THORNLEIGH SALESIAN COLLEGE WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025
2 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 HEADTEACHER’S MESSAGE Dear Thornleigh Salesian College Community, As we approach the festive season of spiritual reflection, prayer and anticipation of Christ’s birth, I am delighted to reflect on a term filled with remarkable achievements and memorable moments at Thornleigh Salesian College. Our Performing Arts department delivered a tremendous production of The Addams Family, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students. Mission Week, themed Honouring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future, was a poignant celebration of our 100 years of Salesian education, faith and community. A particular highlight was the visit of Harry Clarke, winner of the BBC’s The Traitors, who shared his inspiring personal journey of faith with us all. The Opening Mass of our Centenary, celebrated by Bishop John Arnold and concelebrated by Fr Gerry Briody, our Father Provincial, was a truly special occasion. It was wonderful to welcome back former students and teachers from across the country to join in this momentous celebration. The PSHE programme featured powerful drama performances from the 33Creative Theatre Company and The Riot Act, delivering important safety messages. We were also privileged to welcome authors Mike Garry and Catherine Johnson, alongside former student Amber Yearsley, who led an inspiring workshop. Sporting success continues with a special congratulations to our Year 7 boys who triumphed in the Bolton Cross Country Championships. Meanwhile, 70 of our Spanish students enjoyed a Tapas meal at a local restaurant and our Dance students had the unforgettable experience of competing at the International Festival of Dance at Disneyland Paris. Our Rock and Pop Night was a fantastic showcase of student talent, highlighting the creativity and energy of our students. The revitalised enrichment programme, led by Ms Hulme and Ms Ogden, has been a great success, complemented by the launch of a new student magazine that brings a fresh and vibrant voice to our Sixth Form community. Additionally, the Sixth Form team did wonderful work creating Christmas hampers, spreading festive cheer across the school. We are also incredibly proud of our students for raising a significant amount of money for Urban Outreach through various activities, supporting vulnerable people across Bolton. Since the introduction of the five-period day in September, we have been delighted with the positive reception from our students, reflected in their consistently excellent behaviour and attitudes. A recent student survey, involving 700 pupils, revealed that 96% feel very safe within the school environment, underscoring our commitment to their well-being. Additionally, the enthusiastic responses to our weekly video bulletin, which highlights the unique talents and diverse activities of our students, have been very encouraging and affirm the vibrant community spirit at Thornleigh Salesian College. Finally, our Christmas Fair was a resounding success, bringing together the whole community in a joyful celebration. We look forward to making this a cherished annual event. I would also like to remind you that our Christmas Carol Service is on 17th December at 6.30pm and the Christmas Eve vigil mass is at 7.30pm in the chapel. Thank you for your continued support. I wish you and your families a peaceful and joyful Christmas. Warm regards, Mr Fitzsimons Headteacher
3 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 CONTENTS Follow us on Instagram Page 2 Headteacher’s Message Page 3 Contents Page 4 - 5 The Addams Family Page 6 - 7 Mission Week Page 8 - 10 Chaplaincy & RE Page 11 - 13 PSHE Page 14 - 15 English Page 16 Library Page 17 Art Page 17 History Page 18 - 19 MFL Page 20 -22 Physical Education Page 23 Dance Page 24 - 28 Year Team News Page 29 Rock, Pop & Musical Theatre Night Page 30 - 31 Sixth Form
4 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 75 students from year 8 to 13 performed 3 sell-out performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening. After performing the final run through to our feeder primary schools on the Tuesday morning, the cast went on to deliver 3 flawless performances. On 5th to the 7th of November, it was our school musical production of The Addams Family…
5 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 Audiences raved about the students, noting how professional the production was and how it seemed like every member of the cast enjoyed being on stage. After the show on Friday, there was an awards ceremony with certificates for Best Newcomer, Best all-rounder and future star, as well as lifetime achievement awards for Year 13 students who have been involved in every school production since Year 8. Look out for news of our next school production which will be officially announced in the spring term, and if the rumours are true, is guaranteed to ROCK YOU!
6 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 MISSIONWEEK 2025 From 20th - 24th October 2025, Thornleigh Salesian College came together to celebrate Mission Week - one of the most meaningful and inspiring events in our school calendar. This year’s theme, ‘Honouring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future’, carried special significance as we continued to mark our Centenary Year, reflecting on 100 years of Salesian education, faith and community at Thornleigh. The week began with a beautiful Opening Liturgy and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, offering students and staff a peaceful space for prayer and reflection. This set a reverent tone for the days ahead, reminding everyone of the spiritual heart of Mission Week. Throughout the week, students and staff took part in a vibrant programme of workshops, talks and creative activities exploring faith, justice and community. The atmosphere across school was one of enthusiasm and compassion as students embraced opportunities to live out their Salesian Catholic values in action. HonouringOurPast, InspiringOurFuture
7 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 Guest speakers brought faith and social awareness to life in inspiring and thoughtprovoking ways. Harry Clarke, winner of BBC’s The Traitors and participant in BBC Pilgrimage, shared his journey of faith and resilience, encouraging students to stay true to their values. The Anthony Walker Foundation delivered a powerful workshop on equality and inclusion, while the Columban Justice and Peace Missionaries challenged students to link faith with social action. Sessions with God and the Big Bang explored the harmony between science and faith, and NET Ministries led energetic retreats that helped students reflect on their personal faith journeys. The Jesuit Refugee Service UK shared moving stories of hope from refugees and asylum seekers, while Million Minutes inspired young people to take the lead in social action. Finally, The JJ Effect delivered a powerful message to Year 12 students about the dangers of knife crime and the importance of making positive choices. The week was brought to a celebratory close with year group celebrations of Mass and even a Silent Disco! Mission Week 2025 was a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of the Salesian family - to live with faith, hope, and love, and to use our gifts to serve others. As we continue our Centenary celebrations, the week helped us to honour our past and inspire our future, strengthening our shared mission to make the world a better place.
8 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE Key Stage 3 This term in Key Stage 3 Religious Education, students have been exploring the Christian understanding of Creation, focusing on the belief that God brought the world into existence out of nothing. Alongside this they have been studying the prophets and the theme of promise in the Old Testament, including the promise of Christ fulfilled through the Incarnation. These topics have encouraged students to think deeply about the foundations of Christian belief and how these teachings continue to shape faith today. Key Stage 4 Key Stage 4 students have been working hard to develop their evaluative skills in preparation for their GCSE examinations. They have also been participating in the study of Judaism as a world religion which has helped broaden their understanding of faith in a global context. This term all students have had the opportunity to take part in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a Catholic practice where individuals reflect on their actions, express their repentance and receive absolution. It has been a valuable experience that encourages personal reflection as well as spiritual growth. Key Stage 5 Our Key Stage 5 CORE RE students have been studying Catholic Social Teaching and reflecting on how these principles can be applied in their daily lives as responsible and compassionate members of society. In Philosophy and Ethics, A level students have been analysing the work of key philosophers and ethicists and applying their ideas to contemporary issues such as abortion, assisted suicide and truthfulness. A highlight of the term was attending a joint Salesian Sixth Form conference in London. Students had the opportunity to hear Professor Daphne Hampson speak on Christianity and feminism and Reverend Dr Martin Poulsom SDB present on the Ontological Argument for the existence of God. It was an inspiring day that enriched their understanding of both theology and philosophy. Opening Mass of the Centenary Thornleigh Salesian College, founded in 1925 by the Salesians of Don Bosco, began with 44 pupils and 13 Salesian priests and brothers, rooted in Don Bosco’s educational vision of reason, religion and loving kindness. A century later, the College continues this mission as a thriving coeducational Catholic community of 1,600 students and 200 staff. On 26th September 2025, the community gathered for the Centenary Opening Mass, celebrated by Bishop John Arnold and concelebrated by Fr Gerry Briody SDB and members of the Salesian community, including 96-year-old past pupil Fr Bob Coupe SDB. Five former headteachers and former pupil Mr Frank Carter, 98, were also in attendance, offering a living link to the school’s early history. Music from the Thornleigh Choir and student performances contributed to the joyful atmosphere. With support from Carrs Pasties and Eventura, the celebration marked a fitting beginning to a year of thanksgiving and renewal.
9 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE Welcome and Commissioning Mass On 14th October, Thornleigh Chapel hosted the Welcome and Commissioning Mass for new students, staff and families, during which student leaders for 2025 - 2026 were formally commissioned. Fr Gerry Briody SDB encouraged the leaders to embody the school’s RUAH values - Respect, Understanding, Affection and Humour. Guided by Mr Fitzsimons, Mr Harwood and Mr Whitehead, students received leadership badges and a reflection inspired by St Carlo Acutis. The celebration concluded with a community gathering in the main hall. CAFOD Young Leaders On 16th October, seven Sixth Form students participated in the CAFOD Young Leaders Training Day at Loreto Sixth Form College, Manchester. The programme, led by coordinator Kirstie Hutchinson, brought together students from six colleges for leadership formation, reflection and action planning. The day encouraged participants to respond with compassion to local and global needs, strengthening their commitment to justice, service and solidarity. A New Salesian Saint On 19th October 2025, Sr Maria Troncatti was canonised in Rome by Pope Leo XIV. Born in 1883 in Corteno Golgi, Italy, and professed as a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians in 1908, she served as a Red Cross nurse during World War I before being sent to Ecuador in 1922. There she devoted 44 years to the Shuar people as a nurse, teacher and catechist, becoming known affectionately as Madrecita. Following her death in 1969, she was beatified in 2012. The approval of a second miracle in 2024 paved the way for her canonisation. Her life of faith, service and missionary dedication continues to inspire the Salesian family worldwide. Visit to Thornleigh House Year 7 students recently visited Thornleigh House as part of their introduction to the school’s heritage. Marking 100 years since the arrival of the first Salesians in 1923 and beginning of the school in 1925, the visit offered students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the College’s history and its enduring Salesian identity.
10 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 CHAPLAINCY&RE Month of the Rosary Throughout October, the College marked the Month of the Rosary through prayer and reflection. Students and staff were encouraged to rediscover the Rosary as a source of peace and stillness, and to reflect on Mary’s guiding presence in nurturing hope and faith within the school community. Savio House Retreat In November, over 80 of our Year 7 students participated in a residential retreat at Savio House. Focused on the theme of ‘Bridges’, the retreat invited pupils to reflect on their relationships with themselves, with others and with God. Time for prayer was complemented by activities such as walks to White Nancy and exploration of the local landscape. The hospitality of the Savio House community and the excellent catering contributed to a memorable and enriching experience. Sixth Form Students Gather for Philosophy & Ethics Conference Sixth Form students from four Salesian schools across the UK came together in London for a Philosophy and Ethics Conference hosted at St John Bosco College, Battersea. Students attended from St John Bosco; Salesian School, Chertsey; Salesian College, Farnborough and Thornleigh Salesian College, Bolton. The day featured two keynote lectures from leading scholars in the field. Professor Daphne Hampson, a prominent theologian whose work forms part of the AQA Religious Studies specification, delivered a thought-provoking session on Christianity and Feminism, challenging students to consider how contemporary scholarship engages with questions of gender, theology, and tradition. Reverend Dr Martin Poulsom SDB, a respected philosopher and member of the Salesian community, followed with an accessible and engaging presentation on the Ontological Argument for the existence of God. His talk offered students a clear and rigorous exploration of one of philosophy’s most enduring debates. In addition to the academic programme, students from Thornleigh Salesian College extended their visit with a cultural experience in the capital, including a guided walk through central London and an evening performance of Wicked in the West End. The conference provided an enriching opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of key philosophical and theological themes, while also connecting with peers from across the Salesian network.
11 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 PSHE Year 8 Risk Avert See below information about the Risk Avert Programme which is offered to Year 8 students:
12 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 PSHE We are pleased to report on a series of highly impactful and essential safety presentations delivered to our students over the past term, reinforcing our commitment to their wellbeing and responsible decision-making. Our Year 9 students were recently gripped by CUT, an intense and necessary 30 minute theatre production by 33Creative Theatre. CUT focused on the dangers of knife crime and the play masterfully avoided preaching, instead focusing on the personal narrative and devastating emotional fallout of one teenage character’s decision to carry a knife ‘just in case.’ The professional actors delivered a performance that was both intense and believable, immediately capturing the attention of all students. The subsequent 15 minute discussion proved invaluable, offering a safe space for students to process the themes of fear, peer pressure, and the power of choice, transforming the theatrical experience into a powerful piece of preventative education. Given its success two consecutive years, we hope to run this crucial production again next year. Furthermore, our Year 10 students are invited to the follow-up CUT: The Real Story presentation, a 50 minute session exploring real accounts from families and frontline workers to highlight the ripple effects of violence. Finally, a small number of students were able to participate in the Years on the Frontline workshop with 33Creative, exploring decision making and subsequent consequences. In related work, our Sixth Form students have been following the Staying Safe Online and Offline units, and Year 12 were deeply moved by a visit from The JJ Effect, who delivered a powerful presentation on knife crime awareness. As always, the speaker was well received, with students appreciating his direct and relatable approach. One student commented on “the rawness of the personal experience and how JJ’s story helped me to realise how knife crime can greatly impact anyone and everyone,” while another noted that the “good engagement with his audience” helped them to listen to the true message. The presenter was greeted by Year 13 students on his arrival, who told him how much the presentation they received in Year 12 had impacted them. Additionally, our Year 12 and 13 students received an important presentation on consent from our safeguarding team.
13 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 Finally, The Riot Act delivered a KS4 Young Driver and Passenger Safety Tour, ‘Wanna Lift?’ Our Year 12 students were given this hour long presentation, packed with essential road safety guidance for soon-to-be drivers, further preparing them for life beyond high school. PSHE RSHE in Years 9 to 11 has covered this term’s RSHE themes. As a Catholic school, we use the Salford Diocese recommended programme Life to the Full. A Parent Portal is available at: www.tentenresources.co.uk/parent-portal/ Username: thornleigh-bl1 Password: young-whistle Year 8 have been completing the Living in the Wider World unit, which includes County Lines. This is a topic that students also explore in Drama, and I was privileged to be invited to watch a class of Year 8 assessments on the drama Alfie’s Story. The students were amazing in their portrayal of the challenges and complexities of families caught up in County Lines. Pippa stated that “sometimes people have no choice because they are worried about their family and they don’t want anything to happen to them.” Olivia said, “you start realising how dangerous it actually is because your family is getting threatened and you are getting threatened.” As a result of recommendations from Bolton Council, we are also using Pol-Ed lessons for a number of topics to deliver alongside our existing PSHE programme. Pol-Ed has been commissioned and developed by West Yorkshire Police to support its partnership working strategy and help keep our young people safe. It consists of a range of resources designed to align with the PSHE Association Programmes of Study. The materials include lessons created by subject matter experts who specialise in Citizenship teaching and PSHE. You can find a video on the purpose of Pol-Ed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBVNphdr_ng&t=1s We are incredibly proud of how our students continue to engage with these important topics, and we remain committed to supporting their growth, safety, and wellbeing throughout the year.
4814 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 ENGLISH Murder Mystery at Open Evening: Case Closed! Visitors to this year’s Open Evening became detectives for the night as the English department turned the bottom corridor into a full-scale mystery experience. Families were greeted at the ‘crime scene’ by none other than DCI Pierce, who explained that famous author Agatha Quill had been found with her final story left unfinished. They studied the chalk outline and first pieces of evidence before heading into the ‘suspect gallery’, where five very suspicious English teachers - from Ms Page-Turner the Librarian to Ms Drama Llama the Chaos Queen - stared down from their mugshots. The investigation continued in the evidence room, where guests raced to review clues ranging from cloak buttons to glittery manuscript pages. Witness statements and taunting letters from the ‘culprit’ kept everyone guessing right until the end, when Agatha’s final letter revealed a hidden code pointing to the real culprit. After weighing all the evidence, most visiting detectives cracked the case: the guilty party was none other than Ms Plot-Twist, who simply couldn’t bear Agatha’s happy ending. Everyone who solved the mystery received a ‘Top Detective’ reward before visiting the library and book fair to celebrate their sleuthing skills. The evening was a fantastic success - buzzing with families, laughter, and some very serious cluehunting. Thank you to all the students and staff who brought Agatha Quill’s world to life! Young Writer’s Empowered Poetry Competition Students in Years 7 to 9 were given the opportunity to take part in a poetry competition during the last academic year. 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. Thornleigh had close to 100 poems published in the ‘Empowered Anthology’!
15 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 ENGLISH Year 7 Students Dive Into Darkside and Discover a Love for Literature This year, our Year 7 students kicked off their academic journey with the thrilling pages of Darkside by Tom Becker. As they followed the mysterious adventures of the main character, they not only enjoyed an exciting story but also discovered the magic of reading for pleasure. With its gripping plot and immersive world, Darkside sparked a newfound passion for literature, leading them seamlessly into the thought-provoking world of Lord of the Flies. We’re excited to see where their love of reading will take them next! This is what some of our Year 7 students had to say about Darkside: “It was a thrilling book and I loved the mystery of it” - Lenni L “My favourite character was Ricky Thomas because he was good at escaping difficult situations” - Sam D “I liked the ending because it made me want to read the second book” - Alesha M Year 8 Students Explore the Gripping World of Sawbones and Cultivate a Love for Reading Year 8 students began their year with the dark and thrilling pages of Sawbones by Catherine Johnson. As they followed the intense and suspenseful journey of the main character, they not only found themselves immersed in a captivating story but also developed a deeper appreciation for reading for pleasure. Sawbones sparked a passion for literature that has carried them forward into new and exciting literary worlds. We’re thrilled to see how their love for reading continues to unfold throughout the year! This is what some of our Year 8 students had to say about Sawbones: “I love the mysterious thrill because it kept me hooked the whole way through” - Khadijah B “Ezra McAdam was my favourite character because he was the hero and a brilliant surgeon” - Niall B “I loved that the book was full of plot twists” - Pippa B “The book was very intriguing, especially at the death of one of the characters”! - Dylan B “The story was so interesting it made me want to read the next book” - Harley M Year 9 Students Dive Into The Hunger Games and Ignite a Passion for Reading Year 9 students kicked off their year with Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, a fast-paced, gripping dystopian adventure that kept them hooked from beginning to end. As they followed Katniss Everdeen’s fight for survival, they not only enjoyed a thrilling narrative but also discovered the deeper power of storytelling. This sparked a love for reading that has since transported them to the world of Oliver Twist, where they explore themes of hardship, resilience and social justice. We can’t wait to see where their literary journey will take them next! This is what some of our Year 9 students had to say about The Hunger Games: “I was very interested in the story because I like Dystopian fiction” - Leo H “My favourite character is Haymitch because he’s crazy!” - Olly I “My favourite scene from the book was when Katniss covered Rue with the leaves” - Erin O “My favourite scene was when Rue helped Katniss throw the wasp’s nest on the careers” - Jude H 500 Word Competition Our Year 7s showed off their creative writing skills by planning and writing a 500 word story in their English lessons. The BBC competition is aimed at children up to 11 years old, so alongside that, we ran our own version of ‘Thornleigh Has Writing Talent’ to include the 12 year olds in Year 7. Congratulations to Jorgie B who won the internal contest. She was presented with a £20 Amazon voucher at chapel assembly for her story, ‘The School Girl’. It was a lovely tale, showing great character development and a sense of drama. Well done to our runners up too. Bella C’s ‘The Deep Dark Forest’ and Lydia S’s ‘Jungle’ stories earned them each a £10 Amazon voucher. Thank you to all the students who took part - we enjoyed reading each and every entry. Best of luck to those who were able to take part in the main BBC competition. 50 finalists will be invited to a grand finale at Windsor Castle in February 2026, which will be hosted by Her Majesty Queen Camilla. Each winner will take home a massive bundle of books and the gold winners will also win 500 books for their school library. Great work Year 7 and fingers crossed we can bring you an update from the Palace in the new year…
4816 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 Author Catherine Johnson’s Virtual Visit On Monday 24th November, Year 8 students had the wonderful opportunity to join in with a virtual visit from author Catherine Johnson. Catherine has written many stories for children and young adults and all of Year 8 read her gruesome novel ‘Sawbones’. ‘Sawbones’ was so popular with Year 8 that English classes were competing to see who could get to the end first! Catherine’s virtual visit was really enlightening as she explained how hard she had to work to become a writer and all of the historical research she does before writing her books. All of the students involved were totally captivated by her and one student even said “this is the best author visit I’ve attended!” Thank you to Catherine for giving up her time to speak to us. LIBRARY All Things Literacy What an amazing start to the school year we’ve had. There has been so much going on with the library and literacy… we’ve had no shelf-control at all! Some of our librarians spent summer organising all of our books onto a new catalogue system, Libresoft. We are now pleased to announce that all students can access Libresoft from anywhere. Students can get the link from their Google Classroom and use Libresoft to search our book collection by genre, author or interest. Did you know that you can even reserve books on the system and collect them from the library? 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. If you haven’t already checked out our real Mini Cooper in the library then you’re missing out! In September, we held a book fair and raised over £600 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 March book fair too, where you can purchase the latest titles, discounted books and a range of stationery. Cash and card are both welcome. The next chapter to this term saw us celebrate Roald Dahl Day, National Poetry Day and World Harry Potter Book Day. We were lucky enough to have Mancunian poet, Mike Garry, visit us on National Poetry Day and deliver workshops and talks to our students. Congratulations to all the students who entered the various competitions; you should have received your certificates. An extra special thank you to all the students who joined us in the library as it transformed into The Room of Requirement and allowed us to create spells, charms and enjoy some refreshments from the train trolley! The final chapter of this term saw us launch the ‘Reading Quest’ with KS3. All English teachers have launched this in lessons and all the information is on Google Classroom for students to participate. The challenge is simple: students are to read two books by the start of the Spring term and complete a different quest for each one. In the new term, all students who complete the two quests will receive a certificate. The gauntlet has been thrown down, so who will be the winner?
17 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 ART Amber Yearsley Visits Thornleigh In November, we were delighted to welcome back former student and artist Amber Yearsley, who delivered an inspiring and engaging art workshop for some of our students. During the sessions, students explored a range of mark-making techniques, experimenting with texture, pattern, and expressive drawing. Using these new skills, they created their own concertina books, each one becoming a unique collection of their artistic discoveries. Amber encouraged students to experiment freely, focus on the creative process, and enjoy the experience of making art. The workshop was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from a practising artist, build confidence and develop their creative voices. In October, the Year 13 History group visited the Auschwitz Museum, including both Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. They started at Auschwitz I, where the original administrative buildings and prison blocks are located. Walking through the narrow corridors and seeing exhibitions of personal belongings, photographs, and documents, the students could understand how life was controlled and the harsh conditions prisoners faced, especially in the barracks. Afterwards, the group visited Birkenau, the larger extermination camp. Rows of empty, crumbling barracks stretched into the distance, with watchtowers and remnants of gas chambers visible. Walking along the railway tracks and open fields, they could better grasp the scale of the camp and the tragedy that happened there. The visit was quiet and reflective, giving the students a clearer understanding of the Holocaust and the importance of remembering it. HISTORY
14018 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 MFL Tapas Meal for Spanish Students Around 75 Spanish students from Years 7 and 9 tucked into traditional tapas dishes at a town centre restaurant. Pupils enjoyed a three course meal, which included favourites, such as albondigas (meatballs), calamari, Spanish omelette and patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce) at Tapaz Restaurant and Bar in Bradshawgate. With the restaurant decorated for Christmas, there was a real festive atmosphere and the students enjoyed a fabulous experience. Language Leaders During our Language Leader meetings this term, we have been developing our ideas for how to raise the profile of languages within our school. We have launched an extracurricular language club and are now completing the selection process for the borough-wide Translation Bee competition. A group of our Language Leaders will also meet to complete their preparation for the Routes into Languages award. Throughout the year they will build evidence in their log books and have already had some fruitful discussions about what is required of a language teacher. Global Leaders Although we have not heard from Paddington, our Global Leader mascot who we sent on his travels to our Salesian Partner School in Peru, we are hoping to set up our Global Leaders group again after Christmas to help support our sustainable work and to deliver key messages during whole school assemblies on the importance of creation and protecting our planet. The group will be meeting soon to discuss some ideas on how we can support initiatives in our own community. Bolton Learning Partnership MFL Network We are hoping to see the reappearance of the Bolton Borough Translation Bee soon at Thornleigh, where the top 4 students from KS3 compete in Spanish and French against all the other schools in Bolton. Fingers crossed we will have some more winners from Thornleigh! We have also launched a Christmas Decoration competition in the MFL Department where students can design a bauble for our Christmas Tree in E3. The bauble should be designed to represent a tradition or culture from around the world. Language Week To celebrate Language Week this year, and in collaboration with the centenary of the Salesians at Thornleigh, students created hearts based on the ethos of a Salesian school. Students wrote about what they love based on the pillars of School, Home, Church and Playground. Students then decorated these and 100 will be collated and displayed in the Chapel and during our Centenary celebrations. Language for Business As part of the Sixth Form Enrichment Programme on a Wednesday afternoon, we have been delivering a Language for Business course. This is an innovative professional accreditation which involves encouraging learners to use language skills for career enhancement and economic benefits. The students can achieve an accreditation which reflects practical and authentic application of foreign language skills in today’s workplace; promoting independent, confident and effective linguists with the skills required to make a positive and effective contribution to international economic activity.
19 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 MFL Communicake Competition What another fabulous turnout for our annual ‘Communicake Competition’! As part of our Language Week celebrations, students are invited to bake a cake or a sweet treat which represents a different culture or country. We have had an overwhelming response to this and students baked some delicious goods representing a range of cultures, from Spain to Jamaica with lots of traditional Indian and Dutch desserts. We then held a bake sale at lunchtime where the cakes were sold for 50p per slice. Overall, we raised £78 which we will use to support our chosen charities. We have found it extremely difficult to judge the best bakes but we eventually found three winners for each of the following categories: Design, Taste, Sweet Treats and Most Popular. Well done and thank you to everyone for your support! International School update We are continuing to enhance our global work in supporting the International School Award from the British Council. As part of our international work, we are looking forward to starting a new project with our Salesian partner school in Barcelona and starting a new partnership with a Salesian school in Murcia. The Turing Scheme funding has supported various projects over the last 12 months from an international visit abroad to Barcelona, various curriculum enhancement trips to Smithills Farm, the Yorkshire Sculpture Museum and funding the development of school clubs and leadership groups. Alongside this, 5 of our current Year 13 students embarked upon a 2 week work experience trip to Gibraltar, where they worked alongside the Nautilus Project and the marine biologists in Gibraltar. They not only enhanced their life skills but their employability and technical knowledge. We enjoyed activities from examining marine life through snorkelling and boat trips, to lab work, beach cleans and primary summer school classes. The students were also interviewed by the local radio and press. We are forever grateful for our strong partnership with our friends at Nautilus and we are hoping to return with more students next year.
20 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 PHYSICALEDUCATION Netball It has been a busy and determined few weeks on the netball courts, with all year groups representing the school proudly in a series of competitive fixtures and tournaments. Our teams first faced Bolton School, where every year group showed fantastic effort, teamwork and resilience. Although all teams were defeated, the girls demonstrated real progress and a strong work ethic throughout every match. We then travelled to Turton, where our teams produced some excellent performances. Year 7 played with great spirit, narrowly losing 4-0. Year 8 secured a brilliant 7-4 win, showcasing strong attacking play and solid defensive organisation. Year 9 put in a committed performance but were unable to come away with the victory. Year 10 battled right to the final whistle in a very close match, only just losing 25-22 in an exciting game. Our Year 10 Netball Team also competed in a recent tournament, performing incredibly well. They won three matches and lost two, just missing out on a place in the semi-finals on goal difference - an outstanding effort from the whole squad. In the Year 11 Netball Tournament, the team showed excellent teamwork and competitive spirit, finishing in a strong 4th place overall. All teams should be proud of their commitment, improvement, and sportsmanship. Well done to everyone involved - we look forward to even more progress and success throughout the year. Girls’ Football Girls’ football has continued to go from strength to strength this year at Thornleigh, with fantastic levels of participation and enthusiasm across all year groups. Weekly practices have been exceptionally well attended, and the players have demonstrated real dedication, commitment, and teamwork throughout the season so far. The year began with friendly fixtures against Bolton School. The Year 9 and 10 team put in a spirited performance despite defeat, showing great potential for the rest of the campaign. Meanwhile, the Year 7 and 8 teams both secured impressive victories against strong Bolton opposition - an excellent start to their season. The Year 7 / 8 team then represented Thornleigh at the Utilita Cup Tournament at Ladybridge. The girls were outstanding throughout, playing some fantastic football and achieving wins against Westhoughton, St Catherine’s and Canon Slade, along with a hard-fought draw against Bolton School. Their results saw them progress to the final, where they faced Rivington and Blackrod. Despite dominating the match and creating numerous chances, the game finished 0-0 and went to penalties. Unfortunately, Thornleigh were narrowly defeated in the shootout, but the girls can be incredibly proud of finishing runners-up. An outstanding achievement!
21 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 PHYSICALEDUCATION Finally, league fixtures kicked off in early November with the Year 7 and Year 8 / 9 team taking on Canon Slade. Although the results didn’t go our way, the teams showed real determination and resilience throughout the fixtures. It’s been a fantastic start to the season for girls’ football at Thornleigh, full of skill, spirit and teamwork. Well done to all involved, and we look forward to even more success as the year continues with many more fixtures to come! Boys’ Football In addition to consistently achieving excellent attendance at weekly practices, we have participated in a series of league and cup matches against both local and regional teams. Most of our teams have successfully advanced through the first rounds of the cup competitions, and we’re excited to continue with fixtures throughout the winter term. We’ll provide an update on our progress in these competitions in our Easter Newsletter, where we hope to celebrate some achievements. Rugby Congratulations to our Thornleigh Rugby Teams who have been training hard on Thursday nights. With their new and improving skills Year 7, Year 8 / 9 and Year 10 / 11 took part in tournaments at Bolton Rugby Club against schools including Westhoughton, Rivington, Turton, Canon Slade and St. Catherine’s. Even though they did not win the tournaments they showed great skills, resilience and determination during their games and should be very proud of their performances. There are more tournaments after Christmas for our students and we are always looking for new players to join the teams.
22 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 PHYSICALEDUCATION Cross Country The annual Cross Country event at Rivington and Blackrod High took place on Wednesday 5th November and it was a very successful one for Thornleigh! Not only did the weather hold out for us but we also held our own in every event on the day, finishing in the top 3 across the board for every race apart from one! The students that represented us that day had got the opportunity to represent the school via their performance in the PE inter-group cross country events. We had lots of outstanding performances on the day in tough conditions with the course becoming worse and worse with every race that went on, but that didn’t affect the effort and determination of all of our students that participated on the day. An impressive 18 of our students that took part finished in the top 20, meaning they have qualified to represent Bolton in the Greater Manchester Championships. Well done to Hugo C, Charlie B, Max G, Abigail M, Evelynn W and Sienna K - Year 7. Daniel T, Aine Brogan and George J P - Year 8. Harry P Year 9. Oscar P, Xavier M, Daniel A, Elise H, Lyla H, Isla J and Lilly C - Year 10. Louis Knott - Year 11. A special mention to Hugo C, Abigail M, Harry P, Aine B, Oscar P and Elise H who all finished in the top 5 of their respective races. Excellent achievements! We also performed brilliantly in teams, where the top six finishers in each team combine to create a team score. A fantastic day all round where students performed and behaved with true Salesian spirit! Y7 Boys 1st Y7 Girls 2nd Y8 / 9 Boys 3rd Y8 / 9 Girls 6th Y10 / 11 Boys 3rd Y10 / 11 Girls 3rd
23 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 DANCE Dance This term has been an incredibly exciting time for Dance at Thornleigh. Our students have shown outstanding commitment, passion and creativity across a range of opportunities. Students from across all year groups have taken part in our extra-curricular dance clubs and enrichment programmes. A huge well done to the dancers who were part of the whole school production. Your energy, dedication, and professionalism helped bring the show to life. IFDPA Disneyland Paris Trip - A Magical Experience In October, 30 dance students from Years 10 and 11 had the incredible opportunity to represent Thornleigh at the International Festival of Dance and Performing Arts (IFDPA) at Disneyland Paris. Our dancers performed beautifully across multiple categories, showcasing both technical skill and performance excellence: • Haus of Gaga - Spooktacular Open Dance Category • Can’t Help Falling in Love - Senior Contemporary • Hunger Games - Open Group Dance Category (placed 3rd overall!) • Year 11 BTEC Dance Piece: This is Me - Greatest Showman We are incredibly proud of the hard work and determination each student put into every performance. A highlight of the trip was the unforgettable opportunity to take part in the Disney Performing Arts Parade. Our students danced in front of thousands of spectators, representing Thornleigh with pride, confidence and joy. Alongside the performances, students enjoyed time exploring the Disney Parks and even visited the iconic Eiffel Tower - a memorable weekend filled with laughter, friendship and once in a lifetime experiences. Thank you to all staff, parents, and students who continue to support our thriving Dance Department. We look forward to sharing more special moments with you throughout the year. Students are now working incredibly hard as we approach an exciting season of performances including the Albert Halls Showcase and Thornleigh Annual Dance Showcase. We cannot wait to see the final performances and celebrate our students’ achievements.
24 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 YEARTEAMNEWS Year 7 We are delighted to welcome our new Year 7 Students to Thornleigh. Over the past couple of months, they have settled in exceptionally well and we couldn’t be prouder of how they’ve embraced this new chapter. Their enthusiasm, kindness and positive attitude have already made a wonderful impression. The Year Team is incredibly proud of the way each student has begun their journey with us. From navigating their new timetable to making the most of classroom and after school opportunities they’ve shown resilience, maturity and a real sense of community spirit. Attendance As we continue the academic year, we want to take this opportunity to remind students and families that excellent attendance is key to academic progress and success. Every day in school counts, not just for learning, but also for building friendships, routines and confidence. Let’s work together to make sure students are here, on time, and ready to learn each day. Uniform We also expect all students to maintain high standards of uniform at all times, as this reflects pride in both themselves and the school community. This includes wearing the correct uniform, ensuring their school lanyard is worn every day and bringing their planner to school each day. The planner is an essential tool for organisation and serves as a valuable line of communication between home and school. Students have made a great start so far, and we ask for your continued support in upholding these expectations. Student of the Week Each week, form tutors nominate one student from their group who has demonstrated outstanding effort, achievement, or positive behaviour. From these nominations, the year team selects an overall Student of the Week to recognise and celebrate their achievements across the school. This is a great opportunity to highlight and reward the hard work and positive contributions of our students. Student Leaders A huge well done to everyone who applied for the Year 7 Student Leader positions. The standard of applications was fantastic. It’s a massive achievement to be shortlisted for an interview, and you should all be very proud of yourselves. Congratulations to the four students who have been appointed as our new Year 7 Student Leaders. We are excited to see the positive impact you’ll make this year: Hiba M, Daniel C, Asha M and Morola B. Form Tutors If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s progress, wellbeing, or experience at school, please don’t hesitate to contact their form tutor in the first instance. Our tutors play a key role in supporting your child on a day-to-day basis and are always happy to help or direct your enquiry to the appropriate member of staff. 7A Mrs Cunningham - hcunningham@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7B Miss Fearn - cfearn@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7G Ms Vara - svara@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7D Mr Garland - sgarland@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7Z Mr Bell - dbell@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7K Mr MacNamara - dmacnamara@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7T Miss Gamble - tgamble@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7S Miss Plaza Coca - nplazacoca@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7L Mr Mapana - cmapana@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk 7O Miss Grimmer - hgrimmer@thornleigh.bolton.sch.uk We look forward to a successful year ahead filled with learning, growth, and great experiences. Ms Salisbury, Mr Crook and Ms Farrelly Year 8 As we come to the end of a busy and exciting term, we want to take a moment to celebrate the achievements, creativity and hard work of our Year 8 students. It has been a term full of learning, exploration and memorable experiences. Academic Progress Across all subjects, staff have been extremely impressed with students’ dedication and improving independence. Year 8 students have shown maturity in their approach to classwork and homework and many have achieved their target grades or even better in the most recent assessment.
YEARTEAMNEWS 25 WINTER NEWSLETTER 2025 Sports & Enrichment This term has seen excellent participation in extracurricular clubs, from football and netball to STEM and reading groups. Students represented the school brilliantly at inter-school sporting events such as the Panathlon, showing teamwork, resilience and enthusiasm. Our representatives were a credit to the school! Looking Ahead Next term brings new topics, new challenges and new opportunities. We encourage all students to rest, recharge and come back ready to build on their achievements. We have Don Bosco Day to look forward to in January and this year’s Savio Retreat in March. Please check your emails for the full details of this which can be reserved now. A Final Thank You Thank you to all students, parents and staff for making this term such a positive one. We are proud of Year 8 and look forward to even more successes next term. Have a wonderful break! Ms Porter and Ms Morris Year 9 As we approach the end of a busy and rewarding term, I am delighted to share with you the many successes, highlights and moments of pride from across Year 9. Your children continue to grow not only academically, but in confidence, maturity and character, and it has been a privilege to support them on that journey. Throughout the term, we have placed a strong focus on three key expectations: 1. Show Respect - to themselves, to others, and to their learning. 2. Be On Time - recognising the importance of punctuality and taking responsibility for their day. 3. Get Organised - ensuring they are prepared, equipped and ready to learn. We have been incredibly pleased with the way so many of our students have embraced these values. These habits will serve them well as ‘GCSE’ starts to become increasingly common in their vocabulary. Celebrating Achievements Girls’ Netball Team Our Year 9 girls’ netball team has demonstrated exceptional commitment this term. As summer slowly transitioned to winter, our netballers were not fazed by the colder evenings. In a series of fiercely contested fixtures, the team has shown real resilience, teamwork and enthusiasm. Their progress and sportsmanship have been praised by staff and opponents alike - a real testament to their hard work. Pentathlon Challenge - Rising to the Occasion We were thrilled to see so many Year 9 students take part in Bolton’s Pentathlon challenge. Their energy, perseverance and willingness to push themselves was outstanding. From track events to endurance activities, every participant represented the year group brilliantly and embraced the spirit of friendly competition. Looking Ahead GCSE Options on the Horizon After Christmas, the Year 9 options process will begin. This is an exciting stage where students can start shaping their future pathways. We will be offering guidance, assemblies and opportunities for discussion to help students make informed, thoughtful decisions. We will be in touch about this in the new year. Rome Trip We are very excited about the upcoming trip to Rome. For many students, this will be their first chance to explore one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the world. An itinerary filled with learning, wonder and once-in-a-lifetime experiences awaits. Enjoy! Savio House Retreat In addition, we will once again be visiting Savio House later in the year. This retreat continues to be a treasured experience for Thornleigh students, offering time for reflection, communitybuilding, and personal growth rooted in our Salesian ethos. Keep an eye out for the launch letter and speak to Fr Saju is you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support throughout this term. Year 9 is a vital stepping stone in your child’s journey, and together we will ensure they flourish academically, socially and spiritually. We look forward to all that the new year has in store. Wishing you and your families a peaceful break. Mr Pierce and Ms Kadva
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