Dear Parents and Carers
It has been a pleasure to welcome over 180 prospective young people and their families to Hardenhuish this week for Open Week. We have hosted tours twice a day each day and I would like to thank our wonderful young people and in particular the amazing Year 12 and 13 tour guides for their support and enthusiasm in sharing their Hardenhuish experience with our visitors. So many have commented on the positive atmosphere and happy young people.
Please continue to remind your young people to wear suitable waterproof coats to school. I know the weather over the last week or so has been particularly wet but this appears set to continue!
The Year 7s are very excited about their trip to Liddington next week. Thank you to the Events and Year 7 Team for all of their hard work in organising this and I look forward to hearing all about their adventures.
Take care and have a good weekend.
Lisa Percy
Headteacher
News Items
Focus on ..Tutor Check In
Hardenhuish School takes great pride in our motto, “Supported to Succeed,” and is well known for our dedication to this principle. With our young people at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make, our tutor structure forms the foundation of the support each pupil and student receives. Every morning, our tutors welcome their tutees into the classroom, aiming to set them up for a successful day of learning, with a strong emphasis on building relationships and trust. As the most regular and consistent point of contact, tutors play a vital role in helping our students navigate their secondary school education and overcome any challenges that may arise.
We recognise that effective communication with parents is crucial to ensuring that tutors have all the information they need to provide comprehensive support to pupils and students. With this in mind, we hope you will have seen on the school calendar that our Tutor Check-in Evening is scheduled for Thursday, 17th October 2024, for all pupils and students, and their parents. This will be conducted through an online meeting or phone call, providing an opportunity to speak with your young person’s tutor to review the first part of the academic year, share any important information about your child, ask any questions you may have, and discuss upcoming opportunities for the rest of the year. Please keep an eye out for a letter coming soon with instructions on how to schedule your one-to-one appointment. Of course, should you need to talk to someone in the meantime, or at any time, about your young person please contact the school and we will get in touch as soon as we can.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Over the last 2 weeks, the Year 11 Health and Social Care students have enjoyed a visit from Christine Crookall-Fallon a Senior Practitioner and team Leader for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to help inform their coursework for The Creative and Therapeutic Activities Unit. They took part in a workshop to explore the physical, intellectual, emotional and social benefits of activities involving the natural world and learnt about the work that Christine and the wider Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Team do facilitating activities for adults and young people with a range of diverse needs. Thank you for your time Christine, this has been so invaluable for their studies!
Hardenhuish Clarinet and Saxophone
Despite awful weather warnings the Yatton Keynell Fete went ahead on Saturday 21st September and escaped the rain (mostly!). Some of the Hardenhuish Clarinet and Saxophone played brilliantly at the opening of the fete with a selection of pieces including a fantastic solo from Thomas Short (Year 13) backed by the group of ‘Stormy Weather’!!! and they all played a great version of ‘I just can’t wait to be King’ from the Lion King to finish. Thank you to our wonderful performers.
Johnny Cameron Lecture
On Thursday students with an interest in economics, business, and finance, attended a lecture with Mr Cameron. This insightful talk included a discussion about Mr Camerons role as Chief of Investment at Royal Bank of Scotland for many years up until its collapse and bailout during the 2008 global financial crash. He gave a fascinating insight into working at the top level of the banking sector, reasons for the financial market collapse and the Great Recession, and lessons learnt from this. The talk was followed by a lively question and answer session.
Wiltshire County Badminton Association Junior Tournament
Well done to Year 9 students Imogen Drew, Caleb Lai and Charlie Burnham and Year 7 student Jake Drew for their achievements at the Wiltshire County junior badminton tournament on Sunday, playing against competitors from all across the county.
Imogen competed in the Under 18 age category (2 age categories up), winning gold medals in both the girls singles and the mixed doubles.
Caleb, Charlie and Jake all competed in the Under 14 age category in both boys singles and boys doubles. Caleb and his partner won gold in the boys doubles, with Charlie and his doubles partner taking the silver in a close and entertaining final between team-mates at the end of a long afternoon of matches! Caleb reached the semi-finals in boys singles, with Charlie winning several of his matches and Jake (who was playing up an age category) also enjoying wins. – Well done to all!
Wiltshire FA Young Volunteer of the year
Congratulations to Jasmine, on being recently awarded the Wiltshire FA Young Volunteer of the year. Jasmine continued to coach throughout her A-Levels and managed to keep up with her studies, job, uni applications all whilst still playing football! Well done Jasmine!
