Newsletter
Principal’s Welcome
As we move through this pivotal term, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous focus and resilience being shown by our Year 11 students. With GCSEs now well underway, it’s been heartening to see so many of them with their heads down, giving their best efforts, and approaching each exam with quiet determination and maturity.
This Friday marks a significant milestone for Year 11, as we gather for the Leavers’ Assembly – a chance to reflect, to laugh, and to honour the journey so far. It’s always a bittersweet moment, full of memories and anticipation for what’s next. While there is still work ahead, including the final stretch of exams, we are already looking forward to celebrating their achievements in full at the Valedictory Evening once the exam period has drawn to a close.
I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated staff who continue to support our students every step of the way – through revision sessions, guidance, and encouragement, especially during this demanding exam season.
Meanwhile, over in the rest of the academy, the energy and enthusiasm continue to shine through. From creative arts projects to outdoor learning and the start of summer term clubs, it’s been a joy to see our students so engaged and thriving. Their excitement is infectious, and it’s a timely reminder of the joy of learning at every stage.
Turning to our sporting achievements this term, I’m proud to say it has been a truly standout season across the school. Our boys’ and girls’ football teams have shown not only great talent but also true sportsmanship and teamwork throughout their fixtures. They’ve represented
the school with pride and passion – qualities we value both on and off the pitch.
The Year 9 boys won the South Ribble league and cup which is a tremendous achievement. The Year 7 girls and Year8/9 girls have also reached the South Ribble cup finals so there is hopefully even more silverware to come!
A special mention must go to our Year 8 boys’ football team, who made school history by winning the Lancashire Cup – the first time in many years! This is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to their dedication, training, and cohesion as a team. Their composure under pressure and commitment to each other saw them emerge victorious. Congratulations to every member of the squad, as well as the staff who coached and their supporters.
Moments like these reflect the strength of our school community – whether it’s in exam halls, on the football field, or in the every-day of learning. There’s so much to be proud of, and I look forward to all that the rest of the term has in store.
See pages 21, 22, 23
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Lostock Hall Academy Vision 2024 - 2027
LHA will be the local secondary provider of choice. We will equip all our learners through our core values with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to achieve their full potential in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment. “Educating the future”, Academy students will be aspirational and proud to achieve a successful career path through transition into work or training in all walks of adult life.
Duke of Edinburgh - Expedition
Well done to all of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze students who completed their final walking expedition at the beginning of the month. They worked together as a team to complete their expedition as well as having lots of fun. All students have learnt a lot through this experience with some even wanting to continue onto their silver award. Next job is to complete the skills, physical and volunteering sections of the award so that they can complete their award and receive their certificates. Amazing work guys!
TEAMWORK
Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show
Every year creative students from LHA submit artwork to the very prestigious Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show. Last year 21,500 artworks were submitted of which only 500 were selected. Successful entrants get to exhibit their artwork online on the Royal Academy website, 300 of which will actually be exhibited in the actual gallery at the Royal Academy in London!
The Art Department are very pleased to announce that this year we have 2 successful entrants. Congratulations go to Ella Gilbert 9S for her acrylic painting titled ‘My Guitar’ which will be uploaded to the Royal Academy website indefinitely.
In addition, Hollie Green 8H who created a fantastic water colour and pencil artwork of her cat, titled ‘Leo’. This particular artwork is one of only 300 that has been requested to be exhibited at the Royal Academy Young Artists’ Summer Show, wow! Very well done Hollie.
Well done to all the artists’ who submitted artwork, your creative talent and hard work is clear to see. All this years entries will be displayed in A2 for everybody to enjoy.
The Art Department.
Leo - Hollie Green 8H
A thank you from Mr Galbraith
Mr. Galbraith recently completed an inspiring solo trek across the full length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. His goal was to support research and care for young people affected by cancer— and he did just that with determination and heart.
He began his journey with great energy, quickly gaining support and surpassing his fundraising target. Along the way, he passed through historic sites, walked through challenging weather, and even visited Roman landmarks, adding a unique touch to his adventure.
Throughout the trek, Mr. Galbraith showed true commitment and resilience, being a fantastic role model for the school community and demonstrating our core values. His efforts reminded us all of the power of one person to make a meaningful difference.
A big thank you to everyone who donated and cheered him on. Your kindness helped make this journey a success and supported a cause that truly matters.
A Message from Mr. G:
“Hey everyone, I wanted to give a massive shout-out to all the parents and students who donated towards my Hadrian’s Wall Charity Walk. We managed to raise a whopping £1,076 for Childhood Cancer Research. Your generosity is going to make a real difference to so many, so thank you all for your kindness and support!!!”
My Guitar - Ella Gilbert 9S
Lostock Hall’s Got Talent Shines Bright
The Creative Department was proud to showcase the incredible talents of our students at the Lostock Hall’s Got Talent competition. From captivating performances to standout moments, every act impressed the audience, making it a truly unforgettable evening.
With such exceptional talent on display, our judges faced the difficult task of selecting the standout artists. In the end, Darcey took home the top prize, while Henry, Mark, and Coco earned well-deserved recognition for their outstanding performances. However, choosing winners was no easy feat—every act was remarkable, and we encourage all our performers to continue growing and sharing their talents. A heartfelt thank you goes to our wonderful
audience for their enthusiastic support and to the dedicated students and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the event to life. Your commitment and passion made the night a resounding success.
Special appreciation goes to Mrs Gorman, Principal, as well as Board of Trustees members Mrs M. Scrivens and Mr B. Burke, for their invaluable support at the event. Additionally, we extend our thanks to Mrs Hardacre, Mr Doyle, and Mr Kenny for their contributions to making the evening such a memorable occasion.
Well done to everyone involved—you truly made Lostock Hall’s Got Talent a night to remember!
COMMITMENT
COMMITMENT
Year 7 - Manchester Synagogue and Museum
30 Yr 7 students enjoyed a trip to the Manchester Synagogue and Museum where they had the chance to make challah bread and taste some the different flavours used on the Sedar Plate during the Pesach (Passover). They learnt the history of these foods including the story of the flight from Egypt, how they represent keys beliefs about G-d and their relationship with him and how they bring the community together during the celebrations. Yr7 showed great listening skills, respect and thoughtfulness to the guide and did a great job of following her instructions during the activity and tidying up. They then went to the museum exhibition where they learnt the history of the Jewish community in Manchester,
why Jewish people came to settle there (many as refugees and immigrants) and how they impacted the community through establishing businesses and charities in the local areas. There was a wide range of objects for the students to look at including some beautiful artefacts, letters and diaries and articles of clothing. We toured the beautiful Synagogue and were able to look at a replica Torah scroll and hear about how the space was used for worship in the community. Mr Doyle, Mr Stansfield and Miss Manwaring were all extremely pleased at the respect shown by the students during our visit and felt that they did LHA proud through their behaviour and engagement.
Year 8 Hindu Temple (Mandir)
30 Yr8 students were fortunate to have lovely weather to walk to Preston along the Old Tramway and engaged in some local learning led by the Geography department as they did so. They worked well to spot clues about its original use and discussed how it has affected the local area in the past but also how it is used now. Once we arrived at the Hindu Temple (also called a Mandir) they listened respectfully to the speaker as we viewed the statues of the Gods and learnt about their role and importance for believers. The art at the temple is beautiful and students asked interesting questions about the scenes depicted. We were then encouraged to beat a rhythm on the drums used during worship - Mr Doyle, as a music teacher, particularly enjoyed this element. We were given an idea of what we might see or hear during worship as well as a discussion about how the building supports their community through arranging groups and activities. Students were then invited to take part in a small meditation exercise as a calming activity before we left to return to school.
Learn more about the students day by visiting here.
BPE - Holy Week retold
In the week before Easter Beliefs, Philosophy and Ethics lessons were focused on the story of Easter with the events of Holy Week retold and discussed in terms of their meaning for Christians. Students tend to know the main events well from primary school so it’s a time to recap what they already
know and develop further their understanding of the Christian beliefs and practices that come from the Easter festival. It’s always a nice opportunity to reflect on how the students celebrate Easter themselves and where those traditions come from.
Beyond Careers
Celebrating Creative Collaboration at the Preston Jazz Festival
Over the past month, our talented Year 9 and 10 students joined forces across Art and Music to develop a one-of-a-kind, improvised performance piece. Their creativity and teamwork culminated in a fantastic showcase at the Preston Jazz & Improvisation Festival on 20th May at The New Continental, Preston.
A big thank you to all the staff and families who attended and supported the event — your encouragement truly helped make it a success!
COMMITMENT
TEAMWORK
Looking for more cultural inspiration? Preston offers a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, from community festivals to free local experiences for all ages.
Find out more at VisitPreston.com or flip to the final pages of this newsletter for highlights and upcoming events.
From Competition to Coop - LHA Chickens Officially Named!
Exciting news from LHA! Thanks to our naming competition, our beloved LHA Chickens now have their official names! We received over 150 fantastic entries before the Easter break, and four lucky students were chosen to name one each. Their prize? A tub of fried eggs AND a special meet and greet with the girls! - Introducing… Lavender, Hettie, and the ultimate boss lady, Agnes!
Forest School Success for Another Fantastic Group!
Another group has successfully completed Forest School this half term, and while many were sad to see it end, we’re incredibly proud of all they’ve achieved. In their final week, they built fire pits, learned how to light fires, and toasted marshmallows on their own flames. They’ve been a busy and hardworking group, showing great teamwork throughout. This week, they even had the chance to try nettle soup made from specially picked nettles—well done to those who gave it a go! A big thank you to Rachel and her team for making the experience so special.
COMMITMENT
TEAMWORK
Forest School Competition winners
Well done to our eight worthy winners who entered Mrs. Burgess’s Forest School Competition! Each participant took on one of the exciting creative challenges: writing a paragraph about why they want to go to forest school and what they hope to learn, drawing a picture of a morning at forest school, creating a cartoon strip of a fun forest adventure, composing a poem about nature and forest school, or making a collage that shows their love for nature and the outdoors. We received some truly wonderful entries, full of imagination and enthusiasm—thank you to everyone who took part! Keep an eye out for new opportunities in future bulletins.
TEAMWORK
LostFest
It was amazing to see our community come together for such a vibrant event at the beginning of May at LostFest, with so many talented students performing on stage and supporting the day.
A huge thank you to @paulobrien101 for sharing his wonderful photos—he truly captured the energy and excitement of the festival.
TEAMWORK
COMMITMENT
Year 7 Historians Impress in Castle Building Competition
A huge congratulations to our brilliant Year 7 historians for their outstanding efforts in the Castle Building Competition, linked to their recent studies on Norman England.
Students showcased creativity and historical understanding by constructing impressive castles, demonstrating their knowledge of medieval architecture and defensive structures. The competition featured a wide range of designs, each reflecting careful planning and dedication.
These entries represent just a few of the fantastic creations submitted, and we commend all participants for their enthusiasm and hard work. A special thank you goes to the parents, carers, grandparents, and family members who supported this project at home—your encouragement and guidance have made a meaningful difference.
Well done to everyone involved—your efforts have truly brought history to life.
COMMITMENT
Bikeability - Year 7s Hit the Road with Confidence!
Our Year 7 students have been out and about in the local area, taking part in essential road safety training with the fantastic support of the South Ribble Active Health team. They’ve been learning how to ride safely, stay aware of potential hazards, and build confidence on the roads.
Each group has performed brilliantly and can look forward to receiving their well-earned awards— congratulations to all!
Bikeability Safety Tips – Stay Smart, Stay Safe!
As always, we’d like to remind all our young cyclists how important it is to stay safe on the roads. Here are some key tips to remember:
• Check your bike – Make sure the tyres are pumped, brakes work, and the chain moves smoothly.
• Wear a helmet – Always protect your head. It’s one of the most important safety steps!
• Be seen – Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights when riding in the dark.
• Look and listen – Always check around you before turning or stopping.
• Use hand signals – Let drivers and other road users know where you’re going.
• Ride in a straight line – Avoid weaving between parked cars or onto the pavement.
• Follow the rules – Obey traffic lights, signs, and road markings.
• Stay alert – No headphones or phones while riding. Keep your focus on the road.
• Lock your bike – Never leave it unattended without a strong lock.
• Let’s keep riding smart, safe, and confident—on every journey!
COMMITMENT
Year 9 South Ribble Cup Winners
Well done to the Year 9 football team who won the South Ribble School Games cup yesterday, beating All Hallows in an exciting final. It proved a great finish to the season with the team going unbeaten within the District over the course of this academic year.
Well done to all of the students who came down to support the team - it was great to see so many of you in attendance. Their behaviour and attitude while spectating was also excellent.
Thank you also to Lostock St Gerards FC who provided their superb ground and facilities for the finals nights, again demonstrating their support for schools’ football in the local area.
COMMITMENT
TEAMWORK
TEAMWORK
A massive well done to our Year 8 football team for winning the Lancashire Cup, defeating Southlands from Chorley in a thrilling final! The team has been outstanding throughout the competition, conceding
Special recognition to our joint captains for their leadership and dedication.
A huge thank you to all the parents, carers, and students who travelled to Darwen FC to cheer on the team—your support made all the difference!
COMMITMENT
Our Y7 Girls took part in an U12s Football tournament at The University of Central Lancashire - UCLan hosted by the Rotary Club of Preston. It was a great event where the team got to show off their skills and have a great time. They managed to achieve a 3rd place finish and were all awarded medals for this. A huge well done to all the girls involved, Mr Galbraith (Coach) is particularly proud of you all for demonstrating great determination and teamwork throughout.
Year 7 - UCLAN Football Tournament TEAMWORK
Celebrating Our Year 9 Football Stars
COMMITMENT TEAMWORK
Well done to our Year 9 students who represented South Ribble District South Ribble School Games in an excellent 3-0 victory against Blackpool on Saturday, with the match taking place onsite at the Academy. Thank you also to Mr Barton, a Lostock Academy parent who continues to manage the team.
Well done to Sam in Year 11 who has been awarded the captaincy of the U-15 and U-17 Lancashire Track and Field team for an upcoming National tournament, taking place in York next week.
Sam has performed superbly for the Academy over the years winning a range of South Ribble and Lancashire titles. He is a Nationally ranked athlete and will be competing in the 1500m at the upcoming championships. We wish him good luck.
Sam - Captaincy for Lancs
