It’s now been a full year since we opened Higher Blackley’s Community Fridge to the whole community. It’s open every Tuesday between 3 and 4pm.

A total of 12 students - now in Year 10 and 11 -  gave up their spare time last year to study for the WJEC Additional Maths Level 2, which is effectively an A-Level taster.

On Wednesday 22 November, we were delighted to welcome students and their families, as well as the local community, to our Astronomy Evening.

Co-op Academy Manchester provides eBooks for students to be able to read wherever they are. The system is called ePlatform, a library lending system designed to make the borrowing and reading of eBooks enjoyable and seamless.

Knife crime and the devastating impact it has on lives is never far from the headlines, so the No More Knives tour is visiting Manchester schools to show young people there is another way.

The tour came to The Academy Theatre on Monday 24 April for students in Years 7-10. The Message Trust, who organises the tour explains the performances; “combining music with powerful stories and teaching, we deliver lessons and assemblies that equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to say no to knives and start to discover their full value and identity.”

The session was supported by Greater Manchester Police and youth workers from some local youth clubs. 

After the sessions, students commented that they now understood more fully the consequences of carrying knives and why it was so important to avoid them.

Hit musical Sister Act came to the academy stage in February, playing for audiences over three fabulous performances. 

The cast of 40 students included students from all Year Groups, as well as a further group of students working behind the scenes. 

Sister Act is the feel-amazing musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony and 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty And The Beast, Little Shop Of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave audiences breathless. The cast is chock full of amazing roles for women of all ages making this a perfect choice for high schools and community theatres. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE!

Head of Drama Mrs Lawrence said, “This has been a particularly difficult show to stage and there were instances where we thought the complexities of the show might be too great. However, time after time, our cast came together and proved to us how talented and hard-working they are, creating the amazing spectacle we saw on stage.”

“For our Performing Arts staff, putting on our school production is the highlight of our year and after a busy or challenging day of teaching, working with these students always puts a smile on our faces as we walk out the door.”

Theatre Reviewer Matthew Dougall, writing on the Number9Reviews blog said, “the school has provided these students with a professional set and wonderful costumes as their playground, and every one of them strives for excellence. They are all enjoying themselves, and creating interesting characters whom we can follow on their journeys.”

“All-in-all, the Co-op Academy have done themselves proud again, and produced a quality production, showcasing the talent, commitment, energy, and desire to succeed from a whole team of both students and staff.”