Parent Bulletin Friday 7 March 2025
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Parent Bulletin Friday 7 March 2025
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We are delighted to introduce ourselves as the Whole School Literacy Coordinator and School Librarian here at Wildern. Our names are Mrs Slater, and I work as the Whole School Literacy Coordinator, and Mrs Searle, our passionate and dedicated School Librarian.
Together, we are committed to supporting and enhancing literacy across all subjects and year groups, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote literacy, we recognise the crucial role that both reading and writing play in students’ development, and we aim to foster a love of reading in all our students.
We believe that by providing a variety of engaging reading materials and offering support at home, we can make a significant difference in their learning journeys.
We look forward to working closely with you to continue developing a positive reading culture at Wildern. If you have any questions or would like further information about how you can support your child’s literacy at home, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
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Parent Survey Feedback - Autumn 2024
Thank you to all who contributed to our survey. A report on the results is available here which includes our actions and next steps with the report.
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Whole School
Monday 10 March Week B
Thursday 13 March Parent Information Evening: Supporting your Child with Reading
Friday 14 March Pi Day
Saturday 15 March Quiz & Chips Night
Monday 17 March Week A
Thursday 20 March Parent Information Evening: SEN in a Mainstream School
Friday 21 March Red Nose Day - Non School Uniform Day
Monday 24 March Week B
Monday 31 March Week A
Year 7
Tuesday 11 March NHS Health & Wellbeing Roadshow
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Year 8
Monday 10 - 14 March Pathways Taster Lessons
Tuesday 11 March NHS Health & Wellbeing Roadshow
Friday 14 March KS3 Science Live Trip
Monday 24 March Pathways Form Deadline
Year 9
Tuesday 25 March Catch Up Vaccines
Year 10
Tuesday 25 March Catch Up Vaccines
Year 11
Wednesday 19 March GCSE PE Moderation
Thursday 20 March Dance Practical NEA
Friday 21 - Saturday 22 March DofE Silver Practice Expedition
Tuesday 25 March Catch Up Vaccines
Thursday 27 March Parents Evening - face to face
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Nose Piercings Letter
We are writing to address the matter of nose piercings amongst our student body. As you may be aware, the majority of local schools maintain a strict "no nose stud" policy. In our commitment to supporting students we have adopted a more adaptive approach, allowing students to wear a clear retainer.
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Non-Uniform Day - 21st March
We are raising money for the WWF (our student-nominated charity of the year) and the Wildern Wellbeing Fund. £1 minimum donation - please donate more if and where you are able to. Each tutor group will adopt an animal through the WWF - fantastic for being sustainably-minded and protecting our beautiful world!
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Spring Dance Showcase
This is on Thursday 3 April. Tickets will go on sale on Monday 10 March from the The Little Box Office. For tickets please click here
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Pi Day - Friday 14 March
On Friday 14 March we will be celebrating Pi day with our students, because 3.14 are the first three significant digits of pi (π). Pi is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. We've got some fun activities planned to mark the occasion that will be interactive and interesting for the students, so they can see how pi pops up in all sorts of places. Specific details are on the flyer below on what we'll be doing, including timings and any special events. Pi Day information.
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Upcoming Parent Information Evenings - Open to ALL year groups
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SEND Evening - Thursday 20 March 2025, 6-7pm
Organiser: Mrs J Fleeman
Venue: Hall
SEND Evening
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Wildern Quiz & Chips night is fast approaching!!!
We are excited to invite all students and their families to attend. We will not be selling drinks so you will be able to bring your own, which can include wine and beer! But remember you are at school!
Food options:
Sausage and Chips
Chicken Nuggets and Chips
Pizza and Chips
Team Size: 4 - 8 people (this can be students & family members)
18 team spaces available
As well as a prize for 1st place we will be holding a raffle with all proceeds going back into the school to fund projects such as our wellbeing garden and school murals to make our site an even more beautiful space. Raffle tickets will be 50p a strip so please bring some cash along with you.
To sign up your team please go onto your Parent Pay account where you can select the number of people in your team and pay for tickets. Team tables will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and once the places are filled we will be in touch to take your food order.
We really hope you can make it and are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday 15 March.
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No letters or reminders for Year 7 this week
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Pathways Letter
In our recent Year 8 Pathways Information Evening, we explained the pathways process and the choices available to your child. If you have not yet viewed this presentation you can find it on this link
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Years 8, 9 & 10 Skiing Trip to Italy – Easter 2026 (current Year 7, 8 & 9 Students)
We are taking a Skiing Trip to Val Di Fassa, Italy at Easter 2026, from Saturday 28 March 2026 to Saturday 4 April 2026. The cost of the trip will be £1395.00 which includes a deposit payment of £155.00 by Sunday 16 March (non-refundable). There are 40 places available. This is a very competitive price and includes:
- 5 hours ski instruction per day (by qualified ski instructors)
- Full board accommodation
- All ski equipment hire
- Insurance (including Ski Breakage)
- Lift pass – including glacier
- All transport to and from the resort
- Evening entertainments in resort
- Trip Hoodie
- Dry slope skiing lessons (prior to the trip)
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No letters or reminders for Year 9 this week
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College Taster Day
As part of your child’s ongoing career development at Wildern School, they will have the opportunity to experience a day at a local Further Education College or Sixth Form during the Summer term. Please see letter.
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Year 11 - Exam Preparation: Maximising Potential
As Year 11 exams approach, we are focused on ensuring every student achieves the highest possible grades, particularly in English & Mathematics. Achieving strong grades in these subjects is crucial for
future opportunities and will significantly enhance your child’s life chances.
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Year 11 - Hoodies & Year Book
Letters with all information and details on how to order have been sent out - please check your emails. Deadline is Friday 21 March.
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We are pleased to share with you a recap of our recent celebration of World Book Day 2025, which took place on Thursday 6 March. It was indeed a remarkable day filled with enthusiasm, engagement, and meaningful contributions from our community.
World Book Day serves as a reminder of the profound significance of literature in our lives. It encourages us to celebrate the power of storytelling, embrace the joy of reading, and recognise the invaluable role that books play in shaping our understanding of the world.
We would also like to express our appreciation to those who generously contributed to our fundraising efforts for our Learning Resource Centre (LRC). Your donations will go a long way in supporting this important cause and making a positive impact in our school community.
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Supporting Your Child’s Literacy and Wider Reading at Home
As we continue to focus on fostering strong literacy skills, your support at home can make a significant impact on your child’s progress. Here are some effective ways you can help strengthen their literacy and encourage wider reading:
- Encourage daily reading: Encourage your child to read regularly, whether it’s books, magazines, or online articles. The more they read, the better their vocabulary, comprehension, and overall literacy skills will improve.
- Discuss what they read: After your child has finished reading, ask them about the content. Discussing the story, characters, and themes can help deepen their understanding and critical thinking skills.
- Explore a range of genres: Encourage your child to explore different genres—fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and even graphic novels. A wide variety of reading material will expand their vocabulary and introduce new ideas and perspectives.
- Set a reading routine: Establish a regular time for reading, even if it's just 10–15 minutes before bed. Consistency is key in developing a lifelong reading habit.
- Lead by example: Show your child that reading is important by reading yourself. Children are more likely to engage in reading when they see adults valuing it.
- Visit the Library together: A trip to the library can inspire your child to explore new books and discover authors or subjects they might not have considered before. It also provides access to a wide variety of free reading materials.
- Set reading goals: Help your child set achievable reading goals, whether it’s reading a certain number of pages a day or finishing a book each month. Celebrating their accomplishments can motivate them to keep reading.
- Make reading interactive: Encourage your child to make connections between what they are reading and their own experiences or current events. This helps develop their analytical thinking and ability to engage with texts on a deeper level.
- Use audiobooks: Audiobooks can be a great way for your child to enjoy stories while also developing their listening skills. They can listen to audiobooks during a long drive, while relaxing, or even while doing chores around the house.
- Support writing practice: Literacy isn’t just about reading. Encourage your child to write regularly—whether it's keeping a journal, writing letters to friends or family, or composing short stories. Writing helps reinforce the skills they develop through reading.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students become confident and enthusiastic readers!
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Last half term, 28 KS4 Spanish students enjoyed a four- day stay in Madrid where they visited the Barnabeu stadium, cooked, ate Spanish food, danced Flamenco and of course practised their Spanish! Students and staff had a fantastic time!
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Thank you to everyone that played in or supported the Charity football match on Friday. 'The Green Team' captained by Benny G and managed by Mr Morrison were the champions after the 2-2 game went to penalties.
A fantastic game played by all in the most glorious February weather. Thank you to Deer Park School for hosting us. The total raised was £320 in aid of the men's mental health charity Andys Man Club
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Science Department Chicks
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The Science department received ten eggs on Monday 24 February, with the first chick hatching the next day. By Thursday 27 February all ten eggs had hatched, resulting in a healthy, albeit vocal, group of chicks.
The chicks have proven immensely popular, with students forming queues during break and lunch times to interact with them. The students have displayed exemplary care and responsibility towards the chicks. Here are some photos of the chicks' journey at Wildern, over the last two weeks.
They have now moved to their new home on a farm in Botley thanks to one of our Year 11 students and their family - we look forward to updates and hearing how they are settling in!
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Great Gatsby - Competition Winners
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International Women's Day
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Our fantastic female Head Students met inspiring women making waves in the Royal Navy at the #IWD2025 event on HMS President yesterday.
Our students delivered powerful keynote speeches celebrating women in leadership and sharing hopes and dreams for their futures. Inspiring the next generation!
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Relationships and Sex Education (RSE)
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Wildern School teaching staff have recently received training on Sexual Health from the NHS in line with the
“Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education” Framework that was published in 2019.
Knowledge about safer sex and sexual health remains important to ensure that young people are equipped to
make safe, informed and healthy choices as they progress through adult life. As part of our Education for Life
curriculum, students learn about sexual health during their time at Wildern.
Please click here for further information
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Year 9 - Education for Life
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As part of our Education for Life curriculum and a focus on Intimate Relationships, all Year 9 students will be learning about Consent, Pornography, Intimate Relationships and Contraception next half term.
Each tutor group will spend a lesson looking at the different types of Contraception. This will include using the demonstrators and condoms, as well as looking at other hormonal and barrier contraceptive methods.
This education on sexual health is in line with the “Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education” Framework that was published in 2019. Knowledge about safer sex and sexual health remains important to ensure that young people are equipped to make safe, informed and healthy choices as they progress through adult life.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's tutor, who will direct your questions to the Education for Life team.
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Step into the NHS Day Livestream!
This Wednesday marked the highly anticipated Step into the NHS Day livestream, and we are incredibly proud to share that two of our students were featured during the event! Their videos were showcased to a national audience, highlighting their enthusiasm and interest in the wide range of careers within the NHS.
Leading up to the event, our students eagerly participated by submitting short videos answering key questions about what excited them most about Step into the NHS Day, what they wanted to learn about NHS careers, and the roles they planned to research for their competition entries. Their hard work and creativity paid off, as their contributions were recognized and featured in today's livestream.
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This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain insight into the 350+ roles within the NHS and to have their voices heard on a larger stage. Their involvement reflects their commitment to exploring career possibilities in one of the most essential sectors of our society.
A huge congratulations to our students for their outstanding contributions! We are so proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing how this experience inspires them as they continue their journey in learning about NHS careers.
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Welcome to your Engineering Apprenticeship Vacancy Bulletin!
Seta are now entering a busy time for apprenticeship recruitment, with adverts going live (and closing!) every week now for the next few months.
Keep an eye on the SETA apprenticeship vacancies page on our website, Don’t forget to have a look at the Govt Apprenticeship Website as nearly 95% of all apprenticeship adverts (whatever the sector) will appear there.
Click here to view the Vacancy Bulletin
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Easter 2025 - Half Term Activities
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The Eastleigh Active programme of sports and activity sessions expands to Easter for a third year to help children and young people across the Borough to escape the everyday this April. Eastleigh Borough Council’s programme will run Tuesdays to Thursdays, 8 - 10 & 15 - 17 April across the two Easter holiday weeks for 5-16 year olds. It sees the return of popular activities such as Golf, Tennis and CrossFit.
All information about the programme can be found here. Bookings are now open.
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Monday - Year 7 Boys football away at Cantell
Tuesday - Year 8 Boys football home to USH
Tuesday- U13 Girls Southampton School Netball Tournament
Wednesday - Year 9 Boys football home v Bitterne Park
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Year 8 Boys football drew 4-4 v Redbridge
Year 7 Boys football lost 0-9 v USH
Year 9 Boys football won 3-0 v Cantell
Year 10 Boys won 3-0 against Woodlands
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Please see the menu for our hot food options for next week.
The main school meal deals are £3.20 which is in line with all Hampshire schools. In a meal deal, students can get one of the meal choices below with a bottle of plain water and a cookie or piece of fruit.
- either of the hot meal options,
- a jacket potato,
- a pasta pot,
- a chicken or beef burger,
- a salad pot (from the salad bar)
We encourage all families to use the free school meals eligibility checker, which can be found here, to determine if they qualify for this entitlement.
Please remember, we can adapt the majority of meals to any dietary needs if we know in advance (your child can speak to kitchen staff by visiting the kitchen before 8:30am that day). Main A/B vegetarian options are always available - just ask Dan and his team.
* correct at time of sending, but may be subject to change
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What Parents & Educators Need to Know about Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is a highly popular multiplayer shooter that pits iconic superheroes against formidable villains. The game is free –to play on PC and current-generation consoles but does feature microtransactions that allow players to spend real money on cosmetic items for their characters.
While Marvel Rivals has been deemed suitable for children aged 12 and over, there are several risks associated with the title that parents and educators should be aware of.
This free guide offers more information on these safety concerns and lets you know how to ensure that children playing the game can have a fun and age-appropriate experience.
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Every Student Matters, Every Moment Counts
Follow us on social media:
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Wildern School
Wildern Lane
Hedge End
Southampton
Hampshire
SO30 4EJ
01489 783473
#WeAreWildern
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