Here we are at Week 7, with just one week to go before half term.

Autumn 1 is nearly over, and what a whirlwind of a term it has been. It's hard to believe that when we started the year, the weather was warmer, the mornings were brighter, and our new students were arriving feeling a little nervous and anxious. Now, our Year 7 students are settling beautifully into the routines, timetables, and busy life of Roman Road.

This week, Mrs Birch Hall and the Senior Leadership Team have continued to be out and about across school, observing teaching and learning. We have seen some truly engaging and inspiring lessons and, most importantly, our young people thriving.

I have been fortunate enough to observe a range of lessons this week, including PE, an amazing music lesson featuring ukuleles, dance and drama sessions, and a PSHE lesson focused on coping with emotions.

Alongside the quality of teaching and learning, we also pay close attention to the relationships between staff and students and how these interactions create positive learning experiences. I have seen some wonderful examples of this recently. In music lessons, older students have been supporting and leading younger students under the guidance of their teachers. In PE, students have been taking the lead during activities, coaching one another, offering advice, and suggesting next steps. Equally impressive has been seeing students listen to and accept support from their peers. It has been truly wonderful to witness.

I have also spent some time looking through the many photographs featured in our blogs. This week, we've celebrated the beautiful artwork created by 8LHA, which will be exhibited at Oldham Library. I can't wait to see it on display. We have also seen Year 8 students studying Oliver Twist, alongside AB5's work on the theme of My World – Welcome to Autumn. Not to mention the many celebrations of learning that will be shared over the coming days and weeks.

Next week, we head towards the half-term break, and I'm sure we'll have even more magical moments captured in our photographs.

Whilst Autumn 1 is always a busy term, it is also an exciting one as we look ahead to what's next and consider how we can continue to help our amazing students grow and develop.

That's it from me for this week.

Have a brilliant weekend, stay safe, and take care.

Mrs T