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This week, we have launched our Reading Programme for 2026-27, and I have been delighted to see students settling into this already. Reading is something we feel very strongly about at Harrow Way because it is so much more than simply being able to read words on a page. Literacy is a life skill.

There is a well-known saying that people who read are people who think. We want our young people to be thinkers: curious, thoughtful and able to question, challenge and make sense of the world around them. Reading helps to develop that curiosity, while also building vocabulary, knowledge and confidence. It can open doors to ideas, experiences and perspectives that our young people may never otherwise encounter.

There are benefits beyond the classroom too. Reading can provide a welcome opportunity to slow down, switch off and escape into another world. Research released this week demonstrates that it can reduce stress and support positive mental health, while the strong link between reading and academic outcomes is already well established.

We want our students to become lifelong readers because reading for pleasure can become a lifelong source of knowledge, imagination and enjoyment.

One of my favourite moments this week came when a Year 7 student approached me and asked if I could recommend some books for them to read. I was absolutely thrilled. That simple question is exactly what we hope our Reading Programme will inspire: a genuine curiosity to discover what is out there and a desire to keep learning.

Last night, we welcomed nearly 350 parents and carers to our Year 11 Information Evening, and it was wonderful to see such a fantastic atmosphere across both the Auditorium and Sports Hall. The evening was designed to give students and their families the opportunity to have meaningful conversations, ask questions and seek advice about everything from preparing for GCSE success to making the right choices for college and beyond.

We tried a new format this year, replacing formal presentations from senior staff with the opportunity to talk directly to each curriculum leader at the Curriculum Fair, while our Careers Fair in the Sports Hall provided a wealth of information and guidance about next steps. The buzz of conversation in both venues was a reflection of the support and encouragement surrounding our Year 11 students as they begin this important year. Thank you to everyone who came along and made the evening such a success. We will be sending out a short survey to seek your views; I hope you found the evening both informative and useful.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve welcomed a number of visitors to our school, particularly from the local authority, and they have all commented positively on our new uniform and how smart our students look. I’ve been speaking to students around school, who have told me that they feel comfortable and ready for learning. It has been lovely to see the new uniform becoming part of school life so quickly.

We are continuing to work closely with Stitch a Logo to resolve the issues that some families have been experiencing. The school began discussions about the uniform changes over a year ago and confirmed the precise changes during the Spring term, so that suppliers had sufficient time to prepare for the start of this academic year. We are therefore very disappointed to learn that the process has not been straightforward for some parents. If you do have concerns, I would always encourage you to contact us at school directly so that we can provide support.

Stitch a Logo has assured us, both verbally and in writing, that all orders placed before the start of September will be ready by the end of today.  A number of jumpers are also awaiting collection. We hope that families will soon have everything they need for the school year ahead.

I wish you all a restful weekend.
Mrs Dawn German

Harrow Way are grateful to the following local businesses for their sponsorship:

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

Assembly
This week’s assemblies, delivered by Mrs Woods, focused on safeguarding and reinforcing our high expectations for student behaviour. To ensure every student feels safe and supported to reach their full potential, we emphasize our shared responsibility to demonstrate care, respect, and consideration for one another.

Key topics covered in the assemblies included:

Finally, Mrs Woods commended students for their positive start to the term, noting that their daily good conduct creates a supportive and thriving school community for both staff and pupils.

School Photographs
On Wednesday, the photographer was in school to take photographs of our Year 7 and Year 10 students, and any new students who have joined us over the past year.

He complimented all our students, but was particularly impressed with our Year 10 students, who he said showed exemplary conduct.

Your child should have brought home a slip with an alphanumeric code to enable you to view and purchase photographs if you wish.  The photographs should be available to view by the end of next week.

Instructions to view and order:

Parental Consents
Please can all parents ensure that Parental Consents are up to date via the MCAS App, several students across all Year Groups are missing consents.

The planned educational visit calendar can be viewed here.

For further information regarding school educational visits, please email: 
educationvisits@harrowway.hants.sch.uk

Zanzibar Trip - July 2027
If anyone would like to contribute to the GoFundMe page we have set up to help us raise money  to take important items out there to help our partner school get some essential supplies, please click on this LINK, every penny is appreciated!

Raising money for a Fantastic Cause
We want to wish Connor Blackmore in Year 9 lots of luck as he takes on the St Michael Moonlight Walk challenge on Saturday 26th September. 

Having participated last year, Connor is looking forward to walking 10km for this wonderful charity. If anyone would like to support Connor with a donation, please follow this link. 

Horse Riding Success
Huge congratulations to Lottie Marrante Stokes who will participate in the upcoming Sunshine tour Championship.

We are delighted to celebrate the fantastic achievement of one of our Year 8 students, Lottie, who has qualified to compete at a national championship in equestrian sport. Lottie has worked incredibly hard to reach this stage, successfully making her way through six qualifying rounds to earn her place at the championships.

She will now have the exciting opportunity to compete with her much-loved horse, Princess Tiarna, taking part in three disciplines: show jumping, arena eventing and working hunter. What an achievement! We are very proud of the dedication, commitment and determination Lottie has shown throughout her journey and wish her and Princess Tiarna the very best of luck at the championships.

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

This week's edition includes lots of exciting opportunities for students to get involved with including applying to the NHS Youth Board, an amazing half-term virtual work experience opportunity with the British Antarctic Survey, and the opportunity to learn more about careers in business through taking a Unifrog short course (2 hours long).

Sparsholt Open Days for students in Years 10 & 11
Sparsholt College is holding a series of Foundation Open Events for young people with Special Educational Needs who may be interested in their Foundation Learning Study Programmes.

The events are open to Year 10 and Year 11 students and provide an opportunity to explore the college in a calm and welcoming environment, meet staff, find out about available programmes and discuss individual support needs.

Upcoming dates:
Saturday 19 September 2026
Saturday 6 December 2026
Thursday 22 April 2027

Parents and students can register their interest in the September event using the Sparsholt College Foundation Open Events Booking Form. Those who register will be contacted when bookings open.

Year 7 - all students have been invited to the LRC & Library Google Classroom and should log in to keep up to date with what is available to help them.  LRC induction sessions have started and students will be required to log into Reading Cloud and the SORA  e-book platform for a look round at what these platforms provide to support them with Literacy.  Links here. 

We continue to see many students in the LRC at break and lunch which has been great! They can access the provision after school too and we recommend they come in to do homework in particular. We close at 4.00pm Monday to Thursday inclusive and at 3.30pm on Fridays. 

Netball - Year 11 v John Hanson A
With a couple of members of the team unavailable, Harrow Way’s Year 11 team faced a tough challenge against an experienced John Hanson team on Wednesday.

They started the first quarter well, staying tight in defence and producing some lovely passages of play through the centre court.

A switch round in defence at half time saw captain Erin moving into Goal Defence where she made life difficult for their GA.

As the quarters progressed, John Hanson’s lead slowly grew, however, Harrow Way’s resolve remained strong.The team continued to fight for every ball, showing plenty of commitment and some excellent moments of teamwork and passing.

Despite the final score of 32–14, it was a good, hard-fought game, with the girls continuing to work hard right until the final whistle. There were plenty of positives to take from the match, particularly the team’s effort, resilience and determination.
Player of the Match - Molly. Coach’s Player of the Match - Isla.

Football
The Blue Coat 6 - 1 Harrow Way Year 9
Our Year 9’s unfortunately fell at the first hurdle in the County Cup this week, losing against a strong side from Basingstoke. The boys conceded early in the game, but fought back to 1-1, after a great ball from Archie Burgess found Mitchell Anoma on the right hand side, who tucked the ball home. Harrow Way continued to try to play their football, but unfortunately were overrun and conceded too many chances. The boys didn’t give up and gave their all, but were on the wrong side of the result. Their league campaign starts next week, where they’ll be looking to get their first win of the season.

Harrow Way Year 10 1 - 5 Mountbatten
Our Year 10’s also exited the cup in the first round this week. Mountbatten travelled to Harrow Way and were physical and vocal from minute one. Harrow Way kept the score at 0-0 for a good amount of time, but once the first goal went in, the floodgates started to open. Harrow Way continued to get stuck in and show some fight, but unfortunately were the second best side on the day. Ollie Dawe did get a consolation goal towards the end, which was one positive to take from the game. They’ll go again in the next game, where their league season starts.

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