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Over the past two weeks, our school community has been full of energy, creativity and curiosity as students have taken part in a range of activities that extend and enrich their learning beyond the classroom. These moments are always a wonderful reminder that education is not confined to lessons alone; the experiences students have across the wider life of the school play a powerful role in deepening their understanding and developing the skills they need for the future.

One highlight was our celebration of World Book Day. Rather than encouraging students to dress up – something many teenagers understandably feel uncomfortable doing – we chose to celebrate reading in a way that allowed everyone to participate: by decorating tutor room doors to represent a book that meant something to the group. Walking around the school and seeing the creativity, care and thought that students had invested in these displays was a genuine pleasure. Tutor groups of all ages embraced the challenge, producing imaginative and meaningful representations of their chosen texts.

One highlight was our celebration of World Book Day. Rather than encouraging students to dress up – something many teenagers understandably feel uncomfortable doing – we chose to celebrate reading in a way that allowed everyone to participate: by decorating tutor room doors to represent a book that meant something to the group. Walking around the school and seeing the creativity, care and thought that students had invested in these displays was a genuine pleasure. Tutor groups of all ages embraced the challenge, producing imaginative and meaningful representations of their chosen texts.

1st Place - 8RKH

2nd Place - 8APM

Reading remains one of the most powerful tools we can give young people. It supports mindfulness and wellbeing, sparks creativity and broadens understanding of the world. Research consistently shows that students who read for pleasure are more likely to achieve strong outcomes at GCSE – not only in English, but across all subjects. This is why our librarian works tirelessly to promote reading and why our Tutor Reading Programme has been praised by external visitors on several occasions.

Alongside this, we continue to place a strong emphasis on literacy across the curriculum. Every subject contributes to developing students’ vocabulary so that they can express their ideas clearly and confidently. Our analysis of previous examination results showed that, in some cases, students knew the subject content well but struggled because they could not fully interpret the wording of exam questions. In response, we have drawn on research from the Education Endowment Foundation to strengthen reading strategies across all subjects. Reading is not simply an English skill; it is essential in every discipline and in every walk of life.

3rd Place - 7ALS

At the same time, the school has been celebrating National Science Week, with the Science department creating a vibrant programme of activities designed to inspire curiosity and highlight the role science plays in shaping our world. Students have taken part in a national poster competition, with our top five entries being submitted nationally, and have enjoyed special Key Stage 3 science lessons exploring this year’s theme of curiosity. Other activities included a Year 7 science scavenger hunt, a collaboration with Taskmaster Club and a range of displays around the school – including a “Science Book of the Day” feature in the library.

Students were also encouraged to think more deeply about how science influences society and young people’s lives, considering questions about what makes life positive now, what childhood was like in the past, and what a positive future for young people might look like. These thoughtful discussions help students to connect their scientific learning with the wider world.

In tutor time, we also explored careers linked to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the wide range of opportunities available. Students learned about modern scientists such as Ros Jackson, who is leading research into new ways of studying DNA and helping advance modern medicine. These conversations are important in helping students see that science is not just something studied in school – it is a field where they themselves could make a difference.

When we look back at history, the impact of science on improving our lives is clear, from advances in healthcare to innovations that make everyday life easier. It is exciting to think about the role the next generation may play in shaping the future. Perhaps among the students who took part in Science Week this year are some of the scientists, engineers and innovators of tomorrow. We look forward to seeing where their curiosity will take them – and what they may one day achieve. 

I wish you all an enjoyable weekend.
Mrs Dawn German

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

Assembly - International Woman's Day
In this week's assemblies we are celebrating International Women's Day. We're discovering why IWD is still important and relevant in today's society, and looking at how we as individuals can help promote the rights of the girls and women in our communities. 

If you or your employer would be interested in supporting future student careers activities in school then please get in touch - we are always looking for more speakers and opportunities for our students to experience.

Youth Impact Found Programme - Easter 2026
Please see the poster (click to enlarge) and follow this LINK to read a letter for Parents & Carers about the upcoming Easter Events which are free for FSM students and are HAF eligible.

Creative Writers’ Publication
The Year 9 Creative Writing class have published their first of three planned journals this week, under the title 'Perspective'. Every student in the class has contributed a short prose piece or poem; these pieces originated in classwork activities or writings in students' personal 'writer's notebooks'. The project was managed and edited by Minnie Carlier. A key pillar of the Year 9 Creative Writing course is 'publication', which means having work seen and engaged with by the wider community; to this end, the class are very pleased to share this collection of work with you.

The first Journal can be viewed here.

Young Carers’ Action Day
It was a pleasure to recognise our students who support family members at home on Young Carers Action Day this week. As a small gesture of appreciation, we shared cakes with our young carers to thank them for the care, responsibility and resilience they show every day. 

They were genuinely delighted to be recognised, and it was a lovely moment to pause and acknowledge the important contribution they make both at home and as valued members of our school community.

Year 11 Theatre Trip
Year 11 visited the Nutshell Theatre in Winchester on Tuesday evening to watch a performance of Othello. The performance was engaging and provided a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the play, particularly their interpretations of the characters of Othello and Iago.

We were impressed with the students' exceptional behaviour and how they represented our school.  We are now looking forward to taking our Year 10 students to the same performance next Friday to support their learning. If any parent, who was unable to book their child a place on either the Year 11 or Year 10 trips, would still like their child to see the production, tickets are currently available to purchase directly from the theatre via this link.

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

DFE - Education Record App
As you may have seen in the news the Department of Education (DfE) is introducing the Education Record app for current Year 11 students.   This app will allow students to access their education information on their mobile phones as a secure education record. 

It will contain:

We have been invited to be part of the first phase of this exciting project facilitating students' access to this app, and more information about this process will be shared with you in the coming weeks.  If you would like to find out more information now you can access it on the DfE website.

Parents of secondary age children in mainstream school and children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) can now apply for School Transport for the 2026/27 academic year. Applications for primary age children in mainstream school will open on 16 April.

Application deadlines
You can check whether your child or young person is eligible for transport on the School Transport webpages. If you believe they meet the criteria, and you need help getting them to school, you must apply on time to make sure your application is reviewed before September. The deadlines are:

If your child already receives School Transport, you don't need to do anything unless your circumstances have changed. If you have moved home or school location, you will need to reapply for transport. Visit the website for full details including how to apply

What next?
Providing your application is submitted on time, you can expect to hear the outcome of your application within 10 working days. If your application is on-time and approved, you will receive details of your transport arrangements via email in late August.

Late applications
Applications received after the relevant deadline will be treated as late applications, and will only be reviewed after all on-time applications have been processed. This means that transport will not be in place for September 2026 and may not be available for the first school term. Late applications for children with SEND will still be considered on time if your child’s Education, Health and Care Plan is finalised after the deadline.

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

In Ways Forward this week we're focusing on careers in the Creative Industries, speech and language therapy, NHS health careers, and the Oxford University Student Conference.  As usual we highlight local apprenticeship vacancies that Year 11 students might like to apply for.

We have been promoting British Science Week this week with a book display, Book of the Week, Magazine of the Week, the official poster competition and Fact of the Day.

Our Spotlight On....feature is Twisted FairyTales - a new but popular genre.

We launched the Hampshire Book Award but have some places available for Year 8 readers. This is a prestigious award with 20+ years history. Students read the 4 shortlisted books before 25th June, meet weekly to discuss and review them and then submit their vote for a winner along with hundreds of other Year 8's from around the county. They then meet the winning author - usually virtually.

A new display has been created to update the student body on the work of Hampshire Youth Parliament.

Year 7 Football v John Hanson
On a drizzly Friday after school, the two sides met on the slippery, dimly lit pitch for a clash that promised excitement but delivered none of the usual scoreline drama. The players battled through puddles and low light with determined energy but every attack fizzled before it could threaten the net. Passes went astray, corners skimmed harmlessly past players, and shots either trickled wide or were easily gathered, leaving the game in a tense stalemate. Despite the complete absence of goals, both sides earned respect for their persistence and spirit. In the end, it was a goalless draw, weapons lowered, until next time. 

Netball
It’s been a busy week of netball, with four fixtures taking place. On Tuesday, both Year 7 teams travelled to Testbourne to play against two very different teams. Our A team were matched up against a very physically strong Testbourne ‘A’, including a county netballer. However they stuck to their gameplan and fought hard, ending the game with a very respectable 8-17 scoreline. The player of the match went to our Centre Alicia.

With a last minute addition of Molly to the B team due to illness, the girls had a much more comfortable game. Once they had got past their first quarter nerves, the quality of their passing and moving greatly improved and they dominated the rest of the game, ending with a comfortable 12-1 win. Player of the match went to Alex.

On Wednesday we were on the road again, this time to Danebury with our 7A and 8B teams. Feeling a little tired after their tough game the previous day, the 7A’s really stepped up and put in an impressive performance. They dominated from the first whistle, maintaining the majority of the possession and shooters Frances and Lizzie scoring freely. With the scoreline reaching 11-1 at the end of the 3rd quarter and the victory secure, the team turned their attention in the 4th to practicing passing patterns and set plays. The game finished 15-1, an excellent performance by the team.
Player of the match - Lizzie. Coach’s player - Daisy.

Year 8B  V Danebury
Harrow Way and Danebury met in a closely contested netball match, with both sides evenly matched from the start. The game remained tight throughout, with momentum shifting between the two teams as each quarter unfolded.

By the second quarter, Harrow Way had begun to relax and play with more confidence. Scarlet and Jess worked particularly well together in the goal circle, linking up effectively and converting their chances to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Primary Sports
On Tuesday, 48 children from three local schools visited Harrow Way to take part in an exciting Hockey Skills Festival. The children rotated through five different activities, including 1v1 matches, slalom races, and goal shooting, giving them the opportunity to develop a range of basic hockey skills. For some of the children, it was their first time even holding a hockey stick, making the experience both exciting and challenging. They were supported throughout the event by our fantastic Sports Leaders – Alexia, Arlo, Brianne and Isla – who did an excellent job guiding and encouraging the participants. We now look forward to welcoming children back for the Reception Multi Skills event on 24th March.

Year 10 Rugby V Testbourne
The Year 10 rugby team had a fixture against Testbourne on Tuesday in an entertaining and hard-fought match. Both sides competed strongly throughout.

Akari Pieters opened the scoring with a superb finish in the corner. Taylyn Weatherhead then added an excellent conversion from the touchline to give the team a 7–0 lead. 

Shortly afterwards, Akari grabbed his second try with a brilliant individual run down the wing following some well-worked passing through the hands.

Testbourne responded just before the half-time whistle, narrowing the score to 14–7.

The second half was played with great intensity and determination. Outstanding defence on our own try line showed the team’s resilience and commitment to securing the win. Tom Webb crossed the line after a powerful break from Arthur Faye, and Mylo Street added two more tries with some strong, direct running.

Overall, it was a fantastic all-round team performance.

Year 9 District 10-a-side Rugby Tournament
The Year 9 rugby team faced a windy and wet evening on Thursday as they competed in the district 10-a-side tournament. Despite the challenging conditions, the boys showed great determination and commitment throughout the competition.

Although the results didn’t quite go our way, the team never gave up, battling hard until the final whistle in every match.

The opening game against Testbourne was a closely contested encounter, eventually lost 3–2 in the dying seconds. Romayne King and Monty Reid both crossed the line to put points on the board for HW.

Next up was Winton. Romayne continued to impress with the ball in hand, scoring our only try in a 6–1 defeat.

The final match was against local rivals John Hanson, and our boys always rise to the occasion in these fixtures. Despite trailing 3–0 at half time, the team kept their spirits high and continued to fight. Nazarii Dvorianskyi powered over for a well-earned try to reduce the deficit to 3–1, before JH added a late score to finish the match 4–1.

The overall tournament winners were John Hanson, with Testbourne finishing second and Winton third. Well played to all teams, and congratulations to the boys for their resilience and effort in very challenging conditions.

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