It has been another busy and rewarding week at The Hamble School, filled with opportunities for our students to learn, grow and succeed both in and out of the classroom.
Our Year 7 students took part in a Careers assembly and tutor session, encouraging them to think about their future aspirations and the skills they will need to achieve them. It was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and ambition from our Year 7s.
Year 11 students and their Parents/ Carers attended the Achieving Excellence Study Skills Workshop, gaining practical advice on revision, time management, and motivation ahead of the Mock GCSE exams. Feedback has been very positive, with many students feeling more confident and ready for the months ahead. Year 10 families also joined us for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award information evening, learning more about the challenges and rewards of this exciting programme. It was great to see so many students keen to take part and develop their confidence, independence and teamwork skills.
We were pleased to welcome our Governing Body into school for a full Monitoring Day on Thursday. Governors visited lessons, spoke with students and staff, and observed learning in action—an important part of our ongoing commitment to excellence. This week also saw us open our doors to Year 6 students and their Parents/ Carers for our Open Mornings. Visitors enjoyed exploring our facilities, meeting our staff and students, and getting a real sense of what life is like at The Hamble School during a normal day. We look forward to welcoming many of them into our community next year.
Looking ahead, there are more exciting opportunities next week. Parents/ Carers are reminded that our Parent Forum, which is open to all, takes place on Tuesday, and the Year 7–9 Autumn Disco will be held on Wednesday. Tickets for the disco are available on Scopay until midday on Tuesday, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Finally, a reminder that Friday 24 October is an INSED Day and the school will be closed to students. We wish everyone a relaxing half-term break and look forward to seeing students back in school on Monday 3 November at 8:30am.
Next week is WEEK 2
Question of the Week
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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 Monday 20 October 2025
Celebration Assemblies – All week
Monday 20 October
Year 11 English Literature Mock Exam – Tutor, P1 & 2
Tuesday 21 October
Year 11 PSHCRE Day
Parent Forum – 6pm in the Conference Room. Please sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/wkS22G7WQi
Wednesday 22 October
PTA Autumn Disco for Years 7-9 at 6:30pm-8pm in the Main Hall. Tickets available on Scopay until midday on Tuesday
Rotary Shoebox Deadline
Year 11 Work Experience
Thursday 23 October
Open Morning for Year 6 students and their Parents/ Carers
History Battlefields Trip departs
Year 11 Work Experience
Friday 24 October
INSED Day – School closed to students
Year 11 Work Experience .
Future Dates
Monday 3 November
Students return to school for Autumn Term 2 at 8:30am.
Assembly and Tutor Programme Theme of the Week: Celebrating Success
Next week brings both the end of the first half term of the new school year and a chance for us to celebrate the achievements of the students across every year group at The Hamble School. It is fantastic that in just 8 weeks we have already seen how students have really embraced the opportunities available at school. They have worked hard and demonstrated a positive attitude, which is required to succeed now and in the future.
At the end of last week, we over 850 students had gained their Bronze Award and over 200 students have achieved more than 500 points to gain their Silver Award! Students can get reward points through class work; positive contributions around school; involvement in activities and volunteering, and many more activities.
It has been a brilliant start to the year and there will definitely be plenty more success stories and celebrations rewarded and handed out in the future. Students have been given the opportunity to volunteer as Student Council representatives, with the first meeting of the year scheduled for this week:
- Tuesday 21 October – Period 2 in L11 for Year 7 & 8 School Councillors
- Wednesday 22 October – Period 5 in L1 for Year 9 & 10 School Councillors
Safeguarding Knowledge Booster: Safety Over the Half-Term Holidays: A Guide for Parents
As the half-term break approaches, many teenagers will be enjoying greater independence, socialising with friends, and taking part in seasonal events like Halloween and Bonfire Night. While this is a time for fun and relaxation, it’s also important to stay mindful of their safety and wellbeing.
Here are some key safeguarding reminders for parents and carers to help keep teens safe and supported during the holidays.
Halloween: Independence with Boundaries
Teenagers may be out later than usual or attending parties. Here’s how to support safe choices:
- Agree Plans in Advance: Know where they’re going, who they’re with, and how they’ll get home.
- Set Expectations: Talk about respectful behaviour, alcohol, and peer pressure.
- Stay in Touch: Encourage regular check-ins via text or call.
- Costume Safety: Ensure costumes are safe and visible—especially if walking near roads at night.
Safety Around Fireworks
Whether attending public displays or informal gatherings, teens should understand the risks:
- Discourage DIY Fireworks: Fireworks should only be handled by responsible adults.
- Public Events Are Safer: Encourage attendance at organised displays with proper safety measures.
- Respect for Others: Remind teens to be mindful of noise, pets, and neighbours.
Online Safety and Social Media
With more free time, teens may spend longer online. Help them stay safe by:
- Discussing Digital Boundaries: Talk openly about privacy, sharing content, and online relationships.
- Monitoring Without Micromanaging: Stay aware of platforms they use and encourage open dialogue.
- Cyberbullying Awareness: Remind them to speak up if they experience or witness harmful behaviour.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Teenagers may feel pressure to be constantly social or may struggle with loneliness or anxiety. The half-term is a good time to check in:
- Create Space for Conversation: Ask how they’re feeling and listen without judgment.
- Encourage Balance: Support a mix of rest, social time, and physical activity.
- Know Where to Get Help: The Hamble School offers a range of wellbeing resources tailored for students. Explore our Student Wellbeing Resources: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/student-wellbeing-resources/ These include support for mental health, managing stress, and accessing help when needed.
Final Tips for Parents
- Keep communication open and non-intrusive.
- Set clear boundaries while respecting growing independence.
- Be available—teens may not always ask for help, but knowing you’re there makes a difference.
We wish all our students and families a safe, enjoyable, and restorative half-term break.
Governors’ Monitoring Day
The Hamble School recently welcomed our Governing Body for a Governors’ Monitoring Day. This event is an important opportunity for governors to see the school in action, meet with staff and students, and gain a deeper understanding of the school’s progress and priorities.
During the day, governors visited a range of lessons across different subjects. They were very impressed by the calm and purposeful atmosphere in every classroom. Students were focused on their learning, with many opportunities to work independently and demonstrate their understanding.
Governors also met with staff, who said they felt well supported and proud to be part of The Hamble School community.
Student voice sessions were a key part of the day. Year 11 students spoke positively about behaviour in lessons, the quality of careers guidance, and the support they receive with exam preparation. They also highlighted how effective the school’s mental health support has been. Year 7 students said they felt safe, that their transition to secondary school had been brilliant, and that they are very happy at The Hamble School.
Overall, it was an extremely positive day, and governors were full of praise for the students, staff and the many opportunities available to all.
If you have any family, friends, colleagues or know any members of the community who would be interested in being Co-opted Governors, please ask them to complete the ‘Expression of Interest’ form here: https://forms.office.com/e/7ck1a36TsY
Duke of Edinburgh Award Launch
Last week we were excited to launch our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award to parents and Year 10 students.
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 presented an overview of the programme, key dates, costs, and how students can get started. We also answered a number of your questions.
For those parents who were unable to attend, please find the presentation here – Download (PDF)
The sign-up link to register your interest for a place for your child is here: https://forms.office.com/e/PD3VqP4MYF
If you wish for your Year 10 child to take part in this year’s Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award then please complete the form above by Tuesday 21 October.
Once we have collected in all registrations of interest, we will confirm our staffing for the award and communicate out prior to half-term whether your child has been offered a place. In the unlikely event that we are unable to offer a place for each student we will randomly select each student.
Please note: Your child’s place will not be guaranteed until you have paid the initial, non-refundable, deposit of £30.50 which goes directly to the Duke of Edinburgh Award as a registration fee.
Remembrance – Tuesday 11 November
On Tuesday 11 November, The Hamble School will hold a special Remembrance Assembly to commemorate those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present. This important event will give students and staff the opportunity to come together to reflect and pay their respects.
As part of the commemoration, there will also be a special art installation created by our students to mark the occasion and express our school community’s gratitude and remembrance.
Students who are members of Cadets, Scouts, Guides or other uniformed organisations are warmly encouraged to wear their organisation uniforms for the day. All other students should attend in their full school uniform as normal.
We look forward to marking this significant day together as a school community.
Children in Need – Friday 14 November
It’s that time of year again – a chance to fundraise for a really important charity who do amazing work!
In the week of 10-14 November, students can bring any spare change/coins etc into school to hand in to their tutor envelope. The envelopes will be collected and emptied into containers for each House (Lords, Twickenham, Wembley and Wimbledon) as part of our House competition. All money will then be used in our fantastic temporary Pudsey Coin Sculpture that will be designed on Friday 14 November and then donated directly to Children in Need. Please support this cause by donating any change you may have.
We know that families are ever-more using contactless payments and therefore may not have cash available. In the weekly message for the week of 10-14 November we will add the ability to donate money through Scopay.
On Friday 14 November at lunchtime, we will also have various stalls running in the hall where students can take part in competitions and challenges to win prizes. Entry costs for the different challenges cost from 10p/20p up to 50p. If your child would like to take part then please do support them with donating any money for this fantastic cause.
Phase 3 Transition – Primary school lunch and learning visits
Our Phase 3 Transition Primary School Lunch and Learning visits continue this week. This week we have visits from Bursledon Junior School and Ludlow Junior School on Monday 20 October as well as Thornhill Primary School, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary and Valentine Primary on Wednesday 22 October.
We have invited staff from all our feeder and non-feeder primary schools to visit us for a unique afternoon. The visiting staff members, who taught our current Year 7 students, will be spending a lunchtime with their ex-students. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the students to reconnect with a familiar face and share their experiences of secondary school so far. Following this, the primary school staff will get to see their former students in action during a Period 5 lesson, offering them a first-hand look at their progress and learning journey.
We are actively working to get as many schools involved as possible to make this a truly successful event. This event is a testament to the strong community ties we are building and our commitment to ensuring a smooth and happy transition for every student.
Unfortunately, Mr Waghorn from St Monica Primary School was unable to attend last week, we will look to rebook for another day. Mrs Tucker from Hightown Primary also had to rebook for Thursday 6 November due to staffing shortages.
Rotary Shoebox Appeal and Competition
A final reminder and a plea for all Rotary Shoeboxes to be put together and brought into school. All boxes should be decorated to look appealing for the children to which they will be given.
We have extended the deadline to Wednesday 22 October to give a couple of extra days for the last few boxes! Thank you so much for everyone who has already donated – it will make a massive difference for the children that will receive them.
School Nurse
The school nurse is in school on the following dates:
1 December 2025
19 January 2025
16 March 2026
11 May 2026
6 July 2026
The nurse can support students with a number of areas including supporting with sleep. Students are referred by Progress Leaders but can also be referred by Parents/ Carers. Please use this form to request to be added to the waiting list for appointments: https://forms.office.com/e/XRTWPNBRx0
Uniform Expectations
A reminder that jewellery is limited to a wrist watch and one small stud earring in each lobe of the ear. Large diamante earring or hooped earring must not be worn.
Blazers must be worn around the school site – jumpers are not a replacement for blazers so cannot be worn in place of a blazer. Skirts must be rolled down and of a suitable length.
If you require support with uniform, please use the form to request this https://forms.office.com/e/YEPRzbG8pT Please note that you do not need to be in receipt of free school meals to request support. Support will be in the form of Skoolkit vouchers and will be issued as soon as possible once requests are agreed. If you would like to donate spare uniform, please drop to the main reception.
Year 11 Update
A reminder to all students that the English Literature Mock Exam will take place on Monday 20 October.
As we approach half term, it’s important to use this time wisely — continue revising for your other Mock Exams, but also make sure to take some time to rest and recharge. A good balance between study and relaxation will help you perform at your best when you return.
The Mock Exam timetable is available on the school websitehttps://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/examination-information/, so please check it carefully and make sure you know the dates and times of all your exams.
Good luck with your revision, and remember — preparation and positivity go a long way!
Football Update
It’s been another exciting week for football at The Hamble School! From hard-fought matches to impressive training sessions, our students have shown great skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship on and off the pitch. Here’s a roundup of the latest results and highlights.
Senior Girls Football: Hamble 2–1 Oasis Mayfield
The Senior Girls Football Team secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory against local rivals Oasis Mayfield on Thursday in the SSFA Senior Girls Division One.
Pollyanna opened the scoring, giving Hamble the early advantage, before the visitors levelled with a long-range strike just before half-time.
In the second half, the girls rallied with determination, regaining the lead through Jess W. Despite many players featuring out of their usual positions, Hamble remained resolute, with Mayfield posing a real threat in attack. The visitors came close to an equaliser, only to be denied by a brilliant match-winning save from goalkeeper Aimee.
Year 7 vs Year 8 Girls Football Match Report
The students were excited and ready to take to the pitch for a thrilling match. To ensure the game ran smoothly, a group of Year 11 students assisted by managing the teams and refereeing.
At the start, both teams lined up proudly as the Champions League anthem played, adding to the sense of occasion. The match was tightly contested, with Year 8 making a strong start, putting in energetic tackles and creating several promising opportunities. However, Year 7 responded well, scoring a late goal just before half-time.
During the break, Mr Holland offered tactical advice to help both teams regroup and refocus. The second half remained evenly matched, with both sides showing determination and skill. Year 7 managed to break through once more, securing a second goal and ultimately winning the match 2–0.
We would like to commend all the students for their outstanding effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship. A special thank you goes to the Year 11 students who managed and officiated the match, and to Mr Holland and Miss Bennett for their support in organising this exciting event.
House Football Competition – This Week
We are pleased to announce that our House Football Competition will take place this week. Students who wish to participate should sign up through their form tutor.
- Years 7 and 8 will compete on Tuesday 21 October
- Years 9 and 10 will compete on Wednesday 22 October
Both events will be held after school from 3:00pm to 4:00pm.
We are looking forward to an exciting and competitive event. Students who are participating must ensure they bring and wear shin pads, as these are required for safety.
Celebrating Achievements
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Aiden P 7-8
- Year 8 – Zoe G 8-1
- Year 9 – Amy R 9-6
- Year 10 – Bonnie S 10-8
- Year 11 – Honor C 11-1
