This is our final Weekly Message of the term and next week you will be able to enjoy our full end-of-term newsletter. It’s been an incredibly festive week here at The Hamble School, and we’d like to share some highlights with you.
Firstly, a huge thank you to Education Catering (Hampshire County Council’s Catering Services) for providing wonderful Christmas dinners over three days. More than 400 students took part and it really added to the festive spirit.
We have been so proud of the generosity shown by our students. On Friday, we invited everyone to wear something festive and either raise money for Save the Children or bring donations for the local food bank. We are thrilled to share that an anonymous donor generously contributed £1,000 worth of food to support local families and our food bank. A special thank you to The Victory Inn in Hamble for facilitating this incredible link.
It’s also been an amazing week for football! Our Year 7 team won their National Cup game 4-0, securing a place in the next round and our Year 10 team won 4-3, also progressing further in the competition. Well done to all involved!
Looking ahead, we would love to see you at our Community Carols event on Wednesday from 3:30–4:15pm. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students, Parents/ Carers, staff, and the wider community to come together, enjoy a mince pie, and celebrate the season. Please join us—it promises to be a truly festive occasion.
Finally, on Friday we will hold our celebration assemblies, and school will finish at 1:00pm as we begin the holiday break.
Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to ending the term on a high note together.
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 December 2025
Tuesday 16 December
Year 7&8 Pantomime Trip to Kings Theatre
Wednesday 17 December
Community Carols – Community Carols – Wednesday 17 December – 3:30pm – Fill in form
Thursday 18 December
We will be open for collection from our Food Bank (see below)
Friday 19 December
Last Day of Term
Future Dates
Monday 5 January
First day of Term
Thursday 8 January
Year 11 Parents’ Evening
Letters from Last Week
Please note the following letters were sent out last week
- Annual Data Collection – Annual Data Collection – Fill in form
- Elite Sports Programme Applications – The Hamble School – Elite Sports Programme Registration – Fill in form
- CCF Adult Volunteer Forms – Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Army Unit – Fill in form
For more details, please read the letters sent home last week and available on our letters page: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
Theme of the Week – Celebration
On Friday it will be the end of the first full term of the 2025-26 school year. It is a chance for us to celebrate the achievements of the students across every year group at The Hamble School. It is fantastic that in the last 17 weeks students have really embraced the opportunities available at school. They have worked hard and demonstrated a positive attitude, which is required to succeed now and in the future. The celebration assemblies will take place on the final day of term, with recognition awards, subject and year group prizes and a chance for students to celebrate each other’s successes.
Next week in tutor time, students in Years 7-10 will be looking at success and celebration. They will cover:
- The importance of recognising success in ourselves and others.
- How can we increase our chance of being successful.
- How we can overcome barriers, have resilience when we fail and understand that failure is an important part to achieving success.
- Plan for next half term by setting targets/ goals.
Success comes in different forms, both within the academic curriculum as well as the wider curriculum. It’s important to identify when we have been successful and to celebrate our own and others’ successes to continue building a positive community where everyone is valued for their contributions.
This Week at the Dinner Table
Why not use these questions to review your year:
- What is the most important lesson you learned this year?
- What is the best thing that happened?
- What challenges did you overcome?
- What new skills did you learn?
- What did you enjoy the most?
- What was your favourite moment?
- How did you have fun?
- What new habits did you start?
- What are you most proud of this year?
- What did you learn about yourself?
- What was the best decision you took?
- How did you fail?
- What got in the way of your success?
- What would you do differently if you could?
- How are you different than a year ago?
- What did you do for your physical and mental health?
- Who or what had the biggest impact on your life this year?
- What are you thankful for this year?
- What did you leave unfinished?
- What was the best compliment you received
- If you were to talk about this year like a story, how would you write it?
- How do you describe this year in 3 to 5 keywords?
- What energised you? what drained you?
- How kind were you to yourself?
- What advice would you give your last-year self?
Year 11 Parents/ Carers – Progress Reports & Parents’ Evening
All Year 11 Parents/Carers should now have received their child’s Progress Report. It is vital that you attend Parents’ Evening on Thursday 8 January, along with your child.
This evening is an important opportunity to:
- Meet all subject teachers and discuss recent exam results
- Receive personalised revision information to support your child’s success
A letter with full details has already been sent home. Appointments should now be made.
Your attendance is essential in helping your child prepare for their upcoming exams. Thank you for your continued support.
Year 7 and 8 Pantomime Trip
A reminder of our exciting upcoming trip for those Year 7 and Year 8 students who have signed up, next week: a visit to see the spectacular pantomime, ‘Aladdin’, at the Kings Theatre in Portsmouth! This cultural excursion is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience live theatre, celebrate the festive season, and enjoy a shared experience with their peers.
Trip Schedule and Logistics:
The trip is scheduled for Tuesday 16 December. Please ensure your child arrives at school on time that morning.
- Departure: Students will leave school promptly via coach/minibus at 9:30am. In the morning students should go to tutor, as normal, for 8:30am.
- Performance: The pantomime starts at 10:30am and is expected to last approximately 2.5 hours, including an interval.
- Return: We anticipate returning to school by 1:45 pm.
- Dress: Students are expected to wear full school uniform.
Upon returning to school, students will go to their Period 5 lesson as normal.
Lunch Arrangements
Please note that there will not be an opportunity for students to purchase lunch from the school canteen on this day.
- All students are required to bring a packed lunch from home, along with a reusable drink bottle.
- Students who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) will have a packed lunch provided for them by the school.
A Note on Conduct
This is a public trip, and students will be representing the school. We expect the highest standards of behaviour and respect for staff, the coach drivers and theatre staff throughout the day.
We look forward to a magical and enjoyable experience! If you have any urgent queries regarding the logistics, please contact the Year 7 or Year 8 Progress Leaders via general@thehambleschool.co.uk
Safeguarding Children Over Christmas: A Guide for Parents
The festive season can be exciting, but it may also bring challenges. Changes in routine, financial pressures, family tensions and increased online activity can affect children’s wellbeing and safety.
The festive season also often means more independence for teenagers—meeting friends, attending events and spending time online. Here are some tips to help keep them safe:
- Some children feel anxious or lonely during the holidays. Keep communication open and check in regularly.
- Arguments and stress can impact children. Try to create calm spaces and routines.
- New devices and more screen time can increase risks of online grooming, scams, or harmful content. Set clear rules for device use and discuss what to do if something online feels wrong.
- Agree on where your teenager is going, who they’re with, and what time they’ll be home.
- Encourage them to share their location with you via a trusted app when out late.
- If using buses or trains, plan routes in advance and avoid waiting alone at quiet stops.
- Keep enough money or a charged phone for emergencies.
- Many festive meet-ups are arranged via social media. Remind teens never to meet strangers and to keep personal details private.
- Be clear about your expectations around alcohol and parties. Talk openly about risks and how to say no.
- Encourage them to call you if they feel uncomfortable—without fear of getting into trouble.
Know Where to Get Help
If you’re struggling, reach out early. Local support services can help with food, mental health, or domestic issues.
Useful Contacts
- For families living at a Hampshire address (e.g. SO31), please call Hampshire Children’s Service – 0300 555 1384 Monday to Thursday (8:30am to 5pm), Friday (8:30am to 4:30pm). The out of hours contact number for Hampshire Children’s Services is 0300 555 1373.
- For families living at a Southampton address (SO19), please call Southampton Children’s Resource Service on 230 8083 3004 Monday to Thursday (8:30am to 5pm), Friday (8:30am to 4:30pm). The out of hours contact number for Southampton is 023 8023 3344.
- Our staysafe@thehambleschool.co.uk and Report It buttons will not be checked regularly over the Christmas holidays.
- If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a child you should call 999.
- Childline: 0800 1111
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Food Bank Collection and Free/ Low Cost Meals for families
We are here to support our school community this Christmas. On 18 December, Parents/ Carers and families can come to The Hamble School and collect bags of food from our food bank. To ensure we have enough for everyone, please sign up using this link: Community Initiatives – Fill in form
During the Christmas holidays, hundreds of churches, charities and community centres across the UK offer free or low-cost meals and food boxes for families. There are also many cafes and restaurants offering free or low-cost meals for children. Check out this article: https://capuk.org/news-and-blog/where-can-kids-eat-free-or-cheap-this-christmas
Year 10 Football National Cup – Round 5 – The Hamble School 4–3 Willink (Reading)
After a weekend of heavy rain, The Hamble School’s pitch thankfully held firm for Monday’s eagerly anticipated National Cup tie against Willink.
We began brightly, probing down the right wing but unable to test the visiting goalkeeper. An early setback came when Will B was forced off injured, replaced by Zach.
Willink punished a midfield error with a swift counter-attack to take the lead (15 mins, 0–1). Their confidence grew, and despite Theo’s superb save low to his right, the rebound was smashed home after ricocheting off both posts (25 mins, 0–2).
Just before the break, we found a lifeline. Ralph produced a composed finish into the far corner to halve the deficit. Half-Time: 1–2.
Determined to raise their performance our Year 10 students came out with renewed energy. Ralph struck again with a stunning volley into the top corner to level the score (2–2).
Willink remained dangerous, forcing heroic defending from Malik with a last-ditch tackle and Charlie E with brave blocks. Their persistence paid off when a floated free-kick was headed in at the back post (2–3).
With time running out, we needed inspiration. Charlie P delivered, weaving through midfield before unleashing a looping toe punt into the top corner (3–3).
Moments later, the decisive blow arrived. A drifting cross caught the Willink keeper stranded and Ralph rose highest to nod home his hat-trick goal. Cue jubilant celebrations and knee slides galore! Final Score: The Hamble School 4–3 Willink.
The boys showed immense character to fight back from behind twice. The goals were of the highest quality and the resilience displayed will serve them well in the next round.
Player of the Match: Ralph B – Hattrick.
Year 7 Football National Cup – Round 4 The Hamble School 4–0 Court Moor
Our first home fixture of the National Cup campaign saw The Hamble School host Court Moor, following a bye in Round 1 and impressive victories over Glenmoor & Winton and Bay House. The squad arrived united, confident and full of positivity — and it showed from the very first whistle.
We started brightly, creating early chances. Tommy V produced a dazzling run through several defenders before rattling the post with a strike from outside the box. Moments later, Arthur delivered a dangerous corner and Tommy reacted quickest to poke home the opener. Just minutes later, from a near-identical situation, Tommy doubled the lead to make it 2–0.
With momentum firmly in our favour, the team raised their tempo and forced the Court Moor goalkeeper into a string of fine saves. Henry H added a composed finish to extend the cushion to 3–0 before halftime.
Court Moor began the second half with renewed energy, but Vak stood tall in goal, making smart saves to preserve the clean sheet. Reggie was a rock at the back, consistently finding Jake and Henry with accurate passes to drive us forward. Despite the opposition’s efforts, our determination never wavered.
The victory was sealed when Tommy V completed his hat-trick with another instinctive finish, capping off a superb team performance. Final score: 4–0.
Player of the Match: Tommy V – for his goal-scoring heroics and his calm, composed presence at the heart of the team.
The Hamble School march confidently into the next round — a fantastic achievement and a testament to the squad’s teamwork, resilience and spirit.
Support Mission Christmas at Hamble Sports Complex
We’re excited to share that Hamble Sports Complex is now an official drop-off site for Mission Christmas! This annual nationwide initiative, organised by Cash for Kids (the official charity of Bauer Media), provides brand-new, unwrapped gifts to disadvantaged children across the UK.
Gift Donation Window:
Now open to the public — all donations of new, unopened, unwrapped presents are welcome at the leisure centre until Friday 19 December.
A Community Effort:
- This campaign is a collaboration between Everyone Active, The Hamble School, Hampshire County Council, and Eastleigh Borough Council, ensuring a local partnership for a national cause.
- It’s one of eleven Everyone Active centres across the UK joining forces to support children of all ages.
Double Points Week!
Next week is Double Points Week at The Hamble School! Every student has the chance to earn double achievement points for positive behaviour, effort and success throughout the week.
Let’s make it a fantastic week – aim high, stay positive and collect those extra points!
Celebrating Achievements
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Sofia B 7-4
- Year 8 – Isabel W 8-8
- Year 9 – Bea B 9-1
- Year 10 – Charlie S 10-5
- Year 11 – Jack H 11-2
