As we come to the end of a wonderful half-term, we would like to thank all our students for their hard work, enthusiasm, and positive attitude over the past few weeks. It has been fantastic to see how well our new Year 7 students have settled into school life, embracing new routines and opportunities with confidence and curiosity.
Our Year 11 students deserve special recognition for their focus and commitment as they prepare for the challenges of their final year. A reminder that Friday will be the last day of this half-term, with Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday next week being INSET days. The half-term holiday begins on Thursday 23 October.
The school site is extremely busy at the beginning and the end of the school day, therefore we kindly request that parents/carers do not drop off or pick up their child from the school site. Please do this from a safe place outside of the school gates whilst also being considerate of our neighbours; please do not block any driveways.
It is important for students’ learning that they remain hydrated throughout the school day. Therefore, students should come to school with a water bottle which they can refill during breaktimes using the many taps located around the school. This also supports the school’s sustainability agenda.
As we head into the break, we hope everyone takes the time to relax, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved rest. Thank you once again for making this half-term such a positive and productive one. We look forward to welcoming all students back to school on Monday 3 November for another exciting and successful half-term ahead.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 20 October
INSET Day
Tuesday 21 October
INSET Day
Wednesday 22 October
INSET Day
Thursday 23 October
Autumn half-term holiday
Friday 24 October
Autumn half-term holiday
Autumn half-term holiday: Monday 27 October - Friday 31 October 2025. Students return on Monday 3 November at 8.35am.
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
Autumn Half-term Holiday: Monday 27 October - Friday 31 October 2025
Every effort is made to ensure these dates are accurate. There are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.
Autumn Concert
Congratulations to the Music Department and everyone involved in our Autumn Concert!
A wonderful evening of talent, creativity, and teamwork. The variety and quality of performances were truly remarkable — especially considering all this was achieved in just five and a half weeks of preparation!
If you’d like to relive the magic, you can rewatch the concert by clicking the link in the button below, or scanning the QR code.
Did you see a car reverse into a black Nissan Leaf on the night of the Aladdin Production, on 28 February 2025? If you did, please get in touch with the school, as it may help a parent with an insurance claim.
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 £15,168 per annum
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, committed and professional Admin Assistant to join our fantastic t...
£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...
Congratulations to the following students for completing their STEM Leaders Level 2 Qualification:
Polly T 11COY
Amber B 11IHS
Josephine M 11IHS
Charley R 11IHS
Zunayrah R 11IHS
Ella C 11JBY
Rose G 11JBY
Evan T 11JFR
James C 11JGO/EPK
Oliver N 11JGO/EPK
Harry S 11LJS/JLR
Toby S 11RGY/MSD
Clara F 11RLE
Beatrice E 11SBS/EGE
Tilly E 11SBS/EGE
Poppy H 11SBS/EGE
Alastair H 11SBS/EGE
Jessica T 11AWE/RAR
History Department
History Stars
Thomas P 7AOR
Noah M 8OWS
Madeleine H 9GWT/CFT
Edward F 9ERL
Chloe M 10PSN
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.
i-Construct
In partnership with the Science Department, Year 9 and 10 students attended the annual i-Construct event at CEMAST (Centre of Excellence in Engineering, Manufacturing and Advanced Skills Training) in Fareham.
i-Construct aims to reach as many students as early as possible to educate them about the diverse career pathway within construction and wider built environment industry. Students had the opportunity to speak to a wide range of employers to find out more about their company, which roles they offer, salary and progression, and present their findings in a form of a presentation to a panel of judges. Students will find out after the half-term holidays whether they have received an award.
Year 11 Virtual Work Experience - Wates
Wates is a family-owned construction powerhouse with over 4,500 employees working on complex projects in education, healthcare, residential, commercial, and emergency services. Their apprenticeships offer hands-on experience while working on industry-leading projects and provide a clear pathway for career growth.
Wates offers a wide range of opportunities in:
Engineering & Technical Roles: Building Services Engineering, Surveying, Construction Support Technician
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.
Leila S 8OWS 
Sofia N 7AOR
Eva B 7DMS
Emmie W 10DDY
Ellis B 7KMN/KRL
Archie M 8KSH
Emma L 8KKY
Thomas P 7AOR
