25 Feb 2026
26 February 2026
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
Literacy Week and World Book Day 2026
Literacy Week begins next Monday, 02 March 2026, with World Book Day taking place on Thursday, 05 March 2026. This year’s theme is “A Celebration of Books Adapted into Films,” inspired by pupil feedback showing a strong interest in stories that move from page to screen.
Throughout the week, pupils will take part in cross-curricular literacy activities across a range of subjects. On World Book Day, we would love as many pupils as possible to get involved by bringing in a prop linked to a book that has been adapted into a film or by coming to school in costume.
For safeguarding reasons, no weapons (real or imitation) are permitted. Any inappropriate items brought into school will be confiscated. Pupils are more than welcome to come into school in full-costume as we know many enjoyed dressing up last year!
Another initiative which we will be running throughout the week will be Readathon 2026. Last year, we managed to raise over £1000 for books and story-tellers for children in hospitals. We would love to beat this figure this year. The Readathon will be launched in KS3 lessons and any KS4 pupils who wish to participate are welcome to visit the English Office/ Reading Room for a sponsor card. More information about the wonderful work they do can be found on their website: readforgood.org
We look forward to celebrating reading, creativity and storytelling together as a College community.
Calm Swan Sessions – Discover your creativity and find your calm!
Calm Swan Sessions is a Tuesday lunchtime club at 12:40pm for Year 7 and Year 8 in RO2.
Upcoming session dates are Tuesday 03, Tuesday 10 and Tuesday 17 March.
Encourage your child to join our therapeutic art sessions and express themselves, manage stress or simply explore their creative side! It’s not a lesson and they don’t need any experience, just a willingness to discover the therapeutic benefits of art.
The University of Oxford Outreach opportunities
A range of free online and in-person events from the University of Oxford are available this spring for pupils. Opportunities include subject conferences, mini-lectures, STEM mentoring programmes, university preparation sessions, language competitions, maths livestreams, research projects, and open days. These events are designed to help pupils explore academic interests, gain insight into university study, and strengthen future applications. Click on the links below for details of each event:
- The Oxford Student Conference (Years 7–11)
- Trinity Beyond the Classroom (Years 7–11)
- Y10 EMPower 2026 (Year 10 only)
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering Open Day (Year 11, over 16 only)
- Flash Fiction Competitions in French, German, and Spanish (Years 7–11)
- Oxford Online Maths Club – Weekly Livestream (Year 11 recommended, all are welcome)
- Balliol College – Insight into Maths, Science, and Humanities Talks (Year 11 recommended)
- Oxford NHS Trust Research Project (Years 8–11, over 13 only)
Future Pathways: Events and Opportunities for Years 9–11
Over the coming weeks there are a number of opportunities available to support pupils in Years 9–11 as they think about their future pathways. From apprenticeship vacancies and hands-on engineering experiences to college open events and live career webinars, these events are designed to help families explore the full range of options available. Click on the links below for details of each event:
- Barton Peveril Sixth Form College Open Event (Year 10)
- SETA Engineering Apprenticeship Vacancies (Year 11)
- HSDC Science Insight Evening (Year 11)
- SETA Workshop Taster Day (Years 9-11)
- HSDC Open Events (Years 10-11)
- British Army Career Webinars (Years 10-11)
Year 7
There are no specific items for Year 7 only.
Year 8
There are no specific items for Year 8 only.
Year 9
Year 9 Parents' Evening
Date: Monday, 02 March 2026
Time: 16:00-19:30
Location: Online
If you haven't already booked your sessions, please visit our parents' evening page to do so:
Swanmore School - Parents' Evenings
Year 10
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College: Year 10 Open Event
Year 10 pupils and their families are invited to visit Barton Peveril on Thursday 30th April, from 16:30 to 20:15. This event allows pupils to tour facilities, research courses and "QXTRAs," and speak with current pupils and staff.
- Registration: Tickets must be secured in advance via: Barton Peveril Year 10 Open Event
- Duration: Attendance is limited to 45-minute timed slots; visitors should arrive at the time listed on their ticket.
- Parking: On-site parking is provided on the field. Blue badge holders should contact marketing@barton.ac.uk for accessibility support.
Please book as soon as possible as places fill up fast!
Year 11
🛠️ SETA Engineering Apprenticeship Vacancies
Employers have begun advertising engineering apprenticeship vacancies for starts in September 2026. These Level 3 positions are located across the region, with closing dates starting as early as Friday, 6 March 2026.
Current vacancies include roles at:
- Bilfinger UK (Hardley, near Southampton): Instrumentation Technician, Plate Welder, Pipe Welder, and Pipe Fitter.
- The MET Office (Southampton): Marine Systems Technician.
- National Gas Transmission PLC (Lockerley, near Romsey): Mechanical Engineering and Electrical & Instrumentation.
- StandardAero (Gosport): Metal Fabricator.
- Veolia UK (Marchwood): Electro-Mechanical Apprentice.
- Four-Tees Engineers (Segensworth): Plate Welder.
For a full list of current vacancies, check the SETA - Apprenticeship Vacancies web page. Applicants are encouraged to check regularly as more opportunities will be added in the coming months. Click here to view the attachment with current SETA vacancies as a word document.
🧪 Science Insight Evening: Explore Your Options
Thursday, 05 March 2026 | 4:30pm – 6:00pm | South Downs Campus
Is your child considering a future in science? HSDC are inviting all Year 11 pupils to their upcoming Insight Evening to explore their two new courses:
- T Level in Science: A technical qualification combining classroom learning with significant industry placement.
- 5 GCSE Pathway: (Triple Science, Maths, and English) – Designed specifically for more practical learners or pupils who may not achieve the grades required for A Level Science routes. It provides a strong and supportive progression route into further scientific study or employment.
The evening will begin with a short welcome talk for parents and pupils, after which pupils will take part in practical sessions delivered by HSDC’s Science team.
Next Week’s Events
Monday, 02 March 2026
- U12 and U13 Netball vs Toynbee (H)
- Year 9 Parents' Evening 16:00-19:30
Tuesday, 03 March 2026
- Year 10 Sports Leaders Event (Y5/Y6 Netball)
Wednesday, 04 March 2026
- Y10/11 Girls Football vs. Mountbatten (H)
- U16 Basketball vs. Weston (H)
- U12B Netball Tournament at Thornden (A)
Thursday, 05 March 2026
- Year 10 Boys Football vs. Romsey (H)
- Year 8 Girls Football 7-a-side County Finals at Stoneham Lane Football Complex (09:00-16:00)
- World Book Day
Friday, 06 March 2026
- Cambridge National Sports Studies: Tile Barn Climbing Trip
Community Notices
The University of Oxford Outreach opportunities
The Oxford Student Conference
What? The 2026 Oxford Student Conference is the perfect first look at undergraduate study at Oxford. This completely free, online conference offers prospective students, teachers, and supporters an opportunity to explore academic interests, engage with the Oxford community, and gain insights into studying at one of the world’s leading universities – all from wherever you are. Over four days of online sessions in March, you can:
* Find out about our courses
* Hear from tutors and current students
* Learn about the Oxford admissions process
* And much more...
Who? This event is open to anyone interested in the University of Oxford
When? Monday, 16–Thursday, 19 March, with webinars in the evening
Where? Online
Register here to receive more information: Register: The Oxford Student Conference
Trinity Beyond the Classroom
What? This is an online, after-school academic enrichment programme series of mini-lectures, Oxplore taster sessions, academic skills talks and advice about preparing for university study and submitting a competitive application to university and the University of Oxford. Gain a certificate demonstrating your commitment to super-curricular enrichment!
Who? Any state school pupil in Year 7 to 12 who is interested in exploring learning across a broad range of themes and across subjects beyond the classroom, and/or may be interested in applying to Oxford.
When? On Tuesdays at 4:30pm-5:30pm, beginning Tuesday,10 March 2026, (excl school holidays) for 15 sessions running to Tuesday, 7 July. Pupils can opt in for the sessions of their choice.
Where? Online
Register here to receive more information: Register: Trinity College Beyond the Classroom
Deadline? Please register at least 24 hours in advance of the event
Y10 EMPower 2026
What? An exciting opportunity for young scientists! EMPower Oxford connects pupils of Black heritage with cutting-edge research and inspiring role models. Meet scientists, hear their stories, and discover all the amazing things you can achieve in STEM! EMPower is a two-year programme for pupils of Black heritage which includes online workshops, academic mentoring and, for some Y10 pupils, a short residential course in Oxford. Participation in the programme is completely free.
Who? UK-based Year 10 state-school pupils.
When? March 2026
Where? Online (with a Y10 residential event in Oxford for some pupils)
Register here to receive more information: Register: EMPower Oxford
Institute of Biomedical Engineering Open Day
What? Oxford University’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering is hosting an Open Day for Year 12 pupils on Wednesday,11 March 2026. Unlike course-focused admissions events, this Open Day aims to introduce pupils to Biomedical Engineering – what it is, the kinds of problems biomedical engineers work on, and the range of subjects and careers it connects to.
Who? Whilst the event is aimed at those in Year 12, we will accept pupils from Year 11, if over 16, and Year 13 with a strong interest in Biomedical Engineering.
When? Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Where? Oxford (The Richard Doll building, OX3 7LF)
Register here to receive more information: Register: Biomedical Engineering Open Day
Flash Fiction Competitions in French, German, and Spanish
What? Our annual Flash Fiction Competitions invite secondary school pupils to submit a complete story of no more than 100 words, in French, Spanish, or German, for the chance to win up to £100. Entries are judged by a panel of academics who are primarily looking for creativity, imagination and narrative flair, as well as linguistic accuracy. Pupils’ language skills will be considered in the context of their age and year group.
Who? Years 7-13
Deadline? Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Click here for submission information: Oxford MFL Flash Fiction Competition
Oxford Online Maths Club – Weekly Livestream
What? The Oxford Online Maths Club is a weekly livestream that is free, interactive, casual, and relaxed, and the livestreams are recorded so that you can watch back afterwards if you can't make it to the live broadcast on Thursday afternoons. Our regular host is Dr James Munro, and we often have current Oxford students answering questions in chat and appearing on the livestream to talk about maths.
Who? The club is mostly aimed at people about to apply to university or about to start a maths course, but everyone’s welcome and there’s no registration needed. Whether you’re the only person you know who’s interested in maths, or if you’re an entire sixth form maths club looking for more maths content, we’re here for you.
When? The Oxford Online Maths Club is live each Thursday at 17:00-18:00 (UK time)
Where? Online (livestreams are also recorded)
Click here to watch previous episodes or join upcoming livestreams: Oxford Online Maths Club
Balliol College – Insight into Maths, Science, and Humanities Talks
What? Our Insight Talk Series consists of online academic sessions in which Oxford University Graduates introduce topics that link to their own research. Sessions take the form of workshops, and pupils will have the opportunity to ask questions. These are super-curricular programmes which will introduce participants to new areas of knowledge.
Who? Pupils in Year 12 and interested Year 11s.
When? Until March 2026
Where? Online
For a full list of titles, please click here: Balliol College Insights
Deadline? Book at least 48 hours before the event
Oxford NHS Trust Research Project
What? Oxford Health NHS Trust are currently recruiting young people aged 13–18 and without any diagnosed or suspected neurodevelopmental conditions for a research project evaluating a new Autism screening tool, the OVAAT (Oxford Virtual Autism Assessment Tool). Participation involves completing a short screening questionnaire and a 1-hour online appointment with a clinician, and participants receive a £10 Amazon voucher as a thank you for their time. We think this would be a great opportunity for young people to contribute to an innovative project aiming to improve mental health service provision and see the research process in practice.
Who? Young people between 13 and 18 who are neurotypical and not currently experiencing a mental health issue.
Click here for more information: Oxford NHS Trust Research Project
Future Pathways: Events and Opportunities
🔧 SETA Workshop Taster Day
Pupils currently in Year 9 and above are invited to the Workshop Taster Day at the Southampton Engineering Training Association on Saturday, 07 November 2026. This popular event is an opportunity to learn about engineering apprenticeships, speak with staff and first-year apprentices, and try hands-on engineering activities in the workshop.
- Time: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm.
- Arrival Slots: Specific slots are available at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm.
- Registration: Register your interest at: SETA Workshop Taster Day Event
Please register your interest as soon as possible as places fill up fast!
HSDC Open Events: For Year 10 and 11 Pupils
HSDC is inviting Year 10 and 11 pupils to explore their post-16 options at two upcoming Open Events this spring. These sessions allow pupils and their families to tour the facilities and speak with staff about future career pathways.
The events will take place at the following locations:
- South Downs Campus: Thursday, 26 February 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.
- Havant Campus: Wednesday, 4 March 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.
- Alton Campus: Wednesday, 11 March 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm.
These evenings provide an essential opportunity for pupils to gather information before making final decisions about their next steps in education.
For further details, please visit: HSDC Events
Title: British Army – Seven Career Streams, Endless Opportunities
About: Join them this National Careers Week and International Women’s Day for an inspiring webinar exploring the breadth of career opportunities within the British Army.
Date: Tuesday, 3 February 2026, 18:30 – 19:30
Event Type: Virtual
Register Today: British Army: Seven Career Streams Event
Title: Women in the Army – Real Stories, Real Impact
About: Join them for an online event celebrating women in the Army and the many career opportunities you can explore. You’ll hear from soldiers and officers as they chat about their roles, the sports they get involved in, the places they’ve travelled, and how they balance Army life with family life.
Date: Wednesday, 11 March 2026, 18:00 – 19:00
Event Type: Virtual
Register Today: British Army: Women in the Army Event
Meon Valley Food Bank Donations
Thank you for your continued support.
We will be open next Monday, 02 March, 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 vegetables
- Instant coffee
- Stir in pasta sauces ( in plastic tubs)
- Rice
- Soap
Weekly News Roundup
The latest stories from around the College
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