Our Year 9 students have been demonstrating just how impressive they are both in and out of the classroom! Recently, they took part in Geography fieldwork in the New Forest, exploring the landscape, collecting data, and applying their learning in real-life settings. It was wonderful to see their curiosity, enthusiasm, and excellent teamwork in action. Staff commented on how well they conducted themselves, showing independence and responsibility throughout the day.
On Thursday, we welcomed parents and carers to our Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening. It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout, with families engaging in meaningful conversations about students’ settling in, progress, achievements, and future goals.
This week, all year groups took part in assemblies led by our safeguarding team on the importance of trusted adults and how to report any concerns. These sessions help students feel supported, safe, and confident in seeking help when they need it — an essential part of our commitment to wellbeing and care.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 13 October
Nothing advised
Tuesday 14 October
Nothing advised
Wednesday 15 October
Autumn Concert at Romsey Abbey. Rehearsals during the school day. Concert is 7.00pm - approx. 9.30pm
Thursday 16 October
Year 11 Parents' Evening (Online) 4.15pm - 7.15pm
Friday 17 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.
Safeguarding Notice
We have been advised to temporarily remove the Spy Dogs/Pups and Spy Cat book series by Andrew Cope from our library, as the website link printed in some copies has been compromised and may lead to inappropriate content.
As a precaution, we kindly ask parents and carers to check at home and remove these books from children’s access for the time being. As these titles are popular with 7–12 year olds.
Thank you for your support in helping us keep our students safe.
Extra-curricular opportunities
All extra-curricular opportunities for this term can now be found in one place on our website as a daily overview. Alternatively, please click below to view:
25 hours a week - 09:15 to 14:45 daily (30 minute unpaid lunch break)
Term time only (39 weeks per year)
Grade C – Actual Salary: £14,556 to £15168 per annum
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, committed and professional Admin Assistant to join our fantastic team.
£15.14 per hour including holiday pay
Required from January 2026 onwards
We are seeking a patient, reliable and technically competent Exams Invigilator to supervise students undertaking examinations under JCQ access arrangements.
£14.64 per hour including holiday pay
Required from January 2026 onwards
We are seeking to appoint additional exam invigilators to join our current team to assist in the smooth running and security of examinations. Exam session times do vary so flexibility is required and opportunities e...
Dawid M 9ADY has passed Percussion Academy Drum Kit Debut Grade with Distinction.
Design Technology Department
DT Stars
Congratulations to Ellie M 7ESY/AWY, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Congratulations to Elzbieta J 9HST, who has been selected as 'Chef of the Week'!
Click the drop-down menus below to find out more about updates in the Careers Department and different careers opportunities coming up for our students.
Year 7 - 11 Work Enrichment Day
Last week the whole school took part in our annual Work Enrichment Day; a day filled with careers, college, work experience and enterprise-focused activities. Below is a short breakdown:
Year 7 – employer talk with the Fire Service and Romsey Police, ‘Step into the NHS’ competition, crime scene investigation
Year 8 – insight into law, mock law trial, maritime challenge: design your own cruise ship, assembly with maritime representative, GCSE taster sessions
Year 9 – ‘Take your child to work’ day, Festival Challenge – entrepreneurship
Year 10 – Work Experience launch, how to look and apply for work experience, a look at different college courses, budgeting challenge – life’s expenses
Year 11 – interview preparation, mock interviews, applying for college
Year 7 - 11 Parents/Carers Information Evening: Young Proessionals
This online event is for parents and carers who want to understand more on how they can best help their child in their future career choices once they leave school. We will be joined by some of the world’s biggest employers in law, business, finance, accounting, and STEM. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn how to help your child gain a foothold in the world of work with the many major brands from various sectors who will be joining us for the event.
As part of this event, there will be sector-specific breakout rooms, making this event very tailored to students' career aspirations.
Year 11 Chelsea FC Post-16 College Programme (Girls & Boys)
Sparsholt College, in partnership with Chelsea FC, are holding a post-16 College Programme Open Training Sessions at the college. Please see below flyers for more information.
Upcoming College Open Events
Saturday 11 October: Itchen College
Tuesday 14 October: Fareham College
Tuesday 14 October: Totton College
Thursday 16 October: Salisbury Sixth Form
Thursday 16 October: South Wilts Grammar School Sixth Form
Mountbatten Buddies Welcome Visitors from Kerui School, China
Last week, The Mountbatten Buddies proudly hosted our international guests from the Kerui School in China for a second time. It was wonderful to see how warmly our students embraced our visitors and welcomed them into our Mountbatten family; a true reflection of the care and respect that define our school community and our global outlook.
31 students from Years 7 and 8 were selected as Mountbatten Buddies and took on the important role of supporting our guests throughout their stay. They ensured that our visitors felt included in lessons, practised their English, and took part in the wider life of the school. Our buddies demonstrated exceptional collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership, and we would like to thank them for their excellent service to the school.
Join our Pumpkin Carving & Painting Competition
Get ready for a fun-filled autumn of creativity, literature, and Halloween spirit! This week we’re excited to announce our first Pumpkin Carving & Painting Competition. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature, modern bestsellers, or beloved childhood tales, now’s your chance to bring your favourite book characters to life on a pumpkin canvas.
How to Enter:
Choose Your Character: Pick a character from any book you love, whether it’s a magical wizard, a heroic adventurer, or a mischievous villain.
Carve or Paint: You can carve your pumpkin or decorate it with paints – the choice is yours! Get as creative as you like with your design.
Submit Your Entry: Submit a photo to Mrs Cowley via email. Be sure to include the name of the character and the book they’re from as well as your name and tutor group.
The winner will receive a Halloween cauldron of goodies and will be announced before half term!
Unleash your Dark Imagination: Enter our Halloween Horror Writing Competition!
Do you have a flair for the eerie, the spine-chilling, and the downright terrifying? Do you love crafting stories that leave readers on the edge of their seats? If so, we invite you to participate in our Halloween Horror Writing Competition at the library!
How to Enter:
Write Your Story: Pen an original horror short story. It can be supernatural, psychological, or anything that sends shivers down the spine!
Submission Guidelines:
Word Limit: 1,500 words
Theme: Halloween horror
Deadline: Thursday 16 October
Email your submissions to phoebe.cowley@mountbatten.school or hand them to Mrs Cowley in the library before Thursday 16 October.
The winner will receive a cauldron full of Halloween goodies, and the first-place story will be featured in the next library newsletter! For more information and details, please visit the Mountbatten Library Instagram page.
We can’t wait to read your terrifying tales!
Reader of the Month Spotlight!
Every month of this year, we will be celebrating a student who shows outstanding dedication to reading through our Reader of the Month award. Being named Reader of the Month means more than just enjoying stories—it’s about curiosity, commitment, and a love for the library. Along with the glory, students will receive their Reader of the Month badge on epraise and earn 10 epraise points too!
September’s Reader of the Month is Lucy H 8TDN. Lucy has been awarded reader of the month for her outstanding dedication to reading. She can always be found tucked up in a corner of the library with her head in a book. Well done, Lucy – keep up the great work!
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.
Personal Best Multi-Activity Camp – October Half Term!
Only 2 weeks to go until the fun begins!
Our activity camp is now open for bookings. Get ready for an action-packed week filled with exciting activities including our popular inflatable course, creative arts & crafts, a variety of sports games, and so much more. Don’t miss out - secure your spot today and make this half term unforgettable!
Every Monday | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Dance Studio, Mountbatten School
Looking for a calming way to ease into the week? Join us for Gentle Yoga with Anita, a welcoming and accessible class designed to help you unwind, stretch, and reconnect, whether you're a beginner or just looking for a slower-paced session.
🧘♀️ What to expect: ✨ Gentle movement and stretching ✨ Breathwork to calm the mind ✨ Relaxation techniques to release tension ✨ A supportive, friendly environment for all levels
Whether you’re new to yoga or simply want to slow things down, Anita’s calming approach will leave you feeling refreshed and rebalanced.
🧺 Just bring a mat and some comfy clothes — we’ll take care of the rest.
Autumn Concert - Wednesday 15 October 2025
Alex P 8SGY
Henry C 7DMS
Amira A 10BCY
Louie T 7KMN/KRL
Pippa H 8SGY
Jan B 7AGN/BHT
Zac W 10SDN/MRT
Jess G 8SGY
Rosie G 8OWS
Congratulations to Ellie M 7ESY/AWY, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Get ready for a fun-filled autumn of creativity, literature, and Halloween spirit! This week we’re excited to announce our first Pumpkin Carving & Painting Competition. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature, modern bestsellers, or beloved childhood tales, now’s your chance to bring your favourite book characters to life on a pumpkin canvas.
