Our Year 11 students have begun their summer examination marathon – five intensive weeks of hard work and determination. They are off to a flying start! We’re already eight exams in, including English Literature, Maths, Biology, Geography, Computer Science, History, Religious Studies and Sociology.
We’re particularly pleased with the excellent turnout to our early morning Warm-Up sessions. These are proving to be invaluable last-minute revision, key reminders, and crucial exam technique tips. Our Examinations Officer has also commented on the calm focus and maturity of our students in the exam hall. The atmosphere is positive, and we are incredibly proud of the resilience, attitude and ambition our young people are showing. They are a credit to you and themselves.
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This week, a group of our students took part in an incredibly powerful and thought-provoking educational experience through Testimony 360, a digital programme created by the Holocaust Educational Trust. Combining survivor testimony with virtual reality technology, the programme enabled our students to engage with Holocaust history in a personal and meaningful way. Students learned about the experiences of Manfred Goldberg MBE, who, as a child, was deported from his home in Kassel, Germany, to the Riga Ghetto before being sent to the Stutthof concentration camp. Students were able to follow his journey and visit sites connected to his story.
Studying the Holocaust remains as important as ever. As the survivor generation grows smaller, experiences such as Testimony 360 ensure that individual stories continue to be heard and remembered. The sessions encouraged students not only to deepen their historical understanding, but also to reflect on the choices people make in the face of prejudice, hatred, and indifference. Students engaged with the experience with great maturity and empathy, developing a stronger appreciation of the importance of tolerance, human rights, and civic responsibility. Above all, the programme reminded us all that history is not simply about the past — it carries vital lessons for the present and the future.
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In a timely and important continuation of this work, yesterday we hosted a Respectful Language Day for students in Years 7–10. Across the day, each year group took part in dedicated session exploring the impact of prejudicial language and why discriminatory language, however casual or unintended, can cause real harm and has no place within our community. The session will encouraged students to reflect on the importance of respect and kindness, while also empowering them to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours when they encounter them.
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Together, these experiences form part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all students feel safe, valued, and respected within our school community.
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I wish you all an enjoyable weekend.
Mrs Dawn German
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| Sunday 17th May 2026 |
Basketball Trip - London O2 |
| Monday 18th May 2026 |
Year 10 PE Trip to Bath University |
| Wednesday 20th May 2026 |
Year 9/10 London Theatre Trip |
| Thursday 21st May 2026 |
Year 7 Marwell Zoo Trip |
| 25th - 29th May 2026 |
Year 9/10 Iceland Trip |
| 25th - 29th May 2026 |
Half Term |
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Assembly
This week, Mrs Woods' assembly focused on prejudicial language and how we all have a responsibility to make our school a safe place for all. It was explained what prejudicial language is and the type of words that may be heard around the school, and why this is harmful to individuals and our school community. Students were reminded of our five core values and how we want them to behave. A key message was the importance of reporting the use of prejudicial language. Students and staff will not accept it.
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Online Security Webinar
Thank you to the families who joined us online last night for our first ever Webinar on Online Safety hosted by Mr Reed and Mrs Woods. This was offered to all Year 7 and 8 parents and carers. We hope that it was useful. If you would like to see the slides used, they are attached here as a PDF. Below are a number of useful links on this topic (which are also embedded in the slides).
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has launched the Switched on to privacy campaign in order to help parents and carers have conversations with their children about online privacy.
There is lots of advice and resources at: www.parentsafe.lgfl.net/
Visit https://www.internetmatters.org for advice for parents and carers
You can find ratings and reviews for parents on Apps, Games and social media at: www.commonsensemedia.org
Year 8 Reward Breakfast
Mrs German was delighted to invite a group of Year 8 students to have breakfast in her office this week. These students model excellent behaviour and our school values every day. They are helpful, polite and considerate.
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Whilst enjoying their breakfast of croissants, chocolate brioche and fruit, they regaled Mrs Ford, Head of Year 8 and Mrs German with stories of what they enjoy most about Harrow Way. They also were given the opportunity to contribute their views about what changes they would like to see in future.
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GCSE Contingency Day 2026
The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has set aside Wednesday 24th June as the GCSE Contingency Day 2026. This means that pupils need to be available up until this day to sit an examination even if their timetabled examinations finish sooner. The reason for this day "is to reschedule exams if a national incident or widespread disruption prevents them from taking place as planned, ensuring all students have a fair chance". If a pupil is unable to attend this date "they will be considered absent and will not receive a grade for that component". We therefore strongly advise that you do not make any plans to go on holiday until after this date.
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Harrow Way Community School is thrilled to be supporting the “10@10 or 2.5@5”.
Get ready to light up the night and make a difference! Whether you're up for a late-night challenge or looking for a fun, family-friendly experience, there's something for everyone in this year's event.
NEW for 2026: 2.5@5 Family & Friends Challenge. Starts at 5:00pm. A relaxed and inclusive option for all ages and abilities.
Location: Harrow Way Community School, Andover (SP10 3RH).
Date: Saturday 20th June 2026.
Start Time: 10:00pm for 10@10 or 5pm for 2.5@5.
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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:
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- For children attending mainstream primary and secondary schools - 31 May 2026
- For children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - 30 June 2026
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Ways Forward - our weekly newsletter for Careers, Apprenticeship, College, Work and Work Experience.
This week we want to share the details of some interesting Unifrog webinars coming up soon including 'Where could a degree in politics take me?' a Medicine taster 'How is technology transforming the future of medicine?' and a Forensic psychology taster 'How does psychology help solve crime?'
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The after-school Makers Club at Andover College still has a few places available; for anyone who loves making, design, crafting and being creative, this could be the perfect opportunity.
For Year 11: see the new local apprenticeship vacancies including an Administration and Events Apprentice at Basingstoke College of Technology, a Maintenance Machinist Apprentice, a Groundworker Level 2 Apprenticeship, and an Engineering Maintenance Apprentice vacancy.
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LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE
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This week, we have been recognising Mental Health Awareness Week as promoted by MIND, The Mental Health Foundation and others.
A new display showcasing our timeline of events for the National Year of Reading has gone up and some great new book stock has been ordered. To continue to buy new books, we require loans to be returned and to not need to replace existing titles. To this end, we have again been reminding students and parents about overdue accounts. Our policy is here.
Due to the high number of loans returned damaged and subsequently going for recycling, we may also need to add this to our policy. Support for the timely return of loans in good condition is appreciated.
Upcoming events include Pride Month, National Crime Reading Month, Refugee Week and more.
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Attendance Fact of the Week
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External Clubs and Events
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For local community events and information, please click the button below:
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The Andover Roundtable in conjunction with the Musical Theatre Company is hosting a murder mystery evening to raise funds for their charities.
A crime is brewing in Andover... and we need your help to solve it.
The Andover Musical Theatre Company and Andover Round Table invite you to an unforgettable night of intrigue: Jazz and Jeopardy. While you hunt for clues and interrogate the suspects, enjoy a full evening of entertainment including:
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- A chilled welcome drink on arrival
- A delicious 2-course meal
- An immersive, high-stakes murder mystery performance
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Planning a night out with friends? Group bookings are more than welcome—it’s the perfect way to test your teamwork and see who can catch the killer!
Best of all, you’ll be supporting local arts and community projects. All proceeds go directly to our two registered charities Andover Musical Theatre Company & Andover Round Table.
THE DETAILS:
When: Saturday 13th June, 7:00 PM.
Where: Keystone Hall, Andover, SP10 1EP.
Tickets: £37.50 per person
READY TO SOLVE THE CASE? Secure your tickets here:
https://buytickets.at/andoverroundtable237/2102350
Questions? Contact us at: andover@roundtable.org.uk. Registered Charities: 1143762 & 1058023
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Avalon Family Gameshow Casting
Please follow this LINK to read the parent letter from Avalon - The Makers of Taskmaster are casting now!
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Copyright © 2026, Harrow Way Community School, All rights reserved.
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Harrow Way Community School,
Harrow Way,
Andover,
Hampshire.
SP10 3RH
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