Culture Week

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Culture Week

Last week, we proudly celebrated our yearly tradition of Culture Week. From our daily Fashion Show Assemblies to themed form times, we celebrated the rich diversity within our school and the wider Manchester and Whitefield community. Assemblies highlighted influential and diverse figures connected to Manchester, inspiring pupils to take pride in culture and identity. Throughout the week, our canteen offered a special themed menus, giving pupils the chance to explore global flavours, while our RE department organised synagogue trips, allowing students to learn first-hand about different faiths and communities. On Friday, Culture Day, Staff and Pupils came dressed in outfits…

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Space Academy visit

Some of our year 9 students took part in an exciting ‘Life in Space’ workshop delivered by the National Space Academy. Our visiting space advocates explored how humans adapt to life beyond Earth, the forces experienced in space and the chemical reactions that make space travel possible. Students enjoyed taking part in hands-on mini experiments, learning about future career pathways in the space industry and even had the opportunity to explore a real cosmonaut suit. A fantastic and inspiring experience for all involved.

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Connected communities

On Monday 5 January, staff from Philips joined colleagues from across Oak Learning Partnership’s other schools for the annual trust-wide staff conference, held at Bolton Excellency Centre. Around 650 colleagues took part in the day, which focused on the theme ‘Everyone welcome – connected communities: Reaching every learner, supporting every educator’. The conference was a chance for staff to step away from their day-to-day roles, reconnect with colleagues from across the trust and take part in a wide range of CPD sessions. These sessions encouraged reflection, discussion and practical thinking about how we continue to build inclusive, supportive environments for…

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Lest we forget

This morning, Philips High School held a poignant Remembrance Day ceremony to mark Armistice Day and honour those who lost their lives in conflict. At 11:00am, the entire school community paused for a national two-minute silence to commemorate the end of the First World War. The ceremony, led by the school’s cadets, took place in the school yard where Year 7 students gathered to observe the occasion. Year 11 cadet George performed The Last Post, signalling the start of the silence, as the cadets stood to attention in a formal parade. The service reflected the school’s deep respect for remembrance…

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Anti-Bullying Week

Students and staff put their best feet forward yesterday as they showed off their odd socks in celebration of Anti-Bullying Week. Odd Socks Day is an initiative run as part of Anti-Bullying Week to celebrate individuality and prompt conversations around inclusivity and kindness. The group were joined by Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Bury Council, and Lynne Ridsale, Chief Executive at Bury Council, to talk to them about the anti-bullying initiatives run in school. Students talked about their roles as anti-bullying ambassadors and discussed how they support peers in school. They also explained all…

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One of Bury’s best high schools

Philips High School is celebrating after new Department for Education data placed it as one of the best performing comprehensive secondary schools in Bury and the North West. The figures, released on Friday 16 October, show the Whitefield school has achieved its best-ever GCSE results – a milestone moment for pupils, staff and families. More than half of the school’s Year 11 cohort – 55% – earned a grade 5 or above in both English and maths, up by 10% compared to 2024 and significantly above the national average of 45%. The results reflect year-on-year progress under a new school…

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Students embrace field investigations

In an impressive display of creativity and adaptability, the science department at Philips High School transformed the sports hall into a dynamic mock field and river environment for year 11 students. This innovative approach allowed students to develop critical field investigation skills in a controlled setting, overcoming the challenges posed by winter weather. The setup provided students with a unique opportunity to observe and investigate a specific organism while engaging in practical, hands-on learning. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with 95% of students reporting an improved understanding of field investigations. Beyond the field studies, students delved into ecological concepts such…

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