Oldham Academies join forces in bid to secure forthcoming GCSE success

Students from across Oldham came together at Waterhead Academy for the first in a series of E-ACT student conferences aimed at preparing Year 11 pupils for their upcoming GCSEs.

These innovative events, organised by E-ACT multi-academy trust, bring together 30 targeted students from four academies across the north for focused learning led by expert teaching staff.

The E-ACT academies taking part are The Oldham Academy North (TOAN), Royton and Crompton Academy, and Parkwood Academy in Sheffield.

Also involved is Oldham’s Waterhead Academy, which is due to join E-ACT in the coming months.

The first two conferences focused on English Literature and English Language.

Led by Gemma Cottingham, Headteacher of Royton and Crompton Academy, and Emma O’Malley, Head of English at TOAN - both respected English specialists - the sessions equipped students with tailored guidance and knowledge along with essential revision techniques.

Gemma Cottingham, Headteacher at Royton and Crompton Academy, said: “Seeing students from different schools come together to learn has been incredibly rewarding.

"These conferences aren’t just about revision; they’re about building confidence, encouraging shared ideas, and giving students a chance to hear expert guidance in a fresh and exciting way.”

Jessica Giraud, Headteacher at TOAN, added: “These events show what we can achieve when we combine our strengths across E-ACT academies.

"By tailoring the sessions to pupils' needs and working collaboratively, we’ve created a fantastic opportunity for Year 11 students to feel more prepared and motivated for their GCSEs.”

The programme, which continues in March with sessions focusing on Maths and Science, has been designed to give Year 11 students a boost at this crucial stage in their studies.

Waterhead Academy, the host venue, is in the process of joining E-ACT and proud to be already involved in bringing students and staff together from across the trust.

James Wilson, Principal at Waterhead Academy, said: “It’s a privilege to host these conferences here in Oldham.

"Already, we can see the benefits of being part of the E-ACT community, as students and staff from different academies work together towards a shared goal.

"Events like these show the power of collaboration and how it can make a real difference in supporting our pupils to succeed.”

Andrea Atkinson, Education Director at E-ACT, added: “These conferences are a testament to the power of collaboration within the E-ACT community.

"Bringing together expertise from across our academies and providing targeted, focused support is already having a positive impact on our students.

"It’s wonderful to see staff and students working so closely together, united in the goal of ensuring every pupil achieves their best.”

Students also shared their thoughts on the conferences:

Eesha said: “I really enjoyed the Year 11 English literature conference.

"It was great to talk to about Macbeth, Unseen Poetry and hear everyone's thoughts.

"It was also really fun having other students from the other schools and hearing their opinions.

"I liked how we could share our ideas and learn from each other.”

Jack added: “I felt it opened up a new outlook on some of the texts for me as it gave us a new understanding due to the different inputs from teachers and students from different schools.”

Upcoming sessions include:

10th March – Maths Foundation

14th March – Maths Higher

19th March – Physics

25th March – Statistics Higher

27th March – Statistics Foundation

With feedback from students and staff overwhelmingly positive so far, the conferences are already proving to be a valuable resource for Year 11 pupils as they prepare for their final exams.

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