MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES
SKI TRIP 24
During the February half term, we embarked on our largest-ever ski trip, with 78 students and 10 staff members fortunate enough to take part in what was a truly unforgettable experience. This marked the academy’s first overseas trip since the COVID-19 pandemic – and for many of our students, it was also their very first school trip due to the disruptions of the pandemic.
Our base for the week was the beautiful resort of Santa Caterina in Italy, part of the wider Bormio ski area – set to host the 2026 Winter Olympics! From the moment we arrived, our students were exceptional. Their behaviour was exemplary, and their determination to master skiing –despite tired legs and a few bruises along the way – was a joy to witness.
The majority of the group were complete beginners at the start of the week. However, their rapid progress was impressive, with many advancing confidently from the beginner-friendly green slopes to the more challenging blue and red runs. The week concluded in true Olympic spirit with a timed slalom race, which was a fantastic highlight for all involved. Evenings were packed with fun and social activities, giving students a chance to unwind and explore the local area. Highlights included a pizza night, karaoke/disco evening, shopping trip to Bormio, and a luge evening. Our final day brought a spectacular snowfall – over 50cm of fresh powder – which made for an incredible last ski session. Though the return journey involved a long 26-hour coach ride, it was a small price to pay for the memories, laughter, and achievements of the week. We’re incredibly proud of our students and grateful to the staff who made this trip possible. Here's to many more adventures ahead!
SUMMER BALL 24
At the end of the summer term, students who had reached the required criteria were invited to celebrate at a Summer Ball, complete with DJ and tuck shop!
A great time was had by all, and some great dance moves were on show – even from some of the staff!
PROM 2024
The Year 11 Leavers’ Prom was held at the Saddleworth Hotel, and we were once again fortunate to enjoy glorious weather that set the perfect tone for the evening. Our students looked absolutely amazing, arriving in style via an impressive variety of transport –from classic cars to tractors. The evening was a wonderful celebration of the students’ hard work, resilience, and achievements throughout their time at the academy.
We’re incredibly proud of all our Year 11 students and wish them every success in the exciting chapter ahead.
GCSE RESULTS DAY
All the hard work paid off as a number of our Year 11 students joined us at the academy to celebrate their fantastic GCSE results.
It was a strong performance for the academy, with 73% of students achieving a grade 4 or higher in both English and Maths. In English, 82% secured a grade 4 or above, and in Maths, 75% met this benchmark, all significantly above the national average!
We are incredibly proud of the dedication and resilience shown by our students, and we wish each and every one of them the very best as they move on to the next exciting chapter, whether that’s college, sixth form, or an apprenticeship.
BATTLEFIELDS
In September, 45 of our Year 9 students had the incredible opportunity to visit the World War I battlefield sites in France and Belgium. This deeply moving and educational trip gave students a powerful insight into the realities faced by soldiers during the Great War.
Highlights of the visit included attending the poignant Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, exploring the largest British war cemetery at Tyne Cot, and walking through the remarkably wellpreserved trenches at Sanctuary Wood. Students also visited Talbot House and the Thiepval Memorial, which honours the missing of the Somme; a particularly special moment was laying a wreath at one of the Somme memorials in honour of a Milnrow soldier.
Throughout the trip, our students were outstanding and a credit to their families and the academy.
CERN, GENEVA
This term, the Science Department took 30 Year 10 and 11 students to CERN, Geneva. As the world's foremost particle physics research facility, CERN provided a fascinating insight into the mysteries of the Universe.
Students had the opportunity to meet scientists from around the globe, who explained how the 16-mile-long tunnel under the Alps is used to smash particles together at 99.9999991% the speed of light. This groundbreaking research has revealed insights into the Big Bang, dark matter and the fundamental forces that control the whole Universe. CERN is also famous as the birthplace of the Higgs Boson discovery, a Nobel Prize winning discovery also known as the "God Particle”, and it still continues to lead the way in physics research. We were also lucky enough to visit the Swiss Plasma Research Centre in Lausanne; scientists here are finding out how we can harness nuclear fusion to provide almost unlimited energy without the issues caused by fossil fuels and traditional nuclear fission power stations.
A highlight of the visit was seeing an experimental fusion reactor in action, operating at temperatures of nearly 100 million degrees - this was an unforgettable experience! Whilst in Switzerland, students enjoyed a traditional Swiss fondue night and even had time for an evening of ten-pin bowling. A huge thank you to the staff and students who made this trip so memorable. Who knows? Maybe we've inspired some future Nobel Prize-winners from Hollingworth Academy?
CHARITY BAKE SALE
Our House teams went head-to-head in a charity bake sale, all in support of Cash4Kids. Students brought in an impressive array of homemade treats and showed incredible enthusiasm and teamwork as they sold their goods during their allotted times.
It was a closely fought contest, but Altair House claimed victory and earn valuable RISE points for their efforts.
Thanks to the generosity and hard work of everyone involved, we raised over £650 for a fantastic cause – a brilliant achievement and a true reflection of our school community spirit. Well done to all!
BRIDGEWATER HALL
A group of our Year 7, 8, and 9 students had the fantastic opportunity to watch the renowned Hallé Orchestra perform live at the Bridgewater Hall. Not only did they enjoy a variety of musical pieces, but they were also introduced to the instruments of the orchestra.
A huge well done to all our students for being brilliant representatives of Hollingworth Academy.
ICELAND
Our Year 11 Geography students recently spent four unforgettable days exploring the breath-taking landscapes of Iceland, the "Land of Fire and Ice." Highlights of the trip included an exhilarating glacier hike on the Solheimajokull Glacier, a relaxing swim in the geothermally heated Secret Lagoon, and the awe-inspiring eruption of the Strokkur Geyser.
To top it all off, students were fortunate enough to witness a spectacular display of the Northern Lights - an experience they will never forget.
This incredible journey provided students with a deeper understanding of Iceland’s unique geography while creating memories to last a lifetime!
Here are just a few snapshots from our incredible trip to Iceland! Check out our YouTube video for more highlights! https://youtu.be/j9LocLTLsyo
