As we move further into the summer term, it has been another busy and successful week across the school.
Our Year 11 students continue to show resilience, determination and maturity as they work through their GCSE examinations. The finish line is now in sight and we are incredibly proud of the effort they have shown throughout the examination period. We wish them every success in the remaining exams.
Year 10 students have also begun an important phase of their GCSE journey, with Modern Foreign Languages speaking assessments and practical examinations taking place. These provide valuable experience and preparation as they move towards their final examination year.
Away from the classroom, our Geography students have been out on fieldwork visits, applying their learning in real-world environments and developing important investigative skills. These experiences are a valuable part of the curriculum and help bring classroom learning to life.
Looking ahead to next week, we are delighted to welcome our new Year 7 students and their Parents/ Carers to The Hamble School for our Induction Evening on Tuesday. This is always a special event in the school calendar and provides an exciting opportunity for families to begin their journey with us.
On Wednesday evening, we invite Parents/ Carers to join Mr Baldwin, Head of IT and Business Studies, and Mr Andrews, Assistant Headteacher, for our Parent Forum focusing on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Safety. Following feedback from last week’s poll, where 61% of respondents indicated a preference for an online event, we will be hosting the forum via Microsoft Teams. If you have registered to attend, a joining link will be sent the day before the event. There is still time to register using the information here: https://forms.office.com/e/wkS22G7WQi
If your child currently receives Free School Meal funding, there is some very important information later in this Weekly Message that requires your attention. To ensure that your child continues to receive this funding and the associated support moving forward, please take the time to read the information carefully and complete any actions required. We encourage all eligible families to review this section as soon as possible to avoid any interruption to funding.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of The Hamble School. We hope you enjoy reading this week’s update.
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 15 June
Monday 15 June
Year 11 Science Exam – Physics – AM
Tuesday 16 June
Year 11 Spanish Exam – AM
Year 11 Extended Maths Exam – PM
New Year 7 Induction Evening – See letter sent from The Hamble School
Wednesday 17 June
Year 11 Film Event – 9am
Parent Forum – 6pm on Teams – AI and Cyber Safety. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/wkS22G7WQi
Thursday 18 June
Year 8 Spelling Bee – University of Southampton – Selected students
Future Dates w/b 22 June 2026
25 June – Year 9 MFL Paris Trip
26 June – D of E Expedition
26 June – Baron Peveril Taster Day
Letters
Please read the letters sent home and available on our letters page: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
Assembly programme: Water safety
As we approach the warmer summer months and the upcoming summer holidays, our thoughts naturally turn to outdoor activities. However, following the deeply upsetting recent national tragedies involving teenage drownings in open water, we are dedicating next week’s whole-school assemblies to the critical issue of Water Safety.
Coinciding with the national Drowning Prevention Week, these assemblies aim to equip our students with life-saving knowledge to ensure they can enjoy the summer safely.
Assembly Focus: The Water Safety Code
Our assemblies will deliver a direct, age-appropriate, and vital message centred around three main pillars:
- Swimming Safely: Understanding that open water (such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and unsupervised coastlines) is vastly different from a swimming pool. Even the strongest swimmers can be incapacitated instantly by cold water shock, which causes involuntary gasping and panic.
- Managing in an Emergency: We will be teaching the RNLI’s life-saving ‘Float to Live’ technique. If students find themselves in trouble, they need to resist the urge to thrash or swim hard. Instead, they must tilt their head back, submerge their ears, relax, and float until they control their breathing.
- High-Risk Zones: We will highlight the extreme dangers of hidden currents, sudden drops, and submerged hazards. The message will be clear: never swim in unsupervised or prohibited areas, and never swim alone.
What to do if you see someone else in trouble:
Do not jump in to rescue them. Call 999 immediately, tell the person to stay calm and FLOAT, and throw them something that floats (like a life ring or a branch) from the safety of the bank.
We ask that you please support us by having an open, serious conversation with your child this weekend about these risks. Peer pressure and hot weather can lead to impulsive decisions, and reinforcing these safety rules at home could truly save a life.
Tutor Personal Development Programme:
Next week marks an important and thought-provoking period in our school calendar. We will be aligning our tutor curriculum with National Refugee Week 2026, focusing our collective reflections around this year’s central theme: ‘Courage’.
Tutor Time: Reading Week & ‘We Are Displaced’
As part of our scheduled Reading Week, students will spend their daily tutor sessions engaged in guided reading and group discussions. We will be exploring powerful excerpts from Malala Yousafzai’s poignant book, We Are Displaced.
Through Malala’s own experiences and the shared stories of displaced girls worldwide, students will examine what it truly means to show resilience and courage in the face of losing one’s home. These literacy-focused sessions aim to build both reading comprehension and deep empathy for the lived experiences of others.
The tutor programme will also provide crucial context by looking at why refugeeism happens, the profound emotional and social impact displacement takes on individuals and families, and the vital importance of creating welcoming, inclusive communities.
We encourage you to talk with your child next week about what they are reading and discussing, helping us reinforce the values of compassion, courage, and community at home.
Reminder – Year 10 Senior Student Leadership Applications
Applications for the Senior Student Leadership Team 2026/2027 are now open and full details can be found on the ‘Blended Learning’ task in Class Charts.
This is an excellent opportunity for students to apply for roles including Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Students, House Prefects and Specialist Prefects, helping to lead and represent The Hamble School.
Please note that the application deadline is Tuesday 16 June at 5:00pm. Late applications cannot be accepted, so we encourage all interested students to submit their application before the deadline.
Year 11 Update
As we approach the final week of school for Year 11, we would like to thank students and families for their continued support throughout the examination period. Our students have shown great resilience and determination, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.
If your child qualifies for the Year 11 Reward Film Event on Wednesday 17 June, you will receive a separate email with reminders and arrangements for the day.
A reminder that Year 11 Leavers’ Hoodie orders have been reopened, with the deadline for orders being today. Please ensure any outstanding orders are completed before the deadline passes.
Students who do not study Spanish or Extended Mathematics are able to leave school after the completion of their Physics examination tomorrow. Please ensure that your child knows their arrangements for getting home safely.
Year 11 Leavers Assembly – Photo Request
Plans are now underway to create a memorable Leavers Assembly for our fantastic Year 11 students.
We would love to include a photograph of your child when they were younger—perhaps on their first day of school, first day at The Hamble School, or even during a school trip—as part of a celebratory video montage featuring the whole year group.
Please be assured that the video will only be shown during the Leavers Assembly and will not be shared on any external platforms.
If you would like to contribute a photo, please email it to general@thehambleschool.co.uk with the subject line: FAO Mrs E-C Leavers Photo
Further details regarding the Leavers Assembly will be shared with families once the examination period has concluded.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the Year 11 Class of 2026 in the coming weeks.
Canteen Update
We are pleased to share that ice cream pots are now available from both the Top Pod and Deli for just 65p—perfect for the warmer weather!
Next week also sees the launch of our exciting World Cup Promotion. Week 1 features:
- Spiced Beef Nachos – £2.50
- Mexicana Tomato & Cheese Nachos – £1.50
These will be available from the main counter at lunchtime alongside our regular meal options.
Our free breakfast toast initiative continues to be a great success, with over 60 slices being served each day last week. Thank you to all the students who are making the most of this offer and starting the school day with a breakfast.
Reward Trip Reminder
A reminder to Parents/ Carers of students in Years 7–10 that payment for reward trips must be made by the end of the school day on Monday 15 June.
After this deadline, SCOPAY will no longer accept payments from families who have not already signed their child up for a trip. Unfortunately, no additional places can be allocated after this point.
If you have any questions regarding the reward trips, please contact the school via the general email account.
The Cyber Special: Studying with AI
By Patrick H, Cyber Ambassador
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly common part of everyday life. From helping doctors diagnose illnesses to supporting businesses with cybersecurity, AI is transforming the way we work and learn. It is also becoming a popular study tool for students—but are we using it effectively?
One surprising statistic suggests that over 45% of AI-generated answers contain inaccuracies. This highlights an important message: AI can be a powerful learning aid, but it should never replace critical thinking, independent learning, or reliable sources.
Four Smart Ways to Use AI for Learning
- Improve Your Answers
AI can help students understand what high-quality exam responses look like. By sharing an answer and asking how it could be improved, students can receive feedback on structure, key terminology and the depth of explanation required to achieve higher marks.
- Stay Organised
Revision can feel overwhelming, particularly during assessment periods. AI tools can help students create personalised revision timetables that take account of extracurricular commitments, homework and free time. The more specific the information provided, the more useful the timetable is likely to be.
- Discover Effective Study Techniques
Different subjects require different approaches to revision. AI can suggest a range of techniques, such as flashcards and active recall for Science, essay planning for English, or past paper practice for Mathematics. However, students should always verify important advice using trusted educational resources.
- Search Smarter
One of the most valuable digital skills is learning how to search effectively online. Using precise keywords, including exam boards and resource types, helps students find accurate and relevant revision materials, examiner reports, mark schemes and past papers.
AI: A Helper, Not a Shortcut
AI can support learning, improve organisation and help students develop better study habits. However, it is important to remember that AI is not always correct, should not be used to complete work on a student’s behalf, and can lead to plagiarism if used inappropriately.
The most successful students will use AI as a tool to enhance their learning rather than as a shortcut around it.
Join Our Parent Forum: AI and Cyber Safety
As AI becomes increasingly accessible to young people, it is important that Parents/ Carers understand both the opportunities and the risks it presents.
On Wednesday 17 June at 6.00pm, Mr Baldwin (Head of IT and Business Studies) and Mr Andrews (Assistant Headteacher) will be hosting an online Parent Forum on AI and Cyber Safety via Microsoft Teams. The session will explore how AI is being used by young people, the benefits and challenges of emerging technologies, and practical advice for keeping children safe online.
Following feedback from our recent parent poll, this event will be held online to make it as accessible as possible. Registered attendees will receive the Teams link the day before the event.
We look forward to welcoming Parents/ Carers to what promises to be an informative and thought-provoking discussion.
Eco Garden Update
A huge thank‑you to all families who have supported our Eco Ambassadors Garden project so far. Your donations—whether compost, tools, seeds and plants—have already made a visible difference. The students are buzzing with excitement, and the garden is quickly becoming a space they’re proud of.
Over the past week, we’ve:
- Prepared and enriched several no dig, ground level beds.
- Planted our first round of pollinator‑friendly flowers and some rows of carrots
- Written an assembly to encourage others to come and join us.
- Begun to form some paths between the flower beds.
As we continue building momentum, we’re still in need of a few key materials to keep the project growing. If you’re able to contribute, we would be grateful for any of the following:
- Garden tools — Shovels or spades (larger as we hope to dig a small wildlife pond)
- Compost and soil — bags of peat‑free compost
- Seeds and seedlings — vegetables, herbs, and pollinator‑friendly plants
- Logs — for edging planning areas, bug hotels, and creating paths
- Watering cans — lightweight ones suitable for students
- Wooden garden furniture – old garden furniture that needs some love and repair
Every contribution, big or small, helps our students learn hands‑on sustainability skills and take pride in shaping their environment.
If you’d like to donate any of the materials above, please drop items at reception for collection.
Thank you for your continued support.
High School Musical – Tickets on Sale Now!
The countdown is on for this year’s spectacular production of High School Musical, and our talented cast and crew have been working incredibly hard to bring this much-loved show to life.
Tickets are now on sale, and we encourage families, friends and members of the local community to secure their seats early. With fantastic music, energetic dance numbers and plenty of school spirit, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
Wednesday 8 July https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/category/xybjgrlnqpne
Thursday 9 July https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/category/bmeekqzkyydr
Can You Help with Our Set Build?
A major milestone in the production process takes place on Friday 3 July, when the professional stage set arrives on site ready for installation. This year’s set is particularly large and impressive, helping to transform our performance space into East High School.
To help with unloading and setting up the set, we are looking for four parent/carer volunteers who would be willing to assist with some heavy lifting between 10.00am and 11.00am. The set-up will be directed by the stage company and supported by members of our site team, so volunteers will be fully guided throughout the process.
If you are available and would be happy to support, we would be extremely grateful for your help. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute behind the scenes to what promises to be a memorable production for our students.
To volunteer, please complete the form below:
Parent/Carer Volunteers – High School Musical Set up – Fill in form
Thank you for your continued support of the performing arts at The Hamble School. We look forward to welcoming you to High School Musical very soon!
Sports Day Excitement Builds!
We have an exciting few weeks ahead as we build up to our annual Sports Day!
With the World Cup already creating a fantastic buzz of sporting energy, we are thrilled to launch our very first challenge – the Sticker Challenge.
Over the next couple of weeks during tutor time, you will have the opportunity to design your very own house sticker, inspired by this year’s Sports Day values. This is your chance to be creative and show what your house represents! The winning design from each year group will be professionally printed and proudly used on Sports Day.
But that’s not all – we are also counting down to National School Sports Week, beginning on 6 July. There will be plenty of exciting activities and opportunities to get involved, so keep an eye out for more announcements.
As we prepare for Sports Day, we encourage everyone to embrace this year’s values: Care and Kindness (Year 7), Teamwork and Working Together (Year 8), Aiming High (Year 9), and Resilience and Celebrating Success (Year 10). These values reflect the positive attitudes and behaviours that make our school community so special.
Let’s get ready to celebrate teamwork, determination, achievement and school spirit. We can’t wait to see your amazing designs, enthusiasm and energy in the weeks ahead!
Achieving Excellence Programme: Continuing to Make Progress Between Now and the End of the Academic Year
What can I do to support my child in preparing for the next academic year?
One of the most important things students can do to ensure they are fully prepared for the next academic year is to secure their subject knowledge from the current academic year. Using the study skills, techniques and resources they have explored throughout the year, students should work to identify and address any gaps in their knowledge.
If students are unsure about new content being taught, they should continue to apply the learning techniques discussed this year to develop their understanding. Remember, class teachers are always available to provide support and answer any questions.
How Parents/ Carers can help
There are several ways in which you can support your child in making better progress. We recommend having regular conversations about their learning and using probing questions to encourage deeper thinking and reflection.
We also encourage you to discuss homework with your child, including the content covered and the effort that has gone into completing it. Homework is a valuable form of retrieval practice and, when completed thoroughly, can significantly improve knowledge retention and academic progress.
Sometimes parents and carers may feel reluctant to ask about their child’s learning because they are unfamiliar with the subject matter. However, this should be viewed as a valuable opportunity for your child to explain their learning. Through a technique known as elaboration, students break topics down into smaller, more manageable pieces of information and explain them in their own words. This process strengthens understanding and helps to secure knowledge more effectively.
Changes to Free School Meal Eligibility from September 2026
We have been asked to share important information regarding upcoming changes to Free School Meal (FSM) eligibility.
From September 2026, all households receiving Universal Credit may be eligible for Free School Meals. Eligibility will be divided into two categories based on household income:
- Targeted Free School Meals – for households receiving Universal Credit with an annual income below £7,400.
- Expanded Free School Meals – for households receiving Universal Credit with an annual income above £7,400.
All families are required to submit a new application to confirm their eligibility under the new criteria, even if their child currently receives Free School Meals. We encourage all parents and carers who receive Universal Credit to check their eligibility and apply.
Applications can be made through the Hampshire County Council portal:
Free School Meals Application Portal
https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/hants
Please note that children eligible under the expanded criteria will begin receiving Free School Meals from September 2026.
For further information, please visit the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals
If you have any questions, please contact us via general@thehambleschool.co.uk and mark as FSM in the subject line.
Uniform Support and Donations
As we approach the end of the summer term, we would like to thank families for their continued support in helping us maintain the high standards of uniform that contribute so positively to our school community.
We understand that purchasing school uniform can sometimes place additional pressure on families. The school is able to offer support with items such as shoes, trousers, shirts and other essential uniform items. If you require assistance, please complete the Uniform Support Request Form using the link below:
Request for uniform support – Fill in form
We are also grateful for any donations of good-quality uniform items that are no longer needed. If you have blazers, trousers, shoes or ties that you would like to donate, please drop them off at Reception. These donations help us support other families within our school community and are always greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support.
Rewards
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Georgia T 7-9
- Year 8 – Annalisa K 8-4
- Year 9 – Cohen S 9-2
- Year 10 – Eshal Z 10-3
- Year 11 – Jaiden K 11-3
