SChools of sanctuary
Events and Extracurricular Activities
At Harper Green School, we offer a wide range of events and extracurricular activities for our students. Discover more about some of our recent activities below.
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Lunchtime EAL Club
Embracing diversity and learning: The English as an Additional Language Club
Every Wednesday lunchtime, our school community comes together with the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Enrichment Club. This club is a place where students from diverse linguistic backgrounds gather to learn, support one another, and have fun.
A Hub of Learning and Support
The EAL Enrichment Club supports students learning English as an additional language, providing the resources and environment needed to thrive. Every Wednesday, students use laptops to research, write, and complete assignments, ensuring they keep pace with their peers.
A Community of Mutual Aid
Our EAL Enrichment Club has a strong sense of community. Students not only complete their homework but also help each other with tricky grammar rules, pronunciation tips, and words of encouragement. This peer support enhances learning and fosters strong friendships.
Laughter and Leisure
While focusing on academic support, the club also prioritises fun. Laughter fills the room as students share funny stories, engage in light-hearted conversations, or play educational games on their laptops. This balance of work and play creates a relaxed and positive atmosphere.The Role of Technology
Laptops are crucial to the club’s success, offering students access to information and educational tools. From language learning apps to online dictionaries, technology empowers students to control their learning and develop essential digital literacy skills for the future.
Building Confidence and Competence
The EAL Enrichment Club helps students build confidence and competence in English. Regular practice in a supportive environment enables steady improvement, boosting their confidence in using English in everyday situations, both in and out of the classroom. This confidence positively impacts their academic performance and social interactions.
Celebrating Diversity
The EAL Enrichment Club celebrates the rich linguistic and cultural diversity within our school. It acknowledges the challenges faced by EAL students and provides a constructive and enjoyable way to overcome them, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
Mrs Fercsi, EAL Intervention Coordinator said,"The English as an Additional Language Enrichment Club is a shining example of meaningful student support. By combining learning with mutual support and laughter, the club helps students succeed academically and enhances their overall well-being, showcasing the power of community, technology, and a positive environment in education. Come end join us!"
Supporting European Day of Languages
Harper green School celebrates European Day of Languages each year to:
- celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures within Europe/World
- promote intercultural understanding
- encourage and promote language learning at any age
Students at Harper Green School may have the opportunity to take GCSEs in the following community languages:
- Arabic
- Benglai
- Dutch
- French
- German
- Gujarati
- Italian
- Persian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Turkish
- Urdu
If you are interested in taking an extra language GCSE, please see Miss Lesti. You must be able to read and write in the language.
World Mental Health Day
We aspire to create a world in which no young individual experiences isolation in managing their mental well-being. Our vision is for all young people to receive timely and comprehensive mental health assistance whenever they need it, without exception.
Student Ambassador Meetings
Each term, the EAL coordinator meets with the EAL Ambassadors to develop an action plan for improving our school. This academic year, we have already met twice. The first meeting took place in October to learn about Schools of Sanctuary.
The second meeting, held in February, introduced the Young Interpreter Scheme before its implementation across the whole school in March. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Young Interpreter course, which enables them to assist others while earning a certificate as a testament to their personal achievement.
If you would like to become a young interpreter, please see Mrs. Fercsi in O3
Black History Month
In the United Kingdom, October marks the observance of Black History Month annually, providing an invaluable opportunity to explore and commemorate the rich tapestry of Black history and heritage. This year, Year 8 students learned about the famous Clive Sullivan MBE and the positive impact he made in sport.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is an annual event at Harper Green School to reflect on the importance of remembrance and to think of those who gave their lives so that we could live ours.
Diwali
National Anti-Bullying Week
Who am I? Holocaust through the art
We had the honour of hosting Caroline Slifkin, an artist, at our school. Caroline collaborated with our Year 9 students to explore the theme of liberation and freedom during and after the Holocaust through art, focusing on Holocaust survivors and war artists. Twelve Year 9 students participated in this collaborative project.
Bolton Schools linking brought together four local secondary schools for an art-themed linking programme that explores identity with students. Led by their art teachers and working with artist Caroline Slifkin, students reflected on how Holocaust victims and survivors define themselves and their experiences through art, using this as inspiration for their own artwork. The students worked together on Link Days as a large group and visited each other's schools to further develop their art and build relationships.
EAL Post-16 Coffee Morning
We aim to remove any barriers to post-16 education and ensure success for all students. We welcomed providers and guidance agencies into the school to meet with our Year 11 English as an Additional Language students and their parents.
Schools of Sanctruary Drawing competition
Students had the opportunity to take action and draw about: peace, welcome, safety, sanctuary and inclusion.
Our winners worked hard to receive their trophies:
- Aleena 8F - Attenborough
- Aima 8H - Malala
- Antonia 8D - Malala
International Migrants Day
A study conducted by the Refugee Council in 2011 revealed that 82% of the British population regards safeguarding the most vulnerable as a fundamental British principle. Nevertheless, negative perceptions toward asylum-seekers persist. There is widespread confusion between asylum-seekers and economic migrants, with many mistakenly believing that asylum-seekers come to the UK solely to secure employment or welfare benefits.
An asylum-seeker is an individual who claims to be at risk of harm in their home country and has sought refuge in the UK. The asylum process in the UK is rigorous, often involving relocation while awaiting a decision on their claim, leading to considerable uncertainty. Housing conditions are frequently inadequate, and financial assistance is limited.
Refugees play a significant role in enriching the UK. Among them, 18 have achieved Nobel Laureate status, and 16 have been honoured with knighthoods. Additionally, many refugees contribute as healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses, as well as educators serving as teachers.
“Children seeking asylum contribute very positively to schools across the country. This in turn enables more successful integration of families into local communities.” (Office for Standards in Education)
Fostering a welcoming culture within schools offers a secure space for children navigating tough times and contributes to fostering inclusivity within communities.
Cambridge University - St John's College
Some of our students had a fantastic opportunity to visit and experience further education. We learnt that St John’s College offers students an exceptional education in a diverse, welcoming, and vibrant atmosphere, empowering them to surpass their expectations. Moreover, it is dedicated to advancing research and scholarship of global significance and nurturing a dynamic academic community.
International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.
Harper Green students had the opportunity to celebrate in many different ways in our school.
- Students were introduced to the historical significance of International Mother Language Day during their designated form time.
- Additionally, they participated in a language quiz to assess their comprehension of various linguistic aspects.
- On 13th February, our school celebrated International Mother Language Day with a special School breakfast and lunch offering.
- As part of our commemoration, students were encouraged to participate in a house competition. They were tasked with crafting a postcard to honour the occasion and showcase our dedication to welcoming new students.
- Students availed themselves of multilingual bookmarks provided at the school library.
- Six students joined the British Schools online Festival of Celebrate Speaking campaign to celebrate languages in education and our linguistically diverse community. They presented the Harper Green values in Urdu, Slovakian, Spanish, Yoruba, Italian and Persian.
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Women’s History Month
To celebrate Women’s History Month, the History department organised a Postcard drawing competition to reflect on the challenges facing gender rights. On International Women’s Day, Harper Green School emphasised the importance of creating a world where all women are valued, respected, and included.
World Book Day
Our students were fortunate to receive an activity booklet for World Book Day, filled with engaging and enjoyable activities. Everyone was encouraged to complete it at their own pace. Activities like the golden ticket hunt and guess the masked reader were inclusive, allowing students of all English language proficiencies to participate. As a result, many EAL students enjoyed this eventful and exciting day.
Another successful addition to the library is the quiet reading time during Friday lunchtimes. Many students enjoy finding a quiet spot and immersing themselves in an exciting story.
Ground Breakers Community Garden Project
The Ground Breakers Community Garden Project has seen students dedicating their efforts to a local initiative led by the Third Space Bolton Charity. They aim to acquire valuable practical skills while positively contributing to their community.
In recent years, numerous students have collaborated with the team on various small-scale enhancement projects in the Flower Estate area of Farnworth. These projects have included gardening, installing bird boxes, creating wildlife areas, and organizing litter clean-up drives.
The latest initiative involves revamping the garden space surrounding the Alpha Centre building within the school premises. Every Wednesday afternoon, members of the Ground Breakers Community Team work alongside groups of students, engaging in a range of gardening activities. Tasks include grass cutting, hedge trimming, and the meticulous construction of new flower beds with wooden borders containing fresh topsoil.
Additionally, students participate in planting wildflowers, grasses, and native plants. They also demonstrate their craftsmanship by creating bird boxes from reclaimed wood and refining their proficiency with power tools and gardening equipment. Furthermore, team-building activities are incorporated into these sessions.
Community Iftar
Harper Green School proudly hosted our first ever Community Iftar event on the 13th March. In honour of the diverse community we cherish during the sacred month of Ramadan, we extended invitations to both staff and students to join us for Iftar – the evening meal that breaks the fast.
The evening commenced with an enlightening welcome speech, offering attendees insight into the significance of this special occasion. Following this, staff and students gathered for collaborative worship, culminating in a communal meal to mark the day's Iftar and symbolise the spirit of unity and solidarity synonymous with Ramadan.
The event garnered significant attendance, with over 50 students and staff present, signalling the establishment of an annual tradition on the Harper Green School calendar.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who generously contributed. Ramadan epitomises the ethos of generosity, and all proceeds raised will be directed to the Urban Outreach Charity. This organisation provides vital assistance to households in crisis and offers support to disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals across Bolton.
Book Token Swap in School
The World Book Day book token swap organised by Mrs Burt was a remarkable success. Numerous students availed themselves of the opportunity to exchange their tokens received on World Book Day for complimentary books. We extend our gratitude for facilitating this event and express hope for its continuation in the forthcoming years.
