early start for everyone, with students gathering at school at 5:45am before setting off on the long journey. Fortunately, the weather was brilliant, providing perfect conditions for a day full of competition and fun. The day proved to be hugely enjoyable for both students and staff. Many athletes achieved personal bests, and numerous medals were awarded for finishing in the top three of their events. A particular highlight was the Year 7 girls’ 1500m race, where the school’s Salesian record was smashed by an impressive 4 seconds! In terms of team results, our girls performed exceptionally well: • Year 7 girls finished 2nd • Year 8 girls placed 3rd • Year 9 girls claimed 1st place • Year 10 girls came 2nd Overall, the girls’ teams secured an excellent 2nd place behind hosts Chertsey.
23 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 The boys also showed great determination and skill: • Year 7 boys came 2nd • Year 8 boys finished 3rd • Year 9 boys placed 3rd • Year 10 boys came 2nd Together, the boys’ teams finished 3rd overall. The students were outstanding, not only in their athletic performances but also in their behaviour throughout the day. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and sportsmanship. Well done to everyone involved - we look forward to next year’s competition! THESALESIANGAMES
24 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 PHYSICALEDUCATION Rounders Our rounders teams recently took part in a series of rounders fixtures, and what a fantastic display of teamwork and determination it was! The matches were a great opportunity for the girls to put their skills into action and enjoy some friendly competition against local schools. With a mix of experienced players and those new to the game, the team showed real unity on the pitch. The girls encouraged one another throughout, gave tips between innings, and celebrated each other’s successes. Across the fixtures, the girls played with energy and enthusiasm, winning two matches and narrowly losing two. But more than the results, it was the improvements in communication, tactical play and confidence that really stood out. Each player made progress, and their positive attitude was a credit to the school. We are so proud of how our girls represented us - well done to everyone involved! Chance to Shine Girls Cricket Competition Our Year 7 and Year 8 girls’ cricket team recently took part in the exciting Chance to Shine competition held at Westhoughton Cricket Club, proudly organised by Lancashire County Cricket. It was a fantastic opportunity for our young cricketers to come together and showcase their skills. While some of the girls already play cricket outside of school and attend regular practice sessions, others were new to the game. Despite the varying levels of experience, nothing held them back. Their teamwork was truly inspiring - the girls coached one another, encouraged each other and cheered loudly from the sidelines, showing incredible spirit throughout the day. The team played three matches, winning one and narrowly losing two. More importantly, every player improved their batting, bowling, and fielding skills as the day progressed. Their determination and positive attitude were the real winners, proving that cricket is not just about individual talent but about supporting each other as a team. We are so proud of all our girls for their hard work, resilience, and passion for the sport. Here’s to many more games and plenty more chances to shine on the cricket pitch! English Schools Athletics - Track and Field Cup Since Easter, over 90 students from Years 7 to 10 have been attending athletics practice, preparing hard for this year’s competitions. The English Schools’ Athletics Track and Field Cup competition challenges each athlete to compete in both a track and a field event, encouraging many students to push beyond their comfort zones.
25 SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2025 PHYSICALEDUCATION Our first competitive event of the year took place at Trafford AC, marking an exciting milestone for Thornleigh athletes. The teams performed strongly across the board: • Junior boys - Year 7 & Year 8 combined - finished 5th • Junior girls - Year 7 & Year 8 combined - placed 8th • Intermediate boys - Year 9 & Year 10 combined - came 4th • Intermediate girls - Year 9 & Year 10 combined - secured 6th A special mention goes to the junior boys team who qualified for the B final, held at Ellesmere Port. This gave more regular practice attendees the valuable opportunity to represent Thornleigh and experience competitive athletics for the first time this year. Well done to all the students for their hard work, determination, and team spirit - we can’t wait to see what you achieve next! Ski Trip This Easter, 40 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 took part in the much anticipated school ski trip to Austria - and what a fantastic week it was! All students who joined the trip had some skiing experience, thanks to pre-trip lessons at Rossendale for those who were newer to the sport. This preparation meant that everyone hit the slopes with confidence and enthusiasm from day one. Throughout the week, students built on their skills, developing their technique and growing in confidence under the guidance of professional instructors. Whether navigating beginner runs or tackling more challenging slopes, every student made impressive progress and made the most of every opportunity on the mountains. Evenings were just as packed with fun as the days. After skiing, students enjoyed a variety of activities including swimming, crazy golf, and bowling - all of which added to the laughter and unforgettable memories shared by the group. The trip was a huge success, not only for the skiing, but for the friendships formed and the excellent attitude shown by all students. Staff were especially proud of the way the group conducted themselves, demonstrating maturity, teamwork and a brilliant sense of fun throughout the week. A big thank you goes to the staff who organised and supported the trip - your time and effort made it a truly memorable experience. Austria 2025, you were amazing!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODA2Njk=