Very successful induction day and evening.
The formal induction process for our new incoming Year 7 students started with their Induction Day on Tuesday. Year 6 students began their day with an introductory assembly; afterwards they spent some time in lessons with senior staff going through our 3 simple rules – Be Ready Be Respectful Be your Best. We also had lunch together in the auditorium. The purpose of this day is to provide a fun and informative experience so that students feel fully prepared for the big step in September and can therefore relax and enjoy the summer holidays. They were a delight to have in school and we are excited about them starting with us in September.
Special induction activities are also planned for the first two days of Year 7 to enable students to get to know their tutor group and to familiarise themselves with the layout of the School.
The evening was followed by a very successful induction evening for parents. Links to the presentations used and other helpful information can be viewed on the website here.
Drop down day
We had our our 50th anniversary, 1960s drop down day on Wednesday. It was lovely to see years 7,8 and 9 working together and there was a super atmosphere with some very engaging activities, which can be viewed here. The range of activities included:
- Science - Moon landing and rocket making
- Maths - The cost of things in the 60s compared to now
- English - Protest songs through poetry
- Catering - 1960s tea – I even had some some 'Banana Angel Delight'
- Film and Media - Radio podcasts based around the Marine Defences Act and Radio Caroline.
- PE – Olympic games – they were trying to break some world records in teams
- Computing and ICT - Quiz/Retro games – I loved the old tech!
- D&T - Wallpaper products through time
- Performing Arts - 'Good Morning Baltimore' from Hairspray
- Art - Making bunting
- MFL - Lip Syncing in French and Spanish of songs from the 60s
- PSHE - Children's human rights were different in the 60s.
- RE - The Hippy Movement
- Geography - Mapping Andover
- History - The Swinging Sixties
- The Library - 1960s TV shows and books
50th Anniversary Summer Fete - 8th July from 1pm to 5pm
Please come along and support the school in this special year. Our 50th Anniversary booklet can be viewed here.
A busy week for Year 10
Year 10 students spent a taster day at Andover College, looking at their options for the next stage of their education. Parents also joined them for a Careers Evening and over 100 students will be out of school on work experience next week.
We also invited Cragrats in to spend a day working with Year 10. In this real-life Careers programme the Cragrats tutors take on the role of a headhunting firm, with each Year 10 student in turn becoming a candidate – with blank slates and an equal chance of impressing and getting the 'job'.
This programme covers areas all young people need to learn about as they progress through education and enter application processes.
The activities included:
- Personal branding and awareness of roles/sectors/industries.
- CV & Personal Statement writing.
- Interview preparation and strategies to maximize performance.
- Awareness of the need to take responsibility for their futures.
This was a great day and we hope raised the self awareness, aspirations and confidence of your Year 10 children.
Year 6 Graduation
I also had the pleasure of attending the Portway Year 6 Graduation ceremony at The Lights. It was a lovely occasion apart from Mr Deery (knowing I am an avid Manchester United fan!) presenting me with a Southampton FC fidget spinner. I will need to get him back! I am looking forward to attending the Roman Way and Knights Enham ceremonies next week.
Sports day
The whole school was involved in our annual sports day today. There was amazing effort & commitment from our students to a wide variety of sports, including tennis, javelin, shot put, long jump, track races and the climbing dyno challenge. Final scores are:
1st - Hawks
2nd - Buzzards
3rd - Kestrels
Hampshire Book Awards
You may have seen the book list for the Hampshire Book Awards on a previous e-news. Our 12 year 8 Hampshire Book Award participants went to the North Hampshire voting day on Tuesday. We may be biased, but we thought they were the smartest and best behaved there!
Year 4 & 5 Open Mornings
Parents of Year 4 or 5 pupils are invited to attend an Open Morning from 9.15 to 10.3 am on 19th or 20th July. More information can be viewed here.
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 7's in September onwards. Current students will continue with their usual uniform requirements and expectations.
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