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Headteacher's Autumn Term Review

Image shows Swanmore logo on white background, with gold wording that reads 'Autumn Term Review 2024-2025'

A review of what has happened at Swanmore College during the Autumn Term 2024.

College Activities

Eco Champions

  • This is an extra-curricular environmental group that does its best to make the Swanmore College community as ecofriendly and responsible as possible.  We are currently populated by Y8s but are looking to expand to other year groups.  The group is headed up by Miss Massey with the support of Mr Baillie and Mrs Ostersen.
  • We meet weekly and have followed a process set by the Eco School’s organisation (https://www.eco-schools.org.uk/), part of ‘Keep Britain Tidy’.  Last year our goal was to achieve the coveted Eco-school’s ‘Green Flag’ award, and we were successful in September this year!  The flag is displayed opposite Visitor Reception.
  • Pupils formed an Eco-Committee and collaborated with staff to conduct an environmental review to assess how eco-friendly the College is. They reviewed everything from biodiversity within the grounds to how pupils and staff members travel each day. Building on their findings, pupils and Miss Massey planned a year of action designed to advance their school’s green credentials, improve their local environment, and protect our planet.  
  • The Eco-Committee connected their work to 3 Eco-Schools topics: litter, recycling and biodiversity. They then planned a variety of projects including litter picks and an assembly on the negative effects of littering, improving the habitat for birds on site and assessing ways to improve Swanmore College’s current recycling system.
  • Another aspect was to demonstrate how environmental topics are structured in the curriculum of different subjects.  We were able to demonstrate this well with evidence from Art, MFL, PE, RE, Science, as well as PSHE and Enrichment options.
  • We still have many areas we can improve upon on site (littering is a continual challenge), but it was great for the pupils to identify the positive things that are already happening and be responsible for helping make their environment a better and more educated place.
  • In addition to this, the group has attended the last two Hampshire School’s ‘Eco-conferences’ held at Winchester College where there were visiting lectures and workshops from local environmental action groups like ‘The Final Straw Foundation’ https://finalstrawfoundation.org/)

Enrichment

This academic year we asked pupils for five possible Enrichment activity choices. Pupils and parents/carers were informed that all pupils would get one of their five activities this term, which happened for all pupils who expressed a preference. Once activities began, we also allowed and provided a system to reassign 154 pupils to alternative activities to ensure they got the best possible experience from their Enrichment. The timing of Enrichment remains positive, giving pupils and staff enough time to ensure a valuable and rewarding experience whilst also maintaining the pace of the session and the interest of the pupils involved.

At present we have 52 separate activities covering a multitude of interests and disciplines. The new activities added to the list for Autumn 2024 were as follows:

  • Advanced Crochet
  • Canine Wellbeing
  • Cross Stitch
  • Dr Who Club
  • Golf Driving Range
  • Law
  • Learn to Cross Stitch and Embroider
  • Media Makers
  • Spud Club (This utilises the college garden to grow produce for use on site)
  • Year 7 Music Performance
  • Young Philosophers Club

These courses allow our pupils to gain formal certification or a formal qualification:

  • Bronze Art Award (Pupils develop their creativity, communication, and leadership skills as they work towards a nationally recognised art qualification, accredited by Trinity College London)
  • 1st4Sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Assistant (Sport and Physical Activity)
  • First Aid (This is a paediatric (accredited) Level 1 qualification for students aged 14+)
  • GSCE Spanish
  • GCSE French

All staff, both teaching and non-teaching are still fully involved and committed to Enrichment, as are the pupils and parents/carers.

Events this term

  • Open Evening
  • Further Education/Careers Fair
  • Certificate Evening
  • An Evening with the Arts

Rights Respecting Schools

  • Swanmore achieved the Unicef Rights Respecting Gold Award September 2024.
  • Calendared assemblies delivered to all year groups, with the focus on the Rights of the Child and how these values and rights are at the core of Swanmore College.
  • Rights of the Child Articles chosen by the College Council for Swanmore to focus on for the Swanmore RRSA charter shared with all year groups via assemblies.
  • Wellbeing is promoted through the teaching and learning of the core values of equality, dignity, respect, non-discrimination and participation in PSHE, curriculum subjects, Connect and assemblies. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) are integrated into Connect, PSHE and across the curriculum.
  • Increase in staff involved with the RRSA programme.
  • Swanmore has signed up to the RRSA Outright programme for 2024 2025.
  • Swanmore has signed up to the RRSA Soccer Aid programme for 2025.

Subject Information

Art & Photography

  • Extra-Curricular Clubs – In addition to once weekly KS3 Art Club and three times weekly KS4 Open Studio time, run by Miss Massey and Miss Muston, Mrs Ostersen has started an Experimental Drawing Club for Y9s after college on Wednesdays.  They have been completing large scale observational drawings using mixed media and can really experiment and play with the various art materials.
  • Arts Enrichment Opportunities - We are still running both Pottery (all years) and Photography (KS3 only).  After the success of Mrs Ostersen’s extra-curricular Arts Award Club last year, we are trialling its introduction as a two-term enrichment opportunity.  It is being advertised before pupils are invited to choose their spring term options and is specifically for Y8. Arts award are recognised qualifications that inspire young people to grow their arts and leadership talents.

  • Annual Bishops Waltham Photographic Society Competition – Junior Section – There were several entries from Swanmore College pupils.  If you follow this exhibition slideshow link from 09:50 you can see the following work - AP “Cheers”, AR “Strawberry in a glass”, DP, ET “Sunset Silhouette & MC “Scavenging” https://youtu.be/1OMaU-j94Jc?si=tmFTlfbuDIaS7wCw&t=590

Dance

  • All KS3 creative clubs are now prepping for an Evening with The Arts
  • Dance Company had a successful audition during Open Evening with 80 pupils auditioning for just 20 spaces
  • Due to the number of talented Dance pupils, there are now two Dance companies
  • Kai Harvey (ex-pupil) returned to provide a Y10 Boys Dance workshop
  • Barton Peveril visited to provide a Dance workshop and have asked the Dance Company to perform a curtain raiser for their Christmas show
  • The Dance Company will be working in association with Hampshire Youth Dance Company to create a new original work to be performed at the Point
  • Dance Live is at its highest capacity yet, with 89 pupils taking part and performing
  • Last year’s Y11 cohort achieved 18% higher than other schools studying the Btec performing arts course
  • SK (Y10) and RH (Y9) are performing in separate Hampshire pantomimes this year
  • BA (Y9) was awarded numerous medals at her latest festival with Roynon Dance

Drama

  • Appointment of a new, experienced Head of Drama.
  • Successfully recruited a cohort of 14 Y10 pupils to follow the KS4 Drama programme
  • KS3 Drama club has begun and is seeing a weekly increase in pupils attending.
  • Y10 have made a promising start on the new GCSE Drama course.
  • A more rigorous and detailed approach to assessment in Drama at KS3 has been introduced, which is having a positive impact on pupil engagement in the subject, and on their determination to improve and succeed.

Computer Science & Information Technology

  • GCSE Summer results 2024 were strong with +0.39 P8 and positive Subject Value Added.
  • Y7 have begun the year well, looking at what makes computers work, and how to best use online tools.  Y8 have begun by designing and marketing their own shoes using graphics software, and Y9 have been continuing to improve their Python coding. Y10 & Y11 are currently preparing for their respective upcoming mocks.
  • Year 9 are about to take part in the UK BEBRAS competition; a computational thinking challenge organised by Raspberry Pi and the University of Oxford.
  • Coding Club goes from strength to strength with even more pupils meeting weekly for computing and programming fun.

Design Technology

  • Reclaimed Timber continues to be a popular choice for Enrichment. With pupils from all year groups working to manufacture a product of their own design, from wood salvaged from wooden pallets.
  • Y10 pupils have made a great start to their GCSE Technology options, with them demonstrating maturity and enthusiasm in all areas.  We are looking forward to seeing what they achieve in their first round of mock examinations.
  • Y11 GCSE Food pupils have completed the first of their practical assessments for their coursework.  These all went very smoothly, with everyone completing their investigations into the effect of different flours on the production of pasta.  The classes are now in the process of writing up their findings and evaluating the suitability of the different flours.
  • Mrs Illsley and Mr Mount took 10 x Y9 prospective Engineering pupils to a STEM event at the National Oceanography Centre.  All were very engaged in the various STEM activities, as well as receiving information about future STEM careers.

English

  • GCSE results were strong again with 80% of pupils achieving 4+ in English language and 79% achieving 4+ in English Literature and 23% achieving 7+ in language and literature.
  • The Young Writers' ‘Through Their Eyes’ Poetry Competition is an annual event designed to encourage young poets to express their unique perspectives through poetry. Y7 and Y8 enthusiastically participated, crafting a diverse range of poems. The Young Writers’ team received over 7,000 entries from 400 schools.  In total, Swanmore had 56 pupils’ work published in the anthology.  
  • Furthermore, Swanmore College was picked, out of the 400 schools nationwide, as the winning school, receiving the award of excellence. We received a beautiful glass trophy and a book bundle for pupils to enjoy.
  • FF in Y8 has had a book published on Amazon - what an amazing achievement!  The Queen of Shadows and Storms : Finch, Fern: Amazon.co.uk: Books
  • Y7 - Y9 all sat their English and reading GL tests and results are being analysed now 
  • English reading interventions now take place in Listory lessons to provide support for pupils who are below age related expectations.
  • Y11 pupils were completely re-set at the start of the year into academic ability groups and both teachers and pupils have embraced this change.
  • Y10 pupils are preparing for their first mock exams, with teachers very impressed with the amount of extra practice answers pupils are submitting for feedback.
  • Word of the Week was launched to the whole college with all departments including it in lessons across the week.

Geography

  • Successful GCSE results this summer! Geography achieved 82.2% for Grade 4 and above, and 41.9% for Grade 7 and above. Our Subject Valued Added was 0.77.
  • Y11 are halfway through the content for Paper 2 and investigating the changing economies of the UK and Nigeria.
  • At the end of the summer term, the Head of Geography from Barton Peveril ran an A-Level taster session for some of our GCSE pupils. Our pupils were engaged, knowledgeable and built confidence about essay writing at A-Level.
  • Y10 have finished their first unit, Natural Hazards. They have already begun to create revision material ready for the upcoming mocks.
  • KS3 are completing assessments for their first units of the year. Y7 are completing a decision-making assessment about how to reduce the development gap within rural Kenya, Y8 are practicing their extended writing skills about the challenges of the global food market and Y9 are completing a creative assessment about animal adaptations in the rainforest.
  • We are in the process of planning Iceland 2026 and a decision-making session with Y9 run by the Hearn Foundation.

History

  • Y7 – have just concluded their work on the Silk Roads, including their first ever History assessment.  One highlight of the study has been the case study on Baghdad and comparing it to today.
  • Y8 - have just finished studying the Vikings.  They have been working like archaeologists to uncover artefacts left behind by the Vikings at Sutton Hu, and Repton.  Pupils have confidently posed questions about these artefacts to try and answer their own hypotheses about the Vikings, resulting in each student creating their own museum of Viking artefacts.
  • Y9 – have studied the English Civil War, and reviewed how the country was turned upside down.  This has given pupils links to the modern political system used in the UK, and power sharing with the monarch.
  • Y10 - are just concluding their studies on America.  The department has been very impressed with pupils’ attitude to homework, with very few not completing this.  Some pupils have already created comprehensive revision material for their mock exam, which looks very impressive!  We can’t wait to see how they perform!
  • Y11 – have been to Portchester Castle as part of their History fieldwork.  We were very impressed with their engagement and some of the selfies that were taken with the physical features and remains of the site.  Y11 are now ¼ of the way through their final unit of study, the Normans. We hope to have this taught by Christmas.
  • Literacy - ZR (Y7) impressed his RE teacher with his knowledge and Manichaeism, which he has read about during the Listory lessons.  We are finding more pupils are becoming confident to read extended passages of the book aloud to their peers as the term progresses.  We are about to conduct a pupil voice survey on how the pupils are finding the new lesson and will update you in the next report.
  • Politics club has grown from 3 to 8 pupils this term and has involved writing letters to their local MPs.  This week they are following the US election closely!

Mathematics

  • We have developed and are implementing a more challenging scheme of work.
  • We pose a weekly problem-solving question for all Y7 - Y9 pupils
  • RP has achieved a Gold in the Senior Maths Challenge
  • BF & JH achieved a distinction and merit respectively in the Maths Olympiad for girls
  • STEM day for Y7 & Y8 was attended by over 90 pupils and was a great success.

MFL

  • We are extremely proud of our 2024 GCSE results in MFL. All Y11 classes had a positive progress figure and pupils at Swanmore attained at least 1 grade higher in MFL than pupils nationally on average. Almost half the cohort achieved at least a grade 7 for both languages. The Spanish results were a particular highlight, ranking in the top 15% nationally.  
  • Last term, the department were visited by the Hampshire Inspection and Advisory Service to learn more about our practice as we are currently a great model for best practice. 
  • We have yet again increased our cohort sizes for GCSE, with over 150 pupils studying a language at GCSE level. This includes the Enrichment cohort - 20 pupils study Spanish as an extra GCSE this year. 
  • Y10 have made a positive start to their GCSE course - this is a new specification, first taught in September 2024 and examined in 2026. CPD for the department will focus on this new specification as outlined in our DIP (Department Improvement Plan). We have trialled the use of lesson booklets (as opposed to exercise books and worksheets) this term with both Y10 and Y7 and these have been extremely successful, both with staff and pupils. 
  • Extra-curricular trips remain strong in the department, with trips to Paris in May 2024, Boulogne in July 2024 and Seville in October 2024. Many thanks to all staff involved (not just within the department) for giving up their time at the weekend and during holidays to ensure these trips run.

Music

  • In July, we held our summer music concert, showcasing a wide variety of musical ensembles with small groups across all year groups taking part (100+). This was a great success.
  • Since September, several clubs have continued to run, including Chamber Choir, Main Choir, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band as well as 3 rock/pop bands. There is also a Musical Theatre club running in conjunction with the Dance Department. Pupils are looking forward to showcasing what they have been working on at 'An Evening With The Arts' in December. The Chamber Choir has grown in number this term and is sounding wonderful with their 3-part harmonies. The singers are really enjoying singing Viva La Vida as well as some Christmas Songs, with a solo spot from GO channelling his inner Michael Buble!
  • We are really pleased with the results achieved in this summer’s exams. The GCSE course achieved 100% grade 4+ and 57% grade 7+ along with a progress 8 score of 1.13. The new vocational course started last year, and the first of 3 units was submitted for moderation with the class achieving 100% Level 2 award and 64% achieving a Merit or higher grade, including a special mention for DG who achieve a Distinction* which is the highest grade.
  • At Open Evening, visiting families were treated to performances by one of our Y10 Pop Bands and AP singing outside the PA Building.
  • ​For Remembrance Day, AS will be performing The Last Post on the trumpet which is always a poignant moment in the college calendar.

Physical Education

  • Summer Results: We are extremely proud of our GCSE PE and Cambridge Nationals Sports Studies results that Y11 pupils achieved in the summer. GCSE PE achieved a 94% pass rate and Cambridge Nationals Sports Studies achieved a 92% pass rate. These are the best set of results the department has had.
  • Core PE Curriculum: We have been busy planning and implementing a new Y7 PE Curriculum which is in full flow and working well. The aim of the curriculum is to develop Physical Literacy in Y7, using sports as a vehicle to deliver important concepts that develop this area. The plan is to deliver this to Y8 and Y9 from September 2025 where the concepts will focus on Personal and Character Development. We have also worked hard on our PE kit expectations this term, with raising the standards of how pupils are presented for lessons and their Enrichment activities. This has proven successful.
  • Extracurricular: This term’s extra-curricular programme has provided pupils with opportunities to participate in sports, with our ‘Sport for all’ policy. We have been very impressed with the number of pupils who have been accessing clubs. Many pupils represented the College in numerous sporting fixtures and events (we are nearing 50 fixtures, and we have only had 9 weeks of this term!), it has been a very successful start to the new academic year.
  • Boys Football: The football season has been busy this term with teams in Y7 - Y11 competing in their respective leagues and Hampshire Cup Competition. The Eastleigh and Winchester District 1st round draw has been made and teams will be competing in the first round between now and Christmas. The highlight of the season so far has been our Y8 team who have won all their matches!
  • Girls Football: Girls Football is popular and numbers at football club have increased, with many of the girls representing the College in fixtures against other schools from the district area in league games and across the county in the Hampshire Cup. Our teams are looking forward to their District Cup draws that will be played between now and Christmas.
  • Netball: Our Girls Netball teams look very smart in their new kit, supplied by a parent. The teams have been competing in league fixtures against teams in our District. The highlight of the season so far has been our U16 team win against Toynbee.
  • Rugby: Boys rugby continues to develop, with pupils representing the College in all Year groups. Pupils have competed in Hampshire Cup competitions, which included us hosting a Y11 fixture before half term. Our Y10 team experienced their first taste of success in a match against Springfield School winning 31-14. We will be attending Boys Rugby Development days at Portsmouth Rugby Club with Y7, Y8 and Y9 this half term.
  • There is a Girls Rugby Development Day at Trojans Rugby Club coming up soon and we are trying hard to get numbers together for this.
  • Basketball: Our U14 boys Basketball team have performed extremely well this term. Just one more match to play and if they win this, they will be crowned league winners. The team are undefeated so far this season and have not lost a game!!
  • Our U16 boys Basketball team start their league campaign in a few weeks’ time.
  • Sports Leaders: We have a record number of Y10 pupils who are currently participating in their Sports Leaders Level 1 Award. This takes place in PE lessons, and pupils are busy working towards their 10 hours of ‘sports leadership’ outside of lesson time that they must be involved in as part of the course.
  • Some pupils have already assisted with Primary School events onsite, and there are plenty more opportunities for this throughout the next term, while others have assisted with after college clubs and fixtures.
  • Pupil Success Stories: We continue to ask pupils to share their sporting successes with us from outside school. Here are some recent successes:
  • AS (Y10) and ES (Y7) were chosen to represent the Southwest at the Junior Nationals touch rugby tournament. JB (Y11) competed at senior level for his Baseball team. Y10 Swimmer GB continues to have successes, performing personal bests and winning medals. Y10 pupil JB recently attended a rugby trial for Bath RFC.
  • We are looking forward to participating in some Sports Hall Athletics events with Y7, Y8 and Y9. Pupils will be attending a district cross country trials event in Winchester and Y10 and Y11 GCSE PE pupils will be participating in Handball and Badminton fixtures against Petersfield School and Romsey School, to help consolidate their assessment grades. Y10 Cambridge National pupils will be busy coaching sports sessions for their assessments.

Religious Education, Religious Studies & Sociology

  • We have introduced an exciting new unit into Y9 RE that acts as a taster for Sociology) called ‘Sociology of religion’. The aim is to better prepare pupils when considering selecting Sociology as an option subject.
  • The department is organising two future trips to Titchfield Mosque (November 2024) and Winchester Cathedral (March 2025) to enrich pupil learning further.

Science

  • Tech Team - continues to do an excellent job at meeting and delivering the practical resourcing requirements of the department. We have 2 teachers who have settled well.
  • Open Evening - well-resourced and structured event supported by 25+ pupil helpers who received Science award badges in thanks and recognition of their efforts.
  • Parents’ Information Evenings were well attended. In addition to the subject talk/presentation we provided a QR code to enable parents/careers to access a central drive with supporting resources and materials. We were able to answer all questions asked of us.
  • Williams F1 Racing trip, Oxford, Grove. We have offered every pupil in Y8 a fully funded place to visit Williams HQ. Williams have hosted up to 40 pupils each visit. In addition, Williams paid for the transport for 7 trips in total. The day consists of a museum tour, time in the Esports lounge on the racing simulators and a STEM based workshop session.
  • We are in the process of exploring/offering a trip to Science Live for Y10 pupils in January. This year’s event is being held at Oxford. Pupils will hear from guest speakers/scientists with the aim of learning more about careers in science before attending workshop sessions designed specifically on how to revise/maximise revision outcomes.
  • We have successfully launched ‘Knowledge Organisers’ for KS4
  • Year 7 have completed their first round of GL assessments.
  • Pupil rewards continue to work well, with weekly Superstar nominations.
  • All staff retrained/refreshed in the use of Radioactive Sources for teaching demonstrations.
  • An audit by the Hampshire RPO for our storage, management and usage of radioactive sources was approved.
  • We have secured additional funding for the Science department from the EEF for taking part in their AI in Science Education Research Trial.

Year Group Successes

Year 7

  • Successful transition to secondary school. Lots of positive feedback from staff, pupils and parents/carers. 
  • 41 pupils were awarded bronze badges for 300 ICCs in the first half term. 
  • Brilliant turn out for the shoe box appeal. 7R7 donated 13 boxes!
  • Our team of tutors delivered a trial PSHE lesson for the PSHE association, trialling a lesson to recommend to schools on online safety/recognising fake/biased information.
  • Brilliant efforts for the anti-bullying t-shirt competition, the winning tutor group are yet to be announced.

Year 8

  • Over 80 pupils attended the Williams F1 Trip.
  • Hot Chocolate and Biscuit with Head of Year for top ICC earners in each year group.
  • Y8 Boys unbeaten in football in first 3 games.
  • Y8 in U14 Basketball who are also unbeaten
  • Teams in Netball/Rugby/Football/Basketball/Swimming

Year 9

  • There is an increase in the overall attendance of Y9 compared with this time year
  • Y9 pupils contributed generously to the shoebox appeal with 25+ boxes donated
  • The Ski Trip 2026 is oversubscribed for current Y9 pupils and a wating list is required
  • Y9 pupils will soon be engaging in the first of our inter-house activities for this academic year, with a six-a-side football tournament taking place over the course the week beginning 11 November. These inter-house challenges take place monthly

Year 10

  • Over 40 Y10 pupils took part in their DofE Silver Award and completed the equivalent of a marathon over three days walking and two nights camping!
  • Some fantastic prefect applications have been received and the team is being finalised for the year group.
  • Pupil CM competed for GBR in weightlifting and won a Bronze medal in her category - an amazing achievement. 
  • Y10 have been revising very maturely for their upcoming Mock Exams and staff have been very impressed with their preparations so far.
  • Over 65,000 positive points have been awarded to Y10 so far this year.

Year 11

  • Year 11 have made a fantastic start to Year 11.
  • The revision information evening was well attended by parents and pupils.
  • The roll out of the 10 week revision plan has been successful and students have really embraced writing their revision timetable each week.
  • In the first two weeks of after school revision I awarded 2330 ICC points meaning that 233 of our Year 11 pupils attended a revision session in the first two weeks. The sign up sheets are still very full and lots of pupils have been attending sessions.
  • Out of all 13 pupils in the school with 500 ICC points, 11 of these are Year 11s.
Tagged  Headteacher's Review 

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