Weekly Message 187 – 19 May 2023
19th May 2023
House Points Averages for This Week
Year 7 7.55 points
Year 8 13.60 points
Year 9 6.59 points
Year 10 4.77 points
It has been a busy week for Year 11 pupils with the GCSE exams well and truly underway. There have been nerves, to be expected, but pupils have arrived equipped, they have been prompt and they have followed the instructions of staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The rest of the school community is also to be recognised for their considerate behaviour as they make their way quietly around the school whilst exams are still in session.
Parents/carers will be in receipt of a letter from Mr Hudson (Co-Head of School) this afternoon detailing our ongoing focus on high standards. From the individual surveys and feedback from School Council, it is evident that as a community we all believe having high standards around education is important to us all, therefore we will be re addressing a few key points with pupils next week. We ask parents/carers to reiterate these expectations over the weekend ahead of Monday. We thank you for your continued support.
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Soul Band at Fareham Bandstand
The Soul Band performed on Sunday 14 May at Fareham Bandstand. The event was organised with Fareham College, and we were told they attracted the biggest crowd of the day. The sun was shining and the setting was perfect for some funk and soul classics. We are grateful for the time the pupils gave to entertain members of the Fareham community.
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Knife Crime Awareness Week
This week is Knife Crime Awareness Week and on Monday morning our Year 10 pupils and their tutors had a special assembly with PC Steph Wheeler who led an engaging session on knife crime and its effect on the daily lives of young people. Our pupils listened intently and respectfully to the presentation, which culminated in a Q&A about the laws, risks, and misconceptions surrounding this issue. We are grateful for the opportunity to educate and remind our young people of the importance of being responsible, staying safe and looking after themselves and others.
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UKMT Junior Maths Challenge Results 2023
The results are in, and pupils have done very well indeed. For Year 7 this was their first-time taking part in the competition.
Of the 115 pupils entered last month we had 67 pupils with awards (59%) – 41 Bronze, 19 Silver and 7 Gold
A special mention also goes to four pupils who performed so well that they have qualified to the next round of the event due to take place in June.
Year 8 pupils also performed very well with about 70% of them picking up awards. As always, a huge well done to all involved.
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National Numeracy Day
On Wednesday 17 May, the school celebrated National Numeracy Day with pupils taking part in a tutor numeracy quiz and a numeracy keyword puzzle in lessons across the school. Staff could also get involved by taking part in the National Numeracy challenge.
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Under 15 Track Athletics – Tuesday
The Under 15 track Athletics teams both competed in the first round of the county tournament on Tuesday. Against some very strong opposition all pupils performed exceptionally well.
The girls team placed 1st
The boys team placed 1st
This is an outstanding achievement from all involved. They now progress to the semi-finals next week!! Congratulations to all who took part.
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Gosport and Fareham District Athletics Competition – Thursday
Incredible results on Thursday with eight teams competing in the event. The Year 9 girls, Year 9 boys and the school team all took first place. Two Year 8 pupils were invited to trial to represent the district at the next event. Well done to all who took part.
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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Bronze Expedition
Last weekend we took 72 pupils on their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze expedition starting and finishing at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park. All pupils did fantastically well with the orienteering and camping. Lots of groups were lost at times but they soon found their way in the end and should be very proud of themselves and for completing the weekend.
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Uniformed Services Passing Out Parade
This week we saw the Year 11 Uniformed Services pupils celebrate their achievements by taking part in a Uniformed Services passing out parade. The parade was a huge success and highlighted just how hard the pupils have worked over the past two years. In attendance were members of staff, parents and carers, and the Mayor and Mayoress; they all agreed the pupils looked incredible.
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Year 9 Visit to Marwell Zoo
The second of our two Marwell Zoo fieldwork days went out this week to some glorious sunshine. Year 9 spent the day collecting primary data that they will use in class to assess whether endangered animals attract more visitors than those of least concern.
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Art Staff Wellbeing Session
On Thursday evening our Initial Trainee Teachers enjoyed some well-deserved wellbeing time in the Art Department creating their own positive affirmation cards. Well done to all our trainees, you have been fantastic!!
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Club Ocean
This week in Nexus we have been looking into lots of ways to remove pollution from the oceans. We have found a company called Club Ocean, created in 2021 by a young and passionate team with a burning desire to fight for the protection and the safeguard of sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, whales, and polar bears and the depollution of the oceans.
The company sells bracelets with GPS tracking for animals that you can adopt. The average profit generated by the sale of each bracelet represents the equivalent of 50 plastic bottles removed from the oceans. In Nexus we have decided to adopt a female sperm whale called Sierra who is currently located off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We are looking forward to tracking her location and keeping up with what is happening to her.
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Supporting Young Girls’ Wellbeing
The social media world of fast-scrolling, instant connections and perfection can have a detrimental effect on wellbeing. It is important that parents/carers have the knowledge and confidence to talk to their children and as such Internet Matters have put together a guide for parents/carers. Although the guide is titled to support young girls, I would say there is good advice for boys and girls of any age. You can find the guide HERE.
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Looking After Your Wellbeing Online
Below is a link to a poster from National Online Safety on looking after your wellbeing online.