As we move further into the autumn term, it has been another busy and productive week across the school, with students embracing opportunities both in and beyond the classroom. It has been fantastic to see so many examples of resilience, commitment and ambition on display.
Today also marks World Mental Health Day, providing an important opportunity to reflect on the importance of looking after our mental wellbeing, supporting one another and recognising that good mental health is just as important as good physical health. As a school community, we remain committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, supported and able to thrive.
Yesterday, students also had the opportunity to take part in our Double Reward Points Day. It was fantastic to see so many students demonstrating our school values and making positive choices throughout the day. Reward points are an important way of recognising effort, achievement and contribution to school life, and we look forward to celebrating those students who continue to go above and beyond.
A particular well done to our Year 11 Geography students, who represented the school superbly during their Rivers Fieldwork Trip. Their enthusiasm, engagement and professionalism whilst collecting primary data will provide an invaluable foundation for their GCSE studies.
Congratulations also to our Year 11 Food Preparation and Nutrition students, who have been completing their coursework practical assessments. These assessments require careful planning, excellent organisation and a high level of practical skill, and students should be proud of the dedication they have shown.
Finally, well done to our Year 7 students who have recently completed their CAT testing. They approached the process maturely and demonstrated excellent focus throughout. The information gained will help us to better understand their strengths and support them throughout their learning journey at The Hamble School.
Thank you to all students and staff for another successful week and we hope everyone enjoys a well-earned weekend.
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 12 October 2026
- All week – Year 10 Work Experience
- All week – Year 9 Review Assessment Week
- All week – Year 7 CAT Testing continues (see the letter and timetable from Mrs Vincent)
Monday 12 October
- Year 11 Drama Controlled Assessment
- Year 7 CAT Testing begins (see letter from Mrs Vincent)
Tuesday 13 October
- Year 6 Open Morning for Parents/ Carers and their children
- Year 11 Achieving Excellence Programme – Module 2 (see below) at 5:30pm in the Main Hall. This is for students and Parents/ Carers
Friday 16 October
- Year 11 Revision Day
Future Dates
Monday 19 October – Year 11 Dance Controlled Assessment
Tuesday 20 October – Year 11 Mock English Literature Exam
Tuesday 20 October – Parent Forum – 5:30pm in the Conference Room by reception
Wednesday 21 October – Year 7 and 8 Halloween Disco. 5:30pm-7pm. Tickets available next week
Wednesday 21 October – Year 11 Work Experience begins
Friday 23 October – End of Autumn Term 1. School closes at normal time.
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 Class Charts everyday.
Theme of the Week – Democracy and Government
This week, our focus is democracy and government, helping students understand how our political system works and why having a voice in society matters.
Assemblies
Mr Bateman will lead assemblies exploring democracy and politics, encouraging students to consider how decisions are made and how citizens can influence the world around them. Year 7 and Year 10 will also receive information about their upcoming Be Well national surveys, while Year 11 will continue with their college assemblies to support their next steps beyond The Hamble School.
Personal Development
This week, students will explore British democracy and the importance of our British Values, with a particular focus on democracy and the right to have a voice. They will consider how democratic principles underpin our society, including the importance of free and fair elections, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different beliefs and opinions. Students will be encouraged to reflect on why it is important that everyone has the opportunity to participate in decision-making and how listening to different perspectives helps create a fairer and more inclusive society.
Sessions will explore both local and national politics, helping students understand how decisions made by local councils and the national government affect their everyday lives, from education and transport to public services and the laws we follow. This will also build on the learning delivered through our PSHCRE curriculum, where students explore the role of government, how the political system operates and the responsibilities and rights of citizens. By connecting these topics to real-life examples, we aim to help students develop their political awareness, think critically about the world around them and recognise that, even before they are old enough to vote, they can play an active role in their communities and have their voices heard.
Table Talk: Democracy and Having Your Say
This week, we encourage families to discuss the importance of having a voice and being heard. You could explore the following questions together:
- Why is it important that everyone has the opportunity to have their say?
- What everyday aspects of our lives are influenced by politics and government?
- How can young people make their voices heard, even before they are old enough to vote?
- Why is it important to listen respectfully to opinions that differ from our own?
These conversations are a valuable opportunity to help young people recognise that democracy is not just about elections; it is also about participation, listening to others and understanding how decisions affect our everyday lives.
Whole School Notices
World Mental Health Day 2026: Looking After Mental Health Together
At The Hamble School, we know that good mental health is just as important as good physical health. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to remind ourselves that everyone experiences challenges from time to time and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
In school this week students in Year 9,10 and 11 have completed an emotional wellbeing survey created by The Anna Freud Centre. Students in Year 7 and 8 will complete this in coming weeks. We will use this data to ensure students are accessing the right support and intervention and signpost any resources where necessary.
As parents and carers, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing. Young people today face a range of pressures, including friendships, social media, academic demands, family changes and concerns about the future. While occasional worries are a normal part of growing up, it is important to recognise when a child may need additional support.
Signs your child may be struggling
You may notice:
- Changes in mood, such as becoming withdrawn, irritable or unusually emotional
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Increased anxiety or worry
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoidance of school or social situations
- Complaints of headaches, stomach aches or unexplained physical symptoms
- Increased time spent alone
Having regular conversations with your child and creating opportunities to talk without judgement can make a significant difference.
How parents can support wellbeing
- Make time to listen without immediately trying to “fix” the problem.
- Encourage healthy routines, including sleep, exercise and balanced nutrition.
- Help young people maintain positive friendships and connections.
- Talk openly about emotions and mental health.
- Model healthy coping strategies when dealing with stress.
- Encourage a balanced approach to technology and social media.
When to seek support
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, please do not hesitate to reach out general@thehambleschool.co.uk . Early support can often prevent concerns from becoming more significant.
The Hamble School works closely with a range of services, including:
- Mental Health Support Team (MHST)
- School counselling services
- ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support)
- Hampshire CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
The school can support referrals where appropriate and advise families about the most suitable support pathway.
Wellbeing Resources for Parents and Carers
The Hamble School website contains a wide range of wellbeing resources for students, parents and carers, including information on:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/student-wellbeing-resources/
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/getting-mental-health-support-parents/
Together, by working in partnership, we can help ensure our young people feel safe, supported and able to thrive both in school and beyond.
Punctuality
We would like to remind all families of the importance of ensuring that students arrive at school on time each day.
Students who arrive on time are able to start the day calmly, receive important information during tutor time and engage fully in learning from the beginning of each lesson. Even a few minutes of lost learning each day can quickly add up over the course of a term and academic year.
Late arrival can also affect a student’s confidence and wellbeing. Arriving after lessons have started can be unsettling and may make it more difficult for students to engage positively with their learning. It can also disrupt the learning of other students when lessons are interrupted.
We ask for your support in ensuring that your child:
- Leaves home with enough time to travel to school.
- Has everything they need ready the night before.
- Establishes a consistent morning routine.
- Arrives on site before the start of the school day.
Good attendance and punctuality are key factors in academic success and help students develop the important life skills of responsibility, organisation and reliability.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us ensure that every student has the best possible start to each school day.
Flu Vaccinations
Annual Nasal Flu Vaccinations are now due. The vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. The vaccine will help your child to build up immunity which means your child will be better able to fight off flu.
You will shortly receive an email from the school with a link to book a vaccination for your child. However, you can also use the link below to do this.
Click the link 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: Monday 23 & Tuesday 24 November 2026
Year Group: Year 7 – 11
Link to website: https://www.hiowhealthcareimmunisations.co.uk/Forms/Flu
The nasal flu vaccine contains products derived from pigs (porcine gelatine). To opt for the porcine gelatine free inactive flu injection, select NO to the nasal flu immunisation and you will be given further options. Alternatively, if you decide you do not wish your child to receive the vaccine against flu, please complete the form to record your decision. This will enable us to update your child’s immunisation record.
From the NHS School Age Immunisation Service
Free School Meals Allowance Increase from Monday
We are pleased to announce that, from Monday, the Free School Meals allowance will increase from £2.75 to £3.20 per day.
This increase will provide students with a wider range of choices at lunchtime and greater flexibility when selecting meals from the school dining facilities.
Working with Chartwells, we are continuing to enhance the dining experience for all students. Alongside the increased allowance, students can look forward to:
- Regular themed menu days
- Exciting pop-up food events
- A range of meal deal offers
- An expanded choice of hot and cold food options
These initiatives are designed to ensure that all students have access to appealing, nutritious meals and a positive lunchtime experience.
Could Your Child Be Eligible?
Even if you are unsure whether your child qualifies, we encourage all Parents/ Carers to check their eligibility for Free School Meals. Eligibility may also provide additional funding for the school to support students’ learning and wellbeing.
Applications can be made through the Hampshire County Council Free School Meals Portal:
🔗 https://apply.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/hants
If you think your child may be eligible, please take a few minutes to complete an application. The process is straightforward and could make a valuable difference to your family.
Rewards
We would like to take the opportunity to celebrate the achievements, effort and positive contributions of our students.
Across the school, students have continued to demonstrate resilience, commitment and ambition in their lessons, while also contributing positively to the wider life of the school. We have been delighted to see so many examples of excellent learning behaviours, kindness towards others and determination to succeed.
Top Students of the Week
A huge congratulations to our highest-achieving students this week:
Year 7: Matthew Barber 7-3
Year 8: Ellis Mawson 8-7
Year 9: Stanley B 9-5
Year 10: Isla P 10-8
Year 11: Harvie P 11-8
These students have stood out through their effort, attitude and dedication to their learning. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and thank them for being such positive role models within our school community.
This week’s Hot Chocolate Friday celebrated our Year 9 students. They were selected in recognition of the positive start they have made to the year, their excellent attitude to learning and the maturity they continue to show around the school. Year 9 have demonstrated high levels of engagement in lessons, embraced new opportunities and consistently met our expectations, making them worthy recipients of this week’s Hot Chocolate Friday.
You may also have noticed that Mr Bateman has been wearing his CCF uniform. Staff involved in our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) will now wear their uniform on Fridays to help raise the profile of the programme and celebrate the opportunities it offers. From January, students who are members of the CCF will also wear their uniform on Fridays, showcasing their commitment, leadership and involvement in this important aspect of school life.
A message from the PTA…
Year 7
Reminder: Year 7 CATs Tests
As part of our commitment to ensuring every student is appropriately supported and challenged, Year 7 students will be completing Cognitive Abilities Tests (CATs) this term. These assessments provide valuable information about how students learn and help us identify where additional support, intervention or challenge may be beneficial.
The CATs assessments will begin on Wednesday 7 October and will take place over a two-week period during Computer Science lessons to minimise disruption to students’ normal curriculum. No revision or prior knowledge is required, as the assessments are designed to measure underlying cognitive abilities rather than learned knowledge.
A letter containing further information, including the testing timetable and practical arrangements, has now been published and is available on our website:
🔗 https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
The letter includes details about the testing process, equipment requirements and who to contact should you have any questions.
We thank Parents/ Carers for their support and look forward to using the information gathered to help ensure every student fulfils their potential.
Year 8
No year group specific notices this week.
Year 9
Year 9 CPR Training – Friday 16 October
On Friday 16 October, Year 9 students will take part in CPR training as part of their PSHCRE programme, delivered in partnership with our charity partner, Restart the Heart. Students will be taken out of their normal lessons in tutor group pairs to participate in this important practical session.
We believe that every student should have the opportunity to learn CPR, as it is a valuable life skill that could one day help them save a life. This training will equip students with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in an emergency and understand the actions they can take before professional help arrives.
The session supports our wider commitment to personal development, helping to prepare young people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need both in and beyond the classroom.
Year 10
Year 10 Work Experience Week
Next week is an exciting opportunity for many of our Year 10 students as they take part in their work experience placements. Work experience provides a valuable chance to develop workplace skills, gain insight into different careers, and build confidence for the future.
Students on work experience are reminded that they are still expected to complete any homework set by their teachers and continue to engage with their learning outside of placement hours.
To celebrate the week, we will be running a Double Points Week for all Year 10 students. Students on work experience will earn double reward points for each day they successfully attend their placement. Year 10 students who are attending school will also have the opportunity to earn double reward points through their attendance, effort, and engagement in lessons.
Please note that any student who does not have a confirmed work experience placement approved by both the school and EBP must attend school as normal. Lessons will continue as scheduled, and students will follow their usual timetable.
We wish all our Year 10 students a successful and rewarding week, whether they are gaining valuable workplace experience or continuing their learning in school. We look forward to hearing about the skills, experiences, and achievements they gain during the week.
Year 11
Year 11 Revision Week and Achieving Excellence Programme
As part of the Year 11 Achieving Excellence Programme, the week beginning 12 October will be Revision Week, with a range of activities and events designed to help students develop effective revision strategies and prepare for their mock examinations.
During Revision Week, students will take part in activities during tutor time, attend a dedicated Revision Day on Friday 16 October, and learn a variety of effective revision techniques, including creating mind maps and flashcards, planning revision timetables, and identifying the topics and content that will have the greatest impact on their progress.
Parents/ Carers are also invited to attend Module 2 of the Achieving Excellence Programme on Tuesday 13 October at 5:30pm in the Main Hall. This session will provide practical guidance on how to support revision at home and help students maximise their potential in the lead-up to the mock examinations. Parents/ Carers who attended Module 1 are already registered for the event. Those wishing to attend can sign up using the registration form below.
As a reminder, Year 11 mock examinations will take place between 9 and 20 November, with English Literature taking place on 20 October. Students should now be actively revising at home and ensuring that they have the resources, study routines, and revision materials needed to support their preparation.
We encourage all Year 11 students to make the most of the support available during Revision Week as they begin their final preparations for this important examination period.
Considering Your Post-16 Options
Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed a number of local Sixth Form colleges and Further Education providers into school to speak with our Year 11 students about the opportunities available to them after GCSEs. These visits form an important part of our careers programme and help students make informed decisions about their next steps.
While many students will choose to continue their studies at a local sixth form or college, we are keen to ensure that students are aware of the full range of opportunities available. One option that may be of particular interest is King Edward VI School Sixth Form, which will be holding an upcoming open event for prospective students and their families.
This may be particularly suitable for students who are predicted to achieve strong GCSE outcomes and are considering a highly academic post-16 route. King Edward VI School offers a broad range of A Level courses, an extensive enrichment programme, and a strong track record of supporting students in securing places at leading universities and on competitive courses.
We encourage students and Parents/ Carers to explore all available options before making decisions about post-16 education. Further information about visiting King Edward VI School Sixth Form can be found here:
🔗 https://senior.kes.school/207/visit-our-sixth-form
Year 11 students should continue researching a variety of post-16 pathways, attending open evenings, and considering which environment, courses, and opportunities will best support their ambitions and future career goals.
