Happy new term! We hope everyone had a wonderful break – we’re straight back into the swing of things here at Haslingden. Here’s what’s been going on…
A frosty start to the term
The return to school was given the added challenge of wintry weather this week, and we would like to share our thanks with our local community for their efforts in getting students to school.
As the frosty weather is set to continue, we would like to remind you that we will only contact you if we have to make the difficult/necessary decision to close. All the information in the event of a school closure can be found here.
We have achieved GOLD – Behaviour Quality Mark
“It is a pleasure to begin by sharing some fantastic news with you and something we are extremely proud of as a team of staff. As part of this year’s School Improvement Plan, we endeavoured to take part in a Lancashire run scheme called the Behaviour Quality Mark. Following a rigorous external process, involving leaders from other schools, we received the Gold Award, the highest possible grade available. The summary comment of the report provided to the school stated:
‘We were immediately struck by the welcoming and positive atmosphere at Haslingden High School. From the very start of our visit, both staff and students were engaging, polite, and enthusiastic, making it clear that this is a school where everyone feels valued and supported. The warmth and professionalism we experienced made our visit both enjoyable and highly informative.
In deciding to recognise the school’s outstanding practice, many features stood out, particularly how pupils and staff work together to create a caring, cohesive environment. It was evident that the school’s values — including ‘Achievement for All’, respect, responsibility, and collaboration — are lived daily, ensuring that all students are supported to succeed and thrive’.”
– Mr Clarke, Headteacher
Finding the fève
In Year 12 French, Mrs Taylor brought in a Galette des Rois at the start of the lesson.
It’s a traditional French cake eaten in January, to celebrate Epiphany (6 January – the visit by the three kings to baby Jesus). It is usually a round puff pastry cake filled with almond cream (frangipane).
Inside the cake is a small hidden object called a fève (often a tiny figurine). When the cake is shared, whoever finds the fève in their slice becomes king or queen for the day and wears a paper crown.
By tradition, the youngest person sits under the table and decides who gets each slice, to make the sharing fair.
Feelin’ fifty
This week, tickets for The Golden Gig went on sale.
Haslingden High School opened its doors in 1975 after the amalgamation of several schools in the area.
We wanted to do something special to mark this momentous milestone, and so we are inviting former students and staff, and their families back to celebrate with us.
We will be hosting a concert in our sixth form building, featuring live performances from ex- and current students. Music from the decades will take you back in time, and you can also purchase snacks and drinks at our bar.
Thursday 19th March, 6:00-9:00pm
Saving a life
Our PSHE curriculum is packed with key life skills, and this week, Year 12 got to learn how to perform CPR in critical situations.
Mr Raho, who is first aid trained and often supports our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, led the lessons and the students got to practice on our CPR dummies.
More athletics success!
This week, a number of students took part in cross-school athletics, with the Year 7 boys team coming in third place, receiving bronze medals, and the girls were triumphant, winning the competition against other schools in Rossendale. Super performances!
CTEC exams underway
This week in Haslingden Sixth Form, our CTEC students took their exams. Best of luck to those continuing their exams next week.
