As we come to the end of this term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for your continued support. Working together, we have embedded outstanding behaviour across our school and secured improved attendance. This is something we can all be proud of. Your partnership with the school makes a genuine difference to the daily experiences and outcomes of our youngsters.
Our school is a truly special community, built on a strong sense of belonging, care and mutual respect. This term, that spirit was wonderfully reflected in our first ever whole-year Christmas dinners. Seeing students and staff come together to share a meal was a powerful reminder of a sense of belonging we strive to create for every child.
We are very aware that many in our community have pressures and uncertainty at this time of year. Despite this, our school has come together with compassion, resilience and generosity. Our fundraising for Romsey Young Carers and CRY screening continues. Through the school, many of you have kindly donated to local food banks. The kindness shown to one another, and the pride students take in their school, has been inspiring.
There have been so many great things this term: concerts, trips, residential visits, international visitors to welcome, a record-number of sports fixtures. Thank you to all my wonderful colleagues who make all this possible. Thank you once again to parents, carers, trustees and indeed our whole community for your trust and encouragement throughout the term. We look forward to building on this positive momentum in the new year.
Wishing you and your families a peaceful and Merry Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year.
Click here to see what's on in January:
Monday 5 January
All students return to school at 8.35am
Tuesday 6 January
Nothing advised
Wednesday 7 January
Nothing advised
Thursday 8 January
Year 9 Options Evening in the Olympic Hall, 6.00pm
Friday 9 January
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.
Christmas Dinner Celebrations!
Please click the button below to view some highlights from our wonderful Christmas dinners! A huge thank you to our catering team for all their hard work and for providing such wonderful dinners and puddings!
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.
Uniform Standards – January Return
As we look ahead to the Christmas holidays and the start of the new term in January, we would like to thank parents and carers for your continued support with our school uniform standards. High standards of uniform help foster a sense of pride, belonging and readiness for learning, and we are very proud of how our students represent the school.
As a gentle reminder for the new term:
Coats should be worn when needed; hoodies are not permitted as part of the school uniform.
Shoes – black, polishable, no logos. Business-like shoes with laces.
Hair should be a natural colour, with no extreme styles
Students may wear one gold or silver stud in each ear only (max 5mm diameter). No other piercings/retainers are permitted.
We would be grateful if uniform items could be checked over the holiday period to ensure students return in January ready to start the term positively and confidently.
Thank you, as always, for your support. We wish you and your families a very happy and restful Christmas break.
Reminder: Aerosols
We would like to take this opportunity to remind all students and families about our school policy regarding the use of aerosols on school premises.
As outlined on our school website, aerosols are not permitted to be used in school at any time. This policy is in place to ensure the health and safety of all our students, particularly those who may suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions. The use of aerosols can trigger serious allergic reactions and breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals, which is why we ask for your cooperation in adhering to this rule.
Please note that any aerosols brought into school will beconfiscated, and students will be asked to retrieve them from Reception at the end of the school day. We kindly ask that you speak with your child about this policy to avoid any confusion or disruption to their school day. Roll-on deodorants and water-based sprays are permitted to be used.
We appreciate your understanding and support in helping to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us via info@mountbatten.school.
Music Tuition 2025/26 - Spring Term
We would like to remind you that music tuition fees for the Spring Term 2026 are now due. Please could you check your Scopay account to check the amount and make your payment.
Fees for the Spring term are £98.00, with the exception of piano tuition which is £120.00 (if your child is eligible for Pupil Premium, please be aware that Pupil Premium discounts have been applied to your account).
Congratulations to George H 11COY, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Congratulations to Alex H 10SDN/MRT, who has been selected as 'Chef of the Week'!
Music Department
Percussion Academy Drum Kit Exams
The following students have passed Percussion Academy Drum Kit exams –
Toby L 9LHG - Drum Kit Grade 1 with Distinction
Matthew B 11COY - Drum Kit Grade 5 with Distinction
Carol Service
Congratulations to all of our fabulous musicians who performed so brilliantly in our Carol Service in Romsey Abbey on Tuesday evening. Everyone performed with the utmost professionalism, and you were a credit to the school. Have a wonderful Christmas and a good rest, ready for the next round of concerts and performances in 2026.
From all of us in the Music Team.
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.
🎄Multi-Activity Camp – Starting Monday!🎅
Our popular multi-activity camp starts this Monday, and places are filling fast!
We’ve got lots of exciting activities planned, including laser tag, our giant inflatable obstacle course, baking, arts and crafts, and lots of Christmas fun 🎁✨ There’s something for everyone 🤩
We can’t wait to welcome both familiar faces and new ones for a fun-filled camp experience 🎄🎉
Music Tuition 2025/26 - Spring Term
Ava C 8OWS
Valentina L S 7AGN/BHT
Sophia W 7ILN
Emilia J 7DVA
Maisy M 8VTE
Livia K 8BPY
Congratulations to George H 11COY, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
