Castle Hill Blog 22/05/2026

What a week it has been here at Castle Hill! I couldn't be prouder of our pupils who have given it their all in assessments and exams. I know how hard this is for many but they have shown such determination. A massive well done is deserved!

Sizzling Hot Writes

8S produced some fantastic hot writes while working independently following the English topic of the book, Holes. They had to write a news report on the story: A wanted outlaw guns down the town’s heroic sheriff, shattering what little peace Green Lake had left. He then brands the fallen lawman with a poisoned kiss, a cruel act that becomes part of the town’s dark legend in the novel....The pupils' news reports showed excellent understanding and fantastic concentration skills.

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Art Adventures

It’s been a busy few weeks in art. The year 11 pupils visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to explore art of all sizes made from a range of materials. 
Our year 10 pupils were very lucky to have not one, but two, local artists come to visit and talk about how they have made something that they love into a career. 
A huge thank you Kate Fox (https://www.instagram.com/katefoxdesign/?hl=en) and Stephanie Evans of Self Care Creatives ( https://www.instagram.com/evanssentcreations/) for generously giving their time to talk about their career journeys in the art world. They also ran a joint workshop using watercolour paint, which everyone enjoyed. 

Finally, some of our key stage 3 pupils have attended 5 weeks of art workshops at Lisburne School, led by Venture arts, along with some of their pupils that will be joining us in September as an extra transition activity. Venture Arts is a charity that works with people of all ages with additional needs, to give them access and career opportunities in art so if your young person is interested in art this may be a great place for them to explore this further.

https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/contacts/view/52291

One of our  year 7 pupils, Lincoln, said in his final session “I will miss this now it’s finished.”

Looking Ahead...Dates for Diary:

Date	Event
Mon 8th – Tues 9th June	Year 13 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
Fri 12th June	Year 11 Leavers’ Assembly (9-10.30am) Year 11 Leavers’ Day
Wed 17th June	Year 13 and Pre-internship Leavers’ Day Meal out (in evening – details to follow)
Thurs 25th June	Non-uniform Day (donations of chocolate for the Summer Fayre)
	Parent Forum (9.30-11am)
	Year 11 Prom – Stockport County (5.30-9pm)
Fri 26th June	INSET (No pupils in)
Sat 4th July	Summer Fayre (10am-12pm)
Tues 7th July	Whole School Move Up Morning (meet new Form Tutors)
Fri 17th July	Break up for the Summer Holidays (finish at 1pm)

And Finally...

Look at this powerful poem that landed on my desk this week, Bailey has shown great empathy and talent to convey the horror of the holocaust. 

Have a great half-term break!