Newsletter 02.02.2026

Shrapnel boys

An explosive new novel about the friendship and courage of a group of young boys living through the Second World War, from award-winning author Jenny Pearson.

There’s a war going on out there, and I’m missing it.

When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is scared and excited: scared of the bombs that fall at night, but excited to race his friends to collect the best bits of shrapnel every morning.

But for Ronnie, the battles aren’t just in the sky and on the streets. They’re at school and at home too. His little brother is up to no good with a secret job and dangerous new friends, and Ronnie’s worried he’s getting himself into big trouble.

Ronnie’s desperate to help his little brother. But he isn’t expecting to uncover secrets that could change the fate of the whole war…

A Flash of Neon

Laurie loves stories. She loves reading them in her mums’ bookshop in their small Scottish town. She loves sharing them with new readers. She also loves telling stories about people she’s not yet met and places she’s not yet been. But when one of these people comes crashing into Laurie’s world, it turns her whole life upside down.

Neon is the boy Laurie’s been dreaming of for the last six months, and he’s exactly as she had created him – down to his ability to play any instrument he picks up. And when he steps off the train and into Laurie’s world, he teaches her what it means to be real.

A fantastical story about imagination and friendship from the award-winning author of AWAY WITH WORDS.

Stealing Happy

Loan shark Chick Lennon is notorious around Sonny Gilmour’s way, and not for anything good.

So when Sonny discovers his mum has borrowed money from Chick to pay the rent, he finds himself in need of the quickest of get-rich-quick schemes.

With the help of best mate Jonah and quiet genius Carolina Swift, he hatches a plot – to pay back what Mum owes using Chick’s own ill-gotten gains. It’s not a fool-proof plan, and it’s not helped by Sonny’s Tourette’s making him blurt out ‘ROB CHICK LENNON!’ at the top of his lungs every time things get dicey.

But with his dad suffering from long Covid and his mum already struggling to cope, Sonny knows it’s down to him to keep his family out of Chick’s clutches …

An authentic, funny and heartfelt contemporary YA by multi-award-winning author, Brian Conaghan. Perfect for fans of Frank Cottrell-Boyce and Elle McNicoll

Birdie

When Birdie is sent to live with her great-aunt in 1950s Yorkshire, she befriends the village’s last remaining pit pony. A story of hope and courage, exploring themes of family, racism and identity.

Winner of the Young Quills Award and the Diverse Book Awards.

‘Captivating’ A. F. Steadman
‘A tender and touching story for animal lovers everywhere’ Hannah Gold

Birdie Bagshaw has never known her parents. Having grown up in a children’s home for mixed race children in 1950s Leeds, now she has come to live with her great-aunt in the Yorkshire Dales. From her arrival, Birdie is treated like an outsider by the local children. When their bullying drives Birdie to hide in the nearby coal mine, she finds an unexpected rescuer in the form of Mr Duke, the last remaining pit pony in the village. As the weeks pass, Birdie forms a special bond with the spirited little pony. But his future is in danger, and Birdie comes up with a daring plan to save his life in return . . .

Music Success – Drumming

Huge congratulations to Aleks Wieckowski in Year 10 who passed his Grade 7 Drum Kit exam with distinction!

What an amazing achievement!

Valentine’s Disco

Our amazing Sixth Formers are hosting a Valentine’s Disco on Friday 13th February 6.30pm – 8pm in the assembly hall.

All Year 7s and Year 8s are invited.

Football Success

Last week, Elise Fawkes in Year 12 signed for Altrincham Women’s FC following a successful trial. This is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the hard work she has put in, particularly after battling back from injury last year.

Recently, Elise took the proactive step of seeking support to help move her football career forward, feeling mentally ready for a new challenge. She should be incredibly proud of the way she approached the club and the professionalism she showed throughout the process.

Good luck and well done Elise!

Astra Zeneca Work Experience Opportunities

Open to Year 10 and Year 12
Click here 

Female Opportunity with Leading Global Accounting Firm in Manchester 

In-person Insight Event with Forvis Mazars

Monday 9th February 5pm – 7pm 

Click here

AmazingApprenticeships.com

A good place to start for all kinds of apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Open Evenings at Remarkable Autism on 10th & 11th February.

This event is a great opportunity to explore our School/College, learn more about our apprenticeship opportunities, and ask any questions you may have.

Dream Big Art Club

Sandiway Library – Mondays 3.45-4.45

Winnington Park February half-term rugby and football camps

Teen Yoga

Thursday, Hartford Village Hall 4.30-5.15

February Half term STEM (Science) Skills Club

Junior BakeOff

Applications now open

http://www.applyforjuniorbakeoff.co.uk/ 

February Half Term – Holiday Club

Cuddington Youth Centre

Northwich Victoria Football Club – inclusive football

Northwich Victoria Football Club is offering an inclusive football session at Moss Farm every Monday 17.00-18.00.

For players of all abilities. Teams for  16+ and Soccer School for younger students, including SEND and disabilities.

Click here 

Help for Parents and Families at the Community Hub

Baron’s Quay every Thursday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Employment Support , Health Services, Adult Social Care, Asylum and Refugee Services, Early Help and Intervention, and more.

Art club for 11 – 16 year olds

Tuesdays from 4 – 5pm at Hartford Village Hall.

Half Term Craft for kids aged 5 – 11
Weds 18 February at Hartford Village Hall.
Sessions: 10am -12 noon and 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Anxiety Based School Avoidance

Online Free talk

Help for Parents and Families at the Community Hub

Baron’s Quay every Thursday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Employment Support , Health Services, Adult Social Care, Asylum and Refugee Services, Early Help and Intervention, and more.

PE Co-Curricular

Music Co-Curricular

Lunchtime Clubs

After School Clubs

Tuesday After School – Performing Arts Club DS1 3.15 – 4.30

Tuesday After School – GCSE DT ‘catch up’ session on Tuesdays 3.15 – 4.15 in T3