Middle & Upper School – Christmas Newsletter 2025
Introduction
As we reach the end of a great autumn term, I’d like to reflect on highlights from the Middle and Upper School and celebrate the pupils and staff who make our community so positive and vibrant.
In lessons, pupils have been consistently engaged. On learning walks, I have seen them ask thoughtful questions, try new strategies, and rise to each challenge. Across a wide range of subjects, they are building skills, applying themselves with confidence, and aiming high. This commitment to learning reflects our value of scholarship.
Early in the term, we held our annual Prize-Giving Ceremony at The Brindley in Runcorn. It was a memorable evening that marked many achievements. The awards recognised excellence in academic study and also attitude, effort, and personal growth—clear examples of resilience and integrity in action.
Our School Open Day was another proud moment. More than 40 pupils volunteered to welcome prospective families, guide tours, and share their experiences. Their confidence, maturity, and pride stood out, and many parents commented on how welcoming and impressive our pupils are. We also enjoyed performances from winners of the Summer Talent Show—singing, dancing, talks about their work, and even a magic act—a lively celebration of enrichment and creativity.
Throughout the term, pupils have taken part in a range of trips that broadened horizons, sparked new ideas, and encouraged healthy competition. They represented the school in Sport and Science competitions and learned a great deal beyond the classroom. These experiences helped them build teamwork, confidence, and perseverance.
None of this would be possible without our staff. Their dedication—both academically and pastorally—creates a culture where pupils feel encouraged, challenged, and valued every day.
As you read the Middle and Upper School section of this newsletter, you’ll see just a snapshot of what pupils have experienced and achieved this term. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed seeing it all come to life.
Finally, I would like to wish all our families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming pupils back in January for another exciting and successful term.
Mr Taylor (Assistant Principal – Head of Teaching and Learning)
PE – Miss Rennox
Football ISA – Year 10/11 Boys
Our Year 10 and Year 11 boys delivered a series of strong performances at the ISA Football Tournament hosted by Abbey Gate College on 7 October 2025. The team showed excellent determination, discipline, and teamwork against tough opposition. Well done to all the players for representing the school so well.
Netball ISA – Year 8 Girls
Our Year 8 Netball team had a fantastic day representing Tower College at their first ISA tournament on 8 October 2025. The girls approached each game with enthusiasm and determination, showing excellent teamwork and growing confidence as the day went on. Well done, girls — Miss Rennox was very proud of you for trying hard and representing the school so brilliantly!
Swimming ISA – Years 5–11
Our swimmers had an exceptional day at the ISA Swimming Competition on 16 October 2025, with outstanding performances across all year groups. The team showed great determination, confidence, and talent, earning 9 first places, 6 second places, and 4 third places in the heats.
A special congratulations to our Year 6 boys, who won the overall Year 6 boys’ trophy — a fantastic achievement for the team! Well done to everyone — you represented yourselves and Tower College amazingly.
Football Friendly – Year 8 and Year 9 Boys
Our Year 8 and Year 9 boys took part in a football friendly against Byrchall High School on 6 November 2025, showing excellent teamwork and determination in both matches. The Year 9 team played a tightly contested game, creating strong chances at both ends, and earned a well-deserved 1–1 draw. The Year 8 team delivered a standout performance, with confident passing, solid teamwork, and clinical finishing, securing an impressive 6–0 win. Well done to all the boys involved.
London ISA Swimming National Finals – Years 6–11
On Friday 28 November 2025, five of our swimmers proudly represented Tower College and the North ISA at the ISA Swimming National Finals at the London Aquatics Centre in the Olympic Park. Competing against strong fields from independent schools across the country, our team showed real determination, focus, and teamwork. Their achievements included:
- Two 1st-place finishes
- One 2nd-place finish
- One 3rd-place finish
- Multiple 4th-place finishes
Miss Rennox is incredibly proud of each swimmer for the commitment, resilience, and sportsmanship shown at both the regional qualifiers and on the national stage. Well done to all of you.
Cross Country ISA – Years 7–10
On 2 December 2025, some of our Year 7–10 pupils travelled to Scarisbrick Hall School to compete in the ISA Cross Country. Despite challenging conditions, every pupil showed outstanding determination, resilience, and team spirit. The competition brought together strong runners from across the region, and our pupils rose to the challenge with confidence. From fast starts to strong sprint finishes, the teams kept good pace, stayed focused, and encouraged one another throughout. Several pupils earned notable placements in their age groups, contributing to a very successful day. A huge well done to everyone who took part.
GCSE PE Table Tennis and Netball Fixture – Year 10 and Year 11
On 11 December 2025, 18 Tower College students took part in Netball and Table Tennis fixtures at Byrchall High School, gaining valuable competitive experience.
The Year 11 Netball team had a training session followed by a match. Although they did not secure a win, the fixture was excellent preparation and especially helpful for our GCSE PE students.
In Table Tennis, both the Year 10 and Year 11 teams competed strongly against more experienced opponents. The Year 10 team lost 22–3, with all six players winning at least one set. The Year 11 team put up a close fight, losing 14–11, and showed great determination and skill.
Well done to all pupils who represented the school so positively. The experience will support their continued progress in competitive sport.
Manchester Giants Basketball Game
A group of our students had the exciting opportunity to attend a Manchester Giants basketball game on 21 November 2025, experiencing the fast-paced action of professional basketball up close.
The trip gave students the chance to see high-level skill, teamwork, and strategy in action, providing inspiration both on and off the court. It was a fantastic experience for all involved, combining learning, sport, and fun.
We hope to run more trips like this in future terms to encourage students to build their sporting skills and ambitions.
ENGLISH – Mrs Christian
It has been a very busy term for the English Department, with pupils taking part in a wide range of literary activities. They have built their Creative Writing skills, read diverse and engaging texts, and explored the power of Spoken Language.
Young Writers Success
We are proud of our talented young writers. To support their growth, we regularly enter their work into the Young Writers competitions. This well-known programme encourages pupils to plan, draft and edit their writing, and gives them the chance to see their work in print.
This term, pupils entered three competitions: “I Have a Dream,” “War Poetry,” and “Stranger Sagas.” We were delighted that 65 pupils had their poems selected for publication in the “I Have a Dream” competition. This challenge invited pupils to share their dreams through poetry, and many rose to the task by using poetic techniques and experimenting with rhyme schemes, structure and form. We expect to hear results for “War Poetry” and “Stranger Sagas” early next term, and we will share updates with you then.
Spoken Language in Action
Spoken Language has been central to English lessons this term. Our Year 11 pupils delivered their GCSE individual spoken language presentations with confidence, covering topics that mattered to them, including the pressures of social media, environmental issues and their own hobbies and interests.
At our recent Carol Concert, many pupils read poetry aloud with clear, meaningful expression. A special thank you to our Year 11 presenters, Amaan and Daniel, who spoke with ease and confidence. Early next term, Daniel and Amaan, along with Jessica, will represent Tower College in the Rotary Club “Youth Speaks” public speaking competition. Amaan will present a speech titled “The Downfall of Modern Music.” As a young musician, he cares deeply about this topic, and this event gives him a strong platform to share his views. We are looking forward to supporting them.
Message from Miss Auld
Well done to the Year 11s who completed their English Language Speaking and Listening exam this November. Students delivered a wide range of engaging speeches on topics from the decline of the music industry to feminism. For many, this was their first experience of public speaking, and they all approached it with maturity and confidence. It was a great day, and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to their thoughtful, insightful presentations.
Our Library: Reading on the Rise
It has been wonderful to see so many pupils using the Library. Our refreshed “Trending” section has proved very popular. We listen carefully to pupils’ suggestions and have expanded our range of sports books, contemporary teenage fiction and graphic novels.
Thank you to everyone who shared recommendations—especially Johnny in Year 10 for his thoughtful list of new titles that have already been popular. We are also grateful to our three Year 10 librarians, Isabelle, Zoya and Ava, who help every break and lunchtime. They have been a big part of improving our selection by keeping the “Trending” shelf up to date with new releases.
Looking Ahead
If there are titles you would like the Library to stock, please let our librarians know. We are also working to improve the Library experience with a new reading app, due to launch at the start of next term.
MATHS – Mrs King and Mr Abbot
Our Upper and Middle School pupils have made a strong start in Maths this year. Our new Year 7 pupils have settled in well and enjoyed tackling topics such as negative numbers, pie charts, angles, and solving equations.
Our lunchtime Maths sessions are up and running. The Wednesday session for Years 9, 10 and 11 is regularly full. Practice is essential for success in Maths, and we offer several resources to help pupils build confidence and fluency. Collins Hub gives GCSE pupils access to the AQA GCSE textbook, TT Rock Stars supports secure times tables, and MathsWatch provides short teaching videos with examples, plus interactive and worksheet-style questions for each topic.
Top of the MathsWatch leaderboards in each Maths class this term are:
Competition is tight in some classes, with only a few points between pupils. The highest-scoring pupil this term is Zoya, with an impressive 3,527 points from assignment and independent learning questions. Well done, Zoya!
In the New Year, we will run the UKMT Intermediate Challenge on 28th January for pupils in Years 9, 10 and 11. Later in the year, pupils in Years 7 and 8 will take part in the Junior Challenge. We are excited for both events and aim to build on this year’s success.
Before the end of term, Year 11 pupils received revision information for Maths to help them prepare for their mock exams. Alongside past papers, they have a revision list on Epraise and a suggested 6-week schedule to support time management. They can also use Corbett Maths videos and worksheets, as well as MathsWatch videos and interactive questions, to revisit any topics that need extra practice.
Years 7 to 10 have been given revision lists on Epraise and a revision exercise on MathsWatch. Pupils should complete the exercise to structure their revision and then use the videos and interactive questions to review any topics that need more practice.
In the New Year, the GCSE Maths Booster will continue on Wednesday mornings, 8:00–8:45 a.m., for Year 11 pupils. In addition, lunchtime Maths clinics will continue for all pupils in Years 7 to 11. Pupils can drop in for individual support—either to revisit earlier topics or to get a little extra help with current classwork. Tuesday lunchtime is for Years 7 and 8; Wednesday lunchtime is for Years 9, 10 and 11.
ART – Miss Carr
Year 7 – Marine Animals from Recycled Materials.This term, our creative Year 7 students explored Sustainability through Art. Using plastic bottles, cardboard, and scrap fabric, they designed and built bright marine animals. The project helped them think about ocean pollution while building skills in modelling, texture, and imaginative Design. The final pieces were both educational and eye-catching, showing how Art can inspire environmental awareness.
Year 8 – Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls. Year 8 students explored the rich cultural traditions of Mexico by studying Día de los Muertos. They designed colourful sugar-skull artworks and experimented with symmetry, pattern, and colour symbolism. Pupils learned how artistic traditions can communicate identity and celebration, creating bold pieces that share the joy and cultural heritage of the festival.
Year 9 – 3D Architecture Models. Our Year 9 students developed spatial awareness and Design skills by creating 3D Architecture models. Using card, foam board, and mixed media, they explored form, scale, and structural strength. Inspired by historical and contemporary Architecture, they produced imaginative models that show growing confidence in Design, problem-solving, and working in three dimensions.
Year 10 – Natural Forms Portfolio. Year 10 have begun their GCSE work with a focus on Natural Forms. Students explored observational drawing, Photography, mark-making, and mixed-media experiments to build a varied, personal portfolio. By studying shells, plants, bones, and organic textures, they produced thoughtful, detailed pieces that highlight developing technical skill and creativity.
Year 11 – Portfolio Development. As they prepare for final assessments, Year 11 students are refining and completing their GCSE portfolios. This stage focuses on personal responses, experimentation, and choosing their strongest work for submission. Students are showing maturity and independence as they explore themes that matter to them, producing polished outcomes that reflect both skill and artistic voice.
COMPUTER SCIENCE – Mrs Sims
Building Skills for the Future
This term has been a busy and enjoyable one in Computer Science. Across all year groups, students built practical skills and explored the digital world in new, confident ways.
Year 7: Microsoft 365 and E-Safety
Year 7 took their first steps with Microsoft 365, learning how to create, save, and share work. Alongside this, they learned about E-Safety so they know how to stay safe, responsible, and confident online. These foundations will support all their future digital learning.
Year 8: Excel and How Computers Work
Year 8 sharpened their money skills with Money Management in Excel, using spreadsheets for simple budgeting and planning. They also learned how a computer works—what happens when we click, type, and play—and how the main parts work together.
Year 9: Networking and Cyber Security
Year 9 explored how devices connect and communicate on a network, and how to protect themselves against common online risks. These skills are vital in today’s connected world and set the stage for future study and careers in technology.
New Challenges: Typing and iDEA Award
This term we also launched two whole-school initiatives:
- Top Tier Typing Challenge: students are building speed and accuracy—useful in every subject.
- iDEA Award: a nationally recognised programme that helps students grow digital, enterprise, and creative skills while earning badges and awards.