We hope everyone has had a restful and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend.
Firstly, a huge well done to all of our Year 11 students who completed their practical GCSE exams last week, including PE, MFL speaking and Photography. You approached these important assessments with maturity and determination, and we are very proud of your efforts. It was also a pleasure to come together for the Year 11 Good Luck Assembly last Friday, where we were able to wish you all the very best for the exams ahead.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our team of invigilators who have recently completed their final training ahead of the GCSE exam period. Your commitment and support are greatly appreciated and we are grateful for the vital role you play during this busy time.
Congratulations to our Year 9 students for successfully completing their exams—your focus and resilience have been impressive.
Finally, a special mention to our Year 7 Boys’ Football Team for their fantastic achievement in winning the Southampton and New Forest Schools Cup—an excellent result and a proud moment for the school.
This week, we look forward to welcoming all Year 10 Parents/Carers to the Year 10 Parents’ Evening. There are also a number of exciting trips and visits taking place, and we wish all involved an enjoyable and enriching experience. We also mark an important milestone as the Year 11 written exams begin on Friday—we wish all our students the very best as they begin this final stage of their secondary education.
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 Tuesday 5 May
Tuesday 5 May
Year 11 Art Exam
Year 11 MFL Speaking Exams
Wednesday 6 May
Year 11 Art Exam
Year 10 Navy Careers Trip
Year 7-11 Matilda the Musical Trip
Thursday 7 May
Careers Fair
Year 10 Parents’ Evening
Friday 8 May
Year 11 Written Exams begin
Year 11 Drama GCSE – PM
Saturday 9 May
DofE Practice Walk
Future Dates W/B 11 May 2026
Year 11 GCSE Exams:
Monday 11 May – English Literature AM, Business Studies PM
Tuesday 12 May – Religious Studies AM, Science (Biology) PM
Wednesday 13 May – Geography AM, Computer Science PM
Thursday 14 May – Maths AM
Friday 15 may – History AM
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
It is a busy and thought-provoking week here at The Hamble School. As we navigate the midpoint of the term, our focus is firmly on how we live together as a community and the values that ensure everyone has a voice.
Assembly: British Values as Our Social Glue
In our assemblies this week, we are exploring the core British Values—Democracy, the Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, and Mutual Respect—not just as abstract concepts, but as the essential tools for social cohesion.
In the UK’s vibrant, multi-cultural society, these values serve as the “bridge” between different communities. We are discussing with students how embracing these principles helps to dissolve divisions and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of background. It is about moving beyond “tolerance” toward active mutual respect.
Reading Week: Deep Dives and ‘Just Mercy’
Our Tutor Personal Development programme continues this theme through our Reading Week initiative. During these sessions, students aren’t just skim-reading; they are interrogating a text in depth to see how it reflects (or challenges) our own society.
This week’s text is ‘Just Mercy’ by Bryan Stevenson. While the book highlights the flaws within the American legal system, our students are using it as a catalyst to discuss:
- The Reality of Justice: What does “justice for all” actually look like in a UK context?
- The Impact of Racism: We are having honest, mature conversations about how systemic prejudice affects lives and how we can be part of the solution.
- Empathy in Action: How Stevenson’s fight for the marginalized aligns with our British Value of Individual Liberty.
It is powerful to see our students grappling with such heavyweight themes and applying them to their own lives and the world they see on the news.
Continuing the Conversation
These are big topics, and our students are handling them with impressive maturity. If you would like to continue the discussion at home this weekend, you might ask your child:
- “How do you think the themes in ‘Just Mercy’ apply to the way the law works here in the UK?”
- “Which of the British Values do you think is most important for making sure everyone in a multi-cultural community feels safe and respected?”
Parent/ Carer Safeguarding Knowledge Booster: Healthy Relationships & Friendships
As part of our PSHCRE theme this term on Love and Respect, students are learning about healthy relationships including friendships, family relationships and early romantic relationships.
Learning about relationships is a key part of safeguarding. It helps children and young people understand how they should be treated by others, how to treat others with respect, and how to recognise when something does not feel right.
What is a healthy relationship?
Healthy relationships are based on:
- Respect – valuing each other’s feelings, opinions and boundaries
- Kindness and care – supporting one another and being considerate
- Trust and honesty – feeling able to be yourself without fear
- Equality – no one having power or control over someone else
- Boundaries – understanding that it is okay to say no and to change your mind
These qualities are just as important in friendships as they are in any other type of relationship.
Friendships and peer relationships:
Friendships change as children grow older. Disagreements, fall‑outs and peer pressure are common, but friendships should still make young people feel:
- Safe and included
- Listened to and respected
- Free to spend time with others
- Able to ask for help if they are worried
Understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships helps young people recognise bullying, coercion or peer pressure early and seek support.
How Parents and Carers can help
You can support your child by:
- Talking little and often about friendships and relationships
- Encouraging open conversations without judgement
- Reassuring them that they can talk to a trusted adult if something feels wrong
- Helping them understand personal boundaries—both their own and others’
Children are more likely to seek help when they know they will be listened to calmly and taken seriously.
Where children and families can get support
If you or your child would like further advice or support, the following organisations offer trusted, confidential help:
- NSPCC – Healthy Relationships (for parents and carers)
Advice on talking to children about relationships and keeping them safe https://www.nspcc.org.uk/advice-for-families/healthy-relationships/ - YoungMinds (parents & young people)
Mental health advice and guidance on supporting young people https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ - Kooth (ages 13+)
Free, anonymous online mental wellbeing support
https://www.kooth.com/
Achieving Excellence Programme and Exams
Year 9
Well done to all our Year 9 students for completing their End of Year Exams this week. Class teachers will now begin marking these assessments and will provide feedback in lessons over the next couple of weeks.
Students will receive their PR3 reports on or after Friday 22 May. It is important that they continue to make progress between now and the end of the academic year by reviewing these Progress Reports and using the Target Linked Resources to close any gaps in their knowledge.
Looking Ahead
Later in the Summer Term, we will be holding a Study Skills Focus Week and an Achieving Excellence Evening to support our Year 10 students with their Summer PPEs (Mocks). More information will follow.
Year 11 Exam Update – The Final Countdown
As we move into this final phase, we are incredibly proud of the hard work, resilience and determination Year 11 have shown. The most important milestone is here — the GCSE written exams begin this Friday.
Key points to remember:
- Written exams start: Friday 8 May
- You must attend all exams and arrive on time — if you are late, the exam will start without you
- Continue to use effective revision strategies: plan ahead, start with challenging topics, and work in a calm, focused space
- Take advantage of Top-Ups (1 hour) and Warm-Ups (just before exams) to boost confidence
- Follow your personalised revision timetable in school
Attendance expectations:
- Attendance at every exam is essential
- Parents/carers may be charged if a student does not attend an exam
- If you are unwell on the day of an exam, you must communicate with the school immediately
- Minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, or feeling sick do not qualify for special consideration
- Any significant illness must be supported by a medical note from a GP or hospital for the day of the exam
Looking after yourself:
- Eat well, stay hydrated, and get a good night’s sleep
- Use the support available, including revision spaces, intervention sessions, and trusted adults
Exam day essentials:
- Arrive in full uniform
- Bring at least two black pens and a clear water bottle
- Follow all exam regulations carefully
These next few weeks are an important opportunity to finish strong — we believe in every single student and will support you every step of the way.
Water Bottles
As we are enjoying some warmer weather, it is especially important that students stay well hydrated throughout the school day. Please ensure your child brings their own water bottle to school each morning and uses the water fountains to refill it during break and lunch times.
A reminder that the medical room does not provide plastic cups, so students should not go there to request cups or water. Having a reusable bottle with them each day will help keep everyone healthy, prepared and ready to learn.
New SEND Partnership to Strengthen Support at The Hamble School
We are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Momenta Connect and Bower Lodge School, marking a significant step forward for SEND and Inclusion provision in Hampshire.
Aligned with the launch of the new Resource Provision in September 2026, the collaboration will enhance specialist support for students while providing high-quality professional development for staff. Through access to Momenta Connect’s clinical team, the school will be able to offer earlier, more targeted interventions and personalised support for a wide range of needs.
The partnership with Bower Lodge School will also strengthen links between mainstream and specialist settings, creating opportunities for staff to share expertise, take part in visits, and develop inclusive strategies informed by best practice.
A strong focus on professional development will see staff benefit from whole-school training, targeted CPD, and opportunities to engage in transition programmes and mainstream teacher training placements.
The partnership is expected to have a positive impact on students, families, staff and the wider school community.
Eco Ambassadors Club
We are excited to share that students will soon be working on a new Eco Garden project as part of our Eco Ambassadors Club. This garden will give pupils the opportunity to develop practical gardening skills, learn about biodiversity, and take responsibility for looking after a shared green space.
To help us get started, we would be very grateful for any donations of gardening items that families may have spare. We are particularly looking for:
- Compost or topsoil
- Seeds (flowers, vegetables, herbs, or wildflowers)
- Healthy plants, seedlings, or cuttings
- Gardening tools or equipment (hand trowels, gloves, pots, watering cans, etc.)
If you are able to donate any of these items, please bring them to the school reception, where they will be safely collected. Thank you for supporting this exciting project and helping our students make a positive difference for the environment.
Stepping Up for DofE Bronze
This week, our Year 10 students are busy preparing for their upcoming Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze Award training walks. These sessions are a vital part of their journey, allowing them to practise navigation, assess their fitness, and simulate the conditions of their final expedition.
Upcoming Training Walk Dates
The training walks take place at Bere Forest on the following dates:
- Group 1: Saturday 9 May
- Group 2: Saturday 16 May
If your child is unable to attend their allocated weekend, please ask them to speak to Mr Bradshaw as soon as possible to arrange a swap to the alternative date.
Key Logistics & Preparation
To ensure the days run smoothly, please take note of the following details:
- Meeting point: this has been emailed to parents of the students taking part
- Timings: we start promptly at 9:00am, and students need collecting at 2:00pm
- Connectivity: please be aware that phone reception is very limited near the car park; we recommend familiarising yourself with the drop-off point before leaving home
What to Bring & Wear:
- Food & drink: a packed lunch and plenty of water
- Clothing: students must be dressed for the weather and wear appropriate shoes that can get muddy and wet
- Protection: please ensure students have applied and are carrying sun cream
- Equipment: as we are simulating the expedition, students who already own rucksacks or boots should wear them to get used to the weight and feel
Detailed kit lists have been sent out via email, with recommended items for the Bronze level highlighted.
If you have any questions regarding equipment or require any special arrangements to support your child’s participation, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Staff Attending Lowland Leader Training
Last weekend, Mrs Fradgley, Mrs Mount, Miss Wilson, Miss Priddle and Miss Crockett successfully completed their Lowland Leader Training in preparation for supporting our Year 10 students with their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expeditions.
The training involved developing key skills in navigation, route planning, group management and safety in lowland environments. Despite challenging conditions—including frozen tents and covering over 30,000 steps across the weekend—the team demonstrated great resilience, teamwork and good humour throughout.
This valuable training ensures that our staff are fully equipped to guide and support students on their DofE journeys, helping them to build confidence, independence and essential outdoor skills.
The team are now looking forward to putting their learning into practice and supporting this year’s expeditions, ensuring a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience for all involved.
Year 7 Boys Crowned Cup Champions
We are delighted to share the fantastic success of our Year 7 boys’ football team, who have been crowned Southampton and New Forest Schools Cup winners, adding to their league title in what has been an exceptional season.
In a closely contested final, the team secured a well-deserved 1–0 victory against Ringwood. After a strong and organised start, Hamble took the lead through a composed finish from Kreft. The boys then showed great maturity, discipline and teamwork to manage the game effectively and protect their advantage.
The second half tested their resilience, but the team rose to the challenge. Outstanding defensive performances and relentless work rate ensured they held firm, securing a clean sheet and the trophy. This result completes a remarkable league and cup double, highlighting the squad’s talent, commitment and unity.
A special thank you goes to Mr Regular for his dedication and support of the team throughout the season. We also extend our thanks to Mr Holland and Mr Page for their invaluable support in officiating matches.
Congratulations to the entire squad on a truly outstanding achievement—we are incredibly proud of you all.
Individual Achievements
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of several of our students and to recognise their success outside of school.
Ella S (Year 9) recently competed in the Aquatics GB Next Generation Championships in Edinburgh, where she faced some of the best young divers from across the country. Competing in an older age group, Ella achieved a personal best score and won a bronze medal in the platform event. Impressively, she performed a challenging new dive — a back 2.5 somersaults from 7.5m — and was the only girl in her age group to attempt it. This is an outstanding accomplishment and a testament to her dedication and courage.
Congratulations also to Emily G and Matilda F (Year 7), who took part in a dance show with Kings Academy at the Southampton MAST. Performing across three shows, they demonstrated excellent commitment, stamina and versatility, showcasing a wide range of dance styles to a very high standard. Taking part in a professional theatre setting is a significant achievement, and both students represented themselves with confidence and pride.
Well done to all students for their commitment and for representing themselves so positively beyond the classroom.
Double Reward Points Week – Don’t Miss Out!
Students at The Hamble School have an exciting opportunity this week to boost their achievement totals with double reward points.
On Tuesday 5 May, all students across the school can earn double points, giving everyone the chance to make a strong start. In addition, Year 11 students will benefit from double reward points all week, providing extra encouragement as they approach the end of their time at school.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students—especially those in Year 11 who are still working towards the 2,000 points needed to attend Prom—to make meaningful progress towards their target.
Staff will be recognising positive effort, behaviour and engagement throughout lessons and the wider school day, so students are encouraged to give their best in all areas.
Make the most of this opportunity, stay focused and keep earning positive points.
Celebrating Achievements
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Emilly G 7-7
- Year 8 – Lucas R 8-2
- Year 9 – Mia T 9-8
- Year 10 – Amelia D 10-5
- Year 11 – Tykon P
