This week is National Mental Health Awareness Week. This provides an important opportunity to reflect on how we look after ourselves and one another. One of the great strengths of our school community is the way students look out for one another. Every day we see examples of kindness, empathy and encouragement in classrooms, on the playground and around the school site. Whether helping a younger student find their way, supporting a friend through a difficult moment or celebrating someone else’s success, our students regularly demonstrate the importance of compassion and respect. These qualities matter enormously and we are very proud of the thoughtful and caring way so many of our students conduct themselves.
As adults, we also have an important role to play in modelling positive habits and attitudes. Taking time away from screens, getting outdoors, speaking openly about worries and making time for family and friends are all simple but effective ways to support wellbeing. Life can feel busy for young people and adults alike, and it is important that we all remember the value of balance, rest and human connection.
As we move towards the weekend, I encourage everyone to take opportunities to do something positive for themselves and for others. A walk outdoors, time spent with family, checking in on a friend or simply putting away devices for a while can all have a powerful impact. Looking after our mental health is something we should all prioritise, not just during Mental Health Awareness Week, but throughout the year.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 18 May
Nothing advised
Tuesday 19 May
Media Studies - Year 10 Media Trip to Sky Studios (10D/BCY&KGN), 11.00am - 6.30pm
Wednesday 20 May
Science Department: Year 9 & 10 Italy Trip Departs (returning 24 May)
Thursday 21 May
Year 10 Parents' Evening (Online) 4.15pm - 7.15pm
Friday 22 May
Nothing advised
Half-term: Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May
INSET Days for 2025/26
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.
Contact Details Reminder
If you have moved house recently, please ensure the school has your correct home address and contact details on record. Up-to-date information is important for school communications and emergency contact purposes.
If your address has changed, please email info@mountbatten.school with your updated details. If you have not moved, no action is needed.
Breakfast Club
The school caterers are thrilled to announce the launch of their new Breakfast Club starting on Monday 1 June. They will serve a fantastic range of morning treats and refreshing drinks to help you start your day right.
Breakfast menu will be served from the Deli between 8.00am - 8.30am
Breakfast Food Menu
Whole Fruit: £0.60
Toast & Spread & Jam: £0.80
Yoghurt Pot: £0.85
Apple Turnover: £0.95
1/2 Bagel & Spread & Jam: £1.00
Porridge: £1.00
Sausage Sizzle: £1.00
Cheese Toast: £1.10
Tray Bake / Flapjack: £1.30
Sausage (2pc) / Sausage Bap: £1.40
Waffle: £1.40
Hash Browns: £1.50
Croissant: £1.60
Pain au Chocolat: £1.60
Hot Dog 1/2 Baguette: £2.00
Sausage Roll / Veggie Roll: £2.00
Bacon 1/2 Baguette: £2.20
Bacon Turnover: £2.20
Drinks Selection
Water: £1.00
Rad Tetra (250ml): £1.00
Flavoured Milk: £1.50
🌟 Breakfast Meal Deal – Only £1.65!
Get more for less! Any food item priced under £2.00, combined with a Water, is only £1.65.
Those students in receipt of Free School Meals can use their daily allowance during the breakfast service; however, this will reduce the allowance they have to use during both breaks.
We look forward to seeing you there on 1 June! Catering Team
Have Your Say on School Food Standards
The Government is consulting on proposed updates to the School Food Standards — the rules that govern what your child is served at school — and is inviting parents to share their views.
The proposed changes include reducing sugary desserts, snacks and drinks, increasing fibre through more wholegrains, vegetables, and pulses. For secondary schools, many of these changes would be phased in gradually between September 2027 and September 2028, recognising the realities of grab-and-go culture in secondary settings.
If implemented, your child could see changes such as more wholemeal bread and pasta, vegetables accompanying all main meals, and a more restricted drinks menu.
The consultation is open until 12 June 2026 and is your opportunity to influence how these standards are shaped. To respond, visit the DfE consultations page on GOV.UK or by clicking the button below.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Mountbatten School is seeking a calm, confident and dedicated individual to join our support staff team as a Cover Supervisor. This is a varied and rewarding role that sits at the heart of our school's daily operations, and an excellent opportunity to gain meaningful experi...
Required from September 2026 or earlier
Are you a dynamic, passionate musician ready to make a real impact? Join one of the region’s most vibrant and successful Music departments and become part of a school where creativity thrives and Music truly takes centre stage.
Approximately 130 students across Years 7 and 8 participated in the Junior Maths Challenge run by the UK Maths Trust on Wednesday 29 April. The Junior Maths Challenge is a 60 minute, 25 multiple-choice question challenge. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency to make students think.
Students all showed superb effort and 35 students gained the bronze award, 25 achieved the silver award and 11 students scored enough marks to receive the gold award. Six students qualified for the Junior Kangaroo follow-on round: Emily W 8OWS, Emma L 8KKY, River M-J 8HSN, Aniya S 8OWS, Mati K 8OWS and George H 8VTE. One year 8 student did incredibly well and has qualified for the Junior Mathematical Olympiad - well done Digby G 8VTE!
English Department
English Stars
Jack C-R 7DMS
Daniel D 7PLM/CPE
Molly P 8BPY
Daisy R 8HGR
Ethan H 9RCS
Arla D 9MAZ
Harry W 10DDY
Joel F 10CBN
Connor B 11COY
Liah D-T 11COY
MFL Department
MFL Stars
Arianna H 7DMS
Alexa M 7PLM/CPE
Jess G 8SGY
Arty W 8HSN
Kacy S 9JWS
Alice T 9JAD
Stanley G 10HMS/NKY
Chloe M 10PSN
Tom S 11RLE
Oliver N 11JGO/EPK
Science Department
Super Scientists
Saifan A 7ILN
Alexander S 7ILN
Thomas B 7ILN
Ben P 7ILN
Florence C 8HSN
Elsie W 8KSH
Ellis S 9JAD
Tristan B 10DDY
Alejandro C 10DDY
Matthew S 10DDY
Design Technology Department
DT Stars
Congratulations to Lydia B 9JAD, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Congratulations to Charlotte H 9JAD, who has been selected as 'Chef of the Week'!
Music Department
Percussion Academy Drum Kit
Oliver D 9JWS has passed Percussion Academy Drum Kit Grade 7 with Merit
Trinity College Exams
Emily N 10BCY has passed Trinity College Flute Grade 5 with Merit
Emily N 10BCY has passed Trinity College Saxophone Grade 5 with Distinction
ABRSM Music Theory
George H 8VTE has passed ABRSM Music Theory Grade 4 with Distinction
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 9 Ready Steady Cook with the Royal Navy
Royal Navy chefs swapped the galley for the classroom when they visited the school for an exciting “Ready Steady Cook” session and careers talk.
Students were given the chance to work alongside professional chefs from the Royal Navy, learning valuable cooking skills, teamwork and the importance of organisation in a busy kitchen environment. As well as the practical cooking activities, the visitors delivered an informative careers talk about opportunities within the Royal Navy. Students learnt about the variety of careers available, from catering and hospitality to engineering, logistics and leadership roles. The chefs spoke about their own experiences travelling the world, working as part of a team and developing skills that can be used both in and outside the Navy.
Year 9 & 10 Future Skills Programme – Careers in STEM
EDT offers an exciting programme in May half-term for students who are interested in a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths). The course is suitable for all abilities and upon completion, students will graduate as Bronze-level Industrial Cadets which they can use as evidence in their personal statements to support future applications.
The course will include a series of live sessions:
Live Q&A sessions with STEM professionals in four key STEM areas Net Zero futures, Digital AI futures, Health and Life Sciences futures and Engineering, Infrastructure and Manufacturing futures.
A session with early careers professionals on how to make successful applications including how to showcase their skills on their CV, applications and interviews.
Hear from apprentices and universities about opportunities available in STEM in interactive panel Q&A sessions.
A session with early careers professionals on how to succeed in the workplace including how to ask questions, networking and writing professional emails.
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 Summer Term Dates
Year 7
This term Year 7 will be exploring what living in a diverse society means and celebrating differences, whether those differences are cultural, ethnic, religious, or personal. They will learn that positive relationships are based on respect, communication, empathy, and support, and they help us build a sense of community. We will explore how to challenge prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination and consider that the media often presents stereotypes that can shape our perceptions, but we can actively challenge and question these portrayals to promote a more inclusive society. Relationships and safety are about building healthy connections with others, making responsible decisions, and taking care of yourself and others. In relationships, it's important to demonstrate respect, communication, and empathy. Year 7 end the term looking at the management of their own and others’ safety, both in real life and online, considering how to make informed choices, recognise risks, and knowing when to seek help.
Year 8
Year 8 will consider the different types of friendships and relationships, including romantic relationships. It's important to learn about contraception and safe practices in an age-appropriate setting, as well as how to form and maintain healthy relationships based on respect and mutual care. Year 8 will explore how to manage emotions, develop self-worth, and identify positive social norms to help build confidence and navigate the challenges of adolescence. Towards the end of the term, Year 8 will develop their understanding of how drugs can affect their health and wellbeing. Whether it’s understanding the risks of alcohol, tobacco, or e-cigarettes, or learning how to manage peer pressure, they will learn how to make informed and healthy decisions. They will explore how substances like energy drinks and medication can impact your physical and mental health. By developing a sense of self-awareness and understanding, they can make choices that promote a healthy lifestyle, respect for others, and a positive approach to wellbeing.
Year 9
In Year 9, students will learn about the risks of addiction and dependence related to substances like drugs, vaping, and gambling. Understanding the legal and health consequences of these behaviours is essential for making informed choices. They will also explore and consider the risk of developing unhealthy habits and how to manage influences, both online and offline. By developing positive social norms and attitudes, they can make healthier decisions for themselves and support others in doing the same. They will finish the term by exploring the dangers of gang involvement, knife crime, and the concept of ‘groupthink.’ Understanding how group pressures can influence decisions, and how to assess risks in different situations, is key to staying safe. They will learn about the legal and physical consequences of carrying a knife, the risks of getting involved with gangs, and how to resist negative influences.
Year 10
Year 10 will consider the influence of role models and the impact of the media on perceptions of gangs and risky behaviours. They will understand how to evaluate the impact of role models, manage peer pressure, and make independent decisions in increasingly complex social situations. They will look at how to recognise and respond to pressure, coercion, and exploitation, and how to access appropriate support when needed. Students will go on to explore the complexities of healthy relationships, including understanding and challenging assumptions and misconceptions about sex and relationships. They will learn how to navigate media influences, understand the importance of consent, and develop strategies to handle unwanted attention or harassment. Communication skills, including assertiveness, setting boundaries, and managing relationships online, will be key focus areas. This knowledge will help students build healthy, respectful, and mutually fulfilling relationships based on clear communication and shared values.
Year 11
Students complete their RSHE program this term ahead of their exams after they spend some time reflecting on their RSHE journey throughout their time at Mountbatten from Year 7 to Year 11. They will discuss some sensitive topics around pregnancy, miscarriage and abortion as well as positive relationships and consent. We hope that our RSHE curriculum will help our students stay healthy and happy during and long after their exams. They will then spend some time refining their revision skills and independent organisational skills.
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 Fitness Suite
Start your summer stronger, fitter and more active.
With flexible, no-contract memberships from just £14.95 a month, we’ve got everything you need to reach your fitness goals - from a wide range of cardio equipment to our free weights area.
Plus, all members enjoy 10% off fitness classes and personal training sessions too!
Sign up via the button below and enjoy zero joining fee for a limited time.
Personal Best offers adult art classes in a calm and welcoming environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced artist, our classes are designed for everyone aged 18+.
We currently offer Art & Design every Wednesday during term time (7pm – 9pm) and Painting for Pleasure every Thursday during term time (10am – 12.30pm)
Your Sports Education – Youth Impact (Year 11)
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Nick C 8HGR
Jack C-R 7DMS
Arianna H 7DMS
Saifan A 7ILN
Congratulations to Lydia B 9JAD, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
