Friday 13th November 2026
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Remembrance – Lest We Forget
Remembrance is an important and poignant moment in our school calendar. It provides an opportunity for us to remember and pay tribute to all those who gave their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts, as well as to express our gratitude to those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces to keep our country safe.
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It was an honour to accompany our Head Prefects to the Andover town parade and Remembrance Service last Sunday. I was immensely proud of them as they led the secondary schools' section of the parade before laying a poppy wreath on behalf of Harrow Way. It was inspiring to see so many of our students taking part in the parade, alongside families who had come out to support the occasion. These events matter and it is important that we continue to mark them together.
We have established a strong tradition at Harrow Way of ensuring that our students have the opportunity to reflect on the significance of Remembrance. This year, a couple of our Year 11 students approached me with the suggestion of introducing a parade as part of our own school service. Flavia, Ryley and Charlie took this idea forward with real enthusiasm, organising students into groups and teaching them how to march in preparation. On Wednesday, we marched around the school before coming together for our Remembrance Service and the two-minute silence. It was a wonderful addition to the occasion and a fantastic example of students showing initiative, leadership and respect.
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We were also treated to a wonderful contribution from Mr Briggs, who very kindly donned his full Scottish attire and played the bagpipes for us. I am extremely grateful to him, and to the staff who joined us to pay their respects. My thanks also go to our Head of Art and our D&T Technician, who created a beautiful and thought-provoking installation in our reception area. It has been a fitting visual reminder of the importance of this occasion.
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Next week is Anti-Bullying Week, and this provides an important opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Harrow Way is a school where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. Mr Reed delivered an excellent assembly this week, helping students to understand an important distinction: disagreements and fallouts between friends are not necessarily bullying. Bullying involves an imbalance of power and is typically repeated, one-sided behaviour. Understanding this distinction matters, as it helps us to respond appropriately.
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We do not tolerate bullying, and we will always act when concerns are raised. However, changing attitudes and behaviours can take time. Sometimes, the behaviour does not stop immediately, and it may appear that an issue is continuing for longer than anyone would wish. Please be assured that we do not give up. We continue to work with students involved until the bullying stops.
We have certainly noticed a change in the weather this week! The Department for Education has published a useful guide for parents and carers about school closures during adverse weather, which you can read here.
A weather warning does not automatically mean that a school must close. As you know, I will always do everything reasonably possible to keep Harrow Way open, recognising the importance of continuity for our students and families. However, this must be balanced against our responsibility to keep everyone safe. Should circumstances require us to adapt our arrangements, or make the difficult decision to close, we will communicate this clearly with families with a message on our website and via email.
As always, thank you for your continued support. I am immensely proud of the way our students continue to demonstrate our school values, and it is a privilege to see them making such a positive contribution to our school and wider community.
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I wish you all an enjoyable weekend.
Mrs Dawn German
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| Monday 16th November 2026 |
Year 9/10 - Kew Gardens Art Trip |
| Thursday 19th November 2026 |
KS4 Presentation Evening |
| Tuesday 24th November 2026 |
Years 7 - 11 Flu Immunisations |
| Tuesday 24th November 2026 |
Year 11 Comp 2 - Tech Rehearsal - Dance & Drama |
| Wednesday 25th November 2026 |
Yr 11 Comp 2 - Show 1 - Dance & Drama |
| Thursday 26th November 2026 |
Yr 11 Comp 2 - Show 2 - Dance & Drama |
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Assembly this Week
Assemblies this week focused on Anti-Bullying week (16th - 20th November). The Anti-Bullying Alliance have selected this year's theme to be 'breaking the silence' and students at Harrow Way were encouraged to speak out against any negative behaviour and especially bullying which has no place at Harrow Way. Any students who found any themes in the assembly difficult were encouraged (as they always should feel able to) to talk to a trusted adult about this. Mr Reed.
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Flu Vaccinations
The NHS immunisation service will be in school on Tuesday 24th November to give students their annual flu vaccination and would like your consent to vaccinate your child.
It's important to inform us if you do or do not consent to your child having the vaccination. Please respond using the link below, it should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete:
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You need to respond by 9am Friday 20th November. Please enter the year group that your child is currently in. If you cannot use the online form, you can call: 02382 318318 or email: hiowh.nwimms@nhs.net
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Sports Leaders 2026-2027
This year, 50 students from Years 7–10 have successfully secured a place on the Sports Leaders programme following an application process. On Tuesday 20th October, the students took part in a dedicated training day to prepare them for their exciting new roles and responsibilities.
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The training began with an introduction to the role of a Sports Leader, exploring the importance of leadership, responsibility and setting a positive example. Students then moved on to the practical element of the session, developing their teamwork and communication skills while planning a range of activities, drills and games that they will deliver to primary school pupils.
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Throughout the year, our Sports Leaders will work alongside Miss King to support and deliver PE lessons in local primary schools. They will also play an important role in organising, running and assisting at sporting festivals and competitions, helping to create positive sporting experiences and inspire younger pupils to get involved in physical activity.
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Miss King was incredibly impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, commitment and positive attitudes throughout the training day. It was fantastic to see so many students embracing the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and take on this important role within our school community.
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We look forward to seeing them put their training into practice and make a real difference to the primary pupils they work with.
Keep an eye on our social media channels and weekly news updates to follow the Sports Leaders’ progress and see what they get up to throughout the year!
STEM Opportunities at Harrow Way
On Monday, a group of Year 7 girls took part in an activity delivered by local engineering and manufacturing company SMI (Scientific Management International). Students were tasked with making a waterproof penetration seal to simulate a real world situation where parts are required to carry critical infrastructure cables though the hull of a submarine. All the seals held when tested in a water tank so we are glad to report that all of the submariners (consisting of lego minifigures and bath bombs) survived the test. Thank you SMI for inspiring our female students to explore STEM careers.
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More STEM careers were explored on Wednesday when a group of Year 10 students had the opportunity to meet employers across organisations including The Army, AWE, RAL Space and Boeing to take part in STEM activities including an Outside Broadcasting van and other opportunities supported by Andover College Science department and Solent University.
Our focus on STEM careers will continue next Wednesday when our friends at Stannah are supporting a different group of Year 10 students to be able to visit a STEM careers event being held at The Andover Air Museum.
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Year 11 - Prom Passport Letter
Please click HERE to read a letter from Mrs Everett, Head of Year 11.
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Year 7 & 8 Christmas Lunch Parent Sign up
We are delighted to begin planning our school Christmas celebrations, including our traditional Christmas lunches. For Year 7 students, this will take place on Tuesday 15th December 2026 and Year 8 on Thursday 17th December 2026. Use the links below for more information and sign up forms.
Letter to Year 7 Parents/Carers
Letter to Year 8 Parents/Carers
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A Reminder About Coats
With the colder, wetter weather, please ensure your child brings a suitable coat to school every day. Students will need their coats for outdoor activities and when travelling between lessons. Students who get soaked in the rain and do not have a coat will not be routinely sent home to change, so please make sure they come to school prepared for the weather.
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Hampshire SEND Youth Forum
Survey for young people with SEND
The Hampshire SEND Youth Forum has created a survey for young people aged 14-25 living in Hampshire. They want to hear about the things that matter most to young people with SEND, including their experiences, priorities and ideas for the future. The survey has been created by young people, for young people. Please take a few minutes to share your views by using this link: SEND Forum Survey
Your feedback will help ensure young people's voices are heard and can help shape future improvements across Hampshire.
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Food Habits Survey for Parents & Carers
Hampshire County Council, in partnership with the Hampshire Food Alliance, are looking for people to complete their survey on food and cooking habits. The results of this survey will be used to inform their work around access to food and sustainability. It should take about 10 minutes to complete and will close on Monday the 30th November at 11:59pm.
Link to complete the survey.
Smart Living is Hampshire County Council's waste prevention initiative, engaging and enabling residents in ways to save money while helping the environment. They provide information and tools which are freely available to residents to help manage their food in the home. To find out more, please follow this link.
School Transport Consultation for Parents/Carers
Hampshire County Council has launched two consultations on its current School Transport Policy and its Post-16 Transport Policy for 2027-28. The consultations run until Thursday 10 December 2026 and invite feedback on a number of proposed updates designed to make the policies clearer, more transparent and easier to understand. The proposals do not include changes to the services themselves or to the existing eligibility criteria.
Visit the below webpages for more information about each consultation and details of how to submit your feedback:
School Transport Policy consultation
Post-16 Transport Policy consultation
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Trips and Educational Visits
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Educational Trips and Visits – Weekly Update
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Harold Hillier Gardens Christmas Light Trail – 10 December 2026
There are just 4 places remaining on this Year 9 trip. Please pay via Scopay to secure your child’s place.
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Super League Basketball at The O2 – 16 May 2027
There are 9 places remaining. Please pay via Scopay to secure your child’s place.
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Dance Live 2027 – Payment Reminder
Payment is now live on Scopay. Only a small number of parents and carers have paid so far. Please log in and make payment to secure your child’s place.
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Year 8 Manor Adventure France – 11–15 October 2027
This trip is now live on Scopay. Commitment fees are due by Monday 16 November 2026. Parents and carers will then be notified whether their child has secured a place.
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Year 11 Rewards Trip: Reading Winter Wonderland – 18 December 2026
Letters for this planned Year 11 rewards trip will be sent out this week. Please look out for the letter and make payment via Scopay to secure your child’s place.
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Paris – Years 9 and 10
Look out for details of an upcoming Paris trip for Year 9 and Year 10 students. Further information will follow. |
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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!
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Ways Forward - our weekly newsletter for Careers, Apprenticeship, College, Work and Work Experience.
This week we highlight several Unifrog webinars for families with students in all year groups including an application masterclasses, how to choose GCSEs, and navigating post-16 options. You can find out more about careers as a lift engineer, and biomedical scientist, and those of you interested in Big Questions, will love the University of Oxford's Oxplore livestreams and website.
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LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE UPDATE
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It is National Non-Fiction Month - promoted by The Federation of Children's Book Groups. There will be triple house points and stamps for these loans.
Many students have very overdue books from the last 2 years despite fortnightly automated email reminders, bulletin notices and, in some cases, messages home. We have a great collection to offer and do need stock back to continue to offer a wide range. Our policy on unreturned loans, including charging is here. Thank you for your support.
It is Anti-Bullying Week next week - as promoted by the UK Anti-Bullying Alliance. There will be a book and information display in the LRC Library. There is a reading list on Reading Cloud. The theme is Break The Silence.
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Year 10 Rugby v Winton
On a very wet and miserable Tuesday evening – perfect rugby conditions! – our Year 10 rugby team, supported by a few Year 9 players, welcomed Winton for a tough and competitive fixture.
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Our boys got off to a great start, with Ethan Brown spotting an opportunity and crossing the line after a strong run from Nazarii Dvorianskyi to put us on the scoreboard. Winton responded with some physical play and excellent work around the fringes, keeping their scoreboard ticking over.
However, there was more clever thinking from Ethan Brown, who took a quick tap penalty and caught the Winton defence off guard to score again.
The second half proved a real test. Winton continued to bring some powerful, direct runners who repeatedly challenged our defensive line. Despite this, our boys showed tremendous courage, determination and resilience in defence, battling hard and keeping the game competitive right to the final whistle.
The final score was 10–30 to Winton, but there were plenty of positives to take away from a spirited team performance in challenging conditions. Well done to all the boys who represented the school!
Netball - 9A v Danebury
The 9A team produced a classy display of netball on Wednesday when they hosted Danebury in their Division 1 match.
From the first whistle they dominated the play, with long periods of possession and superb defensive display, really limiting the number of opportunities the opposition had to get the ball into their own goal area.
Despite leading 12-4 at half time there were still some areas to improve, with the team thinking about giving each other more time to drive into a space before making their pass for the second half of the game.
The final score was a fantastic 18-6. The girls have really grown in confidence and aim for a strong end to their league against Rookwood in a few week’s time.
Player of Match - Natalie. Coach’s Player - Izzy. Top marking - Brooke.
Incredible interceptions - Hollie. Wondrous work rate - Riya.
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Year 8 Rugby v Weydon
For some of the Harrow Way boys, this was their first taste of competitive rugby, and they can be proud of the way they approached the challenge. Led superbly by captain Reuben Brown, the team showed plenty of determination and commitment throughout.
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Joseph Field deserves particular credit for some courageous tackling, putting Weydon under pressure and refusing to give them an easy ride. Faosiy Adeyefa also found his stride, crossing the line twice to open his account - eventually ending up with 4 tries to his name!
Weydon proved to be a very strong outfit, with many of their players already playing together at rugby clubs outside school. This experience showed, and it was always going to be a tough challenge for Harrow Way. Weydon demonstrated what well-organised rugby looks like, both in attack and defence, and thoroughly deserved their 45–20 victory.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for Harrow Way to take away. Man of the Match went to Reuben Brown, who dominated the breakdown, secured valuable possession and worked tirelessly to keep the ball in Harrow Way hands.
A huge well done to everyone who represented Harrow Way, particularly those who pulled on a rugby shirt and ran out for the very first time. It was a great effort and an important first step in their rugby journey!
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Changes in Family Circumstances
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We understand that family circumstances can change and that even temporary changes at home can sometimes have an impact on a young person. If there is a significant change in your family circumstances — for example, a parent having an operation, illness, bereavement, separation or another change at home — please consider letting your child’s tutor know. You do not need to share more information than you are comfortable with, but making us aware allows staff to discreetly check in with your child, offer additional support where needed and better understand any changes we may notice in their behaviour, emotions or engagement at school.
Keeping Us Updated
If you are going away and your child will be staying at home or being cared for by another family member or trusted adult, please let the school know. We ask that you provide the name and contact details of the adult responsible for your child while you are away. This ensures that, should an emergency arise, we have the correct information and can quickly contact the appropriate person. Thank you for helping us keep our records up to date and our students safe.
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Is your child really too ill for school?
As we move further into the colder months, we know that coughs, colds, sore throats and other winter bugs become more common. We understand that parents want to do the right thing when their child is feeling under the weather, but it can sometimes be difficult to know whether they need a day at home or are well enough to attend school.
Did you know that not every illness requires a day off school?
NHS guidance explains that children can often continue attending school with mild symptoms, provided they feel well enough and do not have a high temperature.
We appreciate that children will occasionally become unwell, and we would never expect a child who is genuinely too poorly to attend school. However, we also know that sometimes children can feel a little under the weather but are still perfectly well enough to manage a school day.
Every day in school matters. Missing lessons can make it harder to keep up with learning, and regular attendance helps children maintain friendships, routines and confidence.
If your child is struggling with attendance or you are unsure whether they should attend, please get in touch. We are always happy to offer advice and support.
Please remember:
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- Report all absences through the MCAS app by 8.40am each day.
- If your child is absent for more than one day, please continue to report their absence daily.
- If your child is well enough to attend, please encourage them to come in.
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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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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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