The centrepiece of the day was an ambitious Row-a-thon, where students and staff worked collectively to row the full distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Each house contributed an impressive total, reflecting dedication and teamwork across the academy. Chatsworth achieved the highest distance with 55,005km, followed by Cusworth with 51,589km. Brodsworth completed 45,217km, and Wentworth finished with 35,176km, all playing a vital role in the school-wide challenge.

A highlight for many students was a special visit from Pudsey Bear, who arrived to cheer on participants and celebrate their efforts. Pudsey’s appearance added excitement and encouragement throughout the day. Alongside the rowing challenge, a successful cupcake sale run by staff and students helped boost donations even further.

Principal Matt McDonald praised everyone involved, saying:

“I am incredibly proud of our students and staff. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to support others truly embody what Sir Thomas Wharton Academy stands for. Raising over £1,100 for Children in Need shows the power of our community when we come together for a shared purpose. I am grateful to the staff who have dedicated time to support the students with this initiative.”

The Academy’s fundraising success highlights its strong commitment to charity, personal development, and community engagement, core values shared across Maltby Learning Trust. By taking part in large-scale national events like Children in Need, students gain valuable experiences that encourage empathy, resilience, and social responsibility.

Staff and students from Sir Thomas Wharton Academy have learned to sign Merry Christmas Everybody using British Sign Language (BSL).

This is the second year that the Academy has worked together to learned to sign a Christmas song.

Ella Dixon, SENDCo at Sir Thomas Wharton Academy, said: “We are thrilled that our students and staff have once again taken the time to learn the British Sign Language version of a popular Christmas song.

“All of our Year 7 students take part in this activity and love spending the weeks in the run up to Christmas learning sign language, playing the music on the entry to school and celebrating the new signs they have learnt each week.

“We know many of our students are also learning sign at home with their families, with the signing song set as a home learning task for all year groups.

“It is great to see that our staff also get involved and contribute to the inclusive festivities, signing and filming in their departments.”

The school feels that celebrating sign language and the BSL community is just one way they can celebrate the wonderful diversity within the school community.

The Academy has filmed their results and shared this with parents and the local community on social media.

At Sir Thomas Wharton Academy 10th November