SEND Stallholders Session

(March 2024)

What help can you get get if you have a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? It can be frustrating and  a minefield of a job trying to find the right advice and organisations to help.

Thankfully Co-op Academy Manchester aimed to address this problem by hosting a drop-in event for parents and members of the community when questions could be asked and answers given. The public came in and enquired about the provision available in schools, as well as what happens when the young person moves on from school and the post 16 world.

Organised by Safeguarding Lead Mrs Baldwin , Co-op Community Pioneer Julianne Noon and Mr Davies and the Manchester Community Team, this popular event will surly be the template for other drop-in sessions.

Generation Generate!

(March 2024)

It was time to open the doors and welcome a day of workshops and discussions on sustainable energy  in the Academy Theatre. Arranged by Dr. Hopper one of the school's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) leads, Year 9 students had the opportunity to highly engage with the Smallpiece Trust and take part in the Wind Turbine Challenge.

Being an educational charity, the Smallpeice Trust inspires young people to pursue careers in science and engineering through events and workshops in schools.  It was clear that the young people enjoyed the challenge of forming  groups (or businesses) and assigning themselves company roles which included designers, manufacturers, marketers and finance. The day culminated with each group presenting their model wind turbine and... with the assistance of a wind machine (also known as a hair dryer) to see if the blades would turn with enough to velocity to power an electric light. Needles to say the results were illuminating!

A Big Day Out!

(March 2024)

It was babyballet time at the Academy Theatre  when Twinkle and Teddy went on a big day out with their friends Flutterstar the magical Fairy and Chuck the Cowboy as well as seventy young babyballet dancers. 

After  greeting their chums, Twinkle and Teddy went to the zoo, then after some rigorous dancing went home for a rest. Feeling re-energised it was time for the beach and then a party. The penultimate destination  was the lakeside, followed by the finale.

The packed audience were enthralled at the adventuresof the young performers. The music was varied and included such well known tunes as Teddy Bears Picnic, Surfin' USA, Swan Lake and Somewhere Out There.

An extra treat were the Theatre Dance Academy  dancers who came to delight the audience with a dance from the musical Moulin Rouge. This group was made out of the alumni of former babyballet stars.

Chitty Chitty Balagan!

(March 2024)

What do you get if you cross a cast of 80 , with 200 costumes and a flying car? The answer is Chitty Chitty Balagan! For those not in the know, Balagan is a modern Hebrew word for chaos or pandemonium. But there was nothing chaotic about the North Manchester Ladies Jewish Drama Group's production, only a sense of merriment. The story is very loosely based on the the well known Ian Fleming story Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,  in that it tells the story of a family going on an adventure in a flying car. However, with songs from various genres of music and a story that departs heavily from the traditional story, this is certainly one unique production!

Writing in  their programme the committee enthused, "It has been fun. It has been hard work. It has been enjoyable. It has been frustrating. It has been exhilarating. It has been BALAGAN! Rehearsals with 57 children from 8 different schools, all coming together in this cross-communal showcase, making friends, learning new skills and uncovering creative talent... It makes us so proud to see what these amazing ladies and girls have achieved."

Young Writers Competition

(February 2024)

The Academy Theatre played host the finalists of the Co-op Academy Manchester's Key Stage 2 writing competition, which in layman's language are children aged between seven and eleven years.

Organised by Higher Level Teaching Assistant,  Mrs Howarth and Academy Director of Community; Comms & Digital, Mr Davies and Vice Principal, Mrs O'Connor, young students from a number of local primary schools had the chance to read out their stories based on the theme of travel.  Once the orations had concluded, Mrs Howarth gave out some honourable mentions to some of the young people and then announced the winning writer to the well attended event. Afterwards, many proud parents and friends of the competitors took the opportunity to take photos of the finalists on what was an inspiring occasion.

Popular Musical Presented

(February 2024)

When hapless florist Seymour Krelborn discovers a "strange and interesting plant" at the Skid Row Flower market, he could little know the dangers instore for him  and his fellow worker Audrey, on whom he has a crush.

With music Alana Menken and book and lyrics by  Howard Ashman Howard, the story is based  on the 1960  The Little Shop of Horrors film by Charles B. Griffith. The musical has been popular since it first appeared in  1980 and later made in to a film in 1986.

The plot focusses on Seymour buying a unique plant which appears during a total eclipse of the sun and him trying to keep it alive - without much success, until he discovers the one ingredient which sees the planet thrive an flourish. As the plant, which he names Audrey Two, grows, it needs more to sustain it. So in return for granting Seymour his wishes, the plant becomes more demanding... with Seymour resolving to take desperate measures to end his Faustian pact.

Directed the Co-op Academy Manchester's Expressive Arts Department, Seymour was played by William, Audrey by Leyli, Shop owner Mushnik by Ruby and Orin Scrivello DDS by Noah.

As the audiences  heard the story of Audrey Two, let's hope they remember the final warning of the show...  "Don't feed the pants!"

Going up in the world!

(January 2023)

It was time to give the team a lift when Ian of Horizon Platforms Ltd. came to the Academy Theatre to deliver training to the Site Staff, Community Director, External Contractors,  and Theatre Staff.

After taking a rigorous online training course, the team were lead into the theatre and completed another test, consolidating their knowledge and emphasising the many Health and Safety aspects of working on a MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform).

It was the onto the practical part of the course and with safety checks completed, each course course member had to complete a mini 'driving test' which entailed driving the MEWP around a set of cones and the some reversing at height on the raised platform.

Ian imparted his wealth of knowledge in a fun and informal way, ensuring all participants had a laugh whilst learning. His entertaining anecdotes reinforced the serious training which underpinned the course.

The team's spirits were all raised as they successfully passed their tests on what was an excellent day's training.

Spelling Bee

(December 2023)

Co-op Academy Manchester hosted its second annual Spelling Bee, and the theatre was absolutely buzzing with talent and tenacity - a real hive of activity! Attended by the Co-op Trust's Director of English and Co-op Academy Manchester's Principal Mr Glover, the evening was one to remmember.

The event provided our most talented spellers in Years 7 and 8 with an opportunity to really showcase their skills in front of an audience of family, friends and teachers. Every competitor was so well-prepared and enthusiastic - each one hoping to bee the best on the night! Such was their level of preparation that at one point, organiser Mrs Howarth, thought she was going to run out of words!

The students played strategically, using their knowledge and lifelines effectively against each other in a battle of determination and will. The final round saw Sophie And Sahid go head to head - both meant beesness and performed astonishingly well, but in the end, it was Sophie who claimed victory, stinging Sahid with her accuracy and taking home the honey pot prize of a £20 Amazon voucher. Sahid, as the runner-up, was also rewarded with a £10 voucher. 

Mrs Howarth enthused, "The bravery of the competitors filled me with such pride: they really were a credit to themselves and the academy. Furthermore, three competitors will go on to represent CAM in February when we compete in the Trust-wide Spelling Bee at Angel Square. We are current reigning champions in this event, a title that I am sure we will retain!"  

Thank you to all the students who accepted the challenge - Reyazul, Farhan, Vit, Jess, Sophie, Jacob, Zuzanna, Sahid, and Declan. They were beeyond brilliant!

One Education's Winter Concert

(December 2023)

Once again the Academy Theatre was pleased to host One Education's Winter Concert. In an evening of variety the talented young musicians delighted and entertained with a series of marvellous music and splendid songs. The audience were welcomed by North Music Centre Coordinator, Mr John Rudden  in his own inimitable style.  This lead on to the Samba Reggae under the sound direction of Lazlo Palco. Under the expert tutorage of Clare Compson, Karen Cottam, Paul Mooney and John Rudden the Wind Band engaged the audience with Jingle Bells, March for the Young and Dr Rock. North Sings Junior gave renditions of Live Your Story and We are all Stars led by the charismatic Carla Jane. Next it was time for some Carnival Samba under instruction of Laszlo Palko.

A change of tone came next as the Folk Band helmed by Laszlo Palco and Pijus Jonusas played Soldier’s Joy, The Moreen and the Dashing White Sergeant. Carla Jane was returned with her Senior Group as they sung Up Above My Head and festive classic Snowman.  The MYWO (Manchester Youth Wind Orchestra) proved popular with their interpretations of Queen on Stage arr. Paul Murtha, Christmas Carillon arr. James Curnow, and Smoke on the Water arr. Paul Murtha. These were under the instruction of Steven Millington, Karen Cottam and Clare Compson.

Finally the Blackley Community Stage Band under the musical direction of John Rudden concluded with Moondance, Big Band Holiday and I Wish Upon a Star. The receptive audience left the concert having experienced a wonderful winter's concert.

Bee a Star Festival

(November 2023)

It was a pleasure to welcome Bee a Star Festival to the Academy Theatre as the audience was treated to the best of Polish culture in this showcase talent competition. Founder Aleksandra ensured that the programme  had variety and fun. With twenty acts there was a tight schedule in place to ensure the event ran like clockwork.  The acts ranged from the charming Ramię w Ramię (Hand in Hand) and Złap lato za rękę (Take Summer by the Hand) to the comic Ballada z Trupem (Ballad with a Corpse).

Hosted by Dorota, each section was interspersed with guest performances including a Pole Dance to Barbie Girl and the cherubic Polish Children's Club singing a selection of Polish Folk Songs in national dress.

After the Awards Ceremony the wining act proudly performed their song to the enthusiastic audience.

Welcome to Mr Glover

(November 2023)

It's not every day a school gets a new Principal, but taking over the reins from Executive Principal Phil Quirk is Allan Glover.  Mr Quirk, with Head of School Mrs McMorrow, have successfully been running the academy since Easter, but after Christmas Mr Quirk is returning Co-op Failsworth on a full time basis. 

The hand-over process has begun and Mr Glover booked  a series of Assemblies in the Academy Theatre  to introduce himself to all the academy's students.

In his presentation, Mr Glover gave a brief history of his background and his links to Liverpool as well as his first job in education as a PE teacher.  He is 'passionate about the life chances of young people and removing stereotypical barriers to achievement.' Mr Glover also celebrated the 'Amazing, vibrant and multicultural community' here at Co-op Academy Manchester as well as the excellent relationships students have with staff and the extra effort and care the staff give to students. 

We wish Mr Glover well as he leads the school into the next chapter of shaping young people's lives for the future.

Chetham's Make Music!

(October 2023)

In collaboration with Co-op Academy Manchester, One Education Music Service and Chetham's (pronounced Cheethams) School of Music, eight members of the Chetham's Symphony Orchestra entertained and enlightened students from the academy throughout day. With excerpts and movements from Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony Number 5 in D minor, Op. 47,  the students were entranced by this dramatic work which premiered in 1937.

Under the baton of conductor Karen Ni Bhroin, the orchestra of young people aged between 16 and 18 played with passion and sensitivity. There was also time for some improvised moments as Karen introduced the sections of the orchestra to the academy audience, with the percussion section busking their way through the 20th century Fox Fanfare!   Karen was impressed by the questions the audience asked.  The music school's joint principal Nicola Smith was also delighted how the day went, saying, "This has been a great opportunity for young people to come together and experience something special."

Academy Principal Mr Glover enthused, "What an amazing opportunity for our students! Mesmerising performances! Thank you to One Education and Chetham's School of Music for organising [this great event]."

Chetham's Creative Engagement Manager, Vicki Ciaputa, said, "It was a delight to bring our 80 piece student orchestra to the Cooperative Academy Manchester Theatre. To be welcomed so warmly and supported to make the student and staff experience of the highest quality was hugely appreciated. It can be tricky to find a space that is big enough, flexible enough, and acoustically suitable for the orchestra, so this has been a real find. Thank you for everything. "

After the school day ended, it was the turn of One Education Music Service to benefit from a mini concert featuring the music of Alexander Arutunyan and his  Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra and Vivaldi's – La Follia for Chamber Orchestra – arrangement by Tom Coult.

How to Revise

(October 20223)

A big thank you to all the families that came to our Year 11 'How To Revise' event in the Academy Theatre. on Monday. A variety of resources were shared by staff to the students and their families on an evening headed up by Head of School Mrs McMorrow. Many other departments were represented (including English, Science and Maths) and as well as revision techniques, staff also talked about how a students  diet and emotional welfare was important in achieving the best results.

Newly appointed  Academy Principal Mr Allan Glover  said the revision evening was " A really productive and well attended event on Monday! A great example of our school culture, where our parents, students and staff collaborate."

Surprising Science Returns

(September 2023)

Doctor Matt Pritchard once again entertained and enlightened his year seven audience as he revisited the Academy Theatre with his Surprising Science roadshow. 

Arranged by Mr Evans, the amazed audience puzzled and pondered over how  a  biscuit tin could roll up an inclined surface, or a can roll in one direction, stop and then return to its initial position.

Two students faced the steely gaze of the 'Dog' - which may have looked like a cute soft toy, but when students where fixed by its eyes, they were incapable of doing the simplest of tasks.

With fun and magic, three pieces of string were joined as one, the number 13 was transformed into the letter 'B' and without touching the text, reflections disappeared and beads had a life of their own as they tumbled out of their container.

Matt's magic had all of the audience thinking and although he gave the scientific solutions to most of stunts, he still had a few unanswered tricks up his sleeve which left unanswered!

SJ Dance Delight Audience

(2023 September)

Samantha the owner of SJ Dance must be be feeling very proud of her team and students after a spectacular three show run of their 2023 Dance Show presented at the Academy Theatre. Simply the Best of Broadway lived up to its name with students of all ages taking to the stage in two terrific acts.

An unexpected highlight were the Dad Dancers - 13 dads with girls who attend the school who were brought together to dance for charity.  In shimmering gold jackets and revelling in every moment these fantastic fathers set the audience alight with their rollicking rendition of I Will Survive.

With diverse dances from musicals including  Moulin Rouge , Chicago, Dreamgirls, The Bodyguard, Rent, We Will Rock You and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the audience were very appreciative of the colourful costumes and many moves of the talented troupe.

Sports Awards Evening

(July 2023)

Co-op Academy Manchester's Head of School Mrs McMorrow, was in attendance for the PE Departments Sports Award Evening  which celebrated the best of the year's sporting achievements.

Hosted by Director of PE Learning Zone  Mrs Lock, trophies and  certificates were presented to sporting students from Years 7 through to 10 for being the best in their particular sport or lesson.

The Girls Football Team were particularly noted for the way they had worked together and competed in their after school fixtures.

Intrigue, War and Death grip Co-op Academy Manchester

(2023)

Manchester Arts Educational Initiative (or MAEI  for short) presented Peter Wilkinson's adaptation and edit of William Shakespeare's history play The Life and Death of King John.

The play tells the story of the newly crowned King and how by tenaciously holding on to power, John provokes a war with France.

Directed by Peter Wilkinson and Choreographed by Jen Jones, the creative pair set to work realising the play with five primary schools. 

Working with the primary teachers from five schools, each school casts the play and working with Peter and Jen create one production which has five different casts - each school being a cast  on each weekday of the five day run.

With up to seventy stylised costumes designed and made by  Sarah Oxley and set of impressive castle ramparts and a looming throne constructed by Nick Tiernan the play had an epic feel.

Andy Boothman composed original  music and sound effects for the play, with lighting designed by Philip J. Hindle. 

Once Education Summer Concert

(June 2023)

14 groups of young musicians showcased their talent at the Academy Theatre, when One Education team presented their summer concert. The concert was the culmination of the term's work from the many classes run on every Thursday during term time from Co-op Academy Manchester.

The evening contained music from the all of the classes. The Youth Wind Orchestra played music from films Back to the Future, Frozen and an exciting piece entitled Aztec Fire. Other performances included music from  the String Group, Samba Group, Vocal Group and the New Tracks Group. The latter being a group which samples and creates music tracks based on themes and issues which affect young people.

Playing to a well attended event, parents and friends of the musicians certainly seemed to have enjoyed themselves as they left the theatre on their way home.

D'or Cinquante

(June 2023)

The Anita Tymcyshyn School of Dancing has been running for 50 years under the professional and passionate principal's stewardship. Anita started off taking dance  as a little girl, this eventually lead to her dancing in professional shows and finally forming her own dance school.

The varied programme began with a film taking the audience through the dancing career of 'Miss T' as Anita is affectionately known. 

From the Lullaby of Broadway from the film and stage musical 42nd Street to the Aqua pop classic Barbie Girl, Miss T's show had it all, including an aerial  artist and dancers from each of the many classes the school runs. The age of the performers ranged from primary school starters through to pensioners and all ages in between.

With glittering costumes, bowler hats, fishnets and heals, sailor suits and prison uniforms the dancers brought each number to life with  slickness and style, plus a passion which is clearly inspired by Mrs T herself.

There was dances to music from the musicals Hairspray,  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Singin' in the Rain, A Chorus Line, Puttin' On the Ritz and Hollywood Hotel, plus a ballet section  with music from Léo Delibes' Coppelia and a dance set to the music of Mozart.

It was a wonderful celebration of the 50 years of work Miss T has put into creating her school of dance. When the glitter cannons went off at the end of the show the audience were on their feet. A glittering celebration to a sparkling lady and all her achievements.

Charity Culture Night

(June 2023)

It was cabaret style seating and a three course meal to celebrate cultures  and raise money for Rainbow Surprise charity  in the Academy Theatre last Monday.

Organised by Miss Samantha Stott, the evening also had entertainment from the Academy String Group, Choir and Samba Group as they played and sang songs and tunes from around the world. 

The finale of the evening was a student fashion show as each student in national dress took to the catwalk in an amazing spectacle of colour and culture, compered by a student with all the confidence and humour of a pro!

Rainbow Surprise is a charity which aims to provide skills for life and inspiring activities to create strong and vibrant communities. This is done through with events that bring people from different faiths and cultures together to improve community cohesion. 

Asthma Awareness Week

(May 2023)

The Co-op Academy Manchester was proud to introduce Asthma Friendly Schools to the Academy Theatre as they highlighted causes and treatments for an illness which effects over 8 million people (approximately 12%) of the UK.

Research has found that asthma is the cause for children missing more than 10 million school days each year. The academy has over 150 students with  asthma. 

Nurses from the NHS  and independent health groups spoke to students from all years about effective inhaler use, how it feels to be asthmatic and how the academy can inform staff and  students about asthma. The experts also talked about the many triggers for asthma, such as: allergens, exercise, smoke, pollution and airway infections.

Both visitors and staff found the event very productive and agreed that a future visit would further develop the the academy's asthma awareness.

No More Knives

(April 2023)

 The No More Knives tour came to the Academy Theatre highlighting knife crime and the devastating impact it has on lives, the show aims show young people there is another way other than violence.

Combining music with powerful stories and teaching, the group of delivered assemblies  to the Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 capacity audience throughout the day, equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to say no to knives and start to discover their full value and identity.

The tour is done in partnership with the local police force and Redeeming Our Communities initiative.

Co-op Trust Visit

(November 2022)

We were delighted to welcome our Academies Trust CEO Chris Tomlinson and Headteachers from across the Academies for their Headteachers' Forum hosted in the Academy Theatre. This is the first time in three years that heads from Trust Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education have had a chance to meet, listen to some keynote speakers and discuss  how the Co-op can develop its provision for students and support colleagues and continue ensuring that the Co-op Values are embedded in all aspects of the Trust and implemented in the wider community.

The following day the Co-op Group CEO,  Shirine Khoury-Haq came to have a look around Co-op Academy Manchester and she was naturally shown our Academy Theatre on her tour. She met with Principal Chris Beard, witnessed a number of lessons and held discussions with students. A particular highlight for the Group CEO was when she was presented with some honey collected from our very own Bees!

JSTAR Return to Theatre

(December 2021)

The JSTAR Academy of Performing Arts returned to the Academy Theatre after an absence of over a year with a series of performances and showcases highlighting the diverse range of classes the performing activities the  the organisation offers.

The Street Dance Winter Showcase proved very popular with the audience made up of the families of the performing children. 'Our Fairy-tale Ending (to magical year)'  was the grand finale pantomime, complete with Dame and Principal Boy.

It was evident that the staff and students enjoyed being back on stage and performing. The audience seemed to think so too.

(December 2020)

We were delighted to get back into the theatre to record a socially distanced mini - Christmas Concert. Individual students and small class 'bubbles' were filmed and brought together by the magic of editing. 

Introduced by three year nine students and three year eleven students, the programme began with  the 1847 Adolphe Adam 's classic  "O Holy Night".  Under the lead of Miss Stott, the six year eleven students were in perfect harmony.

Our friends from One Education Music Service worked with strings and percussion to create a special rendition of  "Fairytale of New York" by Jem Finer and Shane MacGowan. Many thanks to our Peripatetic Staff: Mrs Compson, Mrs Wren, Mr Rudden and Mr Thom  for bringing this together and for their wonderful extra provision they give to our students throughout the year.

Year eleven Harriet then gave a heartfelt rendition of the Sia Furler and Greg Kurstin 2017 hit “Snowman”.

Finally re-joined the year eleven girls who sang the poignant  Francis Xaver Gruber and Joseph Mohr carol "Silent Night ".  As they performed, lyrics ran along the bottom of the screen giving the opportunity for those viewing to sing along too.

The sentiments of the concert are best reflected in the closing words of the presenters:

 "No matter how you spend your Yuletide this year… whether, you have a large bubble of three families, or a small bubble of one, we at Co-op Academy Manchester look forward to seeing you in person next year. But until then, we wish you all a… "Merry Christmas!"

For those wishing to view the 10 minute concert, click the clip opposite.