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After months of hard work and preparation, our talented students and dedicated staff have brought the magic of Frozen to life on stage. With an incredible number of students involved, it was a joy to see such enthusiasm, teamwork, and creativity - I was absolutely bursting with pride. A heartfelt thank you to Mr Manson, his fantastic team, and so many members of staff across the school, including our Art department, for creating such a memorable experience for our students.

This production has been more than just a show; it’s a celebration of friendship, collaboration across year groups, and the sense of belonging that makes Harrow Way so special. Our local primary school thoroughly enjoyed the performance on Wednesday, and if you haven’t seen it already, there’s still a chance to catch the final show this evening.

There’s been a lot of media attention on school uniform costs recently, with some reports suggesting families spend up to £400 per child each year. We want to reassure you that this is not the case at Harrow Way. Our uniform policy remains affordable and fair, with only three required branded items: the blazer, PE top, and PE shorts. 

Many students are now wearing their summer uniform, and I must say, they look smart and feel more comfortable in their polo shirts – a small change that makes a big difference.

 

We know uniform is an expense, but it brings real benefits: it fosters a sense of belonging, promotes equality, and supports high standards of behaviour and presentation that reflect our school values.

This week, we’ve been especially proud of our Year 10 students, who have made an excellent start to their exams. Their attitude, focus, and conduct have been exemplary. These early exams are more than assessments – they are an important learning curve, giving students valuable experience of formal exam conditions and the high expectations that come with them.

Year 11, meanwhile, are now on the final stretch, with their official exam season just around the corner. Mr Townsend spoke to them this week, offering essential reminders about arriving on time and bringing the correct equipment. This cohort has worked hard throughout the year, attending revision sessions and staying focused in lessons. They thoroughly deserve to do well. Harrow Way has consistently achieved the best student outcomes in Andover, and we are confident that this year’s students will continue that tradition.

 

It’s also important that we teach our young people balance: when you work hard, you need to be rewarded. I know many students are looking forward already to the Year 11 Prom which has been arranged for Thursday 27th June. It promises to be a special evening to celebrate not only the end of exams, but also five memorable years at Harrow Way.

I wish you all an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend,
Mrs Dawn German

All key dates for 2024-25 are also available on the website.

Assembly
This week’s assembly focused on the upcoming 80th anniversary of VE Day, encouraging pupils to reflect on both the hardships and the hope associated with the end of World War II in Europe. Using a quote from Shakespeare’s Henry VIII — “Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water” — pupils explored the idea that while the harm people cause is often long remembered, kindness can be easily forgotten.

 

This message was brought to life through the examination of a WWI artillery shell, featuring a piece of trench art — a delicate engraving of flowers — symbolising how even in times of conflict, beauty and humanity can endure. The shell represents the lasting impact of harm, much like brass, while virtues, like water, are easily lost unless we make an effort to preserve them.

The assembly also reflected on how we often remember the devastation of war, such as the bombing of nearby Southampton, but overlook the eruption of joy and community spirit that marked the end of the war in Europe. Pupils viewed archival footage of VE Day street parties, where neighbours came together and shared what little they had despite ongoing rationing.

Bringing the theme closer to home, the school has recently received two heartfelt letters from veterans, reminding us that this history remains within living memory; in response, a pupil-written letter of thanks and reflection will be created in the LRC. Pupils were encouraged to carry forward the message of recognising and remembering the goodness in others, not just their faults.

VE Day 80th Anniversary – Thursday 8th May
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day, we are proud to share the ways our school will be commemorating this significant historical milestone. We have organised a series of meaningful whole-school activities that honour this significant moment in history and the sacrifices made for peace. 

Events include house competitions such as biscuit and bunting-making—with student-made bunting displayed throughout the school—and a vibrant programme in the Library Resource Centre from 7–9 May. These include a VE Day quiz, themed displays with 1940s music and witness testimonies, a collaborative letter-writing activity to a WWII veteran, and a showcase of historical fiction and non-fiction. We encourage all students and staff to take part in these opportunities for reflection and remembrance.

Year 7 Street Party – Thursday 8th May
Year 7 students will participate in a celebratory street party during Period 4, held on the school field (weather permitting). The event will be overseen by the History department, the Head of Year team, and Year 7 tutors. A letter has been sent to parents outlining the planned activities and Year 7 parents need to complete the form below if their child has any allergy or dietary requirements:  Year 7 VE Day 'Street Party'- Allergy and dietary requirements.

Prom Attire Donations – Can You Help?
With prom just around the corner, we're kindly asking for donations of any gently worn prom dresses, suits, shoes, bags, or other formalwear accessories you may have at home and no longer need.

These donations will help ensure that all students have the opportunity to enjoy the evening feeling confident and dressed for the occasion, regardless of financial circumstances.

Items can be dropped off at the main reception. Many thanks for your support!

Summer Uniform
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 shirt and tie. Blazers will not be required from 6th May until the end of the Summer Term.

Cheaper Internet Access for Families Receiving Benefits:
The DfE has asked schools to advertise to parents and carers that households receiving benefits such as Universal Credit (and some others) could be eligible for discounted social tariffs on broadband. This could help you to stay connected to friends and family (and also on top of school work) at lower costs.

For more information, please visit Ofcom’s website.

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

This week in Ways Forward, you can find out more about lots of different careers including a cruise ship entertainer, careers in early years, careers in food and drink, climate change careers, management careers, and medicine.

There are some amazing local apprenticeship vacancies suitable for Year 11 to apply for including an apprentice dental nurse, an autocare technician apprentice, a bricklaying apprentice, and a furniture maker apprentice.  We also highlight a webinar explaining more about the support that individuals with additional needs would be entitled to while on an apprenticeship programme.

Those thinking about university in the future might like to read UniTasterDays' Students' Guide to University 2025.

Another busy week - we marked World Superhero Day with over 45 Marvel and DC books and an online quiz, National Space Day was represented and International Harry Potter Day took place with lots of books, an online quiz and various activities from creating new spells to designing Quidditch shields!

We've also continued to support preparations to mark VE Day and are delighted to say that we have received a letter from a 103 year old WW2 veteran called Tom telling us about his experiences. This is part of a national scheme to connect young people with those who have served. 

On Tuesday 29th April, 3 Primary teams came to Harrow Way for a Tag Rugby festival. They completed a round robin on 5 activities across the morning. Some of the children had never done tag rugby before so this was an excellent introduction to the sport. The children learned the basic rules of tag rugby, they did some games which looked at attack and defence strategies, we then finished the morning with some short matches. A massive thank you to my Sports Leaders for their help with this festival. We look forward to the next events taking place on 13th and 20th May. 

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

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