Learning The Set Shot
Here at Polygon School the pupils are learning how to perform the "Set Shot" in basketball. Our year 7's are currently understanding the importance of taking turns and using hand eye co-ordination to shoot at the basket.
We, the P.E. department, focus on instructing the pupils so that they are mentally and physically prepared to take the next steps.
We were delighted to welcome Amy from the Wessex Rivers Trust back to school once again, giving a brand-new group of pupils the opportunity to take part in this fantastic environmental project and benefit from all the expertise and enthusiasm Amy brings.
This time, it was class 3DRB who were selected to take part. As with previous groups, Amy began by visiting the school to introduce the project, explore the pupils’ existing knowledge and experiences of rivers, and share some key river education. The pupils then worked together to brainstorm ideas and decide which direction they wanted their project to FLOW.
Over the next two sessions, we visited Tanners Brook, where pupils got stuck in with river cleaning activities. This included litter picking, treasure hunting using magnets, and river dipping to discover what life could be found beneath the water’s surface. These hands-on experiences were a real highlight and sparked lots of curiosity and excitement.
The following two sessions took place back at school. First, pupils worked in the classroom to identify the underwater life they had discovered at Tanners Brook. This was followed by a litter pick around the school site, helping to ensure that The Polygon School was looking its very best.
One of the ideas the pupils were particularly keen to explore was fishing as a class. So we headed off to Orchard Lakes in the New Forest, where we were warmly welcomed by Dave, our fishing instructor. He provided each pupil with a whip rod and maggots as bait, and soon a friendly competition began to see who could catch the biggest fish! The session was a great success, with around five fish caught, including Perch, Roach and Trout. It was a brilliant introduction to the world of angling and a memorable experience for everyone involved.
For the final two sessions, we returned to Tanners Brook to carry out river water testing before heading upstream to visit the berm built by a previous class. Pupils carried out some maintenance work, including coppicing, and were very impressed to see how well established the berm had become and how naturally it now fits into the environment.
As this project comes to a close, 3DRB have gained a wealth of environmental knowledge, had lots of fun, and made a real and lasting difference to their local environment.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Amy for all her support, guidance and knowledge throughout the project — her passion and commitment make these experiences so valuable for our pupils.
We are already preparing for our next group of young river dippers, so watch this space to see what exciting project we get up to next!
This week, students took part in their second workshop delivered by No Limits.
The session supports the PSHE curriculum (2026), particularly the Health and Wellbeing and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) strands, with a focus on drugs, alcohol, vaping, and risk-taking behaviours.
The workshop focused on harm reduction, enabling students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to make safe, informed, and responsible choices.
PSHE curriculum links:
Health and Wellbeing
Understanding how substance use can affect physical and mental health
Recognising how risk increases with quantity and mixing of substances
Identifying short- and long-term health risks associated with drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and vaping
Developing strategies to reduce harm and prioritise personal safety and wellbeing
Living in the Wider World
Evaluating risk and understanding consequences of choices
Building decision-making skills in real-life scenarios
Learning activities included:
Activity: Mixing Substances – Risk Ladder (Low to High Risk)
Students explored how different substances present varying levels of risk, including:
Nicotine pouches
Caffeine
Alcohol
Vaping
Prescribed substances
Unknown substances
Key learning points reinforced that:
Risk increases with the amount used
Risk increases when substances are mixed
Unknown substances carry significantly higher risk
Understanding the impact of steroids on hormones and muscle development
Awareness of long-term risks such as heart disease, liver damage, hormonal imbalance (e.g. acne, swelling), canver and mood changes (including ‘roid rage’)
Understanding risks linked to needle use, including infection, HIV, hepatitis, and scarring
This session supports students in developing health literacy, risk awareness, and protective behaviours, as outlined in the PSHE curriculum (2026).
Any questions please call Mrs Foster or use information above to contact No Limits.
Football Tournament at Samuel Cody School, Farnborough, 26th January 2026
Polygon School took a KS3 and a KS4 Team to the tournament to play a range of teams from schools in and around the Farnborough area.
Both teams did exceptionally well in some very cold and tricky conditions, returning it in time for the end of the day
Well Done To All Boys Involved!
A new Polytunnel has been purchased for the Allotment! This will provide an additional learning space that can be accessed by all pupils and staff.
Engagement Pathways pupils and staff have began work to take down the old Polytunnel, and clear the space ready for construction when the weather improves.
Year 8 students have taken part in some fantastic discussions around vaping and its health, financial, and environmental impacts. As a starter to the topic, students watched the Jordan North documentary, which sparked thoughtful and mature conversations.
Using LifeLab resources, students explored their own ideas and viewpoints, developing strong oracy skills as they debated key issues and organised their arguments effectively. All lessons fully adhere to the new 2025 PSHE curriculum.
One Year 8 group asked for the documentary link so they could watch it again at home with parents or carers:
👉 https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001xj1p/jordan-north-the-truth-about-vaping
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Foster.
No Limits Organisation Visit - Session 1.
This week, students took part in an engaging workshop led by the No Limits organisation, focusing on drugs, alcohol, vaping, and making informed choices.
The session included discussions on energy drinks, their ingredients, legal age limits (16+), and health impacts. Students also learned that speaking honestly to a healthcare professional is confidential and will not get them into trouble unless there is a safeguarding concern.
Key topics included the risks of mixing drugs and alcohol, vaping and nicotine addiction, and the health effects of substances such as alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and ketamine. Students explored drug classifications, the ABC law model, and took part in interactive group activities.
Future sessions will cover quitting strategies, healthy alternatives, performance-enhancing drugs, illegal THC vapes, safer choices, and support.
A big thank you to Gerson, Sal and Emma for the engaging sessions today.
All sessions adhere to the new 2025 PSHE curriculum.
Any questions please speak to Mrs Foster or contact No Limits.
nolimitshelp.org.uk
In the last week of term and the run up to Christmas, the Engagement Pathways pupils had some help getting into the Christmas spirit, with activities, festive trips and Christmas meals on the school site.
Santa made a very special visit to The Polygon School to deliver Christmas gifts to our students! 🎅🎁
The excitement was infectious as students greeted him with smiles and laughter, and it was wonderful to see the joy on their faces as they received their gifts.
A huge thank you to DEOS for making this magical moment possible your generosity and support have made the start of Christmas truly unforgettable for our school community.
We wish all our families a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 🎄✨
