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Weekly Updates from Medina College - 3 July 2026

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3 July 2026

Weekly Updates from the Leadership Team

Welcome to the newsletter for this week. 

Thank you for your support last week; we are very pleased to be back in a routine this week.

We would like to start by celebrating our Year 11 students, who were fantastic ambassadors for us and themselves yesterday evening at their Prom, held at Albert Cottage. They presented themselves as the developing young adults  they are becoming. A huge thank you to Mrs Bristow for arranging the event. We know that the students very much appreciated the time and effort that was put into the planning and this will be one of their lifetime memories. 

This week, over 50 of our students took part in a fantastic STEM event provided by the 1851 Trust and hosted at Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre in Portsmouth. It was such a pleasure to see our students embracing the opportunity and learning through such real-life experiences. There is a full write-up on our website. 

This week Year 10 have continued to take part in their trial exams, giving them the vitally important experience ahead of their Year 11 journey starting in September. The outcome of these trials exams will be a key indicator of their focus areas for next year. They also had the fantastic opportunity to take part in a 'Taster Day' at our post 16 provision, The Island VI Form. They fully embraced the programme on offer and were a credit to themselves and to us. 

Next week we look forward to welcoming our new Year 6 into 7 students to our  school community. We have a lovely day planned for them so that they start to feel their journey of belonging. 

Next week, Monday will remain the 2–1–2 lesson layout we have now due to trial exams. Then, from Tuesday through to the end of term, we will revert to the original 2–2–1 layout, apart from Sports Day, which will be 2–1–2. As you are aware, this does not change the start and end times of the school day, just the period 3 and break 2 time. The students have adapted to the changes as necessary and this is being shared with them today so that they are aware of this ahead of the weekend. 

As a reminder, next Wednesday (8 July) is Development Day. Staff will be in school taking part in professional development and looking ahead to ensuring appropriate plans are ready for the start of next academic year. 

Next week we also look forward to celebrating 50 years of 'Medina'. Please see full details later in the newsletter.

If you are interested in the next England football match, then we hope you enjoy it. We look forward to seeing all students on time and ready to learn on Monday morning, with an exciting three weeks ahead.

Mrs Paul, Mrs Mursell and Mrs Sandiford

Executive Headteacher and Co-Heads of School

First Tech Robotics Challenge at BAE Systems – the finals!

On Thursday 11 June, Medina College, along with several other schools, attended the finals of the First Tech Robotics Challenge at BAE Systems. This was the first time it had been held on the Isle of Wight. After months of planning, building, coding and refining, Medina Mekanix were ready for competition.
The competition first consisted of 5 qualifying rounds, in Team Alliances. We comfortably won, gaining the 'Finalist Alliance - Captain' award, and proceeded through to the finals. The finals were a three-match shoot-out, again in teams of two. Medina chose Lionheart for their Alliance, whilst St. Catherine's, the other finalist, chose Carisbrooke. It came down to a very tense final match, where, unfortunately, the Medina alliance lost by one point.
Despite this minor disappointment, the team were incredibly upbeat about the whole experience, but there was one last final surprise for them. Medina Mekanix won the final and biggest award of the day, the 'Inspire Award'. This was awarded to the team who excelled in all areas of the competition; machine and technical, team attributes, and an overall consistent performance. The Inspire award was awarded by the judging panel from First Tech robotics.
Huge thanks go to Miss Whitchurch for organising the whole experience, Mr Gray for supporting the whole team with building and coding, Kevin (Software Engineer) and David (Mechanical Engineer) from BAE Systems, who supported the club for every after-school session. Huge congratulations to every student member of the team. You were all outstanding ambassadors for our school and we are so proud! 


 

STEM - 1851 Trust

Students recently enjoyed an exciting and inspiring visit to the Andrew Simpson Centre in Portsmouth as part of a programme delivered in partnership with the 1851 Trust. The day provided a unique opportunity to explore the world of sailing while developing valuable teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Throughout the visit, students took part in a range of engaging, hands-on activities. They designed and built their own sails before testing their performance in a wind tunnel, learning how different shapes and designs affect speed and efficiency. The challenge encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and an understanding of the science and engineering behind competitive sailing.

Students also participated in a series of speed interviews with professionals currently working within the sailing industry. These conversations gave them valuable insights into the wide variety of careers available, from engineering and boat design to event management, marine science, coaching, and professional sailing. The sessions highlighted the diverse skills and qualifications needed to succeed within the sector.

One of the highlights of the day was taking to the water with professional sailing instructors. Students learnt the fundamentals of sailing, including how to rig a boat, hoist the mainsail, steer, trim the sails to make the best use of the wind, and work together as a crew. Under expert guidance, they developed confidence on the water while experiencing the excitement of controlling a sailing boat in real conditions. They also gained an appreciation of essential sailing techniques, teamwork, communication, and water safety.

The visit was an inspiring experience that combined science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with practical outdoor learning. Students left with a greater understanding of sailing, increased confidence, and a new appreciation for the wide range of opportunities available within the maritime industry.

 

 Year 10 Taster Day at the Island VI form!

This week, our Year 10 students attended a fantastic Taster Day at the Island VI form.
They had the opportunity to showcase the exact maturity, focus, and independence they will need as they head into Year 11.
It was incredible to witness our pupils truly shine in such an empowering environment.
They eagerly explored a massive breadth of new subjects and displayed enthusiasm and confidence.
From earning high praise for collaborating brilliantly during a practical science experiment to discovering exciting post-16 ambitions in fields like Psychology, a real buzz of future potential was felt by everyone.
Thank you to the Island 6th form for hosting such an inspiring and well-organised day.

 

Year 11 Prom

A full report will be shared next week and a link to the photographer's gallery will be shared with Year 11 parents as soon as we receive it. 

 

Interschool show jumping event

On Friday 26 June, two Medina students braved the Godshill microclimate (which turned out to be fresh and cool unlike the rest of the Island) to compete in the Inter schools show jumping event.

Jasmine and Freya did well and secured 3rd and 4th place for Medina college. 

It was a great event and these girls did us proud!

Celebrating 50 Years of Medina 

 2026 marks 50 years since Medina High School first opened in 1976. To celebrate this anniversary, former student Jon Goldsmith is organising a reunion weekend, bringing together former students and members of staff from across the decades to reconnect, share memories and celebrate everything that has made Medina such a special part of the Island community.

The reunion evening will take place on Saturday 11 July 2026 at GG's Bar & Restaurant, Newport, with an evening of music, food, conversation and fundraising for charity. Everyone who has attended or worked at Medina High School/Medina College is warmly invited to take part.

 Medina College will also be opening its doors to former students and staff, giving visitors the opportunity to look around the school, revisit familiar places and see how the site has evolved over the years. We are delighted to welcome visitors to the school during the evening on Friday 10 July and the morning on Saturday 11 July.

 Over the years, Medina has played an important role in the lives of thousands of young people, creating lifelong friendships and lasting memories. We hope this anniversary provides a wonderful opportunity for our former students and colleagues to come together and celebrate the school's rich history.

If you would like to find out more or register your interest in attending, please contact organiser Jon Goldsmith via Facebook, email jgpompey@yahoo.co.uk or call 07876 758790.

We look forward to seeing members of the Medina family celebrating this landmark anniversary together.

 

Float to Live; message from the RNLI

For full details please visit their website here.

 A message from our Isle of Wight School Aged Immunisation Team

 

Dates for your diary

Year 10 Trial Exams
All Day
03
July
Year 10 Trial Exams
All Day
06
July
Year 6 to 7 Transition Evening
6:00pm – 7:00pm
06
July
Year 6 to 7 Transition Day
All Day
07
July
Development Day School Closed
All Day
08
July

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If a student is unable to attend the school for any reason or has an appointment then you can register this using the Arbor App links below.  You are also able to contact the school using the Attendance line on 01983 538055

Try using the Arbor Parent App available on the following links ANDROID or APPLE with Guidance on use HERE
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