This week, we celebrated the wonderful world of reading and writing during our annual LitFest! Here’s what has been happening this week.
LitFest
Every year, our wonderful Library and Literacy Team host LitFest – a week of book-themed craft projects and games during breaktime and after school, a takeover of English lessons, and most excitingly, visits from established authors.
We also had a Scholastic Book Fair and held bake sales for the charity, Read for Good, that brings books to children in UK hospitals. We have raised over £11,000 for them over the years of supporting them!
Last year, we welcomed Nathan Parker, Bali Rai, and Jixie Dye. This year, Mark Illis, Ashley Thorpe, and Cynthia Murphy joined the lineup.
Illis discussed how his childhood experiences influenced his recent stories, while Thorpe shared how folklore from his heritage shaped his tales, and Murphy encouraged students to “do random things to see what things you enjoy”.
It was an incredibly successful week. We are incredibly grateful for our Library and Literacy Team who go above and beyond to encourage our students to drop the tech and read for pleasure.
We’d also like to share a special thank you to our PTFA for helping to facilitate opportunities like these for our students.
Gold DofE
Two groups of Haslingden Sixth Form students headed out on their Duke of Edinburgh expeditions this week.
Eight Year 13 students completed their Gold qualifier in Snowdonia. Mr Raho said they tackled the first Hill of Doom with ease, despite the atrocious weather.
After a tough climb, they made it to the summit of Cadair Idris and were pleased to then reach their camp for the evening! This was followed by very tricky conditions for the steep ascent of Diffwys, but ended successfully with a descent down to the sea.
We also had Year 12s out on their Gold practice with Mr Ikin and Mr Hargreaves. They battled ferocious midges in what Mr Ikin described as ‘midgefest’, on top of rain and strong winds. Lily, Alice, Pixie, and Isobel remained motivated to press on and make the most of a very difficult trek. They made it to a beautiful camp by Angle Tarn and enjoyed a well-earned rest before a walk to catch the Ullswater Steamer back to Pooley Bridge.
“What a fabulous group of girls! It’s been an honour and a privilege to have walked the Lakeland Fells with them this week,” said Mr Ikin.
Taste of life at sixth form
This week, we held our Invitation Day for the students joining us at Haslingden Sixth Form in September. They had a day packed full of lessons that they may choose to study at A Level or Level 3, enjoyed free food, and also had a go on a bouncy castle!
At Haslingden Sixth Form, we put students first, encouraging them to lead on community initiatives, embrace development opportunities, and provide them with the resources to feel fully supported during their time with us.
Applications for September are still open to both HHS students and external applicants! Email sixthform@haslingdenhigh.com for more information.
Netball role models
A total of 14 student leaders helped to officiate the RSSP primary netball finals, held on our 3G pitches at Haslingden High School. The group were involved in umpiring and scoring games and did a wonderful job, setting a great example for our younger visitors.
An angle for success
Noah, Year 7, took part in the Angling Trust’s national fishing competition in Coventry last weekend. He competed in the cadet/junior category, representing the Rammy Anglers.
He won 2nd place and 4th place in two separate competitions.
Well done, Noah!
A lens for beauty
This week, the Science Department held their annual photography competition. The challenge was to go out in nature and take a photo of something wonderful.
There were some fantastic submissions, including photos of forests, ladybugs, and hills.
Rubie, Year 8, won the competition with a beautiful photo of a sheep enjoying a sunset.
Well done to everyone who entered – you made picking a winner very difficult!
Day at college
A number of Year 10 students visited Arc this week to keep their post-16 options open and explore the Arc campus. They explored woodwork, hairdressing and social studies.
