30 April 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

Help Us Choose New Books for the Reading Room

The Reading Room is preparing for its next major delivery of books from the School Library Service, and we would love your help choosing what arrives next.

We are inviting parents, carers, pupils, and staff to suggest fiction and non-fiction titles they would love to see added to our collection. We are also strongly encouraging pupils to submit their own suggestions independently, helping shape the Reading Room with books they are genuinely excited to read.

Please submit all suggestions using the form below by Friday, 05 June 2026 so we can finalise our order in time.

Submit book suggestions here:
Reading Room | Book Requests

Thank you for helping us continue to grow and improve our Reading Room collection.

Swanmore College Pupils' Artwork on Display at St Barnaby’s Café

British Science Week: Poster Competition Winners Announced

To celebrate British Science Week and this year’s theme, “Curiosity: What’s Your Question?”, KS3 pupils were invited to create posters asking, and answering, a question about the Earth, science, nature or the Universe.

The response from pupils was fantastic, with an impressive range of thoughtful, creative and scientifically curious entries submitted across all year groups. Bronze, Silver and Gold winners were selected from each year group, alongside one overall winner who received a Chemistry set. A display of all the winning posters is now on show in S Block to celebrate and showcase the creativity, curiosity and scientific thinking of our pupils.

Congratulations to our winners:

Mrs Curd, Head of Science, said:
“The quality and quantity of the posters was outstanding! I'm delighted that so many of our pupils embraced finding answers to the questions they have about our world. Many congratulations to all of our winners — and keep being curious!”

Fiddle Toys 

A reminder to parents and carers that only approved fiddle toys should be brought into lessons. These are recommended by the Pastoral and SEND teams to help support focus and regulation for specific pupils.

Pupils authorised to use a fiddle toy will have a pass and will be issued with either a Tangle or a Squishy “Mochi” toy by the school. No other fiddle toys should be used in lessons.

If pupils bring fiddle toys from home, these will be confiscated and can be collected at the end of the school day. Please also note that fiddle toys purchased from the ICC shop should not be used during lessons.

Good Luck to Our Year 11 Pupils

Exams begin tomorrow and we would like to wish all of our Year 11 pupils the very best as they start this important period.

We know how much hard work and preparation has gone into reaching this point, and we are incredibly proud of the resilience, determination and maturity pupils have shown throughout the year.

Thank you also to parents and carers for the encouragement and support you continue to provide at home. Your support makes a real difference during the exam season.

We wish all Year 11 pupils every success over the coming weeks.

SwanFest is getting closer...

Join us on Saturday, 04 July 2026 for a full day of live music, food, entertainment and family fun at Swanmore College.

📍 Swanmore College Field, SO32 2RB
🕚 11am–9pm

Book here: SwanFest | Tickets

You can also keep up with the latest lineup announcements, behind-the-scenes previews and festival updates by following SwanFest on Facebook and Instagram.

 For more information, visit: swanfest.co.uk

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Year 7

Year 7 MFL Parent Workshop: Summer Term

Thursday, 21 May 2026 | 6pm | SO2, Swanmore College

Parents and carers of Year 7 pupils studying French or Spanish are invited to attend an MFL workshop focused on helping your child prepare for the upcoming Summer assessment. 

The session will explain the structure of the assessment, the skills pupils will be tested on, and how previous assessments can be used to identify gaps in learning and improve revision.

Please bring:

- A previous assessment (Autumn and/or Spring)
- Your child’s Knowledge Organiser

This workshop will also help parents better understand how languages are taught at Swanmore and how to effectively support learning throughout Years 7 to 9.

Sign up here: MFL Parent Workshop | Sign up

Want to find out more before attending? Watch the short video and read more about the workshop here:
Swanmore College | MFL Parent Workshop (Summer Term)

Year 8

There are no specific College items for Year 8 only.

Year 9

There are no specific College items for Year 9 only.

Year 10

There are no specific College items for Year 10 only.

Year 11

SETA Engineering Apprenticeships

Year 11 pupils can now apply for "earn while you learn" engineering apprenticeships through SETA. These Level 3 programmes last 42 months and include initial foundation training at a dedicated centre.

Local Vacancies:

• Engineering Maintenance Technician (Southern Water): Training in the maintenance of vital engineering systems at various Hampshire sites. Deadline: 25 May 2026.
• Machining Technician (Benham Precision Engineering): A Totton-based role focused on high-tech precision manufacturing. Deadline: 30 June 2026.
• Maintenance & Operations Technician (Roke Manor Research): A Romsey-based apprenticeship focusing on the maintenance and operation of complex engineering equipment. Deadline: 31 May 2026.

Why Apply?

• Industry Experience: Gain hands-on skills in sectors like aerospace or renewable energy.
• Qualifications: Achieve nationally recognised Level 3 credentials.
• Support: Access expert help with CVs and interview techniques.

Apply online: SETA - Apprenticeship Vacancies

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Next Week’s Events

Monday, 11 May 2026

• Y8-11 District Athletics Trials

Tuesday, 12 May 2026

• Y10 Sports Leaders (Year 5 and 6 Rounders)
• Y9/Y10 Girl Tennis vs. Perins (H)

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

• U15 Cricket vs. Deer Park

Thursday, 14 May 2026

• No fixtures/events 

Friday, 15 May 2026

• Barton Peveril Curtain Raiser
• Y10 GCSE PE Solent University Trip

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Community Notices

Supporting Amelia’s Cancer Research UK Fundraiser 💗

Year 8 pupil Amelia H is raising money for Cancer Research UK by taking part in a 5K race on Saturday, 09 May 2026.

If you would like to support Amelia, you can sponsor her or share her fundraising page here:
Cancer Research UK | Sponsor

We wish Amelia the very best of luck with her run and thank everyone for any support they are able to give.

 

Meon Valley Food Bank Donations

Thank you for your continued support.
We will be open next Monday, 11 May, between 10 am and 12 pm 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: 

• Kitchen Roll

• Shower Gel

• Tinned Ham

• Tunned Chicken in White Wine Sauce

• Breakfast Cereal

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

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Weekly News Roundup

The latest stories from around the College