Oracy - Voice 21 Challenge

Oracy at The Polygon

As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting Oracy at The Polygon, we have signed up to the Autumn Voice 21 Challenge.

Our first challenge was to “Talk to Entertain” encouraging students to use their voices to make their audience laugh, smile, or enjoy a story.

KS3 students took part in a range of fun and expressive activities during their Oracy lessons, including:

🎤 Telling jokes
📖 Reading poetry
🎶 Singing
🎧 Rapping
🎭 Role play
🌟 Drama performances

It was fantastic to see students gaining confidence, using expression, and having fun while speaking and performing in front of others.

Well done to all the students who have received Headteacher’s Awards this half term for their exceptional performances and commitment to developing their Oracy skills.

3JG have been particularly inspired by the Voice 21 Challenge. After reading Beowulf in their Oracy lessons, one pupil was so motivated that they borrowed a copy of the book to take home and returned with a play they had written for the whole class to perform!

The class are now busy preparing for their performance, with Mrs Foster taking on the exciting role of Grendel’s Mother. Watch out in Autumn 2 for their dramatic debut!

We’re also delighted to announce that our Singing Club now runs on Monday breaktimes! Another brilliant opportunity for students to find their voice and perform!

 

VAWG Film Screening

 

It's finally time! 

We are all so proud of this collaboration. Enjoy the photos from the night and read our press release detailing the project! 

A unique collaboration between local schools, Hampshire charity Yellow Door, and a researcher from Southampton Solent University has produced a powerful short film exploring the issue of sexual harassment.

In November 2024, The Polygon School and Yellow Door - a charity focused on preventing and responding to domestic and sexual abuse – attended an event together showcasing *Screening Sexual Violence, a web resource developed as part of a British Academy-funded research project led by Dr Donna Peberdy, Associate Professor at Solent University. The project examines how film can be used as a tool for education, awareness, and social change.

Inspired by both the resource and a talk from Dr Peberdy, Chloe Foster (The Polygon School) and Wayne K (Yellow Door), who were working on a collaborative project together exploring violence against women and girls (VAWG), expressed a desire to create their own film with students at The Polygon School - wanting to show how they could be part of the solution, not just seen as the problem.

Dr Peberdy was invited by Yellow Door to collaborate on the film as part of a broader prevention and early intervention initiative, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The project was supported by Solent University through expert staff, students and the use of its professional film and television facilities.

As a former public information filmmaker, Wayne K. , Independent Sexual Violence Adviser and Young Person’s Advocate at Yellow Door, recognised the power of film to communicate complex issues. He says:

“This impactful work would not have come together without this wonderful collaboration and everyone’s passion to give young people a voice. It is an experience these young people will never forget. They should be extremely proud of what they have achieved – knowing that their work will help others while learning some fantastic new skills. This short film was truly created by young people for their peers.” 

Working with boys aged 12–16 at The Polygon School, Dr Peberdy was joined by MA Film Production student Fergus Mclean and PhD Art in Education student Emma Morrissey. Together, the Solent team ran creative workshops to explore the students’ ideas and help them shape the narrative. The students developed the concept and story and were later invited, along with their teacher and a representative from Yellow Door to Solent University’s state-of-the-art studios for a script read-through.

Chloe Foster, teacher and Head of PSHE at The Polygon School, is incredibly proud of what the young people achieved through the project and recognises the power of schools collaborating with local organisations such as Yellow Door and Solent University. She says:

“This project began, quite humbly, in a coffee shop in Portswood back in July 2024 – a charity and a school coming together to explore creative ways to support young people in navigating complex conversations about VAWG, and how to approach these issues meaningfully in schools. I am extremely proud of the project we designed together, the journey our students have been on, and the incredible experiences they’ve had through this unique collaboration. I believe this film represents a valuable resource for schools to use within PSHE lessons, created by students to inspire and educate their peers. Donna and Solent University have been absolutely incredible. From empowering students, to shaping scripts, to handing over real tech and trusting our young people to use it – they didn’t just help us make a film. They helped young people find their voice.”

The resulting film, Now Your Turn, was shot over the summer, with students from both The Polygon School and Crestwood Community School taking on acting and filmmaking roles. Director Fergus says:

“There is a unique magic to a film set, amongst the logistical challenges, that brings a strong sense of unity to a group of people. Watching the boys develop - from averted eye contact and nervous laughter to genuine sincerity and important conversation through the journey of a shoot day - has been hugely gratifying.”

On Thursday 23 October, the University rolled out the red carpet for a special screening of the film to celebrate the students’ achievements. Alongside families and teachers, organisations from across the region attended the packed event - with many requesting copies of the film and expressing interest in collaborating with the University on similar initiatives.

Dr Donna Peberdy says:

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction to both the film and the wider Screening Sexual Violence project. It’s a reminder of why applied research and creativity matters in education. It’s not just about teaching facts or ticking boxes – it’s about giving young people a voice, a platform, and a chance to shape the narrative. That’s what makes this work so powerful.”

“This isn’t just a short film – it’s the result of a process that empowered young people, sparked meaningful conversations, and showed that boys can be part of the solution, not just the problem. That was their aim from the start: to make a film with the message that boys can help end violence against women and girls.”

Now Your Turn will be free to watch on the Screening Sexual Violence resource soon. Register to receive an alert when it becomes available.

About the Resource

*Screening Sexual Violence is an innovative online educational platform created in association with the 16 Days 16 Films festival and NGO. It features a curated selection of award-winning short films by female filmmakers from around the world – including many not previously available to the public. Each film is supported by research-informed resources, including filmmaker interviews, key discussion themes, and adaptable educational materials designed to inspire, support and inform meaningful conversations about sexual violence.

Black History Month 2025

Black History Month at The Polygon School 2025

Every October, The Polygon School proudly celebrates Black History Month, a time to recognise and honour the history, contributions, and achievements of Black people across the world. Black History Month has been celebrated in the UK since 1987.

The theme for this year, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” highlights the remarkable impact of Black leaders, activists, and pioneers whose achievements have helped shape history. It also encourages us to look ahead to a future built on empowerment, unity, and progress.

Throughout October, our assemblies have focused on learning about heroes of service and powerful voices of activism. We discovered the stories of Ulric Cross, John Simmonds, and Arthur Roberts, whose service in the British Armed Forces made lasting contributions to the nation. We also explored the work of influential Black activists and leaders who have championed social justice and civil rights.

Miss Thomas led an inspiring assembly that combined the arts with Black History Month, exploring the vibrant traditions of the Notting Hill Carnival. In our Oracy lessons, students studied poetry by Benjamin Zephaniah and took part in expressive reading for our Oracy 21 “To Entertain” challenge, celebrating creativity and spoken word performance. In Year 7 English, students have been developing their diary writing skills by writing from the perspective of Rosa Parks. This activity encouraged empathy, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the courage and conviction that defined Parks’ role in the civil rights movement.

This month has been a time for reflection, pride, and celebration, honouring the past, empowering the present, and inspiring the future.

Celebration of our work this month in our PSHE classroom

Year 7 diary writing 

There is still time to check out our recommended reads in the library and PSHE classroom. 

KS3 performing their poetry challenge

 

Oracy - Voice 21 Challenge

What is Oracy?

Oracy is the ability to express yourself clearly and confidently through spoken language, as well as to listen and respond effectively to others.

Why is this important for students at The Polygon?

Oracy is hugely important for secondary school students, it’s not just about speaking well, but about learning, confidence, and connection. Here are some key reasons why:

🎯 1. Supports learning across all subjects

Talking helps students think through ideas, clarify understanding, and retain knowledge. When students explain a concept out loud or discuss it with peers, they process it more deeply than when they just read or write about it.

💬 2. Builds communication and confidence

Secondary school is a time when young people are finding their voices. Oracy gives them structured ways to speak confidently, listen actively, and express opinions respectfully. These are vital skills for interviews, presentations, and future workplaces.

🤝 3. Strengthens teamwork and collaboration

Through group discussions and projects, students learn to negotiate, share ideas, and support others. These are all essential for effective teamwork in school and beyond.

🧠 4. Develops critical thinking

Speaking and listening tasks encourage students to question, evaluate evidence, and build arguments. This helps them think independently and engage thoughtfully with different perspectives.

🌍 5. Promotes inclusion and equality

When every student is encouraged to speak and be heard, it gives all voices value, not just the loudest ones. This helps create a respectful, inclusive classroom culture.

💼 6. Prepares students for the future

Strong oracy skills are key for success in further education, employment, and leadership. Being able to speak clearly and listen well are among the most sought-after skills by employers today.

Voice 21 Challenge

Voice 21 is the national charity that supports schools to build speaking and listening into the curriculum, teaching and learning and wider school life.

This year’s challenge theme is 'The Time for Oracy is Now'. 

During the Autumn Term at The Polygon we are exploring how to use our oracy skills in different ways, depending on the situation. 

Polygon students will complete a series of challenges requiring them to use their oracy skills for different purposes. 

Look out for blogs conveying our progress:

TALK TO ENTERTAIN – make your audience laugh or enjoy your story.

TALK TO EXPLORE – ask questions, share opinions, and discover ideas together.

TALK TO ENQUIRE – ask questions to find out information. 

TALK TO PERSUADE – explain your ideas and give reasons so others might agree with you.

TALK TO INSTRUCT – explain something clearly so others can follow your directions.

PSHE at The Polygon in partnership with local services

KS4 students have started the new school year by researching the fantastic local and national services available to support their health and wellbeing.

We are proud to work in partnership with a range of amazing charities and organisations across Southampton, helping our students to become familiar with the support available and confident in accessing these services if they ever need them.

This Autumn in school look out for :

Wayne K from Yellow Door - To discuss the completion of KS4's VAWG project

Rita Slevin Oral Health Educator - Working with KS3 to discuss their Oral Health KS4 will be working with Rita in January 2026 

Paul Richards Hampshire Police - Working with KS4 on a series of lessons including Knife Crime, emergency first aid, stop and search and County Lines. 

Saints Foundation representatives in throughout the year!

Year 7 Resilience and Teamwork Challenge

It has been fantastic to see Year 7 settle into their new routines and actively participate in lessons focused on building resilience and teamwork skills.

They have been using their oracy skills to take on leadership roles and support their peers during the challenges!

Well done, Year 7!

Year 7 English

 Diary Entries

For their first half-term at Polygon, in English, the year 7's have learnt what a diary entry is, how to write one and explored a part of history at the same time. The Students have spent time looking at the lives of two historically significant people (Anne Frank and Rosa Parks), as well as the historical event of the Moon landing. They researched these peoples lives and then wrote diary entries from different perspectives exploring emotions, thoughts, and how time has changed. The students have had an amazing start to their secondary English journeys and should be proud of themselves. Keep up the amazing work!

3GR 'Reflecting light' in KS3 science

 Reflecting Light

External Provider: Forest Schools

Every Thursday, a group of the pupils on the Engagement Pathways take part in a Bushcraft, an alternative provision ran by John from Youth Options at Itchen Valley Country Park.  

The boys learn to chop wood, build a fire and cook a variety of things each week including fried chicken, noodles, burgers, curry and rice, chilli and rice, sausages, fried doughnuts, pancakes, popcorn and marshmallows.

The boys get the opportunity to explore the outdoors in a way they wouldn't usually, and learn from professionals who are passionate about this too!

We❤️Finn

 This is an appreciation post for our amazing school dog, Finn. He really is a massive part of the school and all of the boys and staff love him. Thanks for being there for us all Finn!

A Lesson With Spencer!

 Last week one of our pupils took over the lesson and taught the group about bread (the Spencer way!).

We particularly liked that he had a learning objective and was discussing bread making whilst inputting on the smart board. Thanks for the lesson Spencer!

Saints Foundation Careers Day

 Saints Foundation Careers Day

4PR were invited to attend St Mary's Stadium this week to take part in the Saints Foundation Careers Day. While there the pupils took part in sessions around 'Dressing for an Interview', 'Setting a hospitality table' and 'Interview Practice Skills'. They also had the chance to have a dressing room tour and go pitch side as well as visit the control booth and see how the lighting, big screen displays and sound engineering operated in the stadium.

The pupils all engaged well and were a credit to the school.

Engagement Pathway pupils go Boxing!

Boxing sessions are timetabled at local clubs Golden Ring and Southampton ABC for a number of the pupils on the engagement pathways. 

Pupils work on their discipline, fitness and boxing Pupils have built positive relationships with the boxing coaches and really enjoy their sessions. 

It's really positive for our pupils to have these interactions and get to meet some young people who are starting careers in the world of boxing that they can relate to.

3GR At The Boat Show 2025

 Every year The Polygon School is lucky enough to get tickets to The Boat Show. We had a great time this year as we do every year! We especially liked the Bentley's the boys got to sit in them and even have a go at stitching the wheels! 

Here are our photos for you to have a look at😊