Well done to our Year 11 students who have successfully completed their first Review Assessment Week of the year and their very first Maths ‘Test for Success’. These important milestones are a great way for students to reflect on their progress and prepare for the year ahead. Staff are now marking the assessments and reports will be sent home in due course. This week Year 10 will complete their first assessments.
Our Curriculum Evenings are now drawing to a close. These events play a vital role in our communication about learning and supporting students at home. If Parents/ Carers were unable to attend, copies of the booklets are available on our school website here: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/curriculum-overview/
Congratulations to our Year 7 Boys Football team, who achieved a fantastic 5-1 victory against Oasis Sholing this week. A brilliant start to the season – well done, boys!
Finally, we are beginning to collect stories of individual student success to feature at the start of each month. If Parents/ Carers would like to share something their child has achieved outside of school, please email us at communication@thehambleschool.co.uk We look forward to celebrating these achievements together in the Weekly Message.
Next week is WEEK 1
Question of the Week
Please select your answer in the form below, all fields marked * are required and to help prevent SPAM this form is protected by Google reCaptcha v3.
Each week we will ask parents/carers a question in the Weekly Message – this will either be about a topic we are focussing on or an aspect of our school improvement plan. We would appreciate it if everyone answers it when reading the Weekly Message.
Events w/b 29 September
Year 7 & 8 NGRT Reading Testing all week
Year 10 Review Assessment Week
Monday 29 September
Year 11 – NEA Food Exam
School Nurse – Drop in Referrals
Tuesday 30 September
Year 11 – NEA Food Exam
Wednesday 1 October
Year 11 – NEA Food Exam
Year 10 – Paper Birds Theatre Company
Thursday 2 October
Open Morning for Year 6 students and their Parents/ Carers
Year 7 Team Building Day
Year 7 ‘Meet the Tutor’ Evening – Please ensure you have booked an appointment
Friday 3 October
Year 7 Team Building Day
Future Dates
W/B 6 October
Year 7 CAT tests
Year 8 review Assessments
Year 7 & 8 NGRT Reading Testing
NEA Food Exams continue
Thursday 9 October
Open Morning
PTA Autumn Disco – Wednesday 22nd October
Get ready for a night of music, fun, and spooky excitement at The Hamble School PTA Autumn Disco!
- Date & Time: Wednesday 22nd October, 6:30pm
- Who: Years 7–9
- Where: Main Hall
Tickets are £6 and include a drink and sweets. They go on sale via Scopay from Tuesday at 9am, so be ready to secure your spot!
There will also be a fancy-dress competition with prizes, so get creative and come in your best Halloween-inspired outfit.
Don’t miss out on a fantastic evening of dancing, laughter, and school community fun – we can’t wait to see you there!
Letters
You can find all letters sent home over the week here – https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
The canteen menus can be found here: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/food-and-drink/
Please check your child’s Attendance regularly on Class Charts
Theme of the Week – British Values – Democracy
Next week, our assemblies and tutor programme will focus on the British Value of Democracy—a cornerstone of our society and a vital part of our students’ civic education. As we prepare our young people to become active, informed citizens, we will be exploring how democracy works in the UK, including Parliament, elections, and the role of voting in shaping our future.
A key topic will be the upcoming changes to the legal voting age, with discussions around the proposal to lower it to 16 years old. This change could empower many of our students to have a direct voice in national decisions sooner than they might expect. We will encourage them to think critically about their role in society and the importance of participating in democratic processes.
This theme ties closely to our school values:
- We care– by respecting diverse opinions and listening to others.
- We aim high– by aspiring to make a difference in our communities.
- We learn and achieve together– by engaging in open dialogue and shared understanding.
Through these discussions, we reinforce our school motto: Achieving Excellence Together. Democracy thrives when we work collaboratively, respect each other’s views, and strive for fairness and equality.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow into thoughtful, responsible citizens.
Dinner Table Questions
- Why do you think democracy is important in the UK, and how does it affect our everyday lives?
- Do you think 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote? Why or why not?
- Can you remember the first time you voted? What was it like and why did it matter to you?
- How do our school values—We care, we aim high, we learn and achieve together—relate to the idea of democracy?
- If you could change one thing in our country through voting or campaigning, what would it be?
A notice from Miss Bennett, Head of PE
My name is Miss Bennett, and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Head of Physical Education at The Hamble School. It is a privilege to join such a vibrant and supportive community, and I am excited about the opportunities this year holds for your children.
At The Hamble School, PE is about much more than fitness. It supports students’ mental health, wellbeing, and overall development. Through movement, sport, and teamwork, pupils build physical literacy, confidence, and important life skills such as resilience, respect, empathy, and determination — preparing them for success both inside and outside the classroom.
To ensure every student thrives in PE, we follow three simple expectations aligned with our school rules:
Be Ready – Be Respectful – Be Safe
Be Ready
- Arrive on time, change quickly, and wear the correct PE kit:
- Official Hamble PE T-shirt
- Plain black or navy shorts or tracksuit bottoms (no tight/cycling shorts)
- Trainers suitable for activity
- Plain navy jumper for colder weather (no zipped/branded jackets)
- Long hair tied back
- Swim kit for lessons requiring it
- If your child has medical conditions or injuries, please provide a note so we can adapt activities safely.
- Students unable to participate physically due to medial issues are still expected to change and can contribute as coaches or officials.
Jewellery:
All jewellery, including earrings, must be removed before PE. Taping earrings is not acceptable.
Be Respectful
- Care for changing rooms, equipment, and kit
- Communicate kindly with peers and staff
- Show good sportsmanship and never give up
- Respect community facilities and the wider environment
Be Safe
- Follow instructions promptly
- Do not chew gum
- Wear the correct kit and remove jewellery
- Use equipment responsibly
Extracurricular Opportunities
I am passionate about promoting extracurricular sport at The Hamble School. We have an exciting timetable of activities this half term and encourage all students to get involved. Participation helps us organise fixtures and events that benefit everyone and fosters a lifelong love of physical activity.
By working together with these expectations, every student can thrive, develop skills, and enjoy PE in a welcoming environment. I look forward to getting to know all our students and making this a memorable year.
Thank you for your support in reinforcing these expectations at home. If you have questions or if your child needs extra support, please do not hesitate to contact me via general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Parent Safeguarding Knowledge Booster: Energy Drinks & Young People
As part of our Healthy Me curriculum in Year 7 PSHCRE lessons, students are currently exploring healthy diets and how food and drink choices impact their physical and mental wellbeing.
One important topic we are discussing is the consumption of energy drinks—a growing concern among health professionals, educators, and parents.
What Are Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are beverages that typically contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants like taurine and guarana. They are marketed to boost energy, alertness, and performance—but they are not suitable for children or young teens.
Why Are Energy Drinks a Safeguarding Concern?
- High caffeine contentcan cause:
- Sleep disruption
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Anxiety and mood swings
- Headaches and stomach issues
- Excess sugarcontributes to:
- Tooth decay
- Weight gain
- Poor concentration and energy crashes
- Behavioural impact: Some studies link energy drink consumption to increased risk-taking, irritability, and poor school performance.
How You Can Support at Home?
- Talk openlyabout energy drinks and their effects
- Check labelson drinks marketed as “sports” or “performance” beverages
- Encourage water, milk, and natural juicesas daily drink choices
- Model healthy habitsaround caffeine and sugar consumption.
More information can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ban-on-selling-high-caffeine-energy-drinks-to-boost-kids-health
https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/energy-drinks-and-young-people.html
Meet the Governors of The Hamble School
The Governors at The Hamble School play a vital role in ensuring our school provides the best possible education for all students. They bring a wide range of skills and experiences to the role, supporting and challenging the leadership team, monitoring school performance, and helping shape long-term strategy and priorities.
Governors are committed to visible governance, following guidance from the National Governance Association (NGA), which encourages governors to be actively engaged and transparent in their work. This means they not only attend meetings and review school data, but also visit the school, meet staff and students, and engage with the wider school community to understand the day-to-day experiences of students.
Through this approach, our Governors ensure accountability, support continuous improvement, and contribute to the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-achieving learning environment.
To learn more about our Governors, their roles, and how they contribute to school life, please visit https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/governors-ths/
Parent Forum
We are pleased to announce that The Hamble School Parent Forum will be starting again on Tuesday 21 October at 6pm in the Conference Room (by reception). The Parent Forum is designed to strengthen communication and collaboration between the school and our Parent/ Carer community. It provides a platform for Parents/ Carers to share their views, ask questions, and work with the school to help shape the educational experience for all students.
We warmly invite all Parents/ Carers to get involved. Meetings will be held regularly throughout the school year, offering an opportunity to discuss school priorities, upcoming events, and ways to support student learning. Your feedback is invaluable and will help us ensure that our school continues to meet the needs of our students and community.
If you would like to be part of the Parent Forum, please sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/wkS22G7WQi. The themes for discussion are listed below.
Nominate a Hamble Staff Member for Special Recognition
At The Hamble School, we are fortunate to have a dedicated team of staff who go above and beyond to support our students and community. Whether it’s through exceptional teaching, pastoral care, or extracurricular involvement, their efforts make a significant impact.
We invite all Parents/ Carers to participate in our Staff Recognition scheme by nominating a staff member who has made a positive difference to your child’s experience. This is a wonderful opportunity to express your appreciation and acknowledge the hard work of our team.
To submit a nomination, please visit our Staff Recognition page https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/staff-recognition/ and complete the online form. Your feedback will be forwarded to the nominated staff member and acknowledged by the Headteacher.
Thank you for helping us celebrate the outstanding contributions of our staff.
Year 7 Boys Football
Our first fixture saw us come up against an Oasis Sholing side – with many familiar faces from outside of school lining up on the opposition team.
We started strongly, moving the ball well with some excellent passing and creating a few early chances. Momentum briefly shifted when the opposition were awarded a penalty, but Vakaris stood tall and produced a brilliant save down to his left to keep the score level. From that point on, it was all Hamble!
Henry K opened the scoring with a superb left-footed strike to make it 1-0. Early in the second half, Tommy V doubled our lead after a mesmerising solo run, dribbling past virtually the whole opposition before calmly slotting into the corner. Tyler C then unleashed a rocket shot which the keeper got hands to, but the power carried it over the line for our third. Leo D made it four with a well-taken finish, before Henry H sealed the victory with a mazy run and tidy strike.
A fantastic team performance and a brilliant start to the season – well done to all involved!
Full Time Score: Hamble 5-1 Oasis Sholing
Year 7 Teambuilding Days – A Fun and Active Start to October!
Next week, our Year 7 students will be taking part in exciting teambuilding days designed to help them build friendships, develop problem-solving skills, and strengthen their tutor group bonds.
- Thursday 2nd October: Tutor groups 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4 and 7-5
- Friday 3rd October: Tutor groups 7-6, 7-7, 7-8 and 7-9
On their designated day, students should arrive at school wearing their PE kit, which must meet the school’s uniform requirements. They will enjoy a full day of engaging activities, including a laser-tag session, group challenges, and problem-solving tasks. Break and lunchtime will run as normal.
Each tutor group will be split into four smaller teams to compete throughout the day. Points will be awarded for teamwork, problem-solving, and success in the challenges. These points will contribute to House Points, with a celebration assembly to follow in recognition of students’ efforts and achievements.
If you have not contributed the voluntary contribution yet and are happy to, please do this through ScoPay. Thank you to all parents who have already contributed as it enables us to provide exciting opportunities for our students.
We are looking forward to seeing our Year 7s working together, having fun, and showing great team spirit. Please ensure your child is prepared with the correct kit and ready to take part in what promises to be a memorable day.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award – Year 10 Launch Meeting
We are excited to invite Parents/Carers of Year 10 students to our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Launch Meeting on Wednesday 15th October, 5:30–6:00pm.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a nationally recognised programme that encourages young people to develop independence, resilience, and a sense of adventure. The Bronze Award involves four key sections: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and an Expedition. Students choose their own activities for each section, allowing them to explore new interests, give back to their community, and build valuable life skills.
Taking part in DofE is a fantastic opportunity for students to grow in confidence, work as part of a team, and stand out to future employers, colleges, and universities.
At the launch meeting, we’ll provide an overview of the programme, key dates, costs, and how students can get started. There will also be time for questions.
If you plan to attend, please let us know by completing the short form here:
https://forms.office.com/e/E6Ac7qXtYa
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting your child on this exciting journey!
Year 7 CAT Testing – Starting Monday 6 October
Over the two weeks beginning Monday 6th October, all Year 7 students will be taking part in Cognitive Abilities Tests (CATs) during selected lessons.
CATs are standardised assessments that help us understand how students learn and process information. They assess areas such as verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning. These tests are not something students need to revise for, but they do provide valuable insights that help teachers tailor support and challenge appropriately across the curriculum.
Students will be informed of the specific lessons in which they will sit the tests during tutor time next week. It’s important that students attend school as normal, are well-rested, and bring the usual equipment for lessons.
The CATs are just one part of the wider picture we use to support your child’s learning journey, and results will be used alongside other data to ensure we are meeting each student’s individual needs.
If you have any questions about the CAT testing process, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
Year 7 ‘Meet the Tutor’ Evening – Thursday 2nd October
We are looking forward to welcoming Parents/ Carers of our Year 7 students to our ‘Meet the Tutor’ evening on Thursday 2nd October, from 4:00pm to 6:30pm.
This is a valuable opportunity to meet your child’s form tutor in person, hear how they have settled into secondary school life, and ask any questions you may have about their start to Year 7. Tutors will be able to share insights into your child’s progress, wellbeing, and how they are engaging with school routines and expectations.
Many families have already booked their appointments, and we would strongly encourage all parents and carers to attend. Building a strong home-school partnership early on helps ensure the best possible support for your child throughout their time at Hamble.
Appointments can be booked online via our SchoolCloud system using the following link:
https://hamblecollege.schoolcloud.co.uk/
We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the positive start our Year 7 students have made!
Sponsorship Opportunity – School Sports Kit
The PE Department is currently seeking local sponsorship to help fund new sports kits for our students to wear during fixtures and events while proudly representing the school.
If you, or someone you know, would be interested in sponsoring a set of team shirts, we would love to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity to support local students while also promoting your business within our school community.
If you are interested, please contact Miss Bennett, Head of PE, by emailing general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Celebrating Achievements
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Sofia B 7-4
- Year 8 – Willow J 8-3
- Year 9 – Anders O 9-7
- Year 10 – Gino D 10-8
- Year 11 – Rayan B 11-2
