Smithills School

Evening of Celebration | Official Pictures | 2026 🎓

We celebrated our class of 2026 yesterday at
Bolton Wanderers Official in true Smithills fashion, with some amazing entrances and beautiful attires.

YOU MADE US ALL FEEL SO PROUD.

The evening was spent with some dancing, pictures from our very own photo-booth, some very tasty food and awards.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Class of 2026 the very best in the future.

More pictures can be found over on the Smithills School website...

▶️ https://www.smithillsschool.net/evening-of-celebration-2026

Evening of Celebration | Promotional Film | 2026 🎓

We celebrated our class of 2026 yesterday at Bolton Wanderers Official in true Smithills fashion, with some amazing entrances and beautiful attires.

▶️ https://youtu.be/ibrD9fVVp04

Smithills School | Year 11 Evening of Celebration | 2026 We celebrated our class of 2026 yesterday in true Smithills fashion...

University of Manchester STEM challenge day 🥽🚀🩻

On Monday 15th June, 12 students visited The University of Manchester to compete in a STEM challenge with several other schools.

There were four different activities to complete, and the students were awarded points for each one. The first one was a robotics challenge where students had to programme a robot to navigate it around a course using ultrasonic and infrared sensors. In the next activity, they had to use the latest E-FIT facial recognition software to create a computer image of a thief, making sure they considered the problems associated with memory and facial recognition – Mr Brook was identified as the thief with a great E-FIT being produced! Finally, there was a medical diagnostics challenge where the students had to undertake the role of a doctor to try and diagnose conditions suffered by simulated patients.

It was a great day for all involved, providing the students with an insight into life at university, some of the courses available and an opportunity to develop their communication skills, working alongside students from other schools.

They were all a credit to the school and made great contributions to each challenge. We will look forward to more challenges next year!

📚 SPARK READER - BOOK REVIEWS 🔍

🚢 The Titanic Detective Agency
🗼 Libby and the Parisian Puzzle

Lancashire Cricket Girls Leadership Course 🏏

A group of Year 9 and 10 girls took part in a leadership course in association with Lancashire Cricket.

The aim of the course was to develop the girls' leadership and cricket skills with a view to getting them involved in delivering cricket to youngsters in the community.

Well done, girls.

Chicago Bears Flag Football 🏈

A group of Year 7 pupils attended the Chicago Bears football clinic, where they took part in a mini skills festival testing their ability in all aspects of Flag and American Football.

They also got to meet Coach Gus from the Chicago Bears, Coach Racheal from Illinois Flag Football and Sky Sports and BBC World Service Sport, Phoebe Schecter, who is a former NFL coach and now NFL analyst and Team GB Flag footballer.

It was a great experience for our pupils.

NFL Team GB

WHAT'S ON NEXT WEEK AT SMITHILLS SCHOOL ⤵️

Please take a look at the poster below, which highlights the key events happening at Smithills School next week.

Summer vibes have arrived in the library! 🌞📚✨

Our library is ready for a season full of stories, adventures, and imagination! Stop by, grab a book, and make this summer one to remember. 🌴📖✨

Anderton Centre Trip 🌳

The Year 10 Outdoor Activity Day at the Anderton Centre was an outstanding success, providing students with an exciting and memorable opportunity to experience a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities linked directly to their Cambridge National Sports Studies qualification, Unit R187.

From the moment they arrived, students demonstrated enthusiasm, determination, and a willingness to challenge themselves as they took part in activities including orienteering, tree climbing, abseiling, the trust climb, the leap of faith, and a variety of team-building exercises.

Throughout the day, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, develop new skills, and apply the key concepts they have been studying in the classroom. The orienteering activities required effective communication, decision-making, and navigation skills, while the team-building challenges tested their ability to work collaboratively, solve problems, and support one another under pressure. These activities highlighted the importance of cooperation, trust, and leadership, with many students emerging as confident and effective team members.

The high-adrenaline activities proved to be a particular highlight of the day. Students displayed remarkable courage and resilience when tackling the tree climb, trust climb, and leap of faith, overcoming personal fears and demonstrating a positive attitude towards challenge and risk. Watching students encourage their peers and celebrate each other's achievements created a fantastic atmosphere of support and camaraderie. The abseiling activity was especially rewarding, as many students conquered their nerves to descend confidently, gaining a real sense of accomplishment and self-belief.

Beyond the physical challenges, the day provided invaluable learning experiences that reinforced the aims of Unit R187. Students were able to witness first-hand the physical, social, and emotional benefits of outdoor and adventurous activities. They developed greater self-confidence, improved communication skills, strengthened friendships, and gained a deeper appreciation of how participation in such activities can contribute to personal growth and wellbeing.

The behaviour, attitude, and effort shown by the Year 10 students throughout the visit were exemplary. They represented the school with pride, demonstrated excellent respect for the instructors and facilities, and embraced every opportunity presented to them. The day was filled with laughter, encouragement, achievement, and memorable moments that will stay with students long after the event.

Overall, the visit to the Anderton Centre was an inspiring and highly valuable experience that successfully combined learning with adventure. It provided students with practical examples that will support their Cambridge National Sports Studies coursework while creating lasting memories, strengthening relationships, and fostering the confidence and resilience that will benefit them both in their studies and beyond.

EVENTS CALENDAR 📅

Please find our updated calendar of events for the rest of this academic year below...