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Friday 22nd June 2018

…and what a glorious afternoon it is too!

Ask most Headteachers what they are worried about and all will list the same issues: funding, recruitment and retention of staff, education reforms, and accountability measures. Although I am no exception to that trend, I am pleased to report that Harrow Way is on top of all of these challenges.

We are fully staffed for September and our attraction as a very successful school ensures that the best staff want to apply here when a vacancy occurs. In addition, we are an excellent teacher-training provider and the supply line of new talent is drawn to our training positions.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that we were delighted that Harrow Way’s commitment to the highest standards in teaching and learning was recognised by the Teacher Development Trust Network (TDTN). We receiving high praise from the auditors we were been awarded their prestigious Silver Award. With this in mind we had a visit from the Learn Alliance. I was thrilled to receive this email which supports why I am really excited about the work we are doing in developing teachers at Harrow Way.

Dear Mr Serridge,

Any teacher coming to work at your school is extremely lucky to be part of such a caring, forward thinking and innovative school"

The summer term so far has been an enormously busy time for the school. As often happens during the summer months, we have many different trips and visits, including residentials. Over this year there have been more than 100 different trips! This week History students are visiting Berlin and next week Year 11 students are in Rome.

End of Year Exams - Years 7-10
In the main, we have had excellent behaviour from students during their exams this week. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn, practise and refine revision skills and exam practice for the new style GCSE exams.

Year 7 Parents Evening
This is now open to Year 7 parents to book appointments; we have been very pleased with the response from parents so far.

Year 8 Guarantee Evening
We have sent out invitation letters to selected Year 8 Parents for the Guarantee Evening on 9th July. Please return your reply slips as soon as possible to Miss Atherton.

Year 11 Leavers Dance
We are looking forward to welcoming our Year 11 leavers back for their Masked Ball this evening - I’m sure the arrivals will be as colourful and spectacular as previous years.

Next week’s Parent Bulletin will be the last for Year 11 parents as their children officially leave us on 29th June - we wish you all the best for the future.

September 2018 New Intake
We have sent out the Welcome Pack to all new parents this week - do please contact the school if you have not received it by Wednesday 27th June.

Assembly - School Council update
Assemblies this week focussed on the School Council. For example, the Year 9 Student Council updated the Year of the four strands of focus for the year, these strands included: Kindness, safety, respect and the DN2S (Dare not to swear) campaign. It was great to award the winner of our litter awareness poster to Emily Cook, and also award the litter picking tutor competition to 9BPC (who also demonstrated ingenuity with their strategy).

Our kindness approach will conclude next week with a tutor quiz (points also available for Houses), likewise, our safety approach, following a visit from our local PCSO will culminate in a Kahoot quiz in two weeks. Our team have also been busy building benches for a Year 9 area, upcycling pallets and left over materials. The Student Council have had a fantastic year, and clear leaders have emerged. Well done all for your efforts!

Sporting Events
A good win for our cricket team against John Hanson on Tuesday evening; congratulations to Joshua Banks-Williams for his 22 runs in 1 over. The team are through to the District Final.

The rounders team were not so successful against John Hanson, but put up a good game. Match reports are on our website.

Year 7 Netball team are in action at the Level 2 Aldershot Youth Games today, as winners of the Level 1 Romsey & Area tournament. We have our fingers crossed for them.

Big Sing
Big Sing - Big Success! With 155 primary pupils attending Harrow Way from Portway, Roman Way and Appleshaw schools to participate in the event. It was a celebration of African music and schools arrived wearing colours of the South African flag. Students came together for the very first time, for a two hour rehearsal prior to the performances.

Some of the highlights included contrasts in dynamic, harmony and texture, as different schools were allocated different parts. It was 'Thuma Mina' (meaning, 'send me lord') which was most beautiful. Roman Way were responsible for the 'call', Portway provided the 'responsive phases', while Appleshaw sang a descant over the top. This contrasted nicely with the final piece, 'Siyahamba' which really demonstrated the dynamic that 155 voices can produce.

School Heroes
Our Governors are forward-thinking people who are passionate about the school, and are appointed to make sure that every student is given the best teaching, opportunities and experiences that the school can provide. Yet they are often overlooked and their ‘behind the scenes’ contribution is unknown. They are unpaid volunteers, who give their time and talents freely. For them, their reward is helping ensure that local children get an excellent education.

Many of the education issues currently in the public eye – balancing the budget, stretching provision for children with special education needs, the rapid pace of change to curriculum and assessment, the recruitment and workload of teachers– are areas where Governors have professional experience, and they are regularly discussed at the school’s Governing Body meetings.

Could you bring your expertise and skills to the school’s Governing Body? If you feel you have valuable skills you could offer, and the time and willingness to participate, please contact our Clerk to Governors, Mrs T Roberts, at tracey.roberts@harrowway.hants.sch.uk.

And finally – You will be aware that the World Cup is well underway – I have Portugal in the staff sweepstake which looks promising although I am currently second from bottom in the staff predictions table! It’s still early days…

Saturday 23/30 June 2018
Perins School, Alresford
There is no charge to attend this event

10 - 12.15pm
Hampshire County Youth Band: grade/stage 7+

10 - 12pm
Hampshire County Youth Training Band: grade/stage 5+
Hampshire County Junior Band: grade/stage 2+

The Hampshire County Youth Bands seek to provide the best musical opportunities for young Hampshire-based talent through an annual programme of rehearsals, concerts, workshops and masterclasses.

Please register for this event online

Deadline for registrations: please ensure that you complete the online form by the Thursday before your first intended open rehearsal. This is so that the organisers will receive your details in advance.

These visits for 2017/18 have currently been agreed by the Headteacher. Others will be added throughout the year. There is no guarantee that they will all go ahead as this depends on student uptake. Further details on each visit will be given out to the year group/classes involved by the member of staff organising the visit.

Harrow Way Community School (All Parents) Mailing List

Please contact the Admin Office, including your e-mail address and child's name (if applicable) to update your contact details or unsubscribe. Contact the school here.