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Our Year 11 students have embarked on 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, Media Studies and Religious Studies.

 

We’re especially pleased with the strong turnout to our morning Breakfast Warm-Up sessions. These are proving to be a real hit for the invaluable last-minute revision, key reminders, and crucial exam technique tips. Invigilators have 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 doing themselves – and us – proud.

This week saw the first full Student Council meeting since our new Year 10 student leaders took up their posts. These meetings are a real highlight for me. They give students the chance to raise ideas, ask questions and make a genuine difference to school life.

As always, they approached the meeting with thoughtfulness and respect, challenging me (quite rightly!) on issues that matter to them. One hot topic was the need to reinforce the one-way system near the Maths corridor – a simple action that eases congestion significantly. 

Another talking point was the noticeable improvement in the quality of cover lessons – a change that was raised at a previous meeting by students and taken seriously. It’s always rewarding to see that student voice leads to real change.

 

We also discussed the unfortunate impact of recent minor vandalism – to toilets and Chromebooks – which means money has to be spent on repairs rather than on enriching resources for students. They shared my frustration and understood the implications fully.

 

The Council meeting also gave me the opportunity to share some brilliant news: we’re finally getting a long-overdue facelift! Whilst budgets are limited, I am determined to bring about improvements to our site. I have lobbied the local authority for some time and I am delighted that we are going to benefit from some investment. After half term, scaffolding will be going up to replace the old and rusty fascia on our buildings. The work will only take around three weeks and won’t interfere with exams – but it will make a big difference to the appearance of the school.

I was also delighted to confirm that over the summer break they are going ahead with substantial improvements to the girls’ bathroom in B Block – two additional cubicles, a new vanity unit and mirrors are on the way. These changes are just the beginning.

Perhaps the most exciting development is the potential for a brand-new covered area for students to use during break times. Thanks to the incredible work of our Business Manager – who has become quite the expert in securing funding – we’ve been awarded a substantial grant to create a sheltered space that will offer protection from both the rain and the sun.

We're just waiting on final planning permission, and all being well, construction will begin later this year with the aim of having the structure ready by late Autumn. It’s a fantastic addition that we know students will value hugely.

I wish you all a restful weekend,
Mrs Dawn German

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

Change of Date

Please can parents note the change of date to the Teenage Immunisation Mop Up Session, is now on Tuesday 17th June 2025 not 4th June.

Assembly
This week's Thought for the Week was "Honesty is the best policy. If I lose my honour, I lose myself". For me, this quote is represented in the chivalric tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.  This medieval story, originally in poetic verse, tells of the importance of honour in all its forms, including through honesty and integrity.  Whilst chivalry is a virtue which has long been discounted as outdated, and even though historically it was rarely ever achieved, I strongly believe it is the most important virtue and one which we should all strive to live by - no matter how unattainable it may seem. Being honest and keeping our honour seems a good place to start on such an epic quest. Mr Grace

Year 7 Marwell Zoo Reward Trip
On Thursday, 130 Year 7 students attended a reward trip to Marwell Zoo. The aim of the trip was to reward students that have had an excellent start at Harrow Way, whilst also providing enrichment.

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!

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.

Always try to check out Ways Forward, our weekly newsletter for Careers, Apprenticeship, College, Work and Work Experience.

This week we include the details of lots of new apprenticeship opportunities for Year 11 in motor vehicle, horticulture, business administration, carpentry, painting & decorating, engineering, heating electrician, bar/waiting, groundsperson, childcare, health & safety, and several opportunities with the British Army.  You can also find out about apprenticeships with the Royal Household.

For those interested in studying economics in the future, check out our LMI spotlight. We also highlight several open events coming up soon including an Army Officer Insight Day at Sandhurst, Winchester College's sixth form open evening, and the next open event at Sparsholt College.

We have catalogued 50 new books in recent days - both fiction and non. There are titles to support well-being and mental health, to support the GCSE English Literature curriculum as well as thrillers, adventure, manga, fantasy and more! These will scroll across the homepage on Reading Cloud and there are reading lists too across a wide range of subjects and genres. The online platform SORA continues to be updated by Hampshire County Council with new stock and more to support reading. All of this is free of charge to students and families so take a look!

This week we have been promoting Mental Health Awareness Week with scores of books and lots of informational posters. The Exam Advice Station is also in place.

Year 10 Rounders Tournament
On Wednesday afternoon, we held the Year 10 Rounders tournament. With a lower entry number than usual, the format was changed so that all four teams played each other in a 2 innings of 25 good balls match.

Having won two of their three tournaments over their time at Harrow Way, the team were fired up to make this a final tournament to remember.

First up were Testbourne and despite them missing a number of players due to other fixtures, they proved a competitive team. We scored freely in the first innings but allowed them to score far too many half rounders. A second awesome batting innings, Adrianna scoring three of them, coupled with much tighter fielding restricted Testbourne’s score, resulting in a 19.5 - 12.5 win.

The second match was the ‘Big One’ against John Hanson. Historically we have fought it out for the overall tournament win. We batted first and some excellent fielding restricted our first innings score to 5. However, John Hanson struggled to hit the ball with distance so the game reached the halfway mark with a 5-4 lead. Feeling confident, the girls scored freely in the second innings, scoring 6 straight full rounders before any halves. With John Hanson needing 10.5 in 25 balls to win the girls stayed composed and kept their score down, winning 14-10.5. Players of the match: Lucy (batter), Aimee (fielder).

The final match was against Danebury and was more of a comfortable affair. Bella took the role of backstop for this game and took three superb catches in the first innings. Danebury had some good hitters but the girls were now full of confidence and kept the opposition total down  to 7 overall. More excellent batting with everyone contributing to the score resulting in a 15.5 - 7 win.

The girls should be proud to win their last Rounders tournament of their time at Harrow Way and a record of 3 titles out of 4 will be hard to beat by future year groups.

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