Summer Newsletter 2025
July 2025
As we approach the end of the 2024-25 academic year, I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of our staff, students and parents for their dedication and hard work. Your commitment has made it a great year at Harper Green.
Together, we create an environment that puts our students first, helping them grow into the best versions of themselves. It is inspiring to see the effort, creativity and enthusiasm of everyone in our school community.
There have been so many moments to celebrate this year and I’ve highlighted some of the key achievements in this newsletter. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer and look forward to the exciting opportunities the new academic year will bring.
Ms Heppenstall, Headteacher
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September: Art, Photography & Bikeability Cycle to School Week
In September, our Art and Photography students went on a field trip to Manchester city centre to gain inspiration for their project, ‘Manchester,’ using street art as a creative starting point.
We also took part in Bikeability Cycle to School Week, during which our fantastic staff offered free bike MOTs and cleans for students cycling to school.
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October: Spelling Bee Championships & Bugsy Malone
October was a month of impressive achievements. Our students took part in the Trust Spelling Bee, representing Harper Green brilliantly and winning the championship.
We also welcomed back our annual school performance. This year’s production, Bugsy Malone, showcased students stepping out of their comfort zones with outstanding performances. It was a truly fantastic show that highlighted their confidence and creativity.
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November: Civic Engagement 
In November, Year 7 student Dakota had the opportunity to shadow Manchester’s Deputy Mayor, Kate Green. The Deputy Mayor commented on Dakota’s enthusiasm and engagement throughout the day and warmly invited them to return for future opportunities.
Inspired by this experience, plans are now underway for a youth-led project on hate crime, potentially launching during Hate Crime Awareness Week in February through New Bury and Farnworth Youth Voice. Well done, Dakota!
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December: Making a Difference
In December, we embraced our mission of ‘making a difference’ through a range of charitable activities:
- Urban Outreach: Over 500 cartons and tins of custard were collected to contribute to Christmas Hampers for families in our local community. Ms Heppenstall, Headteacher, said, “Having worked with Urban Outreach in previous years, we know how much of a difference our contributions can make, especially at Christmas. It has been truly heartening to witness our community come together to support such an important cause.”
- Homeless Aid UK: Students created and decorated 112 Dignity Bags for distribution at the Bolton Street Kitchens. Sital Raja, from Homeless Aid UK, praised the students’ efforts, commenting on the beauty and generosity of the bags.
- Secret Santa Gift Donations: Staff and parents donated gifts, allowing students to choose and wrap presents for themselves and their families. For many, this was the first time they experienced the joy of giving.
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January: Charity & Sports Excellence 
January saw Year 11 student Tyler M raise over £200 independently for Farnworth and Kearsley Foodbank as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award - a fabulous altruistic achievement.
Our students also competed in the Bolton Panathlon Xtend Challenge at Bolton Arena, securing an impressive 3rd place. The event tested both physical skill and tactical thinking across activities such as precision bean bag throws, new age curling, boccia blast, flight path, skittles, slam dunk, and the Messi football skills challenge.
Our students demonstrated exceptional teamwork, positivity, and resilience, embodying true sportsmanship and making us all very proud.
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February: Storytelling & Athletics
February was a month of inspiration. Year 11 student Ryan A debuted at the National Indoor Athletics Championships, finishing 3rd in the 60m heats and advancing him through to the final. This was only his third ever meet, and his future in athletics, especially the 200m, is exceptionally bright.
We also welcomed author Marie Basting, who led a Fairytale and Folklore Workshop with students from Harper Green and Trust School Rivington and Blackrod. Students explored storytelling techniques, developing their own creative tales. Marie said, “It was my absolute pleasure to visit Harper Green students. What a fantastic group of young people. Good luck with your competition entries!”
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March: Inspiring Women Leaders 
In March, local MP Yasmin Qureshi visited Harper Green for International Women’s Day, sharing her experiences as a female leader and inspiring students to engage in community leadership. She met with a group of young women passionate about making a difference.
Reflecting on the visit, Yasmin Qureshi MP said, “I had a fantastic morning at Harper Green, meeting incredible students and dedicated staff. The energy, ideas and ambition of these young women give me so much hope for the future!”
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April: Sporting Inspiration
April brought inspiration from Blind England footballer Azeem Amir. He spoke honestly about the challenges he has faced and how he turned them into strengths, demonstrating to students that determination and self-belief can take you further than you ever imagined.
Students engaged actively, asking thoughtful and sometimes brave questions. A Year 10 student reflected, “Hearing Azeem’s story really changed how I think. It made me realise that no matter your situation, you can still succeed if you believe in yourself.”
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May: Leadership and Achievement
May was a busy month at Harper Green School. Year
11 students began their GCSE exams, while Year 9 students completed both their practice and final expeditions for their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.
Mrs Fercsi, who led the expeditions, commented, “Their teamwork, positive attitudes, and maturity made the whole experience a joy. Seeing them support each other and grow in confidence was truly special.”
We also celebrated staff appreciation week and highlighted student leadership across the school. Mr Tyson praised student leaders for running lunchtime pop-up events, speaking confidently in assemblies, and actively participating in student voice initiatives. Their dedication and teamwork have made a real difference and set a brilliant example for others.
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June: Celebrations and Sporting Success
June – well where to start. Our Year 11 students finish their time at Harper Green with a wonderful leavers assembly and Prom.
Our junior sports leaders supported events including The Ferns Academy colour run, Lostock Primary School’s football competition, and Bolton School’s Primary Cricket competition.
At the Bolton Schools’ Athletics Championships, students achieved remarkable success:
- Mohammad (Year 7) – Gold, boys’ javelin
- Glory (Year 9) – Gold, boys’ long jump
- Tyler (Year 9) – Bronze, 300m final
- Mercy (Year 8) – Bronze, 300m final
- Additional students reached finals in the 100m, 200m, and 300m events
Tyler commented, “It felt amazing to represent Harper Green and bring home a medal. I’m really proud of what we all achieved as a team.”
Mr Wakefield, Head of Physical Education, said, “These events offer more than medals; they help students grow in confidence, develop perseverance, and learn the importance of teamwork and commitment. We’re incredibly proud of every single student.”
Our students also gave back to the community through a collaborative litter pick across Rivington, Blackrod, Lostock, and Harper Green.
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July: Personal Development Focus 
July focused on the personal development of our students with our inaugural We Are Harper (WAH) Week. It was an incredible week celebrating our students and their achievements over the past academic year, with a packed schedule including Sports Day, trips, a colour run, house competitions, and more.
The atmosphere was fantastic, with lots of smiles and happy memories made. More highlights and achievements from WAH Week will be shared in our 2025-26 Term 1 newsletter.
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This academic year has been full of memorable achievements, inspiring visits, and acts of generosity. We wish all our students, families, and staff a restful summer and look forward to another year of learning, growth, and success at Harper Green School.