It has been wonderful to see students back in school this week, fully focused on their learning and settling quickly into routine. We were also delighted to welcome so many Parents/Carers to the Year 11 Parents’ Evening and we extend our thanks to those who attended the Parent Forum as well — your engagement makes a real difference. A special well done goes to Year 7 for completing their exams.
Our highlight of the week, however, was the Year 11 Charity Football Match. Congratulations to Year 11 for organising such a fantastic event and raising an impressive amount of money for charity – so far £1,755. There is still time to donate if you would like to: https://www.justgiving.com/page/liam-taylor-16
It was wonderful to meet our new Parents/ Carers on Tuesday evening and begin preparing for the students who will be joining us in September 2026. Welcoming our future cohort is always a highlight. These early connections help us build strong relationships from the very start, ensuring that every child feels supported, valued and ready for the journey ahead. We look forward to working closely with our new families over the coming months as we help their children take the first steps toward becoming part of our school community.
Looking ahead, next week is Year 8 Exam Week and we wish all students the very best as they prepare. Year 11 will also be starting their real GCSE examinations, with MFL Speaking exams scheduled to take place next week. In addition, we are pleased to share that the Science Team will be moving back into the Science Block, which is an exciting step forward for the department.
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 20 April
Year 11 MFL Speaking Exams
Year 8 Exam Week
Monday 20 April
Year 8 English Exam – P1&2
Tuesday 21 April
Year 8 Maths Exam – P1&2
Wednesday 22 April
Year 8 Science Exam – P1&2
Thursday 23 April
Year 9 Careers Day at Barton Peveril College
Friday 24 April
Year 11 Test for Success
Future Dates W/B 27 April 2026
MFL Exams Continue
Year 9 Exams Week
Monday 27 April – Year 11 Practical GCSE Moderation
Tuesday 28 April – Year 8 PSHCRE Day
Wednesday 29 April – Year 11 Photography Exam
Thursday 30 April – Year 11 Photography Exam
Letters
Please read the letters sent home and available on our letters page: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/letters-to-parents/
Our latest newsletter is available to download here: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/THS-Newsletter-2025-2026-Issue-4-web.pdf
Assembly and Personal Development – Careers
This week in tutor time, students will be focusing on careers with the theme ‘Own Your Future’. Earlier this year, students explored careers within their local communities and considered what the future world of work may look like, particularly within the growing ‘green’ job sector.
They will also attend an assembly highlighting the different pathways available to them post‑16, followed by a personal development session where they will reflect on their strengths and ambitions. The aim is to empower every student to recognise their potential and begin making informed, confident choices about their future. For more Careers resources, please follow this link on our website: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/careers/
Work Experience
Thank you to all Year 9 and Year 10 students who have signed up to take part in this exciting opportunity.
Over the next two weeks, all students will receive their personal login details for the portal. Own placement forms can now be collected from Mrs S. Turner in T3 at lunchtimes.
Achieving Excellence Programme and Exams
Year 7
Well done to all our Year 7 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 8 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.
Years 8 & 9
Year 8 students have their End of Year Exams this week and Year 9 students have their End of Year Exams the following week.
These assessments are an important opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned this year and to prepare for the increased expectations of Key Stage 4.
Here are a few reminders and tips to help your child be successful in their End of Year Exams:
- Use a revision timetable to stay organised and keep on top of revision.
- Managing myself as a learner – reflecting on what you can do well and what topics you need to work on.
- Use Study Skill techniques to help improve revision, such as Mind Maps, Dual Coding, Retrieval Practice and Concrete Examples.
Students should also ensure they bring the correct equipment to each exam, including:
- a clear pencil case or plastic wallet
- at least two black pens
- a calculator for relevant exams
- a clear water bottle with no label
They must not bring mobile phones, watches of any kind, smart devices or revision notes into the exam room. These must be stored in bags before entering.
Following instructions, remaining silent and behaving responsibly during exams helps create a calm and fair environment for everyone.
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.
You Said, We Did
We continue to listen closely to student feedback and take meaningful action to improve their experience across the school. Students have shared a wide range of positive comments about school life, including the variety of house competitions, the wider range of PE activities, the increased number of extra‑curricular clubs, and the improved flavour and of canteen food.
Students also told us that they value the support they receive, the inclusivity of lessons, and the preparation they are getting for future exams. They highlighted improvements in areas such as less rubbish around the site, the quality of art equipment and the return of popular deli options like pasta and beans.
In response to student voice, we would like to highlight the following improvements:
- Catering improvements: We have decided to launch our own Tuck Shop so that students can pick cheaper snack options. This will be run by the school and this will be organised by students. Any profits will go to charity.
- Site improvements: We have accelerated repairs across the site, including the PE changing rooms, and adapted the Year 8 and Year 9 outdoor areas to provide more space and shelter during building works. Additional benches have been installed for Year 10, with more being moved to the Year 7 area. We are delighted that the Science Block has now been handed back to the school and students will be able to use the facilities from Monday 27 April 2026.
- Rewards and enrichment: Double Positive Weeks are now more frequent, more house events have been added and an alternative Proud Friday reward is available for students who do not use a Fast Pass.
- Clubs and opportunities: We continue to expand our after‑school provision, with the Combined Cadet Force launching in September 2026 and a wider range of trips now available across subjects.
- Wellbeing support: Mental health provision has increased through targeted workshops and exam‑preparation support.
We are proud of the improvements made so far and remain committed to acting on student voice to ensure every young person feels supported, valued and able to thrive.
Parent/ Carer Safeguarding Knowledge Booster
Nationally, there have been reports of incidents of adverse reactions and hospitalisations following THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis) vape use among young people aged between 13-16. These adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting and losing consciousness.
These substances act very differently to cannabis and can cause severe, unpredictable and sometimes life‑threatening reactions. It is extremely dangerous for someone with no tolerance to inhale even a single dose of a potent synthetic cannabinoid.
THC‑labelled vapes in the UK are frequently found to contain synthetic cannabinoids (Spice) rather than THC. Young people often do not know they are using synthetic drugs.
THC
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It’s responsible for the “high” that people experience when using this substance. THC is a class B drug and is illegal to possess or sell. THC vapes are usually highly concentrated and potent, therefore have higher incidences of mental and physical health problems and may lead to a higher risk of developing acute adverse effects, such as paranoia and psychosis. Immediate effects include dizziness, vomiting, and general unwellness. THC vapes are often refillable, with a yellow resin or oil that has a typical cannabis smell. We are also aware of rechargeable vape pens, also with the thick yellow resin/oil that may contain THC.
Synthetic Cannabinoids (e.g. Spice)
A man-made drug which mimics the effect of cannabis, but much more potent and with stronger effects. All synthetic cannabinoids are class B drugs and illegal to possess or sell. It can cause serious side effects like breathing problems, heart attacks and seizures. Other symptoms include feeling dizzy, vomiting, heart racing, sweating, anxiety, and paranoia. Vape liquid, usually sold as THC but contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids is often a coloured liquid (red, green, blue, purple or pink). They can be of many different brands or be unlabelled. They are more likely to be a liquid added to a refillable vape rather than a disposable device. Synthetic cannabinoids (“spice”) are not always detectable by sight, smell or taste.
Next week in Tutor, we will be giving students the following advice as part of the Personal development programme:
- THC and synthetic cannabinoids are class B drugs and illegal to possess or sell.
- Many vapes sold as THC actually contain synthetic cannabinoids (Spice), which are much more potent and unpredictable.
- Effects can be extreme and sudden, including anxiety, sedation, impaired coordination, or, particularly with synthetic cannabinoids, acute health emergencies.
- Don’t accept vapes from others or buy from unregulated sites such as online or social media, you can never be certain what they contain.
- Mixing with alcohol or with other drugs increases your risk of experiencing a serious adverse reaction or overdose.
- If someone collapses or struggles to breathe, call 999 immediately.
- Talk to a trusted adult if you’re worried; help is confidential and available.
Further support and guidance can be found here:
Further information also available via Honest information about drugs | FRANK
Hampshire 24/7 | Catch22 provide specialist drug and alcohol treatment services for young people up to 25 years. Young people can also self-refer.
K9 Dog Visit
Schools should be safe places for all students and education establishments have a clear duty of care to ensure children remain protected. The K9 Dog Team firmly believe that prevention is better than cure and the use of drug‑detection dogs in schools is considered a positive safeguarding measure. Their presence does not indicate that a school has a drug problem; instead, it demonstrates that the school is acting responsibly and exercising due diligence.
Working alongside Safer Schools police officers, the K9 team and their highly trained sniffer dogs help schools raise awareness, reduce the presence of drugs in and around the school environment and prevent the exploitation of young people. The team have worked in schools across the UK for many years and understand the importance of discretion. Their dogs are trained for a wide range of situations and always remain under the full control of their handler.
During the week beginning Monday 20 April, we will be receiving a visit from our K9 Dog Team. Students do not need to do anything to prepare for this visit and the process will be handled sensitively and professionally to ensure minimal disruption to learning.
Support for Parents/ Carers – Free CAMHS Courses
We would like to make Parents Carers aware of a series of free courses being offered by Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
These courses are designed to help Parents/ Carers better understand and support children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. Topics include areas such as anxiety, emotional regulation, behaviour, low mood and building resilience.
Sessions are:
- Free of charge
- Led by trained CAMHS professionals
- Suitable for parents and carers of children and young people
Many parents find these sessions reassuring, practical and helpful, providing strategies that can be used at home to support their child’s wellbeing.
For full details of available courses, dates and how to book, please visit:
https://hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk/events/
We hope parents and carers will find these opportunities valuable.
Food Bank and Uniform Support
We are aware that some families may be in need of support for food and uniform. If you would like to request support from our Food Bank, please use this form Food Bank – Fill in form
We are also in receipt of some funding for support for uniform items. This support can be requested via Request for uniform support – Fill in form
Celebrating Achievements
The students listed below achieved the most reward points this week – Well done to you!
- Year 7 – Beatrix B 7-9
- Year 8 – Orla C 8-1
- Year 9 – Connor E 9-2
- Year 10 – Megan G 10-4
- Year 11 – Ava S 11-9
