OurAnnualLeaver’s PresentationEvening
Eden Boys’ School Preston proudly hosted its annual Year 11 Presentation Evening, a heartfelt celebration of achievement, character and community. This year’s event was held at the elegant Imperial Banqueting in Preston, providing a fitting backdrop for a night dedicated to honouring the outstanding accomplishments of the 2025 leavers. Families, staff and students came together to reflect on the journey the boys have taken and to celebrate their exceptional GCSE results.
The atmosphere was vibrant and full of pride as students collected their awards, recognising excellence in academic success, personal development, leadership and service to the school community. Their GCSE outcomes, which reflect years of perseverance and dedication, were applauded by all in attendance.
Guests also enjoyed a beautifully prepared meal. The evening offered families and staff an opportunity to relax together, share memories and celebrate the young men they have watched grow into confident, capable and principled individuals. A particular highlight of the evening was the guest speaker, Mo Isap OBE, whose presence inspired both students and parents alike. His message emphasised ambition, self-belief and service to others, resonating strongly with the values upheld at Eden Boys’ School and STAR. His words encouraged students to dream boldly, work with purpose and remain grounded in gratitude and humility as they move forward into the next phase of their lives.
Recognising young people’s achievements is an essential part of their development. Celebrations such as the Year 11 Presentation Evening affirm the value of hard work, boost self-confidence and help instil a lasting sense of pride and motivation. When young people feel seen, they are far more likely to carry positive habits and attitudes into their future education, careers and personal lives. For all of Eden Boys’ School Preston, this evening served not only as a celebration but as a reminder that their efforts are meaningful and recognised by their community.
We take the opportunity to extend heartfelt prayers and wellwishes to the cohort. In keeping with the Islamic ethos of EBP, we pray the Almighty keep the boys grounded in faith, integrity and good character: May Allah bless them with continued success, guide them on the straight path, and grant them the strength and wisdom to use their talents for good.
Principal’s Introduction
Assalamu ‘Alaikum and Peace be Upon You
As we approach the end of a busy term, I look back with such fondness and gratitude for being part of such a special Star and EBP family. The care, compassion, consistency, patience, and leadership of our wonderful staff is refreshing and deeply appreciated. The quiet kindnesses, the steady guidance, and the countless moments of encouragement offered by our families is touching. Most importantly, the positivity, zeal, ambition, determination and courage of our young people is truly inspirational.
Ithas beenajoytomeetsomanyofour wonderfulparentsandmembers of our community at school events including our annual presentation evening, big iftar event, curriculum and options meetings, charity events, parents’ evenings, review meetings and drop in clinics. There is a real unity and camaraderie amongst us that makes our Eden family so unique, special and fortunate. Visitors to the school have commented on the special ‘feel’ of the school.
We wereblessedtohaveenjoyed themostspecialmonthofRamadhaan with our Eden Boys’ Preston family. The sincerity, striving and strength from the collective effort and understanding of the greater purpose from our wonderful staff, students and parents once again shone thorugh. Our hearts are filled with appreciation.
During Ramadhaan, there have been a number of optional activities offered by the school to encourage students to get the most out of this holy month. This includes:
· A renewed focus on character development and in particular careful and considered use of our language to uplift and motivate and engage in recitation and prayer for ourselves and others.
· Keeping healthy
· Activities to listen to and reflect on stories from the Noble Qur’aan.
· Special assemblies and Spiritual activities and competitions to learn more about Ramadhaan and its importance, including Laylat ul Qadr (Night of Power)
· Fundraising for charity.
· An opportunity for students to prepare and give an Eid gift pack to the homeless and the elderly in our local community.
· Student led presentations, preparations and delivery of our Big Iftaar event.
· Activities to learn about the blessings of the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadhaan.
· Participating in an Eid meal.
After students return from the Easter break on the 13 of April, there are just 4 school weeks to the start of the written GCSE exams.
We want all of our students to be fully prepared and succeed in their exams so they can achieve to their full potential and go on to fulfil their dreams and ambitions. Our year 11 students have been a credit to themselves, the school, their parents and their community. We wish them well in their revision and all the best when they finally sit their exams. I have no doubt that we will hear all about their future success in the years to come.
Please do continue to remember our school family and community in your humble duas and prayers. Wishing you a lovely break!
Nafisa Patel Principal
English
Star Stories: Celebrating Creativity Across Our School
This year, students across our school community had the exciting opportunity to take part in Star Stories, a prestigious short story writing competition for Star schools. The competition is rooted in the belief that every child has a story worth telling, and it aims to inspire students to develop their imagination, creativity, and love of reading and writing. Star Stories encourages students of all abilities to express themselves through storytelling. Participants were invited to write an original short story in any fictional genre and on any topic that inspired them, giving students the freedom to explore their ideas and creativity. From thrilling adventures to magical worlds and heartfelt narratives, the range of entries demonstrated just how imaginative our young writers are.
The competition is organised into three age categories:
· Years 5–6 – up to 650 words
· Years 7–8 – up to 750 words
· Years 9–10 – up to 1,000 words
Students across these year groups were given the opportunity to take part, and we were delighted to receive many fantastic entries. The stories showcased incredible creativity, thoughtful storytelling, and a real passion for writing. Choosing the top entries for each category was no easy task, as the quality of submissions was truly impressive.
After our school’s internal judging process, the top three stories in each category were selected to represent our school in the national Star Stories competition, where they will be judged by a panel of experts. All students who enter the national competition will receive a Star Stories certificate, and finalists will have the chance to win prizes including Amazon vouchers. In addition, the winning story in each category will be professionally illustrated and shared in Star school libraries, while all finalist stories will be published in the Star Stories Anthology online.
The competition forms part of the wider Year of Reading initiative, which celebrates the importance of reading, writing, and storytelling in developing confident and articulate learners.
We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part in Star Stories this year. Their enthusiasm, imagination, and dedication to writing made the competition a huge success. We look forward to seeing how our school’s entries perform at the national level and celebrating the amazing storytelling talent within our community.
English
Bringing GCSE Texts to Life: MANACTCO’s Powerful Performance of A Christmas Carol and Macbeth
Students were recently treated to an engaging and immersive live theatre experience, as MANACTCO visited the school to perform GCSE set texts A Christmas Carol and Macbeth.
The performances brought both texts to life, offering students a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of characters and themes in preparation for their GCSE examinations. Through powerful acting, minimal staging, and direct audience engagement, students were able to see key moments unfold in a dynamic and memorable way.
The performance of A Christmas Carol enabled students to explore Scrooge’s transformation in a vivid and accessible way, reinforcing key themes such as redemption, social responsibility and the impact of choices.
Similarly, Macbeth captivated students with its intense portrayal of ambition, power and guilt, helping to clarify complex scenes and character motivations.
A particular strength of the session was the interactive elements, as students were encouraged to reflect on key quotations, staging choices and interpretations. This supported their analytical skills and provided useful insights into how they might approach exam questions.
Students were also given the opportunity to take part in an engaging Q&A session following the performances, which further deepened their understanding of both A Christmas Carol and Macbeth. During this session, students asked insightful questions about character motivations, themes, and staging choices, allowing them to explore different interpretations of key moments in the texts. The actors provided thoughtful and detailed responses, helping to clarify complex ideas and model analytical thinking. This interactive element encouraged students to think more critically about the texts and strengthened their confidence in discussing and analysing literature in preparation for their GCSE exams.
Overall, the visit was a highly valuable experience, supporting both engagement and academic progress. Students left the session feeling more confident in their understanding of the texts and better prepared for their upcoming GCSE assessments.
Mathematics
Outstanding Success in the UKMT Maths Challenge for Year 11 Students
Students in Year 11 are celebrating exceptional success following their recent participation in the UK Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge. This prestigious competition is renowned for stretching and inspiring young mathematicians across the country, and this year’s cohort has risen to the occasion with remarkable achievement.
Students demonstrated impressive problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, and resilience when faced with complex and unfamiliar questions. Many students achieved high scores, reflecting not only their natural ability but also their dedication and hard work throughout the year.
A particularly outstanding performance came from Mohammed Musa Aslam, who achieved the highest score across both sets. His result places him among the top-performing students nationally and has earned him a well-deserved invitation to the regional round of the competition. This is a significant accomplishment, as only the strongest candidates are selected to progress further.
Mohammed’s success is a testament to his commitment to excellence in mathematics. His ability to think critically under pressure and apply advanced concepts with confidence has set him apart from his peers. Teachers have praised his consistent effort, intellectual curiosity, and determination to push beyond the curriculum.
The achievements Y11 as a whole highlight the strength of mathematics teaching and learning within the school. Students have shown that with focus and perseverance, they can compete at a very high level.
We wish Mohammed the very best as he prepares for the regional stage and look forward to seeing what he will accomplish next. His success serves as an inspiration to all aspiring mathematicians in the school.
History
The History Department has had a fantastic term, with students across all year groups showing real enthusiasm and curiosity in their studies. One of the standout topics has been the study of the Holocaust, where students have engaged thoughtfully with challenging content, developing both their historical understanding and empathy. Their discussions and written work have demonstrated maturity and a deep respect for this important period in history.
In Key Stage 3, students have particularly enjoyed exploring the Enlightenment and its influence on the French and American Revolutions. They have developed a strong understanding of key ideas such as liberty, equality, and rights, and have confidently linked these concepts to significant events like the storming of the Bastille and the American Declaration of Independence.
Meanwhile, our Year 7 students have thoroughly enjoyed studying Norman England, including challenging the interpretation that the Normans brought a ‘truckload of trouble’, and how William the Conqueror secured control of England. Their work on comparisons with modern and medieval life has been especially impressive.
Looking ahead to the summer term, key dates include internal assessments beginning on 5th May and Year 11 GCSE examinations starting the week commencing 11th May. These are important opportunities for students to demonstrate their progress across the curriculum.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment shown by our students and look forward to another successful term ahead.
Science
British Science Week is an exciting annual celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, inspiring students to explore and discover the world around them. This year’s theme, “Curiosity: what’s yourquestion?”, The science team hosted a range of activities to reignite the curiosity of science amongst our year 7 and 8 students.
Space VR workshop
During British Science Week, our Year 7 students had an unforgettable adventure exploring space through virtual reality. With VR headsets on, they were instantly transported beyond Earth, floating among planets, stars, and distant galaxies. They experienced what it might feel like to travel through space, getting an up-close look at planets and learning fascinating facts about the universe along the way. There were lots of smiles, laughter, and excited reactions as they explored space and truly got to feel like a scientist.
Curiosity on Canvas: Year 8 Paint Their Big Science Questions
During British ScienceWeek, our Year 8 students explored this year’s inspiring theme: “Curiosity – What’s Your Question?”. The project encouraged students to think like scientists by asking questions about the world around them and expressing their curiosity through art.
Students began by brainstorming their ideas and questions, thinking about topics in science that interested them most. From space and the oceans to the human body and the environment, they came up with imaginative questions that showed their curiosity and creativity.
They then created their canvases into colourful pieces of artwork that combined science, curiosity, and creativity. Each canvas displayed a unique scientific question and showed how art can be used to explore and communicate ideas. The finished pieces looked fantastic and reflected the thoughtful questions and imaginative thinking of our Year 8 students. Well done to everyone who took part and embraced the spirit of curiosity during British Science Week!
Marble run
During BSW Week, Year 7 students took part in a CREST Award challenge to design and build faster roller coasters. Our mini-scientists worked in teams to create their own roller coasters using a variety of materials, discovering how science, technology, engineering and maths work together in real-world design. Students experimented with different heights, curves and loops to see how gravity and energy affected the movement of a marble—causing it to speed up, slow down or change direction. Through testing and refining their designs, they began to think like real engineers, identifying problems and improving their structures.
It was fantastic to see so many creative ideas come to life. Students collaborated within their teams, solved design challenges and evaluated which roller coaster designs were the most effective. The activity was both exciting and a great opportunity for students to develop their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
ReligiousStudies
RS Round-Up: A Term of Depth, Debate, and Determination!
It has been a fantastic term of deep thinking and lively discussion in Religious Studies. Our classrooms have been filled with intellectual journeys, with students exploring big questions and preparing for important milestones.
Year 7: Exploring Sacred Texts
Year 7 have begun an exciting journey into the world's great religions by studying their holy books. They have been learning about the origins, importance, and key teachings of the Quran, Bible, and Torah. It has been wonderful to see them engage with these sacred texts, understanding not just what they say, but why they are so central to the lives of millions of people around the world.
Year 8: Thinking Like Philosophers
Our Year 8 students have truly embraced their inner philosophers this term, tackling one of the biggest questions of all: the existence of God. They have been exploring classic philosophical arguments, looking at whether miracles, the beauty of design in the universe, and the power of prayer can be considered evidence for a higher power. The classroom debates have been thoughtful and mature as they grapple with these fascinating concepts.
Year 9: Questioning Warand Peace
Year 9 have been tackling some challenging and highly relevant topics, focusing on religion, peace, and conflict. Their studies have taken them into the ethics of warfare, including a deep dive into the principles of Just War Theory. They have been questioning what makes a war 'just', exploring the moral complexities of conflict and the concept of a 'just peace'. A truly engaging topic that has sparked some excellent discussions.
Year 10: Sharpening Skills for GCSE Success
It has been a period of intense focus for our Year 10s, who have been attending a series of targeted masterclasses designed to get them exam-ready. With their GCSEs on the horizon, students have been refining their knowledge and exam techniques. Please make a note of the upcoming dates: Paper 1 will take place on 12th May and Paper 2 on 20th May. We wish them the very best with their final revision push!
Looking Ahead: Summer Term Visits
Exciting News: A Trip to Turkey!
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the RS Department will be running a trip to Istanbul, Turkey from 2nd to 5th July. A huge thank you to Mrs. Zaeem for all her hard work in organising what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Students will be joined by other schools from the Trust for this all-inclusive trip, with lots of delicious food and plenty of visits planned. They will have the incredible opportunity to explore a city rich with history, including magnificent sites such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It will be a fantastic way to bring their RS studies to life.
And there's more to look forward to! The RS Department is busy planning further opportunities for the summer term, including visits to Blackburn Cathedral and the newly opened Masjid Valli in Blackburn. We will share more details with parents and students soon!
Geography
Geography at Eden Boys Preston continues to go from strength to strength across Years 7–11, with all students following the ambitious and knowledge-rich AQA specification. Our carefully sequenced curriculum ensures that students build strong foundations in both physical and human geography, while steadily developing the analytical, evaluative and fieldwork skills required for GCSE success.
In Year 7, students begin their journey by exploring Africa. This exciting unit introduces students to the continent’s diverse landscapes, climates and ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to hot deserts. Students also examine population distribution, development indicators and the opportunities and challenges facing different African countries. A key focus is challenging stereotypes and developing a balanced, evidence-based understanding. Alongside this, students strengthen essential geographical skills such as map interpretation, atlas use, graph analysis and extended writing.
Year 8 students turn their attention to plate tectonics, deepening their understanding of physical processes. They study the structure of the Earth, the movement of tectonic plates and the formation of earthquakes and volcanoes. Through real-life case studies, students analyse the causes, impacts and responses to tectonic hazards in countries at different stages of development. This topic encourages critical thinking, particularly when assessing how preparedness, wealth and governance influence outcomes.
In Year 9, learning builds further with a focus on tropical storms. Students explore how and why tropical storms develop, why they are located in specific global regions, and how climate change may influence their frequency and intensity. Case studies allow students to compare the impacts of storms in higher-income and lower-income countries, strengthening their evaluative writing skills in preparation for GCSE-style questions.
At GCSE level, Year 10 students study urban issues and challenges, using Bristol as a key UK case study. Students investigate urban growth, deprivation, regeneration and sustainability, applying theoretical knowledge to a real and dynamic city. They develop strong exam technique, including the use of detailed case study evidence to support extended answers.
Finally, Year 11 students consolidate their learning through compulsory fieldwork. Students collect, present and analyse primary data, drawing conclusions and evaluating methods in line with AQA requirements. This vital experience not only prepares them for examination questions but also develops independence, teamwork and critical enquiry skills.
Across every year group, geography at Eden Boys Preston fosters curiosity, global awareness and a deep understanding of our ever-changing world.
PEandSport
It has been an extremely busy term for the PE department, with our students competing in a range of competitions and activities across the district of Preston.
Basketball:
During this term, teams in Year 7 & 8 have competed in district leagues and competitions. Each team has performed with outstanding levels of passion and commitment, and this has led to a great deal of success throughout the term.
Both our Y7 & Y8 team have performed exceptionally well as a team. The PE department are extremely impressed with the progress they have made.
Throughout this term, they have played against a number of schools in the Preston district, performing with a desire and motivation to succeed. Again, the PE department have been very impressed with the quality of some performances. A huge congratulations to Emam Sami & Arhan Raj who both put in a player of the match performance against Fulwood, fantastic effort!
Well done to all of the students who have attended this term’s extracurricular basketball club or represented a school team. We look forward to monitoring your continued progress and development in the game.
Indoor Athletics:
During Spring 1, our Y7 and Y8 students were invited to Broughton to compete in our annual indoor athletics competition.
This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their raw talent and enthusiasm for athletics, with a wide range of events to compete in.
Although we don’t deliver athletics until the summer, our Y7 team performed excellently, and their work ethic and commitment was great to watch.
Our Y8 team also performed brilliantly, coming first in various events.
The look of excitement and the teamwork on display was incredible to witness, and the boys did themselves extremely proud.
A huge well done to Rahimullah Abed for winning the shot-put event, a fantastic effort.
Rock Climbing!
Our recent rock climbing experience was a huge success and proved incredibly popular, selling out in record time! Students were excited to take on the challenge and showed fantastic enthusiasm from start to finish. Throughout the session, they had the opportunity to practise a range of rock climbing skills, including belaying, foot placement, route planning, balance, and controlled descents. With expert instructors guiding them, students built confidence, resilience, and teamwork while pushing themselves to reach new heights—literally! It was wonderful to see so many students supporting one another and celebrating each other’s achievements, making it a rewarding and memorable experience for everyone involved.
District Table Tennis!
Throughout Spring 1, the school has competed in a range of district table tennis events. Table tennis is an important sport on our PE curriculum, and one that students experience from Y7-Y11. This term, teams in years 8, 10 & 11 have competed in district events. We have been so impressed with the progress that our students have made, and this has been evident in the performances they have produced.
In the Y10/11 competition, our team were fantastic and produced a series of outstanding performances. Their technical and tactical knowledge and application was really pleasing to see, and their excellent understanding of the key attacking and defensive principles enabled them to achieve high levels of success.
A huge well done to Ahmad Akhoon and Ahmad Rashed who won the majority of their games, a fantastic effort.
All of the performances were very impressive, and we look forward to their continued progress in the sport.
Man CityTrips!
Our recent trip to the Etihad Stadium was an unforgettable experience as we watched Manchester City take on Newcastle United in the thrilling semi-final of the EFL Cup. The atmosphere was electric from the moment we arrived, with fans singing, waving scarves, and building excitement ahead of kick-off. Seeing top-level football played live gave us a new appreciation for the skill, teamwork, and determination required at this level of the game. It was fantastic to witness the speed and intensity up close, and the whole group represented the school brilliantly throughout the evening. The trip was not only a great sporting experience but also a memorable opportunity to enjoy live football together outside the classroom.
Exciting events coming up in PE:
In addition to the above, we will be attending the T20 Vitality blast in the summer. This will be an unbelievable opportunity for your son to witness fast-paced and explosive action. The 2025 season will be the first time all women’s and men’s county teams will play side by side in the Vitality Blast, making it an unforgettable sporting trip for our young men.
Not only that, but we are also excited to announce an upcoming orienteering trip that has been carefully planned and will be delivered in-house by our dedicated staff team. This experience will give students the opportunity to develop their map-reading, navigation, and problem-solving skills in a practical and engaging outdoor setting. Working in teams, students will learn how to interpret symbols, follow bearings, and plan efficient routes while building communication, resilience, and leadership skills along the way. By delivering this trip in-house, we are able to tailor the activities to suit all abilities and ensure a supportive environment where every student can challenge themselves and enjoy the adventure
We are also delighted to share details of an upcoming Padel Day, where students will head off-site for a full day to experience this fast-growing and exciting sport. The trip will give students the opportunity to learn the rules, develop key techniques such as positioning, teamwork, and shot selection, and take part in friendly matches in a professional setting. Whether they are completely new to the sport or already familiar with racket games, the day promises to be fun, active, and inclusive for all abilities. It will be a fantastic opportunity for students to build confidence, stay active, and enjoy trying something new in a supportive and energetic environment.
Events
Parents’ Evening
We recently concluded a series of highly successful parents’ evenings, offering families a valuable opportunity to engage directly with teachers and gain meaningful insights into their sons’ progress. These events continue to play a vital role in the school’s commitment to strong home–school partnerships and ensuring every student receives the support needed to thrive both academically and personally.
Across years 8-11, parents and guardians were welcomed into school to discuss academic performance, character development, and wider pastoral support. Teachers praised the exceptionally high turnout and the positive, constructive conversations held throughout the events. Many families expressed appreciation for the time, clarity, and personalised feedback provided by staff, noting how helpful it was to understand their son’s achievements as well as the targeted steps needed for continued improvement.
Parents’ evenings are a cornerstone of the school’s approach to collaborative education. They serve as an essential platform for strengthening communication between home and school, ensuring every child is supported consistently and effectively. When parents and guardians are actively involved in their child’s learning journey, research shows that students are more motivated, more confident, and more likely to achieve their full potential. Engagement also helps identify areas of concern early on, being academic, behavioural, or emotional, so that timely interventions can be put in place.
At Eden Boys’ School Preston, staff emphasise that parental involvement is not limited to attending events. Rather, it is an ongoing partnership built on open dialogue, shared expectations, and a joint commitment to supporting each student’s personal and academic growth. Parents’ evenings allow this partnership to flourish by creating a dedicated time for families and teachers to reflect, plan, and agree on the best strategies to help each young person succeed. The school extends its sincere thanks to all parents and guardians who attended, engaged in meaningful discussion, and continue to play an active role in their child’s development.
Looking ahead, communication regarding the Year 7 Parents’ Evening will be shared with families after the upcoming break. The school encourages all Year 7 parents and guardians to attend once dates are confirmed, as early engagement in secondary education is especially important for setting strong foundations during the transition from primary school.
Eden Boys’ School Preston looks forward to continuing its work with families, ensuring every student is supported, challenged, and guided toward excellence.
Upcoming parent evenings/events
Wednesday 15th April – Y11 GCSE season parent meeting
Monday 27th April – Y7 Parents’ Evening
Wednesday 6th May – Parent Drop In forum
Pastoral
A Positive Start to the Term
Spring Term 2 began incredibly well, with attendance starting at over 96%. This strong start set a positive tone for the rest of the period, with attendance remaining steady and consistent throughout.
Consistent attendance is key to ensuring students do not miss valuable learning time, and it is encouraging to see students building positive habits and maintaining strong attendance levels.
Aiming for the Top
Looking ahead, the aim is to continue improving these already strong attendance figures. With continued commitment, Eden Boys Preston hopes to break into the top three acrossthe trust, with the goal of reaching the top spot
Every day in school counts and maintaining high attendance will be essential to achieving this goal.
“AMP It Up”Making a Di erence
The AMP It Up initiative has also been implemented to help motivate and reward students for attending school regularly. The programme focuses on recognising positive attendance and encouraging students to take pride in being present and ready to learn.
Early signs suggest this initiative is already making a significant di erence, with many students feeling more encouraged and rewarded for their commitment to attending school during the six-week program.
Looking Ahead
With strong attendance already in place and new motivational initiatives underway, Eden Boys Preston is well positioned to continue building momentum throughout the term. If this progress continues, there is every chance that Eden Boys Preston will climb the attendance rankings within the trust.
A big well done to all students for their commitment so far — let’s keep the momentum going!
Celebrating Inclusion: Our Commitment to Supporting SEND Learners
At the heart of our school’s mission is a belief that every child - regardless of their starting point, background, or learning need - deserves the opportunity to thrive. As part of our ongoing inclusion drive, we are proud to highlight the work being done across the school to support students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring they feel valued, empowered, and fully included in school life.
A Whole-School Commitment
Inclusion is not the responsibility of one department; it is a shared commitment embraced by every adult and every student in our community. Teachers across all subjects are working collaboratively with our SEND team to ensure lessons are accessible, engaging, and responsive to individual needs. Whether through differentiated tasks, adaptive teaching strategies, or adjustments to classroom routines, staff are continually refining their practice to ensure that all learners can access the curriculum meaningfully.
Putting the Right Support in Place
Our SEND team plays a vital role in supporting both staff and students. This year, we have strengthened our provision in several key ways:
· Early identification and intervention: Through careful monitoring, assessment, and communication with all stakeholders, we ensure that support begins as soon as a need is recognised.
· Personalised support plans: Students with identified needs have clear, practical targets and strategies that teachers use daily to help them progress.
· A focus on independence: Alongside academic support, we prioritise building self-confidence, resilience, and independence - skills that help students flourish well beyond the classroom.
Teaching Assistants (LSAs) continue to play an invaluable role, not only offering one-to-one support but also empowering students to develop strategies that work for them.
Looking Ahead
Our inclusion drive is an ongoing journey. In the coming months, we will continue to refine our provision, invest in staff training, and raise awareness of the diverse strengths and needs within our school community. We want every child to feel confident that they belong here - and that they can succeed here.
Together, as a community, we are building a school where every learner can flourish.
Trafford Centre
The Inclusion Department recently organised an enrichment trip to the Trafford Centre for thirteen students, providing a valuable opportunity for students to develop confidence, independence and social skills beyond the classroom. The visit was carefully planned to ensure that all students felt safe, supported and well prepared to engage fully in a new environment.
A key highlight of the trip was the Laser Quest session, where students competed against one another in friendly teams. This activity promoted teamwork, communication and positive behaviour, reflecting Star Academies’ values of Character, Community and Respect. Following this, students were given a short break to enjoy their lunches before continuing with the day’s activities.
After lunch, students were able to explore the Trafford Centre, visiting a range of shops and, if they wished, purchasing small gifts or food. This aspect of the trip supported the development of important life skills, including responsible decision-making, money management and navigating a busy public setting with confidence and respect. The students were extremely enthusiastic about the visit, and many expressed how much they were looking forward to the experience. For some students, this was their first visit to the Trafford Centre, making it especially important that staff took time beforehand to explain what to expect and how to conduct themselves. This preparation helped students feel reassured and confident, demonstrating the school’s commitment to fostering Confidence and Aspiration.
Reflecting on the day, Zakiya Tadwala, a Year 10 student, said that he really enjoyed taking part in the Laser Quest games and then going around the shops to see the different stores. He added that it was particularly nice to have a day out of school and to spend time with fellow students and teaching assistants, which made the experience both enjoyable and memorable.
Overall, the trip was a highly positive experience that highlighted the Inclusion Department’s commitment to providing meaningful enrichment opportunities which support personal development, strengthen relationships and bring the Star values to life.
Enrichment andPersonalDevelopment
At Eden Boys’ Preston, we remain deeply committed to providing our students with a rich and meaningful school experience that extends far beyond the classroom. This term has been filled with a wide range of opportunities that have enabled our young people to develop confidence, character and a strong sense of responsibility as active members of their communities.
Our students have embraced opportunities to grow both personally and socially. Year 7 students demonstrated impressive initiative through their involvement in the Bite Back Social Action programme, where they explored issues a ecting young people and began developing plans to make a positive di erence within society. It was inspiring to see our youngest students already thinking about how they can contribute to meaningful change.
Students have also benefited from valuable careers guidance this term. Students in Years 7, 9 and 10 attended the Careers Mega Event at Newman College, where they were able to engage with employers, explore di erent career pathways and begin to reflect on their future aspirations. Alongside this, National Careers Week was marked through dedicated assemblies for all year groups, encouraging students to think ambitiously about the many opportunities that lie ahead of them.
Educational visits have continued to play an important role in enriching our curriculum. Year 7 students thoroughly enjoyed their science trip to Blackpool Zoo, where classroom learning was brought vividly to life. Meanwhile, our Year 10 and Year 11 students had the opportunity to experience live theatre through a performance of A Christmas Carol, deepening their understanding of the text while enjoying a memorable cultural experience.
Physical challenge and teamwork have also been central to our enrichment programme. Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in a rockclimbing activity, showing resilience and determination as they pushed themselves beyond their comfort zones. Our Year 8 students also represented the school with pride at the District Indoor Athletics Championship, demonstrating excellent e ort and sportsmanship throughout the competition. In addition, Year 10 students were fortunate to attend a Manchester City Champions League fixture, an exciting opportunity that will no doubt remain a highlight of their school experience.
We are equally proud of the creativity and talent shown by our students. Year 7 students shone at the Eden’s Got Talent event held at our local mosque, confidently showcasing their abilities and celebrating the diverse talents within our school community.
As always, moments that bring our community together remain particularly special. We were delighted to host a beautiful Iftaar during the first week back after the Spring half-term break, providing a wonderful opportunity for students, sta and families to gather in reflection and gratitude. We also had the privilege of celebrating the achievements of last year’s Year 11 cohort at their Presentation Evening, recognising the hard work, perseverance and success that defined their time at Eden.
These experiences are a powerful reminder that education is about far more than academic success alone. Through opportunities such as these, our students continue to grow into confident, compassionate and principled young people who are well prepared to make a positive contribution to society.
Notice
We don’t like Cricket, We it! Is your child lacking confidence? Needs something to do in their spare time. We are currently running FREE Cricket sessions at school through the Chance to Shine Project, sanctioned by Lancashire Cricket Foundation. The sessions are run by qualified coaches. There are opportunities for your child to join local Cricket Clubs and take part in cricket competitions across the country. Please find details below:
7–14-year-olds: Every Sunday 10am-12pm 16 –25-year-olds: Every Thursday 8pm – 10pm.
