Mr B Byfield - Managing Director of Personal Best Education
Summer 2023 saw Personal Best Education positively impact the lives of many young people from diverse backgrounds across the South of England with a variety of exciting and enriching provision.
As a key delivery partner of the new ‘Live It’ Residential Programme of the National Citizen Service (NCS), Personal Best hosted over 1,000 young people aged 15-16 over an eight-week period in July and August, enabling them to gain key life skills and attributes through challenging, inclusive and engaging activities such as coasteering, bushcraft and more. The outcome of the programme has seen all participants grow in confidence and become more resilient and better communicators whilst making new friendships that we hope will last a lifetime.
In addition to NCS, Personal Best also ran Activity Camps for children aged 6-11 and 11-15 years, across 20 locations in Hampshire, Dorset and Surrey as part of the UK Government’s Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) programme. The HAF programme gives children on free school meals during term-time the opportunity to keep active, eat hot and healthy meals and undertake exciting and engaging activities they would not typically have access to during the school holidays. The camps included workshops delivered by both Personal Best staff and external expert providers such as healthy cooking, smoothie making, boxing, self-defence, dance and much more. In spite of the challenges to ensure children are able to attend, we achieved our highest attendance since the programme’s inception with over 1500 children benefiting this summer.
As we now transition from summer towards delivery of our extensive autumn programmes, each and every member of the Personal Best team has reflected on how their hard work and commitment has enabled so many young people to access so many wonderful opportunities. We are all extremely proud of our achievements and look forward continuing to help more young people be the best version of themselves and achieving their Personal Best.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 18 September
Nothing advised
Tuesday 19 September
Careers Fair in the Olympic Hall, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Wednesday 20 September
Nothing advised
Thursday 21 September
Year 10 GCSE Preparation Evening in the Olympic Hal, 6.00pm - 7.30pm
Friday 22 September
Nothing advised
INSET Days for 2023/24
Wednesday 29 November 2023
Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 January 2024
Monday 19 February 2024
Tuesday 18 June 2024
Every effort is made to ensure these dates are accurate. There are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes
Whole School Flu Vaccinations
The Whole School Flu Vaccinations will be taking place on 26 and 28 September:
26 September: Lantern Theatre
28 September: Sports Hall
If you have not yet completed the Parental Consent Google Form, please could you do so as soon as possible. Parents/Carers have been emailed the link.
Music Tuition - Autumn Term
We would like to remind you that music tuition fees for the Autumn Term 2023 are now due. Please could you check your Scopay account to check the amount and make your payment.
Fees for the Autumn term are £95.00, with the exception of piano tuition which are £120.00 (if your child is eligible for Pupil Premium, please be aware that Pupil Premium discounts will be applied to their accounts soon).
Actual Salary Details: Grade B £16,249 - £16,478/Grade C £16,519 - £17,252 (depending on experience)
30.83 hours per week, Monday to Friday 8.25 am to 3.15 pm – 39 weeks per annum
The following students have passed Percussion Academy Drum Kit exams:
Elsa H 10HCS Grade 7 with Distinction
Peter B 8SGY Grade 2 with Distinction
Jade L 10HCO/KMN Grade 2 with Distinction
Joel T 9RMN Grade 3 with Distinction
Edward V 8HHN Grade 3 with Distinction
Ellie M 10JLR/MSD Grade 4 with Distinction
Click the drop-down menus below to find out more about different careers opportunities coming up for our students.
Get into Medicine Conference - Years 10 & 11 ONLY
Medic Mentor is offering free, live, virtual conferences to Year 10 and 11 students. The 'Get into Medicine' conference is a significant turning point for Medic Mentor students. It will unlock exclusive opportunities such as scholarships and prizes, as well as help them to make a highly competitive application.
The dates of the conferences are:
Sunday 17 September 10.00am - 3.00pm
Sunday 24 September 10.00am - 3.00pm
Saturday 30 September 10.00am - 3.00pm
Students who take part will be awarded with a certificate from the Presidents at Medic Mentor.
Please note, all students must be accompanied by a parent/carer for safeguarding purposes.
If your child is interested in taking part, please follow this link to book.
College Application Deadlines
Please click here to view a list of college application deadlines. Please note that both Peter Symonds and Barton Peveril have an actual application deadline and are particular strict adhering to it.
College Open Events
Please click here to view a list with college open event dates. Please note that most colleges require prior booking via their website.
Careers Fair
We look forward to welcoming Year 10 and 11 parents, carers and students to our Careers Fair on Tuesday 19 September, 6.00pm - 8.00pm.
Please note that there will be a short apprenticeship presentation to parents and carers, from 6.15pm – 6.45pm.
Year 11 College Assembly
Itchen College, Barton Peveril and South Hampshire Colleges Group spoke to students this week about what their college has to offer and how they may differ from each other. Students are strongly advised to look and apply to at least two colleges to keep their options open. Most application portals will open this month.
Rookwood Sixth Form
Please see a flyer from Rookwood Sixth Form. Although it is not one of our usual colleges, it might suit students who are looking for small class sizes and an individualised approach to learning. Located in Andover.
Library Update
Year 7 have really enjoyed their library sessions since the start of term, they can now take out, up to 4 books at a time.
Next week we will be launching the Reading Safari scheme; this is where Year 7 students can review books and win prizes.
Look out for new books dropping next week including 'We'll Always Have Summer' by Jenny Han, 'Five Survive' by Holly Jackson, 'Imogen, Obviously' by Becky Albertalli and 'The First to Die at the End' by Adam Silvera.
Personal Best Job Vacancy
Personal Best Education is hiring.
They have the following full time roles available:
Personal Best's fitness class, Legs, Bums & Tums is every Tuesday 7.00pm - 8.00pm and is only £6.00 per person! Great for toning those areas, building strength, as well as a great way to keep fit.
Looking for a new challenge? Why not learn Spanish? The world's second-most spoken language in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere! Starting Thursday 21 September - first session is free and full refund issued if you decide it is not for you. For more information and to book, click below.
This year saw the return of the Mountbatten Poetry Festival. A proud tradition stretching back over fifty years, the poetry festival showcases students’ original poetry compositions.
Year 7s were tasked with creating an original poem inspired by the Romantic poets.
Stude...