Dear Parents and Carers
Term 6 continues to be busy with lots going on around the exams. I hope that the Opal Coast trip have a wonderful time in France this weekend.
Our Chinese visitors are enjoying life in our wonderful school and are making the most of all of the activities on offer locally including a day at Bowood last weekend. Thank you again to everyone involved in making their stay with us so enjoyable.
We are always grateful for parents getting involved with the life of the school and would be grateful if any of you have some time on 25 June to be able to support our Year 12 Mock Interview Day. It is such an important opportunity for our young people to try out their interview skills, and your time and expertise will make a meaningful difference to our Year 12. If you are able to help, please contact our Careers Lead Naomi Silverton for more details (ngs@hardenhuish.wits.sch.uk).
A reminder of our upcoming HH50 Summer Open Day on 11 July – it is going to be a joyful end to our 50th year celebrations and we look forward to sharing those celebrations with you.
Have a restful weekend.
Lisa Percy
Headteacher
News Items
Work Experience 2026: Building Skills for the Future
At Hardenhuish School, work experience (WEX) is a key part of our Careers Programme and an important step in preparing students for life beyond the classroom. All students in Years 10 and Year 12 are encouraged to take part, completing their placement during the final week of Term 6 in July (13th-17th July 2026).
Work experience gives students the opportunity to step into a real working environment and take on meaningful tasks under supervision. This invaluable experience helps bring learning to life, allowing students to develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving, while also gaining insight into the skills and personal qualities needed for different careers.
Just as importantly, WEX helps students begin to shape their future plans. It can spark new interests, confirm existing ambitions and provide valuable content for future CVs, applications and personal statements.
Virtual Work Experience Opportunities (VWEX)
This year, over 320 students are taking part in work experience in July. For the small number who have not yet secured a placement, they will be encouraged to make use of virtual work experience (VWEX) opportunities.
These programmes are completed online, allowing students to gain experience through their computer or device at home. They enable students to explore a wide range of industries, develop key workplace skills and hear directly from employers in a fully digital environment.
Many opportunities are flexible and self-paced, making them highly accessible. While different in format, they still provide valuable insight into the world of work and can make a meaningful contribution to a student’s CV and future applications.
Students can explore opportunities through platforms such as Unifrog, Springpod, Futures for All, Barclays LifeSkills, Youth Employment UK and Forage—all of which offer a range of high-quality, employer-led experiences.
Making the Most of Unifrog! www.unifrog.org
To enhance and streamline the work experience process, we are now using Unifrog with our Year 10 and Year 12 students, with plans to roll out the full careers platform to all young people across the school by October half-term.
When it comes to WEX, Unifrog provides a clear, structured platform where students can record their placements and track their applications, all in one place. It also ensures that placements are appropriately safety-checked, providing reassurance for parents and carers.
Beyond work experience, Unifrog is a powerful careers tool that supports students in exploring different pathways, including post-16 and post-18 options such as sixth form, college, apprenticeships, university courses and employment routes. It helps students make informed decisions and, importantly, encourages them to take ownership of their future planning.
By bringing everything together in one place, Unifrog helps students stay organised, reflect on their experiences and plan their next steps with confidence.
You can find out more about Unifrog here:
https://www.unifrog.org/know-how/what-is-unifrog-a-guide-for-parents-and-caregivers
Get Involved: Can You Offer a WEX Placement?
Every Day Counts
We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for students to be recognised and rewarded for their commitment to attendance as we move from Term 5 into Term 6. Regular attendance plays a vital role in ensuring students gain the most from their education, and we are keen to celebrate those who make a strong effort.
All students who either improve their attendance between Term 5 and Term 6 or maintain an attendance rate of 97% or higher across this period will receive a reward. This initiative is designed to encourage positive attendance habits and recognise the hard work students put into being in school and ready to learn each day.
In addition to these rewards, students who meet either of the above criteria will also be entered into a prize raffle. Each year group will have the chance to win one of two £25 gift vouchers, providing an extra incentive and celebration of their achievement.
We know that families play a crucial role in supporting strong attendance, and we appreciate your continued partnership in encouraging students to attend school regularly and punctually. Together, we can help ensure every student has the best possible opportunity to succeed.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements at the end of Term 6.
Tate Modern Art Trip
Our recent visit to the Tate Modern was a truly inspiring experience for our Year 10 GCSE Art and Textiles students, alongside our A Level Art and Photography students. The day provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore art in this engaging environment.
We were inspired by the striking architecture of the building itself, which sparked ideas around structure, form and spatial design. The diverse range of exhibitions encouraged students to think critically about materials, techniques and artistic concepts, enriching their understanding of their own coursework themes.
This exposure has supported the students development of their observational skills and giving them fresh ideas to take back into their sketchbooks and projects.
Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and successful trip, with students demonstrating excellent behaviour and a genuine enthusiasm for art. The experience will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their creative development and future work.
