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,
Returning to school this year provided several building challenges, but over the course of this term I have seen their positive impact on the student experience. The state-of-the-art PE facilities, new outdoor spaces and the completely renovated main hall have significantly improved what was already an excellent set of facilities, and whilst the fabric of the building is important, it is the children and staff that bring it to life, and this has been reflected in so many ways over the course of this term. The children have been away on several residential breaks including the Year 7 full cohort adventure in Wales and a Year 9 city break to Paris involving all the key tourist destinations including Disneyland. The staff have put together a richly rewarding enrichment programme for the children to enjoy this year which includes some new niche activities like podcast recording, music studio production and mindful art as well as all the usual favourites such as sports, languages, music lessons and Mr Derrig’s famous film club!
As I write this, we are about to begin the season of Advent which as well as being one of the most important times of the Church’s calendar, it is also a special time in school. All staff and students are offered the sacrament of Reconciliation from our supportive clergy and then Mass will be celebrated for every year group. There will of course also be our seasonal charitable fundraising including food donations for the Caritas foodbank and a raffle for the NSPCC as part of our Christmas concert. All the children who arrive on time each day and receive no behaviour points are entered into the 12 days of Christmas prize draw
and can win some excellent prizes including, Apple air pods, JBL speakers and PlayStation 5 consoles as well as experiences such as Escape rooms, Nando’s gift cards and go-karting - it really is a joyful time of the year.
We have recently received the applications for Year 7 places in September 2025 and for the second year running we have over 700. This reflects the outstanding educational offer at Our Lady’s and the strong reputation in the community. It has also been confirmed by the new staff joining the school who cannot believe how well behaved and
Editor’s Welcome Message
polite the young people are. It truly is a special place to learn and work.
As you will be receiving this as the Christmas break approaches, I would like to wish all our families a happy and holy Christmas.
Halle-lujah!
in
God Bless
L. Ormsby Headteacher
Welcome to the Autumn edition of the Vision magazine, which you should be receiving just in time for the Christmas holidays. The Autumn term is always fantastically busy and this year has been no exception. We have taken the children on several holidays including the Lake District, Wales and Paris! There have been celebrations of language, culture and faith and of course there have been lots of rewards and enrichment activities. We hope you enjoy sharing all our news and we wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
the GCSE course, along with other pieces in a concert specially planned for Music GCSE and A Level students. This was an incredible opportunity to see a professional orchestra play pieces from many genres in a stunning venue.
‘It was an exhilarating performance that encapsulated each piece perfectly with differing emotions. I really enjoyed the performance or Bach’s Badinerie and the accompanying presentation was really useful for our GCSE course.’
Alanah Yr11
Reclaiming the Narrative
This October saw us celebrate Black History Month- the theme this year was reclaiming the narrative. We had information on Black Britons who paved the way to open up careers and pathways for younger people that had been previously closed to them due to racism. There was a form quiz to see who had taken in the information from the posters and the winning form had a free breakfast to enjoy.
In addition to this we had two speakers come into school- the first was Sam Buah, a civil engineer from Ghana, who started his foundation in Manchester to open up the career path for people from a greater range of backgrounds and he spoke to 25 of our engineering students from Y10 and Y11 about following their dreams.
We also had Alice from Black Girls Hike (BGH) a charity based in Manchester that works globally to increase diversity in outdoor spaces. Alice spoke to us about her experiences and love for the outdoors and during half term led a hike along the Monsal Trail near Bakewell in Derbyshire for 12 of our
You’re Hired
students and 6 staff. The students had a great time out in the countryside and will be gifted walking boots and refillable water bottles from the charity because they were such a lovely group.
Finally, we had fundraising from the Religious Life team, selling milkshakes to raise money for Afrocats, our BHM charity we have worked with for the past 3 years.
This year we had great experiences for our students and we are keen to continue working with our partners for BHM and ensure our diversity is celebrated all year long.
The best part of the experience for me was being able to explore and see bits of nature. I loved being able to talk and socialise with the people around but also get some exercise in. I also liked the fact the trail was a straight path so the hike didn’t feel like a chore and was actually enjoyable. There is not anything i would changed, I loved the hike perfectly as it was.
I enjoyed the views and I liked how the checklist really made me look at the surroundings, it made me much more attentive and mindful. I would love a hike up a mountain for bangs compared to a trail.
Melissa
Year 11 students recently took part in a series of mock interviews aimed at preparing them for future career opportunities. The event, held as part of our careers programme, offered students a chance to experience realworld job interviews in a supportive environment.
During the mock interviews students were interviewed by a range of local professionals, including business leaders, industry experts, and local colleges. Each interview was designed to simulate an authentic hiring process, with students asked to answer typical interview questions, showcase their strengths, and reflect on their skills and ambitions.
The event was part of a broader initiative to equip students with essential life skills, including confidence-building, communication, and self-presentation. The interviewers offered feedback, helping students to identify areas for improvement and to better understand what employers look for in potential candidates.
“These mock interviews provide invaluable experience,” said Mrs Scoular (Assistant Headteacher).
“It helps students understand the importance of preparation, how to articulate their strengths, and how to handle nerves in a professional setting.”
For many students, the mock interviews were an eye-opening experience that provided them with a better understanding of the job market and what is expected of them in their future careers. Many students commented that it was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but they now feel much more confident going into any future interviews.
Overall, the mock interview day proved to be a successful and valuable learning experience, helping students take the next steps toward their professional futures with greater confidence and clarity.
Rovalie
Class of 2024 –A Great Success!
GCSE results day is always a big event in our diary and this summer was no exception. The August weather might have been less than enthusiastic but our year 11 cohort made up for that by achieving some truly excellent exam results.
It was a morning filled with whoops of delight as envelopes were opened to reveal some fantastic grades, lots of 9’s and lots of smiles.
A press officer from Manchester City Council came into school and took some of these lovely portraits of our students which they shared as part of a citywide results celebration. Photo credit Della Bachelor
We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work and commitment to
learning, all those early mornings and after school revision sessions really paid off. We appreciate all of the support from staff who individually and as a collective enable our young people to reach their potential and grow their talents. And we thank all of the families for their unwavering support in helping their children through their last five years in school.
We look forward to hearing about what they do they next!
An Unforgettable Adventure!
This October, Year 7 students embarked on an exciting three-day residential trip to Colomendy Kingswood, nestled in the beautiful Welsh countryside. The trip offered a break from the classroom and a chance to embrace the great outdoors, build friendships, and gain new skills.
Students participated in a range of activities, from climbing and abseiling to archery and team-building exercises. For many, it was their first time experiencing such activities, and their willingness to give everything a go was truly impressive. These challenges were a fantastic way to develop confidence, resilience, and trust among peers.
Some of the highlights of the trip were the nightly football match under the floodlights, scaling Jacob’s Ladder in pairs and the evening campfire. A night walk through the forest followed, adding a touch of adventure and mystery to the evening!
The Year 7 residential trip is always looked back upon fondly and we are very happy to
have created long-lasting memories and a real sense of community. As the students return to school this half term, we are reminded of the bravery, teamwork, and resilience that everyone demonstrated on the trip—skills that will serve them well throughout their time at Our Lady’s.
Open Evening Showcase
Thank you to everyone who attended our Open Evening – so many of you!
It was a pleasure to meet lots of new families, catch up with some familiar faces and share all of the amazing spaces we have to offer including our new gym, refurbished PE department and landscaped outdoor space.
The Headteacher spoke to everyone in our new auditorium style hall sharing the vision of Our Lady’s for academic achievement, pastoral care and Catholic ethos.
All of the faculties put on a wonderful showcase to display the many highlights they will offer and we took plenty of photographs to share.
A delicious meal was served for everyone in the school canteen and the whole event was a resounding success.
Meet the Prefects
A prefect is a student who acts a role model to other children, they model excellent standards of uniform and conduct themselves impeccably at all times but most importantly they embody the school’s values and ethos and are good characters. Only year 11 students are eligible to be prefects and they have to apply in writing and be interviewed by senior staff to be considered.
Once appointed as a prefect, the head of year will allocate them to a committee where they can best support the school and showcase their uniqueness, this will involve supporting transition activities, representing the school at conferences, supervising other students and speaking at public events. The committees at Our Lady’s are Inclusion, enrichment, religious life, student council and year teams. There are also head prefects selected for their extraordinary contribution to school life. This year we have 3 such exemplar candidates, Danielle, Soruzondu and Stephen.
Each member of the 2024/25 prefect team wears a gold school tie to identify them. All staff are incredibly proud to have them represent our school community.
Religious Life Prefects
Enrichment Prefects
Head Prefects
Deputy Head Prefects
Year 10 Prefects
Year 7 Prefects
Year 8 Prefects
Year 9 Prefects
Student Council Prefects
Our Unforgettable Year 9 Trip to Paris
This year, 46 of our Year 9s embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Paris, a trip filled with history, culture, and excitement. From iconic landmarks to magical experiences, we explored some of the most famous sights in the world and made memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s a look back at our incredible journey through the City of Light.
DAY 1:
A Grand Start in Paris
Our trip began with an early morning departure, filled with excitement and anticipation as we headed towards the heart of Paris.
**Sacré-Cœur Basilica**
**Notre-Dame Cathedral**
Next, we made our way to one of Paris’s most famous landmarks: Notre-Dame Cathedral.
Our first stop was the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located at the highest point in the city, in the charming neighborhood of Montmartre.
The white stone of the basilica gleamed in the sunlight, and we were all awestruck by the panoramic views of Paris from the top. We took plenty of photos, enjoying the view of the entire city stretching out before us.
The gothic architecture, with its intricate stone carvings and flying buttresses, was truly breath-taking. Although we could no longer enter the cathedral after the fire in 2019, we stood outside and admired the grandeur of the structure. We also learned about the history of the cathedral and its importance in French culture.
**The Eiffel Tower**
We made our way to the Eiffel Tower after a river cruise on the Seine to take in the sights.
No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower, so of course, it was at the top of our list.
Later that evening, we returned to the Eiffel Tower to see it lit up against the night sky. Every hour, the tower sparkled for five minutes, lighting up the whole area in a dazzling display. It was a magical sight, and we all stood there in awe, taking in the beauty of this iconic monument.
DAY 2:
Conclusion: A Trip to Remember
**Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées**
After our Eiffel Tower adventure, we headed to the Arc de Triomphe, another of Paris’s most famous landmarks. The grand arch honours those who fought and died for France in the Napoleonic Wars. Afterwards, we walked down this famous avenue, exploring the shops and taking in the lively Parisian atmosphere.
We visited Disneyland Paris, whether you’re a fan of Disney or not, there’s something truly magical about stepping into the world of Disneyland. We spent the day riding roller coasters, exploring different themed lands, and meeting Disney characters.
From the thrilling rides like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain to the more relaxed, enchanting attractions like It’s a Small World, there was something for everyone. We also got to enjoy the spectacular Disney parades and shows, and of course, take a few photos with Mickey Mouse! It was a fun-filled day that allowed us to relax and unwind before continuing our adventure around Paris.
As we gathered for the journey back home, we reflected on everything we had seen and done during our time in this incredible city. From the historic landmarks like Notre-Dame and the SacréCœur, to the modern excitement of the Eiffel Tower and Disneyland, every moment of our trip was filled with wonder and discovery.
Our Year 9 trip to Paris was more than just a school outing; it was a chance to experience a world-renowned city filled with art, history, and culture. From the awe-inspiring monuments to the magical experiences at Disneyland, there was never a dull moment. We left Paris with our hearts full and our minds buzzing with new knowledge and unforgettable memories. It’s a trip we’ll talk about for years to come!
Dive into the Fun!!
In early October, some of our most adventurous Year 9 students ventured to the Waterpark Adventure Centre in Coniston. A fun filled weekend was organised for the students in and around the beautiful countryside surrounding the lake.
The manor house accommodation is on Coniston Water, blessing us with amazing views and a peaceful atmosphere. Students had the opportunity to try many new activities such as ghyll scrambling, giant paddle boarding, sailing and canoeing. Despite having little experience, Year 9 really put their all into each activity, even being brave enough to jump into the freezing cold lake. On dry land the students tried climbing, abseiling, high ropes and low ropes. We worked to conquer some of our fear of heights, developed communication through team building activities and the students showed their maturity by cleaning and tidying up after meal times.
A special thank you to Miss Power, Miss Massey, Mr Edge and Mr Bell for giving up their weekend to make this amazing trip possible for our Year 9 students.
Celebrate your Mother Tongue
On Friday 27th September, Our Lady’s celebrated Language’s Day. This was an opportunity for the entire community to celebrate the broad linguistic and cultural diversity that makes Our Lady’s such a unique and dynamic place to learn and work.
Miss Roe started off proceedings, delivering assemblies to different year groups on the importance of language learning and celebrating our students as the experts, as more than 70 languages are spoken in our school community. This included a video of students saying “hello, how are you?” in more than 20 languages!
Mrs Brandford, Miss O’Hanlon-Elms and Mr Blythe ran our annual languages themed Bake-Off competition where students brought in bakes representing different languages and cultures, ready to be judged, all winners won a ‘Star Baker’ apron, oven gloves or tea towels.
During period 5 Miss Roe and Miss Watkins were accompanied by students from around the school for our annual ‘Tour of the World’ competition. Students who had signed up to take part, were given a table in the hall and were challenged with representing their culture, country, language or religion of choice in a way that felt appropriate to them.
A total of 18 different stalls were entered with students choosing to represent; Italy, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Vietnam, Eritrea, Malawi, Nigeria, Congo, Wales, Spain, Ireland, Pakistan, Portugal, India, Germany, Jamaica and England. Staff and 60 golden ticket winners from MFL lessons had the opportunity to move around the stalls and learn about
the different places on display as well as try traditional dishes. It was fantastic to try so many amazing traditional foods and learn facts about each culture, even learning new phrases in Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Hindi and Tigrinya! Whilst all the students did a wonderful job, judges crowned Portugal the winning team with Poland and Nigeria in a close second and third. Thank you to all those that supported and participated in such a wonderful event.
Debate Mate
The launch event for Debate Mate at the University of Manchester for the 2024-2025 academic year was amazing. Students had the opportunity to meet other students and participate in a quiz. One of our students won a voucher! These incentives are truly
impressive. We all look forward to being part of the Debate Mate team for the rest of the academic year.
Staff Profile: Farielle NgamakalaWhere
Are They Now?
What has been your career journey since leaving school?
After leaving school, I attended Xaverian College, studying Health and Social Care, and later switched from Film Studies to Sociology.
I then completed a four-year Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Counselling course at the University of Bolton, graduating with a 2:1 in 2019. Alongside my studies, I worked as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities and volunteered with children with autism.
After graduation, I briefly worked as a Teaching Assistant until COVID ended my role. In 2022, I returned as a Learning Support Assistant and Developing Leader in Interventions at a Bolton school. That same year, I began a part-time PGCE course, aiming to qualify as a teacher by June 2024.
What do you do now and who do you do it for?
I am now a Religious Education teacher here at Our Lady’s! It’s surreal being back, but it’s been incredible to see my former teachers and see how much the school has improved.
What are your personal or professional hopes, aspirations or goals for the future?
In the future, I’m eager to add more countries to my travel list, as I love exploring new places and reminiscing about my adventures, both solo and with others.
Career-wise, I’m focused on taking things one step at a time, but my goal is to advance and grow within the teaching profession.
What is your favourite memory from your time at school?
Some of my favourite memories are of the dance battles my year group had in the
Getting to Know Miss Ngamakala…
What are your hobbies outside of school?
I enjoy singing and writing songs. I regularly attend my local church and love hanging out with my friends
Favourite film or TV show?
My favourite film is Shrek 2
Favourite book?
My favourite book is Just Don’t Want to Miss a Thing - Jill Mansell
Favourite song or piece of music?
yard over the years. It was always such a fun time, especially seeing the teachers rush over and enjoy watching our girls vs. boys krump or breakdancing battles!
I also loved being part of the school choir. I remember when it started with just about 10 of us, but once people realised we were good and going places, the numbers grew quickly. It was an amazing opportunity to perform in different spaces.
Are there any values or messages that have served you well from your time at Our Lady’s?
For me, the teachers who pushed me educationally in year 10 and got me through year 11 through continuous encouragement, even when I thought I was incapable of leaving with any GCSEs, are the ones will always remember. They are the ones who helped me to realise what a teacher is supposed to be and are the models as to how I teach today. They helped me believe in myself and my academic ability, and I am grateful for them.
I love listening to music but my favourite genre is R&B Favourite
Who would you most like to meet and why?
Morgan
I
Religious Life at Our Lady’s
Since coming back to school this September, Our Lady’s has been busy with lots of Masses and liturgical celebrations. Starting off the new year, Fr. Nicholas invited our new Year7 students and their parents to the Welcome Mass. We would like to thank all who attended and made the Mass such a special occasion.
We have also celebrated Mother Mary’s birthday on the 8th September honouring the Marian Houses all students and staff are placed in. Every member of staff and child was given a Marian house badge to wear on their blazer to represent which Marian community they belong to.
What exciting activities have our Religious Life groups been up to since the beginning of this new year?
Religious life students have been very busy already this year. Since coming back in the new academic year the religious life group has grown in numbers. Students from all year groups across the school have been growing in faith together by putting their faith into action.
G.I.F.T Chaplains have been continuing with their faith in action booklets. The faith in action award is presented to students who have consistently acted in a moral way by being ambassadors of Christ in our community, this may include charitable deeds or aiding Fr. Nicholas at Mass through reading the Word of God or altar serving. We look forward to nominating our Chaplains for this award at the end of the academic year. Chaplains have also been looking closely at scripture, having bible study sessions within their Chaplaincy meetings. They have also been supporting the running of S.V.P through aiding with any charity work.
S V P have not stopped since getting back into school this academic year. Most recently S.V.P students have been working on an anti-bullying video where they spoke through different Christian teachings encouraging people to ‘Love thy Neighbour’. This was combined through religious greetings from different faiths to link anti-bullying week with interfaith Week. You can find our video on our Instagram page @olhs_religiouseducation.
Let’s Go Wild on the Fylde
At the beginning of October, the Year 10 Geography students travelled to the Fylde coast to investigate the effectiveness of the coastal management strategies. This took place over two days and we luckily had dry weather for both days - which never happens!
During their time the students conducted questionnaires, took photographs, completed surveys and analysed the sea defences they then used this information to make a judgement.
These groups of students were a credit to the school as we received many compliments
about their politeness while we were there and a member of the public took the time to email the school to say how courteous some children had been.
Girls Feel Safe
This half term Girls PE have teamed up with British Taekwondo to provide an exciting programme to KS4 girls. This program is designed to empower girls with the essential skills and knowledge to enhance their personal safety and confidence in various situations. Whether they are walking home from school, socializing with friends, or navigating unfamiliar environments, the principles and techniques they will learn will help them stay aware, assertive, and prepared. The girls have responded exceptionally well all highlighting how the programme has impacted them, making them feel supported, confident and more secure in their environment expressing how they are more likely to participate in community
activities, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. We are all very proud of the girl’s positive participation and their overall contribution, honesty and enthusiasm towards this programme.
Lino Artist visits Us!!
On Friday the 8th of November, our year 10 Art, Craft & Design students were given the opportunity to develop their own linocut prints with the help of printmaker and artist Emma Pinnock. The children were guided through the process from initial photo selection, tracing the design and cutting it out of a piece of lino using special cutting tools. They then used block-printing ink to make a series of prints from their efforts, the results of which will contribute to their overall GCSE grade. Emma also gave the students an insight into what it is like to be an independent artist, bringing many examples of her own work to show and discussing the ins and outs of selling art and working on bespoke commissions.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
It’s that time of year again where we promote our 2025 school production of High School Musical, from Wednesday 5th February to Friday 7th February 2025. The children have been working tirelessly every Thursday and Friday after school in rehearsals and can’t wait to showcase this musical to you all. Each year the production gets better and better, and you’ll want to grab your tickets sooner rather than later with our updated reserved seating down in the hall. Here is the link and our trusty QR code to buy tickets, if you do have any questions please don’t
hesitate to contact Megan Magill or Michael Montgomery in regards to all things High School Musical!
