Over the last couple of weeks, we've had the privilege of welcoming the full spectrum of our school community through our doors, and it's been a wonderful reminder of what makes Mountbatten so special.
As Mr Dunn mentioned last week, we celebrated our Year 11 leavers at our GCSE Celebration Evening – a joyful occasion recognising their achievements and the young adults they've become. We've also been running our Open Mornings for prospective parents and students. I'm sure many of you remember visiting on a morning just like these when your own child was at that stage. The anticipation and excitement on their faces as they imagine starting their journey with us is always a privilege to witness.
Whilst we're proud that Mountbatten consistently achieves strong exam results, we've never seen that as the whole picture. What matters most to us is the development of the whole child and preparing every student for their next chapter, whatever that may be. This is why we place such emphasis on the breadth of opportunities available through our extensive extra-curricular programme.
Yesterday was a perfect example of this in action. Our Work Enrichment Day took all year groups off timetable for a full day of career-focused experiences. Students took part in everything from crime scene investigations and mock trials to encounters with the police and fire services, work experience tasters, employer visits, practice interviews, and entrepreneurship projects. The range of opportunities was incredible, and I'm immensely grateful to all the visitors who generously gave their time to support our students.
From welcoming prospective families to celebrating our leavers, and providing rich experiences for everyone in between – it's been a fortnight that truly reflects our commitment to nurturing every student's potential.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 6 October
Nothing advised
Tuesday 7 October
Geography Department - Year 9 Geography Fieldwork in the New Forest, (92X: COY & 91Y: CFR/HSN) 8.40am - 3.10pm
Wednesday 8 October
Nothing advised
Thursday 9 October
Year 7 Meet the Tutor (face-to-face) in the Olympic Hall, 3.30pm - 6.00pm
Friday 10 October
Nothing advised
INSET Days for 2025/26
Monday 20 October 2025*
Tuesday 21 October 2025*
Wednesday 22 October 2025*
Monday 23 February 2026
Thursday 2 July 2026
*adjoining October half-term
Every effort is made to ensure these dates are accurate. There are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.
A reminder about pick-up and drop-off
The roads around the school can become very congested at drop-off and pick-up times. To help keep pedestrians and cyclists as safe as possible, please do not drop-off on the A27 as there is no lay-by to pull into on the north-bound direction and crossing this busy, 60mph road, on foot from the south-direction is dangerous. Please do not enter the school gates to drop-off or pick-up students as this part of the school is exceptionally busy with pedestrians and bus movements at these times.
Bike Registration – Romsey Community Policing Team
We are excited to share an opportunity that will help to protect your child’s bicycle while also contributing to a safer and more connected community.
Thanks to our partnership with the Romsey Community Policing team, we are able to offer free bike registration to all students on Wednesday 15 October from 7.30am - 8.40am at the bike sheds. This initiative is designed to provide peace of mind, and the registration process comes with several benefits:
Lifetime registration in the BikeRegister database, ensuring your child’s bike is securely recorded and traceable if necessary.
A registration logbook to serve as official proof of ownership.
Secure online access to manage and update your registration details at any time.
Students’ bikes will be etched with a bespoke registration number by the Community Policing Team. Students will need to provide an email address, mobile number and home address for the database. Our staff will be on hand on the day to help. By registering your child’s bike, you’re not only protecting their property but also helping our local police easily identify and return bikes if they’re ever lost or stolen.
We’re grateful for the support of the Community Policing team in making this service available, and we encourage every family to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Are your contact details up to date?
Have you moved house recently, or perhaps changed your mobile number?
Please kindly remember to inform the school if any of your contact or personal details have changed, so we can keep our records up to date.
You can email info@mountbatten.school to notify us of any changes. Please always include your child's full name and tutor group in the email.
Congratulations to Ben G 11AWE/RAR, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Congratulations to Isabelle W 9LHG, who has been selected as 'Chef of the Week'!
Duke of Edinburgh – Bronze Award
Yesterday we celebrated over 50 students who have achieved their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award! This amazing accomplishment included completing:
Volunteering
Expedition
Skills
Mr Cox congratulated them on their fantastic achievement, and a special thanks goes to Mr Whalvin and all the staff who supported and facilitated the programme.
Our Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) programme is delivered by form tutors who know their students well, creating a safe and supportive environment for exploring sensitive topics. This familiar relationship enables open dialogue and builds trust, allowing students to engage more confidently with challenging subject matter.
At the heart of our programme is an oracy-based methodology that prioritises discussion, debate and collaborative exploration. Rather than simply receiving information, students are encouraged to express their thoughts and questions in a supportive environment while listening respectfully to diverse viewpoints and experiences. They engage in meaningful dialogue with peers and their form tutor, developing confidence in articulating their ideas and concerns whilst practising essential communication skills that will serve them throughout life.
Our approach fosters critical thinking skills by encouraging students to question assumptions and examine different perspectives. They learn to analyse information from multiple sources and viewpoints, considering the complexity of real-world situations and relationships. Students develop skills in evaluating the consequences of different choices and behaviours while reflecting thoughtfully on their own values and beliefs.
Through structured discussions and collaborative activities, students develop respect for diversity in all its forms, including different backgrounds, beliefs and lifestyles. Students learn to disagree respectfully while maintaining positive relationships and become aware of their own biases, recognising the importance of remaining open-minded.
Our five-year programme follows a progressive and spiral curriculum structure from Year 7 to Year 11, with topics revisited at increasing levels of complexity and maturity. This approach ensures that students build upon prior learning while developing deeper understanding as they mature.
This comprehensive approach ensures our students develop not only knowledge and understanding, but also the communication skills, emotional intelligence and respect for others that will serve them well as they navigate their relationships and make important life decisions.
RSHE Autumn Term Dates
Year 7
This term in RSHE, Year 7 students are focusing on developing the skills and understanding they need to make a positive start to secondary school life. The curriculum begins with work on starting secondary school and dealing with change, helping students explore strategies for managing transition, building resilience, and adapting to new routines and expectations. Lessons then move on to growing confidence and friendship, encouraging self-belief, developing supportive relationships, and recognising the importance of respect and kindness.
Students also spend time developing empathy, compassion and communication, learning how to listen effectively, understand others’ feelings, and communicate in positive and constructive ways. Alongside this, they explore the importance of healthy living, looking at balance in diet, exercise, rest and routines to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
Later in the term, they consider external influences such as the risks associated with energy drinks, and they take part in the Beewell mental health surveys, which give young people a voice in shaping support for their wellbeing. The curriculum also addresses the growing concern around vaping, helping students understand the health risks, myths and social pressures so that they can make informed choices.
Through these lessons, students are encouraged to reflect, share their views, and develop the confidence to make safe, healthy and respectful decisions both in and out of school.
Year 8
This term in RSHE, Year 8 students are developing their understanding of how personal choices, social influences and wider cultural issues shape their wellbeing and relationships. They begin by focusing on building standards and healthier lifestyles, looking at how personal routines and decision-making can help to maintain good physical health and balance in daily life.
Students then explore themes of discrimination and prejudice, including lessons linked to Black History Month, to help them recognise inequality, challenge stereotypes, and value diversity. They also spend time considering gender identity, with an emphasis on respect, inclusion and understanding different perspectives.
As part of their mental health education, students discuss attitudes to mental health and the importance of reducing stigma, alongside practical ways to care for their own wellbeing. This links closely with their learning about the influence of social media, the impact of online stress, and the importance of developing healthy digital habits.
Finally, the curriculum introduces critical thinking around bias and media sources, encouraging students to question information, understand how bias operates, and make informed decisions about what they read and share.
Throughout the term, lessons are designed to help Year 8 students build resilience, empathy and responsibility, while equipping them with the skills to make positive, healthy and respectful choices both online and offline.
Year 9
This term in RSHE, Year 9 students are focusing on relationships, consent and digital safety, helping them to develop the knowledge and confidence to make respectful and informed choices. Lessons begin with positive relationships, where students explore the qualities that build trust, respect and equality between people. They are introduced to the concept of consent and then build on this by looking at the importance of avoiding assumptions, as well as understanding the principles of freedom and capacity in giving or receiving consent.
Alongside this, students consider the role of families, including marriage, and how family life may change over time. They also learn about the emotional impact of relationship changes, loss and change, and how to seek support when facing difficult circumstances.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on online safety. Students revisit key principles of internet and digital safety, focusing on the challenges and risks they may encounter online. They also learn about safer internet use, including strategies to protect themselves and others, manage their digital footprint and make responsible choices in the online world.
Together, these lessons are designed to give Year 9 students the skills to build healthy, respectful relationships, recognise their rights and responsibilities, and stay safe both in their personal lives and online.
Year 10
This term in RSHE, Year 10 students are exploring deeper aspects of relationships, mental health and wellbeing, building on their previous knowledge to develop greater emotional resilience and self-awareness. The curriculum is designed to support students as they navigate increasingly complex personal and social situations.
Students begin by examining relationship values, exploring what they personally value in relationships and how these values guide their choices and interactions with others. This foundation leads into learning about asexuality, abstinence and celibacy, helping students understand the full spectrum of relationship choices and that all approaches to intimacy and relationships are valid and worthy of respect.
The programme addresses the evolving nature of modern relationships through lessons on online relationships, where students learn to navigate digital connections safely and meaningfully. They explore how to build genuine connections online while recognising the unique challenges and limitations of digital communication.
A significant focus is placed on recognising and responding to pressure and coercion in all forms of relationships. Students develop skills to identify manipulative behaviour, understand their right to say no, and learn strategies for maintaining their boundaries in challenging situations.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing form a core component of the curriculum. Students learn to reframe negative thinking patterns, developing cognitive strategies to support their mental health. They explore the importance of emotional wellbeing and learn practical techniques for maintaining good mental health, including mindfulness practices that help them manage stress and develop greater self-awareness.
The term also includes participation in Beewell surveys, which provide valuable data to support student wellbeing across the school community while giving students insight into wider patterns of young people's mental health and wellbeing.
These lessons work together to equip Year 10 students with the emotional intelligence, self-advocacy skills and mental health strategies they need to thrive in their relationships and personal development, while fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and others.
Year 11
This term in RSHE, Year 11 students are engaging with crucial topics around identity, personal development and risk management as they prepare for the next stage of their lives. The curriculum focuses on building self-awareness, resilience and practical life skills that will support them through their transition to adulthood.
Students explore gender identity and stereotypes, developing a deeper understanding of how gender expectations can impact personal choices and opportunities. They examine how stereotypes can limit potential and learn to challenge assumptions, fostering respect for diverse identities and expressions while reflecting on their own sense of self.
The programme emphasises personal growth through lessons on ambition and core values. Students are encouraged to identify their own aspirations and the values that will guide their decision-making. They explore how to set meaningful goals and develop the determination and strategies needed to achieve them, preparing them for post-16 education, training and career pathways.
Recognising the pressures facing Year 11 students, the curriculum addresses practical wellbeing strategies including sleep hygiene and dealing with emotions effectively. Students learn about the vital role sleep plays in mental and physical health, alongside developing healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and emotional challenges during this demanding period.
A significant focus is placed on understanding pressure and making informed choices about risky behaviour. Students examine the factors that influence decision-making and learn to recognise when they might be under pressure to engage in activities that could harm their wellbeing or future prospects.
The curriculum includes comprehensive education about substance abuse, covering the physical, mental and social consequences of drug and alcohol misuse. Students develop skills to resist peer pressure, understand the legal implications of substance use, and learn how to seek help if they or others are struggling with these issues.
Additionally, students receive training in emergency aid, equipping them with potentially life-saving first aid skills and the confidence to respond appropriately in emergency situations.
These lessons are designed to prepare Year 11 students for greater independence, helping them develop the self-knowledge, resilience and practical skills necessary to make positive choices as they move towards adulthood while maintaining their safety and wellbeing.
Should your child wish to seek support related to any of these topics or about anything else that is worrying them, please advise them to speak to their form tutor in the first instance or request some support from our Student Support Team by completing the Student Support form on the student area of the school website.
Please note all calls both to and from the school are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.
October Half-Term Holiday Camp
Personal Best Multi-Activity camp is back this half-term running from 27 to 31 October for children in Years 1–7.
Get ready for an action-packed week full of fun and adventure, with activities including Laser Tag, the Giant Inflatable Obstacle Course, team games, arts & crafts, and much more.
📍 Location: The Mountbatten School
🕘 Times: 8.30am - 4.30pm
🎯 For children in Years 1–7
🎟️ Limited spaces available – book now to avoid disappointment!
Looking to get fitter, feel more relaxed, or learn a new skill? Our friendly, local classes are open to all abilities – come along and get involved!
📅 Weekly Schedule & Class Info:
Monday
🧘♀️ Hatha Yoga – 6.30pm to 7.30pm
A gentle, grounding yoga class focused on posture, breathwork, and relaxation. Perfect for building strength, flexibility, and calm.
💃 Zumba – 7.30pm to 8.30pm
A high-energy dance workout with great music and easy-to-follow moves. Burn calories and have fun doing it!
Tuesday
🔥 Legs, Bums & Tums – 7.00pm - 8.00pm
Tone and strengthen your lower body with this dynamic workout targeting key areas – ideal for all fitness levels.
Wednesday
🧘Pilates – 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Improve core strength, posture, and flexibility with this low-impact, full-body workout that focuses on controlled movement and breath.
Rex D 7DMS
Anya R 10DDY
Joshua B 7ONL
Elodie G 8HSN
Ronnie M 7LPO
Lucas W-H 7ESY/AWY
Bleu T-B 7AGN/BHT
Congratulations to Ben G 11AWE/RAR, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
