View this or a previous version in a web browser.

Friday 4th May 2018

I'm not prone to hyperbole and the overuse of superlatives but this must have been the fastest week on record. It's been manic but absolutely fabulous too.

Year 8 Curriculum Information Evening and 1 to 1 Appointments
Thank you to everyone who attended the Year 8 Curriculum Information Evening on Monday. For those who were not able to attend, the presentation can be viewed here. We also had an amazing turnout (95%+) to the 1 : 1 options/progress meetings with senior staff on Wednesday and Thursday. I had some lovely chats with Year 8 students and their parents in these meetings. We talked about their aspirations, GCSE option choices and how Year 9 compares to Year 7 and 8.

Annual Parent Survey
Thank you to all those parents who have responded to our annual questionnaire. Every year we undertake an evaluation of our performance, acknowledging our successes and also identifying the areas that we need to improve. Parental input is essential if the process is going to be truly meaningful and the evidence we collect helps to determine the priorities for the year ahead and the longer term. The information we receive from the questionnaires will be fed back to you via the school newsletter. The information will be discussed at Senior Team Meetings, and Governors' Committee Meetings and will form the basis of the next School Improvement Plan 2018-2019.

For the process to be effective, we require the participation of all those involved at the school. Please click this link below to complete our Parent Questionnaire.

Year 11 Speaking Exams
This week, our Year 11 MFL students have faced the daunting challenge of their first exam: the speaking test! In a change from previous years, students only have one chance to complete this test which consists of a role play interaction, such as complaining in a restaurant or booking a room in a hotel; then a short discussion about a photo followed by general conversation questions. Students were asked to talk about a range of topics such as their free time, holiday plans and looking after the environment, but more challenging questions included a discussion about social issues in their town, the main problems faced by homeless people and the importance of charity work - all in the foreign language! We are proud to say that all students rose to the challenge admirably. Bravo et Brava!

Amazing Alice
This week we have been remembering Alice Razza who died this time last year, whilst she was in Year 11. Alice was a wonderful member of our school community and is sorely missed. We have been selling Amazing Alice ribbons to raise money for the Amazing Alice charity. The charity was set up by the Razza family to provide young people with cancer and their families with fantastic experiences. Here is a link to the charity's website: amazingalice.org

Assemblies
Hawks, Kestrels and Buzzard House Assemblies celebrated their achievements in the varied House Competitions that took place last term and were challenged to take part in this term's competitions. Details are on the House Notice Board for the School of Rock Poster Competition, the 6 Week Challenge (attend an extra-curricular activity for 6 weeks), H Factor, Spelling Bee, World Cup competition and Sports Day. Students are reminded that they can win participation points for their House.

Youtube
Congratulations to Tommy Ladd in Year 8, an aspiring youtuber. Tommy recently won a competition which allowed him to report on a gaming event held in Birmingham. All expenses were paid as part of the prize. You can see his report here - quite impressive I think you'll agree.​

School Visits
Miss Walker and Mr Fluellen accompanied a group of year 11 students to the Ashton Gate stadium in Bristol for a Maths conference focused on polishing up key skills in preparation for the forthcoming Maths exams - a very intensive few hours of maths cramming and ideas.

Year 8 Fundraising
Three year 8 students are completing a sponsored swim in aid of Cancer Research this weekend. Please see this link below if you would like to help them reach their target.

Year 7 Sponsored Obstacle Race
I reported last week on the fun and determination showed by Year 7 and Icknield students during their Sponsored Obstacle Race. Now all that remains is to collect in the sponsorship money. We would be grateful if parents could please help so that we have all the sponsor money in by Friday 11th May.

And finally……… Two weeks ago my brother ran the London Marathon for the 1st time. He successfully completed the marathon, through record temperatures, and raised over £3,000 for Cancer UK. I am now very tempted to do it next year! It prompts me to conclude this week's ENews with the words of John Hanc: "I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible.

Have a lovely bank holiday weekend.

Hampshire Music Service have the following activities calendared for the next term:

Hampshire World Music Festival - Sunday 13th May, 9.30am - 4.30pm, The Anvil, Basingstoke. More info...

Hampshire County Youth Wind Ensemble Open Day - Saturday 19th May, 10.15am - 2.30pm, Henry Beaufort School, Winchester. More info...

Deadline for county youth ensemble applications -31st May 2018. Apply here.

Jazz Composition Competition - Deadline for entries: 15th June. This project provides a fantastic opportunity for young composers to compose a piece of music inspired by one of the most memorable images of WW1. More info...

Guitar Festival - Saturday 16th June, The Wickham Centre, Wickham. Calling all young guitarists, soloists, bands and ensembles - young guitarists have a unique opportunity to improve their performance skills with a professional guitarist. More info...

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.