16 Apr 2026
16 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
Calm Swan Sessions - Discover your creativity and find your calm!
Encourage your child to attend a peaceful mid-week breather with Calm Swan Sessions! 🦢✨
Does your Year 7 or 8 pupil need a break from the hustle of the school day? We’re offering a welcoming, low-pressure space every Tuesday lunchtime where they can unwind, de-stress, and get creative.
Why encourage them to come along?
Zero Pressure: This isn’t a lesson - there are no grades and no experience is needed.
Mental Wellbeing: It’s a therapeutic space designed to help pupils manage stress and express themselves freely.
Creative Freedom: Whether they want to learn new techniques or just doodle and chat, it’s all about discovery.
The Details:
📍 Where: Room R02
⏰ When: Tuesdays @ 12:40 pm
📅 Upcoming Dates: April 14, 21, 28 | May 5, 12, 19
Help them find their "calm" this term. We’d love to see them there!
Swanmore College Readathon 2026 - the final figure!
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our recent Readathon. Thanks to your generosity, our pupils at Swanmore College raised an incredible £544 to provide books for children in hospitals.
Your support will make a real difference, helping to bring comfort and enjoyment to young people during difficult times. We are very proud of what has been achieved together.
Thank you again for all your kindness and support.
Old Glasses/Spectacles – Collection from Swanmore College on Friday 17 April 2026
If you have any old glasses/spectacles which you no longer wear, please would you consider donating them to us. We are collecting for a charity who will be collecting them from us on Friday, 17 April 2026. They will then be sent to developing nations and given to people who might not otherwise have access to this invaluable item. Please bring them to Visitor Reception or give them to your child and ask them to hand them to Pupil Reception. Thank you.
KS3 Art Club update
Unfortunately, KS3 Art Club will not be running today, Thursday 16 April or Thursday 23 April. This is due to Parents’ Evening this week, followed by Year 11 Art and Photography exams next week, when the art rooms are unavailable.
KS4 GCSE Art and Photography Drop-In – Thursday 16 April (still going ahead)
Year 11 pupils are welcome to attend this week’s drop-in session for last-minute exam preparation. Please note the session will finish at 4.00 pm to allow time to set up for Parents’ Evening.
We look forward to welcoming pupils back to Art Club soon. Thank you for your understanding.
City of Portsmouth College: Vocational Open Event
Year 10 and 11 pupils and their families are invited to the Vocational Open Event at City of Portsmouth College on Wednesday, 06 May 2026. This event is specifically designed for those interested in career-focused pathways, including full-time vocational courses and apprenticeships.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, 06 May 2026
- Time: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Locations: Highbury Campus and North Harbour Campus
Why Attend?
- Explore Facilities: Tour the campuses and see the specialist equipment used in vocational training.
- Meet the Experts: Speak with current pupils and experienced tutors about the different subjects on offer.
- Discover Career Pathways: Learn about apprenticeships, T Levels, and work experience opportunities available to pupils.
- On-the-Spot Support: Get professional careers advice and for Year 11 pupils assistance with your application directly on the day.
Vocational Subject Areas: Pupils can explore a wide range of career-focused subjects, including:
- Automotive Maintenance, Engineering and Construction (including Electrical, Plumbing, and Bricklaying)
- Computing, Digital, and IT
- Health & Social Care and Early Years
- Hairdressing and Beauty
- Catering and Hospitality
- Animal Care
To find out more and to plan your visit, please see the college website: Adult and Vocational Open Event | City of Portsmouth College
Year 7
Year 7 Parents' Evenings
Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026 | Monday, 20 April 2026
Time: 16:30-19:30
Location: Online
If you haven't already booked your sessions, please visit our parents' evening page to do so:
Swanmore School | Parents' Evenings
Year 8
There are no specific items for Year 8 only.
Year 9
There are no specific items for Year 9 only.
Year 10
Peter Symonds College: 2026 Open Evenings
Peter Symonds College is holding open evenings for pupils interested in September 2027 entry. These events offer a chance to explore the college and learn more about their diverse course offerings.
Event Details:
- Dates: Wednesday, 01 July and Thursday, 02 July 2026.
- Time: 5:30pm – 8:30pm.
- Booking: Essential for all attendees.
To book your place for an open evening visit: Open Evening: Peter Symonds College
Important Application Dates:
- Applications Open: Monday, 14 September 2026.
- Boarding Application Deadline: Monday, 02 November 2026.
- General Application Deadline: Monday, 07 December 2026.
Specialist Information: A Specialist Music Course Information Evening will also be held in October 2026. Pupils interested in this pathway should check the college website (Home: Peter Symonds College) for further details as they are released.
For specific queries, you can contact the Admissions team at 01962 857 555 or email admissions@psc.ac.uk.
Year 11
Y11/GCSE French/Spanish Enrichment Pupils - Update
An update regarding GCSE speaking exams – all pupils have now selected their theme for the Picture Task. This information has now been shared with the exam board.
The timetable for the speaking exams has been confirmed, and your child should know the date and time of their speaking exam (this has been shared via ClassCharts or Google Classroom). This is worth 25% of the GCSE.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's class teacher or email mfl-help@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk
Year 11 Science Revision - Final Push
A reminder that the Year 11 after-school revision continues this half-term. Please see below for more details.
|
Dates: |
Revision: |
Room: |
|
Thursday, 16 April 2026 |
Drop in B/C/P |
M01 F, M02 H |
|
Thursday, 23 April 2026 |
Drop in B/C/P |
M01 F, M02 H |
|
Thursday, 30 April 2026 |
Drop in B/C/P |
M01 F, M02 H |
|
Thursday, 07 May 2026 |
Drop in B/C/P |
M01 F, M02 H |
|
Friday, 08 May 2026 |
B1 focus drop in |
M01 drop in |
|
Thursday, 14 May 2026 |
C1 focus drop in |
M01 drop in |
Please encourage your child to engage fully with their science revision over the coming weeks, thank you for your support!
PETA Apprenticeship Open Evening
Year 11 pupils and their families are invited to the PETA Apprenticeship Open Evening on Thursday, 23 April.
This event is a meaningful opportunity for pupils to explore post-school pathways and gain firsthand insight into the world of apprenticeships.
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday 23 April
- Location: PETA Ltd, 1 Access Point, Northarbour Rd, Cosham, PO6 3TE
Why Attend?
- Interactive Experience: Take part in hands-on activities to get a feel for different vocational roles.
- Meet the Team: Speak with friendly, experienced staff to learn more about the specific programmes on offer.
- Hear from Peers: Talk directly with current apprentices about their personal journeys and experiences.
- Practical Advice: Pick up expert tips on CV writing, interviewing techniques, and the application process.
Registration: Pupils and parents are encouraged to sign up in advance to secure their place for this informative session.
Next Week’s Events
Monday, 20 April 2026
- Y7 Parents' Evening
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
- Dance Live Finals at Portsmouth Guildhall
- Y9/Y10 Athletics Track Meet at Winchester
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
- Y7 Netball Country Finals at Embley Park
- Knights Stokes Cup: U15 Boys Cricket vs Perins (H)
Thursday, 23 April 2026
- Y7/Y8 Athletics Track Meet at Winchester
Friday, 24 April 2026
- No events/fixtures
Community Notices
Parents/Carers of pupils with SEND: Local Events, Workshops and Opportunities
There is a great deal happening for parent carers across Hampshire, including the ongoing SEND consultation. Hampshire Parent Carer Network (HPCN) is running interactive workshops as part of the SEND Local Offer Discovery Days.
These sessions will:
- Help families understand the SEND Reform consultation
- Explore what proposed changes may mean in practice
- Provide a space to share views and experiences
Hampshire are also encouraging participation in their Annual SEND Survey, which informs improvements across education, health, and care services. Responses are anonymous, and families and young people can enter a prize draw.
👉 Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPCN2026
Workshop dates and locations:
- Monday, 20 April, 2.00 pm – Winchester
- Thursday, 30 April, 5.00 pm – Gosport
- Thursday, 7 May, 5.00 pm – Alton
- Tuesday, 12 May, 2.30 pm – Basingstoke
- Friday, 15 May, 5.00 pm – Eastleigh
- Monday, 18 May, 2.30 pm – Petersfield
Hampshire Parent Carer Get Togethers:
April:
- Tuesday 14 April, 10.00–12.00
Havant Get Together – Horizon Havant, PO9 2AY - Wednesday 15 April, 10.00–12.00
Basingstoke Get Together – The Viables Craft Centre, 19 The Harrow Way, RG22 4BJ - Thursday 16 April, 8.00 pm
Online Evening Get Together (Zoom)
Meeting ID: 890 6612 2644
Passcode: GT
Hampshire SENDIASS will be attending to offer 1:1 support and guidance for young people aged 0–25. - Tuesday 21 April, 10.00–12.00
Eastleigh Get Together – The Point, 14 Leigh Road, SO50 9DE - Friday 24 April, 10.00–12.00
Alresford Get Together – The Swan Hotel, SO24 9AD
May:
- Tuesday 5 May, 12.00–1.00 pm
Online Lunchtime Get Together (Zoom)
Meeting ID: 835 1332 0196
Passcode: GT - Thursday 7 May, 10.00–12.00
Fleet Get Together – Fleet Town Football Club, Crookham Road, GU51 5FA
Hampshire SENDIASS attending for 1:1 support - Wednesday 13 May, 10.00–12.00
Basingstoke Get Together – The Viables Craft Centre, RG22 4BJ - Tuesday 20 May, 10.00–12.00
Winchester Get Together – venue to be confirmed - Friday 22 May, 10.00–12.00
Alresford Get Together – The Swan Hotel, SO24 9AD
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact: participation@hpcn.org.uk
🔍 Mystery Visits Programme
Families are invited to take part in HPCN’s Mystery Visits programme.
- Visit leisure centres and cultural providers
- Report back in secret to help improve SEND accessibility
For full details, email: takepart@hpcn.org.uk
Learn to Swim with Fareham Nomads – Spaces Available
Fareham Nomads Swimming Club has spaces available in their Learn to Swim programme for children aged 4 and above.
Led by qualified coaches and following the Swim England programme, sessions help children build confidence, develop strong technique and improve water safety skills across Stages 1 to 7.
Pupils benefit from:
- Swimming twice a week
- A friendly club environment
- Opportunities to progress into competitive squads
- A chance to make new friends and learn a valuable life skill
📍 Venue: Fareham Leisure Centre
📧 Free trial and enquiries: enquiries@farehamnomads.co.uk
Competitive Swimming and Fitness Opportunities
The club also offers competitive swimming for all ages, including under 18s and adults.
- Pathways from local competitions through to County, Regional and National levels
- Masters squad (18+) for fitness or competitive swimming
- Coaching support, including training and fitness advice
- Friendly environment with social events
📍 Venues: Fareham Leisure Centre, West Hill Park School, Holly Hill Leisure Centre and Mountbatten Centre
📧 More information: enquiries@farehamnomads.co.uk
Meon Valley Food Bank Donations
Thank you for your continued support.
We will be open next Monday, 20 April, 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:
- Tinned Hot Dogs
- Tinned Carrots
- Cup a Soup
- Jars of Coffee
- Cream Crackers
Please note that any external clubs / events that are advertised here are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with Swanmore College in any way.
Weekly News Roundup
The latest stories from around the College
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