Spanish success

X-Factor marks the winners spot . . . pupils from Christ Church School who took part in the competition

SIMON Cowell … eat your heart out!

For the second year running, Oldham’s smallest school has definitely got the X-Factor.

At this year’s modern foreign language video conferencing competition, the singing talents of two classes at Christ Church, Denshaw, saw them declared the top of the pops — with 13 Oldham schools voting them winners.

The first trophy triumph came for the 15-strong group who make up the school’s Key Stage One with a song, “Cascabel”, one of the Spanish versions of “Jingle Bells”.

The enthusiastic children used their bilingual skills to introduce the song in English and Spanish.

And to top it off, they accompanied the song with sleigh bell rhythms and flamenco dancing.

The school’s Key Stage Two class of more than 25 children also won. They dressed in nativity costumes and took part in a play, singing “Away in a Manger” in Spanish.

Head teacher Sue Callaghan praised the hard-working pupils and staff at the school for their dedication.

“All their efforts have really paid off again this year,” she said. “It’s a a great achievement for Oldham’s smallest school to win the competition for two years in succession.

“A big well done to everyone involved.

“Everyone is very proud of the children’s dedication and commitment over the last few weeks”.

KS One class teacher Louise Mills, teaching assistant Victoria Bateman, and KS Two teacher Bill Thomas and teaching assistant, Gemma Connolly, received a special note of praise along with Gonzalo, their Spanish assistant.

He helped prepare both events, working with the school on a weekly basis as part of the Saddleworth School modern foreign language initiative for primary school.


A story in last Wednesday’s Evening Chronicle reported that Yew Tree Primary won the competition — but a voting error meant a recount was needed and Christ Church, eventually won.