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05 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

Non-Uniform Day and Silent Disco – Thursday, 12 February 2026

Swanmore College promotional graphic with a dark purple background and neon pink/purple border. White text reads “SWANMORE COLLEGE” at the top, and in the centre: “NON-SCHOOL UNIFORM AND SILENT DISCO”. Below, white text reads “Thursday 12 February”. Neon line-art icons show music notes on the left, a large pair of headphones on the right, and two neon-outlined dancing figures along the bottom. The Swanmore College swan logo appears in the bottom left corner.

Non-uniform day

We are pleased to announce an upcoming non-uniform day on Thursday, 12 February, giving pupils the chance to enjoy a change from their usual school attire while raising money for three wonderful charities: Mountbatten Hospice, the Courage Foundation, and the Saints Foundation. 

Pupils are welcome to wear non-uniform, provided clothing remains appropriate for a school setting. Cropped tops, heels, Crocs, vests, pyjamas and clothing featuring offensive or inappropriate slogans are not permitted.

We kindly ask for a £1 voluntary donation, which will be shared between the three charities.

Silent Disco

As part of the day, pupils will also be able to take part in a Silent Disco, scheduled during the following periods:

  • Period 2: Year 11

  • Period 3: Year 10

  • Period 4: Year 9

  • Period 5: Year 8

  • Period 6: Year 7

After registering with their class teacher, pupils should leave bags in their usual area and make their way to the Performance Building at their allocated time to enjoy their Silent Disco session.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Discretionary Fund

The DWP's Household Support Fund has been extended for the 2025-26 financial year. Swanmore College has received a small discretionary grant to support families within our community who are in immediate need due to the rising cost of living.

What support is available? Due to high demand, we are focusing this support on specific essentials - food costs.

Who can apply? This fund is open to families in urgent need. Even if you have received support from previous discretionary funds, you are eligible to claim again (one claim per term).

How to apply Please complete the online application form: Discretionary Fund Application Form

Important Deadline: To ensure we can distribute vouchers before the half-term holiday, the deadline for applications is 09:00 on Monday, 09 February 2026. The form will close to new submissions after this time.

New Postcards

Seven postcard-sized art postcards arranged on a wooden table. Designs include abstract red and orange shapes, a black-and-white city street, colourful graffiti lettering, a Marmite jar illustration, a bitten iced doughnut with sprinkles, a train in front of the Eiffel Tower, and a bold dance-themed graphic with stylised figures.

We are delighted to share with you our new postcards.  These will now be handed to pupils to bring home, either by their teacher or their tutor.

Unfortunately, the cost of sending them by post has become prohibitive. We hope you will understand our need to make this change.

Our grateful thanks to the pupils below for their wonderful work:

  • Amelie V (Y9), The Art of Science
  • Elodie H (Y10), Paris
  • Eva T (Y7), Formal Elements of Art
  • Jess N (Y10), Objects
  • Layla (Y8), Henri Matisse Collage
  • Sofia M (Y10), New York City
  • Travis E (Y11), Surroundings

National Apprenticeship week: Monday, 09 – Sunday, 15 February

National Apprenticeship Week is a UK-wide celebration of apprenticeships that has been taking place annually for nearly 20 years. At Swanmore College, we are proud to recognise National Apprenticeship Week and the opportunities apprenticeships can provide for pupils as they begin to explore their next steps beyond Year 11.

Get ready for National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026! This year’s theme, "Skills for Life," highlights how apprenticeships help individuals develop the essential skills and knowledge needed for a rewarding career, while providing businesses with a talented, future-ready workforce.

🏢 Key Employers Involved

A wide range of top-tier employers are participating in NAW 2026, offering insight sessions, career talks, and live vacancies. These include:

  • Technology & Digital: IBM, Amazon, Computacenter, Sky, PA Consulting, and Capgemini.
  • Finance & Professional Services: HSBC UK, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, NatWest, Lloyds Banking Group, Grant Thornton, and Forvis Mazars.
  • Engineering & Defence: BAE Systems, the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and The HEX Group.
  • Retail & Hospitality: Aldi, Asda, Costa Coffee, and Specsavers.
  • Law & Public Sector: City Century (a group of 50+ law firms), Eversheds Sutherland, and the NHS.

Want to get involved? You can explore the official NAW events map to find virtual afterschool events, or search for current vacancies on the government's apprenticeship service.

For details on more careers and development opportunities, click here.

Year 7

There are no specific items for Year 7 only.

Year 8

There are no specific items for Year 8 only.

Year 9

Science GL Tests

On Wednesday, 11 February 2026, all year 9s will be completing a Science GL test in their timetabled Science lesson.  

  • 9x during P1
  • 9y during P2

Please, can every pupil ensure they bring a pair of headphones that can be used during the test.

Year 10

There are no specific items for Year 10 only.

Year 11

There are no specific items for Year 11 only.

Next Week’s Events

Monday, 09 February 2026

  • Y7 Boys Rugby vs. Wildern (H)

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

  • Sports Leaders Netball 15:30-17:00 on the courts
  • U16 Basketball vs. Wildern (A)

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

  • Y10 Swanmore Primary Science Show 13:15-14:45
  • Ski Fit 15:15–16:15
  • Y7/8 Girls Football Tournament at Wyvern

Thursday, 12 February 2026

  • No events

Friday, 13 February 2026

  • Team Maths Challenge Y8 and Y9
  • Ski Trip departure
  • Half-term break begins!

Community Notices

Discover the Wonders of Marine Conservation!

Discover the Wonders of Marine Conservation! Join marine expert Francesca Trotman for Beneath the Surface: Marine Conservation, a free online event on Thursday, 26 February 2026, 6–7pm. Perfect for pupils with a passion for science, nature and the oceans. Sign up now to explore careers in conservation and learn how we can protect the seas together!

Parents and pupils are invited to attend a free online talk hosted by the University of Southampton, exploring the world of marine conservation.

Beneath the Surface: Marine Conservation with Francesca Trotman
🗓 Thursday, 26 February 2026
🕕 6:00–7:00pm
💻 Online event

Francesca Trotman works in marine conservation and will share insights into protecting ocean ecosystems, the challenges facing our seas, and the real-world careers linked to environmental science and conservation.

This event would be particularly valuable for pupils who are interested in science, geography, environmental issues or future careers in sustainability, and parents are very welcome to attend alongside them.

Click here to find out more and register.

Careers and Development Opportunities

Insights and virtual work experience

Medic Mentor

Medic Mentor logo with the words “MEDIC MENTOR” and the tagline “MAKE A DIFFERENCE”, alongside a head outline with a blue spiral and star.

Calling all aspiring Doctors, Dentists, and healthcare workers. Medic Mentor are offering 'Get Into...' conferences to give you an insight into the worlds of Medicine and Dentistry. For pupils aged 14+ years. These are free, live virtual conferences.

Medicine:

Saturday 07 February 2026: 9:00 - 1:30

Sunday 22 February 2026: 9:00 - 1:30

Register for free: Get Into Medicine Conference Sign Up - Medic Mentor

Dentistry:

Sunday, 01 March 2026: 9:00 - 1:30


Register for free: Get Into Dentistry Conference Sign Up – Dental Mentor

Apprenticeship

The British Army

The British Army is currently ranked first in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers. It offers over 40 different apprenticeship programmes ranging from Level 2 to Level 7, with 95% of soldiers beginning an apprenticeship as part of their initial training.

British Army Logo: British flag graphic with "Army, Be The Best" written in black text underneath

These opportunities are available to individuals starting from age 16, providing a pathway to gain nationally recognised qualifications while in service. The variety of roles includes:

  • Level 2 Apprenticeships: Animal Care & Welfare Assistant, Production Chef, LGV Driver (C+E), Port Operator, Engineer Operative, and Supply Chain Warehouse.
  • Level 3 Apprenticeships: Business Administrator, Radio Network Technician, Aviation Movement Specialist, Senior Healthcare Support Worker, Data Technician, and Military Engineering Construction.

Whether you are interested in technical engineering, healthcare, or logistics, an Army apprenticeship offers a unique way to gain nationally recognised qualifications while serving.

If you would like further information on army apprenticeships please use this link: Apprentice Stories - What's In It For Me?.

For current vacancies, please use this link: Find Your Perfect Army Career - Find A Role | Army Jobs

Open Events

PETA Apprenticeship and Careers Open Evening

PETA logo in dark blue with a pink arrow symbol pointing right.

PETA is excited to invite all pupils and parents to an Open Evening on Thursday, 23 April 2026
Time:
16:00 to 19:00
Location:
PETA, 1 Access Point, Portsmouth PO6 3TE

This event is a fantastic opportunity to meet their partner companies, learn about diverse career pathways, and speak directly with current apprentices and trainers. You can also receive expert advice on CVs and applications to help you best prepare for your next steps.

At PETA they specialise in delivering apprenticeships in:

  • Business
  • ICT
  • Finance
  • Engineering
  • Management

The evening is open to all year groups—please sign up to attend and explore the training and support available! To book a place please use this link: PETA Apprenticeship Open Evening

Promotional flyer for PETA titled “PETA Apprenticeship Open Evening”. The left side has a pink background with dark text. Event details read: “23rd April 2026 | 4.30pm - 7.00pm” and “PETA, 1 Access Point, Portsmouth PO6 3TE”. Below, text says: “At PETA, we specialise in delivering high quality apprenticeships in:” followed by bullet points: “Business • ICT • Finance • Engineering • Management”. A large QR code appears underneath with the words “Register your interest”. At the bottom left, a teal text box reads: “Curious about apprenticeships? Drop into our Open Evening to explore career pathways, get practical advice, and chat with our friendly team about where your skills could take you.” The right side shows a photo of two young women wearing green lanyards sitting at a table, smiling and talking, with pens and stationery in the foreground. Lower down are three circular photos: a PETA building exterior with a PETA sign, a small image of a group of students in a classroom, and an image of a person working with equipment in a workshop. In the bottom right is the PETA logo with the tagline: “ASPIRE TO LEARN • APPLY TO ADVANCE”

Steve Willis Training Centres – Apprenticeship Open Days

For pupils interested in careers in the gas, plumbing or electrical industry. Steve Willis is running 3 different level 3 apprenticeships in Gas Engineering Operative, Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician and Installation and Maintenance Electrician. Steve Willis Training Centres are holding an apprenticeship open day at their Portchester site on Tuesday, 17 February 2026: 15:00 – 19:00

To book your place on the Open Day, please sign up: Join Our Apprenticeship Open Days!

Bishop's Waltham Theatre

Agatha Appleton

Set in the early 1930s, Librarian Agatha Appleton finds herself embroiled in a hilarious Egyptian adventure.
A good, old-fashioned slice of archaeological adventure, heavily laced with the theatre company 'Rain or Shine’s' trademark silliness!

We very much hope you can join us on Saturday, 7 February 2026 at The Jubilee Hall, Bishop's Waltham. Refreshments will be available. 

Times:
Doors open: 6:30pm
Show Starts: 7:00pm
Running time is 1hr 30 minutes with an interval.

Tickets:
Adult - £15
Concession - £13
Child - £8
Family of 4 - £42 (max 2 adults)
Family of 3 - £30 (max 1 adult)

As always, tickets for our events can be purchased from our website: 
Bishop's Waltham Festival

Theatre poster for Bishop’s Waltham Festival production Agatha Appleton and the Peril of the Pyramids. The central image shows a female explorer in safari-style clothing holding a magnifying glass, set against Egyptian-style artwork with two black Anubis figures and hieroglyph-inspired designs. The background features bold yellow and orange sunburst rays and star motifs. Text reads: “Agatha Appleton and the Peril of the Pyramids.” “Saturday 7th February.” “Doors 6.30pm – Performance 7.00pm.” Ticket prices listed as Adult £15, Concessions £13, Child £8. Family tickets: Family x4 £42 (max 2 adults) and Family x3 £30 (max 2 adults). A circular badge states “Refreshments available.” Ticket information reads “Tickets on-line at www.bwfestival.art and Willows Pet Supplies or Best Wishes in Bishop’s Waltham High Street.” Venue listed as “Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop’s Waltham, Southampton SO32 1ED.”

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