This week has brought exceptionally warm weather, and I would like to take this opportunity to commend all students for the positive and responsible manner in which they have conducted themselves throughout the week. Their cooperation, resilience and consideration for others have been greatly appreciated. Despite the challenging conditions, students have remained focused in lessons and have continued to demonstrate the high standards of behaviour and respect that we value at Mountbatten. Their maturity has helped ensure that the school has continued to run smoothly and safely for everyone.
Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome our new Year 6 students on Wednesday 1 July for their first transition day. This is always a significant milestone in the school calendar and provides an excellent opportunity for students to begin familiarising themselves with the Mountbatten community. We look forward to meeting them, helping them settle in, and giving them a taste of life at The Mountbatten School as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.
Finally, a reminder to parents and carers that Thursday 2 July is an INSET Day. The school will be closed to students on this day.
Thank you for your continued support.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 29 June
Year 10 Geography Fieldwork to Swanage (10B & 10D), 8.40am - 4.30pm
Tuesday 30 June
Year 7 Author Visit - Chris Bradford
Wednesday 1 July
Year 10 Geography Fieldwork to Swanage (10A & 10C), 8.40am - 4.30pm
Thursday 2 July
INSET Day
Duke of Edinburgh Expedition – Year 9 (Bronze)
Friday 3 July
Duke of Edinburgh Expedition – Year 9 (Bronze)
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.
June Heatwave - Update from Headteacher
Thank you for your understanding and support during last week’s partial closure. Although around 18 of our classrooms are air-conditioned, much of our school site dates from the 1970s and is unfortunately not well insulated. In particular, the flat roofs retain and transfer significant heat into classrooms, with temperatures reaching into the 40°C range even without students present.
The forecast for next week is considerably cooler, and we are looking forward to returning to normal routines. We would appreciate your support in helping us restore attendance to the high standards we expect and value.
In terms of uniform, students should return in normal school uniform next week; however, blazers will not be required.
Ellie Reaches the National Final of the Routes into Languages Spelling Bee
We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Ellie, who represented our school at the National Final of the Routes into Languages Spelling Bee in Cambridge on Tuesday 23 June.
Having successfully progressed through the school, regional (held at Southampton University) and national qualifying rounds, Ellie earned her place at the National Final in Cambridge. Reaching this stage meant she ranked among the top 24 competitors in the country from a field of 15,592 students, an exceptional accomplishment that reflects months of dedication, perseverance and hard work.
The National Final brought together the most talented young linguists from across the UK, and Ellie rose to the occasion with confidence and determination. She performed exceptionally throughout the competition and was a fantastic representative of our school, demonstrating both resilience and skill on the national stage.
Throughout the competition, Ellie displayed impressive calmness and composure, maintaining a steady pace and confident manner under pressure. Her success is the result of countless hours of preparation, including practising at home and dedicating break times to perfecting her spelling. Her commitment and enthusiasm for languages have been truly inspiring.
Congratulations, Ellie, on this incredible achievement. Reaching the National Final and competing alongside the very best language spellers in the country is an extraordinary accomplishment and one of which you should be immensely proud. You have been a wonderful ambassador for our school, and we are delighted to celebrate your success. We look forward to seeing what you achieve next!
MFL Department
MFL Stars
Sonner F 7ONL
Adelaide A 7KMN/KRL
Sofia I 8KSH
Jess G 8SGY
Jackson W 9MAZ
Grace K-W 10TLS
Drama Department
Drama Stars
Arianna L 8KKY
Alfie C 8VTE
Anna J 8KSH
Alicja F 8TDN
Digby G 8VTE
Jacob R 9MAZ
Yasmin G 9DCR/JLE
Science Department
Super Scientists
Thomas B 7ILN
Megan S 8SGY
Izzy B 8LAD/DDN
Olivia B 8LAD/DDN
Sophie H 8KKY
Anna J 8KSH
Livia K 8BPY
Jacob P 8OWS
Olivia R 8KKY
Mikhaela V 8KSH
History Department
History Stars
Thomas B 7AOR
Emilia J 7DVA
Poppy O'S 7ILN
Wynne G 8OWS
Lexi G 9ADY
Kate B 9JWS
Erin M 9LHG
Josh D-G 9ERL
Daniel S 10DDY
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.
Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 July: Peter Symonds College
Year 11 BAE Systems
We understand that some young women feel uncertain about the potential transition from education into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, engineering arts and maths) industry training and employment.
Our annual Headway Programme gives young women entering academic years 11 and 13 in September 2026 the opportunity to:
Learn about BAE Systems
Meet and shadow our female staff
Explore engineering and business services apprenticeship programmes, starting September 2027
Taking place over six sessions from September to November 2026, students will be matched with a BAE Systems mentor and visit Portsmouth Naval Base. There will be opportunities to meet current BAE Systems apprentices, who will provide insights into their role and share their experience.
We’ll offer some guidance on how to apply for our apprenticeship programmes, open for application from January to February 2027, starting in September 2027.
Programme dates and times are:
Thursday 17 September, 5.00pm – 6.00pm, Virtual (joining instructions and links will be provided)
Thursday 24 September, 4.00pm – 6.00pm, Portsmouth Naval Base
Thursday 8 October, 4.00pm – 6.00pm, Portsmouth Naval Base
Thursday 22 October, 4.00pm – 6.00pm, Portsmouth Naval Base
Thursday 29 October (half-term), 10.00am – 3.00pm, Portsmouth Naval Base
Tuesday 3 November, 5.45pm – 7.00, Portsmouth Naval Base (attendance at BAE Systems Apprentice Open Evening event)
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.
Looking for a fun, active, and engaging way to keep your children entertained during the school holidays? Our Holiday Camps are packed with exciting activities, games, sports, and opportunities to make new friends in a safe and supportive environment.
Spaces are expected to fill quickly, so don't miss out – secure your child's place today and give them a holiday full of fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories!
Our HAF funded places are available from 9.00am Monday 22 June and you can register your interest for these here.
Adult Fitness Classes
Looking to improve your fitness, boost your wellbeing or simply try something new? Our popular Adult Fitness Classes are open to everyone, regardless of age, experience or fitness level.
Ellie Reaches the National Final of the Routes into Languages Spelling Bee
Sonner F 7ONL
Arianna L 8KKY
Thomas B 7ILN
Thomas B 7AOR
