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!

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?

 

 

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.

No Limits KS4 - Drugs Education

 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.

Group discussions highlighted the short- and long-term effects of alcohol and nicotine, including mental health, physical health, cancer risks, and social pressures, as well as the serious risks linked to ketamine use. The real-life financial cost of drug habits was also explored.

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 

 

Year 7 Oracy - CBeebies Bedtime Stories

 As part of their Oracy lessons, Year 7 pupils have been practising reading stories aloud to younger children. They have focused carefully on developing their expression, fluency and tone to engage their audience.

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. 🎄

Oracy -Year 7

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!

 

 

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!

 

Swimming Autumn Term

As part of our Cross-Curricular PE, PSHE, and Personal Development programme, all students at The Polygon School have the opportunity to participate in swimming lessons.

At The Polygon School, we believe every young person should have the chance to learn to swim and develop vital water safety awareness skills.

We’re proud to have a strong partnership with a small, family-run pool in Shirley, where we hold weekly, hour-long sessions every Thursday. Each class enjoys at least one half-term block of swimming, focusing on building water confidence, improving swimming technique, and working towards ASA Swimming Awards.

As a school, we’re passionate about ensuring every pupil can access this essential life skill — therefore, swimming is fully funded by the school as part of our curriculum.

Autumn Term Highlights

During Autumn 1, 4PR and 3GR completed a seven-week swimming course.

Students made fantastic progress, particularly in Backstroke, focusing on improving arm entry flexibility and learning to use their hands as paddles to generate propulsion through the water. It was brilliant to see KS4 students linking their practical learning to Science (forces) and GCSE PE theory.

Confidence in the deep end also grew enormously, our two non-swimmers made exceptional progress, bravely entering the water with aids and gradually becoming more independent each week.

Students also demonstrated outstanding oracy skills, coaching and instructing one another — fantastic evidence towards our Voice 21 Autumn Challenge!

A huge well done to Callum for swimming an incredible 1000 meters — a truly remarkable achievement!

Links to PSHE statutory curriculum 

Swimming plays a vital role in our PSHE curriculum and supports the outcomes of the 2026 PSHE Framework, including:

• Understanding the benefits of physical activity for mental wellbeing and happiness.

• Learning how to overcome anxiety and barriers to participation through coping strategies and confidence-building.

• Recognising the importance of personal hygiene.

• Understanding that physical activity promotes wellbeing and helps manage stress.

• Exploring the characteristics of a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight and understanding the risks of inactivity.

• Learning to identify and manage risk and stay safe around water, including following the Water Safety Code.

• Recognising and managing peer influence in relation to personal safety.

• Developing lifesaving skills, including how to administer CPR.

Looking Ahead

We can’t wait to welcome 4NT and 3NA to the pool this half term!
Please remember to bring shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops/sliders, even if you’re not swimming, so you can still take part in the water safety elements of the sessions.

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