This week I have had the pleasure of leading assemblies. I took the opportunity to talk to students about Leadership. Leaders come in many different forms and all of our students have the potential to lead. One excellent way to show and develop Leadership skills is to join The School Council.
The School Council is designed to give students the opportunity to shape school decision making and to learn about democratic processes. It is important that all students know that their voice matters. We welcome all student opinions on matters that affect their experience of school.
Last year, The School Council:
Played an important role in the selection process for our new Headteacher.
Debated issues of school uniform in the face of climate change. As a direct result, the school introduced the option to wear shorts for all students.
Requested epraise points be linked to tangible rewards. This has been agreed by SLT and will be introduced this year.
We are looking forward to a new year of School Council activity. If any student wants to contribute to the debate, they should attend our meeting next week. Details will be shared via tutors.
Click here to see what's on next week:
Monday 12 October
Nothing advised
Tuesday 13 October
Nothing advised
Wednesday 14 October
Autumn Concert at Romsey Abbey. Rehearsals during the school day. Concert is 7.00pm - approx. 9.30pm
Thursday 15 October
LA Trip departs
Barcelona Trip departs
Friday 16 October
The Gambia Trip departs
INSET Days for 2026/27
Monday 19 October 2026*
Tuesday 20 October 2026*
Wednesday 21 October 2026*
Friday 12 February 2027
Friday 2 July 2027
*adjoining October half-term
Every effort is made to ensure these dates are accurate. There are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.
Year 11 Parents’ Evening – Apology and Rescheduling
We are very sorry for the disruption caused by the failure of the online booking system on Thursday 8 October, which meant that we had to cancel the Year 11 Parents’ Evening.
We appreciate how frustrating and disappointing this will have been for parents and carers who had set aside time for appointments, as well as for our staff. Although some parents and teachers were able to log in, by 4.30pm it had become clear that the system was causing considerable frustration.
Despite contacting the company responsible for providing the booking system, we were unable to obtain sufficient assurance that the service would become reliable enough for the evening to continue. We therefore took the decision to cancel rather than risk further disruption.
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused. We will notify parents and carers as soon as the rescheduled date has been confirmed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Mr Cox - Headteacher
Parking, Drop Off and Pick Up
I have been asked by local residents to ask parents to be a little more considerate when dropping off and picking up students.
Please:
Park safely and considerately, without obstructing driveways
Avoid using private residential roads
Ensure sufficient space remains for emergency vehicles to pass.
Mr Cox - Headteacher
Club Links and Further/Higher Education Evening 2026
Our Community Club Links Evening is back on Thursday 12 November!
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to come and explore Sports Clubs and Physical Activity on their doorstep, and to gather information from community club representatives.
For more information, please click the button below to view the letter. To sign up, either select the link in the letter, or scan the QR code in the flyer.
There will be rehearsals in Romsey Abbey all day on Wednesday 14 October beginning at 9.45am.
Please could as many students as possible make their own way to and from the Abbey. For students unable to make their own way, transport by coach or minibus will be provided; these students should arrive at school at the usual time. Return transport will also be available, returning in time for school buses. Students not requiring transport will be dismissed from Romsey Abbey at 3.10pm.
Students will need to bring a packed lunch or money to buy lunch in Romsey. A packed lunch will be provided for students in receipt of free school meals. Students should bring an umbrella or coat if the weather is wet/cold for the walk to buy lunch and in case we are asked to wait outside the Abbey. Students should wear school uniform during the day and in the evening. No jumpers should be worn at the concert. Female students may wear a skirt or trousers. If wearing a skirt, please wear black tights. Socks should be black.
The concert will begin at 7.00pm; performers will need to arrive no later than 6.40pm. We expect to finish at around 9.30pm. Please arrange for your child’s safe journey home afterwards. If you are not attending the concert, please arrange to meet your child inside the Abbey.
School policy for mobile phones on day trips:
As we are now a Smartphone Free School, students must not bring smartphones on day trips. Students may bring one of the permitted brick phones we allow in school. The trip staff will have access to a school/trip phone which students can use to contact home in an emergency or if the return journey is significantly delayed.
Tickets are available via the button below:Preview
A polite reminder that aerosols are not permitted to be used in school at any time. Please click the button below to view the letter sent to parents in January.
£15.11 per hour including holiday pay
Required from January 2027 onwards
We are seeking to appoint additional exam invigilators to join our current team to assist in the smooth running and security of examinations. Exam session times do vary so flexibility is required and opportunities e...
Congratulations to Jessica B 7ONL, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
Congratulations to Victoria D 11HMS/NKY, who has been selected as 'Chef of the Week'!
Music Department
Percussion Academy Drum Kit Exam
Dylan G 8KMN/KRL has passed Percussion Academy Drum Kit Grade 1 with Distinction.
Walk the Test Way
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.
Medic Mentor - Virtual Work Experience Programme
Exploring a new career path often requires firsthand experience to truly understand it and make informed decisions. To help students interested in medicine or dentistry gain valuable insights, Medic Mentor offers a FREE Virtual Work Experience programme, focusing on a different specialty each month. October sessions are now open, covering General Practice and New Dental Patients.
This programme is proudly brought to you by Birmingham Universities Hospitals Trust in partnership with Medic Mentor and Dental Mentor. It is completely free to join and open to all UK students aged 14 and above who have attended one of our FREE virtual "Get Into" conferences! Please forward this email on to your students and parents/guardians for their information.
Our upcoming Get Into Medicine conferences are:
- Saturday 24 October from 9am - 1.30pm
- Sunday 25 October from 9am - 1.30pm
The Get into Medicine or Get Into Dentistry Conference is a complete guide to the medical or dental application journey. Students get essential insights into the medical/dental UCAS application process (such as the NEW emphasis on extracurricular activities), connect with professionals, fellow students, and gain a deeper understanding of a future career in medicine or dentistry.
During this conference, myself and our team of experienced mentors will guide students through essential topics such as:
Students must have a working camera and microphone for the session. Additionally, a parent or guardian should be present during these conferences to provide valuable insight and guidance, ensuring they can support the student effectively.
Our doctors, dentists and medical/dental students look forward to welcoming students at the conference, and they will join our network of successful students who attended these programmes over the last ten years: https://medicmentor.org/successful-student-journeys-reviews/
Year 11 College Assemblies
This week, we welcomed speakers from South Hampshire College Group, Peter Symonds College and Brockenhurst College.
Our students learned about the wide range of opportunities available at college, including progression routes, the application process and what to expect from college life.
These assemblies gave students a valuable overview of colleges they may not have had the opportunity to visit, helping them explore their options and make informed decisions about their next steps. The information shared will help students prepare for their college application session during Work Enrichment Day, when they will have the opportunity to begin their applications.
Our final college assembly will take place in November, when we will welcome representatives from Sparsholt College.
Work Enrichment Day
What a fantastic day we had during this year’s Work Enrichment Day. With careers firmly in the heart of the day, every year group had a different theme to their day.
Year 7 – People that help us
Students took part in the ‘Step into the NHS’ competition, challenging them to create a job advert for one of the 350 different careers available within the NHS. Healthcare professionals introduced the competition and students had the opportunity to present their work to them. Throughout the day, students also met representatives from the police, ambulance and fire services, with a few sirens going off for added excitement! They explored a variety of careers focused on helping others, completed the Buzz Quiz to discover more about their personalities and identify potential career paths, and finished the day by putting their investigative skills to the test at a crime scene.
Year 8 – Maritime and Law
The day began with an assembly introducing students to the maritime industry and the wide range of careers it offers. Students then took part in a yacht design competition led by James, a designer at Princess Yachts, who shared insights into his role before presenting them with their design brief. They also had the opportunity to learn and practise a few basic knots.
Later in the day, Ciarra, a lawyer at Lester Aldridge specialising in maritime law, introduced students to her role and set them a challenge to uncover a long-lost treasure and use their knowledge of the law to determine who the rightful owner should be.
To round off the day, students took part in taster lessons in subjects they could choose to study for their GCSEs in Year 10, giving them a valuable insight into their future options.
Year 9 – Take your child to work day / Festival Challenge
Students took part in a work shadowing day, gaining valuable insights into the world of work and different career opportunities. Those who remained in school participated in the ‘Festival Challenge’, an enterprise activity designed to develop their creativity and business skills. The challenge was launched by music and festival entrepreneur Josh Robinson, who shared his experiences of the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and offered students valuable advice on how to plan and organise a successful festival.
Year 10 – Work Experience and Post-16 Options
The day began with an assembly to prepare students for their upcoming work experience in March, providing practical advice and guidance on how to find a suitable placement. Students also began developing their personal statements, identifying gaps in their skills and content and recognising areas for further improvement. They explored college courses that matched their interests and future aspirations before taking part in the ‘Real Game’. This activity encouraged students to consider the relationship between household living costs and potential salaries, helping them understand the financial implications of different career choices. It also prompted them to reflect on their personal priorities and consider whether they would prefer a lifestyle with lower living costs or a higher-paying job.
Year 11 – Mock Interviews and life after leaving school
There was a real buzz around school as students took part in mock interviews, gaining valuable experience and the opportunity to practise and develop their interview skills. It was fantastic to see them leave the sessions feeling confident, energised and positive about their future. Later in the day, students began exploring college applications and researching courses that matched their interests and aspirations. They also took part in a lesson focused on college and university finances, looking at the costs associated with each option and the financial support available. In the afternoon, students heard from a range of employers who shared insights into their careers and experiences. The day concluded with an inspiring assembly led by Josh Robinson, who spoke about the importance of resilience, learning from failure and having the confidence to pick yourself up and try again.
Year 11 Football event at Sparsholt College (half-term)
The college is inviting students to take part in an event, which includes an academic presentation, discussing educational courses, followed by a training opportunity & small-sided games. Coaches from both Chelsea football club and Sparsholt will be there on the day. This is a year 11 opportunity for players wishing to consider Sparsholt Sport & Football Academy as an option for September 2027. Please click the links below for the flyers.
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 Dates
Year 7
This term, Year 7 will be looking at how to deal with starting secondary school, dealing with change and how to grow self-confidence. They will also explore how friendships may change, form and develop as well as how communication is a valuable tool to manage friendships. This progresses on to looking at what it means to show empathy, compassion and care. How to have a healthy lifestyle and making good choices regarding diet, energy drinks and other substances is discussed, as well as the importance of good sleep hygiene and links to positive wellbeing.
Year 8
Year 8 start the term by identifying their personal strengths and achievements. They will then explore personal safety and move on to looking at the meaning of discrimination and prejudice, including misogyny and misandry, and what protective characteristics are. October will bring discussions about Black History Month and the impact of stereotypes on individuals and communities. This leads into exploring what healthy relationships look like, how to recognise unhealthy relationships and establishing healthy boundaries and consent.
Year 9
Year 9 will be looking at what a healthy relationship is and how to recognise the features of them. They will explore the meaning of commitment within a range of different relationships and dynamics including exploring families, marriage and changes within relationships and families. Healthy lifestyles, positive mental health and wellbeing and positive self-esteem will be discussed and the impact of the digital world on these factors will finish the term. Students will also participate in an emergency aid workshop.
Year 10
Year 10 will be discussing the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing and the actions that can support this including how to reframe negative thinking and have a mindful outlook. Discussions will then focus on healthy lifestyles and changes that occur during adolescence.
Year 11
Year 11 will be exploring the importance of sleep and managing pressure and emotions, including in exams. This leads into a unit on healthy lifestyles, medical choices, substance abuse and body adjustments. Challenging stereotypes and discussing the changes in the voting system and politics will prepare students for the future as well as a practical workshop in emergency aid to give up to date first aid experience.
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.
Fitness Suite
Our Fitness Suite at The Mountbatten School is the perfect place to get active, build strength and work towards your goals in a welcoming environment. Membership is available from just £14.95 per month, with members also receiving 10% off our fitness classes.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level, join our Fitness Suite today and take the first step towards a healthier, stronger you!
Our Community Club Links Evening is back on Thursday 12 November!
Autumn Concert - Wednesday 14 October 2026
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Phoenix A 7JGN
Esme S 7OWE
Blessing B 7JGN
Jack B 8KMN/KRL
Congratulations to Jessica B 7ONL, who has been selected as 'Designer of the Week'!
