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50th Anniversary Summer Fete - 8th July
We rounded off our 50th anniversary year in style with a hugely successful fete where hundreds of former students, teachers, headteachers and members of the local community joined us for a wonderful afternoon of reminiscing and a trip or two down memory lane. Images and other details, including the newsletter, can be viewed here.
Year 8 HWCS Graduation Ceremony
The first Harrow Way Guarantee Graduation took place on Monday 10th July. Year 8 students, after reaching the end of the two year programme, received their certificate and badges for grades pass, merit or distinction. Read more here. More information on what the Harrow Way Guarantee entails can be viewed in the Guarantee booklet.
50th Anniversary Coffee Morning
Our 50th archive took centre stage for a special coffee morning held as part of our anniversary celebrations. Again it was wonderful to see former students and teachers keen to join us to share their memories of Harrow Way. Catherine Upfold, who is currently studying chemistry at the University of Bath, was intrigued to see what had changed since she had left and former PE teacher of 25 years Muriel Holland looked back on how great it was to make a difference to students, with the freedom to educate the whole person.
Year 10 Feedback
CragRats
Tutor leader Ben Worth has shared with me his comments from the 'Careers Head Hunters' workshop at Harrow Way:
"I wanted to give some feedback on the #GotTheJob workshop I ran at your school last Thursday. Firstly, I have to say how unbelievably well the students did in coping with such a hot day! They were sweltering conditions and yet the students kept their constitution throughout. I thought overall, as we discussed, the students were fantastic and really did the school proud. They engaged answered questions in the discussions, took part in every exercise and gave a sterling account of themselves."
Andover College
Art Tutor Richard Barnfather wrote: "Just a quick note to say how well your students engaged with our fine art activities during their taster sessions. They were impeccably behaved and stayed open to the activities which may well have bemused them slightly to start with… All the other art lecturers had good things to say too!"
Year 10 Work Experience
Students have reported feeling very tired after a hard day's work at their various work experience locations! Staff have either visited or called each employer and have received great feedback. Well done Year 10!
Year 5 Taster Days
We hosted 400 Year 5 pupils over 2 days and our staff gave them all a taste of what life and lessons are like at Harrow Way. All of them enjoyed their experience and many of them left very excited and buzzing from their day.
Portway Year 5 More Able Day
20 of Portway School's more able Year 5 pupils visited Harrow Way to take part in a first Teaching and Learning Conference. The Year 5 pupils spent the day thinking and talking about approaches to learning that might benefit them in the future. Some of the challenges during what was an excellent day included, working with graphics software, solving complex maths problems and working out how much salt it would take to float a chicken egg. The day culminated in a problem solving lesson where teamwork was encouraged to help pupils consider how to manage evacuating a Volcano threatened island.
Year 9 Performing Arts Showcase
A large audience were treated to an excellent Showcase from students on Wednesday. Year 9 and 10 musicians were involved as the Guitar ensemble and Choir performed, as well as solo instrumentalists and vocalists. Year 9 Dance students performed two pieces and a collection of short films, produced by Year 9 Drama students, were shown. My thanks to all the music staff who prepared our talented youngsters.
Year 6 Graduation
I also had the pleasure of attending the Knights Enham Year 6 Graduation ceremony this week at The Lights and look forward to welcoming many of these children to Harrow Way in September.
ARTiculate
You may remember me mentioning our Year 10 student Alanis Fell reaching the final of the ARTiculate competition earlier this year. The final was held in Leeds this week and Alanis made an impressive presentation to the panel. Although not the outright winner, her presentation had great impact, to the extent that a teacher asked for her permission to use some of her ideas.
Sport
We missed reporting on the Year 7 and 8 District Athletics which took place on our recent Inset Day: On Wednesday the 28th June, Harrow Way's younger athletes took part in the Junior District Athletics. With a strong field of Athletes from across the district on display our small contingent did well to battle the elements and represent the school on a day when many of their peers were enjoying the warmth of the indoors. We had a fantastic day across all events and many students came close to County promotion but in the end we came away with a handful of top two finishes. We would like to congratulate all students who took part and thank the families for their support on the day. The following students progressed through to County representation: Year 7: Sophie Cole, Discus; Makhi Twigg, Javelin; Luke Davies, Shot. Year 8: Harriet McRae, Discus; William McDermott, Long Jump, Adam Robinson 100m and High Jump. Also congratulations are due to Year 8 student Adam Robinson competing at Year 9 level in the recent English Schools Athletics, who came a very impressive 7th in the High Jump.
Summer Term Newsletter
The Summer Term Newsletter will be distributed next week via student post. Do please ask your child for their copy. It will contain key dates for the next academic year. It will of course also be available on-line before the end of term. New Year 7 students will have a copy to bring home on their first day - Tuesday 5th September.
Uniform Change
We are changing the way we sell uniform. With immediate effect, all items of clothing are available from our suppliers Stitch a Logo. We will continue to make items available at school until stocks are exhausted.
We have also made some changes to the uniform for next year. Our PE kit has been revamped and extended. Please note that this change will be introduced for the new Year 7s in September onwards. Current students will continue with their usual uniform requirements and expectations.
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