Newsletters

14 March 2025 

Weekly Updates from the Headteacher

The spectacular lunar eclipse this morning was a wonderful way to end the week! 

This week, we have had a number of visitors to the school, including The Riot Act road safety team who gave presentations to Year 9, our local police force's education team discussing anti-social behaviour with Year 7 groups, and the Royal Navy workshops that Year 10 attended in the later part of the week. You can read more about all of these activities below. 

I am pleased with the feedback that we have received regarding our newly revamped SEND department, which is having a positive impact on the lives of our children.  

Please can I draw to your attention a national survey which was launched this week by the government, looking at the challenges and priorities of young people aged 10-21 (or up to 25 for SEND). The results of the survey will inform a new 10-year National Youth Strategy to tackle the challenges for this generation and ensure every young person can thrive. Please share the link to the survey with your child: National Youth Survey

I hope everyone has a great weekend. 

Kam Bains
Headteacher

Creative Landscapes Exhibition

Last November, Year 10 Photography Students collaborated with photographer Trudie Wilson, seeing them take a range of photos inspired by our local Coastline. Some of the students' work was chosen to be part of a wider exhibition which is now up and running at Newport Minster until 28 March. Please go along to see their wonderful work on display.

The Minster is open from 10am – 1pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 10am – 4pm on Tuesday. It is also open on occasional Saturday mornings. 

Royal Navy Visit to Year 10

Year 10 had the opportunity to learn all about the Royal Navy on Thursday and take part in a team-building activities workshop.

Following an informative assembly about the benefits of the Navy and the extensive career opportunities it offers, students went to the sports hall in groups. They completed some ice breaker activities then went on to the main task, building a 6ft tall, free-standing windmill with turning blades.

The students all had great fun and the team from the Royal Navy commented on the excellent behaviour and engagement from the students. 

Hampshire Police Education Programme Visits

Year 7 - Have received sessions from Hampshire Police on the topic of anti-social behaviour. Students were able to learn about a range of behaviours / actions that are considered antisocial and other dangerous activities that could lead to antisocial behaviour. The students were well engaged throughout and were able to give some good ideas about what can lead to antisocial behaviour and problems associated with it beyond those in the presentation such as peer pressure. It was a powerful experience for the students to give examples of things they had experienced or heard of in their communities and to reflect on how those involved directly and indirectly were affected. The police also went through the serious potential consequences of engaging in antisocial behaviour and the criminality of some actions.

Year 9 - Have all attended a session focusing on harassment, stalking and acceptable behaviour in relationships. Students explored a case study which considered the perspectives of two individuals, based around harmful and inappropriate behaviours in person and online. The sessions, led by the Police, provided thought-provoking discussions and helped challenge misconceptions around stalking and harmful behaviour. We were incredibly proud of the year group for their mature and thoughtful approach to a sensitive topic.

Apprenticeships Presentation

Year 10 had a presentation last Friday about understanding apprenticeships as part of National Careers Week through the ASK programme.

The talk explored what an apprenticeship is and the various levels which are available. The vast range of careers and employers who offer apprenticeships were also highlighted.

Riot Act - Road and Rail Safety

On Monday, Year 9 and 10 attended a workshop led by the Theatre Company, Riot Act. Their production highlighted the different areas of responsibility for drivers, passengers and pedestrians, and how judgements can be impaired through phone use and not concentrating. They focused on:

• Promoting safe and responsible behaviour on public transport
• The risks distractions pose to our safety when around roads and public transport.
• How impulsive behaviour and peer influence can negatively impact our safety.
• The consequences on individuals, families and wider community following an RTC or injury near railway lines.
• How trespassing on railway lines can result in serious and potentially life-changing consequences.

Student Success

Year 8 student, Megan, has had a great start to her 2025 gymnastics competition season. She achieved the following results at her first competition of the year:

Bars - 2nd

Beam - 2nd

Vault - 2nd

Range & Conditioning - 1st

Floor - 1st

Overall in her age group - 1st

and

Overall Development grade 4 Champion for Hampshire - 1st

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