Dear Parents
Considering this has been a short week, we have certainly packed a lot in! Trips for Year 7 to the Gurdwara in Swindon, Athletics Trials, the Year 7 PPCE, a Year 9 PIAG and various Governors meetings as well as the normal (!) extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities.
The GCSE and A level exams began yesterday and as we begin this formal exam season, I would like to thank our Exams Team for their hard work in supporting our young people through the challenges of the exams. Please do not hesitate to contact them if you have any questions or concerns regarding the exams.
Further to my message 2 weeks ago, our parent survey for 2024 closes next Friday so, if you haven’t already let us know your views, I’d be grateful if you could do so using the following link and password.
Link to parent log in: https://survey.gl-assessment.co.uk/s/JOQHQF/
Parent password: HHHS10112Pa
On the week of 24th June, we are hosting a Sports Week to raise funds for our changing room refurbishment project, with an array of sporting-themed activities culminating in Sports Day. During the week, we are holding a raffle and would appreciate any donations of new items relating to sports for example, tennis balls, rugby top trumps, an autobiography from a sports personality, or a football shirt. Thank you in advance for any support you can give us to bring the changing rooms up to the same standard as the wonderful Hardenhuish Fitness and please forward any donations to Mrs Auld via Reception.
We will be having a push on uniform next week as, although jumpers are now optional, shirts need to be tucked in (except at lunchtime), skirts not rolled up and ties (unless the young people are told otherwise) and school shoes need to be worn (not trainers unless for medical reasons approved by Year Teams). Thank you for your support in maintaining these high expectations.
As the weather gets warmer, please can I ask you to support us in reminding young people to bring a refillable water bottle (to be filled only at break and lunchtime), consider being sun-safe by sitting in the shade, wearing a hat if out on the field and using sun cream.
Enjoy the much needed sunshine over the weekend.
Lisa Percy
Headteacher
News Items
Focus on ……Work Experience
At Hardenhuish, work experience (WEX) is an important part of the schools Careers Programme and students in Year 10 and Year 12 undertake WEX during the last week of Term 6 in July. WEX is where the student carries out a particular job or range of tasks, under supervision, within a real working environment. As a school, we know that WEX makes a valuable contribution to students’ preparation for the world of work, careers education and planning for life after school. It enriches learning and allows students to gain an understanding of the skills and qualities that are required for a specific career, whilst developing their employability and transferrable skills. It is also likely to form an important part of their personal statement or CV.
Students source their own placements and find it very beneficial to their future careers to choose and have ownership of their placement. They are encouraged to start the process of arranging their placements as early in the academic year as possible to have the best chance of securing the right opportunity for them. The WEX process is launched with parents and students in Term 1/2 and support and guidance is available from tutors and Ms Brenton, the schools Careers and Transition Manager.
If students can’t find something suitable in person, virtual WEX that can be done from home is a good option. These are some links to companies that offer virtual WEX:
Work Experience – Speakers for Schools
Virtual Work Experience Search (springpod.com)
Student Center | Learn from Top Companies for Free – Forage (theforage.com)
Explore Work Experience – Youth Employment UK
Virtual Work Experience tool | Barclays LifeSkills
4Skills Work Experience – The Programme
Can you offer a Work Experience Placement to our young people?
Our students have an excellent reputation within the local business community and if you can offer a placement, we’d be delighted to discuss this opportunity with you. Please contact Vicky Brenton, Careers and Transition Manager at VJB@hardenhuish.wilts.sch.uk . Information regarding employers responsibilities and the required insurance needed to take on a WEX student can be found here: Young people at work – work experience – HSE
Science Primary Outreach at Seagry and Christian Malford Primary Schools -Sampling Ecosystems
There was perfect weather for sampling ecosystems over the past few weeks during primary outreach! The pupils used random coordinates and quadrats to estimate organisms including daisies and dandelions across their school fields, similar to the GCSE core practical. We then spent time identifying both insects and plants, including this purple windflower.
Talking Therapies
Year 10 Health and Social Care students enjoyed a visit from Therapist, Des Howden, who has his own practice specialising in a range of talking therapies, including Hypnotherapy and also works for a Veteran’s Charity. He talked about why he chose to become a Therapist, as well as the approach he uses. He explained how survival mechanisms in the brain can kick in, as a result of past traumas, causing panic attacks and anxiety and how clients can be supported to manage and overcome this. The students also had the chance to try a practical activity using a ball. Thank you for your time Des, the students really enjoyed the time you spent with us and it will prove invaluable for their creative and therapeutic activities unit that they are just about to start.
Much Ado About Numbers
This week the Maths Department arranged for all Year 10 students to attend a talk on Shakespeare. Yes, you read that correctly – a maths talk about Shakespeare! The joint English and Maths talk, Much Ado About Numbers, was delivered by Rob Eastaway, a best selling mathematics author whose latest book of the same name has just been released. Rob started by asking two questions: “What is the maths in Shakespeare, and what was Shakespearean maths?”. Students found out how Tudors multiplied, what Shakespeare would have studied at school, and why playing dice games could be extremely hazardous. With historical asides about calendars, optics and music thrown in, this was a truly cross-curricular talk. More details of Rob and his books can be found here Rob Eastaway – Home
Pupil/Student Absence Reporting
When reporting a sickness absence for your child; please either call the school’s main number 01249 650693, option 1. Alternatively, you can email the school at absence@hardenhuish.wilts.sch.uk. Please provide the pupil/student name, Year and Tutor Group and reason for absence.
Where possible please could we be notified of any other absences such as medical/dental providing as much notice as possible by completing the form linked below:
Absence Requests – Hardenhuish School
KS3 Girls Rugby Festival
On 25 April we had the chance to take some of our female rugby players to Melksham RFC for the inaugural Wiltshire Schools Girls Rugby Festival.
The festival was set up to accommodate girls already playing as well as those wanting to get more involved. There was a Year 7 team and also a joint Year 8 and 9 team.
All the girls were a credit to the school and played some brilliant rugby on the day.
If any of the girls at Hardenhuish are interested in playing more rugby then please come to the PE department and we can provide information regarding local clubs and ways to get involved. Our own rugby programme will start back up in September for both boys and girls.
British Youth Championship Fencing Success
Last weekend, Zachary Crabbe from Year 12 attended the British Youth Championships in Sheffield to represent Bath Sword Club at Fencing in Foil. Zac won the 7th place medal in the under 18s category. A huge well done to Zac on this outstanding achievement!
Vacancies – Hardenhuish School