THORNLEIGH SALESIAN COLLEGE SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026
2 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 HEADTEACHER’S MESSAGE Dear Thornleigh Salesian College Community, As we approach Easter, I am delighted to look back on a term filled with remarkable achievements and memorable moments at Thornleigh Salesian College, where our community has continued to grow in faith, learning and service in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching. This term, our Literacy Week featured creative writing sessions with Elizabeth Green and poetry workshops led by Mancunian poet Mike Garry for Years 7, 8 and 9. The RE and Chaplaincy teams launched the Confirmation programme, while our CAFOD Young Leaders participated in an online training day focused on social justice, embodying Catholic Social Teaching. Don Bosco Day was a vibrant celebration with activities including trips to the Trafford Centre and Blackpool Zoo. Over 80 students from Years 8, 9 and 10 enjoyed a residential retreat at Savio House, and our Year 9 students returned from a reflective pilgrimage to Rome. In the Arts, Year 12 and 13 Performing Arts students delivered two sell-out Musical Theatre Showcase performances. The Maths department took Year 11 students to two conferences designed to boost higher-tier exam skills, including visits to Ewood Park and Pendleton College. Earlier this year, 40 students participated in a professional art project led by Amber Lily. Additionally, A-level Spanish students benefited from an interactive workshop at Manchester Metropolitan University. Our Dance programme has flourished, with students from Years 7 to 11 showcasing their talents in the Albert Hall and preparing for the upcoming annual Dance Showcase themed ‘Let’s Dance.’ Sporting achievements include Year 7 and Year 10 boys reaching the Bolton Cup finals, and Year 8 student Aine’s exciting selection for Manchester City’s Youth Academy. Pastorally, students enjoyed attendance rewards trips to Jump Extreme, alongside visits to Chester Zoo following success in a creative writing competition. Year 10 students will soon participate in a work experience week starting 29th June 2026. We also wish our Year 11 and Year 13 students every success as they prepare for their GCSE and A-level exams. Notably, Year 10 student Aiden campaigned to become Bolton’s Youth MP. Our new catering partner, Caterlink, joined us in February, offering a fresh and diverse menu that has been well received by students and staff alike. Our enrichment programme continues to thrive, with Sixth Form students mentoring local primary pupils in literacy and numeracy skills, volunteering at the Friendship Café and organising fundraising events for Fort Alice, a local women’s refuge. This term, we gathered for a meaningful Easter Service to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, central to our faith. We have also supported students observing Ramadan, respecting their dedication during this important period. Finally, I want to highlight the Bolton campaign, Be Kind to My Mind, which encourages young people to talk openly about mental health. Support and advice are available at www.bekindtomymind.co.uk. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community. Mr Fitzsimons Headteacher
3 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 CONTENTS Follow us on Instagram Page 2 Headteacher’s Message Page 3 Contents Page 4 - 5 Literacy Week 2026 Page 6 - 10 RE & Chaplaincy Page 11 Music Page 12 Maths Page 12 History Page 13 Art Page 14 - 15 MFL Page 15 English Page 16 - 19 PE & Dance Page 20 - 24 Year Team News Page 25 Caterlink Page 26 - 27 Sixth Form
4 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 LITERACY WEEK2026 Thornleigh held our annual ‘Literacy Week’ in March 2026, and everyone had the chance to join in with the fun. Throughout the week, students across all year groups had the chance to get involved in an array of literacy activities. Some students attended live workshops with children’s author, Elizabeth Green, who ran creative writing sessions with Year 7, 8 and 9 students. All students in Year 7, 8 and 9 got to meet Mancunian poet, Mike Garry, who delivered talks, followed by poetry workshops. As well as workshops and talks, forms were able to come together to join in, quite competitively, with different tasks such as guessing the tannoy readers, going on a literary scavenger hunt around the school and completing our annual World Book Day big quiz. As well as the form competitions, form tutors also shared the daily challenges which students could complete independently. Challenges included reading in the most bizarre place, designing your own book cover and even baking a book! Prizes for winning forms and individual students will be awarded over the next week.
5 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 We ended our week with ‘Pages and PJs’ which involved KS3 students bringing their favourite book to the library, after school, on World Book Day. As students shared extracts from their favourite books, we were transported into worlds which made us laugh, ponder or had us on the edge of our seats! It was a wonderful way to end the week by remembering the core aim of literacy week: to foster a love of reading…and the pizzas helped! Don Bosco once said that “school was not the end; it was rather the instrumental means for improving the way of life.” Likewise, at Thornleigh, our vision for reading is based on the same values that Don Bosco held about school. We believe that “the books are not the end; they are the instrumental means for improving the way of life for our students.” So, as we move beyond literacy week, we remain dedicated in fostering a love of reading in all students at our school. Our form readers during three form times a week helps students to develop their love of reading news articles from ‘The Day’ are a way for forms to discuss and debate, and, we are already planning our second Literacy Week for the Summer term!
6 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 RE&CHAPLAINCY Year 7 In Year 7, students have been learning about Jesus’ life and mission, focusing on his journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. They explored how Jesus taught people through parables, performed miracles, and challenged societal norms, showing what the Kingdom of God is like. Students also studied the importance of Jesus’ actions and his sacrifice for Christians, helping them understand the core message of Christianity. Year 8 Year 8 students explored how Jesus’ teachings and actions shape the way Christians live today. They learned about the Kingdom of God, works of mercy, and the roles of women in Jesus’ ministry. They also focused on modern Christian figures like Oscar Romero and explored how faith influences actions, especially in terms of social justice and serving others. Students reflected on how they can apply Jesus’ example in their own lives. Year 9 In Year 9, students deepened their understanding of discipleship and vocation. They studied Mark’s Gospel, focusing on Jesus’ call to follow him, the cost of discipleship, and vocations like Holy Orders. The class also debated topics such as the ordination of women and explored the role of women in the church. Additionally, they looked at how Christians are called to live out Jesus’ teachings through acts of service, especially in addressing issues like poverty and wealth. KS4 update Year 10 and 11 have had a focused, indepth term on the beliefs and practices of Judaism. They have explored the significance of religious identity and how this can be expressed in a meaningful way. Year 10 will show this knowledge in their upcoming PPE and are now moving on to look at Catholic Beliefs and Teachings as a part of the EDEXCEL GCSE specification. Year 11 are now finishing their last unit of the GCSE, debating philosophical arguments for proof of the existence of God. They will also consider the problems of evil and suffering in our world and how this impacts religious belief. Year 11 also have completed their second round of PPEs where they have had the opportunity to experience two full GCSE papers in preparation for their final exams in May. Key stage 5 Students in the Sixth Form have continued their learning in the philosophy and ethics programme. Year 13 have now come to the end of their formal course and are now preparing for this summer’s exam season. The RE department wishes all students preparing for exams the best of luck and assure them of our prayers. Revisions session for GCSE will take place on; • Monday after school for Year 10 - Year 11 are welcome • Tuesday morning for Year 11 • Week B Thursday during period 6 for Year 11 • Every Monday for Year 13 students. Year of St Francis: A Call to Peace and Renewal Pope Leo XIV has declared a Franciscan Jubilee Year, running from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. This special year invites the Church to be renewed in peace, simplicity and care for creation. The Jubilee offers opportunities for pilgrimage, prayer and participation in the sacraments, encouraging all believers to become ‘unarmed and disarming witnesses’ of peace in a divided world.
7 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Eucharistic Ministers During January, another group of staff and students were trained and commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers. The training was led by Fr Steven, and the commissioning took place during Wednesday school Masses with Fr Saju. These ministers will continue to serve the school community during Masses and other liturgical celebrations, supporting the prayer life of Thornleigh and encouraging active participation in worship, especially in the Eucharist. CAFOD Young Leaders Training Day Our CAFOD Young Leaders took part in an online training day this half term, joining students from other Sixth Form schools and colleges organised by CAFOD. Each group presented their activity diaries, sharing experiences and learning from one another. The day was an enriching experience, helping our young leaders grow in confidence, leadership and commitment to social justice in the spirit of Catholic Social Teaching. Confirmation Programme 2026 The Confirmation Programme for 2026 began on Thursday 8th January. Over 60 candidates from St Joseph’s Deanery have registered and will be confirmed on Wednesday 17th June 2026 by John Arnold. The programme opened with sessions for both candidates and parents. Parents were invited to journey alongside their children in faith, reinforcing the importance of family and community in the sacramental life of the Church.
8 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Feast of Don Bosco and Don Bosco Week Celebrating Our Salesian Heritage - 26 - 31 January From 26th to 31st January, Thornleigh Salesian College joyfully celebrated Don Bosco Week, a special time dedicated to our patron saint, John Bosco. Throughout the week, assemblies were held for each year group, focusing on the life of Don Bosco and his enduring impact on young people. Students reflected on his commitment to education, faith and loving kindness, and how his vision continues to shape the ethos of our school today. Feast Day Masses: Prayer at the Heart of Our Community As part of Don Bosco Week, the Thornleigh school community gathered for school Masses on Thursday 29th January, bringing together all year groups to pray, celebrate and reflect on the life of St John Bosco. The Masses were celebrated by Fr Saju and Fr Steven and were prayerful and uplifting occasions. The school choir enhanced the liturgy with beautiful music, while Year Group Leaders led the readings and prayers of intercession. The presence of our newly commissioned Eucharistic Ministers, both staff and students, was a significant and meaningful highlight of the celebrations. Don Bosco Day: A Joyful Celebration Across the School Don Bosco Day was a vibrant and festive occasion for the entire school community. Students and staff took part in a variety of activities, including trips to the Trafford Centre, the Determination Festival, Blackpool Zoo, as well as a range of activities within school. The day was filled with enthusiasm, joy and a strong sense of togetherness. It was inspiring to see students fully embrace the spirit of the feast day, echoing Don Bosco’s own words: “Serve the Lord in cheerfulness.” The celebrations truly reflected the joy and vitality of Salesian life.
9 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Don Bosco Day Mass and Centenary Celebrations The highlight of Don Bosco Week was the Don Bosco Day Mass, celebrated by Fr Gerry Briody, Provincial of the Salesians in Great Britain. Many past students and former staff joined the celebration, returning to Thornleigh after many years to be part of this special occasion. This Mass formed part of the wider celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of Thornleigh Salesian College. In the afternoon, ex-pupils enjoyed guided tours of the school, followed by the Feast Day Mass at 6pm. The celebrations concluded with the popular ‘Bosco Disco’, an adult social evening that brought the day to a joyful close. The sharing of memories and experiences highlighted the lasting influence of Don Bosco in the lives of so many. Lenten Season During the Season of Lent, we are invited to slow down, reflect, pray and share with those in need. A number of liturgical and spiritual opportunities have been organised to help our school community journey through this sacred time. Lenten Prayer Opportunities in Thornleigh Chapel • Every Wednesday of Lent: Mass at 8.00am • Every Friday of Lent: Stations of the Cross at 1.35pm • Every Friday: Reconciliation available from 1.35pm In addition, organised Reconciliation Services will take place for Year 7 and Year 9 students during Lent in collaboration with the RE Department. Holy Week Service During Holy Week, the whole school will gather for a special service on Maundy Thursday (2nd April). This will be an opportunity for the entire school community to celebrate, pray and reflect on the life of Jesus and the events of his final days on earth. Lenten Charity Appeal: Our charity focus during Lent will be on raising funds for CAFOD Friday 27th February – Family Fast Day Students and staff were invited to bring in loose change to support Family Fast Day. All donations collected will go towards CAFOD’s work supporting communities in need around the world.
10 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Savio Retreat for Years 8, 9 and 10 Over 80 students from Years 8, 9 and 10 took part in a residential retreat at Savio House Retreat Centre during the week commencing 2nd March. The retreat offered students a valuable opportunity to step away from the busy routine of school life and spend time reflecting on themselves, their relationships and their faith. For Year 8 students, the theme ‘Bridges’ focused on the importance of building strong and positive relationships – with themselves, with others and with God. The retreat themes for Years 9 and 10 centred on ‘Water’, encouraging students to reflect more deeply on their personal journey, their relationships with others and, above all, their relationship with God. The programme created space for thoughtful discussion, prayer and personal reflection. For a number of students, this was not their first visit to Savio House. Some Year 10 students were attending their fourth consecutive retreat there, demonstrating the lasting impact these experiences can have. Alongside times of reflection and prayer, students also enjoyed the retreat programme of fun activities, scenic walks and opportunities to spend time together as a community. As always, the hospitality at Savio House was exceptional, and the meals were a highlight for many of our young people. We are very grateful to the Savio House team for providing such a wonderful retreat experience and for helping our students create memories that will remain with them for many years to come. Year 9 Rome Pilgrimage Our Year 9 students recently returned from a memorable and reflective pilgrimage to Rome, where they explored some of the most significant sites in Christian and ancient Roman history. The trip began with a visit to the Catacombs of St Sebastian. Walking through these early Christian burial chambers provided students with a deeper understanding of the courage and faith of the early Church. Students also visited the Colosseum, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Seeing the scale and structure of this ancient amphitheatre first-hand enabled them to reflect on the complexity of Roman society and its enduring influence on the modern world. A highlight of the pilgrimage was time spent in Vatican City. In St Peter’s Square, students joined pilgrims from around the world for the Sunday Angelus, led by Pope Leo. The atmosphere of prayer and unity made a lasting impression on the group - our school even got a mention from Pope Leo himself! Following in the footsteps of St John Bosco, the group visited his house and learned more about his dedication to the education and spiritual formation of young people. Throughout the visit, our Year 9 students represented the school with maturity, respect and engagement. The pilgrimage offered not only historical and cultural enrichment, but also meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth and shared reflection. We thank the staff who organised and accompanied the trip, and we commend our students for the way they embraced this significant experience.
11 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Musical Theatre Showcase On Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th February, our Year 12 / 13 Performing Arts students performed their Musical Theatre Showcase to 2 sell-out audiences. The show was a huge success and yet another reflection of the high-standard of performance we can come to expect from the Music / Performing Arts department. KS5 Performing Arts lead Mr Eccleshare said “It was a privilege to work with our Sixth Form students who all have such a strong passion for the arts. To rehearse, direct and perform a 2 hour musical in only 3 months is not an easy task, but each students did a fantastic job. Every member of the class had at least 2 solos and / or duets, and were involved in 6 ensemble numbers. We can’t wait for future years to perform in their own showcase when they stay on at Sixth Form to study Performing Arts!” MUSIC Year 12 Solo Recital Evening On Monday 9th March it was our Year 12 Solo Recital Evening for the L3 BTEC Music students’ solo performance exam. It was a brilliant evening of live music with some outstanding performances by our fantastic Year 12 musicians. Music teacher Mr Eccleshare said “Our sixth form musicians have been rehearsing on these pieces since the start of the year and the audience were blown away with the musical talent on display. The atmosphere was electric inside the drama studio as each student performed their heart out!” Highlights included ‘Birds Of A Feather’ by Neve, ‘Simply The Best’ by Logan, ‘Reelin’ In The Years’ by George, ‘John The Fisherman’ by Alfie and ‘The Trooper’ by Billy, amongst many other outstanding live performances.
12 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 MATHS This term the Maths department took a group of Year 11 students to two Maths conferences aimed at higher tier students looking to boost their grades in their summer exams. Delivered by the MEI - Mathematics in Education and Industry - and facilitated by the AMSP - Advanced Mathematics Support Programme, students had the opportunity to visit Ewood Park, the home of Blackburn Rovers FC and later in the year, a trip to Pendleton college to take part in workshops looking at GCSE higher tier topics. These topics included vectors, iterations, histograms, kinematics and volume of complex 3D shapes and the aim was to improve students understanding of these topics, as well as giving the students a taste of some of the topics they could study if they chose to study A level Maths at college. The students worked fantastically well and took a lot from the two workshops. We are pleased to be taking some of our year 10 students to a workshop later in the year. History Outside of the Classroom In Year 7 KS3 History, we have been studying the Normans and the development of castles, including their defensive features. After learning about arrow slits in class and how they were used by archers to defend castles, Sam D in 7B visited a castle outside of school and noticed these features in real life. He shared some photographs of the arrow slits he saw, helping to make a great connection between our classroom learning and a real historical site. Lily F, 7D, also went to visit Edinburgh castle during the February half term. Lily spotted historical features such as cannons and suits of armour. She has shared her observations with the class, which helped us link our studies of castles and medieval warfare to real artefacts that can still be seen today. In Year 8 KS3 History, we have been exploring the Industrial Revolution, focusing on the growth of factories and how they changed the way people worked and lived. One student, George John P, recently visited Quarry Bank Mill and shared some photographs from his trip with the class. We looked at these images together to help us picture what factories were like during the Industrial Revolution, including the busy machinery and crowded working spaces. This also helped us discuss the difficult working conditions many people faced, such as long working hours, noisy machines, and dangerous environments, helping students better understand what life was like for factory workers at the time. HISTORY
13 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 ART Earlier this year, 40 students from across all year groups took part in an exciting and inspiring art project led by professional artist Amber Lily. The project gave students a unique opportunity to explore new techniques, experiment with creative ideas, and develop their confidence. Students had an incredible opportunity to have their artwork exhibited for public viewing at Creatives Now in Bolton. Seeing their work displayed in a professional exhibition space was an unforgettable experience. Family members, friends, and members of the public were able to visit the exhibition. For many, this was their first time exhibiting artwork outside of school and what an amazing experience it was to be exhibiting artists! We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part. This reflects the vibrant artistic talent within our school community. A huge thank you to Amber Lily and Creatives Now for providing such a fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to see what creative projects our students take on next! Follow us on Instagram Thornleighsc_art
14 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 MFL International Schools Update In July, 5 Year 12 students, now Year 13, embarked on a 2-week work experience with the marine biologists in Gibraltar. This was funded by the Government as a result of Mrs Lyon’s successful application with the Turing Scheme. Mrs Lyon accompanied the first week and Mrs Ogden supported the students in their second week. The experience was a continuation of our 5 yearlong strong international links with the Nautilus Project. Over the years we have arranged activities such as beach cleans, university visits and environmental talks but this was a 2-week internship involving research, outdoor learning and delivery of presentation around marine life. Not to mention a live radio interview and work with the Gibraltar Chronical, the national newspaper. Lucy, one of the students has answered a few questions below about her experience. Why did you choose to apply? I chose to apply to the Gibraltar trip because I saw it as an opportunity to come out of my comfort zone. The idea of meeting new people from The Nautilus Project really interested me. Additionally, when Mrs Lyon was telling us about the day-to-day routine we’d be in and the independence we would receive, I really saw it as an opportunity to learn and develop new skills socially and physically. I knew that this opportunity would make me stand out in any application I do in the future, which was a bonus to which I applied. Which were your favourite activities and why? My absolute favourite activity was when we went snorkelling in Rosia Bay. I loved the sensation of diving feet down into the water, surrounded by marine life. I saw all types of fish, octopi and seahorses. This was my favourite activity because I knew at that moment that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a surreal experience. Additionally, I loved going out on the boats to the sea and being surrounded by the dolphins. They were so calm and sociable with us, and it was such an appreciative and emotional moment for me. Also, I really enjoyed budgeting and shopping for us all. Personally, in the group, I was mostly in charge of the budgeting so I made sure to communicate with the group and what our food preferences were for breakfast, tea, etc and made sure to fit these preferences into the budget. I really enjoyed the independence and trust I gained with this opportunity. What did you learn? This experience was really educational for me as I learned so much more about marine life and conservation. For example, I learned about how sociable many marine animals are that I never would have expected. If I had any questions about anything, Lewis and Mel were more than happy to answer all my questions in such detail, helping me learn more about what they do as a charity. Being able to have both lecture-based and practicalbased learning helped me apply my learning to real life experiences, especially in the water and on the beaches. What did you learn about yourself? I think at the start of this experience, I was slightly apprehensive about what was to come and if it would be awkward with the people from college who were on the trip, as all of us were not necessarily close. However, I was also excited about the experience and what I would learn about myself in this time. Within the experience, I was growing in confidence within myself and becoming closer with those around me, even the workers from The Nautilus Project I had never met. At the end of the experience, we all became so close and definitely friends for life. It was emotional saying goodbye to everyone from The Nautilus Project as they had helped us all so much and helped us grow within ourselves. How has your experience helped you? Overall, I loved this experience and I’m so grateful that I was selected out of many applicants. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I cannot express my gratitude for enough. If anyone was to ask me if I’d do it again, I would go back in a heartbeat (maybe in summer?). If you are considering applying for Gibraltar, or thinking of going there yourself to volunteer in the summer, please take my word for it and go. You won’t regret it and you’ll learn more about yourself than you’d ever know. We are excited to be continuing the experience again this year with 6 more student. A huge thank you to Nautilus for their continued support.
15 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Reading Development Course Selected students in Key Stage Three English have been completing a reading development course in which they honed their skills in reading fluently and confidently. This course has enabled students to develop their vocabulary and comprehension skills, improving their reading ages in preparation for their future GCSE studies. Students have enjoyed the chance to show off their reading skills and gained a certification for their active engagement in the course! ENGLISH Young Writers Stranger Saga’s Competition Students in Mrs Rigby and Miss Umerji’s Year 8 and Year 9 classes entered a Young Writers Stranger Saga’s competition. The competition was a creative writing competition for 10 - 18 year olds across the nation in which students wrote a 100 word story with a twist! Students in all classes wrote exceptional pieces of writing and many of them have been published in the 2026 feature ‘Stranger Sagas - Amazing Tales’ - a huge congratulations to these students. Dr Carmen Herrero Interactive Workshop On the 11th March the A levels students studying Spanish at Thornleigh benefited from a trip to Manchester Metropolitan to participate in a interactive workshop organized and delivered by Dr Carmen Herrero, Reader in Hispanic Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University . This event was offered in Spanish and focused on the film ‘Volver’ which is the film studied by the A level students at Thornleigh. During the session they put into practice what they have been learning in lessons, extended their knowledge about the film and its director Almodóvar, as well as discussed different aspects of the film with other college students and lecturers at MMU. Thornleigh Link with Institut Escola Feixes Year 10 Spanish students have linked up with a school in Spain to improve their language and cultural knowledge. Thornleigh pupils have been sharing information about school life in the UK with young people from the Institut Escola Feixes in Terrassa, near Barcelona. The Spanish students will then do a presentation at their school to reveal what they have learned and Thornleigh will get the chance to do the same after Easter, where they will present their findings on Spanish culture in the target language.
4816 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Dance Our performance term in Dance has got off to a fantastic start, starting with our annual Albert Hall performances. Students from Years 7 to 11 have been actively involved in our extra-curricular dance clubs since September, demonstrating commitment, creativity, and enthusiasm. We were incredibly proud to showcase their Floorfillerthemed choreography, which was met with great excitement and energy. In addition, a selected group of students collaborated with Smithills and Harper Green during a workshop day led by professional dancer and choreographer Kane Silver. This inspiring experience provided students with the opportunity to work alongside peers from other schools and helped to open the showcase with a dynamic and professional performance. We are now busy rehearsing for our event of the year - the annual Dance Showcase. This year’s theme, ‘Let’s Dance’, brings together examination work, core curriculum dance, extra-curricular performances, and pieces previously showcased at the IFDPA in Disneyland Paris. We are extremely excited to welcome parents and carers to celebrate the talent, dedication, and achievements of our wonderful dance students. PE&DANCE Girls Cricket In February, the U13 and U15 girls’ cricket teams represented school at the Bolton Schools Indoor Cricket Competition. The U15 team competed against Bolton School and Turton, while the U13s faced Bolton School as their only opposition. The U15s encountered strong and experienced teams in both fixtures. Although they were defeated in both matches, the girls demonstrated clear improvement from their first game to their second, showing resilience and a willingness to learn. While they did not progress to the next stage of the competition, the experience will stand them in good stead and we look forward to seeing their continued development during the summer season. With only two Bolton schools entering at U13 level, the U13 team automatically qualified for the next round. Their fixture against Bolton School provided a valuable competitive practice opportunity ahead of the next stage, which takes place in mid-March. We wish them the very best as they continue their campaign. There will be plenty of opportunities for all students to train and compete during the summer term. We are excited to see the progress made over the coming months and hope for success at the Outdoor Bolton Cricket Competition in June.
17 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Girls Football Girls’ football fixtures have continued throughout the term, with competitive opportunities available for all year groups. We began the term with fixtures against Bolton School, where the Year 7 and Year 8 / 9 teams were in action. The Year 7 B team secured a fantastic victory, while the Year 8 / 9 team were narrowly defeated. We then faced Harper Green, with the Year 8 A team and Year 10 / 11 team representing school - both teams delivered excellent performances and came away with well-deserved wins. All year groups also competed in the Bolton Schools 7-a-side tournaments. The Year 7 tournament took place first, with the girls progressing through the group stage unbeaten. They then faced St James’s in the semifinal, producing a superb 3-0 victory to secure their place in the final. In the final they met Canon Slade, having already drawn 0-0 with them earlier in the group stage. It was another closely contested match played at a high intensity, with Thornleigh creating the better chances. The game finished 0-0 once again, leading to sudden death penalties. Unfortunately, we conceded our only goal of the entire tournament during the shootout, meaning the team finished as runners-up. It was a fantastic achievement and a brilliant effort from all of the girls on a very cold evening, with every player working tirelessly throughout. The Year 8 / 9 team competed in their 7-a-side tournament at the end of January in extremely challenging weather conditions. Despite the freezing temperatures, the girls showed fantastic resilience, maintaining a positive attitude and strong determination throughout the evening. Facing tough opposition, they performed brilliantly and finished second in their group, narrowly missing out on a semi-final place on goal difference. It was an excellent effort from all involved, particularly given the demanding conditions they played in. The Year 10 / 11 tournament took place at the end of February in slightly kinder conditions than those experienced by the younger year groups. However, the team faced a significant challenge, travelling with only five players for a 7-a-side competition. Despite being at a numerical disadvantage in every match, the girls demonstrated outstanding resilience, teamwork and determination across all five fixtures. Competing against teams of seven, they worked tirelessly throughout and achieved an impressive record of one win, two draws and two losses. This was a remarkable effort given the circumstances, and the attitude and commitment shown by every player was exceptional. A huge well done to all of the girls involved. Our U13 girls have been competing in the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) 9v9 competition and have made an excellent start to their campaign. In Round 1, they faced Darwen Vale High School and delivered a confident performance to secure a 3-0 victory. Round 2 saw the girls take on Millfield Science and Performing Arts College in challenging conditions, where they were outstanding once again, earning an impressive 5-0 win. In Round 3, they came up against Hodgson Academy and continued their superb form, playing some brilliant football to achieve a 6-1 victory. The team now progresses to Round 4 (last 32), where they will face Turton. We wish the girls every success as they continue their journey in this competition and hope their fantastic run continues.
14018 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Basketball The winter term always brings basketball to the sports hall and our students continue to thrive when given the opportunity to attend weekly practices and compete in half-termly tournaments against other schools across the borough. This year we were able to run two sessions each week to offer students the opportunity to play with students from their age groups, helping to hone their skills and tactics for use in competition. This was mainly due to the commitment of Mr MacNamara who has worked with specific year groups each week to help them prepare for competition. We had a much improved season in comparison to previous years, with all three teams accruing more points and more wins as we progressed through the tournaments. Well done all and we look forward to building on the good work next year. Badminton From October half-term until February half-term we have had a scheduled practice on Tuesday after-school, available to students from all year groups to attend in order to start to learn the sport and improve their skills, practice to be competitive and represent school, or simply just play socially with friends. As always our sessions have been well attended and have attracted both boys and girls from across all 5 year groups. We competed in the league structure, playing competitive fixtures against Bolton School Boys Division, Bolton School Girls Division, Canon Slade, Rivington and Turton, with some strong performances from our team players and a few wins along the way. A huge well done to our Year 11 GCSE PE students who have stepped up to represent the team this year as part of their contribution towards improving their GCSE PE score. A special mention to Chris J and Harley H who have consistently represented the team for the past four years and grown to be a strong partnership, winning most of their games this season. Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships 2026 We were fortunate enough to have some of our students represent Bolton at the Greater Manchester Cross Country Championships on Saturday 31st January at Heaton Park. This was following on from the individual success they had by finishing in the top 20 at the Bolton Schools’ Cross Country Championships back in November. The conditions on the day were extremely tough and our students were competing against the strongest runners from across the other 9 boroughs in Greater Manchester but each one of them made us proud on the day. Well done to Aine B (8th), Elise H (19th), Lyla H (36th), Daniel T (39th), George P (40th), Isla J (43rd), Harry P (50th), Sienna K (52nd), Evelyn W (62nd) and Charlie B.
19 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Boys Football We have continued with our programme of football fixtures throughout the winter and spring terms, taking part in multiple friendly matches, tournaments, league games and cup competitions. We have had varied success and at the time of writing, we have the Year 7 boys in the final of the Bolton Cup, Year 8 in the semi-final of the Bolton Plate, the Year 9 Boys in the semi-final of the Bolton Plate, the Year 10 boys in the quarter-final of the Bolton Cup, and the Year 11 boys in the quarter-final of the Bolton Cup. In addition to this, we have also had the opportunity to play in some boys football festivals, aimed at providing opportunities for students who have not yet represented school, to have an opportunity to play in some competitive games. A special mention must go to our Year 7 students who have continued to turn-out in large numbers at Monday night practices all the way through since September and have created a great squad-ethos. We wish them the best of luck in their cup final. IMMAF European Kickboxing Championships We are extremely proud of Jack C from Year 8 who travelled to Serbia where he competed at Olympic level and represented the country in the IMMAF European championships. He brought home a bronze medal and fought amazingly well! Well done Jack!
20 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Year 7 It has been another busy and positive half term for Year 7 and we are delighted with how well our students are continuing to settle into Thornleigh. Rewards Trip - Jump Extreme 100% Attendance We were excited to announce a rewards trip to Jump Extreme for students who continue to demonstrate excellent behaviour, effort and attendance. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate their hard work, enjoy time with friends and take part in a fun, active experience. We are looking forward to planning our next rewards trip. Students will be informed of the criteria and how they can secure their place so keep working hard and be in school every day. Don Bosco Day - Trafford Centre Trip To celebrate Don Bosco Day, Year 7 had the opportunity to visit the Trafford Centre. This trip links to our school values and gives students the chance to celebrate together whilst representing the school positively within the community. The Importance of Attendance Attendance remains a top priority. Every school day matters. Excellent attendance supports academic progress, helps students build friendships, develops routine and resilience and ensures no learning gaps. We encourage all students to aim for 100% attendance wherever possible. Good attendance now builds habits for lifelong success. Rewards and Recognition We are continuing to celebrate student achievements with our ‘Rewards Donuts’ initiative. The Top 5 students with the most positive behaviour points and the 5 most improved students are treated to Donuts to celebrate achievements. We are incredibly proud of the positive attitudes we are seeing across the year group. High Standards of Behaviour and Uniform Year 7 have responded brilliantly to our expectations and continue to demonstrate polite and respectful behaviour across the school. Students are showing positive conduct around the building, lining up sensibly and moving calmly between lessons. They are also taking pride in wearing full and correct uniform each day. We will continue to insist on these high standards, as they help create a safe, focused and respectful learning environment where everyone can succeed. Assemblies - Charity and Preparing for Lent In assemblies, students have been exploring charities that Year 7 can support and thinking about how they can make a difference in the community. We are also preparing for Lent, reflecting on kindness, generosity and personal growth. Students are encouraged to think about how small acts of service can make a big impact. A Final Message The Year 7 team are extremely proud of the conduct and behaviour of Year 7 students around school. We continue to receive lots of positive feedback from other members of staff about their maturity, politeness and effort. Well, done Year 7 keep up the hard work, we are very proud of you. Ms Salisbury, Mr Crook and Ms Farrelly YEARTEAMNEWS
21 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Year 8 The start of the Spring term saw our students take part in another fabulous Don Bosco Day, a highlight of the school calendar. Students enjoyed a range of exciting activities and trips to celebrate the occasion. Some spent the day at the Trafford Centre, while others visited Blackpool Zoo to explore and learn about a wide range of animals. Another group attended the Determination Festival, where students challenged themselves with activities such as skateboarding, bouldering, scooter riding and freestyle gymnastics. It was wonderful to see so many students embracing new experiences and enjoying the day together. We would also like to congratulate two of our sporting heroes this term - Jack C and Aine B. Jack represented his sport on the international stage by competing in the Kickboxing World Championships, where he achieved an incredible bronze medal. Meanwhile, Aine has reached an exciting milestone in her football journey, having been selected to play for Manchester City’s Youth Academy. We are extremely proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next. Year 8 students have also enjoyed success in school sporting fixtures. Our U13 girls’ football team delivered a fantastic performance in the ESFA Cup, progressing to the last 32 of the competition. Their determination, teamwork and skill were evident throughout the matches, and we congratulate the whole team on this excellent achievement. Earlier this term, a group of Year 8 students were rewarded with a special trip to Chester Zoo after competing in and winning the Portmanteau Competition. They had a fantastic day and represented the school brilliantly throughout the visit. Finally, 43 Year 8 students attended a successful retreat at Savio House, where they took part in a variety of spiritual, collaborative and friendship-building activities centred around the theme ‘Building Bridges.’ The retreat provided students with the opportunity to reflect, strengthen friendships and develop important teamwork skills. It has been a busy and successful term for Year 8, and we are very proud of all that our students have achieved. Well done to everyone involved! Ms Porter and Ms Turner Year 9 The Spring Term has been a wonderfully positive and productive time for our Year 9 students at Thornleigh Salesian College. As the year group continues to grow in confidence and maturity, it has been fantastic to see students developing the attitudes and independence that will prepare them well for the important step into Key Stage 4. One of the highlights of the term was celebrating Don Bosco Day. Students had the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved day out, choosing between trips to the Trafford Centre, Blackpool Zoo, or participating in the energetic Determination Festival in school. It was a fantastic day filled with laughter, friendship and plenty of memorable moments. Most importantly, it reflected the strong sense of community and joy that lies at the heart of the Salesian tradition. A good day was had by all, and students represented the year group brilliantly. I did fear the worst when I saw the queue at KFC at 10.30 in the morning, I must admit! Another particularly meaningful experience for many students was the Year 9 retreat to Savio House with Mr Pierce, Mrs Hughes and Fr Saju. The retreat gave students a valuable opportunity to pause from the pace of everyday life in the glorious Bollington sunshine. By turning off their phones, taking part in brisk walks, sharing conversations and enjoying a few laughs with friends, students were able to reflect on our mission. These moments of reflection are a key part of our Salesian ethos and help students to develop the maturity, perspective and resilience that will guide them through the next stages of their education and in life beyond school. Their conduct was excellent and their karaoke performances in the closing disco even better! We are also extremely proud of the creativity within the year group. Several students recently had their artwork selected to be displayed in an exhibition in Bolton - a fantastic achievement and a wonderful celebration of their talent. Congratulations to Amelia G, Lilly-Rose H, Amelia S, Dean D, Gracie J, Lewis S, Bella J and Imogen M for representing the school so well. Their work is a brilliant example of the dedication and creativity that we see across the year group. My thanks go to Mrs Keogh and her team in the Art department for offering this opportunity to our students.
22 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 As we move further through the year, the Options process is now underway. This is an exciting and important milestone for Year 9 students, as they begin to make decisions about the subjects they will study in Key Stage 4. It represents the next natural step in their journey through school and the beginning of thinking more carefully about their interests, strengths and future aspirations. For the first time in their education career, students have a choice. This choice can feel both liberating and overwhelming in equal measures. My door remains open to all who would like to discuss this process in more detail. It was also a pleasure to welcome so many parents and carers into school for Parents’ Evening. These evenings provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress, celebrate successes and discuss the next steps for each student. The strong partnership between home and school plays a crucial role in helping our young people to succeed, and we are grateful for the continued support of families. Looking ahead to next term, our collective focus as a year group will be respect - for one another, for our learning environment and for ourselves. Continuing to develop this sense of responsibility and maturity will be vital as students prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in Key Stage 4. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another successful term with our Year 9 students. Mr Pierce and Ms Farnworth A Fantastic Start To The New Year for Year 10! As we move further into the new year, we’ve been incredibly impressed with how positively Year 10 students have returned to school. They have come back focused, motivated, and ready to build on their progress as they continue their Key Stage 4 journey. There has been a real sense of maturity and determination in lessons, with students showing greater independence and commitment to their studies. It’s been fantastic to see their enthusiasm, strong engagement, and willingness to challenge themselves as they set the tone for a successful term ahead. Don Bosco Day In the first half term of the New Year, we were proud to celebrate Don Bosco Day, honouring John Bosco, the patron saint of our school. Don Bosco dedicated his life to supporting and educating young people, encouraging them to grow through kindness, faith, and joy - values that continue to shape our school community today. To mark the occasion, students enjoyed a special trip to the Trafford Centre, where they took part in a range of activities and spent valuable time together outside of the classroom. We were delighted with how well students represented the school; their behaviour was excellent, and they demonstrated respect, responsibility, and a real sense of community throughout the day. It was a wonderful way to celebrate our shared identity and the spirit of Don Bosco. Thornleigh Salesian College Lent Campaign 2026 - Giving This Lent our school is supporting CAFOD and joining other schools around the country to help fight poverty around the world. Each form in Year 10 has pledged a certain amount of money as their fundraising target over the weeks of Lent. Families can also sponsor us by donating to the Lent campaign through School Gateway! How Our Fundraising Will Help CAFOD is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, working together with communities all over the world to end extreme poverty and global injustice. Our fundraising will help people like Bayezid and his community in Bangladesh to create floating gardens that are immune to the effects of flooding caused by climate change. You can find out more by watching CAFOD’s film on their website: cafod.org.uk/blwschools
23 SPRING NEWSLETTER 2026 Week Beginning Student of the Week 5.01.2026 Jack G 12.01.2026 Toby B 19.01.2026 Aiden M 2.2.2026 Chinedu O 23.2.2026 Kelsey H We have chosen to support CAFOD as a way for our pupils to put their faith into action. By raising money together, we will be supporting our brothers and sisters around the world and living out our school mission. We look forward to journeying together through this sacred season of Lent as a faith-filled school community. New York Trip We are incredibly excited about the upcoming Year 10 trip to New York City, which promises to be an unforgettable experience. Students will have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Times Square, take in breathtaking views from the Empire State Building, and even enjoy a Basketball game. Alongside sightseeing, the trip will offer rich cultural experiences and the chance to create lasting memories with friends - an exciting opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. Work Experience Year 10 students will have the exciting opportunity to take part in work experience week later in the year - week beginning Monday 29th June 2026. This experience is an invaluable part of their educational journey, offering them the chance to gain hands-on insight into the world of work, develop key skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, and explore potential career paths. Students should have secured their own placements and documentation should be handed in to form tutors. Thank you for supporting our young people in this process. Students of the Week A child is chosen from each Year Group to celebrate their contributions to the school and recognise their efforts. The young people are invited to meet with Mr Fitzsimons for each Friday. Below are our Students of the Week for this term so far: As you know, here at Thornleigh Salesian College, the form tutor plays a very important role for our students’ journey. Therefore please contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance should you need any support or information. Their email addresses are as follows: Youth MP Elections Vote The Bolton Youth MP Elections took place in Thornleigh on Thursday 26th February. One of our Year 10 students, Aiden M is campaigning to become the Youth MP for Bolton. During our afternoon form time, students had the opportunity to watch the campaign videos and vote for who they wanted to be elected as Youth MP. Once elected a Youth MP will find out the concerns, interests and needs of other young people in their area and then discuss these on a local, regional and national level. Youth MPs meet councillors, MPs and other key decision makers to take forward issues of local importance. Youth MPs across the UK work to give young people a voice by listening to marginalised groups, organising events, making films, meeting MPs, lobbying for change, organising campaigns and appearing in the media, all to amplify the views of their peers. They will also attend regional meetings and meet with the UK Youth Parliament at the House of Commons We want to wish Aiden the best of luck in his campaign. Attendance Matters At our school, we are deeply committed to delivering a high-quality education that inspires every student to strive for excellence. We believe that consistent attendance is key to achieving their full potential, as it ensures that students are engaged and making the most of every learning opportunity. We are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional commitment shown by our Year 10 students, with an outstanding number maintaining 100% attendance so far this academic year. This dedication is truly impressive - well done to those students! To recognize and reward this fantastic achievement, students with perfect attendance each week receive praise points and are entered into a prize draw, where they can win a variety of exciting prizes. Keep up the great work, Year 10!
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