Hello and a big welcome to this week's Wildern Weekly!

 

I am Miss Cooper and I'm the Senior Lead Practitioner for the Pastoral team. I'm incredibly grateful for the chance to work with so many students and their families through my role. 

 

This year, I've been DOPA for our fantastic Year 11s as they've gone through their final year with us. Parents and guardians, you should be extremely proud of everything your children have achieved and the journey they've been on. I want to wish all our Year 11 students the absolute best for their exams.

 

This week is a milestone one for Year 11, with Wednesday, May 7, being the last "normal" day before the seminar timetable kicks off on Thursday, May 8. We'd really appreciate your help in maintaining our high standards of behavior, effort, uniform, and attendance during the exam period. Thank you for your support to date - it really does make a huge difference! We know that exams can be a stressful time, so please know that we are here to offer support or a listening ear if needed.

I'm also pleased to share that I have recently begun supporting Year 10 as their DOPA and will remain in this role for the rest of the academic year. This week is significant for our Year 10 students as they step into their role as the oldest in the school. As such, they will become the role models for the rest of the student body, and we are excited to watch them grow and embrace this new responsibility.

Every Wednesday students meet with members of the Senior Leadership team to contribute to student voice and continuing school improvement. We will be sharing summaries of the students thoughts with you. This week we are  sharing Year 9's student voice here.

Whole School

Monday 5 May Bank Holiday - School closed

Tuesday 6 May Week B

Monday 12 May Week A

Thursday 15 May Parent information evening: Education for Life & RSE (Relationship & Sex Education)

Friday 16 - Saturday 17 May DoE Practice Camp

Monday 19 May Week B

Thursday 22 May Parent information evening: E-Safety

Friday 23 May Last Day of term

Monday 26 May - Friday 30 May Half Term

Year 7

            Tuesday 6 May Year 7 Exams week

            Thursday 15 May IT Bletchley Park Trip

Year 8

            Thursday 8 May Parent information evening: Chromebooks

            Monday 12 May Year 8 Exams Week

 Year 9

Tuesday 13 May Science Royal Botanical Gardens Trip

Year 10

Tuesday 6 May English and Maths exams

Tuesday 13 May Science Royal Botanical Gardens Trip

Year 11

Wednesday 7 May Leavers assembly & shirt signing

Thursday 8 May Seminar timetable begins

Romsey Relay Marathon

Team Wildern are joining the Romsey Relay Marathon once again this year on 18 May, tackling the 26.2 mile course with our teams of staff and students!

 

We're fundraising for Papyrus, a charity doing critical work preventing young suicide - the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK. Every year up to 200 schoolchildren are lost to suicide.

 

Please support us and them! Your donations will help save lives! Our Just Giving page is here

Upcoming Parent Information Evenings

 

Chromebooks Year 8 Only  - Thursday 8 May 2025 - 6 - 7pm

Organiser: Mr Walmsley - Info here

Venue: School Hall

Book your space here

 

 

RSE & Education for Life  - Thursday 15 May 2025 - 6 - 7pm

Organiser: Mr Ware

Venue: School Hall

Book your space here

 

 

E-Safety  - Thursday 5 June 2025 - 6 - 7pm

Organiser: Mr Knight

Venue: School Hall

Book your space here

No letters for Year 7 

Year 8 - Legoland Trip - Thursday 5 June 2025

The Science department would like to offer your child the opportunity to visit Legoland, Windsor. The trip includes entry to Legoland and a 60 minute workshop, focusing on the energy and forces around rollercoasters.  Sign up on Parent Pay - Deadline is Friday 16 May 2025

No letters for Year 9 

Year 10 - AI & Assessments

A quick guide for students on using AI for assessments. 

Year 11 - Yearbook

Did you miss the deadline to order a yearbook? The online shop has been reopened for yearbook orders. Please note that the yearbook company will print and deliver yearbooks to school in multiples of 10.

A collection date can therefore not be confirmed. Please order here

Year 11 - Exam Instructions

Please click here for a quick video from The Exams Boards with regards to instructions for Candidates 2024/25

As exam season approaches, it's important for everyone in the school community to come together and provide a supportive environment for students. Whether you're a teacher, staff member, fellow student, or visitor, we can all help reduce stress and create a calm atmosphere for those taking their exams.

 

Quiet Hallways:

It is really important to be silent and respect others during exam periods.  These signs are up around the site to remind everyone.

 

"Shhh! Exam in Progress—Please Keep Noise to a Minimum"

"Quiet Zone: Respect Our Exam Takers"

"Think Quietly, Walk Quietly—Let's Help Our Students Focus"

“Don’t Slam The Door”

Empathy and Kindness Among Peers:

Exam time can be incredibly stressful, and a kind word or gesture from a peer can go a long way. Show empathy towards one another by keeping your conversations low and being mindful of others' needs.

 

Tips for students:

• Avoid loud or distracting conversations near exam rooms.
• Offer words of encouragement, like "Good luck!" or "You’ve got this!"
• Be patient and considerate of those who may be feeling nervous.
  
  

Keep a Positive and Supportive Tone

At the heart of it all is the attitude we project as a community. Let’s maintain a positive, supportive tone, ensuring everyone feels encouraged. We can offer motivational messages, even simple ones like, "You’ve been preparing for this, and you’re ready!" A positive outlook can do wonders for a student's confidence.

The two-day Year 10 practice interview session proved to be an overwhelmingly positive experience for all involved. Students embraced the opportunity to hone their interview skills with enthusiastic local volunteers from a diverse range of professions.

 

The atmosphere was one of focused engagement, with students demonstrating impressive levels of preparedness and a genuine eagerness to learn from the feedback provided. Volunteers were consistently impressed by the students' thoughtful responses and their proactive approach to the mock interviews, noting significant potential and maturity beyond their years.

 

The session not only provided invaluable practical experience for the Year 10 students in navigating the interview process but also fostered crucial connections with the local community. Volunteers offered constructive and encouraging feedback, boosting student confidence and providing clear areas for development.

 

The event successfully demystified the interview process, leaving students feeling more prepared and less anxious about future real-world interviews.

 

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and volunteers underscores the significant value of this initiative in equipping Year 10 students with essential skills for their future academic and professional journeys.

1. Stay Visible and Communicate
If you're heading out, let your parents or guardians know where you're going and who you're with. Keep your phone charged and stay in touch if your plans change.  Always check in if you're heading to places with fewer people or in unfamiliar areas.

2. Buddy System
Always go out with friends or family. It’s safer and more fun when you're together. If you're walking, biking, or even taking public transport, make sure you're not alone.

3. Be Smart About Social Media
Avoid oversharing personal details or locations on social media while you're out. Keep your profiles private and don’t give out your exact location in real time.  Keep your phone secure. Don't leave it unattended, and use strong passwords to protect your personal data.

4. Stranger Danger
Be cautious around strangers. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or if you feel unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation.  If you’re out in public places, stick to well-lit areas, especially at night.

5. Road Safety
If you're walking, cycling, or driving, be extra careful around traffic. Always use pedestrian crossings and avoid distractions like phones or headphones. If you're cycling, wear a helmet and make sure your bike is in good working condition.

6. Stay Away from Dangerous Activities
Bank holidays often mean lots of outdoor activities, but avoid risky behaviors like climbing on unsafe structures, swimming in places without lifeguards, or playing near busy roads.  Make sure you're wearing the right gear for any outdoor activity (sports, hiking, etc.) and stay hydrated.

7. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Be prepared for sudden weather changes—bring a raincoat, sunscreen, or a hat depending on the forecast.

8. Know Emergency Numbers
Make sure you know who to contact in an emergency. The general emergency number in the UK is 999. Be familiar with the addresses and phone numbers of where you’re going (if visiting a new place or event).

9. Set Boundaries with Your Time
It's easy to get caught up in fun, but always be aware of how much time you're spending away from home. If you're planning to stay out late, make sure you’ve discussed it with your parents or guardians.

10. Look Out for Each Other
Keep an eye out for friends who might be feeling unsafe or getting into risky situations. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up and help each other out.

Most importantly, enjoy your bank holiday, but remember that being cautious and prepared can help you have a safe and memorable time!

Experian are excited to announce their virtual work experience opportunities, taking place in May for students in year groups 7-9 (First Step) and 10-13 (Next Step). Our events take place outside of school hours, making them easily accessible for all students.

NEXT STEP - Student year groups 10-13 England & Wales, 

Wednesday 14 May at 5pm (virtual session)

"Get Rich Quick... or Get Caught? The Dark Side of Influencer Money Scams!"

• A 45-minute virtual briefing with the Experian team
• Complete the career challenge at their own pace
• Certification awarded on completion
• Register now! (students)

Reminder about the forthcoming Your Future event taking place at Southampton Solent University on Thursday 5th June.

 

This free event is delivered by the Southampton Education Forum, Southampton City Council and Southampton Solent University, it is a fantastic opportunity to empower your learners and their families with the knowledge and connections they need to thrive after Year 11.

 

The event features over 50 exhibitors (colleges, sixth forms, universities, apprenticeship providers, employers, training providers, and personal development partners)  all taking place within the impressive Spark building.

 

The Your Future event will also coincide with the Southampton Solent University Film & Media Degree Show. This event will showcase the incredible talent nurtured at Southampton Solent University and careers in the creative industries. Attendees will be able to explore exhibitions, witness live demonstrations and visit the state-of-the-art facilities—including TV studios, CGI labs, and photographic studios.

Multi-Stories is back for 2025!

Join us on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 May as Westquay's multi-storey car park is transformed into a multi-level celebration of street art, creativity, and community.

 

Now in its third year, Multi-Stories brings together over 30 UK street artists to create live murals across Levels 4–6. This year’s theme, Connections, explores how art can bring people together across different spaces and stories.

 

Expect:

• Live mural painting
• DJs, food, skateboarding & breakdancing
• South Coast Makers Market
• Family-friendly creative vibes.
• Plus, we’re running a range of free creative workshops on Level 5 – from badge making and graffiti canvas painting to life drawing and more.

Multi-Stories takes place between Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 May from 12–6pm at Westquay's Multi-Storey Car Park.

 U15 Cricket match - Lost to Mountbatten by 10 runs but special mentions to Oliver C hitting 29 runs and Sophie H getting two wickets.

Tuesday 6 May - Year 10 Football V Bitterne Park - Southampton Schools City Cup Final                                              

Thursday 8 May U15 Cricket match - Deer Park

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

What Parents & Educators Need to Know about QR Codes

 

QR codes are a useful means by which people can quickly access online resources and other information, simply by scanning the pixellated pattern with their phone’s camera.

 

Unfortunately, as with many other advances in technology, there are those who use QR codes to scam and defraud unsuspecting people, tricking them into providing their personal details and payment information. 

 

It can be difficult to determine when a QR code is legitimate – or where exactly you might encounter a scam of this nature – but it’s important to learn how, if you wish to avoid falling victim to such a thing.

 

This free guide explores the most common places you may find a QR code scam and explains how best to protect yourself from this underhanded practice.

Every Student Matters, Every Moment Counts

 

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Wildern School

Wildern Lane

Hedge End

Southampton

Hampshire

SO30 4EJ

 

01489 783473

 

#WeAreWildern