Currently Learning on the Engagement Pathways

 Many of our pupils have been working hard to prepare for their Functional Skills exams this summer. Functional skills are practical, nationally recognised qualifications in England and maths that equip learners with essential skills for everyday life, work and further education.  They focus on practical application rather than theoretical knowledge. They are a gateway to college for our pupils on the Engagement Pathway.

Recently, many of our pupils have been focusing on solving the four operations mentally:

And converting units of measure:

In English we have been identifying subjects and verbs in order to help punctuate sentences and writing letters or emails as part of writing assessments.

 

 

Engagement Pathway Pupils read Liccle Bit

 

During English sessions on the Engagement Pathway, many pupils have read the book ‘Liccle Bit’ by Alex Wheatle. As the book is relevant to their lives, it is engaging for the pupils. The characters are relatable, as are the scenarios and challenges they face. 

‘Liccle Bit’ can help start important discussions about peer pressure, choices and the importance of making positive decisions. Storylines break down the stigma around topics to enable discussions to take place. 

Pupils have covered a range of work related to this book: relaxing whilst listening to a story; comprehension questions; artwork inspired by the book and activities to develop their comprehension, inference and oracy skills.

We would recommend this book…would you like to read it?

At school Lemar, also known as Liccle Bit due to his height, is like any teenage boy. He's in love with a girl who barely notices him, he mucks about with his best mates, and he spends a lot of time doodling in his workbooks. However, at home on the South Crongton Estate his mum is constantly exhausted, his sister is struggling to adjust to life as a single mother, and his dad is living on the other side of London with his new family. Lemar gains the attention of South Crongton's most notorious gangster, and it's not long before he has Lemar running errands for him. Soon a chain of events will see Lemar down a road he never wanted to go down, will he be able to stop it?

 

 

Into Film and Road Safety

During this half term, we are excited to be engaging with ‘Into Film,’ a fantastic nationwide initiative that has kindly provided our school with tickets to see a variety of films at our local cinemas. We have proudly partnered with Into Film for the past few years, and this programme offers pupils the chance to enjoy a shared cultural experience, relax, and spend time together in a fun, social setting.

As part of the experience, some pupils were challenged to use their geographical local knowledge of Southampton to navigate their way to the cinema independently. Miss Longhurst was particularly impressed with Year 7, who demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills, teamwork, and confidence in finding their way.

The trip also provided an important opportunity to put road safety knowledge into practice, linking directly to our PSHE curriculum. It was great to see students engaging in learning outside the classroom and applying it to a real-life context, reinforcing the importance of staying safe and making responsible choices while out and about.

Overall, the visit was not only an enjoyable and memorable outing but also a valuable learning experience, combining independence, safety awareness, and the joy of sharing a film with friends.

 

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.

 

Oracy in action!

We all enjoyed a well-earned treat in Oracy lessons this week, putting our speaking and listening skills into practice in a fun and engaging way. Pupils confidently used their oracy skills to order a special hot chocolate, politely giving clear instructions about which toppings they would like, and carefully listening to follow directions from their peers. The coffee shop role play was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to practice real-life communication, demonstrate good manners, and develop confidence in speaking in front of others. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm, creativity, and teamwork throughout the lesson!

In addition to this, 3NA were rewarded with a celebratory cheese and cracker party for achieving 100% attendance in PSHE and Oracy lessons throughout Autumn 1. This fantastic achievement highlights their dedication, responsibility, and commitment to learning. Congratulations to all the pupils in 3NA—your excellent attendance and positive participation are truly commendable!

A brilliant combination of learning, fun, and celebration all in one week!

 

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!

 

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