Welcome to the weekly Newsletter for parents and carers of students attending John Hanson Community School.
Inspire - Care - Succeed
‘HEAD’ Lines
I've learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but people will never
forget how you made them feel ~ Maya Angelou
This week students have taken part in the penultimate PSHE day of the year and immersed themselves in a wide variety of topics and activities from climate change and our carbon footprint, to the very real dangers of drug use, alcoholism and on-line blackmail.
I feel strongly that school should be a safe space where students can learn and ask questions about ‘all those topics’ that don’t fit neatly in to Maths, Science, Geography, or any other subject they study. These opportunities to learn and explore are critical to young people’s development as they navigate the world around them on their journey from child to young adult.
The PSHE days are as much about how the topics they cover make them feel, as they are about the content being delivered. Everything we cover on these days is aimed at giving students the tools to navigate the world they live in and this includes developing their ability to deal with the emotions that some of the topics produce.
As a school we pride ourselves on not shying away from ‘the difficult topics’. Instead, we work hard to find the most appropriate vehicle, alongside a wide range of community partners, to teach, convey and promote understanding of, and thinking about, the many areas of life and especially the range of emotions our students, your children, will face in the world outside the school gates.
We want students ‘to feel’ confident in their understanding of and ability to deal with the world as it comes their way.
Enjoy the weekend with your children.
Regards
Russell Stevens
Headteacher
John Hanson Community School PSHE Day 6: 16th June 2021
We were delighted that PSHE day 6, was able to offer such a variety of experiences for our student (and staff!) community. The tone of the day was set from the off, as Honey the therapy dog greeted students in the corridors.
Year 7: An exciting day of sessions focused on our interaction with the natural world. Reducing carbon footprint &cooking demo- A fantastic session for year seven all about the sustainability of produce, with a delicious demo of sustainable (all ingredients sourced locally) raspberry and honey flapjack; this moved on to encouraging students to buy locally and wisely- don’t dismiss the wonky carrot or ugly strawberry!
Wind turbines and solar farm- our external visitor Tracey from Earth Energy Education led this session where students focused on renewable energy; they used solar cells and small wind-turbines to power motors, LEDs and buzzers. The voltage for each method was measured and compared. The glorious sun was victorious.
Outdoor careers- thankfully the sun was shining, so the outdoor careers session led by Jo from LEAF could be held outdoors. Students focused on an item of food and all the different jobs that might be involved in actually getting that in front of us on our plates. From there, they explored a range of different careers that involve working outdoors- field trials officer, marketing executive and aquaponic farmer…
Well-being and herb run- a sensory treat! This interactive session involved students identifying different herbs by picking, smelling and linking to clues on their historical uses.
Bee keeper- Mic Laird led this session focusing specifically on beekeeping. It started with the idea of a pollinator and considering why pollinators are so important in the production of our fresh food. Bees are the obvious ones but also butterflies, birds and even fire. Calculating carbon footprint: A enlightening session where students calculate their own daily carbon footprint.
Year 8: The REAL game:
Year 8’s day was unlike the others- it was all focused on their future. Students were asked to create their dream future life: house, car, luxuries and dream job. They were then allocated a job (anything from a barrister earning £200,000+ to cabin crew member earning £14,000) and they had to see how much they could afford. The day finished with students considering the holiday allowance, salary, skills and qualifications of their own dream job.
Year 9: A powerful day introducing crucial topics. Alcoholism-In the session, we looked at the positives and negatives effects of alcohol, strategies for managing influences like peer pressure and understanding addiction. Students heard first hand testimonies from teens affected by drinking and watched a documentary of a Friday night booze bus to see how the emergency services have to cope, and understand the danger binge drinking can present. They practiced trying to open a door whist wearing ‘bear goggles’ to experience the visual impairment that heavy drinking can bring and discussed agencies that can offer information and support about alcohol addiction. Online blackmail-A session on online blackmail, coercion and online exploitation. They explored not only the legal terminology and ramifications and a number of case students but they also were made aware of where support can be received for victims of online blackmail, coercion and exploitation. Child sexual exploitation- This session linked to the blackmail one as it taught students to resist manipulation and coercion both online and in real life. The Buzz test- Year 9 explored Personality Types. When we discover our own personality type, it helps us to understand more clearly why we do the things we do. We all have a preferred way of doing things from how we make decisions to how we process and structure our lives. In this session students found out more about personality types and then completed the Buzz Test. This test finds out what they are like, and what they could do. It allowed them to discover their strengths and what makes them tick, some jobs or careers they may enjoy, and for fun, what celebrities they are most like! Cannabis- We welcomed back our favourite guest speaker Stacey Miller to deliver a frank and absorbing session on the powerful topic of Cannabis. Students were taught about the different names, types and effects in a safe and supportive environment. Domestic Violence-Year 9 have been talking about domestic violence today including coercive control and how these negative relationships can build up over time – it is really important that the signs are recognised and understood and that students know where to go for help if ever needed. We have discussed the different types of domestic abuse (physical, sexual, financial, emotional and psychological) and explored how these could manifest. The key thing from today has been the warning signs and what to do if this were to happen to them or their friends.
Year 9 have been brilliant with this really challenging day and we are really proud of their maturity.
Year 10: The oldest members of school-community had a day full of challenging sessions and next-steps support. Our Silent Emergency- focused on the reasons and signs of those who may be vulnerable to suicide. Year 10 have watched a BBC documentary and discussed the issues that this raises. All students will have been given tools for understanding who to turn to if they are concerned about their own mental health or that of a friends or family member. Winchester University-Plot your pathway. This virtual session led by a University ambassador focused on the exciting range of courses available and different routes through university. Students were led through a discussion about what it is actually like to be a university student. SUN- Career Pilot. This is another virtual session focused on potential post-16 options based on students’ personal interests, passions and strengths. This is fuel for some interesting family discussions about future plans. Cosmetic Procedures- This session utilised a documentary and drew together the world of cosmetic procedures and social media. The shocking reality about the prevalence of unqualified practitioners was a stark point for our students. Violence prevention- as the title suggests this session was hard-hitting but the qsworkshops (qsw) representing the charity ‘Stand Against Violence’ was factual and considered in his delivery. The tragedy at the heart of the charity’s work - the devastating murder of 17 year old Lloyd Fouracre in 2005- was sobering to all who watched. Lloyd’s older brother created the charity after his brother’s death. The message about violent behaviour amongst teenagers and the devastating consequences was crucial to hear.
NEW TITLES designed to help struggling teenage readers develop confidence and generate an interest in reading, whilst bridging the gap between more specialised books and full-length novels. The characters in the books are diverse in gender, sexuality, ethnicity and background to ensure they are relatable to a wide range of readers.
Come and be the first to borrow one of these new books and qualify for a FREE entry in our prize draw which will take place on Wed, 30th June. Details from Mrs Coward.
Message from Peter Symonds College
We are providing updates on our Summer events for students after Monday evenings announcement from the Government regarding the extension of restrictions. This has meant that we have had to review our position for each of them, details of which are below.
Welcome Days
These events for current year 11 students, holding offers with us will still go ahead as live events next week on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th June as we are able to manage the numbers and students will be asked to follow certain rules to ensure everyone's safety. Students will be able to access their timetables for the day on their online accounts, from today.
Events for Year 11 Parents
For your information we sent an invitation to parents of Year 11 students holding offers to attend an Open Event on Tuesday 29th June which has been cancelled. Parents are being notified. However, webinars with our Senior Management Team, planned for tomorrow evening, the 17th June are going ahead.
Open Eveningsfor College Entry 2022
These events planned for 28th and Tuesday 29th June, 5:30 – 8:30pm will now be Virtual Open Evenings. Registration for these events will be required through the college website psc.ac.uk from 21st June. We shall keep you updated with our next Open Evenings, due to be held on the 18th & 19th October where we hope to be able to invite these students to the college.
The Admissions Team
Peter Symonds College
01962 857555
Queen Mary's College
Please encourage your son/daughter to use their SCHOOL EMAIL for work rather than their own private email. This is important for safeguarding and also some of our messages for students are being sent to school email addresses.
One change for this term. Year basketball instead of football
Word of the Week:
Please see below for the ‘Word of the Week’. These words have specifically been chosen as they are both useful and sophisticated whilst encouraging challenge and extended vocabulary use. Please challenge your child (and yourself!) to use this week’s word as much as possible at home, in conversations, and in their work!
Mrs Woodley and Miss Underwood
Poetry Competition
The poetry society have launched a poetry competition for students aged 11-17. There are some fantastic prizes, such as membership to the poetry society, and a sack of goodies, week-long writing course and lots more. If you would like to enter you can do this directly through their website
Think you know – Activity Packs relating to online safety Who’s watching yours? – 17% increase in children livestreaming since lockdown (Advice to help parents/carers minimise risk to children online) Mental health – How to look after your family’s mental health when stuck indoors Houseparty – Everything you need to know.
John Hanson Computing Department
Want to know more about what’s going on in school? Why not follow us on:
Music for students in Year 10 (current Year 9's) - next school year
We will be running a Music course for students in Years10 and 11 which will be an extra qualification if they choose to follow the course.
The sessions will run each week after school on Tuesdays between 3pm and 4.15 in PA1. Students attending the course will be expected to attend every week - treating it just like another lesson.
We did not have enough students to run it within the main options but we are able to run the course as mentioned above. Students will also be expected to work on the course in their own time too - rehearsing / completing homework etc.
Please let me know if your son/daughter would like to take the course (as described in the option booklet)
The school are pleased to announce that we have been nominated by Hampshire Music Service to become a Music Mark school for the 2020/21 academic year.
Monday lessons:
Mr Goodeve (Guitar) at 9am
Mrs Gooding (Brass and keyboard) at 11am
Mr Cooper (Piano/Keyboard) at 12 noon
Tuesday Lessons:
Mr Long (Drums) at 1110 am
Friday Lessons:
Mrs Courcoux (Woodwind - for Mr Gooding) at 0950
Details on the music notice board or see Mr Adams if unsure
All students Years 7, 8 and 9
HEADPHONES / EARPHONES
All students in Years 7-9 will need earphones or headphones for class music lessons. We are not permitted to lend out any headphones.
Thank you for your support
EMTAS – Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service
Motivational Album 2021, English as Additional Language students
Even the most positive of people sometimes face a situation where they lack motivation, so it`s important to overcome this lack of enthusiasm and encourage our students to undertake frequent activities, take up new personal hobbies or even develop different skills, these are necessary as it will support positively their wellbeing. Taking breaks and focusing on other life challenges will help them relax between school work, this can improve their personal goals and achievements as keeping motivated remains a big challenge.
With this in mind, few weeks ago students were encouraged to participate in this big challenge, to share their hobbies, skills and experiences with us.
I am very pleased to have received so many images containing a variety of fantastic activities, some done at home, some with family members, other`s whilst being out and about. I have carefully collated them and rearranged all pictures into our Motivational Album that I am very proud to share with you all.
