We are delighted to share another week of achievements and important updates from across The Hamble School community.
First, a huge congratulations to our talented Year 10 students who took part in the Rotary Chef Competition this week. Their hard work, creativity and professionalism shone through, earning one of our students an impressive 3rd place! We are incredibly proud of their achievement and the way they represented our school—well done to all involved.
Unfortunately, the bike registration was unable to take place this week as the Police cancelled it due to poor weather. The Police have now rearranged this to Monday 9 February 3pm-4:30pm. The registration will take place in the bike sheds. Please note that they have informed us that if it is raining, the registration will be postponed.
A reminder that our Parent Forum will take place on Monday 19 January 2026 at 6pm. We encourage Parents/ Carers to join us for this valuable opportunity to hear updates, ask questions and contribute to ongoing school improvement.
Finally, we look forward to welcoming families to the Year 7 Parents/Carers’ Evening on Thursday. Please make sure you have booked your appointments so you can meet with teachers and discuss your child’s progress.
We hope you enjoy this week’s updates and continue to feel connected to the fantastic work happening across our school every day.
Data Collection Reminder
As you are aware, we are currently carrying out our annual data collection, and it is vital that a form is completed for every student. There are still a small number of Parents/Carers who have not yet submitted their information. If you have not done so, please complete the form as soon as possible using the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/XT6d0thuZd . The deadline is Wednesday at the very latest. After this date, staff will begin contacting families to offer support with completing the form.
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 Monday 19 January 2026
Monday 19 January
Parent Forum at 6pm in the Conference Room
Tuesday 20 January
Year 11 After School Intervention
Thursday 22 January
Year 7 Parents’/Carers’ Evening
No Year 11 After School Intervention due to staff attending Year 7 Parents’/Carers’ Evening
Friday 23 January
Year 11 Test for Success
Dance Live Rehearsals
Future Dates
Monday 26 January – Dance Live Performance
Tuesday 27 January – Year 11 Achieving Excellence Evening
Wednesday 28 January – School Photographs Year 7 & 11, Year 11 NEA Food Exam, GCSE Drama Mock Performance
Letters
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: Inclusion and Understanding
As we move into next week, our school community will be focusing on a vital and timely theme during our assemblies and tutor sessions: Discrimination and its impact on our world.
Secondary school is a pivotal time for young people to develop their sense of social justice. Our goal next week is to move beyond simple definitions and help students understand the profound ripple effects that prejudice can have on both individuals and the wider community.
Assembly Theme: The Human Cost of Discrimination
The week begins with a whole-school assembly designed to build empathy. We will explore how discrimination—whether based on race, gender, religion, disability, or identity—affects a person’s mental health, sense of belonging, and future opportunities.
We will also look at community cohesion, discussing how a culture of inclusivity makes our school and local area stronger, safer, and more vibrant for everyone.
Tutor Programme: Going Deeper
Following the assembly, students will participate in structured discussions during tutor time to explore these concepts in a safe, educational environment. Key areas of focus include:
- Standing Up for Others: Empowering students with the tools to be “upstanders”. We will discuss safe and effective ways to support those being discriminated against.
- Unconscious Bias: This is a crucial topic where we examine how our brains naturally categorize information, which can lead to “unconscious discrimination”—decisions or assumptions made without us even realizing it.
- Case Studies: Reviewing real-world examples of how communities have successfully challenged discrimination to create positive change.
Continuing the Conversation at Home
Talking about discrimination can sometimes feel daunting, but these conversations are incredibly valuable. To support your child’s learning, you might consider asking:
- “What did you learn about ‘unconscious bias’ today? Did it change how you think about first impressions?”
- “If you saw someone being treated unfairly, what do you think is the best way to help them?”
- “Why is it important for our local community to celebrate people from all different backgrounds?”
By aligning our school’s message with conversations at home, we can help our students grow into compassionate, informed, and courageous citizens.
Year 7 Parents’/Carers’ Evening
As we approach the midpoint of the academic year, we are pleased to invite you to our Year 7 Parents’/ Carers’ Evening on Thursday 22 January.
This is a significant milestone in your child’s transition to secondary school. While the first term was about settling in and finding their feet, this term is about consolidating academic progress and setting clear targets for the remainder of the year.
Why Attendance is Crucial
The partnership between home and school is one of the biggest predictors of student success. Attending this evening allows you to:
- Meet the Teachers: Speak directly with the subject teachers who see your child’s work and participation every week.
- Gauge Current Progress: Move beyond the data on a progress report. Teachers will explain where your child is currently “at” in their learning journey relative to age-related expectations.
- Identify Next Steps: Every student has areas for growth. This evening is the best time to ask, “What specific steps can my child take to move to the next level?”
Making the Most of the Evening
To ensure you get the most out of these brief appointments, we recommend the following:
- Check the Schedule: Ensure you have your appointment times (details of your appointments should have been emailed to you from SchoolCloud – the parents evening booking system).
- Review the Latest Report: Have your child’s most recent progress report to hand so you can ask specific questions about subjects where they may be struggling or excelling. This report will be sent to you next week, prior to the evening.
- Involve Your Child: We encourage students to attend with their parents. Hearing the feedback first-hand helps them take ownership of their learning and understand that we are all working together to support them.
If you have still yet to book, you can do so through this link: https://hamblecollege.schoolcloud.co.uk/
We look forward to welcoming our Year 7 families into the school and celebrating the hard work our students have put in since September.
Discover New Passions at the Extra-Curricular Fair
We believe that a well-rounded education happens both inside and outside the classroom. To help our students find their spark, build new friendships, and develop skills beyond the curriculum, we are delighted to announce our Annual Extra-Curricular Fair taking place next week!
When and Where?
The fair is designed to be accessible to all students, whether they walk, scoot, cycle, take the bus or normally stay for after-school activities. It will run on:
- Date: Tuesday, 20th January 2026
- Lunchtime Session: During normal lunchtime (Great for a quick browse!)
- After-School Session: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Ideal for a more in-depth look)
What to Expect
This is a vibrant, high-energy event where the school hall will be transformed into a hub of opportunity. Students will have the chance to:
- Meet the Leads: Chat directly with the staff members who run the clubs.
- Hear from Peers: Talk to current club members and Student Ambassadors to get an honest “student’s-eye view” of what the activities are really like.
- Live Sign-ups: Physical sign-up sheets will be available at every stall. Students can secure their spot on the day to ensure they don’t miss out.
Why Encourage Your Child to Attend?
Whether your child is an aspiring athlete, a budding coder, a creative artist, or someone still looking for “their thing,” there is something for everyone. From STEM club and Eco-Ambassadors to Competitive Sports and Dungeons & Dragons club, extra-curricular involvement is proven to boost confidence and well-being.
Top Tip for Parents: Have a quick chat with your child this weekend about their interests. Encourage them to visit at least three different stalls—they might just discover a hobby they never knew they had!
We look forward to seeing a fantastic turnout and watching our students dive into new adventures.
Chartwells Catering – An Update for Families
As you are aware, Chartwells is Hampshire County Council’s new catering provider and since joining us this term, we have been actively gathering feedback from students about their experience. We are pleased to share that there have been lots of positives from students, especially regarding the quality of the main meals, which many say have improved significantly in taste, variety and overall quality.
To ensure the catering offer meets the needs of our school community, Miss Cambridge (Headteacher), Mrs Valleley (Deputy Headteacher) and Mr Loveridge (Senior Bursar) have been meeting regularly with Chartwells to provide feedback and discuss improvements. Chartwells’ remit places a strong emphasis on healthy eating and ensuring that students receive a balanced, nutritious meal every day. As part of this, you may have noticed some recent price changes: the cost of the hot main meal has been lowered, while some snack items are now more expensive. This structure aims to encourage students to choose healthier, more substantial food options rather than relying on snacks.
Next week, Chartwells will also begin rotating some of the breakfast and break‑time options to widen the range available to students in the mornings. We hope this broader selection will offer something for everyone and support better eating habits throughout the school day.
Free School Meals – Important Information
We would also like to remind families about how Free School Meals (FSM) work within the new catering structure. If your child is entitled to FSM, their allowance is designed to ensure they can access a healthy, filling main meal each day—this is the core purpose of the funding. Students who choose to spend their allowance on snacks instead of a main meal may find that they cannot purchase enough food to keep them full throughout the day. We strongly encourage students to prioritise the main meal option, which offers the best value and nutritional benefit.
We welcome feedback from Parents/ Carers and students as we continue to refine and improve the catering provision. Please send any comments or suggestions to general@thehambleschool.co.uk marked FAO Mrs Valleley. Your input is greatly appreciated and helps us ensure the best possible experience for all students.
School Council Update
Last week, Mr Clark‑Lyons (Associate Assistant Headteacher) met with School Council representatives from every year group to hear their views on school life so far. Students shared lots of positive feedback, saying that the use of whiteboards and visualisers and the clear Rewards System are all helping them learn and stay motivated. They also commented on how earning rewards for extra‑curricular activities encourages them to get involved and make new friends.
Students were pleased with the improvements made to social spaces around the school. The new Year 10 canopy and the upgraded Year 8 area were particularly popular and many students said they appreciate having separate year‑group spaces to keep busy areas calmer and safe. They also spoke very positively about the wider range of school trips now available, including the recent Iceland visit and Year 10 students praised the careers guidance they have received.
A number of subjects and activities were also highlighted. Students said they enjoy the engaging topics in Drama and the independence they have in Technology lessons. They were also enthusiastic about the wider choice of clubs and the increased sporting opportunities, including Tag Rugby and football competitions. Overall, students told us they are enjoying the year so far and are already looking forward to the end‑of‑year trips.
Litter in the Local Community
As a school, we take great pride in the way our students respect their environment. On site, we do not experience a litter problem and this is something we continue to reinforce across the curriculum. Students learn about environmental responsibility in a variety of subjects, including Personal Development, Geography, Science and through our assembly programme, where looking after our school and community is a recurring theme. Our young people consistently demonstrate positive habits around keeping spaces clean and understanding the impact of waste on the local area.
Recently, however, a few members of the community have contacted the school regarding litter along Satchell Lane and Hamble Lane. While we are not suggesting that the litter is linked to our students, we want to acknowledge these concerns and use this as an opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of looking after the shared spaces we all use. A clean environment benefits the whole community—improving local wildlife habitats, keeping pathways safe and welcoming, and promoting pride in our neighbourhood.
We would like to encourage all members of the community—students, families and local residents—to help keep our area clean and tidy. Small actions make a big difference. Please consider the following reminders:
- Take your litter home if bins are full or not nearby.
- Secure snack wrappers, bottles and packets inside bags so they can’t fall out accidentally.
- Lead by example—children often copy what they see adults doing.
- Recycle when possible, using recycling bins at home or in public spaces.
- Participate in community clean‑up events if you are able; even a few minutes can help.
Together, we can ensure that Satchell Lane, Hamble Lane and the wider area remain pleasant, safe and clean.
Zanzibar Trip – Important Update
We wanted to update families of students travelling to Zanzibar regarding the planned pre‑departure meeting. African Adventures have informed us that, due to circumstances on their side, the meeting has unfortunately been postponed. It has now been rescheduled for 6:00pm on Wednesday 28 January.
We appreciate that changes at short notice can be frustrating and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Please be assured that this decision has been made by African Adventures and is completely outside of our control.
An updated letter with full details, including the new meeting link, will be sent to all Parents/ Carers next week.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work with African Adventures to ensure the best preparation for this exciting expedition.
Oasis Mayfield 1–2 The Hamble School – Year 8 Boys
Scorers: Jack H, Lucas H
Line-up: Stanley B, Campbell B, Olly W, Jack W, Arthur U, ND O, Freddie S, Jack H, Mason I, Lucas H, Alan K
The Year 8 boys made an excellent start to their league campaign with a hard‑fought 2–1 win away at local rivals Oasis Mayfield. The Hamble School began brightly and took the lead after just two minutes when Jack H reacted quickest to a loose ball from a corner. The team continued to press, with Alan K forcing a strong save from the Mayfield goalkeeper.
The Hamble School doubled their lead through Lucas H, who finished calmly after great work from Alan K down the left. The team dominated much of the first half, with the midfield trio of Freddie S, ND O and Jack H working tirelessly to create chances.
Mayfield came out stronger after the break, and The Hamble School were briefly reduced to ten men following a sin‑bin for Jack W, but the defence held firm. The hosts pulled one back late on, despite an excellent overall performance from goalkeeper Stanley B, setting up a tense finish. However, the back line of Campbell B, Jack W, Olly W and Arthur U stayed solid to secure the victory.
A well‑deserved win to open the season. The team now look ahead to next week’s away fixture at Woodlands.
Supporting Positive Body Image in Adolescence
Adolescence is a time of major physical, emotional and social change, so it’s completely natural that many secondary‑aged students experience worries about body image. Social media, influencers, appearance‑focused trends and peer comparison can all create pressure to “look a certain way”. It’s important for young people to understand that bodies come in all shapes and sizes—and that health, confidence and self‑worth are not defined by appearance.
Signs a young person may be struggling
You may notice:
- Frequent criticism of their own looks or constant comparison with others
- Increased anxiety around appearance, particularly before social events
- Obsession with gym routines, dieting or “clean eating”
- Excessive photo editing, use of filters or avoiding photos altogether
- Withdrawing from friends or activities they previously enjoyed
- Secretive behaviour around eating or exercise
How families can help
- Start open conversations: Talk about how social media images are often edited and unrealistic.
- Challenge unrealistic standards: Encourage young people to think critically about trends and influencers.
- Focus on strengths: Praise qualities such as effort, kindness, humour and creativity—not appearance.
- Promote healthy habits: Emphasise balanced meals, enjoyable movement and good sleep, without linking these to weight.
- Be mindful of language: Avoid comments that focus on dieting, weight or body dissatisfaction.
Helpful websites and support services
- Young Minds – Body Image & Mental Health
Information for parents on spotting concerns and starting conversations.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk - Beat Eating Disorders
Early warning signs, helplines and guidance for families.
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk - NHS – Body Image Advice
Trusted information on body image concerns and mental health.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health - Childline – Body Image
Articles, videos and support aimed at young people.
https://www.childline.org.uk
We’re here to help
If you are concerned about your child’s relationship with their body, food or exercise, please contact your child’s Progress Leader or email staysafe@thehambleschool.co.uk Early support can make a significant difference.
School Nurse Clinics
As a reminder, our School Nurse will be on site on the following dates:
- 19 January 2025
- 16 March 2025
- 11 May 2025
- 6 July 2025
Students can be referred by their Progress Leader or at the request of a Parent/Carer. The nurse has four pre‑booked appointments available each visit and will also offer a lunchtime drop‑in session.
Referrals can be made using the link below:
https://forms.office.com/e/XRTWPNBRx0
Partnering with Barton Peveril to promote Student Voice
Next week marks an exciting opportunity for our school community as we partner with Barton Peveril College to host a dedicated student voice session. This collaboration is designed to gather crucial feedback on Barton Peveril’s new college offering, forming an important part of their wider extra‑curricular programme review.
A group of our selected students will take part in these sessions, working alongside Barton Peveril students who recently attended a specialist conference focused on developing student voice leadership skills. Their experience will help shape thoughtful, informed discussions that place student perspectives at the heart of future planning.
When the sessions will take place
- 11A (Mrs Williams) – Wednesday 21st January, Lesson 2
- 11B (Mrs Webb) – Thursday 22nd January, Lesson 5
These sessions will run during PSHCRE lessons, giving students the chance to contribute meaningfully to a real-world consultation while strengthening their own communication and leadership skills.
This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering student voice, ensuring young people play an active role in shaping the educational experiences available to them.
