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We have had the pleasure of welcoming a number of visitors into school over the past fortnight, each bringing an external perspective on the work we do every day. These opportunities are always valuable; not only do they allow us to reflect on our practice, but they also provide important validation of our commitment to our young people.

Last Friday, we hosted some headteachers who were particularly interested in our curriculum. Their focus was on how we balance meeting the needs of all learners while ensuring appropriate stretch and challenge for our most able students successfully. As part of their visit, they spent time in lessons and around the school, and we were delighted with the highly positive feedback they shared.

Earlier this week, we also welcomed a Local Authority Inspector specialising in Inclusive Practice. She met with senior leaders, explored our pastoral systems in depth, and joined me on a learning walk, where she visited lessons, observed targeted interventions, and spent time in our Link provision. Importantly, she also spoke directly with students about their experiences at school.

I was incredibly proud of the feedback she provided. It was both affirming and encouraging to hear our work recognised so positively by an expert in the field. At Harrow Way, we are committed to providing the very best educational experience; one where every student can thrive. As the inspector noted, this is not simply an aspiration we talk about; it is something that is clearly lived and enacted throughout the school each day.

Meanwhile, our Year 10 students have shown great maturity and resilience throughout a hard second week of exams this week. Their conduct and attitude have been exemplary, and we are very proud of the way they’ve approached this important milestone.

On Wednesday, we held our memorable and traditional Good Luck Assembly for Year 11. The exam season begins officially on Tuesday 5th May – with some students already having faced their first tests, including French and Spanish Speaking as well as Art and Photography exams – so this was a timely moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate.

Over recent months, our students have demonstrated determination and maturity whilst preparing for the upcoming GCSE examinations. The assembly was filled with warmth and encouragement, as we shared wonderful messages and cards from parents, friends and relatives – each one a reminder that these young people are surrounded by a community that believes in them.

As they prepare to take this final step in their secondary school journey, we want our Year 11 students to know how proud we are of them. We will continue to support them throughout the next five weeks and beyond. Good luck Year 11 – Class of 2026 – we can’t wait to see what you go on to achieve.

I wish you all an enjoyable bank holiday weekend.
Mrs Dawn German

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

Assembly
Etiquette and tea both share many things in common.  We need neither one to survive, but both are incredibly valued around the world in a multitude of ways.  Tea ceremonies and parties have long been important cultural events, often linked with etiquette and fashion.  To understand how varied etiquette can be and why it matters, it is worth considering how varied tea is around the world too.  One thing is clear, good etiquette is like a good cup of tea: welcoming, wholesome, and surprisingly powerful. On the other hand, bad etiquette is like a bad cup of tea: upsetting, unwelcoming, and likely to get you judged (at least a little bit!). Mr Grace.

Change to Summer Uniform
Given the fantastic weather we have been enjoying, we are going to move to the Summer uniform as planned from Tuesday 5th May. Students may choose to wear a light grey polo shirt with their usual trousers or skirt or may prefer to have black knee-length shorts. Of course, students may prefer to continue to wear their white shirts and ties for the rest of term. Blazers will not be required.

Changes to School Uniform - September 2026

Please see Mrs German’s letter to parents and carers sent on Monday about School Uniform Changes - September 2026.

Rising Sports Journalist Interviews Premier League Legends
Since September, Hamish, in Year 8, has been working for Love Andover, the local radio station, writing match reports and making video highlight packages of New Street's games.

At Andover New Street FC's charity match this weekend, Hamish interviewed Wes Morgan, Leicester City’s Premier League winning Captain, Papiss Cissé, former Newcastle striker, and Oumar Niasse, former Everton striker. The three former Premier League players played in the match to raise money in memory of Jon Baxter. Hamish independently prepared the questions, filmed the interviews and edited the final piece within a single day to meet publication deadlines. This is a brilliant achievement, demonstrating initiative, professionalism and creativity; well done, Hamish!

Link to Love Andover's FB post

Labyrinth Day
World Labyrinth Day is a celebration on the first Saturday in May, this year the 2nd. It is a time for reflection and unity for the sake of world peace.  Labyrinths are over 4000 years old and have appeared in many cultures, from Ancient India and Mesoamerica to Ancient Greece and Rome, Medieval Europe, and modern America.  Differing from a maze in that they have a single, winding path to a centre, whilst a maze has confusing paths and dead-ends, the purpose of a labyrinth is for inner reflection. They cross national boundaries, religious divides, and spiritual beliefs. They are a form of mindfulness, walking meditation and, for some people, even prayer. For those unable to find a full, walkable, labyrinth, finger labyrinths, drawn or carved to be traced with a finger are available. In Art Club this week, Mr Grace introduced the concept of labyrinths and showed the students how to draw a simple, seven circuit, classical labyrinth, which could be decorated mindfully. Miss Browning helped students make labyrinths out of air dried clay. Mr Grace also set up a simple, three circuit, rope labyrinth outside for students to engage with. It was wonderful to see so many take it seriously and give it a genuine go.

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.

Prom Information, Year Book & Leavers Hoodies
Please see this linked letter from Mrs Woodhead, regarding information on purchasing Prom tickets and the sale of leavers' books and hoodies.

PE Kit Donation

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.

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

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

This week we're advertising an exciting after-school makers club with Andover College. This is open to students from Year 9 and Year 10 interested in manufacturing, making, design, creativity, crafting, and practical skills.

There's a new Horticulture Grounds Maintenance Apprentice vacancy based at Wherwell Priory that some Year 11 students might be interested in applying for.

You can also find out more about careers in archaeology, railway signalling, industries of the future, and V Levels (the brand new qualifications that will be available for post-16 students from September 2027).

This week we marked both World Superhero Day and International Dance Day - it's in our DNA to work to attract students to books and magazines through their interests and through promoting national and international events and awareness days. The Exam Advice Station remains in place for Years 10 and 11.

PE Extra Curricular Timetable for Summer Term 2026

The Best Job in the World
We are proud to work closely with i2i Teaching Partnership to grow great teachers. If you would like to train to teach, please see their newsletter here.

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

For local community events and information, please click the button below:

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:

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

Copyright © 2025, Harrow Way Community School, All rights reserved.

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