At Mountbatten, fostering a strong sense of belonging lies at the heart of our school community. Our tutor and house systems provide every student with a supportive network that encourages friendship, confidence and personal growth. Alongside this, our extensive extra-curricular programme, Toast Club, Space to Talk provision and wide range of student leadership opportunities – including prefect roles and Student Voice – ensure all students feel valued, heard and connected.
As we enter the Christmas period, our new Advent Calendar tradition has begun, inviting students who deserve celebration to reveal moments of success achieved by their peers this term. Each day’s Advent reveal is shared on our Instagram page and across our social media platforms. Next week marks the start of our year group Christmas lunches, offering a warm and sociable occasion for students and staff to come together. With Celebration Assemblies, Hot Chocolate Reward mornings and many other festive activities, we continue to promote the Mountbatten community – where students thrive in a happy, supportive environment.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 8 December
Nothing advised
Tuesday 9 December
Christmas Lunch Celebration – Period 4: 11X, Period 5: 11Y
Wednesday 10 December
Christmas Lunch Celebration – Period 4: 7X, Period 5: 10Y
Thursday 11 December
Christmas Lunch Celebration – Period 4: 8Y, Period 5: 8X
Friday 12 December
Christmas Lunch Celebration – Period 4: 7Y, Period 5: 10X
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.
Bluestar Bus - End of term
Bluestar are able to provide the 504 at 12.50pm on Friday 19 December. Students will therefore have the choice to wait 20 minutes for the 504 or walk over to Luzborough Roundabout to catch the 12.40pm Bluestar 4. Both options should be about the same journey time to Lordshill.
Oliver Jr - Purchase your tickets!
The Friday production of The Mountbatten School's production of Oliver Jr is sold out! Don't worry, tickets are still available for Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 January. Get your tickets by clicking the button below!
Congratulations to Lizzie R 11JFR, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Congratulations to Rosie S 7KMN/KRL, who has been selected as 'Chef of the Week'!
Music Department
ABRSM Singing for Musical Theatre
Catherine P 11RGY/MSD has passed ABRSM Grade 4 Singing for Musical Theatre with Distinction.
Tyrese A 10SDN/MRT has passed ABRSM Grade 3 Singing for Musical Theatre with Distinction.
ABRSM Piano
Maria K 9DCR/JLE has passed ABRSM Initial Grade Piano with Merit.
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 11 Peter Symonds College Application Deadline
Please note that the application deadline is Monday 8 December, 4.00pm. To apply, click here: https://psc.ac.uk/
Year 10 & 11 – Post-16 information
The Hampshire Careers Hub has produced this fantastic booklet which gives a brief overview of available qualifications, labour market information and much more. To access the booklet, please click here: https://resourcefulcareers.aflip.in/whatnexthampshire.html#page/1
Year 8 Visit to St Mary’s Fire Station
A group of Year 8 students took part in the school’s first mini-work experience, led by St Mary’s Fire Station. Students visited the station to learn about the various partners the Fire Service collaborates with, took part in a communication exercise and received a behind-the-scenes tour of the station. Students were particularly impressed with the accommodation and relaxation areas. Students also learnt about a range of different careers available in the Fire Service, such as administration, IT, logistics, education, welfare, media, investigation and business support.
To find out more, please click here. We’d like to thank Pete, who is a Mountbatten parent and St Mary’s Station Commander, for facilitating this visit.
Year 9 – 11 Work Experience
Students benefit enormously from taking part in work experience from a young age. Not only will this enable them to try out a variety of career ideas, it also builds up their portfolio which future employers will value and help stand out from peers. A variety of opportunities have been posted on the Careers Google Classroom. Please see below for an overview:
TATA Consultancy Services and Jaguar Land Rover: Remote 3 day placement | 16–18 February
Mission: Innovation – Explore the STEM World of Defence & Technology with QinetiQ: Remote 3 day placement | 16–18 February
Create an awesome Campaign with Crustacean Compassion: Remote 2 day placement | 17-18 February
TATA Consultancy Services: Retail Reimagined with TCS: Remote insight day | 19 February
Year 10 Winchester University Assembly
Students took part in an assembly held by the university to inform them about the different qualification levels and courses on offer, student life and some of the benefits of gaining a degree. When students apply for college in Year 11 and know they wish to study at university, they are advised to ‘work backwards’ – looking at the university course entry requirements and choosing the appropriate A / T Levels or BTECs accordingly. Recommended websites for research into university include University of Winchester, UCAS and Prospects.
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.
🔥 Join Our Legs, Bums & Tums Class! 🔥
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
Nieve M 7AOR
Irianna K 7AOR
Sebastian B 7PLM/CPE
Erica C 10MJS/JHR
Jake P 7ONL
Nathan J 8KKY
Amelie N 7AOR
Flynn R 7DVA
Matas D 7ESY/AWY
Congratulations to Lizzie R 11JFR, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
