Behaviour has been a real positive this week and all this term. Staff have awarded 157,029 positive epraise points since September, compared to only 10,865 negative demerits. This is a positive to negative ratio of over 14:1 which is a credit to both our students, for being great, and to our staff, for always trying to find the positive and taking the time to record it!
Thank you to all of you who use epraise regularly to celebrate the positive at home, whilst also giving a gentle reminder to turn up to a detention if your child has got something wrong. If you need any help setting it up on your phone or computer, please click here.
As we approach the end of term, please take the opportunity to sit down with your child when they receive their monitoring and help them review their progress, and make some simple targets as we move forward. Fenton family favourite questions are; "What are you most proud of?" "In which subjects do you feel you're working hard, and in which could you put in more effort?" "What is one goal you have for the next term in your studies?"
With only 3 weeks to go until the start of the Christmas break, I’m not sure we are going to have a white Christmas! However, if your child is in Years 8 or 9, they may get the chance to have a white February in 2027. You should have received a letter yesterday, it’s going to be a fantastic ski trip! Alternatively, find the letter below in 'Letters you may have missed'.
On the subject of school trips, yesterday, I spent 12 hours heading up to London and back with some of our Year 10 and 11 students studying RE. To the parents of all of them, thank you; they were a complete joy to be around all day. They asked some fantastic questions, both in the Buddhist temple and St Paul’s cathedral. The respect they showed to their guides, each other and members of the public was heart-warming. When you are climbing the final steps at the top of the dome in St Paul's and one of your students stops to check if a member of the public is ok, you know it’s going to be a good day!
Have a lovely weekend.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 1 December
Nothing advised
Tuesday 2 December
Nothing advised
Wednesday 3 December
Nothing advised
Thursday 4 December
Nothing advised
Friday 5 December
Nothing advised
INSET Days for 2025/26
Monday 23 February 2026
Thursday 2 July 2026
Every effort is made to ensure these dates are accurate. There are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.
Reminder: Aerosols are not permitted in school
We’ve recently had incidents involving aerosol sprays on school premises. Aerosols are not permitted on-site, as they can impact other students, particularly those with asthma. Any aerosols brought into school will be confiscated by staff.
Students are welcome to use roll-on deodorant after PE lessons, but aerosols must not be used at any time.
Thank you for helping us keep our school safe and healthy for everyone.
Mr S Osbourne
Director of Sports Academy
Oliver Jr – A Mountbatten Production
We are delighted to invite you to a Mountbatten School production of Oliver Jr. Please click below to view the letter, which contains the link to book tickets.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Saturday 29 November at 9.00am.
If you are the parent or carer of a child who was previously looked after (this is anyone who has been in the care system and now resides with you under an adoption process or similar) there is support available in school to help ensure your child has the maximum opportunity to reach their full educational potential.
Please email Natalie.Harper@mountbatten.school if you would like to know more about what we can do to support your child's educational progress and achievement.
This is voluntary information sharing and will be handled with sensitivity; we would request documentation of the adoption order or similar, which would be kept securely and confidentially.
Maths Department
Maths Stars
Summer P 9HST
Stanley G 10HMS/NKY
Milly M 10HMS/NKY
Sadie L 11JBY
Eunice T 11LJS/JLR
English Department
English Stars
Hlib A 7DMS
Thomas B 7ILN
Sofiia K 7DMS
Chloe J 7PLM/CPE
Oscar B 8HSN
Sean A 9ADY
Amy R 9DCR/JLE
Arla D 9MAZ
Rosie G 10HMS/NKY
Sophia H 10EGY
Media Department
Media Stars
Hollie A 10BCY
Leah D 10CBN
Tristan B 10DDY
Evangeline C-E 10SDN/MRT
Evie W 10LHK/EBT
MFL Department
MFL Stars
Nieve A 7DVA
Sonny J 7DVA
Eva P 8LAD/DDN
Archie B 8HGR
Alice T 9JAD
Phoebe A 9RCS
Ania H-K 10CBN
Chloe M 10PSN
Amelia S 11JFR
Mandarin Stars
Gen R 8VTE
Maria K 9DCR/JLE
Ben G 10PSN
Tadleigh C 10CBN
George H 11COY
Mathieu M 11JFR
Science Department
Super Scientists
Thomas B 7AOR
Irianna K 7AOR
Anika M 7AOR
Leo T 7LPO
Daisy L 8HSN
Riley D 10LHK/EBT
James L 11LJS/JLR
Louie P 11AWE/RAR
Ella C 11JBY
Charley R 11IHS
History Department
History Stars
Thomas B 7ILN
Barnaby W 8BPY
Isla G 9GWT/CFT
Lydia B 9JAD
Michael Q 10PSN
RE Department
RE Stars
Edie P 7ESY/AWY
Poppy O 7ILN
Arty W 8HSN
James F 8VTE
Design Technology Department
DT Stars
Congratulations to Phoebe H 10EGY, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Congratulations to Crystal D 11JGO/EPK, 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.
IoT - New training provider opens campus in Southampton
This week the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT) opened its new campus, based at City College. Backed by over £13 million in funding from the Department for Education, the IoT is a collaboration of five further education colleges and two universities. It works in partnership with well-known employers including The Royal Navy, Portsmouth International Port and Maritime UK Solent to deliver industry-led courses which fill skills gaps and support the economic growth of the South Coast.
IoT offers courses to school-leavers, all the way up to Masters level, catering for both young people and adult education. Its main focus is the maritime, engineering and digital industry. The campus has been equipped with the latest state-of-the-art facilities, including VR technology, 3D printers, electric vehicle workshops, and modern and light classrooms. Please click here for further information and here for photos taken during the opening.
Year 9 – 11 work experience in the Art industry
John Hansard Gallery in Southampton is offering 2 hour-long workshops exploring careers in the creative industries, different art forms and techniques, and the development of a project to be displayed or presented at JHG. They will have a go at curating exhibitions, making artwork, working with practising artists and developing their own portfolio! Plus, collaborate with like-minded peers and build networks, confidence and sought-after transferable skills.
More information can be found in this flyer. This is an amazing opportunity, and we expect places to fill fast. Students are advised to apply as soon as possible. To apply, click here
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.
We are pleased to confirm that Absolute Tennis is continuing their tennis club on Tuesdays in the new year.
The sessions will be run by LTA qualified coach, Dan Hancock from Absolute Tennis. The time will run from 3.20pm - 4.15pm on the tennis courts on Tuesdays from 6 January for a 6 week course.
Please note all calls both to and from the school are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.
🎄Christmas Multi-Activity Camp
A gentle reminder that today, Friday 28 November, is the final day to secure our Early Bird discount for the Christmas Multi-Activity Camp at The Mountbatten School!
Enjoy 10% off when you book before the deadline and a further 10% off if you book all 3 dates!
Our Christmas camp is packed with:
⭐ Giant inflatable obstacle course ⭐ Exciting multi-sport sessions ⭐ Creative holiday activities ⭐ Team games and challenges
Looking to tone, strengthen, and feel great?
Come along to our Legs, Bums & Tums class every Tuesday from 7pm–8pm in the main hall at The Mountbatten School!
💪 Full-body toning 🎶 Great music ✨ Suitable for all fitness levels 🏋️ Friendly, motivating atmosphere
Summer P 9HST
Hlib A 7DMS
Hollie A 10BCY
Nieve A 7DVA
Gen R 8VTE
Thomas B 7AOR
Thomas B 7ILN
Edie P 7ESY/AWY
Congratulations to Phoebe H 10EGY, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
