As we move into the last week of this half term, there is much to celebrate across our school community.
Our Year 11 students have completed their first full week of examinations with real determination and maturity. They have shown a calm and focused approach and we are incredibly proud of the way they have applied themselves at such an important time. We wish them all the very best as they move into another week of exams.
Year 10 have also had a fantastic few weekends completing their Duke of Edinburgh training walks. They have demonstrated resilience, teamwork and independence throughout and it was wonderful to see them rise to the challenge and represent the school so positively.
We are also pleased to share that our gritter has now officially been named and is ready to go for the winter months ahead—always reassuring when we get to the colder seasons.
Looking ahead, we are pleased to reminder Parents/ Carers that our next Parent Forum is on Wednesday at 6pm in the Conference Room, led by Mr James (Associate Assistant Headteacher). The focus will be on ‘Disadvantaged’, and we welcome your engagement in this important conversation.
We are also excited to have launched our main international trips for 2027, with a letter sent home on Friday. These include visits to Spain, the USA and a ski trip to Italy—wonderful opportunities for our students to broaden their experiences and create lasting memories. You have until Friday 22 May to register your interest.
Finally, as we begin to look ahead to next half term, we will be running our Year 10 into Year 11 Transition Week in the first week back. Further details can be found in this week’s weekly message, and we encourage all families to take note of this important information.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Next week is WEEK 2
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 18 May
Monday 18 May
Year 11 Science – Chemistry Exam – AM
Year 11 Media Studies Exam – PM
Tuesday 19 May
Year 11 English Literature Exam – AM
Year 11 Computer Science Exam – PM
Wednesday 20 May
Year 11 French Listening/Reading Exam – AM
Year 11 Religious Studies Exam – PM
Parent Forum at 6pm in the Conference Room
Thursday 21 May
Year 11 English Language Exam – AM
Year 11 Business Studies Exam – PM
Friday 22 May
Year 11 Physical Education GCSE Exam – AM
Year 11 NCFE Health & Fitness Exam – PM
Future Dates w/b 25 May 2026
Half Term
Year 11 GCSE Interventions – Please consult your child’s personalised timetable.
Letters
Please read the letters sent home and available on our letters page: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
Assembly and Tutor Personal Development Programme
Celebrating Success & Reaching the Finish Line
The end of the academic year is fast approaching, and while the countdown to summer might be on many minds, this week at The Hamble School, we are focusing on the journey it takes to get there. Our theme for the Personal Development programme this week is ‘Celebrating Success’.
Success is rarely a happy accident; it is the result of careful planning and persistence. This week, we are encouraging students to look back at the targets they set earlier in the year and ask themselves: “How close am I, and what is my final push?”
Planning for the “Final Push”
In our tutor Personal Development Programme, we will be discussing that success isn’t just about the trophy or the grade—it’s also about the strategy used to get there. Students are being encouraged to:
- Review: Looking at their current progress honestly.
- Refine: Adjusting targets to make them achievable yet challenging.
- Execute: Putting in the hard work during these final weeks to cross the finish line with pride.
Tutor Time: Student Leadership Awards (Years 7–9)
For our Key Stage 3 students, Tutor Time will be a hive of activity as they dive into their Student Leadership Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain recognition for the skills they use every day, from teamwork and communication to initiative and resilience.
This week, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 are:
- Measuring Progress: Assessing how many sections of the award they have already completed.
- Identifying Gaps: Figuring out exactly what they need to do to “tick off” those final requirements.
- Levelling Up: Aiming to secure their Level 1, 2, or 3 certificates.
Why it matters: These awards aren’t just badges for a blazer; they represent a student’s commitment to our school community and their own personal growth.
Every student who successfully completes their Student Leadership Award will be presented with their official certificate and badge. We can’t wait to see so many of our students wearing their achievements with pride.
Celebration Assemblies
The hard work currently happening in tutor rooms and classrooms will culminate in our penultimate Celebration Assembly of the year. This is a highlight of our calendar where we officially recognise the grit and determination of our students.
Thank you for your continued support in encouraging your child to stay focused as we head into this final stretch!
Conversation starters at home
It can sometimes be a challenge to get more than a one-word answer out of a teenager after a long school day! To help you bridge the gap, here are a few “dinner table” conversation starters tailored to this week’s theme of celebration and goal-setting.
- The “Big Wins” Reflection
Since our Personal Development Programme and assemblies this week are all about celebration, try to shift the focus from “What did you do?” to “What went well?”
- The Question: “Who got a shout-out in the Celebration Assembly today, and what was it for? Was there a moment this week—academic or extra-curricular—where you felt like you really ‘nailed it’?”
- The Goal: To help them take pride in their own progress and recognise the success of their peers.
- The “Final Push” Strategy
We are teaching the students that success is about planning. You can help them visualise the end of the academic year.
- The Question: “If you had a ‘final push’ energy bar—like in a video game—which subject or project would you spend it on before the summer holidays? What’s the one thing you want to finish feeling proud of?”
- The Goal: To identify one specific, manageable target for the final weeks of term.
- For Years 7–9: The Leadership Journey
The Student Leadership Award is a big focus in tutor time right now. It’s a great time to check in on their “stats.”
- The Question: “I heard you’re reviewing your Student Leadership Award. Are you aiming for Level 1, 2, or 3? What is that one ‘final section’ you still need to tick off to get your badge at the end of the year?”
- The Goal: To move them from “I’m doing it” to “I have a plan to finish it.”
- Redefining Success
Success isn’t just about the highest grade; it’s about the effort behind it.
- The Question: “What’s something you found really difficult back in September that feels much easier now? How did you make that happen?”
- The Goal: To reinforce a growth mindset by acknowledging how much they’ve evolved over the school year.
Tip: If you get the classic “I don’t know” or “nothing,” try sharing a small success or a “final push” goal from your own work week first. Lead by example—and maybe mention that the reward for a finished goal is one step closer to a stress-free summer!
Year 10 to Year 11 Transition Week
A reminder that during the week beginning 1 June, our Year 10 students will take part in a dedicated Transition Week as they prepare for the important step into Year 11. Throughout the week, students will engage in our Achieving Excellence Programme, designed to develop effective revision and study skills that will support them in their upcoming Year 10 examinations and beyond. This will be reinforced through focused tutor time and lessons, ensuring students build strong, sustainable habits as they move into their final year.
The week will begin with a launch assembly and will include a full introduction to the Year 11 programme, ensuring students understand expectations, key milestones and how intervention support will be structured to help them succeed.
A key element of the week will be our PSHCRE Day on Thursday 4 June, which will focus on careers, applications, CV writing and interview skills. As part of this, students will take part in our Mock Interview Day, supported by volunteers from a range of professional backgrounds, who will provide invaluable experience and feedback to help students develop confidence in professional settings and begin to think seriously about their future pathways.
We are also delighted to invite Parents/Carers and students to an important evening on Tuesday 2 June. This event is a vital opportunity to prepare both students and families for the demands of Year 11, and attendance is strongly encouraged. Please save the date and sign up using the following link:
https://forms.office.com/e/XrSNdereqS
During the week, Student Leadership positions will also be launched, with students encouraged to begin considering and preparing their applications for these important roles within the school community.
The Year 10 examination timetable will be distributed next week, giving students the opportunity to plan and begin their revision over the half-term break.
The week will conclude with a celebratory event to recognise students’ engagement and achievements, including a Year 10 BBQ and activities afternoon—a great way to mark the end of a purposeful and forward-looking week.
We look forward to supporting all of our Year 10 students as they take this exciting next step.
Festival Reminder
Just a reminder that The Hamble School Festival is coming up on Wednesday 15 July, from 6:00pm–8:00pm!
This exciting end-of-term event promises a fantastic evening for the whole community, with a wide range of activities including sport, music, drama, dance performances, crafts, an art exhibition, stalls, and plenty of fun for all ages. It’s a brilliant opportunity to celebrate together and enjoy the amazing talents of our students, as well as connect with local groups and organisations.
Tickets will be available soon, so keep an eye out!
We are still looking for stalls, food vendors, and activity providers to help make the festival even more vibrant. If you—or someone you know—would like to get involved, please sign up here:
https://forms.office.com/e/YaPkKrVk2W
Please do share this with family, friends, and the wider community. We’d love to see as many people there as possible!
Year 8 Vaccinations – A message from the NHS School Age Immunisation Service
Your child’s HPV Vaccination is now due. The HPV vaccine helps protect both boys and girls from HPV related cancers.
If you have already submitted a form, please ignore this message.
Follow the links below for the electronic form and information about the vaccine. Access to the form will close two working days prior to the session.
School Code: SH116413
Session date: Tuesday 9 June
Year Group: Year 8
Link to form: https://www.hiowhealthcareimmunisations.co.uk/Forms/HPV
For further information https://www.healthforkids.co.uk/hampshire/hpv/
To choose YES or NO please complete the form to record your decision. Regular reminders will be sent to those that have not completed a form to ensure children do not miss their opportunity for vaccination.
Year 11 Leavers’ Hoodies Reminder
A reminder that we sent a letter last week regarding the Year 11 Leavers’ Hoodie.
If you would like to purchase a hoodie, please note that the final deadline is Tuesday 2 June.
If you do not wish your child’s name to appear on the hoodie, please complete the following form by Friday 22 May:
https://forms.office.com/e/YaPkKrVk2W
Thank you for your support.
Year 11 Equipment Reminder
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all Year 11 students for the fantastic attitude they have shown during the exam period so far. They have been calm, focused and hardworking, and we are very proud of how positively they have approached each examination.
As we move into the next phase of exams, it is really important that students come fully prepared each day and are on time for the 8:20am Warm Ups. Having the correct equipment helps avoid unnecessary stress and ensures they can perform at their best.
Essential equipment for every exam:
- Black ballpoint pens
- Pencil
- Highlighter
Additional equipment required:
- A calculator is needed for all remaining Science, Geography and Maths exams.
For the Maths exam on Wednesday 3 June, students must also bring:
- Ruler
- Protractor
- A pair of compasses.
Please support your child by helping them check their equipment the night before each exam.
Thank you for your continued support, and once again, well done to our Year 11 students—we are incredibly proud of them.
The Importance of Physical Education (PE)
At The Hamble School, we believe that Physical Education is a vital part of every student’s education and we are committed to ensuring that all students are fully included and actively involved in lessons.
PE is not just about sport—it plays a key role in supporting physical health, fitness and mental wellbeing. Regular participation in PE helps students to:
- Develop strength, stamina and coordination
- Build confidence and resilience
- Improve teamwork, communication and leadership skills
- Support positive mental health by reducing stress and improving mood
For these reasons, it is essential that every child takes part in PE lessons.
Expectations for Participation
To ensure students are able to fully engage in lessons, it is important that they come prepared with the correct PE kit.
- If a student forgets their kit, they will be required to borrow clean, washed kit provided by the school
- A lack of kit will result in a -2, in line with our expectations in other subjects (e.g. forgetting a book)
If a student refuses to change and participate, this will be recorded as defiance in line with the school behaviour policy.
Medical Reasons and Adjusted Roles
We recognise that there may be a few occasions when students are unable to fully participate due to medical reasons. In these cases:
- Parents/ Carers are expected to notify the school using general@thehambleschool.co.uk and marking FAO PE
- Students are still expected to change into their PE kit
- They will be given a structured role within the lesson, such as:
- Coach
- Trainer
- Referee
- These roles will come with clear responsibilities, allowing students to continue developing their knowledge and skills
If a student is unable to change due to a medical condition (for example, a broken leg), we will require:
- Medical evidence, and
- A risk assessment to be in place
In these circumstances, please contact us directly at: sws@thehambleschool.co.uk
Working Together
We appreciate your support in ensuring that students are prepared, engaged and ready to take part in PE. By working together, we can ensure that all students benefit from the many opportunities PE provides for their health, wellbeing and personal development.
Reading for Pleasure This Half Term
As we approach the half term break, we would like to encourage all students to take some time to enjoy reading for pleasure. With busy school schedules it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to read—but the holidays are the perfect opportunity to relax with a good book.
Reading for pleasure has many benefits. It helps to reduce stress, improve concentration, and build creativity, while also supporting vocabulary development and overall academic success. Most importantly, reading allows students to explore new ideas, cultures and perspectives in an enjoyable and engaging way.
Whether your child prefers gripping thrillers, inspiring biographies, fantasy adventures, or thought-provoking non-fiction, there is something out there for everyone. Encouraging them to choose books that genuinely interest them can make a big difference in developing a lifelong love of reading.
To help support this, our school library has put together a fantastic selection of titles for students to enjoy over the summer term. These recommendations cater to a wide range of interests and reading levels.
You can explore the full list here:
Recommended Reads – Summer Term 2026
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/library/recommended-reads/
We hope all students take some time this half term to unwind, recharge, and discover a great book.
Student Achievements
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Emily G 7-7
- Year 8 – Jack H 8-2
- Year 9 – Gracie H 9-9
- Year 10 – Bonnie S 10-8
- Year 11 – Niamh V 11-10
Year 8 also enjoyed Hot Chocolate with the Headteacher this Friday.
Staff Recognition Reminder
At The Hamble School, we are incredibly proud of the dedication, care and professionalism shown by our staff every day. From supporting students in lessons to going above and beyond outside the classroom, our team works tirelessly to ensure all students are able to achieve their best and feel supported throughout their time with us.
As a reminder, we have a dedicated Staff Recognition page where parents and carers can share their appreciation. We know that much of what staff do can go unseen, but it has a significant impact on students’ experiences and success.
If there is a member of staff who you feel has gone above and beyond, whether through their support, encouragement or commitment, we would love to hear from you. Please take a moment to submit a nomination using the link below:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/staff-recognition/
Thank you for helping us to recognise and celebrate the fantastic work of our staff.
