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This week we say farewell to a much-loved member of our school community, Ms Vicky Thompson, who leaves us after many years of dedicated service.

 

Since joining the school in 2007, Ms Thompson has had an extraordinary career.

She has been a brilliant classroom teacher, an inspiring tutor, and a deeply respected leader within our English department – first as Second in Department, then as Lead Practitioner, and most recently as Director of English.

 

Many students and families will know Ms Thompson not only for her passion for literature and language, but also for her kindness, encouragement and tireless support. She has played a central role in helping our young people grow in confidence and achieve their best.

 

Leading a core subject like English brings with it real challenges, but under her guidance, the department has gone from strength to strength. She has balanced high standards with genuine care – for students, staff, and the wider school community.

 

I want to thank her for everything she has given over the years, and we wish her the very best for the future. She will be greatly missed.

On Wednesday evening, we were delighted to open the doors of our Art department to showcase the exceptional work of our Year 11 students. The exhibition marked the culmination of two years of dedication, creativity, and hard work – not only during lessons, but through countless hours spent refining pieces at home.

The event was organised by Miss Browning, our Acting Curriculum Leader for Art, who has stepped into the role while Mrs Hughes is on maternity leave. Miss Browning is doing a sterling job leading the department and has inspired our students to produce work of an incredibly high standard.

Earlier in the day, we hosted our visiting GCSE Art moderator, who was clearly impressed by the calibre of the work on display. While we await the final marks, we are very hopeful given the outstanding standard of what was presented.

Thank you and congratulations to Miss Browning and the entire Art team for curating such a fantastic exhibition – and for supporting our students to express themselves so confidently and creatively through their work.

I wish you all a wonderful half term break,
Mrs Dawn German

All key dates for 2024-25 are also available on the website.

Change of Date

Please can parents note the change of date to the Teenage Immunisation Mop Up Session, is now on Tuesday 17th June 2025 not 4th June.

Talk from Sir Vince Cable - How to become an MP
Today we were delighted to host a talk for our prefect team by The Right Honourable Sir Vince Cable, former Leader of the Liberal Democrats and member of Parliament for Twickenham. He talked about his careers and life in politics - from his time in the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Business to his other more recent business projects and current role as Vice President of the European Movement. Thank you to Sir Vince and the Speakers for Schools team for arranging this amazing opportunity for senior students to hear first hand what it is like to be involved in the politics and government of the country.

Heads of Year Lead Assemblies this Week Focusing on one of our School Values
Year 7 - Be Kind
We had an assembly all about why gossiping and spreading rumours is unkind. We talked about applying the 'filter test' when thinking about gossiping: is it true, is it good and is it helpful? If they can answer no to these questions then the students know that they shouldn't be sharing this information.

 

Year 8 - Be Aspirational
Year 8 had a strong focus on attendance due to our numbers dipping slightly from usual. We have an attendance challenge starting from the first Monday back after half term and this will run for four weeks. The winning tutor group will be rewarded with a prize. 

 

Year 9 - Be Respectful
Year 9 assembly focused on the importance of accountability. Pupils were encouraged to reflect on how their actions impact others and to take responsibility for their role in various situations—whether positive or negative. They also had the opportunity to watch a TED-Ed video on how to offer a meaningful apology.

Year 10 - Be Kind
Our assembly was on the importance of kindness. After half term each student will write a thank you card to a member of staff they feel has been kind and/or supportive to them. Mr Mann also talked to the year group about what to expect in Year 11.

Year 11 did not have an assembly as they are completing external examinations. Nonetheless, they are demonstrating the value of Resilience. We are very proud of their excellent effort and mature attitudes. Now they have a well-earned break before exams begin again after half term.

Headteacher Commendation
While we can’t feature every recipient of a Headteacher Commendation in our weekly E-News (there are just so many worthy students!), we couldn’t resist sharing this one. As part of some optional Easter homework, students were invited to research the “bad eggs” of history and create an egg-themed replica. Josh took the challenge to a whole new level, crafting not one but three characters: Napoleon Egg, Eggis Khan, and Eggolf Eggler. He not only designed each egg with flair but also researched their historical counterparts, presenting his findings on a detailed and imaginative poster. Josh’s creativity, curiosity, and commitment were outstanding – a brilliant example of learning made fun!

HWGT - Harrow Way's Got Talent
On Thursday 12th June, we will be hosting our annual talent show: Harrow Way's Got Talent. Last year's competition featured magicians, comedians, singers, dancers, kick-boxers and lots more impressively talented students. The winner was awarded the 'Golden Mic' trophy and given the celebrity power to jump to the front of any queue (at school!) for life! If your child has a talent you think they should share, please encourage them to log-in to their House Google Classroom and sign-up for HWGT ASAP.

Peripatetic Music Lessons at Harrow Way:

Strings, Brass, Woodwind, Piano, Drums. Guitar and Voice.

There are spaces coming up if your child(ren) would like to learn to play an instrument or have vocal lessons, each week during the school day. Please complete the Expression of Interest Form via the link on the Music page of our website or send an email to: heather.munroe@harrowway.hants.sch.uk

The fees are subsidised by the school, and the costs are currently being reviewed. Please contact us as soon as possible, if your child would like to make the most of this opportunity. 

Andover Trees - Auction of Promises

Andover Trees run an annual fundraiser where they auction promises and donations from the Andover community. The auction is tonight and details can be found here (you do not have to attend to bid):

 

www.andovertrees.org.uk/auction-promises-list

Ways Forward - our weekly newsletter for Careers, Apprenticeship, College, Work and Work Experience.

This week you can find out more about careers in film directing, civil engineering, space, geography and medicine.  We also highlight careers and labour market information in science, technology, engineering and mathematics with the Destination STEM website.

New apprenticeship vacancies suitable for Year 11 to apply for include: an apprentice countryside officer, an apprentice business administrator, a chef apprentice, and an automotive apprentice.

A call out for all overdue stock please. We are lucky to have a book budget and more than 4,000 items for loan but we do require all loans to be returned. Items overdue after 3 months from issue may well be charged for. There are no penalties before 3 months. Students receive automated email reminders, notes through tutors and more in order to help them with this. We have also been in direct contact with some parents. Thanks for your support.

This week our fiction spotlight has been on crime/mystery/thriller - a very popular genre with a flourishing publishing landscape! See our photos below. The Student Library Team enjoyed making the chalk outline and handprints!

Looking ahead to June, we will be recognising Pride Month and showcasing our great fiction and non-fiction titles. This is a key part of our 2025 Representations objective.

London O2 British Basketball Play-off Finals
Mr. Briggs and Mr. Carter had the pleasure of accompanying students to the British Basketball Play-Offs on Sunday. We arrived shortly after the women’s final had begun and witnessed an impressive comeback as the Sheffield Hatters triumphed over the Oakland Wolves with a final score of 83–73.

Between games, students were treated to performances from the London Gospel Choir, energetic cheerleaders, and the exciting pre-game warm-ups of the men’s teams.

Although the men’s final started as a close contest, the Leicester Riders pulled away in the second half, securing a commanding 105–74 victory over the Newcastle Eagles. Our students were thoroughly impressed by the players’ shooting accuracy and the fast-paced nature of the games.

Year 9 District Rounders Tournament – Sunshine and Success!
On a sunny Tuesday, our Year 9 team took part in the District Rounders Tournament, competing against seven other schools split across two pools.

Pool Stage Highlights:
Game 1 vs The Clere
 A confident start saw us cruise to a 20 – 3½ win.
Batter of the Game: Lucy P | Fielder of the Game: Dotty.

Game 2 vs John Hanson B
A much tighter match. Strong second-innings fielding was key, with standout performances from Erin at backstop, Lucy on 2nd base, and Izzy on 3rd. Final score: HW 14½ – 10½ JH B.
Batter: Dotty | Fielder: Lucy P.

Game 3 vs Rookwood
 Another solid team performance, finishing with a 15 – 4½ victory.
Batter: Dotty | Fielder: Erin.

Winning all three pool matches earned us a well-deserved spot in the final against Testbourne.

The Final: HW vs Testbourne
We dominated from the start with an excellent batting display, taking an 11 – 4½ lead after the first innings. Our fielding stayed sharp and consistent, and another strong batting innings secured a commanding 18½ – 9 win.
Batter: Dotty | Fielder: Izzy

This marks our third consecutive year winning the tournament — an incredible achievement! Huge congratulations to the whole team for their skill, teamwork, and determination.

Primary Multi Skills
On Tuesday 36 children from 3 different Primary schools came to Harrow Way for a multi skills event. The children took part in 4 different activities- tri-golf, volleyball, football golf and boccia. My Sports Leaders led the events brilliantly allowing all the children to access the activities successfully. It was a wonderful morning and it helped that the sun was shining! We are looking forward to our next event on 10th June.

Year 9 and 10- District Athletics
On Wednesday, Mr. Cole and Miss Parker had the pleasure of accompanying a group of Year 9 and 10 students to Charlton Track for the District Athletics event. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, spirits remained high and the students were eager to demonstrate their talent and hard work.

The day began with the heats of the track events, where several students impressed by finishing 1st or 2nd and securing automatic qualification for the finals in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the field events were also underway, and students returned with smiles and stories of success.

Special mentions for excellent field event performances:
Isabella Williams – Long Jump: 2nd place.
Aimee Kneller – High Jump: 1st place.
Sophie Hicklin – Triple Jump: 3rd place.
Harry Boare – Shot Put: 2nd place.
Taylyn Weatherhead – Javelin: 1st place.
Zac Lister – Triple Jump: 3rd place.
Lucy Paterson – Javelin: 2nd place.
Henry Jennings – Triple Jump: 1st place.
George Harris – Triple Jump: 3rd place.

Thankfully, the sun made an appearance in the afternoon just in time for the track finals. The atmosphere was electric as we cheered on our athletes.

Outstanding track performances included:
Henry Jennings – 200m: 2nd place.
Stanley Anoma – 200m: 2nd place.
Jonah Williams – 1500m: 3rd place.
Year 10 Boys Relay Team – Joint 1st with Testbourne (a thrilling finish!).
Dotty Oostendorp – 300m: 3rd place.
Year 9 Girls Relay Team – 3rd place.
Neyo Furtado – 200m: 2nd place.
Piotr Osuch – 300m: 2nd place.
Alfie Kinghorn – 800m: 3rd place.
Year 9 Boys Relay Team – 3rd place.
Farrah Twigg – 300m Heat: 1st place.
Sophie Hicklin – 1500m: 2nd place.
Year 10 Girls Relay Team – 2nd place.

A special shoutout must go to Lucas Williams, who delivered a spectacular performance in the 1500m. He started strong, prompting concern from Miss Parker about whether he'd set off too fast—but Lucas held his pace brilliantly. With a John Hanson runner on his heels, Lucas found another gear in the final stretch, storming down the back straight to a decisive and commanding 1st place finish. He’s now earned an invitation to County Athletics in June—an incredible achievement. Fantastic racing and flawless pacing, Lucas!

A huge well done to all the students who competed. Your behaviour was exemplary, your support for one another was inspiring, and you all represented the school with pride and determination. We’re incredibly proud of you all.

Check out the latest news, fundraising initiatives and upcoming events from the PTA here - harrowwaypta.charityhive.co.uk

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Harrow Way Community School,
Harrow Way,
Andover,
Hampshire.
SP10 3RH