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This week has marked a busy and positive return following the half-term break. It has been a pleasure to see students back in school, quickly re-engaging with their learning. There is much to celebrate and share.

On Thursday, we welcomed an inspector from the Local Authority to review our Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP), the inclusive classroom practice that ensures all students are supported to achieve well.

At the heart of our approach is a simple belief: every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. High-quality teaching, thoughtful adaptation and careful planning ensure learning is accessible, ambitious and appropriately challenging. Ordinarily Available Provision is not an “add-on”; it is what strong teaching looks like every day.

We were selected because our provision is already recognised as strong practice, and I was delighted with the feedback. The inspector observed engaging lessons, praised the calm and purposeful atmosphere in classrooms, and commented on the excellent conduct of our students. She also described our caring culture as distinctive and a real strength. Students from Years 7–11 spoke thoughtfully about their learning and the opportunities available to them.

I am continually proud of our staff, who work tirelessly to deliver a challenging curriculum while building students’ literacy, confidence and character — foundations that prepare them well for life beyond school.

Beyond the classroom, our students have also been embracing opportunities to learn and grow in different ways. Over half term, more than 40 students travelled to Italy for our annual ski trip, accompanied by four members of staff who generously gave up their holiday to make the experience possible. It was, by all accounts, a wonderful week of challenge, achievement and enjoyment. Residential visits play an important role in developing independence, resilience and friendship.

We are always mindful, however, that such visits represent a significant financial commitment. There is never any expectation for students to participate in overseas trips, and we fully respect the decisions families make based on their individual circumstances. Similarly, we recognise the financial pressures families face when planning time away. Schools must follow national guidance regarding term-time absence, but we do understand the wider challenges this can present.

My thanks go to Mr Cole for leading the visit so successfully. He shared with me how proud he was of the students. This sentiment was echoed by the coach driver, the ski instructors and hotel staff, all of whom commented on how polite, respectful and delightful our young people were throughout the week. They were outstanding ambassadors for our school.

Whether in school each day or representing us abroad, our students continue to demonstrate the values of opportunity, respect and aspiration. Their conduct in Italy was a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when given the chance to step beyond their comfort zone.

I wish you all an enjoyable weekend.
Mrs Dawn German

All key dates for 2025-26 are also available on the website.

Assembly
This week’s assembly compared high-trust and low-trust societies using the example of Lee Kuan Yew, who visited London after WWII. He was amazed to see people honestly paying for newspapers using an unattended honesty box. Inspired, he later helped build Singapore into a high-trust society.

Key message: small everyday acts of honesty help create a society where people can trust one another.

Year 9 Options Process
Last night’s Year 9 Parent Consultation Evening was a tremendous success. It was wonderful to see such high levels of engagement, with parents, students, and teachers coming together for meaningful discussions.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to these valuable conversations. This event also supported our Options process, giving parents and students an important opportunity to explore the curriculum and make informed decisions about GCSE choices. A reminder to all Year 9 families—the deadline for submitting options is Tuesday 3rd March. Students have been shown how to enter their choices via the MCAS system, and we encourage them to complete this promptly.

Government White Paper Update
The Department for Education (DfE) has recently published a new White Paper outlining proposed changes to the education system.

To help families understand what is being proposed, the DfE has produced a clear overview for parents. Please find a copy of Mrs German's letter sent on Wednesday with further information and a link to the summary here. 

Parents and Carers will be pleased to know that many of the themes within the White Paper — particularly around inclusion and ensuring pupils receive timely, appropriate support — are already reflected in our practice. Our Inclusion base, The Link, continues to provide targeted support in line with these principles.

We will keep parents updated as further detail emerges.

Rotary Club Young Photographer Competition

Year 9 Rewards Breakfast
6 students were invited to have breakfast with Mrs German on Wednesday as the students truly embody our school values, and I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside them. The rewards breakfast was just a small gesture of appreciation, and I continue to be impressed by the way they approach each school day. Keep up the fantastic work!

Kindness Makes a Difference
We are incredibly proud of two of our Year 9 students, Roxy and Chloe, who demonstrated maturity, kindness and community spirit over half term. While walking into town, they were approached by a young boy who had become separated from his family and was clearly distressed. The girls immediately reassured him, calmly gathered important information, and ensured he felt safe while contacting for help. Thanks to their composed and caring actions, the child was quickly reunited with his carers. Their compassion and presence of mind reflect the very best of our school values, and both students were awarded a Headteacher’s Commendation in recognition of their exemplary conduct.

Baking for a Brilliant Cause
We are also delighted to celebrate Sienna and Olivia in Year 7, who have shown tremendous initiative and generosity as part of a Personal Development project with Mrs Holton. Over the weekend, they organised and ran a bake sale at various locations across Andover, giving up their own time to bake, set up and sell their creations. 

Through their hard work and determination, they raised an incredible £170, which they are donating in full to Simon Says. We are very proud of their commitment to supporting others and look forward to hearing about the planned handover to the charity. A brilliant example of our values in action.

Year 11 - Prom Date Confirmation - Friday 19th June 2026

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

This week there are lots of opportunities for students interested in the British Army (next week Year 10 will take part in a Skills for Life Day which will include input from the Army as part of the final week of our Careers Month).

If there are any students in Year 10 that have not started to apply for work experience placements then this definitely needs to be happening now - please let us know if we can help with the process.

There are 3 new apprenticeship vacancies for Year 11 to consider, and a webinar about T Levels for parents/carers. Our LMI spotlight focuses on careers in aviation with British Airways. Unifrog's Subject Discovery Day will be really useful for students considering university in the future.

We've been marking Chinese New Year and Ramadan this week with information displays.

Some new stock arrived - from Manga to mystery to fantasy.

Next week brings World Book Day and British Science Week.

Year 7 Netball - Harrow Way 1-13 John Hanson
The 7B Netball team faced tough opposition in John Hanson A on Wednesday.

Both teams were a little nervous in the first quarter, with John Hanson scoring only one goal. Throughout the game, both teams improved, however John Hanson edged further ahead, leading 11-0 as the third quarter ended. Harrow Way’s defending unit of Molly, Alex and Sonia worked tirelessly, marking tightly and making a number of excellent interceptions.

Some words of wisdom from the watching 7A team members refocused the team in the final quarter and they were rewarded with a goal scored by Esmae.

Player of the match - Molly. Coach’s Player - Alexandra.

Harrow Heat Year 9 Dominate at Danebury
The Harrow Heat Year 9 3-on-3 team put on a masterclass of efficiency and teamwork during their recent outing at Danebury School. In a clean sweep of the competition, the Heat proved too clinical for the opposition, walking away with three wins from three games.

The Perfect Opener:
Harrow Heat vs. Danebury 2
The Heat started the day with a statement. In a rare "shutout" performance, they dismantled Danebury 2 with a staggering 23-0 victory. The chemistry between the three players was immediate, leaving the hosts unable to find a single rhythm or a clear look at the basket.

The Local Rivalry: Harrow Heat vs. Danebury 1
The second match against Danebury’s first team was a more physical affair. While Danebury 1 managed to find the net, the Heat’s tactical discipline ensured they stayed in control throughout, securing a comfortable 12-5 win.

The Closer: Harrow Heat vs. Rookwood
In the final matchup, the Heat faced Rookwood. Despite some tired legs, the Heat maintained their defensive pressure. Clinical finishing at the rim allowed them to pull away early and finish the day with a solid 15-6 win.

The Best Job in the World
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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