Cover image chosen by the Art & Photography department: Under the Sea - Hand Drawn and painted sea life creatures by Brooke H Year 10
FRONT COVER COMPETITION
Find out how to get your work on the front cover. SHOULD PHONES BE BANNED IN SCHOOLS?
Are mobile phones a useful tool or a distraction in the classroom?
O N T E N
THE TEACHERS- MR GLOVER, MISS MCMAHON AND MISS HEWSON
Find out about the biggest inspirations in the lives of some of our PE staff and the best piece of advice they ever received ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUMMER
HOW TO USE AI TO BOOST YOUR LEARNING
Step into the future and learn how AI can improve your learning
PROM 2025
We say goodbye to our Year 11 class of 2025 in style.
BOOK, FILM AND TV REVIEWS
Looking for your next read or your next binge-worthy series?
Hello summer, goodbye boredom! A list of the best activities happening around Manchester this July and August!
Read all about Newhouse Academy’s Sports Day 2025
We welcome our 2025 Year 7s to experience a day at Newhouse Academy.
WHAT’S ON AT THE CINEMA?
The blockbusters hitting the big screen this summer.
Front cover image chosen by the art department:
Under the Sea - Hand Drawn and painted sea life creatures. Scanned into photoshop to create a montage. Mixed Media.
by Brooke H Year 10
Meet the Team
JOURNALISTS AND DESIGNERS
MIA C.
Mia is one of our writers. Her favourite subject is English because she loves reading. Outside of school, Mia enjoys drawing and finds it really therapeutic. Mia has recently joined our crochet club and is enjoying learning a new skill.
POPPY M.
Poppy is also one of our writers and researchers. She’s recently started to get involved with our new Eco Club run by Miss Murray She enjoys spending time with her friends outside of school and watching her favourite TV shows and films.
The Our People Magazine Team would like to wish Newhouse Academy community a happy end to the school year and a safe summer holidays.
SHOULD MOBILE PHONES BE BANNED IN SCHOOLS?
“Research suggests that the use of mobile phones in a classroom or study context has the potential to be distracting for the individual student.”- House of Lords Debate- 2024
TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN?
Mobile phones have now been around for decades They’re an everyday part of our lives and most of us probably can’t imagine leaving the house without it but what impact are they having on our education and our life in school?
A study conducted by Rachel de Souza (the Children’s Commissioner for England) found that 90% of secondary schools have a complete ban on mobile phones with sanctions in place for those who do not abide by the rules A number of schools have even gone as far as to insist students lock their mobile phones in magnetic pouches that can only be unlocked at specific points for students to use at the end of the school day. This approach still allows students to have phones on the way to and from school but stops them from using it, or being tempted to use it, during the school day
The first iPhone was released in 2007, before many current secondary school students were even born, but it changed the mobile phone game entirely. In just a few short years, people went from having a device in their pocket that could make calls and texts to carrying around a computer capable of doing everything from communicating internationally, playing games and having 24/7 access to social media. It’s changed the way we interact with each other and the world and, for the most part, it has made our lives easier and given us a great deal of convenience So, why are schools so insistent on separating us and our phones for around six hours every day for the one-hundred and ninety school days each year?
The answer is surprisingly simple; smartphones are addictive, distracting and destroying our mental health. We come to school to learn and, whilst smartphones could help us to do that, most of us would not be able to resist the temptation to use them for things other than our learning
In April 2024, a study by the BBC found that some teenagers spend up to fourteen hours a day on social media and playing games and there’s lots of other research which shows a clear link between mobile phone usage, poorer mental health and reduced academic achievement We all know that social media can be a dangerous thing, whether we’re experiencing cyber-bullying or simply unable to draw ourselves away from scrolling through endless hours of TikToks. Studies have started to show that, on average, teenagers now have worse attention spans and more issues with emotional regulation than people the same age did before we had the world in our pocket and 24/7 internet access By banning mobile phones, schools are giving our brains a much needed (even if it’s not a much wanted) break from the constant stream of information and online influencers that we are otherwise surrounded by
What’s your opinion?
Should phones be banned in schools or do we need to move with the times and find a way to incorporate them into our teaching and learning? How can we ensure students are using phones safely and responsibly?
Got an idea? Let your student council representative know!
Meet the Meet the TeachersTeachersPE
Every term, we ’ re going to be interviewing different members of staff in order to learn a little more about the person in front of the whiteboard. In this issue, we got to interview Mr Glover, Miss Mcmahon and Miss Hewson from our PE department.
Q: What made you want to teach PE?
Mr Glover: I’ve always had a real passion for sport and fitness, and I wanted to inspire young people to enjoy being active and experience the benefits it can bring to their lives. Teaching PE gives me the chance to help students build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and discover new talents they didn’t know they had. It’s a subject where you can see students grow not just physically, but socially and emotionally too.
Miss Mcmahon: I am passionate about sport and encouraging people to be more physically active. My PE teacher was an inspiration to me when at high school and provided me with so many positive experiences through sport I wanted to give other young people the same opportunities that I had
Miss Hewson: I have always taken part in sports for as long as I can remember, I did something every night after-school and on the weekends. In secondary school I loved PE. I am so competitive and energetic it was the perfect subject, it has always been the one thing I know I can succeed in.
I had so many role models growing up who were all PE teachers and I aspired to be like them.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching PE?
Mr Glover: What I enjoy most about teaching PE is seeing students challenge themselves, work together, and grow in confidence. I love joining in with lessons and seeing children have fun while being active, because that’s so important for them to lead long, healthy lives It’s brilliant watching them discover new talents, build friendships, and take pride in what they can achieve Every day is different in PE, and it’s a subject where everyone can find something they enjoy
Miss Mcmahon: We have lots and lots of talented students here at Newhouse Academy It is brilliant to see them enjoying the subject and trying their best within lessons and I also feel very lucky to have a job where I get to work outside.
Miss Hewson: There is always something new to learn no matter how old you are, you can always get better at your favourite sport or learn how to do something completely new. There is never a dull moment teaching PE. The sun in the summer is an added bonus!
Q: What university did you go to and why did you choose that university?
Mr Glover: I studied at Sheffield Hallam University for three years, where I earned the Gold Award for making the most of the opportunities to build my CV and gain real-world experience. After that, I spent a year at Loughborough University, which is the best in the world for sport, to further develop my skills and knowledge. Both universities gave me invaluable experiences that helped shape my career in sport and education I’m grateful for the different perspectives and training I received at each place
Miss Mcmahon: I studied at Leeds Metropolitan University (now called Leeds Beckett University) I chose this University as it was renowned for its sporting facilities and the quality of education in helping people to become PE teachers It’s also based in my home town (the best city in the UK!) so it helped me to save some money and be able to afford to study at University
Miss Hewson: I went to Leeds Trinity University - I chose this one as I liked the idea of being in a city. It was a smaller university so everybody knew everybody and there was lots of support available. The main incentive was a placement each year - one of these was teaching cricket in Rwanda for three weeks.
Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching at Newhouse Academy?
Mr Glover: What I enjoy most about teaching at Newhouse Academy is the strong sense of community and support among staff and students It’s rewarding to see how motivated the students are to improve and try their best every day I love being part of a school that values both academic and physical development equally The positive atmosphere makes it a great place to teach and learn
Miss Mcmahon: Everyone, staff and students alike, make working at Newhouse Academy a really great experience so I think that’s what I enjoy the most- the people.
Miss Hewson: My favourite part of teaching at Newhouse Academy is seeing a student finally master a skill or win a competition they have been working so hard to achieve.
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration in life?
Mr Glover: My biggest inspiration in life is my father because of his hard work, determination, and the support he’s always given me I also admire David Goggins for his incredible mental toughness and mindset to push beyond limits Both show me that with the right attitude and effort, you can overcome any challenge Their example motivates me to keep striving for my best every day
Miss Mcmahon: My parents are my biggest inspiration They worked hard to ensure I had the best possible start in life They have supported and guided me every step of the way
Miss Hewson: My mum is my biggest inspiration because she is so determined and strong. She is successful and is always up for a challenge. She is my biggest cheerleader and is always there for me. I would be so happy if I turned out like her.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Mr Glover: Imagine being on your deathbed surrounded by ten versions of yourself - one who became a footballer, another who travelled the world, one who took a risk and chased their dreams Each life shows what could have been if you’d dared to take chances Comparing yourself to others only holds you back and stops you from living fully The message is simple: don’t live the life others expect — get out of your comfort zone, embrace the risk, travel, and live the life you truly want to avoid regrets later on
Miss Mcmahon: Read as much has you can because knowledge is power.
Miss Hewson: It’s better to try and fail than not try at all. This piece of advice can be applied to anything; answering an exam question, applying for a job or trying something new.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE SUMMER
Bored of sitting at home all summer? Take a look at our list of free activities that you and your friends could take part in this summer holiday! As always, make sure you get permission from your parents or carers before hand and tell an adult where you are going to be and when you expect to be home.
1.Spend the day at one of Manchester’s many parks and outdoor spaces.
From Queens Park in Heywood to Heaton Park and Hollingworth lake, there’s plenty of places to get outside and enjoy some fresh air over the next six weeks Take a football, a picnic and some friends and you can have hours of free fun! Remember to stay away from open water (no matter how hot it is) and keep your phone charged in case of emergencies.
2.Visit a Museum
Many museums around Greater Manchester are free (although some may ask for a donation) and they can be a great place to spend a rainy day or to get out of the sun if we’re lucky enough to see any! The National Football Museum, located in the city centre, and the Imperial War Museum in Salford offer fantastic exhibitions and interactive activities
3.Find a Youth Group
There are plenty of activities on for teenagers throughout the summer holidays hosted by youth groups. If you can, why not check out Manchester or Salford’s Youth Zone - membership is free and there’s activities on every night for just 50p per visit.
HOW TO USE AI TO BOOST YOUR LEARNING
AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a constantly developing field of science which aims to build computers and programs that are able to reason, learn and act in a similar way to the human brain Over the last few years AI’s popularity has rapidly increased; from Snapchat’s AI chat function to ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, AI is becoming a regular part of our lives. Whilst AI does have its critics, it looks like it’s here to stay, so, how can we make it work for us, how can it help us learn?
1. A Useful Revision Tool
Artificial Intelligence is becoming an increasingly popular tool for students preparing for exams Apps and platforms powered by AI can create personalised quizzes, explain tricky topics, and even highlight areas that need more attention based on past performance This makes revision more focused and efficient However, relying too heavily on AI can be risky If students use it without truly understanding the material, it might create a false sense of confidence AI should support, not replace, active learning and critical thinking
2. Provides Instant Feedback
One of the biggest advantages of AI in education is its ability to offer instant feedback. Whether it’s a maths solution, a grammar correction, or a suggestion to improve your writing, AI tools like chatbots and smart editors can respond immediately This helps students learn from their mistakes in real time, without waiting for a teacher On the downside, this feedback may not always be accurate or detailed enough It often lacks the personal touch and deeper explanations that a real teacher provides, which are crucial for understanding more complex ideas.
3. Save Time
AI is a powerful time-saver for students juggling multiple subjects and deadlines From generating summaries of long texts to organising notes or even checking essays for spelling and grammar, it can take care of time-consuming tasks in seconds This gives students more time to focus on studying or relaxing. However, cutting corners too often can lead to a lack of important skills, such as researching thoroughly or writing independently Time saved should be used wisely, not just to do less work.
4. Generate Ideas
Stuck on how to start an essay or what to write about in your story? AI can help by generating ideas, brainstorming arguments, or offering outlines to get you started. It can be a great tool to overcome creative blocks and spark inspiration, especially when you're under pressure Still, students should be cautious AI ideas can sometimes be vague or repetitive, and relying on them too much may stop you from developing your own voice and thinking creatively. It’s best used as a starting point not the final product
5. Improve Time Efficiency
Managing schoolwork, extra-curricular activities, and a social life can be challenging but AI can help streamline tasks and improve time efficiency Apps can plan your day, set reminders, and prioritise assignments based on deadlines and workload This kind of smart organisation helps students avoid last-minute cramming and reduce stress Yet, there's a flip side: becoming too dependent on AI for planning can make it harder to build self-discipline and time management skills on your own It's important to strike a balance between digital help and personal responsibility.
It’s important to remember that AI is not a person. The most popular AI programs produce their content based on the briefs you give them and what the rest of the internet can teach them and, as we well know, not everything on the internet is true. AI can make mistakes and it’s important not to become overly reliant on it. AI won’t be able to help you in tests or exams; you’ll still need your own knowledge and skills to succeed.
BOOK, FILM AND TV REVIEWS
Looking for something to read or watch this summer? Take a look at our book, film and TV reviews for some inspiration.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Suzanne Collins returns to the deadly world of Panem in this highly anticipated Hunger Games prequel. Set 24 years before Katniss Everdeen’s story, Sunrise on the Reaping explores the 50th Hunger Games — the infamous Second Quarter Quell — through a new set of eyes. The story gives readers a chilling, thought-provoking look at how the Games evolved and how rebellion brews beneath the surface. Collins’ writing is as sharp as ever, balancing thrilling action with powerful themes of control, trauma, and resistance. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, dystopian fiction, and morally complex characters
Wonderland by Juno Dawson
This modern, edgy retelling of Alice in Wonderland dives into the dark and dazzling world of privilege, parties, and identity. When a friend goes missing, teenager Alice is pulled into a whirlwind of secrets and danger among the elite teens of London. With sharp social commentary and a surreal, almost dreamlike tone, Wonderland challenges readers to think deeply about mental health, gender, and what it means to truly “belong.” Mature themes are handled with care, making it a bold and unforgettable read.
The Dark Lady by Akala
Set in Shakespearean London, The Dark Lady follows Henry, a teenager with a gift for languages and a mysterious magical ability. As he navigates a city full of secrets, danger, and theatre, Henry uncovers truths about his past — and his power. Akala blends historical accuracy with poetic storytelling and themes of race, identity, and belonging. The novel is fast-paced and atmospheric, with a lyrical style that reflects Akala’s background as a rapper and poet.
Anne With an E
Anne with an E is a beautifully reimagined version of Anne of Green Gables, following the life of a spirited orphan girl named Anne Shirley. Set in the late 1800s, the series dives deep into themes of identity, feminism, trauma, and belonging. What makes it special is Anne’s imagination, her fiery personality, and her unwavering optimism in the face of hardship. It’s more than a period drama — it’s a reminder to embrace who you are and to always be curious. While the pacing slows at times, the emotional depth and stunning visuals make it worth watching.
The Letter for the King
Based on the Dutch novel, The Letter for the King follows Tiuri, a young squire who unexpectedly finds himself tasked with delivering a crucial message to save the kingdom. With fantasy elements, sword fights, and mysterious forces, it’s an adventurous journey of bravery and destiny.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
Narrated with dark humor and packed with peculiar characters, A Series of Unfortunate Events adapts Lemony Snicket’s beloved books into a witty and visually clever series. It follows the Baudelaire orphans as they try to uncover family secrets while escaping the villainous Count Olaf, who’s always in disguise. Neil Patrick Harris is hilariously wicked as Olaf, and the quirky style will appeal to fans of gothic humor
The Summer I Turned Pretty
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age series that follows Belly Conklin, a teenager who spends every summer at the beach with her family and childhood friends — Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher. But this summer is different. Belly is no longer the little girl they remember, and suddenly, love, heartbreak, and complicated feelings come into play
Uglies
Set in a future where everyone undergoes surgery at 16 to become "Pretty," Uglies explores the pressure to conform and the true meaning of beauty. Tally Youngblood is excited for her transformation—until she meets rebels who challenge everything she believes
The film is visually striking, filled with high-tech cities and eerie perfection, but it's the message that really sticks: What makes us human isn’t appearance—it’s choice, courage, and individuality.
Enola Holmes
Smart, brave, and delightfully rebellious, Enola Holmes is the little sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes—but don’t expect her to live in his shadow When her mother disappears, Enola sets off on her own journey, solving mysteries and dodging villains in Victorian England. With fast-paced action, witty narration, and a strong performance from Millie Bobby Brown, the film blends historical fun with empowering messages about independence and intelligence.
Enola Holmes 2
After proving herself in her first mystery, Enola Holmes is back — and ready to open her own detective agency. But being a young woman in Victorian London means no one takes her seriously… until a matchstick girl asks for help finding her missing sister. What seems like a small case quickly turns into a thrilling conspiracy involving powerful forces, factory workers, and even a bit of romance.
Enola Holmes 2 takes everything we loved about the first movie — clever clues, action scenes, witty narration, and strong characters — and raises the stakes. Millie Bobby Brown shines again as Enola: fearless, smart, and relatable. The movie also features more of Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) and even a few real historical references, like the 1888 matchgirls’ strike
Time Cut
Time Cut is like Back to the Future meets Scream. When a girl’s sister is murdered at a high school party, she travels back in time to prevent it—but changing the past comes with dangerous consequences It’s a thrilling ride with a clever mix of horror, suspense, and time travel twists While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it keeps you guessing and plays well with the idea of regret and second chances. There’s blood, but also brains behind the scares
What’s on at the Cinema?
Elio
Elio struggles to fit in until he is transported by aliens and becomes the chosen one to be Earth's galactic ambassador while his mother Olga works on the top-secret project to decode alien messages.
Jurassic World Rebirth
Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures within that tropical biosphere hold the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.
F1 The Movie
Dubbed “the greatest that never was, ” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world
Back cover image chosen by the Art & Photography department: Photography by Jack B Year 10
