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

College Notices

Urgent – Bishop's Waltham Pond

We are very grateful to the parent who alerted us to this dangerous situation.

Earlier this week, 7 children from Swanmore College attempted to walk on Bishop’s Waltham Pond which was covered in ice.

As a matter of urgency, please remind your children of the dangers of attempting to walk on areas of water covered in ice.

Fortunately, the local ACSO (Association of Special Constabulary Officers) went straight down to stop them but, in a moment, this could have been a tragic situation. 

Many thanks for your support with this important matter.

PE Department Football Trip 

🎓 Unifrog Parent Access: Update for Years 8–11

Thank you to all parents and carers who have requested a Unifrog account. Please see the updates below regarding your access:

• Existing Applications: If you applied by Monday, 15 December 2025, you can now create your account here: Parent - Unifrog. Applications submitted after this date will be processed over the next two weeks.
• New Requests: You can still request access for up to two people per student by completing this: https://forms.gle/A2j6KeU9UGqsqSok8

Email Verification: If you have requested access using an email address we do not currently have on file, we will contact you via email within the next week. This email will include specific instructions on the steps you need to take so we can verify your details and grant you access.

Survey from local MP

Dr Danny Chambers MP has produced a survey for parents and carers on their thoughts about new technologies, including AI Chatbots and Social Media Avatars and the potential impact that these may have on children’s mental health. The link to the survey is here: http://dannychambers.org.uk/ai-chatbots-survey and Dr Chambers would welcome hearing about your experiences with these technologies.

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Year 7

There are no specific items for Year 7 only.

Year 8

There are no specific items for Year 8 only.

Year 9

Y9 Vaccination programme

Your child’s 3-in-1 Teenage Booster and Meningitis vaccinations are now due. These vaccines help protect against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio and Meningitis.

Follow the links below for the electronic form and information about the vaccines. Access to the form will close two working days prior to the session.

School Code: SH116424

Session date: Wednesday 28^th & Thursday 29^th January 2026

Year Group: Year 9

Link to form: https://www.hiowhealthcareimmunisations.co.uk/Forms/DTP

For further information: https://www.healthforkids.co.uk/hampshire/teenage-booster-tetanus-diphtheria-polio-meningitis/

To choose YES or NO please complete the form to record your decision. Regular reminders will be sent to those that have not completed a form to ensure children do not miss their opportunity for vaccination. 

From the NHS School Age Immunisation Service

Year 10

Y10 Work Experience Programme

This week, Year 10 students took part in the first tutor session for the Work Experience programme.

During the session, students:

• learned how the process works
• discussed ideas for possible placements
• began recording employer contact details in their booklet

 Students have been asked to take their booklet home so they can continue these discussions with you ahead of the next session.

What’s coming next

• In tutor time on 13 January, students will use school Chromebooks to log placement details on Unifrog.
• At this stage, it is completely normal for some students not to have a placement confirmed yet.

 If your child does not have an employer contact at this point, please don’t worry. Further guidance and support will continue to be provided through tutors and the Careers team.

If you have any questions, please contact:
careers-help@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk

Year 11

College Application Deadlines and Apprenticeships back up plans

The following Colleges have informed us of deadlines:

• UTC, Portsmouth - Monday 12 January 2026
• Barton Peveril College - Friday 13 February 2026

If your child has not yet applied, we strongly encourage them to do so as soon as possible, as many colleges close applications once their courses are full.

Even if your child is planning to pursue an apprenticeship, it is vital they apply to a college as a backup; finding the right apprenticeship and securing a contract can take time, and having a college place ensures they have a guaranteed pathway for September.

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Next Week’s Events

Monday, 12 January 2026

• Y11 Mock GCSE exams
• Y9 Options Assembly
• U16 Girls Volleyball vs. Petersfield/Kings (H) 14:30
• Y7/8 District Cross Country at Embley Park

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

• Y11 Mock GCSE exams
• Sports Leaders Athletics - Sports Hall 15:30–17:00
• Y10/11 Girls GCSE Football with Perins/Toynbee/Romsey/Hamble

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

• Y11 Mock GCSE exams
• Y10 Swanmore Primary Science Show 13:15–14:45
• Y7/8/9 Badminton at Deer Park
• U14 and U16 Girls Netball vs. Romsey (H)

Thursday, 15 January 2026

• Y11 Mock GCSE exams
• Get Inspired Portsmouth Guildhall Y8
• U12 and U13 Netball vs. Romsey (A)

Friday, 16 January 2026

• Y11 Mock GCSE exams
• Boys Dance Workshop Chichester 08:20–14:05

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Community Notices

🚀 Lockheed Martin: Inspiring Careers in Aerospace & Defence

Interested in aeronautical or defence technology? Join Lockheed Martin for a free virtual Careers Talk on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 6:00 pm – 6:45 pm. This session is aimed at both students and parents, covering exciting apprenticeship and work experience opportunities, and early career information. Please use this link to register: Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

 

PLACES STILL AVAILABLE! Back by Popular Demand - FREE Andover Pop Up Orchestra from Hampshire Music Service

Pop Up Ensemble is back by popular demand! Young musicians are invited to take part in a free, fun ‘from scratch’ orchestra session at Lift Winton in Andover on Sunday 18 January 2026, 9.15am–1.15pm. Open to players from beginner to grade 4, this half-day workshop gives pupils the chance to make music together in a supportive ensemble setting. Places are free but must be booked in advance. 

How to book:
Parents can scan the QR code below/on the attached flyer or use the sign-up link here:
Andover Pop Up Ensemble - Sunday 18th January 2026 - 9.15am to 1.15pm – Fill in form

Address:
JMST theatre, Lift Winton, London Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 2PS

Meon Valley Food Bank Donations

Thank you for your continued support.
We will be open next Monday, 12 January, between 10am and 12pm to receive food donations.

Food can also be dropped off at the following places: 
Bishops Waltham - Sainsbury's, Coop,  St Peters Church and the Jubilee Hall in Little Shore Lane
Curdridge – St Peter's Church
Upham – Blessed Mary Church
Wickham – the Coop and the Community Centre.
Park Gate – Robinson Reade Estate Agents

The items we require for the coming week are:
Tinned Meat Meals
Tinned green beans
Stock cubes
Toothbrushes
Deodorant

 

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