19 Mar 2026
19 March 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
Readathon Deadline: Monday, 23 March 2026
The deadline for our Readathon is fast approaching, with £175 raised so far!
How to Donate
If you would like to support a pupil taking part, donations can be made online via:
Readathon | Sponsor A Child
The deadline for online donations is Monday, 23 March.
There will also be prizes for the top sponsors and the most enthusiastic readers, so we encourage pupils to keep reading and collecting sponsorship.
Please let your child know that they must hand in their reading cards to Mrs Bushnell. Thank you to everyone who has supported the Readathon so far.
Year 7
MFL Parent Workshop: Thursday, 26 March 2026
Parents and carers are invited to our next Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Parent Workshop on Thursday, 26 March at 6.00 pm in S02.
Led by Mrs Hinson, this one-hour session will give you a clear overview of how languages are taught at Swanmore, including the curriculum, lesson structure, and how to use knowledge organisers and booklets to support learning at home.
👉 Sign up here: MFL Parent Workshop | Registration
Video Transcript
00:00:03
Hello, my name is Katia Hinson,
00:00:04
I'm a language teacher at Swanmore.
00:00:06
I did a parallel workshop in the autumn term regarding independent learning, how to support your child, and what is expected of your child for their homework for languages through the journey 7, 8, 9, and then after that, whether they choose an option for Key Stage 4.
00:00:23
I would like to now invite you for the second parent workshop, which will be on Thursday the 26th of March at 6pm in S02, which was the same room as last time.
00:00:37
If you missed the first parent meeting, that's fine, you can turn up to this one.
00:00:43
If you can't make this one, I will try to do another video to follow up and explain what we covered.
00:00:49
I will also put a link to sign up, please, on the Google Form.
00:00:54
but again, if you don't have time to sign up and you just turn up on the day, that's fine, you can sign up manually.
00:01:01
So on this workshop, I would like to talk about the curriculum, how we plan our lessons, how we use the knowledge organisers in lessons, and so you know what was expected for the curriculum in Year 7.
00:01:15
This, again, applies
00:01:17
throughout their journey in languages at Swanmore.
00:01:21
So if you understand the process and the structure in Year 7, again, it will apply 8, 9, and then into Key Stage Four.
00:01:28
If you could come along to the meeting with your child's knowledge organiser, either French or Spanish, whichever your child is studying.
00:01:38
so there's only one of them
00:01:39
and then their current, so whichever one they're studying, their current lesson booklet
00:01:46
at the time, so it might not be this one by the time it might be 7.2D
00:01:52
so, you know, if you come along and we can go through what's expected in lesson and then you can understand any child's learning at Swanmore.
00:02:02
If there's anything else you want me to cover in the workshop, please send me an e-mail and I can try to cover it and answer your questions and then there'll be a third and final workshop
00:02:14
before the final assessment, how to revise for the assessment
00:02:18
again, that was from the feedback from the last workshop that parents found it quite useful that they wanted to know how they can help the child revise.
00:02:26
Thank you very much, and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.
The session builds on our previous workshop but is open to all parents, whether you attended before or not.
Please bring: your child’s knowledge organiser (French or Spanish) and their current lesson booklet.
For any questions about the workshop content, please email mfl-help@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk.
Year 8
There are no specific items for Year 8 only.
Year 9
KS4 Options – Deadline Reminder
A reminder that Year 9 option choices must be submitted by tomorrow – Friday, 20 March 2026.
Where can I find information about the options?
Full information about the options process, including subject details and guidance, is available on the College website: Swanmore College | Year 9 Options
How do I submit my child’s options?
Option choices must be submitted online using the SIMS Parent App or the SIMS Parent Website.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please email options-help@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk if you need any help or further information.
Bletchley Park - Application Deadline Reminder
This is a reminder that the application deadline for the upcoming Bletchley Park trip is Friday, 20 March 2026.
If your child is interested in participating in this trip, please return the contract and medical form together with your £32.00 contribution in cash or cheque (made payable to Hampshire County Council) to the Finance Office by this deadline.
Year 10
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College: Year 10 Open Event
Year 10 pupils and their families are invited to explore Barton Peveril on Thursday, 30 April 2026, from 16:30 to 20:15.
This event is an excellent opportunity to tour the facilities, research a wide range of courses and "Q-XTRA" enrichment options and speak directly with current pupils and teachers.
Event Details:
- Timed Entry: To ensure a quality experience, attendance is limited to 45-minute timed slots. Pupils are encouraged to arrive exactly at the start time listed on their ticket.
- Parking: On-site parking is available on the college field. Blue badge holders should display their permit at all times or contact marketing@barton.ac.uk for accessibility support.
- Registration: Tickets must be secured in advance.
Secure your tickets here: Barton Peveril Events
Year 11
Y11 French/Spanish Pupils and GCSE Spanish Enrichment Pupils
As we move closer to the final exams, please note the following key dates and information relating to the French and Spanish GCSE speaking exams:
The GCSE Speaking Exams will take place during:
- Week beginning Monday, 27 April 2026
- Week beginning Monday, 04 May 2026
These exams are conducted by the class teacher. Each pupil will be allocated an individual time slot, and a timetable will be shared before the Easter break.
For part of the speaking exam, pupils must complete a Picture Task, which is worth 28 out of 50 marks and is linked to one of the six GCSE themes. In this task, pupils must:
- Describe a picture linked to the theme,
- Answer two short follow-up questions about the picture, and
- Take part in a short conversation related to the overall theme.
Pupils are given two possible themes in advance, selected at random by the exam board, and must choose one of these themes for their Picture Task. We are required to submit each pupil’s chosen theme to the exam board before the exam.
The Edexcel Sequencing Tool, which generates the two themes for each pupil, opens today on Thursday, 19 March. To allow time for submission, pupils must decide on their chosen theme by Wednesday, 25 March. We will then submit all theme choices to the exam board before the Easter break. This means pupils will have over a month to prepare for the conversation aspect of the Picture Task before the speaking exams begin. Attendance this week is therefore crucial. If pupils have not communicated to their teacher which theme they have chosen by the given deadline, the teacher will choose the theme.
If you have any questions, please contact us at: mfl-help@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk
Hopscotch Day Nurseries: Apprenticeship Academy Open Evening
Year 11 pupils interested in a career in early years education are invited to an Apprenticeship Academy Open Evening at 9 Fielder Drive, Fareham (PO14 1JE). This is a great opportunity to meet current apprentices, speak with the senior team, and learn how to gain professional qualifications while working.
- Dates: Tuesday 28 April & Thursday 30 April
- Time: 4:30pm – 7:30pm (Introductions at 5:00pm)
- Attendees: Pupils are welcome to bring parents or guardians.
Sign up to attend here: Book Now | Hopscotch Apprenticeship Open Evening
Next Week’s Events
Monday, 23 March 2026
- Y10/11 Girls Football vs. Thornden (H)
- Darts Fixture vs. Brighton Hill (H)
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
- Y7 Boys Football vs. Westgate (A)
- Next Gen Dance Platform at The Point
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
- Y9 Boys Rugby vs Mountbatton School (H)
- Model UN Conference at Bay House
Thursday, 26 March 2026
- Y10 Winchester Cathedral Trip
- MFL Parent Workshop in SO2
Friday, 27 March 2026
- End of term – school finishes at 12:40pm
- Iceland Trip 2026 Departure
Community Notices
Air Ambulance: London Marathon Challenge
The mother of a former pupil is running the London Marathon to raise funds for the Air Ambulance - the service that saved her son’s life following a serious accident on his way to Swanmore College in 2015.
Felix is now a successful competitive cyclist, and his recovery is a remarkable story of resilience. You can read the full feature on his journey and find out how to support the cause via the Meon Valley Times below:
Read the full story here
The University of Oxford Outreach program
For pupils interested in the prospect of studying at the University of Oxford there are a number of opportunities to get involved in.
Trinity Beyond the Classroom
Oxford Maths Festival
Flash Fiction Competitions in French, German, and Spanish
Big Think Competition
Events
Trinity Beyond the Classroom
What? This is an online, after-school academic enrichment programme series of mini-lectures, Oxplore taster sessions, academic skills talks and advice about preparing for university study and submitting a competitive application to university and the University of Oxford. Gain a certificate demonstrating your commitment to super-curricular enrichment!
Who? Any state school pupil in Year 7 to 12 who is interested in exploring learning across a broad range of themes and across subjects beyond the classroom, and/or may be interested in applying to Oxford.
When? On Tuesdays at 4:30pm-5:30pm, beginning Tuesday,10 March 2026, (excl school holidays) for 15 sessions running to Tuesday, 7 July. Pupils can opt in for the sessions of their choice.
Where? Online
Register here to receive more information: Register: Trinity College Beyond the Classroom
Deadline? Please register at least 24 hours in advance of the event
Oxford Maths Festival
What? The Oxford Maths Festival is a two-day public celebration of mathematics organised by the Mathematical Institute, featuring a wide range of activities including mathematical talks, hands-on workshops, puzzles, board games, craft sessions, family maths activities and more. There are events suitable for all ages and levels of mathematical experience, with activities spread across central Oxford venues.
Who? Open to all — families, students, teachers and members of the public interested in maths and mathematical activities.
When? Saturday, 9 May 2026 and Sunday, 10 May 2026.
Where? Multiple locations: Templars Square Shopping Centre (OX4 3XH) on Saturday, and the Mathematical Institute, Oxford (OX2 6GG) on Sunday.
Booking required for some Sunday sessions; many Saturday activities are drop-in.
For details and booking information, visit the festival website: Oxford Maths Festival | Booking Information
Competitions
Flash Fiction Competitions in French, German, and Spanish
What? Our annual Flash Fiction Competitions invite secondary school pupils to submit a complete story of no more than 100 words, in French, Spanish, or German, for the chance to win up to £100. Entries are judged by a panel of academics who are primarily looking for creativity, imagination and narrative flair, as well as linguistic accuracy. Pupils’ language skills will be considered in the context of their age and year group.
Who? Years 7-13
Deadline? Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Click here for submission information: Oxford MFL Flash Fiction Competition
Big Think Competition
What? Teddy Hall’s Big Think Competition invites students to respond to one of the College tutors’ tutorial-style ‘big’ questions by submitting a five-minute video essay. Winners will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to visit St Edmund Hall to meet the tutors who set the questions.
Who? Years 11+ students at UK state schools.
Where? Video submission
Deadline? Sunday, 27 April 2026.
Full details, including this year’s questions and how to enter: Big Think Competition
National No-Code Hackathon: Online STEM
Pupils aged 14–18 are invited to the Tech Mentor National No-Code Hackathon on Sunday, 12 April 2026 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm). This online event allows pupils to work in teams to solve real-world challenges using modern digital tools. No previous coding or technical experience is required.
Why Participate?
- Build Skills: Develop teamwork, creative problem-solving, and analytical thinking.
- National Competition: Gain a certificate and a project prototype for your portfolio.
- Win Prizes: Winning teams progress to the National Finals on 11 July 2026, with prizes up to £1,000.
- Career Insight: Experience how modern technology teams operate and innovate.
Event Details:
- Cost: £15 per pupil.
- Registration: First-come, first-served via the link below.
Register here: National Hackathon Competition | Register
Get Into Medicine or Dentistry
Conferences
Applications are now open for the free Get into Medicine and Get into Dentistry virtual conferences. Hosted in collaboration with Birmingham University Hospitals Trust, these sessions are designed for pupils aged 14+ to gain a recognised insight into healthcare careers. Attending a conference grants pupils’ immediate access to a free 4-to-6-month virtual work experience programme.
Conference Dates & Registration:
- Aspiring Doctors: Sunday, 22 March or Saturday, 28 March (9 am – 1:30 pm) Register for Medicine here
- Aspiring Dentists: Saturday, 21 March (9 am – 1:30 pm) Register for Dentistry here
Benefits of Joining:
- Expert Insight: Speak directly with doctors and dentists about their roles and ethics.
- Flexible E-Learning: Complete the follow-on work experience modules at your own pace.
- UCAS Support: Receive a certificate upon completion to strengthen university or apprenticeship applications.
For further details, visit: Medic Mentor Virtual Work Experience
Virtual Work Experience
Pupils aged 14+ can now apply for free virtual work experience placements hosted by Birmingham University Hospitals Trust. These programmes are recognised by Medical and Dental School Councils as a valuable alternative to in-person shadowing and provide a strong foundation for future careers.
Programme Highlights:
- Flexible Learning: A 4-to-6-month e-learning format allows pupils to complete modules at their own pace.
- Monthly Rotations: Each month focusses on a new speciality, such as Obstetrics & Gynaecology or Paediatric Surgery, with General Practice starting from Monday 6 April.
- Expert Insight: Pupils gain comprehensive insights into ethics, procedures, and team roles while speaking directly with healthcare professionals.
- Recognised Certification: Upon completion, pupils receive a certificate from Medic Mentor and UHB to enhance UCAS and apprenticeship applications.
Registration Links:
- Aspiring Medics: Apply for Medicine Placement
- Aspiring Dentists: Apply for Dentistry Placement
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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