22 October 2026
Contents
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College notices
Christmas lunch 2026 – Booking deadline Wednesday, 04 November
Families should now have received an email with details of this year's Christmas Lunch and Celebration, taking place during the week commencing Monday, 14 December 2026.
Pupils will enjoy a festive two-course lunch and entertainment with their year group. Tickets cost £5.75 per pupil.
Please complete your child's booking by 3pm on Wednesday, 04 November 2026, either through Scopay or by returning the form attached to the email.
If your child receives Free School Meals or is eligible for Pupil Premium funding, you must still complete the booking process to confirm their meal choice and any dietary requirements.
Please refer to the email for the full menu, year group dates and booking instructions.
We look forward to celebrating with our pupils!
October half-term reminder
As we approach the half-term break, we would like to remind families that tomorrow, Friday, 23 October, is a normal College day, including after-school clubs and the late bus.
The College will then be closed for half-term from Monday, 26 October to Friday, 30 October 2026.
Please remember that Monday, 02 November is a Professional Day, so pupils will return for the second half of the Autumn term on Tuesday, 03 November 2026.
We hope all our pupils and families have a lovely, restful half-term break and look forward to welcoming everyone back in November!
Reminder: Registration times and appointments
At the College, we complete our attendance registers twice each day: once during morning registration (8.25am) and again at Period 4 (11.45am).
If your child misses either of these registration windows, it will be recorded as a half-day absence. Please note that even when an absence is authorised, it still affects your child’s overall attendance percentage.
Wherever possible, we kindly ask that non-urgent appointments are arranged outside of these registration times. If your child does need to attend an appointment during the school day, please ensure they return to S Block Reception to sign back in.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our pupils make the most of their school day.
Road safety: Keeping our community safe
We are working with our local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to raise awareness of road safety, following reports of unsafe scooter use involving young people in the local area.
With the evenings becoming darker, we encourage parents and carers to speak to their children about staying safe around traffic, making sure they can be seen by drivers and making responsible decisions when out and about.
We have published a Spotlight on road safety article with practical advice, information about the rules surrounding electric scooters and details of how to report concerns.
Our road safety campaign has also been featured in the local Meon Valley Times:
Read the Meon Valley Times article
Hampshire Road Safety Team - free webinar
As part of this wider focus on road safety, we would also like to share that the Hampshire Road Safety Team is offering a free Modelling good behaviour – parent webinar on Monday, 16 November 2026, from 12pm to 12.30pm.
The webinar will share practical advice on helping children develop good road safety habits, with a focus on the important role parents and carers play in setting a positive example.
If you would like to attend, please register using the link below:
Thank you for helping us keep our young people and wider community safe.
Class Charts is currently offline
We are aware that Class Charts is currently unavailable. This is a nationwide issue affecting other schools as well.
Unfortunately, this is outside the College's control and we are unable to resolve the issue locally. At this time, we have not been given a timescale for when service will be restored.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while this issue is resolved. We will share further updates if and when we receive them.
Post-16 Open Events (Years 10 and 11): November
HSDC Havant and South Downs – Open Morning
Date: Saturday, 07 November 2026
Time: 10am–1pm
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HSDC Havant: New Road, Havant, PO9 1QL – A Levels and academic pathways.
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HSDC South Downs: College Road, Waterlooville, PO7 8AA – vocational courses, T Levels and technical training.
Families can explore teaching spaces and facilities, meet tutors and current pupils, and find out more about course choices, entry requirements, travel arrangements and student support.
Booking: Advance registration is required for your chosen campus.
South Hampshire College Group (SHCG)
South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is holding open events across its campuses:
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CEMAST and CETC, Lee-on-the-Solent: Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 5pm–7pm
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Eastleigh College: Wednesday, 11 November 2026, 5pm–7pm
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Fareham College: Tuesday, 17 November 2026, 5pm–7pm
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Southampton College: Thursday, 19 November 2026, 5pm–7pm
Visitors can tour facilities, meet lecturers and explore academic, technical and vocational pathways, including T Levels, V Levels, A Levels and degree apprenticeships. Advice will also be available about applications, travel and student support.
Booking: Advance registration is required for each attendee.
Year 7
There are no specific College items for Year 8 only.
Year 8
There are no specific College items for Year 8 only.
Year 9
Head of Year change
Following the October half-term break, Miss Cheek will be focusing more on the strategic responsibilities of her role as Associate Senior Leader for KS3 Behaviour and Attendance.
Mr Ockwell will therefore take on the role of Head of Year 9 on a temporary basis until the end of the school year.
Miss Cheek will continue to support Mr Ockwell and the wider pastoral team, ensuring that pupils continue to receive a high level of pastoral care.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Miss Cheek at y9-help@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk.
Year 10
Head of Year change
Following the October half-term break, Mr Heaton will be focusing more on the strategic responsibilities of her role as Associate Senior Leader for KS4 Behaviour and Attendance.
Mr Doncom will therefore take on the role of Head of Year 10 on a temporary basis until the end of the school year.
Mr Heaton will continue to support Mr Doncom and the wider pastoral team, ensuring that pupils continue to receive a high level of pastoral care.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Miss Cheek at y10-help@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk.
Year 11
GCSE revision sessions
Following the October half-term break, a range of revision and coursework support sessions will be available to help our Year 11 pupils prepare for their GCSE examinations.
Sessions cover a variety of subjects, giving pupils the opportunity to revisit key topics, practise exam questions and receive additional support with their learning and coursework.
Most sessions take place after school until 4pm, although some have different arrangements.
Families can view the full timetable, including dates, topics and room details, on our Year 11 revision sessions page.
Apprenticeship webinars for pupils and families
There are several free online webinars coming up to help pupils and families explore apprenticeship opportunities, understand the application process and learn more about different career pathways.
Discover apprenticeships at the BBC
Date: Wednesday, 04 November 2026
Time: 4pm–5pm
Location: Online (Zoom)
Cost: Free
Year 11 pupils and their parents and carers are invited to join Amazing Apprenticeships and the BBC Early Careers team to explore apprenticeship opportunities in journalism, production, broadcast engineering, business, finance and digital technology.
The session will cover entry requirements, recruitment timelines, application advice and video interview tips. There will also be opportunities to hear from current apprentices and ask questions.
Booking: Advance registration is required.
Discover apprenticeships at the BBC – Amazing Apprenticeships
NavigATE: What to expect from the apprenticeship recruitment process
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 3.30pm–4.15pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Amazing Apprenticeships is offering a free interactive webinar for Year 11 pupils and their parents and carers, explaining what to expect when applying for apprenticeships.
The session will cover online applications, CV screening, assessments, video interviews and assessment centres, with practical tips to help young people prepare for each stage. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Booking: Advance registration is required.
SHCG Business Plus: Apprenticeship webinar for parents and carers
Date: Wednesday, 11 November 2026
Time: 6pm–8pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) is hosting a webinar for parents and carers of pupils in Years 10–13 who would like to learn more about apprenticeships and how to support young people as they prepare for employment.
The session will explain apprenticeship levels and qualifications, when to start looking for vacancies, what employers look for during recruitment and the support available to apprentices. There will also be a live question-and-answer session.
Booking: Free, but advance registration is required.
Howden: Local insurance Apprenticeship Scheme (Eastleigh)
Pupils seeking entry-level professional career opportunities in finance and corporate services can apply for the Level 3 Insurance Apprenticeship with global insurance firm Howden, based in Eastleigh.
Key Opportunity Details:
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Employer: Howden (Global Insurance Firm)
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Location: Eastleigh
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Starting Salary: £23,000 per annum
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Qualification: Level 3 Insurance Apprenticeship (18-month development programme)
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Start Date: September 2027 (Permanent role from day one)
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Entry Requirements: No prior insurance experience is required.
Application Deadline:
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Closing Date: Wednesday, 13 November 2026
Who Can Apply: The apprenticeship is open to pupils exploring post-16 and post-18 pathways who are ready to transition into a permanent career in business and financial services.
Booking and Application Information: Pupils and families can review the full job specification and submit an application online before the deadline.
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Apply Online: Visit Insurance Apprenticeship Programme 2027 - Eastleigh to submit an application.
Next week’s events
Monday, 26–Friday, 30 October 2026
Half-term. The College will be closed.
Monday, 02 November 2026
- Professional Day - College is closed to pupils
Tuesday, 03 November2026
- Pupils return after half-term
- Y7/Y8 Netball vs. Thornden (A)
- Y8/Y9 Girls Football vs. Westgate (H)
Wednesday, 04 November 2026
- Y8 STEM day: 8.40am-12.40pm
- Y9/Y10/Y11 Netball vs. Thornden (H)
- Y7 Boys Football vs. Henry Beaufort (H)
Thursday, 05 November 2026
- Y5 Maths masterclass
- Y8 Boys Football vs. Mountbatten (H)
Friday, 06 November 2026
- No fixtures/events
Community notices
Taylor Wimpey: Early careers in construction and housebuilding
Suitable for: Years 10–13
Pupils in Years 10 to 13 interested in exploring careers in modern construction, engineering and housebuilding can access entry-level pathways and career development resources with Taylor Wimpey.
Available career pathways:
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Apprenticeships: Combine on-site practical training with formal qualifications while earning a salary and receiving mentorship from experienced professionals.
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T Levels (industry placements): A blend of classroom learning and hands-on site placements, providing real industry skills to progress into full apprenticeships or further training.
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Trainee programmes: Tailored entry schemes for school or college leavers and university graduates, offering structured project experience and professional career development.
Hands-on trade roles available: Opportunities cover a wide range of skilled trades essential to new home construction, including bricklaying, carpentry/joinery, plastering/drylining, groundworks, roofing, scaffolding, painting and decorating, plumbing and electrical work.
Early Careers Talent Network: Pupils can sign up for Taylor Wimpey's Early Careers Talent Network to receive advance updates on upcoming apprenticeship vacancies, access exclusive insights and receive tailored advice on entering the industry.
How to register and explore:
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Register online: Join Taylor Wimpey's Early Careers Talent Network to join the Talent Network and view current vacancies.
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Find out more: Early careers | Taylor Wimpey
Get into Medicine and Dentistry: Free online conferences
Suitable for: Pupils aged 14 and over (Years 10–13)
Medic Mentor and Dental Mentor are offering free virtual conferences for young people interested in pursuing careers in medicine or dentistry.
Both conferences provide information about university applications, entry requirements, admissions tests, work experience, interviews and financial support.
Get into medicine – Medic Mentor
Event details:
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Dates:
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Saturday 24 October 2026
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Sunday 25 October 2026
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Sunday 08 November 2026
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Time: 9am – 1:30pm
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Format: Live online interactive conference
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Who Can Attend: Pupils in Years 10 to 13 (a parent or carer must attend alongside the pupil for safeguarding purposes)
What the Conference Covers:
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UCAS and selection strategy: Understanding competition statistics, application timelines, and strategically selecting university choices.
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Entrance exams: comprehensive preparation tactics for the UCAT.
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Extracurriculars and work experience: Identifying relevant activities and standing out as a competitive medical applicant.
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Personal statements and references: Guidance on drafting strong medical personal statements and securing teacher references.
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Interviews and financial support: Masterclass on medical school interview techniques and accessing awards and scholarships.
Booking Information: Places are free, but advance online registration is required to receive joining instructions and secure a slot.
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Cost: Free
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Register online: Get Into Medicine Conference Sign Up - Medic Mentor
Get into dentistry – Dental Mentor
Event details:
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Dates:
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Saturday 31 October 2026
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Sunday 15 November 2026
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Time: 9am – 1:30pm
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Format: Live online interactive conference
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Who can attend: Pupils in Years 10 to 13 (a parent or carer must attend alongside the pupil for safeguarding purposes)
What the conference covers:
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Dental school selection: Strategies for choosing target universities and understanding competition ratios.
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UCAT and entrance exams: Insights into preparation tactics, entry requirements, and application timelines.
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Work experience and extracurriculars: How to secure relevant experience and effectively demonstrate leadership and reflection on applications.
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Personal statements and interviews: Guidance on drafting competitive UCAS statements and mastering dental school interviews.
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Awards and scholarships: Information on financial support, national competitions, and leadership programmes.
Booking Information: Places are free, but advance online registration is required to receive joining instructions and secure a slot.
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Cost: Free
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Register online: Get Into Dentistry Conference Sign Up – Dental Mentor
Half-term music workshops at Barton Peveril College
Hampshire Music Service is offering two exciting music workshops during October half-term, giving children the opportunity to develop their musical skills, try something new and meet others with similar interests.
Both workshops will take place at Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh and are open to children from across Hampshire.
Music Production Halloween Enrichment Day
Date: Monday, 26 October 2026
Time: 9.30am–3.30pm
Venue: Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh, SO50 5ZA
Age range: Years 5–8
Cost: £42.50 (includes lunch)
Spend the day creating original Halloween-themed music using iPads and GarageBand. Participants will explore music production techniques, including sampling, sound design, remixing and creating atmospheric soundtracks inspired by Halloween.
This hands-on workshop is suitable for beginners and those who already enjoy making music, offering plenty of opportunities to experiment, learn new skills and get creative.
Choir for a Day
Date: Monday, 26 October 2026
Time: 9.30am–3.30pm
Venue: Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh, SO50 5ZA
Age range: Years 4–9
Cost: £42.50 (includes lunch)
Join other young singers from across Hampshire for a fun day of music-making, exploring songs from musical theatre and popular music.
Led by Hampshire Music Service staff, participants will develop their singing, harmony and performance skills while building confidence and making new friends.
No audition or previous singing experience is required.
Booking information
Places are limited and early booking is recommended.
GCSE PE badminton club
Looking to improve your GCSE PE badminton assessment?
Ben Maltby Badminton is offering individual coaching sessions designed specifically around the GCSE PE badminton specification, helping pupils maximise their practical assessment performance and confidence on court.
What to expect:
- Sessions based on the GCSE PE badminton specification
- Improve practical assessment performance
- Develop advanced badminton techniques
- Learn tactical awareness and court positioning
- Build confidence through match-play coaching
- Individual coaching tailored to assessment targets
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About the coach:
- Badminton England Level 2 Qualified Coach
- 10+ years coaching experience
- 20+ years playing experience
- GCSE PE badminton-specific coaching
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To find out more or book a session:
Ben Maltby
📞 07715 583 512
✉️ benmaltbybadminton@gmail.com
South Hampshire College Group: Performing Arts course spotlight
Pupils who are passionate about acting, musical theatre, dance, or singing can explore Level 3 Performing Arts study options available across South Hampshire College Group (SHCG).
What to Expect:
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Practical Training: Train in professional performance spaces while developing technical skills, stage presence, and confidence through regular live productions.
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Industry Engagement: Learn directly from creative professionals via workshops, theatre visits, collaborative performances, and community projects.
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Academic Success: SHCG Level 3 Performing Arts pupils achieved a 100% pass rate in recent results.
Relevant School Subjects to Support Progression: Pupils interested in pursuing performing arts at college can build strong foundational skills by studying Drama/Theatre, Music, Dance, English Language and Literature, Media Studies, or Art and Design.
Career Pathways & Roles: Performing arts qualifications open up varied industry routes earning between £17,000 and £47,000 annually. Roles include:
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Performer, Actor, or Dancer
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Director, Producer, or Theatre Assistant
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Broadcast/Radio Presenter
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Drama/Music Therapist or Education/Community Worker
Student Progression Spotlight (Charlie - Level 3 Performing Arts Graduate): After creating, casting, and directing musical theatre projects during college, Charlie progressed to a Musical Theatre and Dance Degree at Performers College Essex. Since graduating, Charlie has worked as a lead vocalist, dancer, and actor, currently performing at The Paddington Bear Experience in London and working with The Ibiza Band.
How to Explore Further:
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View Course Prospectus: Visit Home - SHCG | South Hampshire College Group to view full course details and explore upcoming open events.
Wake Up Wednesday
Here is our latest pick 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 10 top tips for developing health sleep patterns, including mindful tech use, hydration habits and relaxing evening activities.
Click on the accordion title below to read this edition.
Wake Up Wednesday - 10 Top Tips: Developing Healthy Sleep Patterns
Quality sleep is paramount for wellbeing as it impacts cognitive function, emotional balance and overall health. A World Health Organisation study highlighted that 44% of young people reported difficulty sleeping, potentially affecting their mood, concentration and immune system. This guide offers expert tips for helping children to sleep more healthily.
1. Mindful Tech Use
Encourage a balanced approach to screen time. While phones, laptops and tablets can serve as a helpful means of stress relief, it's advisable to minimise their use right before bed. These devices can keep the mind racing long after they're switched off, impacting how easily and how well a person can sleep.
2. Effective Sleep Practices
Offer practical advice on reinforcing certain habits that have a positive influence on sleeping patterns. Children could start keeping a diary which they add to each evening, for example, or they could use up excess energy by exercising during the day.
3. Hydration Habits
Underline the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout the day, while limiting drinks close to bedtime to prevent disruptions during the night. Avoiding caffeinated drinks later in the day also allows the body and brain to slow down naturally, without chemicals firing them back up.
4. Consistent Bedtime Schedule
Assist children in developing consistent bedtime routines that tell the body it's time to wind down, promoting a more relaxed state. Establish specific activities for young ones right before going to bed, such as brushing their teeth, to create an association between that action and falling asleep.
5. Optimal Sleep Environment
Ensure that the bedroom is comfortable, dark and free from distractions, fostering an ideal space for quality rest. The room's temperature should be suitable for sleeping, while rooms should be kept as tidy and free of clutter as possible.
6. Relaxing Evening Activities
Recommend activities that have a calming effect on the mind, such as reading or gentle stretching, in the lead up to bedtime. Doing something quiet, relaxing and low intensity signals to the brain that it's time to rest and makes falling asleep much easier.
7. Prioritising Adequate Sleep
Emphasise the crucial role of sleep in maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing. It's especially important to sustain a healthy sleep pattern during challenging and intensive periods in life, such as exam season for children and young people.
8. Nutritional Balance
Highlight the significance of a healthy, balanced diet and its role in establishing a more consistent sleep pattern. Try to prepare meals with plenty of fruit and vegetables, served in reasonable portion sizes. Not only is this healthier, but it also reduces the chances of feeling too full to be comfortable in bed.
9. Parental Support
Parents and carers are uniquely situated to support children in establishing and maintaining healthy sleeping habits. Reviewing and modelling positive sleep habits can help reinforce the importance of self-care and a balanced bedtime routine.
10. Military Sleep Method
Look up the "military sleep method", a technique for falling asleep quickly that incorporates deep breathing exercises. Children and adults alike can try this approach. While it can take practice to master, many people find the results highly effective.
Meet Our Expert
Minds Ahead design and deliver the UK's only specialist postgraduate mental health qualifications. Winner of the Social Enterprise UK "One to Watch" award, the charity provides training and support to education organisations and local authorities. This guide was written by Adam Gillett, a learning and development specialist who is also Associate Vice-Principal for Personal Development at a large secondary school.
The National College®
See full reference list on our website.
www.thenationalcollege.co.uk
Users of this guide do so at their own discretion. No liability is entered into. Current as of the date of release: 13.03.2024.
MYPATH: Job of the week – Airline Dispatcher
Ever wondered what it's really like to work in different careers?
This week's MyPath Job of the Week explores the role of an airline dispatcher.
Episode 295 offers an insight into this aviation career and the responsibilities involved in helping flights operate safely and efficiently.
Why not take a few minutes to watch this week's video with your child? It could spark an interest in a career they hadn't considered before!
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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