We would like to begin by thanking Mr Leonard-Rendell (Raising Standards Leader) for leading our informative Year 7 and Year 11 Curriculum Evenings this week. It was fantastic to see so many Parents/ Carers attending and engaging with the information shared. If you were unable to make it, all of the resources are available on the Letters page of The Hamble School website: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Year 9 and Year 10 families to their Curriculum Evenings next week in the Main Hall:
- Year 9 Curriculum Evening – Monday 15 September, 5:30pm–6:30pm.
- Year 10 Curriculum Evening – Tuesday 16 September, 5:30pm–6:30pm.
These events are a valuable opportunity to find out more about the year ahead and how best to support students in their learning journey.
A big thank you also goes to our PTA, who held their first meeting of the year this week. They have lots of exciting events planned for our school community, including the upcoming Autumn Disco and the Christmas Raffle. We are very grateful for their continued support.
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 15 September
Monday 15 September
Individual Portrait Photos – Year 7, 9 & 11
Year 9 Curriculum Evening – 5:30pm in the Main Hall
Tuesday 16 September
Year 11 Intervention begins – Please follow your personalised timetable.
Year 10 Curriculum Evening – 5:30pm in the Main Hall
Thursday 18 September
Open Evening – School closes at 1:00pm. Some students have offered to help as Tour Guides or in Departments.
No Year 11 Intervention Afterschool due to Open Evening
Future Dates
Monday 22 September
Year 8 Curriculum Evening – 5:30pm in the Main Hall
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 Attendance regularly on Class Charts
Student Leadership – Open Evening, Thursday 18 September
All students with Student Leadership responsibilities are invited to assist at the Open Evening on Thursday 18 September, 5.30pm–8.00pm, for Parents/Carers of prospective Year 6 students. This is an important event for the school and a chance to showcase the transformational changes at The Hamble School.
Please ensure your child is on site by 4.30pm in full school uniform and meets Mrs Valleley in the hall for a briefing. Students will need to make their own way to and from school unless you prefer to arrange transport.
Permission Form: Please give consent for your child to attend by completing the form here by Tuesday 16 September 2025.
Year 6 Admissions – Apply for Your Child’s Secondary School Place
If you have a child in Year 6, we would like to remind you that the Hampshire County Council admissions portal is now open. This is the time to apply for your child’s secondary school place for September 2026.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025, so we encourage you to submit your preferences as soon as possible to avoid missing out. All applications must be made through the Hampshire County Council online portal.
Please note that The Hamble School was oversubscribed last year. If you would like your child to attend The Hamble School, we strongly advise putting us as your first choice on the application.
For more information and to access the admissions portal, please visit the Hampshire County Council school admissions page: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions
Applying on time and selecting your preferred school as your first choice gives your child the best chance of securing a place.
Theme of the Week – Student Leadership
Next week’s tutor and assembly programme is dedicated to the theme of Student Opportunities and Student Leadership. We believe that getting involved in school life is a crucial part of a student’s development, helping them build confidence and discover new passions beyond the classroom.
We are fortunate to offer a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities. The full Extra-curricular timetable is available in this weekly message. We strongly encourage all students to look through the timetable and find something that interests them, whether it’s a sports team, an academic club, or a creative pursuit. Participation not only enriches their school experience but also helps them develop valuable skills such as teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.
This week’s focus on leadership will highlight the many formal and informal leadership roles available to students. These opportunities are not just about taking charge; they are about serving the school community, developing a sense of responsibility, and honing key skills for the future.
Some of the leadership opportunities we will be discussing include:
- Student Senior Leadership Team: Our team of Year 11 students – Head Girl, Head boy, Deputy Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy as well as other Senior Prefect roles.
- Transition Prefects (Year 9): Mentoring and supporting new students.
- Eco-ambassadors: Leading initiatives to improve the school’s environmental impact.
- Anti-bullying Ambassadors: Promoting a safe and inclusive school environment.
- Cyber Ambassadors: Educating peers on online safety and digital citizenship.
- Student Wellbeing Ambassadors: Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their fellow students.
- Site Development Leadership Team: Contributing to the improvement of the school’s physical environment.
- Student Librarians: Assisting in the library and promoting a love of reading.
- Sports Leaders: Organising and leading sports activities.
- STEM Ambassadors: Championing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
We look forward to seeing our students take on these fantastic opportunities and grow as confident, capable, and responsible young leaders.
Extra-Curricular Clubs – Get Involved This Autumn Term
We are excited to announce the extra-curricular clubs available this Autumn Term at The Hamble School. These clubs provide students with a fantastic opportunity to explore new interests, develop skills and enjoy time with friends outside the classroom.
This term, students can take part in a wide variety of activities across sports, creative arts, STEM, wellbeing and community projects. Whether your child enjoys football, music, drama, coding, or eco initiatives, there is something for everyone.
All clubs are open to different year groups and take place either during lunch or after school. Full details of the Autumn Term clubs, including timetables, year group eligibility, and sign-up information, can be found on our Extra-Curricular Activities page. There is no need to sign up; students need to just go to the relevant location and they will be registered. After school clubs run for an hour.
We encourage all students to get involved, try something new and make the most of the opportunities available this term.
The Importance of Reading – Recommended Reads Updated
Reading is a key part of student learning and personal development. Regular reading helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, focus, and creativity, while also opening up new worlds and perspectives. At The Hamble School, we encourage all students to make time for reading every day.
We are excited to announce that our Recommended Reads list has been updated for the new term! The list includes a wide variety of books across different genres and reading levels, providing something for everyone, whether you enjoy fiction, non-fiction, adventure, or thought-provoking stories.
Students and parents can view the updated list on our website: Recommended Reads. We encourage students to explore these titles, pick a new favourite, and share their reading experiences with peers and teachers.
Let’s continue to foster a love of reading at The Hamble School – one page at a time!
Pastoral Reminders
Communication
We would like to remind all Parents/Carers that your child’s tutor should always be your first point of contact for any pastoral or general questions. Tutors can be reached by emailing general@thehambleschool.co.uk and your message will be passed on to them. For any subject-specific queries, please direct these to the relevant class teacher, again by using the general@thehambleschool.co.uk email address. Please ensure that all emails are sent via the General address and marked FAO [name of staff member] – we kindly ask that teachers are not contacted directly. This helps us to manage communication efficiently and ensures that your query reaches the right person as quickly as possible.
We also ask that Parents/Carers allow up to 48 working hours for a response to any queries, unless it is a safeguarding issue, in which case these will be prioritised and responded to more urgently. Thank you for your support in helping us keep communication clear and consistent.
Home school agreement
Parents/Carers and students are required to sign the Home School Agreement in student planners. The deadline for this was Friday 12 September. Please ensure that this is completed over the weekend if you have not already done it. Tutors and Progress Leaders will be contacting home for students whose planners have not been signed over the next two weeks.
Uniform
A reminder that piercings are limited to one small stud in each lobe of the ear. If worn, smart watches must be removed when students arrive to school and placed in their bag.
Class Charts
We would like to remind all Parents/Carers how important it is to check Class Charts every day. Class Charts is an essential tool that we use to keep you fully informed about your child’s school life. Through the platform, you can see:
- Achievement and behaviour points
- Homework that has been set and when it is due
- Timetables and key information for lessons
- Attendance records and the ability to report an absence
- Notices and updates from school
All Parent/Carer login details have already been emailed to you. If you are experiencing any problems accessing Class Charts, please email classcharts@thehambleschool.co.uk and our team will be happy to help.
We also encourage students to check Class Charts regularly so they are aware of their homework, behaviour points and attendance. Keeping both Parents/Carers and students informed helps everyone stay on track and supports a successful school experience.
Hamble Community Picnic
We have been asked to advertise the Hamble Community Picnic on Friday 26 September, from 4–8pm at the RUP & College Playing Fields.
This picnic is a chance to:
- Say thank you to everyone who played a part in the Hamble Airfield defence.
- Bring our community together—building connections and creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere.
- A fun evening for our local community.
Residents will be encouraged to bring their own food, drinks, chairs and picnic blankets. They will also have a PA system in place for music to add to the celebration. Everyone is welcome.
Year 11 – Don’t Forget Your Calculator!
A reminder to all Year 11 students that a calculator is an essential tool for many subjects and must be brought to school every day. Calculators are required in lessons across a range of subjects, including:
- Mathematics
- Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Geography
- Business Studies
Having a calculator in every lesson helps you work efficiently, complete tasks accurately, and be fully prepared for assessments and exams.
Being organised and bringing the correct equipment every day is a simple step that makes a big difference to your learning and success this year.
Exciting Teambuilding Days for Year 7
We are delighted to announce an inaugural Teambuilding and Challenge Day for all Year 7 students. This event aims to help students get to know each other better and improve their teamwork and communication skills. The teambuilding days will be run by Personal Best Education, the same external providers who ran our successful Summer School. Challenges also include exciting activities such as laser tag and capture the flag.
The event will take place entirely during the school day on either Thursday 2 October or Friday 3 October. Your child’s participation day depends on their tutor group:
- Thursday 2 October: Tutor groups 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, and 7-5 will participate.
- Friday 3 October: Tutor groups 7-6, 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 will participate.
During the morning session, students will be in small groups of 8-10 and will compete in a series of challenges that test their collaboration, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills. Points will be awarded for these challenges, as well as for good behaviour and respect, which will contribute to a challenge leaderboard.
Following these Teambuilding days students will have a follow-up assembly
To make this excellent opportunity possible, we are asking for a voluntary contribution of £10 per child. Please see the letter that you will receive for more information.
Year 7 NGRT Reading and CAT Tests
As our Year 7 students continue to settle into secondary school life, we want to provide you with some information about the upcoming assessments. During October, all Year 7 students will be completing the New Group Reading Test (NGRT) and the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4). A more detailed letter will be sent out to you shortly.
What are these tests?
The New Group Reading Test (NGRT) assesses your child’s reading and comprehension skills. It gives teachers a clear picture of how well students can understand and interpret different types of text.
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) is an assessment of how students think and learn, rather than what they already know from the curriculum. It is designed to evaluate a student’s reasoning abilities across four key areas:
- Verbal Reasoning:Thinking and problem-solving with words.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning:Thinking and problem-solving with shapes and space.
- Quantitative Reasoning:Thinking and problem-solving with numbers.
- Spatial Reasoning:Visualising and manipulating shapes in their mind’s eye.
Why do they matter?
These tests help us build a well-rounded profile of each child’s strengths and learning needs. The results provide valuable insights that help teachers plan lessons more effectively, ensuring that students are challenged at the right level and that any necessary extra support is identified. They are used as a benchmark to help us set targets and monitor your child’s progress throughout their time at the school.
What this means for you
You do not need to buy practice papers or have your child do any revision for these tests. The assessments are not based on memory or prior knowledge. The best support you can give your child is to ensure they are well-rested and calm on the day of the test and to talk positively about the assessments so they approach them with confidence.
We will use the results from the assessments alongside classroom work to tailor support and opportunities for your child. You will be kept informed about any key findings that may be helpful for supporting their learning at home.
Year 7 and 8 Swimming
We would like to remind you that your child will be participating in swimming lessons as part of the Physical Education (PE) curriculum in Year 7 and Year 8.
Swimming is not only a vital life skill that promotes water safety, but it is also an excellent form of exercise that supports physical and mental well-being. We are fortunate to be able to offer this opportunity within our curriculum, enabling students to build upon their Key Stage 2 experience and further develop confidence, competence, and enjoyment in the water.
Our swimming programme is designed to teach essential water safety skills, improve swimming technique, and encourage students to swim more regularly to stay fit and healthy. In addition, students will work on building their PE confidence in the water, helping them feel more assured and capable within aquatic environments as part of their wider physical development.
Each week, students will swim in 2 out of their 3 PE lessons. The third lesson will focus on developing leadership skills, where pupils will take part in classroom-based and poolside activities that aim to promote positive leadership qualities. These include:
- Communication and teamwork
- Responsibility and reliability
- Encouraging and supporting others
- Organisation and planning
- Leading warm-ups or group tasks
These sessions aim to help students grow as confident, supportive, and capable young leaders both in and out of the pool.
The swimming programme is delivered in a structured block of 5–6 weeks, comprising 7–9 lessons. Students will be taught by a qualified member of the PE department, supported by a certified lifeguard. Lessons will take place in rotation across the academic year. The confirmed timetable is as follows:
Swimming Rotations – Autumn Term:
Thursday 4 September 2025 – Thursday 23 October 2025
7A/PE1, 7B/PE1, 7C/PE1, 8A1/PE, 8A2/PE
Tuesday 4 November 2025 – Thursday 18 December 2025
8A/PE4, 9B/PE4, 7A/PE2, 7B/PE2, 7C/PE4
Remaining group dates for the spring and summer terms will be communicated closer to the time.
Contribution
To help cover the cost of the lifeguard provision, we are requesting a one-off voluntary contribution of £5 for your child’s swimming block. Payments can be made via SCOPAY.
Equipment
To ensure your child gains the most from their swimming lessons, please ensure they are equipped with the following:
Swimwear (one of the following):
- One-piece swimming costume
- One-piece swim outfit with long sleeves and legs (wetsuits are not permitted)
- Swimming trunks or tight-fitting swim shorts (above the knee)
Other essential items:
- Swimming hat (required for pupils with long hair or if hair may obstruct vision)
- Towel
- Hairbrush (if needed)
- Waterproof bag or a separate bag for wet clothes and towel
Additional Notes
- Jewellery is not permitted during swimming lessons and should be left at home.
- All personal items and clothing should be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
- Goggles are not recommended at the start of the programme, as pupils are encouraged to build water confidence without them. Once confident, they may use goggles provided they:
-
- Are fitted properly and can be used unaided
- Conform to British Safety Standards
- Do not cover the nose or mouth
Medical Conditions and Illness
Please ensure your child’s teacher is informed of any medical conditions and that any necessary medication is available in school to support your child’s needs.
How You Can Support Your Child
Your encouragement can significantly enhance your child’s confidence and progress in the water. You can support them by:
- Discussing their lessons and helping them feel positive about swimming
- Visiting leisure centres or lidos for family swimming sessions
- Talking to them about water safety, including outdoor settings
- Ensuring they are fully prepared with all required equipment
If you have any questions, please email general@thehambleschool.co.uk and mark the email FAO Miss Bennett.
Light Up Youth Theatre
Following our successful Year 6 Transition Summer School, where Light UP supported our Year 6s to put on a ‘Play in a Day’, please find information about how you can get involved with Light Up theatre group outside school.
Keeping Children Safe Online
At The Hamble School, keeping our students safe online is a top priority. We know that the digital world offers incredible opportunities for learning and creativity, but it also comes with risks. We encourage all Parents/ Carers to talk regularly with their children about using the internet safely and responsibly.
Within school, we take multiple measures to protect students:
- Our school computer Firewall is updated regularly to ensure that students cannot access inappropriate or harmful content while using school devices or the school network.
- Staff supervise student use of online platforms during lessons to support safe and responsible use.
- We provide guidance and resources to students about recognising online risks, protecting personal information, and reporting concerns.
Parents/ Carers can also support online safety at home by:
- Discussing safe use of social media, apps, and websites
- Setting clear rules and boundaries for screen time
- Encouraging students to speak to a trusted adult if they encounter anything worrying online
By working together, we can ensure that students enjoy the benefits of the digital world while staying safe.
Safeguarding – Parent Knowledge Booster
As outlined in last week’s weekly message, each week in the Weekly Message, we will provide a Parent/Carer knowledge booster about a safeguarding theme. These themes will be linked to a topic currently being studied as part of our Personal Development programme.
This half term, as part of our Hamble PSHCRE curriculum, students in Year 9 and 10 are exploring substance misuse.
Below is a parent knowledge booster on this topic.
Talking About Drugs with Your Teen
As your child grows through secondary school, they’ll encounter new experiences, challenges, and choices—including exposure to conversations about drugs. You don’t need to be an expert to support them—you just need to be informed, approachable, and ready to talk.
Why Talking Matters
Teenagers are naturally curious and influenced by peers, social media, and pop culture. Having open, honest conversations at home helps them feel safe asking questions and making informed decisions.
What Parents Should Know
Here’s a quick overview of what’s commonly discussed among teens:
- Cannabis: Often seen as “harmless,” but regular use can affect memory, motivation, and mental health.
- Vaping: Marketed as safer than smoking, but many vapes contain nicotine or other harmful substances.
- Prescription Drugs: Some teens experiment with medications like painkillers or ADHD drugs—often without understanding the risks.
- Party Drugs: Substances like MDMA or ketamine may be used in social settings, but they carry serious health risks and legal consequences.
What You Can Do
- Stay calm and curious: If your child brings up drugs, listen without judgment. Ask what they’ve heard and how they feel about it.
- Share facts, not fear: Teens respond better to real information than scare tactics. Talk about how drugs affect health, decision-making, and goals.
- Set clear expectations: Let them know your values and boundaries, while also acknowledging that they’ll make their own choices.
- Be a safe space: Make sure they know they can come to you if they’re worried, pressured, or unsure about something.
Helpful Resources
- Links to helpful websites can be found on our Student Wellbeing page here: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/student-wellbeing-resource
Visible Governance at The Hamble School
At The Hamble School, we are committed to transparency and accountability in all aspects of our operations. This commitment extends to our governance, where we actively support the National Governance Association’s (NGA) Visible Governance campaign. This initiative aims to raise the profile of school governance by showcasing the positive impact that effective governance has on the education and wellbeing of students.
The Visible Governance campaign encourages governors, trustees, and governance professionals to be bold and positive, highlighting their contributions to the education system and the difference they make to children and young people. It also invites the community to engage with and support governance, fostering a better understanding of its role and significance.
Our governing body comprises a diverse group of individuals, including co-opted governors, parent governors, a local authority governor, a staff governor, and the Headteacher. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their roles, ensuring that The Hamble School continues to thrive and provide the best possible education for our students.
We invite Parents/ Carers to learn more about our governors and their work by visiting our Governors’ page. Here, you can find information about our governing body, their roles and how they contribute to the school’s success.
By supporting the Visible Governance campaign, we aim to encourage greater community involvement. We believe that by making governance more visible, we can build stronger connections between the school and the community, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all students.
If you are interested in becoming more involved or have any questions about governance at The Hamble School, please do not hesitate to contact us via general@thehambleschool.co.uk Your engagement is invaluable in helping us achieve excellence together.
Celebrating Achievements
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Ava R 7-5
- Year 8 – Mia R 8-7
- Year 9 – Emily P 9-6
- Year 10 – Alex P 10-8
- Year 11 – Benjamin W 11-2
If you or your child would like support with wellbeing, please check out the links of our website:
https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/student-wellbeing-support/
