Produced by Sarah Williams,

Administration Manager

Welcome

Black History Month

Remembrance Day

St Catherine’s Day

#BSCACares

Christian Youth Support Team

Primary latest news

Secondary latest news

Governor spotlight

Teacher inspiration

Meet our Student Ambassador

Our Library recommends

Wellbeing and support

Healthy habits

Local walks

Values and expectations

Uniform matters

Communication matter

Parent payments and FSM

Term dates

Competition Time! For you chance to win £20 worth

of Love to Shop vouchers, count

how many Christmas hats are

included throughout this issue

and email your answers to swilliams@boltonstcatherinesacademy.org.uk

by Monday 4th January @ 4pm.

Issue 1

December 2020

2

Welcome

A warm welcome from Mrs Lucas Welcome to our new magazine. We hope that this magazine will be a regular digest

of all the wonderful events, activities and learning that takes place every day at

BSCA. We know that our values and vision underpin all that we do, so I wanted to remind

you what these are and what they mean to all our staff and students.

Our vision and our values provide us with a purpose that drives our actions and our decision making

to make BSCA a place of shared hope and ambition. It means that we have a clear moral purpose

based on a shared understanding of what is important. That is why we use the values and what they

mean in our interactions with the students, with our governors and with the wider BSCA family.

A message

from

Mrs Lewyckyj Chief Executive Officer

The Bishop Fraser Trust

It has been a difficult year

to say the least, yet I have

been so proud of how our

pupils, staff and the

community have rallied

together during the

pandemic. The many good

news stories in this

magazine exemplify this.

Your generosity to others,

with the food collections for

Bolton families in need, has

been amazing. At this time

of year we celebrate Jesus’

birth and through these

acts of kindness you have

helped his light shine

through. Care and kindness

are two of the best

Christmas presents you can

give or receive.

I wish you and your family

all the best for a peaceful

and safe Christmas.

3

Black History Month

Authors in Focus Former Children’s

Laureate, Malorie

Blackman, to be

honest is awesome.

She has written over

70 children’s and

young adult books.

Her Noughts and Crosses book

was recently made into a TV

series, and even Stormzy has

stated this book was one of his

favourites growing up.

Alex Wheatle is an award winning

author who was brought up in the

care system and uses his life

experiences to enhance his

writing.

BSCA welcomed Alex, the

Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize

winning author in June 2019 as

part of a Youth Reading project

with Manchester Metropolitan

University, reading his book Liccle

Bit.

Benjamin Zephaniah is a poet and

author born in Birmingham. He is

dyslexic, but that hasn’t stopped

him writing and being successful.

He wrote this poem:

Who’s Who

I used to think nurses were women

I used to think police were men

I used to think poets were boring

Until I became one of them.

During October we

celebrated 33rd year of

Black History Month during

lessons and form time. It is a

fantastic opportunity for us

all to recognise, share and

celebrate the outstanding

contributions people have

made to our history, society and culture for centuries.

Our Librarian was able to share and recommend authors and

their novels that students, staff and parents to read. As a

school, we also looked at well-known people from across the

centuries and specialists in different fields.

We have hand-picked a few snippets of what we learnt and

shared.

Mary Seacole 1805 - 1881

Mary Seacole's reputation after the Crimean War

(1853-1856) rivalled Florence Nightingale's. Unlike

Nightingale, Seacole also had the challenge to

have her skills put to use in spite of her being black.

A born healer and a woman of driving energy, she

overcame official indifference and prejudice. Interestingly,

there is a healthcare centre in Westhoughton named after her.

Wilston Samuel Jackson - 1927 – 2018

Wilston Samuel Jackson was Britain’s first

black train driver. Part of the Windrush

generation, he emigrated from Jamaica

in 1951 when he was only 24 years old.

After working in a glass factory and as a

fireman on trains, he became a driver in 1961. Throughout his

career he drove the Flying Scotsman, the Mallard and The

Elizabethan — transporting Her Majesty the Queen up and

down the country.

Kelly Holmes - born 1970

Kelly Holmes became the first British

woman to win two gold medals in the

800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens

Olympics. She served in the army for

nine years before devoting herself

full-time to athletics and took part in "On Camp with Kelly"

athletics camps which train junior athletes. For her

achievements she won numerous awards and she was

appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British

Empire (DBE) and has been made an honorary Colonel with

the Royal Armoured Corps Training Centre. In May 2009,

Holmes was also named as the president of Commonwealth

Games England.

4

We remember – 11th November

This year for Remembrance Day we had to

rethink our efforts due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Normally we would have services across the

Academy within each phase of the school,

but this year that would have meant bursting

bubbles and we certainly didn’t want to do that!

Staff and students, in their bubbles, joined together to

demonstrate their #BSCACares value by creating some of the

most magnificent displays across school. Each team supported

and reflected on day in their own way.

On the day each bubble in their classroom, year group area or

office were able to watch the exact same service at the same

time - it was simply powerful service that allowed us to reflect

and to remember…lest we forget.

Our Primary remembers

Our Primary students spent time looking learning about the

importance of remembering and being thankful for all those in

the armed services, as well as the significance of the poppy

and why we should never forget the brave men and women

who gave their all.

Each class, plus our After School Club, have contributed to a

large display by creating their own poppies from different

materials and silhouettes of soldiers.

Thank you to Miss Cass for coordinating this impactful display

which acts as a visual reminder to staff and students of

Remembrance Day.

Our Christian Support

Team remembers

Our CHRISTIAN YOUTH SUPPORT

TEAM remember the number of

soldiers from the British Empire who

served during WWI:

British 5,000 000

Canada 628,964

Australia 412,953

NZ 128,825

SA 136,070

India 1,440 437

Other colonies 134,837

Taken from 'The Statistics of the

Military Effort of the British Empire

during the Great War 1914-1920

5

We remember – 11th November

Our Reception team remembers

This display was made by our Reception Team - on top of

their office! To them the poppy is a symbol of

Remembrance and hope, including hope for a positive

future and peaceful world. Inspiration came from John

McCrae who wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields' which

inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of

Remembrance. In the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a

friend in Ypres, he wrote his now famous poem after seeing

poppies growing in battle-scarred fields.

Our ASD Unit remembers Students in the

provision collected

resources to create a

Remembrance

memorial, to recognise

and celebrate those

who have served our

country. It is important

that the students

understand the history

of Remembrance Day and its significance.

The poppy tree acts as a focal point for

students to reflect and remember, as well

as providing an educational opportunity.

Alongside the tree Miss Platt (pictured right)

spent some time at home designing a

soldier silhouette to enhance the

significance of a visual presence around

the memorial.

This display was even used in the BBC Radio

Manchester’s page who wanted to show

off wonderful displays across Manchester.

In Flanders' fields

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we

lie

In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high,

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies

grow

In Flanders' Fields.

6

Celebrating St Catherine’s Day – 25th November

7

#BSCACares

CARE form charities

This year each form has been allocated one of our

school charities. Throughout the year each form will

plan and lead two fundraising events which aim to

raise money for their charity. Form ‘8I’ have been the

first to deliver their first charity event and we have

already seen some fantastic team work from different

forms demonstrating our value of care.

8I alongside their form tutor Mr Golding, planned a

fundraiser in aid of Urban Outreach. Their event was

open to the year 7 & 8 bubble which aimed to test

football skills with a target goal challenge, if you scored

three goals in a row you were entered into a prize draw

which was sponsored by the Manchester United

Foundation. This event ran for a full week during lunch

times and raised a fantastic ……. Well done 8I.

Care Champion Award

Last year we ran our #IAMBSCA Honours through school, where

we announced a staff member and student of the month who

had gone out of their way to embody our school values. This

year our award system is slightly different and the Care

Champion Awards will now replace the #IAMBSCA Honours. We

will announce a student and staff member per month for

secondary, who has gone out of their way to show care to

others, and we will place their names and pictures on the board

opposite the library.

November

Staff member of the month – This month we are doing a double

award to both Andrea Platt and Charlie Bradburn, who both

went above and beyond in rallying their students in ELB to bring

in tins for our Harvest appeal. They truly embodied our care

value and led the department in bringing in an astonishing

amount between them. They also came in during their half term

to work on displays for the ELB yard and Remembrance Day.

Student of the month – Jemima Alasoadura from Year 10 is

awarded our student of the month, as she has given much time

this past month looking after other students in school. For those

that know Jemima, you will agree she continually shows care

throughout her school life in multiple ways.

Congratulations to you all, your faces will be proudly added to

our display board. If anyone would like to nominate a student or

staff member for the care award please send your nominations

to bscacares@boltonstcatherinesacademy.org.uk .

8

#BSCACares

Harvest collection – smashed it!

As an Academy we believe in the importance of caring for

others and our community. This autumn term we have seen

so many students and staff members demonstrate our

academy value of CARE. At the end of September we

launched our Harvest appeal on behalf of one of our school

charities, Urban Outreach.

Last year we collected 418 tins as an Academy, this year we

set the target at 1000 tins. We launched a year group

competition which became too close to call even on the

final day of collection. In total we collected a staggering

2,850 tins as an Academy, with 2552 donated from our

Secondary phase and 298 from our primary phase.

Dave Bagley Chief Executive of Urban Outreach Bolton

congratulated us on this fantastic achievement, “Cracking

job, thank you ever so much, this is the largest collection in

Bolton so far and it sits right here at Bolton St Catherine’s,

well done everyone”.

We would like to say an incredible thank you to all the

support BSCA received from students, parents and staff to

achieve such amazing results. We have shown our

community that we care and we accept people just as they

are, but not just with our words but with action.

9

#BSCACares

Christmas Dinner on Jesus

Gravy Collection Update The gravy has been collected by Urban Outreach, and

we can now announce we collected a massive 1,168

tubs!!! On top of this, Mr Hill in Primary went above and

beyond, organising Turton Rotary club to partner with

BSCA and collected another 1,001 tubs…making a

grand total of 2,169 tubs of gravy! Our goal was 1000

items, which we have more than doubled. Another £36

was donated by students and staff members to help

with any short fall of items they need to collect.

Thank you to each person that gave to this year’s

Christmas Dinner on Jesus appeal, you should all be

incredibly proud! For us to be mid pandemic, yet

making our biggest donations as a school to date is an

incredible achievement.

Secondary did a year group competition, and we can

announce Year 10 are the winners who collected 137

tubs! Each form will receive a tub of chocolates to share

next week. We also ran a staff department competition,

and we can announce MFL and Music from secondary

are the winners, who collected 310 tubs between them.

Chris Hill of course is the star of the day, who took the

competition to the next level and surprised us all! Each

of you will receive a Christmas treat next week as your

prize.

Thank you all again and for the Bolton News for

featuring and sharing our story. #strongertogether

10

Christian Youth Support Team

This academic year we are looking at the theme of 'I

AM...' exploring our identity as staff and students,

and looking at how our values are outworked

through this. Each half term we will finish the 'I am...'

sentence with a different word, giving our students

and staff chance to explore what that means and

how we can live that out. The first half term we

focused on 'I am accepted', and this last half term

has been 'I am blessed'. We have unpacked these in

a variety of ways, one of which is through our 'care

work'.

Our care value is something we are passionate

about this year, as we wanted to help our students

to see that they can make a real difference in their

communities both within and outside of school,

whilst also learning to show more care to themselves.

Since September, we have given 2 of our biggest

donations to date to Urban Outreach over Harvest

and Christmas time, with a combined total of almost

5000 items of food to both charity appeals. We have

ran many campaigns in line with our themes on our

social media, looking at ways to care for ourselves

and keep our minds healthy, and how to care for

and be inclusive of others. Some of these were

campaigns around World Mental Health Day, Black

History Month, and the commemoration of

Remembrance Day.

We are hopeful we will be able to host an exhibition

not too far into the new year to show off more of our

work around our care value, as it really is something

we can be proud of as an academy this year. If we

are unable to open the doors to guests to do this, will

will produce a short video for you to see more of

what our staff and students have been doing.

11

Primary latest news

Year 8 Options Evening

Bolton Museum on Tour This half term, Year 3 have been looking

at the topic question ‘How can we

rediscover the wonders of Ancient

Egypt?’ On Friday 11th December 2020,

the Bolton Museum on Tour came to visit

BSCA, giving the two classes the

opportunity to explore the history of

Ancient Egypt and look at replicas of

artefacts first hand.

The classes learnt lots of new facts about

Egypt. For example, Osiris was the first

ever mummy and mummies were

protected from evil by wrapped amulets

which were placed inside the bandages.

Year 3 had a wonderful time and were

thrilled to experience the museum on

tour since they were unable to visit the

museum themselves.

The week of the 16th November our Nursery and Reception classes joined in

World Nursery Rhyme week. During this week children all over the world

learn the same rhymes on the same days, have a go at doing sign

language and participate in different activities for each of the rhymes.

On Monday we learnt the ‘Wheels on the bus day’, and made our own

buses out of cardboard boxes outside and pretended to go on a bus

journey.

On Tuesday we learnt ‘5 little speckled frogs’, where we did lots of counting and jumping games as

well as learnt about the life cycle of a frog.

On Wednesday we learnt ‘Hickory Dickory dock’, where we explored clocks, and talked about what

time we do things in the day. The children made their own paper plate

clocks and made up our own Nursery Rhyme about a cat going up the

clock.

On Thursday we learnt ‘Old Macdonald had a farm’, where we learnt

about different farm animals, what they eat, what the baby animals are

called, and the noises each animal makes.

During the week we had lots of fun exploring musical instruments, tapping

to the beat of the songs.

On Tuesday 24th November, we had the amazing

opportunity to invite Matt Walsh from the Football

Development Programme to work with Years 3 and 4.

The children learnt various skills within the football

session, from stopping the ball, travelling with the ball,

keeping control and dodging. They also used football

shirts, player names and wages to complete Maths

problems.

12

Primary latest news

Proud of our Year 2 Phonics

Some of our year 2 students have been working hard while in their phonics

lesson. They have been writing for a purpose - some children wrote a diary

entry while others chose to create a poster about a lost pet. They have

been using their phonics knowledge to sound the words out while writing

them.

Miss Cass is very proud of them all. Well done!

13

Primary latest news

Year 8 Options Evening

On Thursday 1st October it was

National Poetry day celebrating

the theme ‘Vision’.

Throughout the day, Primary

classes were immersed in a

world of poetry and celebrated

the day by reading anthologies,

watching poets recite their work

on the theme ‘Vision’ and

listening to their teachers share

their favourite poems.

During the day the children

worked hard gathering ideas for

their own poems, writing,

rehearsing and then performing

these in small groups to the rest

of their class.

It was then lovely to share the

poems the children had worked

really hard on across the whole

primary phase.

Here is a beautiful poem written:

The World Around Me

by Naeema in Year 4

I see the world rainy and windy

Sometimes cruel, sometimes

nice

The world is loving and calm

But lots of plastic everywhere

Hurting the poor creatures out

there

Factory burning toxic air

Busy places everywhere

Raising awareness during

Anti-Bullying Week in Primary

In November, Bolton St Catherine’s Academy celebrated Anti-

Bullying Week to raise awareness of bullying and the impact it

can have on our children. We started the week off by watching

an anti-bullying assembly where the children learnt about this

year’s message ‘United Against Bullying’ and listened to this

year’s song, written and performed by children to raise

awareness of such an important issue.

We also held an odd socks day in Primary to show that we are

all different in our own way, but that we are the same and

deserve equality.

Throughout the week both Primary and Secondary took part in

anti-bullying lessons and activities to look further into bullying,

the impact of it and how we can stop bullying in our school.

Primary created an anti-bullying week video that we shared in

all classes to reinforce the message and to show that together,

WE ARE UNITED AGAINST BULLYING!

14

Secondary – supporting our students in partnership

Dog by Kamran Dawson

702/Ar

The Manchester United Foundation Schools Partnerships project aims to create

a central focal point of positive structured activity for each of the schools and

communities we work with. The projects are fully inclusive, engaging with

schools and families to provide opportunities for educational and sports

specific skill development. MUF offer a full time Hub Officer to create a

permanent physical presence and constant familiar point of contact for staff,

pupils and their families. So, in September we welcomed Holly Espie as our full

time Hub officer in school.

Introducing the

Manchester United Foundation Schools Programme

Holly has quickly established herself with many

Year 7 and Year 8 students, delivering group

projects and individual guidance. The group

projects focus on developing leadership skills,

how to improve focus and engagement,

resilience, raising self-esteem and raising

aspirations.

1 to 1 mentoring.

Believe FC

Afterschool clubs.

Laptop and internet deliveries.

Promotion of year Ambassadors.

Christmas card competition.

This is an exciting opportunity for the Bolton St.

Catherine’s community and we are proud to be

part of this wonderful initiative.

Holly tells us “it has been a busy start to the year

and COVID restrictions have presented many

challenges. It has been great to work with

learners and staff, and I hope to implement

many more initiatives to make a positive change

within the school and local community.”

Holly has settled in well and we are excited to be

developing a new learning space for her

learners.

Future events (post-COVID-19) include a visit Old

Trafford, attend some match day events, a

formal launch with representation from MUFC

players, transition events, holiday provision and

the re-introduction of after school clubs.

Year 7 Christmas Party

We were in a virtual party with 24 other MUFC

partner schools. We competed in different

games and activities, such as a kahoot quiz, (we

finished 8th), building a Christmas snow man,

word searches, heads or tails and of course

snacks! All learners left with an activity bag and

activity sheet packs.

15

Secondary – supporting our students in partnership

Manchester United Foundation have donated 100

activity bags for the learners at BSCA Academy. It

allows the learners to be able to take something

home over Christmas, and gives something back to

the learners of BSCA Academy. This is a part of the

#SantasRedHelpers initiative ran by the Manchester

United foundation. There have been thousands of

donations from the local community, players and

staff at Manchester United, to create over 7,000

activity bags and as a result are able to give all of

our partner schools, local primary schools, hospitals

and charities. With lots of volunteers offering to

help. Anyone can become a #SantasRedHelper,

all information is on the MUFC foundation website.

7M raise £102

for Christian Aid

After lots of group discussions Mrs Lewis’s form 7M

decided to sell Christmas face masks. We have been

overjoyed with the reaction to this. We ordered one

pack but it soon became clear that we needed

another one after lots of pre-orders from both staff and

students.

Pupils from 7M enjoyed making posters to promote the

face masks. They then sold them in the canteen at

lunchtime.

The masks were sold for £1 and there were ten different

designs. They proved very popular with pupils from all

year groups and staff. It has been lovely to see them

worn by so many people around school. We wish we

had ordered more as they have all now been sold.

7M have truly shown the value of care in their first

charity venture.

16

Secondary – giving our students a voice

This year the Student Voice team has been a little

bit different, we have had to change and adapt to

ensure we can still conduct meetings and have a

positive impact during these challenging times.

The first job was to put together our new Student

Voice team, through form time students who

wanted to be part of the team put their names

forward. Form Tutors then asked students to write a

letter or present to the form to explain why they

should be voted to be on the team. We now have

an excellent team of students from each form, with

representatives from year 7’s up to year 11.

Our first meeting took place at the beginning of

October and focused on two main points, new

school ties and re-naming the parents magazine.

Due to COVID bubbles the meetings took place

separately with year 7 and 8 meeting together,

year 9 and 10 meeting together and year 11

having their own meeting. The teams all came up

with some fantastic ideas and the meeting notes

were passed on to Mrs Lucas. The main aim of the

meeting was to look at choosing new school ties for

next September, Mr Thomas and Mr Whittaker felt

that it was important that students take some

ownership and have a say on what the ties should

look like. During the meeting, the students used an

online tool to design their own ties, they came up

with fantastic ideas which have been passed onto

Mr Whittaker. These will soon be shared around

school for all other students to vote and the new tie

will be available next September. This is fantastic

opportunity for the Student Voice team to leave

their legacy. The team will be meeting again

before Christmas to discuss homework.

17

Secondary – celebrating a day of languages

European Day of Languages

Language skills are a necessity for EVERYONE –

that is one of the main messages of European

Day of Languages. There have never been

more opportunities to work or study in different

countries so we need to prioritise foreign

language learning. English alone is no longer

enough!

At BSCA, we are very fortunate to have a rich linguistic and

cultural diversity amongst our students and staff. We

celebrate this diversity with pride.

This year, I had to cancel some of the activities planned due

to COVID restrictions. However, there was a quiz which a

number of forms entered. The winners were Mrs Crowther’s

Year 8 form (everybody knows how competitive Mrs Crowther

is!) closely followed by Mr Haylett’s Year 9 form. Thank you to

all who took part!

Some pupils also submitted entries to the Bolton inter-school

competition to celebrate European Day of Languages and

the top four entries were sent off. Well done to Halima Bibi Y8,

Harry Alston Y7, Megan Newton Y8 and Ruby Robinson Y7 for

being chosen! We are still waiting for the final result which

should be with us by the end of term. Thank you to all who

took part; you should all be proud of taking the time to enter

the competition.

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!

Mrs Chester

Ruby Robinson – Year 7

Megan Newton – Year 8

Harry Alston – Year 7

Halima Bibi – Year 8

18

Secondary – high flyers in Year 10 Art

Miss Lawton would like to thank Year 10 Art for the flying start that they have made on

their coursework project this year with a range of exciting development work and

companion pieces inspired by poetry. They have so far created work to illustrate the

poem ‘Tissue’ by Imtiaz Dhaker, and ‘Remains’ by Simon Armitage. The work is linked

to the Power and Conflict theme that the students have been studying for their GCSE

English and both poems make reference to the fragility of human life and even the

ways in which our personal identity is exposed for the world to see. The students are

rapidly building a wide range of skills and technical knowledge as well as expanding

and developing their creativity and imagination. Well done, Year 10, this has been a fantastic first term.

Year 10 Art Group:

Abdullahi Abdirahman Abdiaziz, Javid Ali Zadeh, Lewis Cole, Preston Lee Cooper, Leanne Hewitt,

Hamdi Omar, Sophie Perrett, Nabeel Sarfraz, Saleha Siddique, Zack Walton, Emily Weall.

A pop-up city illustrated with the text from ‘Tissue’

by Imtiaz Dhaker. The range of font shapes and

sizes gives depth and movement to the piece.

Extracts from ‘Tissue’ by Imtiaz Dhaker

If buildings were paper, I might feel their drift, see

how easily they fall away on a sigh, a shift

in the direction of the wind.

An architect could use

all this, place layer over

layer, luminous script over

numbers over line.

A collage/painting and paper weaving using till receipts, text and numbers

that record a personal snapshot of the student’s life. The work is inspired by

artists Jasper Johns and Adam Collier Noel.

Extract from ‘Tissue’ by Imtiaz Dhaker

Fine slips from grocery shops

that say how much was sold

and what was paid by credit card

might fly our lives like paper kites.

To develop their ideas further the

students have created delicate,

transparent masks that illustrate

the words and ideas in both Imtiaz

Dhaker’s poem and that of Simon

Armitage. The ghostly masks show

the fragility of the human body

and give the impression of

movement and explosion. The

students are now working on

companion pieces for the masks,

which will be cello tape sculptures

of arms enclosing dyed thread to

represent the circulatory system.

In response to Imtiaz Dhaker’s reference to kites the

students have printed their own tissue paper based on

their collages and paper weaving designs, which has

then been used in the construction of tetrahedral kites.

The kites embody the idea of our personal information

being flown in the sky for all to see. The Art students are

just waiting for a day without rain to fly them and will

record the event in photographs for their portfolio.

19

Secondary – young entrepreneurs

Fifteen young entrepreneurs from Year 10 secured a place on the Young Enterprise programme this

term and have embarked on an exciting journey in which they will set up and run their own student

company. They make all the decisions about their business, from deciding on their company name

and product to managing the company finances. Students can promote and sell to the public

through pop up shops and a new online store, the YE Trading Station.

There was a lot of interest in the programme and a competitive selection process followed. The

young hopefuls displayed the core values of BSCA in their application and interviews and the fifteen

successful candidates were thrilled to open their letters of successful appointment. The students are

now working on assigning individual roles within the business before they launch their new business.

Young Enterprise supports the growing need for adaptability and employability skills. It provides an

experiential learning opportunity that introduces young people to the practical realities of the world

of work. The programme will run until the summer of 2021 and we will keep you updated on their

progress and we are certain that the quality of the students recruited onto the programme will be

successful in running a profitable business.

20

Secondary – pastoral update

Mr Whittaker In September we welcomed Miss C Platt (KS4 lead), Mrs Adams (Head of Year 10) and

Mrs Rostron (Assistant Head of Year 10) to our growing pastoral team. We have also

welcomed Miss Espie in her role as Manchester United Foundation key worker. This, in

time, will provide our students with so many wonderful and exciting opportunities in the

coming years. We have also said goodbye and good luck to Miss Pollard who has

started a new career opportunity in the Greater Manchester Police.

The majority of our students have returned to BSCA this term and settled into our new normal with

admirable ease. There is no doubting that some of new processes have been forced on us but they

have made a remarkable difference to life at BSCA. When we eventually move away from the

COVID pandemic in the near future, there is no doubting that some of our ‘new normal’ will remain.

Due to the uncertain times we still find ourselves in, we are also aware of the difficulties that students

are facing, hence why we are supporting the academy in many different ways, including exploring

how we are looking after our physical, mental and social health.

There are disappointingly still some students in each year group who do not understand our BSCA

values and continue to let themselves down. Whilst we will continue to support these students along

their journey at BSCA, we will also not let them continually disrupt the learning of the majority.

Being safe online is

extremely important.

Making fake accounts

and using these to say

unkind and derogatory

things will not be

tolerated, you need to

ensure you are using

social media in a positive

way. ONLY accept or add people you know, do not talk to

strangers just as you wouldn’t in the street. Ensure your

settings are private and only share things with friends and

family.

You can find out more about how children use social media,

the apps they use, the risks they face, how to use privacy

settings, and advice and tips about how to talk to your

children at:

• www.childnet.com/sns

• http://www.childnet.com/sns

• www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety

• www.parentzone.org.uk

• www.askaboutgames.com

21

Secondary – pastoral update

Attendance and punctuality continue to be the key priority of the pastoral team. Put simply

if your child is not in school their learning opportunities are reduced. Statistics show that students need

to be achieving 95% and above attendance to provide them with the best chances of achieving

their potential and excellence. BSCA has continued to make significant improvements to its attendance strategy. Last year saw

attendance plateaux at 92.8%. We currently stand at 93.6% this term. This is something we all can be

proud of in the current circumstances and I would like to thank everybody for their continued efforts

in attendance. It does demonstrate what we are capable of when we work together and so with a

little more focus and strong determination to succeed, we are looking forward to students reaching

that magic 95% figure.

EVERY DAY REALLY DOES COUNT. Outstanding attendance at school does make a difference.

Establishing good habits early in a child’s life can make a difference in their future. There is a link

between attendance and achievement; therefore it is very important that your child attends school

every day, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Education lays the vital foundations of a

child’s life. Regular and punctual attendance at school is key to both academic and social

development, which in turn will improve the life chances of our young people.

Year Attendance

to date

Best form

7 94.4% 7S – 97.8%

8 94.6% 8I – 95.6%

9 93.3% 9I – 96.5%

10 91.9% 10I – 95%

11 94.5% 11S – 96.7%

Persistent Absenteeism

Please look at the strategy poster and reflect what BSCA considers to be good attendance. Students

who fall below 90% attendance seriously affect their chances of academic success. They are also

considered to be a persistent absentee.

22

Secondary – pastoral update

Form assemblies- CARE

This half term form ‘I’ in years 7-10 have been planning and delivering their form assemblies based on

one of our charities, Urban Outreach.

During collective worship in form time, each form have had the opportunity to research their charity,

and explore how it supports and cares for others. Each form have then planned a charity fundraising

event in school which included delivering an assembly students at BSCA are supporting and caring for

others in our local community.

“It has been fantastic to see students and staff demonstrating our academy value of care this half

term. We have seen some fantastic fundraising events in school led by students. I have also enjoyed

seeing the students develop their teamwork and oracy skills through planning and presenting their

assemblies. We are looking forward to seeing what form B have planned for next half term.”

Please note this photograph is of RISE Time before COVID restrictions.

RISE Time maintains a consistent

start to every morning and plays a pivotal

part to the day each morning. Please

remember school starts with RISE each

morning at 08:30 and students should be in

school and ready to learn at this time. It

has been a privilege to observe so many

students actively focussed and engaged

in recall and retrieval practice. Credit must

also be given to the staff who each day

deliver positive messages and ensure all

students are in the right mindset each

morning for the day ahead. My favourite

part of the RISE session is recognising and

acknowledging student success from the

previous day. This is our opportunity to

celebrate with each year group those

students who demonstrate our strong

school values: Believe, Strive, Care and

Achieve. These students are also

recognised through our various social

media sites.

23

Secondary – Year Leader updates

Miss Butler Miss O’Donnell

Head of KS3 Year 7 Leader

What a fantastic first term we have had with

Year 7 settling into school life. Year 7 have

transitioned superbly well during these

unprecedented times and I am enjoying getting

to know each and every one of them.

We have already achieved so much in Year 7

and have so much to celebrate, here a few of

my favourite things this term.

As a team, Year 7 worked really hard to

contribute an outstanding 277 tins for the harvest

and 34 tubs of gravy for Christmas Dinner on

Jesus appeals, donated to Urban Outreach to

help others in our community.

7I produced a wonderful form assembly

delivered to the whole year group focused on

who Urban Outreach are and the amazing work

they do. 7I demonstrated their leadership and

communication skills in presenting an extremely

informative assembly. Well done 7I!

7M then wowed us as they embarked on their

mission of raising money for their form charity,

Christian Aid. 7M

designed posters and

advertised their idea

of selling Christmas

face masks raising

over a whopping

£100 for their charity!

Miss Butler Mr Vale Miss Fairclough

Head of KS3 Year 8 Leader Year 8 Leader

Believe: There are lots of students who show

that they are believe in themselves.

Congratulations to Rebecca Sheridan,

Karishma Kakar and Caitlin Glaiser for

consistently being Determined to Succeed.

Care: Year 8 showed that they cared for the

local community by donating the most amount

of tins for this year’s Harvest collection with a

massive 570 tins. Congratulations to 8M for

winning the inter-form competition in Year 8!

Strive: Lots of students have been striving to

attend school! Well done to the 56 students in

Year 8 who currently have 100% attendance.

Achieve: Lots of students have put themselves

forward to be Year 8 Captains with the MU

Foundation. Well done to Karishma Kakar, Harry

Huang, Ben Holmes and Liam Harrison for being

in the final 4. Good luck in the interview stage!

Hop on board the Gravy Train!! 8I have been busy

with their form

fundraiser this term.

They have been

fundraising for Urban

Outreach by hosting

a COVID-safe

Penalty Shootout

competition at

lunch times!

Congratulations to

winners Siaka,

Logan, Youssef, Rex,

Prince, Mariam,

Bailey, Kian and Nabeel!

24

Secondary - Year Leader updates

Welcome to the Year 10 page

from Miss Platt, Mrs Adams and Miss Rostron Believe: So many students have shown that they believe in themselves this term. We would like to

congratulate the following students for consistently showing that they are Determined to Succeed in

their lessons: Hamdi Aden Warsame, Abigail Ngandu, Nabeel Sarfraz, Jemima Alasoadura, Joshua

Oakley, Nickie McGrath, Alex McDonald, Hamdi Omar, Oliver Sampson and Abdullahi Abdiaziz.

Care: We would like to congratulate Jemima Alasoadura and Abigaul Ngandu for showing that they

care for others by going above and beyond to make other students feel welcome and for taking part

in our charity events. They gave up their lunchtimes and breaktimes to sell poppies for the Poppy

Appeal during Remembrance week. Well done to the whole of year 10 who showed that they care

for the community by bringing tins and gravy granules.

Strive: A huge well-done to 38 students who have shown that they are striving for greatness by having

100% attendance so far this year.

Achieve: Congratulations to the students who applied for a position in the Young Enterprise

Programme. They went through a difficult interview process in order to gain a place and take part in

this fantastic opportunity. They are: Ali Abaidullah, Jemima Alasoadura, Kacy Allchurch, Jack Diggle,

Cerys Greenslade, Ted Hodson-Fitton, Harry Horrocks, Sophia Hughes, Alex Mcdonald, Nickie

McGrath, Abigail Ngandu, Hamdi Omar, Ben Povey, Wareh Sallah and Saleha Siddiqe.

Josh Brookes always works so hard by showing his determination to succeed in every lesson, always

volunteering to read and engaging in lessons. He is very caring and friendly, and helping to tidy up.

Geography - have been fantastic - we have just completed our first full assessment on rivers and

coasts and the results were absolutely fantastic. I am really proud of their achievements.

From Mrs Elmes, Hair and Beauty - have worked really hard this term and are making great progress.

Some are excelling with their knowledge – and some are showing fantastic creative skills.

From Mr Hough, Business Studies - the levels of consistency in their attitude to their learning in lessons

has been exemplary. I could not have asked for more focused and engaging pupils – amazing.

From Mrs Gibson, Maths – the class are constantly accepting the challenge and frequently showing a

real determination to succeed in their lessons. They have been an absolute delight to teach this term.

From Mrs Christian, Science 1003 – are always focussed, engaged, determined to succeed, as well as

always being caring and asking me about my day and how I am. An absolute pleasure to teach

From Mrs Holtzman, English - I have been really impressed with Callum Chadwick, Kelsea Taylor and

Ade Awefeso, they always demonstrate extreme determination and strive to be the best they can.

From Mrs Lawton, Art – I have been really impressed this term they have made tremendous progress.

From Mrs Chester, French – you have made a fantastic start to the year with you great attitude to

learning and determination to succeed.

From Mrs Adams, English 1013 - have really impressed this term. They have shown resilience and

determination to succeed while studying two challenging literature texts in their English lessons.

25

Secondary - Year Leader updates

Year 11 have been studying and

completing their mock exams which

begin on the 7th December. They have

also been working hard having careers

interviews and as well as preparing their personal

statements so they can apply for colleges and sixth

forms ready for when they finish with us next summer.

They've also managed to think carefully about our

#BSCACares school value by organising an inter-form

football tournament, and tuck shop that they can run

at this event to raise money for their chosen charity.

Lead students:

This year we welcomed our new student leadership

team in Year 11. The application process was different

to previous years due to Covid-19. We advertised the

positions of Head Boy and Girl, Deputy Head Boy and

Girl, senior prefects and prefects during lock down.

We were impressed with the amount of interest shown

from students in Year 11 whilst working from home.

Students applied for these positions online and were

invited to interview via Microsoft teams with Mrs Lucas,

Miss C Platt, Miss Butler and Miss Spencer. The students

articulated themselves well and evidenced how they

have demonstrated our academy values through

their school life at Bolton St. Catherine’s Academy.

William Calcutt

Head Boy

Maison Rigg

Deputy Head

Boy

Meet our Senior Student Leadership Team

William Calcutt Beth Crossley-Morris Anne Koutouan Maison Rigg

Head Boy Head Girl

Anne Koutouan

Deputy Head

Girl

Beth Crossley-

Morris

Head Girl

Year 9 have had a

fantastic start to the Year and

have lived by their motto of

‘Be Better Than Yesterday’.

They have started their GCSE Options and

took them in their stride. This shows the

maturity of the students on their return to

school after the COVID Lockdown.

A really big plus point this year so far has

been the CARE Campaign of collecting tins

for Urban Outreach. The Year pulled

together fantastically well and drove the

initiative in their forms. Ebony Wilcock 9B

brought in 30 tins for the Campaign which

was a fantastic contribution.

Attendance has been at the focus again

this year and the students have responded

well stepping up to the challenge of being

awarded the ‘Best Form Attendance’ each

week, and the reward for the accolade is

having Hot Chocolate for the whole form

during form time the following week once

the winner is announced. So far this year 9I

are leading and setting a great example

for the others to follow.

Demi-Leigh

Entwistle

Deputy Head Girl

Senior Prefects: Jess Carrol, Jodie Carter and Jack Hunter

Prefects: Paul Anderson, Aisha Hussain, Mariam Barko, Lucy McDermott, Lily Wildish,

Madison Leah, Keeley Kirkman and Hollie Hayman.

Prefects

William Calcutt Beth Crossley-Morris Anne Koutouan Maison Rigg

Head Boy Head Girl

26

Secondary – Headteacher Awards - Hot Chocolate Friday’s

Week commencing 16th November

Week commencing 2nd November

Week commencing 19th October

Week commencing 9th November

Week commencing 23rd November

This term we have restarted our Headteacher

Awards with a Hot Chocolate Friday. Mrs Lucas

presents the students with a hot chocolate pack

which includes a solid chocolate stick to melt in

hot milk, a chocolate bar and the all important

marshmallows, letter for home and certificate.

Students receive this prize for achieving the

highest scores that week for Step 2 Success

points. This means they have demonstrated their

determination to succeed, shown respect to their

teachers and peers, and shown the qualities of a

successful learner.

A maximum of six pupils are awarded with this

each week, so it is a fantastic achievement, and

we are very proud of all students who have

received a Headteachers Award this term.

Congratulations to all for your outstanding work!

Week commencing 7th December Week commencing 30th November

27

Governor in the spotlight

Name – Sir John Jones

Position – Chair of Governors

Sir John is one of a select band of educational professionals who have not only had their achievements

recognised by The Queen in her New Year’s Honours List (2003), but have been able to help and inspire

others with their knowledge and passion. One of the most entertaining, inspiring and sought-after speakers

on the global educational stage, his achievements and reputation for straight-

talking, leadership and creativity

have led him to be invited on to a

number of panels and think-tanks.

He believes passionately that good

teachers make the difference.

While Headteacher of three

secondary schools over a period of

17 years, he was asked to join the

Government’s Policy Action Team

for Neighbourhood Renewal at the

Social Exclusion Unit. He was also a

member of the Headteachers’ National Focus Group on

Truancy and Exclusion and of the Excellence in Cities Project

at the DfES. A member of the National Remodelling Team, he

worked for The Leadership Development Unit sponsored by

the National College for School Leadership and was a Non-

Executive Director at Aintree Hospitals Trust. A Research Fellow at Lancaster University, he also worked

part-time at the Centre for Educational Leadership at Manchester University, where he presented on a

range of programmes as well as designing and delivering a Master’s Course at Liverpool University focused

on the leadership of change.

Sir John has written two books; ‘Truancy and exclusion: a teacher’s guide’ and the

best-selling ‘The Magic-Weaving Business’. He also co-

authored ‘Winning the H Factor: the secrets of happy

schools.’ He enjoys reading, travelling, keeping fit, the

theatre, golf, walking in the mountains and good food

and wine. In the past he played football semi-

professionally and earned his living as a singer/guitarist in a

rock duo! He is a season ticket holder for his beloved

Everton, is Chair of the Board of ‘Everton in the

Community’ and Chair of Governors at The Everton Free

School and Football College.

A board member of The Bishop Fraser Multi-Academy Trust, he is also Patron of Vantage Academy Trust

and Chancellor of Sefton Children’s University.

His motto is simple:

“Aim high, work hard, be kind, never give up.”

Sir John has served as our Chair of Governors since August 2020, and we are very thankful that he is

supportive of our school, staff and students.

28

Teacher inspiration

We wanted to share with you some interesting facts about one of our

teachers each issue, to get to know them a little better. This issue’s lucky

teacher is Miss Townsend, one of our amazing Secondary PE teachers.

Two of our Year 8 students put some questions together for Miss

Townsend who is no less than a World Champion gold medallist! Read

on to find out more…..

What made you want to become

a teacher?

I have always loved sport it has

been a huge passion of mine

since I can ever remember,

always taking part in every sport

possible given the opportunity

inside and outside of school.

My passion to teach came from

my PE teacher and my Ju Jitsu

Sensi - they are both huge role

models to me and made a

massive influence on my life. I

wanted to be like them, to share

my love for sports with others and

hopefully influence students like

they influenced me.

What’s the best thing about being

a teacher?

Seeing students achieve

something better than yesterday.

Watching them grow and learn

something they thought they

could not achieve.

The pride and excitement from a

pupil’s success knowing you had

an influence is extremely

rewarding which makes teaching

the best job in the world.

Teaching is not a job to me it’s a

passion like my sports, I enjoy it

every day. I still have to pinch

myself that I achieved my dream

of being a PE teacher and I

actually get paid to do it!

What’s the worst thing about

being a teacher?

The worst thing about being a

teacher is all the marking, reports

and targets. I would much rather

be outside in the pouring rain

teaching some football.

What did you do before you

became a teacher? (Hopefully

you’ll say Jujitsu)

I was a personal trainer for some

time, lifeguard, swimming teacher,

and jujitsu coach. Alongside

working I competed in jujitsu at a

high level for Great Britain.

That is amazing, what was it like

competing at an international

level?

It’s amazing I never thought I

would ever reach such a level in

my sport but I was scouted by

Great Britain when I was 16. I have

competed all over the world for

example, Switzerland, Australia

and Florida USA. I have won 6

national championship gold

medals, 1 world championship

gold medal and belt and placed

silver 4 times in other world

championships.

Have you got any interesting

stories?

I dislocated my elbow in my first

world championships and still

placed bronze on the podium.

Did you meet anyone you’d

always wanted to meet?

I have not necessarily met

someone I always wanted to

meet with in jujitsu but I always

wanted to represent my country

and I have fought with many

famous people within the sport.

What do you like to do in your

spare time?

I enjoy other sports such as

netball, football, rounders, skiing,

swimming and the gym. I’m just

a sports geek ha ha, if I’m not

playing sports I will be watching

it.

29

Meet our Student Ambassador

BSCA is very lucky to have Rocky, our Student Ambassador for school.

Rocky joined us September 2019 aged only 17 weeks old and is based in

our Thrive unit within Secondary.

Rocky’s main role is to support student’s wellbeing - he helps students

feel more settled which helps them cope with anxiety.

Before COVID restrictions, Rocky spends time, with adult supervision,

going on walks with students who might need some ‘time out’. He loves

to play football at break and lunch with students.

We hope that eventually we will be able to develop the opportunity for

Rocky to be used in to improve reading skills through Reading with

Rocky sessions.

So, Mrs Senior set about interviewing Rocky as we were all keen to know

more about Rocky and his role in school.

How old are you?

Rocky celebrated his first birthday on the 3rd May, and so is nearly 13 months old.

What’s the inspiration behind your name Rocky?

As a family we enjoy watching lots of films together, so whilst suggesting names, we decided to name

him after a character from one of our favourites. We settled on the name Rocky whilst we were in the car

on the way to meet him. Other contenders included: Apollo after Apollo Creed, Chewy after

Chewbacca from Star Wars, and Dads favourite McQueen or Mac after Lightening McQueen.

Where do you live?

Rocky lives as a valued member of the Senior family in their home in Tyldesley.

How long have you been at BSCA?

Rocky first came to BSCA in September 2019 aged 17 weeks old.

What do you do in school?

Rocky’s main role is to support student’s wellbeing, he helps students feel more settled which helps them

cope with anxiety. Rocky is based in the PLB but spends time on a daily basis with a student in Primary

school. With adult supervision, Rocky will go on walks with students who might need some ‘time out’. He

loves to play football at break and lunch with students.

Are there any plans to bring Rocky more into mainstream classes?

Rocky will often go for a walk around school but he is very aware of not being a distraction to learning.

We hope that eventually we will be able to develop the opportunity for Rocky to be used in to improve

reading skills through Reading with Rocky sessions.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Rocky loves his walks in the fields, playing ball, cuddles with his family and chewing sticks in the garden.

“We are very thankful for Rocky, and he is a great part of the BSCA team.”

30

Our Library recommends

Early Years Foundation Stage

31

Our Library recommends

Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2)

32

Our Library recommends

Key Stage 2 (Year 3 - 6)

33

Our Library recommends

Key Stage 3 – Year 7 and 8

Across the Nightingale Floor – Lian Hearn. ISBN: 978-1509837809

In his palace at Inuyama, Lord Iida Sadamu, warlord of the Tohan clan, surveys his

famous nightingale floor. Its surface sings at the tread of every human foot, and no

assassin can cross it. But sixteen-year-old Otori Takeo, his family murdered by Iida's

warriors, has the magical skills of the Tribe – preternatural hearing, invisibility, a second

self – that enable him to enter the lair of the Tohan. He has love in his heart and death

at his fingertips.

What not to do if you want to turn Invisible – Ross Welford. ISBN: 09780008156350

Turning invisible at will: it’s one way of curing your acne. But far more drastic than 13

year-old Ethel Leatherhead intended when she tried a combination of untested

medicines and a sunbed. It’s fun at first, being invisible. And aided by her friend

Boydy, she manages to keep her extraordinary ability secret. Or does she…?When

one day the invisibility fails to wear off, Ethel is thrown into a nightmare of lies and

deception as she struggles to keep herself safe, to find the remedy that will make her

seen again – and solve the mystery of her own birth.

London Eye Mystery – Siobhan Dowd. ISBN: 9780141376554

11.32 am. Ted and his sister Kat watch their cousin Salim get on board the London

Eye. The pod rises from the ground, high above the city.

12.02 pm. The pod lands and the doors open. Everyone exits - everyone but Salim.

Has he spontaneously combusted? (Ted's theory.) Has he been kidnapped? (Aunt

Gloria's theory.) Is he even still alive? (The family's unspoken fear.)

Even the police are baffled - so it's up to Ted, whose brain runs on its own unique

operating system, to solve this mystery and find Salim. Teaming up with Kat, Ted

follows a trail of clues across London - while time ticks dangerously by...

Silence is a Goldfish – Annabel Pitcher. ISBN: 978-1780620022

'I have a voice but it isn't mine. It used to say things so I'd fit in - to please my parents,

to please my teachers. It used to tell the universe I was something I wasn't. It lied.'

Fifteen-year-old Tess doesn't mean to become mute. At first, she's just too shocked to

speak. And who wouldn't be? Discovering your whole life has been a lie because

your dad isn't your real father is a pretty big deal. Tess sets out to find the truth of her

identity, and uncovers a secret that could ruin multiple lives. But can she ask for help

when she's forgotten how to use her voice?

Other recommended books:

Once – Maurice Gleitzman; The boy at the Top of a Mountain – John Boyne; Mortal Engines – Philip

Reeve; The Recruit – Robert Muchamore; Warrior Cats, Into the Wild – Erin Hunter; Silverfin Charlie

Higson; Moonrise – Sarah Crossan; The Enemy – Charlie Higson; Northern Lights – Philip Pullman; Ways to

live forever – Sally Nicholls; Wed Wabbit – Lisa Evans; Throne of Glass – Sarah J Maas; .Liccle Bit – Alex

Wheatle

34

Our Library recommends

Key Stage 4 – Year 9 - 11

Poet X - Elizabeth Acevedo. ISBN: 978-1405291460

Xiomara has always kept her words to herself. But X has secrets – her feelings for a

boy in her bio class, and the notebook full of poems that she keeps under her bed.

And a slam poetry club that will pull those secrets into the spotlight. Because in spite

of a world that might not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to stay silent.

The Rest of Us Just Live Here - Patrick Ness. ISBN: 978-1406365566

What if you weren't the Chosen One? The one who's supposed to fight the zombies,

or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever this new thing is, with the blue lights and the

death? What if you were like Mikey? Who just wants to graduate and go to prom

and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and

blows up the high school? Again. Because sometimes there are problems bigger

than this week’s end of the world and sometimes you just have to find the

extraordinary in your ordinary life. Even if your best friend might just be the God of

Cats.

Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger. ISBN: 978-0241950432

It's Christmas and Holden Caulfield has just been expelled from yet another school.

Fleeing the crooks at Pencey Prep, he pinballs around New York City seeking solace in

fleeting encounters - shooting the bull with strangers in dive hotels, wandering alone

round Central Park, getting beaten up by pimps and cut down by erstwhile girlfriends.

Thinking always of his kid sister Phoebe, the only person who really understands him,

and his determination to escape the phonies and find a life of true meaning.

The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Attwood. ISBN: 978-1784873189

Offred is a Handmaid in The Republic of Gilead, a religious totalitarian state in what

was formerly known as the United States. She is placed in the household of The

Commander, Fred Waterford – her assigned name, Offred, means ‘of Fred’. She has

only one function: to breed. If Offred refuses to enter into servitude to repopulate a

devastated world, she will be hanged. Yet even a repressive state cannot eradicate

hope and desire. As she recalls her pre-revolution life in flashbacks, Offred must

navigate through the terrifying landscape of torture and persecution in the present

day, and between two men upon which her future hangs.

Other recommended books:

The Knife of Never Letting Go – Patrick Ness

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children –

Ransom Riggs

The Art of Being Normal – Lisa Williams

The Long Way Down – Jason Reynolds

Toffee – Sarah Crossan

Clean – Juno Dawson

The Exact Opposite of Okay – Lauren Steven

The Power – Noami Alderton

Game of Thrones – George R R Martin

How I Live Now – Meg Rosoff

The Hate U Give – Angie Thomas

One the Come Up – Angie Thomas

Dear Martin – Nic Stone

35

Goodreads recommends

Fiction Thriller Historical fiction

Fantasy Romance Science fiction

Horror Humour History

Best books of 2019 – www.goodreads.com

36

Wellbeing and support

#FindyourBrave

Last half term we joined in with Mental

Health Week the theme of the week

#FindyourBrave

Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes.

Everyday bravery is something we all need

throughout our lives. It’s good for our mental

health to:

• try something new

• push outside our comfort zone

• share worries and ask for (and accepts)

help

Each day classes were asked to discuss

mental health and were given information

about who to speak to if they were worries

or concerned.

Our Student Mental Health Champions were

introduced to students and handed out a

survey to complete.

If you are worried or unsure about something

you can always talk to the following people

• A teacher

• A member of the Pastoral /

Safeguarding Team

• An adult you trust

• The school counsellor

• One of the chaplains

• Your mentor

Students that feel happy, safe, valued and able to contribute not only make more progress

academically but develop into more rounded confident and positive adults best equipped for a

happy and successful life. This type of support to students is a major priority for us, whether it be

monitoring and supporting learning to keep students on track or mentoring, counselling and support for

social or other issues.

At Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, we know that children and students achieve best if there is a strong

learning partnership. This partnership represents the link between Bolton St Catherine’s Academy, our

students and their parents.

Our safeguarding team have a duty of care to ensure all our pupils are safe and supported both in

school and at home. We work closely with other agencies to ensure the best help and support is put in

place for both students and families.

37

Healthy Habits

Healthy Eating

Caring for young kids can be exhausting, but eating the right foods will give you energy. If your kids see

you eating a healthy diet, they are more likely to follow your example.

The Eatwell plate shows the different types of food adults and children over five need to eat to have a

healthy and well-balanced diet. Children under the age of five need a diet that is higher in fat and lower

in fibre than this, but they should still have a good variety of fruit and veg.

Helping Your Child

Worrying or difficult behaviour - All children go through stages of feeling anxious or angry and

they can show this in lots of ways, for example, tantrums, crying, sleeping problems or fighting

with friends or siblings.

Talk to your child - Even young children can understand about feelings and behaviour if you

give them a chance to talk about it. Take it gently and give them examples of what you mean.

Let them know you are concerned about them, and are there if they need you. Sending an

email or a text can work better if this is the way your child likes to communicate

Ask your child what they think would help – They often have good ideas about solving their own

problems. If you can, talk to your child's other parent about your worries, when the child is not

around - they might have a different take on what's going on. Try to deal with the behaviour

together so you are using the same approach, children are quick to spot if parents disagree,

and can try and use this to get their own way

Seek more advice on when to think about getting professional help, and what to do, if you are concerned about your child's behaviour.

38

Healthy Habits

Method

Tip the mince into a large bowl with the onion, breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, egg,

½ tsp salt and some pepper. Mix together well with your hands, then divide the mixture into 10 and shape

into burgers.Freeze the burgers or cook straight away by heating a griddle pan, grill or barbecue until hot,

then cook the burgers for about 5-8 mins on each side, or until cooked to your liking.

Sandwich the burgers in buns with salad and sauces.

Easy banana Pancakes Method

Sieve the flour, baking powder and a generous pinch of salt into a large bowl.

In a separate mixing bowl, mash the very ripe bananas with a fork until smooth,

then whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract and milk. Make a well in the centre of the

dry ingredients, tip in the wet ingredients and swiftly whisk together to create a

smooth, silky batter.

Heat a little knob of butter in a large non-stick pan over a medium heat. Add 2-

3 tbsp of the batter to the pan and cook for several minutes, or until small

bubbles start appearing on the surface. Flip the pancake over and cook for 1-2

mins on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter, keeping the

pancakes warm in a low oven.

Stack the pancakes on plates and top with the banana slices, a glug of sticky

maple syrup and a handful of pecan nuts, if you like.

Method

Heat the olive oil in a large pan, then tip in the onion and garlic. Cook

over a moderate heat until the onion has softened, about 5 mins. Stir in

the tomato purée, then pour in the chopped tomatoes and basil leaves,

and bring up to the boil. Turn the heat down and leave to simmer for

about 15 mins until thick and full of flavour. If you like a smooth soup,

whizz the mixture at this point to form a smooth sauce. Can now be

cooled and frozen for up to 1 month.

To finish the soup, tip the tomato mixture into a pan. Spoon the baking

soda into a small bowl and pour over 1 tbsp or so of the milk. Mix

together until there are no lumps, then tip into the tomato mix and pour

over the milk. Bring up to a boil (the mixture will froth, but don’t worry – it

will go away). Gently simmer for about 5 mins until ready to serve.

39

Local walks recommended by BSCA staff

Here are a couple of walk suggestions to explore our beautiful countryside.

Rivington Pike - https://www.visitnorthwest.com/walk/rivington-pike/

There are lots of walks around Rivington from walking round the reservoirs,

circular walks via Liverpool Castle, walking up to and round the terrace

gardens, up to the pike itself, Noone Hill and Winter Hill. There are several car

parks or road parking – George’s Lane, Great Barn, Lowe Barn, Pigeon Tower

car park, Rivington Reservoir car park, and along Rivington Lane itself.

The Jumbles - https://www.visitnorthwest.com/walk/jumbles-reservoir/

For a nice circular walk around the reservoir.

Witton Country Park - https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/parks-and-

playgrounds/witton-country-park/witton-weavers-way

I’ve never been here, but the link gives you 5 different routes you can do, and

it looks beautiful.

Irwell Sculpture trail - http://www.irwellsculpturetrail.co.uk/

This trail winds its way from Bacup to Salford Quays and features over 70

artworks by locally, nationally and internationally renowned artists. It looks

different and magical!

Walker Fold Woods - https://www.about-rivington.co.uk/explore/walker-fold-

woods/

A great little woodland trail with a good variety of trees including evergreen

and native species. There is a car park next to it (Walker Fold car park, on

Scout Road, nearer the Bob Smithies end). Follow the trail down to the woods

not up towards Winter Hill. Although if you fancy a walk up to Winter Hill, I’ve

parked here and done a 2 ½ hour round trip up to Winter Hill and round back

to the car park.

Entwistle Reservoir - https://www.inspirock.com/united-

kingdom/blackburn/turton-and-entwistle-reservoir-a1335110411

This is my favourite walk around the main reservoir. The car parks get very busy

and is tight, Batridge Barn car park, so you need to be patient or park on the

main road.

Doffcocker Lodge - https://www.visitnorthwest.com/sights/doffcocker-lodge/

This is a lovely shorter walk so I tend to do a few laps as it is so pretty (only 15-

30 minutes, close to the Doffcocker pub) with a car park and roadside

parking round the edges. The reserve is noted for its birdlife and well

maintained paths. If you want something nice to eat Café Italia is also on the

edge of the lodge and I think it is also serving take-away for a treat.

Elton Reservoir - https://www.alltrails.com/trail/england/greater-

manchester/elton-reservoir-circular-walk.

It is a flat work with is suitable for all (prams and wheelchairs). It takes me

about 40 mins but you can increase this by changing your route.

40

Values and Expectations

We have worked hard over the last twelve months with students, governors and staff to establish

what our academy values are and how we will embody them every day.

We want our young people to live out the values through their actions- believing in themselves, their

community and their education. We know that our students strive to be the best they can and have

success and fulfilment. We want our students care for their community and demonstrate that care with

kindness and politeness. Ultimately we want all our students to achieve, "life in all its fullness."

Every day we hope to live out our values in all that we do. We use our RISE time in the morning to re-

inforce expectations with our students; what it is to be a student at BSCA; we recognise all the good

they have achieved in the day before and give thanks for their successes.

This is an exciting time for Bolton St Catherines Academy. My door is always open and I welcome any

one to come and meet with me and take a tour of the school.

Expectations

1. Achieve a minimum of ‘Accepting the Challenge’ for their attendance and in every lesson.

2. Be held responsible for their own behavior.

3. Be given time between each step to make the right choice.

41

Uniform Matters

We believe it is vital we encourage all our students to wear their uniform with pride. It teaches

them from a young age the value of:

• Our school identity.

• Your child’s safety so we can identify they are part of BSCA.

• Gain a sense of belonging to our school community.

• Look smart, wearing their uniform with pride.

• Develop self-discipline, a life skill we need beyond school.

• Learn how to follow guidance and rules.

• It reduces the risk of bullying.

Primary

Secondary

42

Communication Matters

For the past twelve months we have been working hard to improve how we communicate with you,

and what we communicate with you. Our aim is to let you know more about how your child is doing in

school, at the same time as reducing the cost to us and you and reduce our impact on the

environment.

So we are developing our new parental engagement app delivered by School Gateway – it’s FREE to

register, you will receive notifications via the app and will then it will cost you nothing to send us

messages via the app.

There are also other benefits to our new School Gateway app as you can view your child’s personal

information, view your child’s timetable, receive school related communications easily, such as letter,

newsletters, mobile phone confiscations and test results, as well as links to useful information on the

website – term dates, news and events, calendar, facebook and twitter.

We will increase the amount of information available via the app which we hope will include your

child’s attendance %, school reports and for our secondary students – daily Steps 2 Success behaviour

information

HERE IS HOW YOU REGISTER:

Please follow the below instructions to get started.

Step 1: Bolton St Catherine’s Academy will need to have your correct email address and mobile

number. If you need to check or change your contact details, please email us on

contact@boltonstcatherinesacademy.org.uk.

Step 2: Go to your app store and search School Gateway or click below to download the app.

Step 3: Now you are ready to register. It takes no more than a couple of minutes.

1. Register Register using the same email

address and mobile number

held by the school

2. Four digit PIN School Gateway will send you

a text with your PIN

3. Login Login, you are ready to go

Your login details will be automatically generated using the contact information Bolton St

Catherine’s Academy already has. If you are unable to register you will need to check with us that

we have your correct details – email contact@boltonstcatherinesacademy.org.uk or telephone us

on 01204 332533.

43

Parent payments

Tucassi Sco Pay

Every student at BSCA has a unique account on SCO where parents &

carers are able to pay for dinners, trips and clubs. A letter should have

been issued that provides a code that will enable parents/carers to

register an account for each student.

Parents/carers must download and register with the app to enable them

to add monies to their child's account.

To activate the portal, simply enter the student code from the letter into the SCO app or at

www.scopay.com and follow the registration steps.

Primary students will have access to clubs and trips only.

Secondary and 6th Form students will have the options for dinners and trips. Please note: only selected trips will be made available on-line.

Once the portal is active, you will see the current balances for the student as relate to dinners, trips, and

clubs. You can even set-up alerts that will remind you when the funds are low or payments are due.

Should you have more than one student at BSCA, it is possible to link them all into one portal for yourself.

To do so, you simply log-in with the code for the first student, select menu and manage accounts, and

then link accounts. This step will open a window where you can then enter the additional student code

to be linked under a single log-on for yourself.

In the event that you require a re-issue of the code, please contact

contact@boltonstcatherinesacademy.org.uk to do this.

Additional codes can also be provided for other adults (family members etc.) to access and top-up the

student accounts – this will simply add onto the student account. There is no option to withdraw funds.

Are you entitled to Free School Meals?

If you are in receipt of Government benefits such as Income Support or Universal

Credit and have a household income of less than £7,400, OR you have recently

applied for benefits due to a change in circumstances, you may be entitled to Free

School Meals.

Free School Meals are not automatically awarded. You need to apply for them. The

easiest way to apply is to complete an online application form.

If your child is in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 your child will already be receiving Universal Free School

Meals, however, it is still very important that you complete the Free School Meals application as having

this eligibility entitles you to receive help with other school provisions such as some school trips,clubs etc.

Please click on the link below and follow the advice and guidance on how to apply online.

If you need any help completing the form, please contact the office via email on

contact@boltonstcatherinesacademy.org.uk

https://www.bolton.gov.uk/free-school-meals-clothing-allowance/free-school-meals-help-school-uniform

44

Term dates