Swan-Bites is our weekly college bulletin for parents/carers – it is sent every Thursday.
We welcome any feedback or comments via: enquiries@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk

College Notices

Year 10 and Year 11: Oxford University webinars

Earlier this year we took a small group of year 10 pupils to an Oxford Explained talk by St. Hilda’s College. The talk aimed to inspire pupils to go to university and provided information regarding Oxford University. Due to the number of tickets allocated to each school we weren’t able to take all the pupils who expressed an interest. However, we are pleased to inform you that Oxford University are now offering two talks as webinars. The first is regarding university in general and the second is about Oxford University specifically. The details for how to register for these events are as follows:

'How to choose a course and a university'- Wednesday 18^th June (16:00-16:45)- Webinar: How to choose a course and a university | St Hilda's College Oxford

‘An overview of the Oxford admissions process (for students)’- Wednesday 9^th July (16:00-16:45)- Webinar: An overview of the Oxford admissions process (for students) | St Hilda's College Oxford

We hope these talks are informative and valuable to our pupils.

Year 10 and Year 11: Apprenticeships and Technical Education—key pathways for young people’s futures

Join us for an exciting Learn Live event on Tuesday, 1st July at 6 PM, designed especially for Parents, Carers, and Guardians. This session will focus on Apprenticeships and Technical Education—key pathways for young people’s futures.

The broadcast supports The Gatsby Refinements, specifically covering:

• critical role parents and carers play in shaping young people’s career decisions.
• Provide clear, accessible information to parents about all post-16 and post-18 options.
• Involve parents in career conversations and events.
• The refinements stress the importance of clarity around technical and vocational routes, including apprenticeships. This helps parents: Understand the value and structure of apprenticeships and T Levels and compare them confidently with academic routes like A-levels and university. Support their children in making realistic and informed choices.
• Understand future job trends and the skills employers are seeking.
• Benchmark 7 (Encounters with Further and Higher Education) now includes more structured exposure to technical education providers, ensuring that students and their families are aware of:
• Local apprenticeship opportunities.
• Technical colleges and training providers.
• Employer-led pathways and industry placement.

As influential figures in their lives, it’s essential we stay informed about the opportunities available. This broadcast will equip you with the latest insights and practical guidance to help you support and advise with confidence.

Don’t miss out—everything you need to know, all in one place!

Sign up: Hampshire Careers Hub – Careers Live

 

Soccer Aid

We’re thrilled to be running Soccer Aid Week next week – a full week of fun, football-themed fundraising to support Soccer Aid and UNICEF! Thank you to all our staff, students, and families who have already shown such brilliant support.

To find out more about what’s happening and how you can help, please visit our website: 
Soccer Aid at Swanmore College

Lost Property

We have a large amount of un-named lost property in Pupil Reception. Please can you ask your child to come to pupil reception and check if any of it belongs to them.  All unclaimed items will be disposed of on Friday, 20 June 2025.

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Year 7

There are no specific items for Year 7 only.

Year 8

I am regrettably having to inform you that I will not be continuing as Head of Year from September. Before my adventure as Head of Year began, I started to undertake a Masters which as you can imagine alongside teaching is a huge undertaking. When I was offered the opportunity to become Head of this fantastic year group, I felt it was too good an opportunity to turn down. On reflection, I was delighted that I made that decision. This however meant that I had to pause my studies to give my full time and energy to what is an incredibly physically and emotionally consuming job!

Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and I felt that I wasn’t able to give my full time and energy to the year group if I was having to write a 15000-word dissertation alongside all the many phone calls, emails, and meetings that this job requires. Therefore, reluctantly I have decided to step down from the role. I will continue in my capacity as a PE Teacher and will proudly be the manager for the boys’ football team for the coming years.  

You will be glad to hear that an able replacement in Miss Phillips (Science) will be taking over the role. She will be shadowing me as we end this year to ensure a smooth transition into next year and I am in no doubt she will be a fantastic Head of Year.

I would like to thank the parents for being so supportive and cooperative with myself during my time as Head of Year. It really does make a huge difference, and I have been comforted knowing that our students are being fully supported both in and out of school. Until the end of the year I will remain firmly as Head of Year and look forward to the rewards event at the end of the month.

Thanks again,

Mr Doncom

Year 9

There are no specific items for Year 9 only.

Year 10

SHCG (Fareham, Southampton, Eastleigh Colleges, and CEMAST & CETC)  Open Events 2025/26

Fareham, Eastleigh, Southampton Colleges, and CEMAST & CETC are holding Open events from 5-7pm on the following dates:

October 2025

• 14 October – Fareham College
• 21 October – Southampton College
• 22 October – Eastleigh College

November 2025

• 13 November – Fareham College
• 19 November – CEMAST & CETC
• 20 November – Southampton College
• 25 November – Eastleigh College

March 2026

• 18 March – Fareham College
• 19 March – Southampton College
• 24 March – CEMAST & CETC
• 25 March – Eastleigh College

June 2026 – Community Open Days

• 13 June – Eastleigh College
• 20 June – Fareham College
• 27 June – Southampton College

 

Year 11

GCSE Physics Paper 2 16/06/25 – All Year 11 pupils - Protractors and Calculators required

A reminder that you will require a protractor for this exam and a calculator.

If you were planning on exchanging your calculator with the Maths Department do not do this until you have completed your Physics Paper 2!

 

South Hampshire College Group – Welcome Day Events, Wednesday, 02 July

For those pupils who have applied to South Hampshire College Group (Fareham, CEMAST, Eastleigh or Southampton Colleges):

We are pleased to inform you about the upcoming South Hampshire College Group Welcome Day Events for all new full-time students starting in September 2025.

All students holding an offer with South Hampshire College Group will be sent an invitation to the Welcome Day via email with full details this week.

We would be grateful if you could encourage students to check their emails and RSVP as per their invitation.

Date: Wednesday, 02 July
Time: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Southampton College, Eastleigh College, Fareham College or CEMAST

The Welcome Day is designed to help students make the best possible start to their studies at college. During the event, students will have the opportunity to:

• Meet their teaching team and fellow peers
• View student facilities and teaching areas
• Participate in course-related activities
• Meet teams from Learning Support, Safeguarding, and Student Finance

While there is no strict dress code, we ask that all students dress appropriately and wear non-slip, covered shoes.

Format for the day:

• 09:30-10:00 – Arrival & Registration
• 10:00-12:30 – Course activities
• 12:30-13:00 – Support and Enrolment Information / Lunch

Free pizza and a drink will be provided for lunch.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

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Next Week’s Events

Monday, 16 June:

• Summer Literacy Week
• Y9 Sports Leaders helping with Curdridge Primary School Sports Day: 08:30-11:30 am
• U15 Cricket vs. Deer Park (A)
• U13 Girls’ Cricket vs. Wildern (H)
• GCSE: Physics - Paper 2 / Trilogy Physics - Paper 2
• GCSE: Music
• Y10 Mocks: History – History around us

Tuesday, 17 June:

• Summer Literacy Week
• Cricket T20 Schools Takeover: 4:00-7:30 pm
• GCSE: Spanish Paper 4- Writing
• GCSE: Food Preparation and Nutrition
• Y10 Mocks: French Listening/Reading/Writing

Wednesday, 18 June:

• Summer Literacy Week
• U13 Boys’ Cricket Festival at Trojans: 09:30 am-3:30 pm
• GCSE: Design and Technology - Papers & Boards
• GCSE: Design and Technology - Timbers 
• GCSE: Further Maths - Paper 2
• Y10 Mocks: Spanish Listening/Reading/Writing

Thursday, 19 June:

• Summer Literacy Week
• Celebration Evening: 6:00-7:30 pm
• District Athletics Championships at Winchester Track: all day
• Y10 Mocks: English Language
• Y10 Mocks: Geography – Living with the Physical Environment

Friday, 20 June:

• Summer Literacy Week
• Y10 Mocks: Y10 Trilogy Biology
• Y10 Mocks: History – World Paper

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Community Notices

Get Musical! 

Join us for five days of musical theatre fun this summer!

Get Musical returns for its 6th year of musical theatre delight! Join us for a week of learning, rehearsing, and performing a medley of songs, this time celebrating the glitz and glamour of Golden Hollywood. This year promises to be spectacular, with our dedicated team already hard at work selecting incredible songs and crafting an amazing script. Don’t miss out on a week of musical theatre fun! This year’s event will be held at The Rose Theatre at Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh.

Location: The Rose Theatre, Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh
Dates: 11 to 15 August 2025
Times: 10am – 4.00pm finish each day (additional wraparound care available upon request)

Suitable for: Pupils currently in / just finishing their time in year 4 through year 13

Cost: £175 for the week (Compulsory to attend all days)

If you would like to come along, please sign up using the following link: Get Musical! 2025 – Booking Form

 

Capture the Calm: WYC’s Nature Photo Competition

Winchester Youth Counselling is excited to launch a brand-new photo competition celebrating the connection between being outside and feeling good inside.

Capture the Calm invites young people, aged 11 – 25, to share their favourite images of nature and mental wellbeing. Whether it’s your favourite place to walk in the great outdoors, a moment or an interaction with an animal that made you smile, or just a great shot of Winchester’s natural beauty – we want to see it!

There’s a prize voucher up for grabs for the overall winner, and selected entries will be featured in our 2026 WYC calendar.

Find out more on their website: Capture the Calm WYC's Nature Photo Competition

 

South Hampshire College Group – Community Open Days

Join us for fun-filled open days with exciting activities for all ages – there’s more than meets the eye!

• Explore our excellent facilities
• Meet our expert lecturers
• Learn about our course and apprenticeship options
• Live music and performances
• Prizes to be won
• Bouncy castle
• Refreshments
• Stalls and much more!

Southampton College: Saturday, 14 June, 11:00-14:00

Eastleigh College: Saturday, 21 June, 11:00-14:00

Fareham College: Saturday, 28 June, 11:00-14:00

Register your visit here: shcg.ac.uk/events

All proceeds to Alfie’s Wish, a children’s cancer charity.

Please see the attached poster for more information.

 

Please note that any external clubs / events that are advertised here are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with Swanmore College in any way.