This week has been a wonderful celebration of our school community in action. Our Year 7 students had a fantastic time at their Teambuilding Day, where they embraced new challenges, built friendships, and showed great teamwork and resilience. It was inspiring to see how quickly they are settling into life at The Hamble School and how ready they are to make the most of every opportunity. We also welcomed Year 7 Parents/ Carers into school on Thursday for ‘Meet the Tutor’ and it was wonderful to see so many attending this important event. We very much value feedback and therefore, if you attended on Thursday and did not complete the evaluation, we would welcome your feedback here: https://forms.office.com/e/H6ShZ7TzEP
We were also delighted to welcome a group of PGCE students for their ITAP (Intensive Training and Practice) placement. They commented on the warm, inclusive atmosphere within our classrooms and praised the professionalism of our staff and the engagement of our students. In the evaluations 100% of trainees agreed/strongly agreed that the ITAP was useful. It was a privilege to share our practice and contribute to the development of the next generation of teachers.
Our Open Morning was another huge success. We were so proud to showcase our school to prospective families and were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received. Visitors spoke highly of our enthusiastic student guides, welcoming staff and the sense of pride and ambition that shines through in all that we do.
To round off the week, students thoroughly enjoyed our Double Reward Point Day. The energy and enthusiasm around the school was fantastic, with so many young people striving to do their very best. It was brilliant to see their efforts recognised in such a fun and motivating way. We are delighted to confirm that this was just the first of many Double Reward Point Days we will be running throughout the year!
It has been a busy but rewarding week, and we would like to thank everyone—students, staff and families—for their ongoing support in making The Hamble School such a brilliant learning environment. Please do remember that you can nominate staff for Special Recognition here: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/staff-recognition/
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 6 October 2025
Year 7 & 8 CAT Testing all week
Year 7 & 8 NGRT Testing all week
Year 8 Review Assessment Week
Monday 6 October
Year 11 – NEA Food Exam continues
Thursday 2 October
Open Morning for Year 6 students and their Parents/ Carers
Future Dates
W/B 13 October
Year 7 CAT tests continue
Year 9 Review Assessments
Tuesday 14 October
Year 11 Achieving Excellence Evening
Wednesday 15 October
Year 10 DofE Launch Parents Evening
Thursday 16 October
Open Morning
Dinner Table Questions – Black History Month
- Have you learned about any Black heroes or inventors at school this year? What did they do that surprised you?
- If you could meet someone from Black history, like Harriet Tubman or Martin Luther King Jr., what would you want to ask them?
- How do you see Black culture — like music, sports, or art — showing up in things you like today?
- Why do you think it’s important for everyone, not just Black people, to learn about Black history?
- What’s one way we could celebrate or learn more about Black history as a family — maybe a movie, book, or museum visit?
Assembly and Tutor Programme Theme of the Week
Our assembly and tutor programme will be focusing on a theme of great significance: Black History Month. This year’s national theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” will be the guiding principle for our discussions and activities.
Our students will be exploring the rich and lasting contributions of Black African and Caribbean people to British history, as well as their ongoing impact on our society today. The assembly will serve as a powerful and celebratory look at the achievements, resilience, and cultural heritage of these communities. We will highlight the stories of pioneers, artists, scientists, and leaders who have shaped our nation’s past and continue to inspire its future.
The tutor programme will provide a more intimate setting for students to engage with these themes through discussion, reflection, and creative expression. Our aim is to not only educate but also to foster a deeper sense of empathy and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of our society. By acknowledging the power and pride within Black history, we hope to empower all our students to stand firm in their own identities and to celebrate the strength that comes from diversity.
We believe this is a crucial opportunity for our students to broaden their understanding of history and to recognise the invaluable role that Black people have played in building the Britain we know today. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home, helping to reinforce the message of inclusivity and respect.
Year 7 CAT Tests
Over the next two weeks, our Year 7 students will be taking the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT). This is a standardised assessment used by many secondary schools to help us understand each student’s learning profile.
Unlike traditional exams, CATs don’t test knowledge of specific subjects. Instead, they evaluate a student’s potential by assessing their abilities in four key areas: verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning. The results provide our teachers with a more rounded view of each child, helping us to identify individual strengths and areas where they might need additional support or challenge. This information is invaluable for ensuring we can tailor our teaching to best suit each student’s needs and help them reach their full academic potential.
Please reassure your child that there is no need to revise or prepare for these tests. The purpose of the CAT is to get a true picture of their natural reasoning skills, not what they can memorise. The most important thing is for them to come to school well-rested, and simply try their hardest on the day.
Year 7 Teambuilding Days
What a fantastic end to the week for our Year 7 students! On Thursday and Friday, our new students took part in our inaugural teambuilding days, and it was a pleasure to see them embrace the challenges with such enthusiasm.
The feedback we have received from both students and Parents/ Carers has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s clear that the days were a huge success, offering a valuable opportunity for our Year 7s to bond and build stronger relationships within their tutor groups. The activities were designed to be both fun and challenging, with a focus on problem-solving and collaboration. Students worked together to tackle a variety of tasks, from tricky puzzles to physical challenges, all of which required communication and teamwork.
These experiences are about more than just a fun day outside of the normal classroom. They are an essential part of our commitment to building a strong and supportive school community. By working together in new and engaging ways, the students were able to develop key teamworking skills that will be vital throughout their time at our school. They learned to listen to one another, share ideas, and support their peers—all crucial elements in fostering a positive and cohesive tutor group ethos.
We are incredibly proud of how our Year 7s approached the days and for the way they supported one another. The friendships and connections made will serve as a strong foundation for the rest of the academic year. Thank you for your support in making these days such a success.
Phase 3 Transition – Primary school lunch and learning visit:
We are delighted to announce our upcoming Phase 3 Transition event, designed to help our Year 7s feel even more settled and supported in their new school environment. This special initiative will be taking place over the next two weeks, specifically during the week beginning 13 October and the week beginning 20 October.
We have invited staff from all our feeder and non-feeder primary schools to visit us for a unique afternoon. The visiting staff members, who taught our current Year 7 students, will be spending a lunchtime with their ex-students. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the students to reconnect with a familiar face and share their experiences of secondary school so far. Following this, the primary school staff will get to see their former pupils in action during a Period 5 lesson, offering them a first-hand look at their progress and learning journey.
We have already received a positive response from several primary schools who have confirmed they will be sending a member of staff. We are actively working to get as many schools involved as possible to make this a truly successful and heart-warming event. We will provide a full list of the visiting primary schools in next week’s message.
This event is a testament to the strong community ties we are building and our commitment to ensuring a smooth and happy transition for every student.
An Important Few Weeks for Year 11
The next few weeks are a crucial period for our Year 11 students as they prepare for their Mock Exams. There are a lot of events put in place to support their progress and set the foundation for confident performances in their mock exams and beyond.
Key Dates for Year 11:
- w/c 13 October – PR1 emailed home
- w/c 13 October – Revision and Study Skills in Tutor Time and lessons
- Tuesday 14 October – Study Skills AEE
- Tuesday 21 October – PSHCRE Day
- 3 November – Mock Exams begin (Practical and Speaking exams)
- 10 November – Mock Exams continue (Written subjects)
Over the coming weeks, students will also receive revision packs and materials to help them plan and organise their study effectively. Starting revision early is essential — little and often makes a big difference. Building regular study habits now will help reduce stress later and ensure students feel fully prepared for their mock exams.
We encourage all Parents/ Carers to discuss revision routines at home and to refer to the Curriculum Booklet available on The Hamble School website: https://www.thehambleschool.co.uk/curriculum-overview/ , which outlines the topics and skills students should be focusing on in each subject.
Please do ensure that your son/ daughter has a quiet place to study and revise and has a revision guide for each subject. Many are available to order on Scopay. If you have any financial worries about purchasing the guides, pleas email general@thehambleschool.co.uk and mark FAO Mrs Emmett-Callaghan.
By making the most of the support available and starting early, Year 11 students can approach their mocks with confidence and set themselves up for success in their final exams.
Safeguarding Weekly Knowledge Booster
On 10 October it is World Mental Health Day. It is a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise our mental health.
The theme of the day this year is the mental health impact of repeated negative news stories and social media feeds. The below Safeguarding Weekly Knowledge Booster explores the concept of Doomscrolling.
Doomscrolling: What Parents/ Carers Need to Know
In a world where news and social media are just a swipe away, many young people are falling into the habit of Doomscrolling—endlessly consuming negative or distressing content online. While staying informed is important, this behaviour can have a serious impact on mental health, especially for children and teens.
Why Is Doomscrolling Harmful?
Doomscrolling can:
- Increase anxiety, stress, and low mood
- Disrupt sleep and concentration
- Expose children to distressing or inappropriate content
- Create a sense of hopelessness or fear about the world
Signs Your Child Might Be Doomscrolling
Look out for:
- Excessive time spent on news or social media apps
- Mood changes after being online
- Difficulty sleeping or increased tiredness
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Obsessive talk about upsetting news stories
How Parents Can Help
More information about world mental Health day and support resources can be found here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/world-mental-health-day
Applications for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Youth Board are open for 2025-26!
Last year we were fortunate as a school to have a student sit on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust Youth board. Applications for this year are now open.
The Youth Board is made up of a group of committed young people from across Hampshire, the New Forest and Isle of Wight who want to contribute to decision-making in their local NHS Trust while building their skills and experience to support them in their futures.
They are recruiting for new members of the Youth Board and your students are able to apply to:
- Share their voice & support decision-making within their local NHS Foundation Trust.
- Develop their confidence, teamworking, communication & leadership skills.
- Gain insight into how the Trust operates and potential career paths within HIOWH NHS.
Applications for the Youth Board are open now until 10am on 14 October 2025.
More information can be found here:
Poster: https://bit.ly/HIOWYouthBoard2025
Application form: https://wkf.ms/46Jw175
National Connections 2026 with Light Up Drama
We are delighted to share an exciting opportunity for our students interested in drama and performance. Light UP Youth Theatre is inviting students aged 14+ to audition for their Ensemble group, which has been selected to take part in the 2026 National Theatre Connections Project.
Light UP was started in response in order to provide affordable drama classes and training for children in and around Southampton, in November 2014. Theirr engaging and dynamic classes are open to 4-16 year olds, and are ideal for building young people’s confidence, helping them to develop their creativity and communication skills, and to encourage them to have fun and make friends.
About the National Connections project
This project will involve:
- Performing an original play commissioned by the National Theatre
- Receiving in-person feedback from a National Theatre director
- A final performance at Mayflower Studios
The Ensemble group offers young people the chance to develop not only performance skills but also experience in areas such as directing, producing, writing, and marketing. These opportunities are invaluable for anyone interested in or currently taking GCSE Drama, as the skills gained will directly support academic studies, future auditions, and even college or university applications.
Please note that the project and all organisational aspects are solely the responsibility of Light Up Drama and staff at the school are unable to provide any further detail. However, we will ensure a member of staff is in attendance at the final performance at the Mayflower Studios.
Football
Year 7 Boys Football – Oasis Lordshill 0-10 Hamble
Our second league fixture took us to our first away game at Oasis Lordshill. After a winning start last week, the boys were eager to keep the momentum going. They delivered another outstanding performance, securing a second win in as many games – scoring 10 goals while keeping a clean sheet!
Heroic hat-tricks from Tyler and Henry K were complemented by goals from Leo and Charlie, along with two own goals from the opposition. The team was in dazzling form and showed fantastic sportsmanship by reducing our side to 8 players for the second half. Even so, we maintained a clean sheet.
We now look ahead to a double game week, with a home league fixture against Weston and an exciting away match in the National Cup against Glenmoor and Winton.
Year 10 Boys Football – The Hamble School 4-1 Bitterne Park School
The Year 10 Boys Football team kicked off their National Cup campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over Bitterne Park School. Sam F was the star of the show, netting a hat-trick, while Sam B added a fourth to seal the win.
It was a strong team performance all around, with every player contributing to a confident display. The boys now look forward to their second-round fixture against LEAF Studio on Monday.
Special thanks to Mr Denford for his excellent coaching and to Mr Regular for referring the match so brilliantly. Well done, boys!
Senior Girls Football – SSFA Division One
The Hamble School 2 – 4 Bitterne Park
The Senior Girls football team kicked off their SSFA Division One league campaign with a hard-fought 4-2 home defeat to Bitterne Park School on Wednesday. Hamble took an early lead with first-half strikes from Jessica W and Matilda D, giving the team hope going into the break. However, Bitterne Park fought back in the second half, scoring twice to level the match before adding two more late goals to seal the win.
Despite the result, it was an exciting debut for many of our students. Some played their first-ever match for the school, a few experienced 11v11 football for the first time, and others were stepping onto the pitch in their very first football game. It was fantastic to see a mix of Year 9s and Year 10s working together and showing great determination throughout.
Next week, the team will be looking to bounce back with an away fixture against Deer Park School.
A big shout out to Mr Holland for his tireless efforts supporting the girls’ teams and boosting squad numbers, and thanks to Mr Regular for stepping in as assistant manager.
Onwards and upwards!
Uniform Support
On occasions we need to lend uniform to students due to an emergency. We always welcome donations of pre-loved school trousers and skirts in a good condition of all sizes in addition to blazers and PE tops. Any donations can be dropped into the main reception and would be gratefully received.
We are also able to support with providing some uniform items to those families who may be experiencing financial hardship. If you would like to request support, please complete the form using the link below:
https://forms.office.com/e/YEPRzbG8pT
Personal Achievements
This month, we are proud to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our students. Their dedication, creativity, and perseverance continue to inspire us all. From academic excellence and artistic achievements to sporting milestones and community contributions, each success reflects the unique talents and hard work of our learners. We could not be prouder of these talented students.
Chloe R spent the morning with the Warsash Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, engaging meaningfully with senior members of HMS Collingwood and the Mayor of Fareham. Chloe’s leadership, confidence, and commitment to community engagement exemplify the spirit of our school.
Matthew W delivered an impressive performance at the Tera Open Regatta, sailed at Emsworth Sailing Club. Out of 28 boats, Matthew achieved 1st, 2nd, and 1st place finishes across three races—an incredible feat that showcases his skill, determination, and competitive spirit.
George C, at just 10 years old, sat the supervised Mensa IQ test and scored 135 on the Cattell B scale, placing him in the top 7% of the population. While not yet qualifying for Mensa membership, George’s achievement, ambition, and positive attitude are truly inspiring, and we look forward to celebrating his continued success.
Ella S attended her first national camp with the England Junior Development Team for diving at Sandwell Aquatics Centre. Over three days, she participated in intensive training in both the gym and pool, workshops on nutrition, and sessions observing national acrobatic teams with British Gymnastics. Ella’s commitment and passion for her sport are a shining example of perseverance and potential.
Tommy F has earned a place in the County Youth Group for Darts after recent trials. According to his peers, Tommy is already a pro—and we couldn’t agree more!
Finley S delivered an outstanding performance in the local finals of the British Indoor Karting Championship (BIKC), finishing 3rd and achieving a personal best time. He now progresses to the regional finals in October, and we wish him every success.
We are immensely proud of all our students and the many ways they continue to grow and thrive, both in and out of school. Their achievements are a testament to what’s possible when talent meets dedication. To share your child’s stories next month, please email communication@thehambleschool.co.uk
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 – Willow J 8-3
- Year 9 – Anders O 9-7
- Year 10 – Gino D 10-8
- Year 11 – Rayan B 11-2
