01 Oct 2026
01 October 2026
Contents
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College notices
Swanmore College Careers Fair 2026
Pupils in Years 9, 10, and 11, alongside their parents and carers, are invited to attend the annual Swanmore College Careers Fair. This event provides a valuable opportunity to meet representatives from post-16 providers, higher education institutions, training organisations, and local employers to explore future study and career pathways.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, 08 October 2026
- Time: 4pm–6pm
- Location: Swanmore College
- Who Can Attend: Pupils on their own or accompanied by parents/carers
Why Attend?
- Year 9 Pupils: An ideal chance to explore different career sectors and industries, helping to inform and guide upcoming GCSE option choices.
- Years 10 and Year 11 Pupils: Discover post-16 pathways, including A-Levels, T-Levels, vocational courses, and apprenticeships.
- 20+ Exhibitors: Connect directly with over 20 colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers, and local/national employers.
- Careers Fair Challenge: Complete the challenge sheet during the event for a chance to win one of three £20 Amazon vouchers.
How to Attend: No prior booking is required. Pupils and families are welcome to drop in at any point between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.
Join our board – become a Co-opted Governor
Help shape the future of Swanmore College
We're looking for committed and enthusiastic Co-opted Governors to join the Board of Governors at Swanmore College. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of young people and support our Senior Leadership Team as we continue to deliver excellent results and experiences for every pupil.
Being a school governor is a rewarding voluntary role. You'll meet new people, work collaboratively as part of a dedicated team, and gain valuable insight and skills in leadership, education, and governance. Most importantly, you'll play a vital part in ensuring every child at Swanmore College thrives.
What does the governing body do?
Their key responsibilities are to:
- Set and maintain the college's vision, ethos, and strategic direction
- Monitor performance to drive improvements in teaching and learning
- Support the Headteacher and staff to keep every pupil safe, valued, and able to succeed
- Oversee finances to ensure resources are used effectively for the benefit of all pupils
What support will I receive?
You don't need prior experience – full training and mentoring will be provided. You'll have access to both in-house and external governor development opportunities to help you grow in confidence and impact.
What's the commitment?
We ask for an average of around three hours per week during term time. Most meetings are held on Monday evenings (5pm–7pm or at 5:30pm–7:00pm), with occasional additional visits or events.
Who can apply?
Anyone with an interest in education, community, and helping young people to succeed is welcome to apply. You don't need to have a background in teaching – we value diverse perspectives and experiences that reflect our community.
If you're ready to contribute your time, skills, and enthusiasm to help Swanmore College continue to deliver an excellent education in a safe and supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you.
To express your interest or find out more, please contact:
governors@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk and the Chair of Governors – Ian Mills – will be in touch.
For further information, have a look at the Governors pages on the College's website.
or the Hampshire County Council website
Hampshire County Council | Governors
Should you wish to apply for either role, please email enquiries@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk for an application form, which should be completed and returned to the College.
All positions are subject to a vetting process, identity check and enhanced DBS check as part of our commitment to ensure the safety of our young people and community.
Closing date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
After-school KS3 Art Club starts on Thursday, 1 October,
Time: 3.10pm-4.10pm
Location: R02
No sign-up is necessary – just come along and wait under the canopy between R and S Blocks while we get the room ready.
Whether you enjoy drawing, painting or simply want to explore your creativity, Art Club is a great opportunity to develop your artistic skills, try something new and spend time with others who share your interests.
All newcomers are very welcome, and we look forward to seeing some familiar faces returning too. We hope to see lots of you there!
The Art Department
Itchen Sixth Form College: Upcoming Open Events
Pupils in Years 10 and 11, along with their parents and carers, are invited to attend the upcoming Open Events at Itchen Sixth Form College in Southampton to explore post-16 study options and tour the campus facilities.
Event Details:
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Autumn Open Evening: Thursday 8 October 2026 | 5pm–8pm
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Autumn Open Morning: Saturday 10 October 2026 | 10am–1pm
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Location: Itchen Sixth Form College, Middle Road, Southampton
What to Expect:
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Tour the campus facilities, specialist teaching spaces, and learning environments.
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Speak directly with subject tutors about course entry requirements and study pathways.
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Learn about student support services, academy options, and student life.
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Explore progression routes for A-Levels, T-Levels, and Level 1, 2 and 3 vocational qualifications.
Booking Information: Advance ticket booking is required for prospective students attending the event. Parents and carers accompanying a pupil do not require a separate ticket.
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Book online: Visit Itchen Sixth Form College to reserve your place.
Open Mornings
Know someone considering Swanmore College?
Do you have friends or family with a child approaching secondary school? Please help us spread the word about our upcoming Viewing Mornings.
Our Viewing Mornings are a great opportunity for prospective pupils and their families to visit Swanmore during a normal College day, see lessons taking place and get a feel for everyday life at Swanmore.
Upcoming Viewing Mornings:
Monday, 05 October 2026 to Friday, 09 October 2026
Start time: 9am
No booking is required – simply come along.
If you know someone who is currently considering their secondary school options, please share our Viewing Morning dates with them. We look forward to welcoming them to Swanmore!
Year 7
Year 7 MFL Parent Workshop: Supporting Independent Learning at Home
At Swanmore College, we want to work together with families to ensure you feel equipped to support your child’s learning. Helping with French or Spanish homework can feel challenging if you have not studied a language recently.
Building on the success of Mrs Hinson’s previous workshops, languages teacher Miss Jackson is hosting a dedicated session for parents and carers of Year 7 pupils. This session is designed to boost your confidence and provide you with practical guidance to support your child’s Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) independent learning at home.
This one-hour workshop will show you precisely how to help, whether your child is studying French or Spanish. Miss Jackson will explain:
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The Expectations: What independent learning looks like and what is expected for MFL homework.
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The Tools: How to use essential resources, including your child’s Lesson Booklet and Knowledge Organiser.
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Best Strategies: Effective techniques for learning and retaining vocabulary, empowering you to check their work with confidence.
Attending this workshop is a valuable investment for the years ahead, as our core system for independent learning and home support remains consistent all the way through to Year 11. You will walk away feeling much more confident about helping your child succeed in languages.
Workshop Details
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Date: Monday, 12 October 2026
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Time: 6pm
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Location: Room S02 at Swanmore College
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Please bring: Your pupil’s French or Spanish lesson booklet and Knowledge Organiser
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Sign-up deadline: Thursday, 08 October 2026 at 3pm
Please sign up using our online form: MFL Year 7 parent workshop | sign up
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
Mock Exams
Mock exams will be running next week. You can view the timetable for exams on this website by clicking here.
Next week’s events
Monday, 05 October 2026
- PGS Debating Festival (Y7-Y10)
- Y11 Mock exams
Tuesday, 06 October 2026
- Y8 STEM visit
- Y7 and Y8 Netball vs. Kings (A)
- Y7 Girls Football vs. Perins (A)
- Y8 Boys Football vs. Harrow Way (H)
- Year 11 Mock exams
Wednesday, 07 October 2026
- Senior Maths Challenge
- Hampshire Book Awards winner's ceremony (offsite)
- Y11 Boys Football vs. Perins (A)
- Y9 Boys Football vs. Horndean (H)
- Year 11 Mock exams
Thursday, 08 October 2026
- Careers Fair (4pm-6.30pm)
- Y9 Boys Rugby vs. Westgate (A)
- U14 Basketball vs. St. George (A)
- Year 11 Mock exams
Friday, 09 October 2026
- U16 Boys Handball at Petersfield
Community notices
50 miles for a fantastic cause!
Rory H in Year 9 is taking on an incredible challenge, cycling the entire 50-mile Shipwright’s Way in Hampshire alongside his stepdad to raise money for Headway, a UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support, services, and information.
This is Rory’s longest bike ride yet, and he’s taking it on to give something back to a charity close to his heart.
We’re cheering you on all the way, Rory!
If you’d like to support Rory’s fundraising, you can donate here.
Making A Level choices – University of Cambridge webinar
Are you in Year 11 and thinking about your A Level choices? Churchill College, University of Cambridge, is hosting a free online webinar to help prospective applicants choose their A Levels (or equivalent) with a view to applying to Cambridge.
Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Time: 4.30pm–5.30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Who: Year 11 pupils, parents/carers and teachers
The session will offer guidance on choosing your A Levels and provide an opportunity to ask questions.
Registration closes at 9am on the day of the webinar. Attendees will receive their Zoom link that day. The session will not be recorded, so live attendance is encouraged.
Register for the free webinar here
South Hampshire College Group: Business and Finance Course Spotlight
Pupils in Years 10 and 11, along with their parents and carers, can explore the wide range of Business and Finance pathways available across South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) campuses (Eastleigh, Fareham, and Southampton).
Career Pathways & Earning Potential: Business and finance qualifications open doors to careers with potential starting salaries ranging from £23,000 to £55,000+.
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Example Roles: Business Administrator, Accountant, Marketing Specialist, Business Analyst, Financial Advisor, Event Coordinator, and Entrepreneur.
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Featured Courses: A-Levels, T-Levels (including the new V Level Accounting & Finance Pathway), Vocational Diplomas, and Degree Apprenticeships.
Recommended School Subjects & Skills: While GCSEs in Business, Maths, Computing, English, Geography, Economics, or Science provide a strong foundation, SHCG Level 2 and entry courses teach core business and finance principles from the ground up.
Key personal qualities valued by the college include:
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Numerical confidence and problem-solving ability
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
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Teamwork, organisation, and time management
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Commercial awareness and curiosity about the wider economy
How to Find Out More & Visit: Pupils and parents can explore progression routes, view course details, and book upcoming autumn Open Events directly online at the SHCG website.
Sainsbury’s KickStarter Explore Programme: Virtual Employability Skills
Pupils in Years 11 are invited to participate in the KickStarter Explore Programme, a free virtual employability initiative delivered by The School Outreach Company in partnership with Sainsbury’s.
Event Details:
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Format: Online Virtual Sessions via Microsoft Teams
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Time: 9am – 3pm (Full-day workshop)
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Available Dates and Registration links (Choose one to attend):
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Monday, 26 October 2026: Sainsburys KickStarter Virtual Career Experience
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Tuesday, 27 October 2026: Sainsburys KickStarter Virtual Career Experience
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Wednesday, 28 October 2026: Sainsburys KickStarter Virtual Career Experience
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What the Programme Covers:
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Industry Insights: Meet the Sainsbury’s team and learn about the retail sector and wider career pathways.
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Employability Skills: Build practical workplace skills, including digital awareness and understanding workplace behaviors.
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Interview Preparation: Learn how to stand out, research effectively, and master the STAR technique for interviews.
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Career Pathways: Hear directly from guest speakers about apprenticeships, placements, and early career opportunities.
Benefits for Students:
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Gain direct access to industry professionals.
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Boost workplace readiness and application confidence.
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Receive a certificate of participation upon completion.
Medic Mentor: Get into Medicine Virtual Conference
Pupils in Years 10 to 11 who are aspiring doctors, along with their parents and guardians, are invited to attend a free live virtual Get into Medicine Conference hosted by Medic Mentor. These interactive sessions provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the medical school application process.
Upcoming October Conference Dates:
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Saturday, 03 October 2026: 9am–1:30pm
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Sunday, 04 October 2026: 9am–1:30pm
What the Conference Covers:
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Strategic university selection and medical school application pathways.
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UCAT entrance exam preparation and application strategies.
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Securing medical work experience and effectively reflecting on placement insights.
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UCAS personal statement guidance and medical school interview techniques.
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Opportunities for national awards, leadership programmes, and scholarships.
Booking Information: Places are free but limited. Advance registration is required for students and parents/guardians to secure a slot.
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Cost: Free
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Register online: https://medicmentor.org/get-into_medicine_conference_signup/
Allied Healthcare Virtual Work Experience
Pupils in Years 10 to 11 who are considering a future career in healthcare are invited to participate in the upcoming NHS Allied Healthcare Virtual Work Experience session hosted by Allied Health Mentor.
Pupils in Years 10 to 11 considering a career in healthcare are invited to participate in the next live NHS Allied Healthcare Virtual Work Experience session hosted by Allied Health Mentor.
Event Details:
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Date: Sunday, 04 October 2026
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Time: 8:30am–5pm
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Location: Online Virtual Session
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Cost: £10 per session
Relevant Healthcare Careers: This month's programme provides insight into key NHS careers, including Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Dietetics, Radiography, Speech and Language Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, and Pharmacy.
What to Expect:
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Follow patient cases step-by-step to see how multidisciplinary NHS teams work together in real-world scenarios.
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Gain practical workplace insight and reflection skills from home to strengthen future UCAS and healthcare applications.
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Interact directly with practicing healthcare professionals throughout the session.
Booking & Registration: Pupils must register online to access their individual virtual work experience portals.
Wake Up Wednesday
Each week, we’ll be sharing a guide from The National College’s Wake Up Wednesday series, providing parents and carers with practical information and advice on topics affecting children and young people.
The guides cover a range of areas, including online safety, mental health and wellbeing, helping families stay informed and supporting conversations at home.
This week’s guide explores looksmaxxing, its impact on boys’ body image, and the risks of extreme appearance advice and online communities.
Click on the accordion title below to read this edition.
Wake Up Wednesday - Looksmaxxing
What Parents and Educators Need to Know about Looksmaxxing
What are the risks?
Looksmaxxing is an online trend focused on improving one's physical appearance, particularly among boys and young men. At the milder end, it can involve grooming, skincare, diet and exercise advice, sometimes called "softmaxxing". At its extremes, or "hardmaxxing", it can promote unproven or dangerous practices and contribute to body image concerns, low self-worth, and mental health difficulties.
Targeting male insecurities
Although usually aimed at men, looksmaxxing can also reach boys by promising to improve their appearance and dating success. Forums offer 'objective', and sometimes brutal, views on attractiveness, while influencers may make appearance seem all-important. Advice ranges from useful tips on hygiene, skincare, and fashion to more concerning guidance.
Body image issues
This pursuit of physical perfection can become obsessive and contribute to serious body image issues. Exposure to looksmaxxing content can encourage teenagers to tie their appearance to their value and self-worth, as well as making boys and young men feel they need to change perfectly normal aspects of their appearance. This can be associated with disordered eating, overexercising, or other obsessive behaviours that interfere with everyday life.
Dubious advice
Some advice moves into dubious territory. One example is "mewing", a tongue exercise claimed to create a more masculine jawline. The American Association of Orthodontists says evidence for its effectiveness is limited and warns that following such guidance could contribute to tooth alignment problems, bite issues, and speech difficulties.
Mental health problems
As well as the physical consequences, body image concerns can be associated with mental health difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, body dysmorphic disorder, and psychological distress. They can cause problems both at school and at home, with children and young people potentially avoiding social situations because they fear their appearance will be negatively judged by others.
Extreme remedies
Some DIY remedies are even more extreme and potentially dangerous. While fears of "bonesmashing" - which involves trying to alter the cheekbones using blunt objects for a more 'masculine' appearance - may sometimes be overstated in the media, other guidance can also cause harm. Untrained use of microneedling and derma rollers, taking substances or medication without appropriate medical guidance, and overusing skincare products can all have potentially harmful consequences.
A pathway to extremes
Looksmaxxing has its roots in online 'incel' communities but has since become more mainstream on platforms such as TikTok. Algorithm-driven feeds may show users more extreme material as they interact with similar content. Some looksmaxxing spaces have also been linked with misogynistic, incel, and white supremacist ideologies.
Advice for parents and educators
Watch for changes
Keep an eye out for concerning behavioural changes in children and young people. This could include an obsession with diet and exercise, spending more time on social media apps, becoming secretive with their phone, or a shift in how they interact with friends and family. If a young person suddenly becomes distressed by their appearance or adopts rigid or extreme routines, try to understand what may be behind the change.
Check the social media
Social media algorithms are tailored to each user, meaning what appears on your feeds may be dramatically different from what children see on theirs. Try to get an idea of the content children and young people are consuming online, and use available parental controls where appropriate. TikTok, for example, provides tools that can help families manage or filter certain types of content.
Listen for the lingo
Like many internet communities, looksmaxxing groups and influencers use distinctive language. As well as "mewing", mentioned above, you might hear terms such as "Chad" (an attractive male), "foid" (a misogynistic term for a woman), and "mogging" (looking more attractive than someone else). Other examples involve adding "maxxing" to another word, such as "jestermaxxing" (using humour to attract women) and "starvemaxxing" (extreme dieting).
Talk to your children
Open communication can help children and young people recognise misleading influencers and harmful online communities. Discuss unrealistic ideas about appearance and explain that some creators benefit from controversial or extreme content. Talk about the risks of unqualified health advice and how people's insecurities can be exploited online, while making it clear that it's okay to speak openly about any concerns.
Meet our expert
Alan Martin is a technology journalist who has written for publications including Wired, TechRadar, The Telegraph, The Evening Standard, The Guardian and The New Statesman.
See full reference list on our website.
#WakeUpWednesday
www.thenationalcollege
Users of this guide do so at their own discretion. No liability is entered into. Current as of the date of release: 30.09.2026
Please note that any external clubs / events / organisations that are advertised here are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with Swanmore College in any way.
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