Once again, I am delighted to introduce our latest version of the Vision magazine, which contains some of the activities, opportunities and achievements that our students have been involved with this term.
Dear all,
The spring term has been a time to celebrate the talents and achievements of the young people of Our Lady’s. The school production of High School Musical was one of the most ambitious shows the school has attempted and it certainly delivered. It takes so many volunteers front and backstage to make the show spectacular and I’m grateful to all of those who worked so hard to put on this joyous production. There have also been many great sporting achievements including our Year 7 boys and girls athletics teams who both won the Manchester indoor championships and the Year 10 sports leaders, who hosted a primary football festival. Through achievement assemblies, we continue to recognise those that excel in each subject area as well as those who work exceptionally hard. We truly are blessed with a fantastic school community.
It’s at this time of year that we are carefully planning the exam season to ensure the students in Year 11 are given the best possible chance to maximise their potential. Whilst the preparation for the exams happens over a long period of time, it is the final couple of months that can make the difference between one grade and another. The staff give up a significant amount of their spare time to offer support and extra lessons and I am always grateful for this. We recognise that getting the balance right at this time is crucial so, as
a way of allowing time to have a break from studying, we took Year 11 to Alton Towers where they enjoyed the rides and each other’s company for an afternoon and evening.
During Lent, we take the time to think about prayer, fasting and how we can do more to support those less fortunate than ourselves. This is part of the core mission of a Catholic school and during Lent Mrs Burke sells a simple but delicious soup every Friday to raise funds for St Joseph’s Penny. We will finish
Editor’s Welcome Message
Wishing you a happy and holy Easter
L. Ormsby Headteacher
As we reach the Easter break, it is always a good time in school to reflect on what the year has already brought. Our students have, as ever, worked so hard throughout the term and achieved so much! We hope you enjoy reading about everything that has happened during the Spring term here at Our Lady’s and wish everyone a peaceful and happy Easter. Enjoy!
CyberFirst Girls Competition
A huge congratulations to our amazing group of 15 Year 8 girls who participated in the national CyberFirst Girls Competition! Over the course of the challenge, they tackled hundreds of exciting tasks covering topics like cryptography, logic, coding, cybersecurity, and more. Out of 70 schools competing across the Northwest, Our Lady’s finished an impressive 31st.
We are incredibly proud of their determination, teamwork, and problemsolving skills. These young women are truly paving the way for the future of tech and cybersecurity.
Well done, girls—you’ve done yourselves and our school proud!
the term with our Easter masses to celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
Exploring the Future: Careers Fair Inspires Students of All Ages
Apprenticeships Week
Students recently had the opportunity to explore their future pathways at our annual Careers Fair. The event brought together a diverse range of post-16 education providers, including Loreto Sixth Form College, alongside employers such as the Environmental Agency and BCLP Law.
The fair was buzzing with students eager to discover their next steps. Representatives from colleges, apprenticeships, and industries were
on hand to answer questions, offer guidance, and inspire the next generation.
For older students, the fair provided crucial information about post-16 options. Loreto Sixth Form College offered insights into their A-level and vocational courses, while organisations such as the Environmental Agency and BCLP Law gave students an inside look into careers in sustainability and law. However, the event wasn’t just for those about to make big decisions—students of all ages benefited from attending.
Younger students found the fair just as valuable, gaining early exposure to a wide range of careers. By meeting professionals from different industries, they were able to see
how subjects they study in school connect to real-world jobs. This early career awareness helps them make informed GCSE choices and sparks ambition for the future.
With so many options to explore, students left the fair feeling inspired and motivated, ready to take the next steps toward their future careers. Events like these are essential in helping all students, no matter their age, build confidence and make well-informed choices about their education and careers.
The careers team at Our Lady’s were very proud to celebrate Apprenticeship Week fom the 10th - 14th February. This was an opportunity to highlight the possibilities that apprenticeships can bring. We welcomed an industry speaker from EQANS to talk about the skills needed in different jobs, how to succeed in the workplace, how apprenticeships help young people learn and grow those important skills.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship; please do speak to any of the Careers Team in school.
History Trip – IWM
Earlier in March Miss Warwick took a group of students to the Imperial War Museum in Salford. The students completed a workshop on life in Germany from 1919-1939. The session allowed students to build on their knowledge of the inter-war years and changes to life in Germany. They deepened their understanding of how political, economic and social change affected the people who lived there. They were also able to use artefact material to make links between individuals who lived in this time period.
Students were also able to explore the different exhibitions that were on in the museum. They were able to walk through an immersive timeline which detailed the history of the First World War to the present day. They explored a vast range of artefacts and stories. They were also able to explore the temporary exhibition entitled ‘Chila Welcomes You’ which was from a personal perspective on the heritage of conflict and
stories of Indian migration to Britain after the Second World War. The exhibition featured light based neons and explorations of photography.
History Brought to Life
We welcomed Dr Stern into school as part of our recognition of Holocaust Memorial Day. 2025 marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia.
Our Year 9 History students attended a talk with Dr Stern, where he shared his memories and described the impact that his childhood experiences had on his whole life, it was
Dr Martin Stern MBE is an extraordinary man, born in the Netherlands in 1938, his early childhood happiness was destroyed by the Nazi invasion of Europe. His father was Jewish and Martin was orphaned then arrested by the Gestapo aged just five. He then experienced the full cruelty and horror of the Nazi’s regime only narrowly
very moving to hear and a privilege to hear it as a first-hand account from a survivor.
“for every bad person there is in the world there is also a good person”
escaping with his life. Despite all of this he settled in England, studied medicine at Oxford University and found fulfilment in his work as an immunologist. He married, raised three children and has spent his adult life educating others about the importance of History.
British Science Week
As British Science Week enters its fourth decade, it’s a great time to think about how the world is changing and how we can adapt to those changes.
To celebrate British Science Week in school students across all year groups competed in a quiz, answering questions on the ‘Change and Adapt’ theme. The responses have been amazing and demonstrate some great scientific thinking!
Additionally, students were invited to take part in an around-the-school quiz, where they were asked to identify the 5 mystery living organisms and explain how they are adapted!
As a reward for excellent contributions in Science lessons, students across years 7-10 were selected to take part in a “WhooshFlash-Fire” show. Students carried out flame tests and learnt about how the de-excitation of electrons releases energy into the immediate surroundings in the form of photons.
Exciting demonstrations of the ‘whoosh bottle’, ‘dragon’s breath’ and ‘methane bubbles’ were used to illustrate exothermic reactions, combustion, energy stored in food and the effect of particle size and surface area on rate of reaction.
Tweak Taster
Two of our students had an amazing opportunity to visit the Amazon office in Manchester as part of the Digital Skills Festival, where they presented their app idea, Tweak Taster. Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester was impressed with their idea and acknowledged how well the boys had done!
They took part in exciting activities showcasing Amazon’s latest technologies and won the “Best Teamwork Award” for the day. They described the experience as inspiring, especially meeting students from other schools and hearing their ideas.
Amazon donated £1,000 to support the development of digital skills and STEM education initiatives at school. The boys also received £50 Amazon vouchers for their hard work! The Tweak Taster App idea gets an automatic entry to the TeenTech Awards.
Debate Mate
Our Debate Mate students are working really hard and developing their oracy and communication skills. They are preparing for their debates and doing exceptionally well. The students attend Debate Mate every Tuesday, showing their dedication and passion.
Duke of Edinburgh Record Breaking Expedition
Here at Our Lady’s we have been running the DofE successfully for 15 years. This prestigious award is recognised across the whole country. The students learn important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, responsibility, problem solving and communication all of which are recognised by and attract colleges and universities.
At Our Lady’s all groups are entered at Bronze level, earlier this year a group of 23 year 10 students successfully completed their award in the beautiful Lake District at Lake Windermere. Over the weekend, the pupils experienced beautiful weather, where the students navigated themselves over the high moors of Windermere, showing great determination, togetherness and resilience.
This year in particular pupils achieved their planned walking route in a record-breaking time demonstrating outstanding team work and navigational skills completing a walk which should have taken 5 hours in 3 and half hours, placing Our Lady’s at the top of Duke of Edinburgh high achievers and leaving the assessors amazed by the efforts which were shown. The following day students were taken out of their comfort zone even further, whereby they had to paddle in canoes the entire width of the lake and back demonstrating incredible team work, leadership and perseverance. The pupils were an absolute credit to our school which was recognised by all the Duke of Edinburgh assessors along the way, praising the pupils for their efforts, positive attitudes and grit which they showed during the expedition, embedding the ethos and challenge that the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme offers.
We are hoping to continue this success with a new cohort of pupils starting the Bronze DOE journey next year.
Congratulations year 10 we are all very proud of you, well done!
Mrs Richmond and Mrs Wray
From the Director’s Chair: A Wonderful Experience with High School Musical
As the curtain falls on our fantastic production of High School Musical, I want to share what a joy it has been to direct this show. I am incredibly proud of our students, who gave their all and brought this story to life with passion and dedication.
From the start, the students had their heads in the game! Their energy and enthusiasm shone through. They worked tirelessly, perfecting every song, dance, and scene, and it was inspiring to watch them grow in confidence and skill. Their teamwork and commitment truly made this production special.
A huge thank you to our amazing production team— live band, set designers, musical directors and everyone behind the scenes. Your hard work and creativity made this show a success. With an extra special thank you to Mr Banham and Mr Montgomery.
To our fantastic audience, thank you for your support! Your cheers and applause made all the effort worthwhile.
Directing High School Musical has been an unforgettable experience, and I couldn’t be
prouder of what we’ve achieved together.
Thank you to everyone who played a part— we really were all in this together!
Miss Magill, Head of Drama
Iftar Celebration
On Wednesday 12th March we welcomed some of our Muslim pupils and their families to celebrate the first ever Our Lady’s Iftar event.
Ramadan is the month of fasting and prayer for Muslims, similar to the practice of Lent for Catholics. For the whole month Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset to show their devotion to Allah. Iftar is the breaking of their fast, which is usually a big celebration every evening of Ramadan with the whole family and lots of lovely food.
We are lucky to be part of such a diverse community in Manchester, and as a school we wanted to come together and celebrate these differences.
Our event began with people coming together to document the evening through our photobooth, manned by the highly-skilled Mr Bell. Then families and other pupils from our community were invited into the Hall to share in a presentation from Mohammed Shafiq, an Imam who spoke to us about the importance
of fasting and community, and Fr Nicholas Kumi who focused on inter-faith dialogue. The aim of the presentation was to emphasise the importance of growing relationships, and nurturing trust, love and support between people from different faiths.
We then went into the Hall where Mohammad Shafiq led us in the Adhan, the Call to Prayer, which opened the fast for our Muslim guests.
We then shared a beautiful meal together which was catered for by MyLahore. We ate, opened conversations, and celebrated as a community.
“Dialogue cannot exist in the absence of a profound love for the world and for people.”
(Paulo Friere)
Parent/Pupil quotes:
Mrs N. Akhtar (Parent):
“I left the event feeling proud that my son attends Our Lady’s, a Catholic School that encourages celebration of diversity. I want to thank the Staff who put the effort into planning this wonderful event for us.”
Ms K. Adesugba (Teacher at Our Lady’s):
“I really enjoyed the multi-faith Iftar event! It was wonderful to see students, families, and people of different faiths come together,
sharing food, conversations, and a strong sense of unity and community. It truly showcased the family values we cherish here at Our Lady’s. I’m already looking forward to future events like this!”
Brielle Djeukam & Fali Momodu (Pupil):
“The event was heart-warming and emphasised the importance of inter-faith dialogue. The true beauty of different religions coming together in faith and community was encouraged.”
Saarang Akhtar (Pupil):
“The event made me feel seen, made me feel included. It was also fun to come together as a community to celebrate something important to my faith.”
Where are they now?
In celebration of International Women’s Day, our school was delighted to welcome back one of our former pupils, Maria Edwards, who took the time to speak with our Year 7 students about her incredible journey from school to the world of professional sport. Maria is extremely successful in her sporting career, even in her school years, playing football for Manchester City whilst excelling at boxing and becoming a 3-time champion. She then moved on to Manchester United’s academy, with whom she won the FA Youth Cup, and made her England debut. This, understandably, she described as the highlight of her career and proudest sporting moment.
The talk was both motivating and insightful as Maria recounted her experiences growing up and how her passion for football led her to pursue it as a career. She spoke about the challenges she faced, including balancing academia with training, and how perseverance and hard work were key to her success. Her visit was a fantastic opportunity for Year 7 students to hear first-hand what it takes to succeed in a competitive field and the importance of determination, teamwork, selfbelief and how working hard in school and in life can get you to where you want to go.
The session concluded with a Q&A where students asked questions about her career, training routines, and her experiences playing
at the highest level. She gave our students sound advice in making sure they listen to their teachers and getting their heads down in school. When asked about negativity Maria emphasised the importance of focus if anyone tries to put you down and advised the students to focus on their own goals and to keep their own mindset positive. It was clear from the energy and excitement in the room that Maria’s visit was a memorable and inspiring moment for all, staff and students alike.
After school Maria put on a football session for the Year 7 girls and members of all the girls football team. She coached our students to reach their full football potential by working on their close control skills, shooting and adding a bit of fun and competition with a cross bar challenge. The girls thoroughly enjoyed it and really appreciated Maria giving up her time. Maria was able to award two of our students 2 free tickets to the Women’s FA Cup final due to their effort and performance within the session.
The two lucky winners were Maddison and Krupa who are both super excited for this trip. Maria has even organised for the girls to go and watch her in one of her Blackburn matches and is arranging tickets to attend a home match.
We are so grateful to Maria for taking the time to visit and for inspiring the next
generation of students to dream big and aim high. She absolutely loved coming back to Our Lady’s as she loved school and was happy to come and see everyone and commented on how amazing the Year 7s and girls in the session were a credit to our school.
Religious Life Of School
This Spring Term, we have had the pleasure of welcoming the ‘Anchor of Hope’ delivered to us from the Salford Diocese. The ‘Anchor of Hope’ is symbolic for the Jubilee Year that the Church is celebrating. This celebration comes around every 25 years, each time with a different theme. To kick start off our school celebrations, the pupils gathered together with Miss Hampson and Miss White to enjoy a Jubilee luncheon. Whilst enjoying the time spent together, the pupils and staff created Our Lady’s very own ‘Anchor of Hope’, attaching a chain of our own hopes for our futures. This is now permanently displayed in the Religious Studies Department. The Diocesan ‘Anchor of Hope’ is currently on a pilgrimage to all Catholic schools within the Salford Diocese. We have now passed on the ‘Anchor of Hope’ to one of our feeder schools, St. John Bosco’s, sharing our hopes for the future with their school community.
In order to support the Three Pillars of Lent, Religious Life pupils have been active through distributing the St. Joseph’s Penny Boxes to each individual form group. All donations will be collected and donated at the end of Lent. Mrs Burke is also aiding this charity through selling soup of the day for £1 on a Friday. All donations collected will go towards the funds for St. Joseph’s Penny.
In the run up to Easter, the Religious Life pupils have participated in preparation for our end of term Easter Masses. Fr. Nicholas alongside the Religious Life leads organised Ash Wednesday for both staff and pupils to receive the ashes, reminding all of the importance of Lent and the Three Pillars we endeavor to carry out in our daily lives; Prayer, Almsgiving and Fasting. Both staff and pupils were encouraged to reflect on their willingness to live out their lives as Ambassadors of Christ.
Staff Profile: Mrs Rivers
What is your role at Our Lady’s?
My role at Our Lady’s is a Teaching Assistant.
How long have you worked here? Can you remember your first impressions, how do they compare to your feelings now?
I would have been here twenty years this October. My first impression was that the school seemed very welcoming, I was interviewed in the summer by Mr Gosling and Mr Kosowich who are now both retired. My feelings haven’t changed as all the staff are very welcoming and approachable.
What is your favourite thing about working in secondary education?
One of my favourite things about working in secondary education is seeing the pupils progress throughout their time here.
What does a typical day for Mrs Rivers look like?
My day starts with a meeting in our base room. Following this I either take pupils to their form room or mentor a named pupil. Then it is time to move to class where I provide support for the named pupils on my timetable. I am mainly in Science which I love but I also support in Art, English, French and Maths.
Where is your favourite place you have visited? Do you have any other destinations you would like to visit?
I have visited Greece, Italy and Spain and also places in the UK. I would like to visit my place of birth which is Germany.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
My greatest achievement to date is gaining HLTA status and also becoming a mother and Grandmother.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
During my time away from school I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy online study which gives me a better understanding of the difficulties my pupils face. The courses that have helped me in my work are Understanding challenging behaviour, Autism and The mental health of children and young people.
What is your favourite film or TV show?
I don’t really have a favourite film or TV show, if something looks or sounds interesting I will watch it.
What is your favourite book?
My favourite book is Jane Eyre.
What is your favourite song or piece of music?
Queen is my favourite group although I do listen to other artists.
What is your favourite cuisine or meal?
Indian food is my favourite cuisine although I do love a good Sunday dinner.
What is the best bit of advice you have for students at Our Lady’s?
The best piece of advice I could give to the pupils at Our Lady’s is to always try your best.
Staff Profile: Mr Banham
What is your role at Our Lady’s Expressive Arts Faculty Leader
How long have you worked here - Can you remember your first impressions, how do they compare to your feelings now?
15 years! A very long time. OLHS has definitely changed a lot over the years and yet some things remain the same. As I arrived for my interview the old school building was a pile of rubble in what is now the staff car park. We had been in the new building a few months when I started in September 2009 and some of our more long-serving members of staff will remember the wonders of classrooms with moving walls and Funky Fridays! We still serve the amazing students of Blackley and surrounding areas who never cease to surprise me with their generosity, community spirit and willingness to go for it and express themselves.
What is your favourite thing about working in secondary education?
It is never boring. It is a hectic, fast moving world and it can be difficult to keep up at times but the staff and students work so hard and it is great to see everyone coming together and bringing their passion for a subject or extracurricular activity.
But...my absolute favourite thing is when a student does better than they thought they were able to do at something. Those moments are quality.
What does a typical day for Mr Banham look like?
Up at 6am getting ready and getting my little lad ready for nursery. He loves to distract me by making me laugh then running off, which works.
Into school for around 7.30am to get ready for the school day
Meetings, form, lessons, duties at some breaks and lunches and of course...rehearsals, whenever we can fit them in for our GCSE Drama exams and our extracurricular performances too.
Then several times a year there will be an Expressive Arts event in the evening such as the school Musical, Art/Photography exhibitions and Music concerts.
Where is your favourite place you have visited?
New York
Do you have any other destinations you would like to visit?
I would like to travel in style on the Orient Express
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
I’m very proud of the work we do here at OLHS. All the amazing results we have supported students to get over the years is a big one for me. But I have to say I am pretty proud of the 15 full scale musical theatre productions we have put on since I started here, including one during Covid made up of separately recorded group and individual performances edited together and shown to all the students in school.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
Musical Theatre directing and performing, singing in bands, podcasts, mountain biking, running, films.
Favourite film or TV show?
Film - The Usual Suspects. TV Show - Breaking Bad
Favourite book?
I love the Jack Reacher books
Favourite song or piece of music?
I love so many different types of music...this is too hard to decide
Favourite cuisine or meal?
Italian or smash burgers
Who would you most like to meet and why?
Lin Manuel Miranda - He wrote one of my favourite musicals; Hamilton (and lots of other music for film/TV and musicals) which was like nothing I had ever heard before including hip-hop style music which I also love. I would ask him how he got his inspiration to create something so new and visionary.
Best bit of advice for students at Our Lady’s
Be yourself, not what others think you should be. Try everything. And, follow my motto (my y10 form will roll their eyes I’m sure as I say this to them every day) - Work hard, learn lots, BE NICE.
Expressive Arts London Adventure: A Trip to Remember!
Over two unforgettable days during the February half term break, Year 9 and 10 students embarked on an exciting London trip with the Expressive Arts faculty. Packed with culture, creativity, and sightseeing, it was an adventure to remember.
As we arrived in London our first stop was Covent Garden, where students explored the bustling market, watched talented street performers and soaked up the lively atmosphere. After some free time, we headed to Frankie & Benny’s for a delicious meal, where students relaxed and chatted before the evening’s main event.
We then made our way to the Apollo Victoria Theatre to see the spectacular Wicked. The dazzling performances, stunning vocals, and powerful storytelling left everyone in awe. For many, it was their first West End show, and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
The following day, we visited Tate Modern, home to some of the world’s most renowned contemporary art. Students explored thoughtprovoking exhibitions, sparking discussions about their favourite pieces.
To end the trip, we enjoyed a sightseeing river cruise along the Thames, taking in iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament. It was the perfect way to reflect on an amazing trip
while appreciating London’s beauty from the water.
Student behaviour was exemplary throughout, making the experience even more enjoyable.
A huge thank you to Miss Magill who organised the trip, Mrs Rathod and Mr Owen for giving up their holidays to help supervise and to the students for their enthusiasm. From street performances to West End magic, from modern art to breath-taking river views, this trip was a fantastic success. We can’t wait for the next adventure!
See you next time, Mr Banham
Spring Sport News
This term in PE we had some great inspiration from an ex pupil named Herman Dange. Herman has started up Europe’s biggest running club. The running club sees thousands of people of all ages attend running sessions regardless of their ability. Herman came in to speak to the pupils about the importance of health and fitness and how it can help both mentally and physically as part of a healthy active lifestyle. After a great inspirational talk, he even ran the bleep test with some of our year 7s and inspired them to break some new personal records.
A big thank you to Herman and his team at Made Running. Follow them on Instagram and get down to one of their free run club gatherings to help kick start a healthy active lifestyle.
Made Running “no one gets left behind”
Primary Girls Football Festival
This term, Mrs Wray, Mrs Richmond & Miss Burns supported our year 10 leaders in hosting a Primary girls football festival to celebrate International Women’s Day and promote a nationwide initiative called #letgirlsplay. This initiative encourages schools to provide as many equal opportunities for all girls to be involved in football as possible. The leaders were outstanding throughout with 6 local
primary schools in attendance, 8 teams overall and over 60 girls participating in a fun and engaging tournament, this was an amazing sight to see and just demonstrated how far girls sport has progressed over the years. The feedback that we received from the staff, pupils and parents who were watching was incredible and extremely positive. These pupils have been
working very hard with their leadership, volunteering their time with supporting numerous primary sport competitions but this being the first in which they have hosted themselves. A huge congratulations to all the pupils involved as they were an absolute credit to the school.
A massive congratulations to our year 7 girls’ and boys’ indoor Athletics teams who won the Manchester Indoor Athletics Championships just before half term
World Book Day
World Book Day was celebrated on March 6th. In order to commemorate this important celebration, many different events have been taking place across school. The power of reading was promoted in assemblies across all year groups - tying in the importance of reading for pleasure alongside accelerating action for International Women’s Day. It was clear that it isn’t just English teachers who value reading! Superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and Zendaya openly shared the significance reading has had on their success.
Across school, Mrs Coles placed dingbat puzzles of famous books, with 12 to be solved in order to win a prize. Form tutors had their reading knowledge tested with a quiz and each form in each year group battled it out to be the best read, with questions written by fellow pupils.
The main event has been the Read Around the World initiative, helping students to find stories that are set in different countries all across the world. Flags have been stuck to some incredible books as well as boarding passes
with a summary on the story. The competition for the furthest journey travelled, the longest adventure and the most adventurous traveller.
Ahead of the Year 11 literature exams taking place in May, Miss Winters is running a Literature Film Club every Monday lunchtime in S7. Romeo and Juliet will be shown on the 10th and 17th March, A Christmas Carol on 24th and 31st March and finishing with An Inspector Calls on 28th April and 19th May.
