20 Apr 2026
23 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
Get Your SwanFest 2026 Early Bird Tickets Now!
SwanFest returns for what promises to be another fantastic summer celebration. Enjoy a full day of live music, great food and festival entertainment for all ages, right here at Swanmore College.
Date: Saturday, 04 July 2026
Time: 11am–9pm
Location: Swanmore College Field, SO32 2RB
Line-up
- Supersonics
- Rats in the Kitchen
- The Blondie Experience
- DJ Skyver
with more acts still to be announced!
Early bird tickets are now on sale
Book here: SwanFest | Tickets
You can also follow SwanFest on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, announcements and behind-the-scenes previews in the lead up to the event.
For more information, visit: swanfest.co.uk
Parking and Congestion - our pupils are at risk
Parking has become dangerous during drop-off and pick-up times. Parents/carers are often parking wherever they can and carrying out three-point turns in the road, which creates risks for both our children and other road users.
Hampshire Parking Services have visited Swanmore and ask that you report parking contraventions or dangerous parking/driving via the link below, including photographs wherever possible:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/parking/parking-contravention
On 25 March 2026, our Community Safety Officer posted the message below on social media:
We have recently been contacted again about parking concerns around the schools in the village. We know the school run can be a busy and sometimes stressful time, and conversations around parking can get a bit heated.
This isn’t about blaming anyone – just a friendly reminder to help keep everyone safe.
Please try to park considerately when dropping off or picking up:
• Do not park on double yellow lines or Zigzags.
• Keep pavements clear for children, prams, and wheelchair users
• Don’t block driveways or junctions
A few small changes can make a big difference, especially for children crossing the road and families walking to school 🚸
If there are ongoing parking concerns, these can be reported to Hampshire County Council enforcement team so they can monitor the situation.
Let’s keep things respectful and work together to make the school run safer and calmer for everyone.
Year 7
Year 7 MFL Parent Workshop: Summer Term
Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026
Time: 6pm
Location: SO2, Swanmore College
Who can attend: Any parent/carer of year 7 pupils, studying either French or Spanish. Your child does not have to attend, however some do.
What will be covered: How to prepare and revise for the MFL Summer assessment.
What you need to bring: a previous assessment (Autumn and/or Spring) and the Knowledge Organiser
Why attend: We will explain the structure of the assessment, what to expect, which skills are assessed, and how pupils can use previous assessments to identify and address gaps in their learning.
If you are able to attend, you will gain a clear understanding of how to support your child, not just in Year 7, but through Years 8 and 9. Our lessons, resources, independent learning, and assessments follow a consistent structure, so you will feel more confident in understanding how and what your child is learning at Swanmore.
Feedback from a parent:
"The MFL workshop I attended at the start of year 7 was a real eye-opener and I learnt so much. Despite having an older pupil in year 9, and trying to get involved as much as I could, the workshop showed me I hadn't necessarily been helping that much!
I now know how to make effective use of the time my children spend on their language homework. I also fully understand how languages are taught at Swanmore, and the science behind the designs of the course literature and how independent learning is set.
I am looking forward to the next workshop, which I understand will focus on revision for end of year assessments – this will be invaluable for both my year 7 and year 9 pupil, as they go into GCSEs."
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. Please click here to explore a range of external courses and events that may support pupils in planning their future pathways.
Year 11
There are no specific College items for Year 11 only. Please click here to explore a range of external courses and events that may support pupils in planning their future pathways.
Next Week’s Events
Monday, 27 April 2026
- Y9/Y10 Athletics: Track and Field Meet at St Swithun's
- U13 Cricket vs. Deer Park (A)
- Y9/Y10 Boys and Girls Tennis vs Oaklands (H - Swanmore Tennis Club)
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
- Bletchley Park Trip (Y9)
- Y9/Y10 Girls Tennis vs Perins (H)
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
- Junior Mathematical Challenge (Y7/8)
- U15 Cricket vs. Deer Park (H)
- U16 Basketball Plate Final vs. Toynbee at Solent University
- Y7/Y8 Athletics: Track and Field Meet at St Swithun's
Thursday, 30 April 2026
- Y10 Parents Evening
Friday, 01 May 2026
- DofE Silver Practice Expedition: South Downs 1
Community Notices
Future Pathway Events and Courses
Medic Mentor Free Virtual "Get Into Medicine & Dentistry" Conferences (Y10/11)
Year 10 and 11 pupils interested in pursuing a career as a doctor or dentist are invited to attend these free, comprehensive online conferences. Led by trained professionals and high-scoring medical and dental pupils, these sessions provide essential guidance on navigating the competitive UCAS application process.
Event Dates:
- Medicine: Saturday 25 April or Saturday 2 May (9:00am – 1:30pm)
- Dentistry: Sunday 31 May (9:00am – 1:30pm)
Key Topics Covered:
- UCAT Entrance Exam: Learn time-management strategies, shortcuts, and practice with sample questions.
- University Selection: Expert advice on tactically choosing the right medical or dental schools.
- Application Essentials: Practical guidance on personal statements, interview skills, and securing work experience.
- Enhancing Your Profile: Information on leadership programmes, awards, and scholarships.
Important Information:
- Certification: All attending pupils receive a certificate for their UCAS application.
- Parental Attendance: At least one parent or guardian must attend the session with the pupil to ensure families are supported throughout the journey.
Register for free here:
Dentistry: Get Into Dentistry Conference Sign Up – Dental Mentor
NHS Allied Healthcare Virtual Work Experience (Y10/11)
Year 10 and 11 pupils interested in healthcare careers are invited to join a live virtual work experience session on Sunday 3 May. This session offers a structured look at the diverse roles within the NHS and how they collaborate to provide patient care.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday 3rd May
- Format: Live Virtual Session
- Cost: £10 per session (or £50 for the full 6-month programme)
What Pupils Will Experience:
- Case-Based Learning: Follow the journey of patients involved in a road traffic collision from initial care through to recovery.
- Career Exploration: Gain insight into various roles, including Nursing, Paramedicine, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Pharmacy.
- Professional Interaction: Engage directly with healthcare professionals and ask questions to deepen understanding.
- UCAS Support: Build meaningful experiences to reflect on in personal statements and interviews.
Key Benefits:
- Certification: Pupils receive a certificate for each session completed.
- Reference Opportunity: A "Highly Commended Reference" is available for those who complete the full 6-month programme.
- Portal Access: Registration provides access to a virtual work experience portal containing all session details.
Register here: Interactive Virtual NHS Healthcare Careers Work Experience Programme - Allied Healthcare Mentor
Virtual Insight into University: STEM Summer Course (Y11)
Year 11 pupils are invited to apply for the Virtual Insight into University summer course. This flexible programme requires approximately 30 hours of study and is designed to help pupils explore STEM subjects at top universities and discover various career pathways, including degree apprenticeships.
What to Expect:
- University Insight: Access first-year undergraduate lectures and information on student life at leading UK universities.
- Industry Connection: Engage with global STEM companies and participate in projects and activities.
- Live Interaction: Join interactive sessions with academics, admissions tutors, employers, and current university pupils.
- Nationally Recognised Award: Upon completion, pupils receive a Silver Industrial Cadets Award, which can be used to support future university and job applications.
Course Details:
- Format: Virtual and flexible (completed over the summer).
- Cost: £99 per person. Fully funded bursary places are available for eligible pupils. Please check your eligibility here: Bursaries
- Support for Parents: A "Discover EDT" webinar is held to help parents and guardians understand how to support their child’s journey into STEM.
Learn more and apply: Programmes - Virtual Insights Into University
IgnitED Summer Careers Programme at the University of Portsmouth (Y11)
Pupils have the opportunity to join IgnitED’s summer career experience programmes, running from 3–7 August at the University of Portsmouth. These five-day NCFE-endorsed programmes provide industry mentoring, workplace visits, and structured career guidance.
Available Career Pathways:
- Engineering: Includes a guided tour of a BAE Systems naval base and a session on "earn-while-you-learn" routes.
- Medicine: Features a full day at St Richard's Hospital with hands-on clinical skills practice.
- Law: Includes observing live proceedings at the Magistrates Court and an LNAT Masterclass.
- Business: A session with Boxchilli Marketing focusing on AI, SEO, and digital strategies.
- The Arts: An interactive storytelling workshop with the Portsmouth Authors Collective.
Programme Benefits:
- Professional Portfolio: Pupils receive an NCFE-endorsed certificate and a personal reference letter from their mentor.
- University Experience: Spend five days on a university campus gaining insight into future career paths.
Key Information:
- Cost: £1,200 per person.
- Registration Deadline: 1 June (several pathways are already close to capacity).
- How to Join: Families register directly with IgnitED.
Learn more and register at: Residential Careers Summer Programme | IgnitED Ages 14-17 — IgnitED
Thinking about a career in teaching?
Join us at Swanmore College on Tuesday, 05 May 2026 for a Get Into Teaching event, in partnership with the Rural Schools Alliance (RSA).
You’ll have the chance to:
• Meet the RSA team
• Speak with current trainee teachers and early career teachers
• Ask questions and get a real insight into training
• Experience the school environment
• Enjoy lunch on us!
Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career change, this is a great way to explore your next step and see what training in real classrooms with expert support looks like.
We look forward to welcoming you!
To book your place, please email:
school.direct@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk
For more information, please visit:
www.ruralschoolsalliance.org.uk
Swanmore Wind Band: Music from the Movies
The Swanmore Wind Band invites you to an afternoon of Music from the Movies.
Date: Sunday 26 April 2026
Time: 3pm
Location: Waltham Chase Methodist Church.
Tickets: £5
Enjoy a selection of well-known film music performed live, with homemade refreshments available on the day.
The event is in support of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Book online at: Swanmore Wind Band | Tickets
A lovely local event and a great way to support an important cause.
Please note that any external clubs / events that are advertised here are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with Swanmore College in any way.
Meon Valley Food Bank Donations
Thank you for your continued support.
We will be open next Monday between 10 and 12 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 meat Meals
- Tinned Potatoes
- Squash
- Tinned Custard
- Toilet rolls
Thank you
The Meon Valley Food Bank Team
Weekly News Roundup
The latest stories from around the College