As we approach the end of term, the sun has been shining and gave the pupils a fantastic opportunity to learn a sport from overseas!
Throwing and catching is an important skill, one that will help the pupils learn co-ordination and the challenges of using their strong and weaker hand. KS3 definitely having fun out there. Those baseball gloves do a great job covering their hands.
One strike and you're out!
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 are so proud of our students!
As part of our PSHE and careers learning, students recently took part in a session led by No Limits, a local organisation that supports young people across our community. The session helped students understand both the role of youth workers and the real-life challenges young people may face, while also highlighting youth work as a possible career pathway.
The session began with Gerson and Emma sharing their personal journeys into youth work. Students heard about:
What inspired them to work with young people
The skills and qualities needed for the role
How youth work can make a positive difference in young people’s lives
This helped students see youth work as a real, achievable career, rooted in empathy, communication, and community support.
Students explored who No Limits are and the services they offer to young people. This included viewing an animated video explaining:
How young people can access support
The different services available
How No Limits works alongside schools and communities
Students were also guided through the No Limits website to better understand how young people can seek help when they need it.
Students learned that youth workers:
Listen, rather than lecture
Help young people think through their choices
Share clear, honest, age-appropriate information
Support young people to stay safe
Take action if someone is at risk (safeguarding)
A key message throughout the session was that the focus of youth work is support, not punishment, helping young people feel heard and empowered to make safer choices.
The session introduced students to detached youth work, which involves youth workers meeting young people in their own communities, such as parks or local spaces, rather than expecting them to attend a building-based service.
Students discussed why this approach can be effective and how it helps reach young people who may not otherwise seek support.
Through discussion, students identified challenges young people can experience in the community, including:
Drugs and understanding their consequences
Personal safety and environmental risks (such as poor street lighting)
Peer pressure
Mental health challenges
Difficulties finding employment
Money and financial pressures
These conversations helped students reflect on risk, safety, and support, and understand where trusted adults and services can help.
To finish the session, students took part in a creative activity where they designed their ideal youth service. This encouraged them to think about:
What young people need to feel safe and supported
What services would be helpful
How youth workers could best engage with young people
This activity developed teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills while reinforcing learning from the session.
Sessions like this support students’:
PSHE learning around health, wellbeing, and safety
Careers education by showcasing real-world roles
Understanding of support services available to them
Confidence to seek help when needed
We are grateful to No Limits for providing such an engaging and informative session and for helping students understand both the support available to them and the people who work to keep young people safe.
As a Christmas treat for younger siblings within our school community, two Year 7 pupils were brave enough to record these short clips. A huge well done to them, and Merry Christmas to all our families and wider school community. 🎄
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 whenever they need them. Today, we were delighted to welcome Rita Slevin, Oral Health Educator, who worked with our KS3 pupils to deliver an engaging and practical session on oral health. KS4 students will have the opportunity to work with Rita in January 2026.
Rita first heard about our outstanding school when she saw Miss Long deliver a speech while collecting our Gold HH5 award. She was so impressed by the dedication and care we demonstrate in supporting our students’ health and wellbeing that she wanted to contribute directly by running workshops to complement our PSHE and HH5 curriculum.
We cannot thank Rita enough for the practical lessons, thoughtful discussions, and hands-on activities she delivered. KS3 pupils not only made excellent progress towards the new 2025 PSHE framework, but they also gained knowledge and skills that will contribute to lifelong oral health. These sessions highlight the importance of making informed choices, understanding personal wellbeing, and building habits that will benefit our students long into the future.
Her support is a fantastic example of how partnerships with local experts enrich our curriculum and help students apply their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts.
Thank you Rita!
The Christmas books are out, and there’s a real sense of excitement around school as Year 7 begin working on a very special festive treat to showcase their developing Oracy skills. Students have been exploring how to communicate confidently, clearly and creatively, and this project gives them the perfect opportunity to put those skills into practice.
Whether they are reading aloud, performing, presenting or working collaboratively in groups, pupils are learning how to use their voices effectively, listen actively and engage their audience. The festive theme has already inspired lots of imaginative ideas, and Year 7 are enjoying the chance to combine creativity with important communication techniques.
This seasonal project not only strengthens their speaking and listening abilities, but also builds teamwork, confidence and enthusiasm for learning. It promises to be something truly memorable so keep an eye out for what Year 7 have in store. Watch this space!
Mrs Foster is busy getting everything ready for our annual Pop-Up Shop, and the excitement is already starting to build! This much-loved tradition brings so much festive joy to our school community, and preparations are well underway to make this year’s shop the best one yet.
If anyone has any contributions they would like to donate, or if you would like to offer your time to help Mrs Foster organise and prepare the shop, please come and speak to her at some point this week. Every bit of support, whether items, time or helping hands makes a huge difference and is greatly appreciated.
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun! In fact, there has already been a hint of seasonal magic in the office… I may have spotted a sneaky pile of Advent calendars all lined up and ready to go, thanks to a very generous donation.
It’s definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 🎄✨
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.
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!
