Police and Crime Commissioners Awards

Last night Mrs Foster and Mr Betlem got dressed up and took two of our KS4 students to attend the Police and Crime Commissioner Awards. We were joined by Professor Donna Peberdy and Fergus Mclean from Solent University and the Screening Sexual Violence project.

                         

We were all invited following our nomination in the Partnership Working category for our film Now Your Turn. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the collaboration behind the project and the important message the film shares. Unfortunately Wayne K, also an integral partner in the project, wasn’t able to join us on the evening, but we continue to keep him updated and involved. It was a proud moment to represent the partnership and the young people who helped bring this project to life.

If you havent seen our film yet check it out through the Screening Sexual Violence resource. Link below. 

https://screeningsexualviolence.com/now-your-turn/

We enjoyed a lovely meal in the Hiltons Beefy’s Lord Botham Restaurant before walking the red carpet, checking our coats and heading into the awards ceremony with our complimentary J2Os!

Although we didn’t come away with the winner’s glass trophy this time, we are incredibly proud of the nomination and look forward to receiving our certificate. The two KS4 students who attended were fantastic ambassadors for the school, and we had a wonderful evening filled with lots of laughs and the great company of Donna and Fergus. The evening was rounded off perfectly with a sneaky McDonald’s ice cream on the way home (thank you Mr Betlem!).

We are so proud of our students!

Yellow Door - Star Project Sessions WK1.

Communication and Healthy Relationships

This week in PSHE we were introduced to Jess from the Star Project. The focus of the lesson was learning how to communicate respectfully and thinking about how our communication affects others.

To start the lesson, we introduced ourselves and then played an icebreaker activity involving Lego. In this activity we had to give and follow instructions to build something out of Lego, which tested how clearly we could communicate and how well we could listen.

During the activity there were moments where people felt frustrated or impatient, especially when the instructions weren’t very clear or when several people were talking at once. It showed how important clear communication is. Sometimes it was difficult to trust the instructions because we couldn’t always see what the other person was trying to describe, so we had to rely on listening carefully.

Some people may have felt rushed during the task because others wanted to finish quickly. When someone made a mistake, they might have felt judged even if no one meant to make them feel that way. It also became clear that when one person had most of the control in the activity, it could feel unfair or frustrating for others who didn’t get as much of a chance to contribute.

Later in the lesson we discussed “red flags” and “green flags” in relationships. A key point was that power in a healthy relationship should be equal. Both people should respect each other and make decisions together.

We also talked about trust. For example, going through your partner’s phone is not healthy because relationships should be based on trust and respect for each other’s privacy. Another topic we discussed was time spent together. Spending time with a partner is important, but it is also healthy to have your own friends, hobbies, and interests.

Finally, we talked about personal choices, such as clothing. It isn’t okay for someone to control what their partner wears. People should be able to make their own choices and express themselves.

Overall, the lesson helped us understand how important respectful communication, trust, and equality are in healthy relationships.

We have three more sessions with Jess where we will explore different topics for both KS3 and KS4 students. If anyone has any questions about our work with Yellow Door or PSHE in school please email or call Mrs Foster.

KS4 - Knife Crime workshop written reflections

KS4 pupils have been working incredibly hard in PSHE this week as they reflect on their first Knife Crime workshop with Paul from Hampshire Police. The session gave students an honest and powerful insight into the realities and consequences of knife crime, helping them to think deeply about personal safety, decision-making and the impact that violence can have on individuals, families and communities.

Through thoughtful discussion and written reflections, pupils have been exploring how positive choices, awareness and responsible behaviour play an important role in keeping themselves and others safe. Their maturity and engagement have been fantastic to see, and the workshop has already sparked meaningful conversations across the year group.

We are really looking forward to welcoming Paul back this Tuesday for our second workshop, where students will build on what they have learned and continue to develop their understanding of how to navigate difficult situations confidently and safely.

Another excellent example of KS4 demonstrating responsibility, resilience and readiness for the world beyond school.

 

Celebrating Difference – KS3 Half Term Theme

This half term, our KS3 theme is “Celebrating Difference.” We’ll be exploring what makes each of us unique and learning how our differences make our school community stronger and more vibrant.

We’re kicking off our learning with Odd Socks Day, a fun and meaningful way to celebrate individuality and promote kindness, respect, and acceptance. Together, we’ll be embracing diversity, celebrating each other’s uniqueness, and building a culture where everyone feels valued and included.

Year 7 topics will include:

Bullying, prejudice and discrimination. Equality Act, bystanders, stereotyping, challenging influences, negative behaviour and attitudes, assertiveness and the importance of being included. 

Year 8 topics will include:

Positive change made by others, how positive behaviour affects feelings of wellbeing, social injustice, inequality, community cohesion and support, multiculturalism, diversity, race and religion, stereotypes. prejudice, LGBT+ bullying, hate crime, fear and emotions and stand up to bullying. 

Year 9 topics will include:

Protected characteristics, Equality Act, phobic and racist language, legal consequences of bullying and hate crime, sexism, ageism, positive and negative language, banter, child on child abuse, bullying in the workplace, direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, victimisation. Prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping. 

As part of our wider PSHE learning, KS3 will also be practicing road safety and developing awareness of public spaces during their Into Film trips, helping students build confidence and independence while staying safe in our community.

We’re looking forward to a visit from our Dental Nurse, Rita, on Monday 1st December. She will be talking to all KS3 classes about dental health, helping students learn more about how to look after their teeth and the importance of good oral hygiene.

To round off the term, we’ll enjoy some Christmas fun and our much loved annual Pop-Up Shop — more information will be shared soon!

Don’t forget to keep checking our blog to follow KS3’s learning journey and see all the exciting things we’re getting up to this half term.

Thank you to all parents and carers for sharing so many positive and supportive conversations around PSHE during Target Review Day last half term. Your contributions are incredibly valuable in helping us shape and deliver a curriculum that truly supports every child.

With the introduction of a new PSHE curriculum this summer, I would love to spend more time discussing the progressive new topics for 2026, sharing resources, and developing our policy together over a cup of tea and cake! A huge thank you to the parents who have already volunteered to join me. I will be sending out confirmation of our meeting date in Spring 1, and I can’t wait to share our vision and hear your ideas.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support in this important and valued area of our curriculum at The Polygon.

If you have any questions regarding PSHE please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs Foster.

 

 

KS4 - Collaborative Project with Hampshire Police

We are excited to inform you that our KS4 pupils will be working with Paul Richards from Hampshire Police this half term within their PSHE lessons.

As a school, we are proud to work in partnership with a range of amazing charities and organisations across Southampton to enhance the delivery of our PSHE curriculum. These partnerships help our students become familiar with the support available to them, build confidence in accessing local services, and provide valuable employer encounters to develop their understanding of potential careers.

All sessions will adhere to the NEW PSHE Statutory Guidance (effective from July 2025) and will include the below learning outcomes:

·        I understand the concepts and laws relating to harms which are exploitative including criminal exploitation.

·        I understand the risks and signs of grooming or exploitation, and how to seek help where there is a concern.

·        I understand the laws relating to violent or threatening behaviour.

·        I understand how to increase personal safety in public spaces, including when socialising with friends, family, the wider community or strangers.

·        I understand ways of seeking help when needed and how to report harmful behaviour.

·        I understand that there are strategies which can be used to increase safety, and that this does not mean you will be blamed if you are a victim of harmful behaviour.

·        I understand the importance of trusting instincts when something doesn’t feel right, and understand that in some situations a person might appear trustworthy but have harmful intentions.

·        I can recognise and manage peer influence in relation to risk-taking behaviour and personal safety, including peer influence online and social media.

·        I understand how to develop key social and emotional skills that will increase safety from involvement in conflict and violence.

·        I understand the law as it relates to knives and violence.

·        I can take part in a First Aid skills session and understand how to contact support and services in an emergency situation.

During our first session on Tuesday 18th November, we will be joined by two additional members of the Educational First Aid Team. Students will receive an introduction to the project and team, explore seized knives, and discuss some of the key objectives around knife crime and personal safety. The session will also include essential first aid training, supported by the use of prosthetic materials to enable a hands-on, practical learning experience.

We are delighted to be able to offer our students this valuable opportunity to learn from local professionals, supporting their personal development and preparing them for life beyond school. Please check back in with the blog each week for updates and photos from the sessions, we can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to!

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.

3DRB take on the boat show

3DRB vs Southampton Boat Show

3DRB recently attended the Southampton boat show, where the pupils got to experience a variety of cool encounters, both on the water and with employers. 

This included:   

• Kayaking.
• Paddle boarding.
• Going for a ride on the "Ocean Scene" boat.
• Going for a ride on a Power boat.
• Learning about how engines work.
• Talking on Coast guard radios.
• Exploring the ocean through VR.
• Getting the opportunity to feel the skins of water animals.

They all enjoyed having these experiences, whilst also looking at all the different boats (and dreaming about the ones they wanted), as well as going round all the stalls asking questions to different companies and getting free stuff - So many hats!

Christmas Swimming Fun

We have had so much fun this morning with our Christmas themed swimming session. 

Check out the photos of pupils creating Christmas Cakes, decorating Christmas trees and the reindeers pulling Santa's sleigh delivering presents!

All the pupils have worked so hard with their swimming this term and we look forward to celebrating tomorrow in our awards assembly where pupils will receive ASA Swimming Awards for their distance Swimming. 

A BIG thank you as always to all the amazing staff at Shirley Swimming Pool who welcome us every Thursday and have even started hosting work experience for a pupil who wants to become a lifeguard. We cant wait to be back in 2024!

 A Sean Christmas sandwich!

 

South Western Railway Visit

Last week we welcomed staff from South Western Railway to deliver a workshop alongside the Saints Foundation around the dangers of the railway and how to use public transport appropriately.

Pupils engaged in conversations around safety, how to use crossings correctly and how to use help buttons at stations for themselves and others. 

Pupils were told about the potential risks of misuse of the railways in terms of risk to life and financial penalties. They were also shown two case study videos from the perspective of a train driver who has had a near miss and a teenager who has been electrocuted locally on a railway. 

Well done to all the pupils who took part in the session and for South Western Railway for their visit.

Visits like this are a great opportunity to enhance our cross-curricular links in PSHE, Citizenship and Wellbeing.  The school is also working towards a HH5 and Eco School framework which includes personal safety and transport. Within work skills lessons we encourage employee encounters and this was a great chance for pupils to ask questions to staff who work hands on for South Western Railway.