What an action-packed week it has been at school! We were delighted to welcome back our students and staff from the Barcelona Spanish and Art trip and we extend our thanks to the team for giving our young people such an enriching cultural experience. Our Year 10 students also took part in the Coopervision visit to mark International Women’s Day celebrating women in STEM and industry. Following this, Year 11 Geographers were out conducting their fieldwork applying their classroom learning to real world environments for Paper 3 of their GCSE. We were also proud of the students who took part in the Rotary STEM Competition.
Pi Day brought excitement throughout the week with a fantastic assembly delivered by Ms Hillier who brought maths to life with energy and a genuine passion for the subject. The celebrations continued with the much‑anticipated Pi Off where Isaac C and Sofia S-W tied at an impressive 108 decimal places. Adding to the fun was the enthusiasm of staff who took part in a Maths inspired dress up which brought creativity and plenty of smiles across the school.
Throughout the week, students continued to take part in a wide range of activities for British Science Week. A huge thank you to the Science Department for organising such an engaging programme and we look forward to the Science Fair on Monday where students will have the opportunity to share their work and creative ideas.
This week also saw the Year 11 Art and Photography Exams take place showcasing the creativity, skill and dedication of our students. Thank you as well to all the families who attended the Year 8 Parents/Carers Meeting; your ongoing support and engagement makes such a difference to the education of your children.
Looking ahead, we have another busy and exciting week planned. Year 10 Review Assessment Week begins and on Tuesday 17 March we look forward to our Light Up Production (details below). On Wednesday 18 March we are hosting a Reading Café as part of the National Year of Reading followed by the Parent Forum that evening (details below). On Thursday we have the Red Nose Day Bake off and we can’t wait to see what students (and staff) have produced for this fantastic case.
Our House Events programme continues to bring energy and friendly competition to the school and next week this will continue with our Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt taking place on Wednesday after school. Students will have the chance to work together within their Houses to solve clues, search the site and track down hidden eggs in a fun challenge that promotes teamwork and problem solving. We are looking forward to seeing the enthusiasm and friendly rivalry this event always brings as Houses compete to earn those all important points.
To finish the week, our Key Stage 3 PTA Easter Disco will be taking place. A huge thank you to our fantastic PTA for organising this event and for the valuable funds they raise for the school. We would love to see as many students as possible attend; tickets are available on Scopay.
A reminder that Friday is an INSED Day and school will be closed to students.
Wishing everyone a positive and productive week ahead.
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 Monday 9 March
Monday 16 March
Science Fair – Lunchtime in the Pavilion
Tuesday 17 March
Year 7-9 Cyber Explorers Cup (selected students)
Light Up Production (see details below)
Wednesday 18 March
Reading Café – Year 7 & 8, Year 10 & 11 (see details above)
Easter Scavenger Hunt (details on Class Charts)
Parent Forum (see details above)
Zanzibar Virtual Parents Evening (selected students)
Thursday 19 March
Red Nose Day Bake Off (see details below)
Year 7-9 Disco – Tickets available on Scopay (see details above)
Friday 20 March
INSED Day (school closed to students)
Future Dates
Key Stage 3 Revision Week
Monday 23 March
Polish Speaking Exam
Tuesday 24 March
NEA Choreography Filming Year 11
Wednesday 25 March
Care Home Reading Event
Thursday 26 March
Care Home Reading Event
Achieving Excellence Evening – Key Stage 3
Friday 27 March
Last Day of Spring Term – School closes to students at 1pm.
Letters
Please read the letters sent home and available on our letters page: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
Our latest newsletter is available to download here: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/THS-Newsletter-2025-2026-Issue-3-web.pdf
Theme of the Week: Women’s History Month & Leading the Change
This week, our school assembly theme celebrates Women’s History Month. Our focus is on the inspiring theme: “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” We are exploring the vital role women play in environmental science, policy-making, and community leadership to ensure a greener, fairer world for everyone. However, to understand how we move forward, we must also look at the barriers that have historically held people back.
Personal Development: Addressing Sexism & Stereotypes
To complement our assemblies, the Tutor Personal Development Programme this week is dedicated to identifying and challenging sexism. Each year group is engaging with specific, age-appropriate case studies to spark critical thinking:
- Year 7: The Power of a Name. Students are discussing why J.K. Rowling chose to write under the male pseudonym Robert Galbraith. This opens a conversation about historical and modern biases in the professional world and why some women feel the need to hide their identity to be taken seriously.
- Year 8: Breaking the Mould. Year 8 is investigating gender stereotypes—where they come from, how they are reinforced, and the limiting effects they can have on a young person’s aspirations and mental health.
- Year 9: The Impact of Sexism. This session looks at the damaging effects of sexism in society. Students are exploring how everyday comments or “banter” can contribute to a culture that devalues individuals based on their gender.
- Year 10: The Science of Safety. In a fascinating look at systemic bias, Year 10 is studying the history of crash test dummies. For decades, safety tests were based on the “average male” body, leading to higher injury rates for women in car accidents. This session highlights why diverse representation in STEM is literally a matter of life and safety.
Why We Teach This
Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where every student, regardless of gender, feels empowered to lead and succeed. By discussing these topics openly, we help our students develop the empathy and awareness needed to become the change-makers of the future.
Conversation Starters for the Dinner Table
- Year 7: “Why do you think an author might still choose to use a pen name today?”
- Year 10: “What did you learn about how ‘standard’ designs can sometimes leave people out?”
- All Years: “Who is a woman in history or your own life who you think has led positive change?”
We are incredibly proud of the maturity our students show when tackling these important social issues.
Empowering the Next Generation: Student Leadership at The Hamble School
At The Hamble School, we believe that education extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom. Developing student leadership is a vital part of our mission to nurture confident, responsible, and proactive young citizens. When students take on leadership roles, they develop essential life skills—such as public speaking, teamwork, empathy and problem‑solving—that prepare them for life beyond secondary school. By giving our students a platform to lead, we ensure that their voices shape the culture of our school, fostering a community built on mutual respect and shared responsibility.
Opportunities to Lead
We are excited to announce that we are providing an opportunity for students to apply for a wide range of Student Leadership roles. Whether your child is passionate about the environment, online safety, or supporting their peers, there is a role for everyone.
Students can sign up for as many roles as they would like from the following list:
- Anti-Bullying Ambassadors: Dedicated to fostering kindness and supporting students through conflict.
- Cyber Ambassadors: Leading the way in online safety and helping peers navigate the digital world securely.
- Student Support Ambassadors (Year 9 & 10 only): Focusing on mental health awareness, providing peer listening, and sharing wellbeing strategies.
- Transition Prefects (Year 9 only): The friendly faces of the school who support Year 6 students during their journey to becoming Year 7s at Hamble.
- Community Ambassadors: Building bridges between our school and the local area through service and outreach.
- Eco‑Ambassadors: Championing sustainability and leading initiatives to make our school greener.
Students are welcome to apply for more than one role. If a student is already part of one of these Student Leadership groups, they do not need to reapply—please simply indicate this on the application form.
How to Apply
We have made the application process simple and accessible. A form has been set as an optional task on Class Charts for all students.
Inside the task, students will find detailed role descriptions for each position. These documents outline exactly what the role involves—from running assemblies and creating tutor resources to supporting the Student Hub on a weekly rota. We encourage students to read these carefully to find the roles that best match their interests and strengths.
How You Can Help
We would appreciate it if you could spend some time this week talking to your child about these opportunities. Ask them which roles spark their interest and how they think they could make a positive difference at The Hamble School.
Taking that first step to volunteer for a leadership role can be a defining moment in a student’s school career. We look forward to seeing our students step up and lead the way!
The Student Study Space
At The Hamble School, we are constantly looking for ways to better support our students’ independent learning habits. After listening to student feedback, we are excited to announce that we are rebranding our traditional “Homework Club” to the Student Study Space.
Why the change?
While “Homework Club” served us well, many students felt the name felt a little too formal—or worse, that it was a place you were “sent” to if you were in trouble.
We want to flip that script. The Student Study Space is designed to be a productive, inclusive hub for every student. Whether they want to get ahead on a project, revise for an upcoming assessment, or simply finish their homework in a calm environment so their evening at home is completely free, this space is for them.
What to expect:
- A Focused Environment: A quiet space away from the distractions of home.
- Resources at Hand: Access to computers, the library, and stationery.
- Independence: Students take ownership of their own workload in a supportive setting.
- Zero Stigma: It’s not a detention; it’s a head start.
- Support: Members of staff on hand to help you, if needed
We want to encourage our students to see study time not as a “task,” but as a tool for success. By rebranding the space, we hope to foster a culture of independent scholarship that prepares them for life beyond secondary school.
When: Every lunchtime in T6
When: After-school 3-4pm, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in T5
Please do encourage your child to drop in and see how much they can tick off their to-do list before they even get home!
Red Nose Day & The Hamble School Great Bake Off!
This is a final reminder to get your mixing bowls ready! We are fast approaching our Comic Relief: Red Nose Day celebrations.
As a reminder, we will be holding our event on Thursday 19 March. Please note that students will not be in school on Friday, 20th March (the national Red Nose Day) due to a scheduled INSED Day. We didn’t want our students to miss out on the fun, so we’ve moved our festivities forward by 24 hours!
The Great Comic Relief Great Bake Off
We are inviting all students to showcase their creativity and culinary talents in our annual Great Bake Off. Whether your child is a master of macarons or a king of crumbles, we want to see their best work!
Students can enter any baked goods, including:
- Cakes and Cupcakes
- Flapjacks, Brownies, and Blondies
- Macarons or even a show-stopping Croquembouche!
The Competition Categories
Our expert panel of “cake-appreciating” staff and Senior Leaders will be judging entries based on the following categories:
- Best Artistic Design & Best Structural Design
- Biggest Cake & Funniest Cake
- Most Colourful Cake & Tastiest Cake
Plus, the most prestigious award of all: one student per House will be crowned with the ‘Star Baker’ certificate!
Fundraising & House Points
On Thursday, these delicious treats will be sold to students and staff during break and lunchtime.
- Bring Change: Baked goods will be priced between 50p and £1.
- House Competition: Every entry earns House Points! All money raised will be added to the House totals to see who our top fundraising House will be this year.
Important Safety Note: To keep all members of our school community safe, please ensure all bakes are nut-free and add a list of ingredients, where possible.
We can’t wait to see the incredible designs our students come up with. Thank you for your continued support in helping us raise money for such a fantastic cause.
Name Our Local Gritter!
We have been contacted by the local Highways Team—who manage Hampshire’s fleet of gritters—with a fantastic opportunity for our students! After hearing that our school was interested in taking part, they reached out to invite us to help name one of the grit lorries that travels past our school.
Several gritters in the fleet are still unnamed, including the one that serves our area, and they would love our students to get involved.
See the Gritter in School!
To help inspire your ideas, the gritter will be visiting our school on Tuesday 24 March during lunchtime. Students will be able to see the vehicle up close before submitting their name suggestions.
How to Enter
Students can submit their creative name ideas using the nomination link provided here: Name the local gritter – Fill in form
Submit your nominations by:
4.00pm on Wednesday 25 March 2026
After the deadline, all entries will be shared with the Highways Team, who will then select the winning name. The chosen name will be officially given to the gritter—so this is a brilliant chance to make a mark on our local community!
Get Thinking!
Funny names, puns, winter‑themed ideas… all suggestions are welcome.
We can’t wait to see your imaginative entries—good luck!
Parent Safeguarding Knowledge Booster
Supporting Secondary Students’ Emotional Wellbeing
As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing, this half term our PSHRE curriculum is focusing ‘Being Me’. Many of these lessons focus on emotional wellbeing. Adolescence is a time of rapid change: socially, academically, and personally and it’s completely normal for young people to experience ups and downs. However, with the right support at home and in school, students can develop strong emotional resilience and positive coping strategies.
This Knowledge Booster is designed to help you understand what we are covering in school and how you can support your child’s emotional wellbeing at home.
Students are learning about:
- Recognising and expressing emotions in healthy ways
- Coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and low mood
- Building positive relationships and supportive friendships
- The importance of sleep, physical activity, and digital balance
- How and where to ask for help—both in school and outside it
These lessons aim to equip students with the tools they need to look after themselves and to seek support early if they are struggling.
How You Can Support Your Child’s Emotional Wellbeing at Home
- Keep Communication Open
- Encourage regular, low‑pressure conversations: car chats, a walk, or even talking while cooking can feel less intense than face‑to‑face discussions.
- Ask open questions, like “What’s been the best part of your day?” or “What’s been challenging for you this week?”
- Notice Changes in Mood or Behaviour
Parents often spot early signs of emotional strain. Watch for:
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Increased irritability or tearfulness
- Loss of interest in hobbies
If something feels “off,” gently check in.
- Help Them Build Healthy Habits
Support routines that promote wellbeing:
- Regular sleep (8–10 hours is recommended for teens)
- Breaks from screens—especially before bed
- Time outdoors
- Physical activity
- Balanced and predictable daily routines
- Encourage Healthy Coping Strategies
Model and promote strategies such as:
- Deep breathing or mindfulness
- Journaling
- Listening to music
- Talking things through with someone trusted
- Let Them Know Asking for Help Is a Strength
Many teenagers worry about being a “burden.” Reassure them that it’s okay to struggle and that support is always available.
Useful Resources on Our School Website
We have a range of supportive materials for both students and parents.
Student Wellbeing Resources
Explore a curated library of mental health information, student‑friendly guides, and practical strategies that they can use at home or in school.
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/student-wellbeing-resources
Getting Mental Health Support (Parents)
Clear guidance on when and how to seek additional help, including contact information, pathways, and support agencies.
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/getting-mental-health-support-parents/
These pages are regularly updated and designed to be simple, accessible, and supportive.
Rotary STEM Tournament 2026
On Wednesday 11th March, a group of Year 9 and Year 10 students took part in the Rotary STEM Tournament in Romsey. This exciting event provided an opportunity for students to put their design, engineering and manufacturing skills to the test in a competitive environment against other local schools.
This year’s challenge was to design and build a wooden buggy powered by an electric motor. Once constructed, each team’s buggy was put through its paces on a demanding obstacle course designed to test precision, power and creativity.
Teams were judged on a wide range of criteria including teamwork, design innovation, artistic presentation and, of course, the overall performance of the buggy on the course. The standard across the competition was extremely high, and our students were justifiably proud of their creations and the way they collaborated throughout the day.
When the results were announced, we were delighted to learn that our Year 9 team had been awarded the Creative and Artistic Excellence Award—a fantastic achievement and well-deserved recognition of their thoughtful design work and attention to detail.
A huge well done to Annabella C, Alfie B, Freddie W, Sienna S, Isabel M, Amy C, Jenista P, and McAvoy M for representing The Hamble School so brilliantly in this event.
We would also like to extend our thanks to the Rotary Club for organising such an inspiring competition and to Mrs Cooke for supporting and accompanying the students throughout the day.
Light Up Ensemble
Students from The Hamble School have been working with Light Up Drama and their performance is this week. Tickets are still available…
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/light-up/light-up-ensemble-presents-ride-or-die/e-ovbkem
Key Stage 3 Examination Information
Key Stage 3 examinations will take place early next term and all students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will sit full exams in every subject. These assessments give students an important opportunity to demonstrate their learning and to experience formal exam conditions that prepare them for later years.
Exam Weeks:
- Year 7: Week beginning Monday 13 April
- Year 8: Week beginning Monday 20 April
- Year 9: Week beginning Monday 27 April
Teachers will be placing revision materials on Class Charts and students are encouraged to use these resources to help structure their preparation. Before the Easter break, students will also receive a virtual assembly from Mrs Valleley (Deputy Head) to explain expectations, procedures and how to approach the exams confidently.
Why We Hold These Exams early in the Summer Term
The timing of these exams is deliberate. Holding them early in the summer term allows teachers to identify any knowledge gaps or misconceptions while there is still enough time in the year to address them fully. This ensures that students move into the next academic year with a secure foundation and the confidence needed for the increasing challenge of moving up through the school. The results also help teachers refine their planning so that classroom teaching is even more targeted, responsive and effective in the months that follow.
Support with Revision
To help students prepare effectively, they will receive lessons on how to revise, including strategies for organising information, active learning techniques and how to create a structured revision timetable. These skills are valuable not only for the upcoming exams but also for future assessments throughout Key Stage 3 and beyond. Students will be encouraged to use these techniques alongside the resources shared on Class Charts.
Core Subject Exams
Exams for English, Maths and Science will take place in the main Sports Hall, with additional rooms provided for students who have Access Arrangements. These core exams will run in the same format as GCSE examinations, giving students valuable experience of formal exam routines and expectations.
Before entering the Sports Hall, students will be escorted to the container where they must place bags and all unauthorised items inside. This includes:
- mobile phones
- watches of any kind
- earbuds or headphones
- notes or revision materials
- electronic devices
No unauthorised items may be taken into the exam room.
Equipment
Students must bring only the following permitted equipment:
- 2 black pens
- 1 pencil
- ruler
- rubber
- Any subject‑specific equipment
- All items stored in a clear pencil case or transparent plastic wallet
- Clear, label‑free water bottle
JCQ Regulations and Expectations
All exams will be conducted in line with JCQ (Joint Council for Qualifications) Regulations, which govern the running of formal examinations. Students must follow all invigilator instructions and remain silent as soon as they enter the exam venue. Communication with other students, possession of unauthorised items or any breach of exam rules is strictly prohibited.
As JCQ regulations apply, any student who breaks these rules will receive a sanction.
Supporting Our Students
These exams play an important role in helping students build confidence, independence and familiarity with formal assessment routines. Families can support by checking equipment, encouraging regular revision at home and ensuring students arrive promptly and prepared on exam days.
Celebrating Student Success Beyond the Classroom
A Recipe for Success: Molly’s Junior Chef Journey
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of Molly H who has recently completed the Junior Chef Programme at Eastleigh College.
Over the past six weeks, Molly has attended two‑hour sessions every Tuesday evening, developing a wide range of cooking and food‑preparation skills. She initially enrolled in the programme to support her Duke of Edinburgh Award, but it quickly became an experience she truly enjoyed and embraced.
The programme concluded this week with a special “graduation” evening, where parents and teachers were invited to enjoy a three‑course meal—prepared and served entirely by the students. The event was a wonderful showcase of the skills the young chefs have gained, and Molly was proudly presented with her certificate (pictured).
The Junior Chef course is open to students in Years 9–11 and comes highly recommended. It offers excellent value for money, providing hands‑on experience, real kitchen confidence and a memorable achievement.
If any students are interested in finding out more, Molly would be very happy to share her experience.
Well done, Molly—we’re incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication!
Hamble Students Triumph at HSM Raleigh Swimming Event
Four of our students represented Hamble Sea Scouts with outstanding success at the HSM Raleigh Swimming Competition in Plymouth last weekend.
David B and Oliver B (Year 10), along with Blake C and Patrick H (Year 9), were part of a ten‑strong team from the local area and returned with an impressive collection of medals and trophies.
Together with teammates, Oliver, David and Blake contributed to several major team victories, including:
- Gold in the U16 Medley Relay
- Best Overall U16 Scout Group
- 3rd place in Rope Throwing
All four boys also excelled in senior events, achieving:
- Gold in the Squadron Relay
- Best Explorer Group
Their individual performances were equally remarkable:
- Oliver B – Silver in Breaststroke
- Blake C – Silver in Backstroke
- David B – Silver in Freestyle
- Patrick H – Gold in Freestyle, Gold in the U18 Medley Relay, and Best Overall U18 Scout Group
These achievements reflect not only their swimming talent but also their commitment, teamwork, and dedication. We are incredibly proud of their success and the way they represented both the Sea Scouts and our school.
Dual Success for Ella in National Diving and Local Music Festival
Over the past few weeks, Ella has demonstrated exceptional talent across two very different disciplines – competitive diving and music – achieving success at both national and local levels.
Just before half term, Ella travelled to Edinburgh to compete in the Scottish National Diving Championships, where she delivered her best performance to date. Competing against some of the strongest divers in the country – many older and more experienced – Ella achieved a personal best score and secured an impressive bronze medal.
During half term, Ella also took part in the Portsmouth Music Festival, performing as part of a piano trio. The group impressed the judges and proudly achieved 1st place in their category.
We are incredibly proud of Ella’s dedication, discipline, and outstanding achievements across both sport and the arts.
Outstanding Success for Clark H at County Swim Finals
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding success of Clark Hughes (year 7), who has now completed the second phase of the Hampshire County Swimming Championships with another series of exceptional performances.
Building on his earlier achievements, Clark added four more medals to his total:
- Gold – 50m Backstroke, earning the title of Hampshire County Champion
- Silver – 50m Freestyle
- Bronze – 200m Freestyle
- Bronze – 100m Backstroke
Across both parts of the championships, Clark secured an impressive eight medals, consisting of:
2 Gold, 1 Silver, and 5 Bronze, including both individual and relay events.
This remarkable medal haul reflects his commitment, skill, and determination. We are incredibly proud of Clark’s continued success and look forward to seeing what he achieves next.
Jenson to Become a Published Young Writer
We are thrilled to celebrate the fantastic news that Jenson H (Year 7) is soon to become a published author.
Jenson has a remarkable passion for storytelling. Not only does he write his own books, but he also designs and illustrates all the accompanying artwork himself. He has already produced an impressive collection of stories and has long dreamed of seeing his work in print.
Recently, Jenson entered the Young Writers Competition, submitting a short 100‑word story—and his entry has been selected for publication. His work will appear in the upcoming Young Writers book, due to be published on 27 April 2026.
This is an outstanding achievement and a wonderful step toward his dream of becoming a published author. We are incredibly proud of Jenson’s creativity, dedication, and talent, and we look forward to seeing where his writing journey takes him next.
A Month of Musical Success for Thea N-D
We are delighted to congratulate Thea on two fantastic musical achievements this month.
Thea has recently passed her Grade 1 Drums with Merit, a reflection of her hard work, practice, and growing talent as a young percussionist.
In addition to this success, Thea also performed as part of the Southampton Schools’ Pyramid Concert over the weekend, playing in the percussion section. Taking part in such a large and collaborative musical event is a brilliant accomplishment and a wonderful experience for any young musician.
We are incredibly proud of Thea’s dedication and enthusiasm, and we look forward to seeing her musical journey continue to flourish.
Celebrating Achievements
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Georg C 7-6
- Year 8 – Zoe G 8-1
- Year 9 – Amelia G 9-6
- Year 10 – Layla G 10-4
- Year 11 – Dylan A 11-10
