Motivating young people to prepare for exams and assessments can be a challenge. After all, if done properly then revision is hard work – if it’s easy, then you’re probably not doing it right and are most likely wasting your time. At MHS we have greatly increased our support and guidance on how to prepare for exams over the years, and in the last 18 months in particular we have really focussed on what we believe are a small number of highly effective revision techniques. These apply just as well for students in Year 7 and they do to those in Year 11, and they are habits that can support in every single lesson.

We call them the Marple Hall School ‘High Five’ – five strategies that successful students use to win at exams.

We also know that parents are carers are very keen indeed to support their loved ones with revision, but often don’t know what their child should be doing and therefore aren’t sure how to help. Well, Mrs Lawton has fixed that issue with one of her famous videos. If you are a parent or carer who wants to know how to support in the run up to any exams – and Year Ten have internal EBACC exams coming up, by the way – then watching this video might be the best 20 minutes you could spend. Have a look at the video via this link: Exams – Marple Hall School

Have a great weekend,

Joe

Advance notice that the last week before half term marks Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual reminder of something that should matter to us every single day: how our young people feel, how they cope, and how we as a community support them to grow. At Marple Hall, this sits right at the heart of the Marple Hall Spirit. Kindness, respect, and the belief that every student deserves an equal chance to thrive aren’t just words – they shape what we do to help our students feel safe, valued and ready to take on the world.

We have a couple of specific events planned to support the aims of the week, one for students and one for families, both on Wednesday 4th Feb. I wanted to give you all ample notice, hence this early blog. Please see the posters below. It would be great to see lots of people coming along and learning more about how to look after themselves, their loved ones and their friends. Huge thanks to the wellbeing team for putting on the festivals, amongst all the other great work that they do.

Finally, I want to say how fantastic it was to welcome so many Year 9 students and their parents and carers into school last night for Options Evening. The excitement, thoughtful conversations and genuine interest in future pathways were brilliant to see. Thank you to everyone who came – your support really does matter.

Have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to Marple Hall School. It’s not every day that someone in such a prominent public role walks through our doors, and our students certainly made the most of the opportunity. Around 100 of our student leaders gathered in the hall, ready with an impressive array of questions that showed just how engaged and thoughtful they are about the world around them.

No topic was off limits. Transport links, house prices, climate change, school funding, the voting age – and several more besides – all featured in what quickly became a lively and wide‑ranging discussion. To his credit, Andy took every question in good humour, responding openly and clearly even when the students really pushed him. It was wonderful to see young people holding a politician to account with such confidence and maturity.

As a state school we are, of course, strictly non‑political. We don’t take sides and we don’t promote parties or personalities. What we do believe in, though, is giving students first‑hand experiences that help them understand the world they’re growing up in. Yesterday was a perfect example of that in action.

Huge thanks to Andy and his team, to Mrs Wilson for setting up the event, and to the student leaders for hosting the debate and asking the questions. Here’s a quick photo of Andy with our Head Boy and Head Girl.

Have a great weekend,

Joe Barker

It has been a real pleasure to welcome students and colleagues back to school this week. The start of a new term always brings a sense of renewed purpose, and it has been wonderful to see our community return with energy, kindness and a clear focus on the weeks ahead.

The weather has certainly tested us. Cold weather, snow, ice and dark mornings have made getting out of the house a little harder than usual. Yet, despite this, our students and staff have arrived each day ready to learn, supporting one another and approaching school life with positivity. That resilience and determination says a great deal about who we are as a school.

The term ahead is full of opportunity. There is much to be proud of and much still to achieve. I would like to offer particular encouragement to our Year 11 students. With parents’ evening next week and trial examinations beginning on Monday 19th January, this is an important and busy period. These moments are not about pressure, but about preparation, reflection and belief. We are proud of all our students, especially the Class of 2026, and we will support you every step of the way.

Stay warm and safe,

Joe Barker