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Key Stage 3 Learn the Digestive System

This week in Science, KS3 have been learning all about the digestive system. We created a (disgusting) model to show this important process.

First, we placed a wheat biscuit and half a banana on a dish. We added water (saliva) and used a pair of forks (teeth) to cut and grind the food. 

After that, we added the mixture to a Ziplock bag (stomach) and poured a small cup of orange juice (the stomach acids) into the bag. We then squeezed the bag until the contents are mushy to represent food being broken down in the stomach.

Then, we poured the contents of the ‘stomach’ into one leg of the tights (the intestines) and squeezed the tights over the dish. The liquid that pours out represents the nutrients that are absorbed into our body.

Finally, we cut a hole in the bottom of the tights and pushed the waste through the hole in the bottom, representing the waste leaving our body.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Newsletter

Our Sixth Form DofE groups are well underway with their Bronze and Silver Awards this year, with around 20 students taking part. They’ve recently completed their Volunteering and Skills sections, where they had full ownership over their choices—an important part of the DofE experience. From baking and drawing to learning forest skills, our students have developed a fantastic range of new talents. Their volunteering efforts have been just as varied, including litter picking, helping to maintain the beautiful gardens at Sacred Heart Church, and even dog walking with the ever-enthusiastic pug, Stella! Many are still working towards their Physical section, taking part in activities such as walking, multi-sports, or hitting the gym at Pure Gym Debdale.
With expedition season fast approaching, students have now begun their training to prepare for their end-of-June adventures. This week, they kicked things off with a first aid session, successfully completing the British Heart Foundation’s RevivR online course. It was great to see them develop their confidence in life-saving skills! Over the next 10-12 weeks, they’ll be learning everything from map reading and campcraft to cooking outdoors—ensuring they’re ready to take on the challenge as independently as possible. We can’t wait to see their hard work pay off on expedition day!

Follow this link for more information on RevivR https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes

Key Stage 3 and 4 Performing Infamous Literature

This year Key Stage 3 and 4 have been engaging and celebrating some infamous texts written by some of the greatest and most regarded writers of all time. Students have produced some impressive work whilst enjoying their lessons. This year, they have really enjoyed taking part in a variety of drama activities and performing parts of the story to enhance their understanding.

Within the Autumn Term, Key Stage 3 explored the legend of Robin Hood. Throughout this module, we discussed the plot of the story, the setting of Sherwood Forest and the main characters including Robin Hood’s Merry Men. We also debated whether we thought Robin Hood was a hero or a villain. We then moved onto understanding the difference between a biography and an autobiography. The students then wrote a biography about Robin Hood and an autobiography about themselves. The work they created was amazing! We finished the topic by some of our students performing in a stage show of ‘Robin Hood’ which was brilliant!

Throughout the Autumn Term, Key Stage 4 have studied the great story ‘War Horse’ by Michael Morpurgo. This story linked to World War One which inspired a lot of discussion about what life was like as a soldier. Students then pretended to be a soldier in World War One and created their own diary entry pretending to be a soldier in a trench. The writing was brilliant and students included a lot of emotion within their writing. This book encourage a lot of discussion around some interesting themes including friendship, grief and bravery.

This term we have begun reading Aladdin in Key stage 3 where we have designed and made our own magical lamps. In Key Stage 4 we have started to read the Shakespeare Classic Romeo and Juliet and students are already gripped. We are planning to create our own recounts of the story and then a non-chronological report linked to the book.

Sixth Form Students Kick Off Sports Leadership Course with Manchester City

Sixth form students who are studying sports leadership have begun an exciting 12-week journey to achieve their Level 2 Community Sports Leadership Award in partnership with Manchester City at the Etihad Sports Complex.

Committing two days per week, students are developing essential leadership qualities such as communication, organisation, decision making, problem solving and collaboration. With guidance from Manchester City’s expert coaches, they are learning how to plan and deliver short sports sessions across a variety of sports whilst using world class facilities.

In addition to practical experience, students must complete coursework and a final assessment to earn their Level 2 qualification. This incredible achievement will support students in a range of vocational careers, helping them take the next steps in their careers when they leave Melland.

As part of this course our Sixth Formers have been lucky enough to experience the Etihad with a tour of the iconic stadium and a peak behind the scenes as well as having the chance to take advantage of free tickets to both the men’s and women’s games courtesy of Manchester City.

A huge well done to our next Sports Leaders – we look forward to seeing what you all achieve next!

Hospitality and Catering Pathway Students Visit Dakota Hotel

As part of the exciting new careers link with Hospitality Connect, KS5 students on the Hospitality and Catering Pathway were invited to visit Dakota hotel for the first of many future learning visits. Students were given a tour and critiqued and discussed the range of menus and menu designs on offer. The learners were able to take this experience back to the classroom and design their own menus for the launch of our next school cafe and event catering group! We look forward to the grand opening soon and many more exciting events to come!

David Hockney Bigger and Closer

On Friday 24th January those pupils on the Factory Project accessed another fantastic Aviva Studios experience. Both formal and blended groups were able to attend the David Hockney state-of-the-art projection exhibition, Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)

The pupils watched the four walls and floor come to life and see how Hockney experimented with perspective and using photography as a way of ‘drawing with a camera’, they also watched him capture the passing of time in his polaroid collages and the joy of spring on his iPad – and shows us why only paint can properly convey the hugeness of the Grand Canyon.

The pupils has an amazing time in the 50 minute immersive experience. We would like to thank the facilitators for ensuring that our pupils had an incredible time.

Trampolining and Rebound Therapy

The Specialist Pathway have fast been developing their trampolining and rebound skills during Physical Wellbeing sessions. Every Monday identified groups can access rebound therapy to support their physical strength, development, and regulation. Staff are trained to safely provide rebound opportunities that are both therapeutic and enjoyable.

Other identified groups also access the trampoline as they follow the British Gymnastics Society Trampoline Proficiency Awards. Students work their way through skills and routines, at their own pace and appropriate level. We look forward to celebrating these awards in the summer term and capturing the hard work, confidence and skill students have developed over the year by accessing the trampoline!

Remembrance Service at Gorton Cemetery

Mr Gleeson and the 3G’s attended the annual Remembrance Service at Gorton Cemetery. There were lots of other schools involved as they observed the 2 minutes silence and remembered the fallen of wars gone by. The students were very solemn and behaved exceptionally well.

Autumn Art and Creativity

At Melland High School, our students have been busy with a variety of creative projects. Sixth Form students have been experimenting with cyanotype printing, a photographic technique that uses sunlight to create blue and white prints. By arranging objects on light-sensitive paper and exposing them to UV light, they’ve learned about light exposure. Students have been using the cyanotype technique they have learned to design and create Christmas cards for sale at the Winter Fair.

In Key Stage 4, our Design Technology students are working on an exciting project for the upcoming school show, Robin Hood. They are designing and making props, from swords to a throne, using a variety of materials. This hands-on project is helping them develop valuable skills in problem-solving and teamwork, while contributing to the success of the school production. We can’t wait to see their creations in action on stage!

Sports for all Students

As we come towards the end of the first term of the year, students from across school have participated in many sporting activities on and off the school site.

All students from the formal pathway in KS3 had an incredible half term developing balance, coordination and stamina taking part in outdoor and adventurous activities for the first half term. They not only showed great determination and resilience but were eager to know their challenges each week.

Our boys and girls football teams have had the chance to shine in the City in the Community league where they played against other schools from Greater Manchester. A highlight in their year to be able to access such fantastic facilities and showcase their skills.

Some students took part in a boccia competition and others also represented Melland at the annual Cross Country race where they all brought back medals of which we are immensely proud of.

Proud to part of the Bright Futures Education Trust
Melland High School
Gorton Education Village
50 Wembley Road, Gorton, Manchester, M18 7DT
Ofsted CEOP