Wardle Academy Deep Learning Day

Rudi Oppenheimer, a Holocaust survivor

Deep Learning Day took place on Friday 21 March at Wardle Academy and all year groups were treated to a range of activities to develop their skills and expand their learning.

Year 7

Year 7 visited Chester Zoo with the Science Department. They spent the day exploring the zoo and they were given the task of finding endangered species. The pupils saw a range of animals, from lions to fruit bats, and they really enjoyed the day.

Year 8 and 9

A group of Year 8 pupils visited Manchester Museum to explore the concept of ‘culture and identity’ as part of an ongoing partnership between Wardle Academy and Manchester Museum. The remaining Year 8 pupils, who had visited Manchester Museum earlier in the year, joined the Year 9 pupils for RESPECT Day. The day signalled the start of the new RESPECT curriculum and allowed the pupils to get a taste of the new subject.

The first part of the day involved pupils listening to a concert by Jessica Alice who, as well as being an up and coming singer and songwriter, is an ambassador for The Cybersmile Foundation, a cyberbullying charity committed to tackling all forms of online bullying and hate campaigns. After listening to Alice perform, the students engaged in a discussion about bullying.

Later in the morning pupils embarked on a drugs and alcohol awareness session specifically looking at the consequences of legal highs and ‘neknominations’, both of which have been featured heavily in the news. These sessions were delivered by Early Break, a local drugs and alcohol awareness charity. The pupils also took part in a car crime awareness session delivered by Rochdale Council’s Road Awareness Team. They looked at the consequences of car crime and irresponsible driving behaviour.

Year 8 pupils spent the rest of the morning listening to Caroline from the Holocaust Education Trust. This session was a preparation for the afternoon session, and it gave the pupils the opportunity to raise their awareness about the Holocaust and the history of the Second World War.

In the afternoon, the Year 8 and 9 pupils had the pleasure and privilege of listening to Rudi Oppenheimer, a Holocaust survivor. Rudi gave his testimony of being a survivor of Bergen-Belsen. This was followed by a question and answer session to enable students to better understand the nature of the Holocaust and to explore its consequences in more depth. The visit was part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s extensive Outreach Programme.

Year 10 and 11

Year 10 took part in a cinema trip with the English Department during Deep Learning Day, while Year 11 were taught a range of study skills and revision skills to help them with their up and coming exams.

A group of 14 Year 10 and 11 pupils who are studying the Royal Society for Public Health Level 2 Award in 'Understanding Health Improvement’ spent the day working towards their qualification. The course is designed to make the public more aware of issues effecting their health, such as lifestyle and societal issues. As part of the course, the pupils have to complete a series of ‘health chats’ with people from the wider community, record their findings and discuss where the interviewees could make improvements to their health.

A group of Year 10 pupils were also involved in working with Key 103. Students worked in groups and independently with staff to complete their Level 1 AQA qualification in Radio Production. They learnt about a variety of concepts, such as ‘double sourcing’, ‘trending’ and microphone techniques. The students recorded part of a radio script in groups as part of the qualification.

The day was a huge success and Wardle Academy would like to thank all the staff involved for the hard work and effort they put into organising and running the activities.