Dear Parents / Carers
Welcome back to Term 4!
I hope that you had a good February break and your young people were able to recharge.
We have started this term with a reminder of our expectations and routines. The young people have responded well to this and have helped us to ensure that focus in lessons is on learning.
The Hardenhuish Education Trust met this week and have approved some exciting projects which will enable us to enhance facilities across the school. Keep an eye out for updates over the coming weeks!
Lisa Percy
Headteacher
News Items
National Careers Week 2026
We are pleased to let you know that Hardenhuish School is taking part in National Careers Week: 2nd-6th March.
Students will be taking part in a range of exciting activities as part of our Careers Week programme. Over the next two weeks, they will attend a careers-themed assembly, complete tutor-based careers activities, visit our Careers Fair, and hear from visiting professionals about their career journeys and experiences.
We have kickstarted Careers Week early with an engaging lunchtime talk by a former Hardenhuish pupil, Jack Coathupe who shared his experiences of being a camera operator for TV and film. Our young people got the chance to test out some amazing film making kit too!
Photo credit: Hannah Owst, A-Level film studies pupil
Our lunchtime Careers Fair takes place on Wednesday 4th March, a fantastic opportunity for students to be inspired about different professions and meet employers directly.
National Careers Week are also running a virtual careers fair with a new theme of careers every day: Countdown – NCW 2026 Virtual Careers Fair
Each year group will also have tailored Careers Week tutor activities, and all will be introduced to this great website, featuring a wide range of inspiring jobs, shown through short videos.
Link: Job Of The Week | MYPATH Careers Resources
BBC Bitesize also have some great interactive resources for young people to explore too. Careers – BBC Bitesize
I Can & I Am Bus
Year 8 pupils recently enjoyed a visit from the I Can & I Am Bus, where activities were designed to strengthen wellbeing and resilience. The sessions were enthusiastically received, with 84% of pupils rating their enjoyment at 4 or 5 stars, and pizza‑making proved a powerful way to build feelings of belonging, helping pupils connect with classmates in a relaxed and practical environment.
Pupils also explored the “balloon” model of self‑esteem, strengthening positivity and encouraging them to be uniquely themselves, with over 77% reporting a strong understanding of how to keep their confidence “inflated” during difficult moments.
The experience encouraged pupils to embrace a sense of challenge, with 70% leaving the bus feeling motivated, inspired or excited, a significant uplift compared with how many felt beforehand. Throughout the visit, pupils felt valued for who they are, and many shared personal reflections such as “don’t compare yourself to others” and “focus on the things you can do,” showing the lasting impact of the session’s themes on pupils’ self-belief and sense of identity.
Thank you so much to the fantastic I Can & I Am bus team and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
Year 10 Vocational students enjoyed a trip to Whitehall Garden Centre in Lacock this week. They met The Customer Service Manager Karen, who talked to them about the variety of roles there and the skills and qualities they look for in employees. They learnt about the training and induction processes that 16-year-olds undertake when they start work at Whitehall and the importance of a well-considered CV. While there they also had the chance to meet some of the animals in the Pets and Aquatics Centre, including their resident bearded dragons! Thanks so much Karen, this was such a valuable opportunity for them.
Chippenham Dance Festival
This week one of our competition teams performed for two nights at Chippenham Dance Festival. This event showcases local primary schools celebrating all things Dance. The secondary schools are invited to set an example to younger dancers who will eventually progress. Our dancers showcased their strength, technical ability, and teamwork, delivering a seamless lyrical piece filled with fluidity, control, and emotion.
They represented the school extremely well, highlighting the strength of dance within our school with professionalism and pride.
Miss Birchall and Mrs Barton are exceptionally proud — Well done girls!
Gymnastics
Last weekend, Year 10 pupil Kaci Sweeney competed in the Scottish Championships at the Emirates Arena where the 2026 Commonwealth Games were held. Kaci took to the floor in a big field of gymnasts to compete in floor, bars, beam and vault, ending up in 3rd place overall, 2nd on floor and becoming the Scottish vault champion with a personal best score.
Following three long days of competition, Kaci has qualified for the British Championships in March – well done Kaci.
Vacancies – Hardenhuish School