Weekly updates
Friday 29 September 2023
From Monday 2 October the way in which achievement points are logged will look slightly different. The purpose of this is to bring all aspects of school life to be in line with the expectations of the Calthorpe Way. The only change for parents and students will be the change of heading for the achievement point.
Senior students are holding a cake sale in support of MacMillan Coffee Morning during morning break on Friday 6 October. Please send in donations of individual cakes and biscuits (homemade or shop bought) for the students to sell at this event. All items will be sold for 50p each and students should bring in the right change. See full details here.
Mental Health Ambassadors - We are pleased to announce the launch of our Mental Health Ambassadors. These are a group of Year 10 and 11 students who have undergone training from CAMHS to be able to offer peer wellbeing support. The Ambassadors have been busy promoting their role and students have heard a presentation in tutor groups to learn how the Ambassadors can support wellbeing.
On Friday, tutor groups completed a special Mental Health Awareness quiz written by the Ambassadors and students were able to visit the Mental Health Ambassador information stand in the foyer.
The Ambassadors are holding lunch time drop in sessions every Tuesday in A2. These are open to all students who would like to come and have a chat.
The Southampton National Cipher Challenge starts on the 5 October up until Christmas, and will run on Thursdays at 3pm. Spaces are limited so students should sign up in X3 with Mrs Jones. The competition looks to challenge students with codebreaking using computer skills and logic. Teams work together to solve the clues which are released each week. This year's competition is entitled "The Body in My Library".
Click here for Library updates and Books of the Week.
Casual Employment Opportunities - We are always looking for keen and willing people to support our endeavours at Calthorpe Park. You may be interested in gaining school-based experience, looking for a change of direction or may simply want to become more involved in the life of our vibrant community. If you would be interested in working supporting school examinations and assessments, trips and events or even be available for supporting our administration functions then please complete this Expression of Interest form.
The Clubs list has been updated again this week – it can be found on the website under Students/Clubs or the link is here.
College Open Events taking place this week are as follows:
BCoT - Mon 2/10
Peter Symonds - Tues 3/10 & Wed 4/10
Merrist Wood - Wed 4/10
QMC - Wed 4/10 & Thurs 5/10
Yateley - Thurs 5/10
Sparsholt - Sat 7/10
See more dates on the website here.
The PE Department are seeking sponsorship to purchase new sports kit for pupils across its sports teams. If you run a local company or know anyone who might be able to support, please contact Mr Frizzell.
Positive Calthorpe Points – in this new school year the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is 15.
Careers Fair
This week we hosted a Careers Fair for students in Years 10 and 11 and their parents. After a COVID-19 hiatus, this year's event was highly anticipated, offering students a chance to explore future opportunities in person. With 30+ exhibitors, the Fair showcased local colleges and various businesses, providing exciting apprenticeship options like Engineering, Hospitality, Health & Beauty, Arborist & Tree Surgery, and the Armed Forces. The impressive turnout with over 800 attendees affirmed the event's success. We are proud to have hosted this transformative event, and hope it will have a lasting impact on our students' future aspirations and dreams.
Thanks also to FCoT and QMC for running assemblies for Y11 students this week.
PE Results this week:
Monday 25 September
Year 8 Boys Football 4-1 vs Kings
Tuesday 26 September
Year 7 Cross Country – friendly fixture
Wednesday 27 September
Year 7 Boys Football 1-1 vs Tomlinscote
Thursday 28 September
Year 10 Netball 15-16 vs Ash Manor
Year 11 Netball 12-8 vs Ash Manor
Friday 29 September
Year 11 Boys Football vs Mountbatten
Friday 22 September 2023
To celebrate European Day of Languages on Tuesday 26 September, the MFL department would like students to complete a 'Passport' - this is a quiz on various topics connected with Europe and is open to all year groups. Students should download and print the file, then bring their completed Passport to one of the Modern Foreign Language teachers by Friday 29 September. The best completed passports will then be entered into a draw.
Viel Spass! Amuse-toi bien! Disfruta!
Extra English during Tutor time begins next week for selected Year 11 students. They should report to Mrs Wallis in A1 at 8.40 am. If any student is on the Geography trip on the day of their Extra English, they should come to Extra English on a different day (not Friday).
We are holding a Careers Fair here on Wednesday 27 September for Years 10 & 11 students and parents – details have been sent to parents, with limited spaces left.
A list of all the local college open events is now available on our website here. It is a busy term and there will be some dates that clash, so plan early which colleges you will visit. Check the college websites too as some will require booking a place in advance. A number of colleges are also coming in for Year 11 assemblies over the next few weeks.
Casual Employment Opportunities - We are always looking for keen and willing people to support our endeavours at Calthorpe Park. You may be interested in gaining school-based experience, looking for a change of direction or may simply want to become more involved in the life of our vibrant community. If you would be interested in working supporting school examinations and assessments, trips and events or even be available for supporting our administration functions then please complete this Expression of Interest form.
Click here for Library updates and Books of the Week.
The PE department are seeking sponsorship to fund a new sports playing kit. If you run a local company or know anyone who would be keen to support, please contact Mr Frizzell.
There have been further changes to the Clubs list - please look under Students/Clubs on the website.
Science are appealing for unwanted or old towels again please. Any size - hand towels through to bath sheets - would be welcomed by the Science Dept. They don't need to be perfect, but they do need to be serviceable. Please leave donations at Reception.
The Design and Technology department are looking for any fabric off cuts that you don’t need as they are working on an applique project. Again, please leave with Reception if you can donate.
The Fleet 5K and 10K road races are taking place on Sunday 22 October. The 5K has a minimum age requirement of 11 and the 10K has a minimum age requirement of 15. Please let Mrs Gorton know if you are looking for a challenge and going to take part in this. See this link for further details and to sign up.
Positive Calthorpe Points – in this new school year the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is 11.
We held a busy Open Evening on Thursday 21 September for Year 6 children and their families, with around 1200 visitors booked in to look around the school. Thanks to all the staff and students involved in this event – we have had many compliments about the information provided, and the enthusiasm and knowledge of our current students who volunteered to help in departments and as tour guides.
We look forward to welcoming some of our visitors as Year 7 students next September!
PE Results:
Monday 18 September
Year 10 Boys Football 2-1 vs Robert May's
Tuesday 19 September
Year 11 Boys Football 1-7 vs Weydon
Year 8B Boys Football 2-4 vs Wavell
Year 11A Netball – 3rd Place @ District Tournament
Wednesday 20 September
Year 7 Boys Football 5-1 vs Testbourne
Year 10A Netball 15-15 vs All Hallows
Friday 15 September 2023
Timing Change – there will be an early closure at 2pm on Thursday 21 September and a late start at 9am on Friday 22 September. Students should go straight to their first lesson on the Friday and register there.
A Careers Fair is taking place here on Wednesday 27 September for Years 10 & 11 students and parents – details have been sent to parents, including how to book a place.
It has been so lovely to see how our new Year 7s are settling in so well within our Calthorpe Park community. We have seen how their confidence has grown since their first day last week and it is evident that lots of new friendships are forming across the year group. I have had lots of great feedback from staff across the school about how impressed they have been with Year 7s focus and attitude in lessons. I know starting at secondary school is challenging but you are all doing a fabulous job – well done! Mrs Shackell
A list of all the local college open events is now available on our website here. It is a busy term and there will be some dates that clash, so plan early which colleges you will visit. Check the college websites too as some will require booking a place in advance.
Casual Employment Opportunities - We are always looking for keen and willing people to support our endeavours at Calthorpe Park. You may be interested in gaining school-based experience, looking for a change of direction or may simply want to become more involved in the life of our vibrant community. If you would be interested in working supporting school examinations and assessments, trips and events or even be available for supporting our administration functions then please complete this Expression of Interest form.
Homework Club - We operate a Homework Club in IT2 between 3:00 and 4:30pm, Monday-Thursday. Staff are on hand to support students in completing their homework tasks. You do not need to book in advance and students can attend on an ad hoc basis. Do encourage your child to attend if you feel this would be beneficial.
Bar Mock Trial - After a very successful first year entering the Young Citizens Bar Mock Trial competition, we are hoping to emulate last year's triumph with another team this term and preparations are about to start. To try and give the students a depth of experience within the legal system, we are hoping that we might be able to secure some advice for the team from those working within the profession. As such, we are wondering if there are any parents or carers with legal experience who would be willing to volunteer some of their time to come in and work with us during a rehearsal. A key part of the Mock Trial is the opportunity for our students to interact with legal professionals, so your support ahead of the competition could be invaluable.
We are also looking to secure sponsorship to fund the cost of the competition as we feel this could be a fantastic way to further shine a light on the amazing and unique experience the competition offers. Students who take part are encouraged to think critically, build arguments and boost their confidence; we are optimistic there might be businesses in the community that feel these qualities are an integral part of their ethos, and so wish to support our students.
Our team last year represented Calthorpe impeccably on a national stage at the Royal Courts of Justice; we have every faith that some of them will enter the legal profession so forming links between them and the community may help them take these first steps.
If you are able and interested in supporting our students in this way, please contact either Mrs Eastlake or Miss Webb.
The PE department are seeking sponsorship to fund a new sports playing kit. If you run a local company or know anyone who would be keen to support, please contact Mr Frizzell.
Please click here for Library update and Books of the Week.
The updated Clubs list is here.
Positive Calthorpe Points – in this new school year the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is 8.
Monday 11/9
Year 10B Netball 13-19 vs Courtmoor
Year 11A Netball 7-9 vs Courtmoor
Wednesday 13/9
Year 7 Boys football 11-0 vs Weydon
Year 10 Netball versatility tournament
Thursday 14/9
Year 10 boys football 1-3 vs Courtmoor
Friday 8 September 2023
Please find attached two letters issued today:
Y9 Options from Mr Borkowski
Y8 & Y0 Bee Well Survey from Mr Jones
Timing Change – there will be an early closure at 2pm on Thursday 21 September and a late start at 9am on Friday 22 September. Students should go straight to their first lesson on the Friday and register there.
A number of trips are open for application this week and will close on Monday 11 September. See this page for details and refer to the email sent out earlier this week.
It has been lovely to welcome everyone back at school this week, especially our new Year 7s. After the summer holidays, it always seems incredible how much students seem to have grown! Our student body has been amazing in how they have returned to Calthorpe Park. Smartly dressed, organised with their equipment and ready for the ‘business of learning’. The focused calm atmosphere around the campus has been very pleasing to experience for everyone. In order to uphold our high standards, tutors have been regularly checking in with their tutees regarding both uniform and equipment. So far this year we have 95% of our students who have managed to achieve this, so we’ll be looking to increase that percentage over the coming weeks. 100% is the target! Thank-you for your support so far, it is always appreciated.
A Careers Fair is taking place here on Wednesday 27 September for Years 10 & 11 students and parents – details will be sent out next week.
Mrs Glover has organised seminars for Year 11 which will be taking place during tutor time. Information will be sent out via email with dates later today. If you have any questions about Year 11, please contact Mrs Glover.
Student Organisers - This week, all students have been issued with a new organiser and timetable. Please see this link on the school website for guidance on how they are to be used and the charges that will apply for replacing any that are lost or damaged.
Please click here for Library news.
Clubs – the updated clubs list is now on the website under Students/Clubs or can be found here. Check the page regularly for updates.
ELSA have now moved into their new area! They are situated downstairs in the science block next to the water fountain. All ELSA, TALA and CAL sessions will be here. This is a more bespoke and calm space for the team. Luna is settling into her new office and loves the light and airy rooms.”
The PE department are seeking sponsorship to fund a new sports playing kit. If you run a local company or know anyone who would be keen to support, please contact s.frizzell@cps.hants.sch.uk
History Notice: in addition to the compulsory equipment that students require, if your child is in Years 7 and 8 or in Years 9,10 and 11 and studying GCSE History, please can they bring highlighters and glues as part of their equipment.
Science are appealing for unwanted or old towels again please. Any size - hand towels through to bath sheets - would be welcomed by the Science Dept. They don't need to be perfect, but they do need to be serviceable. Please leave donations at reception.
Fleet Phoenix are holding the next Hype night at Court Moor School on Friday 15 September. This is aimed at Years 7-9, tickets are £8 and must be booked in advance – see this link for booking.
Positive Calthorpe Points – in this new school year the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is 3.
Friday 1 September 2023
We are looking forward to welcoming students back to school for the new academic year!
Please note that start times on Monday 4th September are as follows:
- Year 7 and Year 11 start at 8.40am with Year 7 registering in the courtyard and Year 11 going to tutor groups
- Years 8, 9 & 10 start at 9.55am in tutor groups
See the Term Dates page on the website for key dates over the year.
There has been a change in timings and route for the 10 bus - please see this page for details from Stagecoach.
Finally, the new road layout and crossing is now in operation at the top of Hitches Lane - students may wish to leave slightly earlier so that they are familiar with the new route.
Friday 21 July 2023
Our final Newsletter of the school year can be found here.
Please see this letter from Hampshire County Council about the harmful effects of vapes on young people. You can also find more information at this link.
Click here for the latest Trips Bulletin which provides information about trips taking place over the next academic year, along with trips opening for application on 5 September.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 226.
On Friday 7 July we hosted our annual Primary School Sports event, inviting all junior schools in the local area to come and take part in different sports. The students all gathered at Everyone Active, where the Bee Active mascot met them for photos. The schools took part in an opening ceremony parade as they entered the CPS sports grounds.
Special thanks to Eversley Cricket Club, Hart Gymnastics and Hart Netball Club for providing coaches and Miss Perkis and Mr Taylor for also hosting Volleyball and Softball. The students had sessions on various sports and enjoyed the afternoon.
Friday 14 July 2023
Disruption Free Learning
We have been very pleased and impressed with the way in which students have responded to the Disruption Free Learning trial period this week. Initial teacher feedback has been extremely positive and staff have reported that lessons are calmer, focused and more productive.
The data that has been collected over the course of the week indicates that the overwhelming majority of our students have either not attended the Reflection Room at all, or have only attended once. This means that they are following instruction and meeting our expectations within the classroom, and self-regulating if they get things a little wrong. Those students who have persistently disrupted classes and have been referred more than three times account for only 3% of our student body.
We would like to thank parents and carers for their ongoing support of this strategy and invite them to share any views or feedback via our parent consultation form here.
Please see this letter about SLUGG Walk taking place on Thursday 20 July. To support students who are neurodiverse or those students who may find changes to routines challenging, the ELSA Team have written a social story about SLUGG walk. Please use this with your child at home to help prepare them for the exciting day. Click here for the link.
Road Safety – please see this page on our website with guidelines for cycle safety when travelling to school. We’d be grateful if you could review this with your child to ensure they are safe over the summer holidays and that they are prepared for the Autumn term.
As GCSEs have now finished, we are sure that many of you have revision materials and textbooks that you no longer need. It would be a great benefit to the school community if you would consider donating these to the school so they could be distributed to the younger years who will be taking their exams in the coming years. If you can donate old textbooks, revision guides or other useful materials, you will have a direct positive impact on someone at Calthorpe - and we would be so grateful!
Thank you in advance, Lillia and Zara, The Heads of Academic Support
A message from the English Department: Calling all parents – the summer holidays are imminent and we would like you to help us in encouraging your children to read over the holidays. To help you get started, here is a link that can help your child/children find the perfect book. The link will ask them to input an age range and the genres they enjoy and it will then provide them with a list of titles and blurbs. We hope you have a lovely summer holiday filled with reading adventures as well as real ones.
Click here for Library news which includes the Summer Reading Challenge for Year 7 (and new students joining in September), and our regular Books of the Week.
Another appeal from Science please, items can be dropped off at Reception:
- Unwanted/old towels from hand to bath sheets - any colour, but they must be usable still as towels.
- Unwanted and/or out-of-date butter, margarine, lard, dripping, cooking oil, olive oil, etc. (unused).
- We are also looking for a working, second-hand washer dryer for departmental laundry. If anyone wants to re-home one as a free gift to Calthorpe Park School or sell one for a reasonable price (a receipt will be required for a purchase) please email m.harris@cps.hants.sch.uk.
There are still places on the Free Hampshire Teen Project being held here over the holidays (for those receiving Free School Meals). Details are available from this letter and flyer.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 220.
Legally Blonde - We have had a packed week with the opening of our show, Legally Blonde on Tuesday night! Staff and students were in all weekend ensuring everything was prepared and ready to start, with rehearsals taking place all day Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The cast, crew and band are on top form, having performed to three packed audience so far, with two more to go on Friday and Saturday evenings, all sold out. Thanks to everyone involved for all the hard work that ensures events like this can take place.
Photo Credit: Lisa Cunnington
Friday 7 July 2023
Please see this letter from Mr Jones and Mrs Rushmere regarding a student survey about bullying. We hope that every student will take part, but parents wishing to opt their children out need to respond using the link in the letter by next Wednesday.
Our school production, Legally Blonde, opens next Tuesday and runs for five nights – with performances starting at 7pm each evening. There are a small amount of tickets available for each night - please see this link to book numbered seats in the Hall and we hope you enjoy the show!
HPV vaccinations are taking place from Monday 10-12 July for Year 8s and 9s, plus there will also be a catch up for Year 10s who are outstanding vaccinations. Only students who have had consent forms completed will be called to attend. Appointments have been sent via Edulink to students please check this and times cannot be changed.
Click here for Library news, along with our regular Books of the Week.
Advance notice for students currently in Years 9 & 10 and their parents – we will be holding a Careers Fair at school on the evening of Wednesday 27 September. Further details will be sent out nearer the time and we hope this will be a very informative session for you.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 214.
Art & Photography Exhibition – on Thursday 29 June we held our annual Art & Photography Year 11 exhibition with a fantastic turnout and a very impressed audience. A huge thank you to all those involved in organising this. Our amazing technician, Mrs Hemmings, and Miss Brophy have worked incredibly hard since half term and the site team were on hand to support over this last week with some extra help from past student, Olivia T, and current Year 11 students who returned to support during the last days of setting up, even non-art students! Huge congratulations to our amazing Year 11 Art & Photography students’ creative journeys, we wish you all the very best in your future ventures. Thank you for reminding us why we do this job as you make it worth it!
Year 11 Prom – Last Friday we gathered for the final time with our leaving students to celebrate the end of GCSEs, the end of their time at CPS and the end of 12 years of formal education! 248 students and 60 staff spent the evening together at Warbrook House in Eversley, with the students arriving in a wide range of transport. Although the evening was quite cool and there was a steady drizzle, this did not spoil the evening, with a busy dance floor right up to the end of the evening. It was wonderful to see them dressed up for this event and we wish them all the best for their long summer!
Nearly 100 Year 8 students are on a trip to London today visiting the Imperial War Museum.
Finally, Hampshire County Council and Hart District Council want to invest in walking and cycling facilities in our area. They are looking for input regarding the routes and areas in the draft plan. Please could you give feedback at this link.
Friday 30 June 2023
Monday 3 July is an INSET Day when no students attend school
The majority of students have been to assemblies this week and are now aware of the new programme of disruption-free learning. Please see the letter here if you need a reminder as we work towards ensuring all lessons are taught in a calm and purposeful environment.
This letter has been issued today, giving details about uniform in preparation for returning to school in September.
Please see this letter about Sports Day which takes place on Tuesday 4 July.
To support students who are neurodiverse or those students who may find changes to routines challenging, the ELSA Team have written a social story about Sports Day. Please use this with your child at home to help prepare them for the exciting day. Click here for the link.
A letter has been sent out regarding strike day arrangements on Wednesday 5 and Friday 7 July and it can be viewed here. Years 7 & 9 will be in on Wednesday with Years 8 & 10 attending on the Friday.
HPV vaccinations are taking place from Monday 10-12 July for Year 8s and 9s, plus there will also be a catch up for Year 10s who are outstanding vaccinations. Only students who have had consent forms completed will be called to attend. Appointments will be sent via Edulink next week so please remind your students to check their Edulink for appointment times.
Limited tickets are still available for the school production, Legally Blonde, which will take place over five nights next month – Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12, Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July – with performances starting at 7pm each evening. Please see this link to book numbered seats in the Hall and we hope you enjoy the show!
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 195.
PE Round up: Our cricket teams were in action this week with our Year 9 cricket team losing to Salesian and our Year 8 cricket team winning against Amery Hill.
Our rounders teams also returned to action, our Year 7 and Year 9 mixed teams losing to Courtmoor and our Year 7 team losing to Eggar’s.
Social Tuesday was one of the busiest yet, with over 35 students playing football in the lovely sunshine, whilst Tay from Everyone Active took our fitness sessions in the sports hall. Our badminton courts were nice and busy also. We still have plenty of room on the tennis courts, would be great to see more students on Tuesday.
Geography Urban Fieldtrip - The Year 10s have been out on one of two geographical investigations which they complete for GCSE Geography. This one was a focus on our urban context so a trip to Reading was on the cards. Having almost 200 geographers in Year 10 this was a mighty undertaking for the Geography department, so separate trips were organised on 22, 23, 26 and 27 June. On these days our Year 10s learned how to conduct a geographical enquiry and collect primary data. Well done to all Year 10 geographers who have completed stage one of this aspect of the course.
Wintershall - The RE department organised a Year 7 trip to Wintershall on Wednesday 28 June where hundreds of actors bring the story of Jesus to life in an open-air epic production set in stunning Surrey countryside. The Year 7 students enjoyed the beautiful park and the interactive nature of the performance. The live animals, donkeys, horses, doves were also a big hit! A couple of lucky students got to high five Jesus and lots caught bread during the ‘Feeding of the five Thousand’ scene.
Hampshire Book Awards - Voting day took place on Thursday 29 June, and a crew of 13 Year 8 students headed off to Eggar’s School in Alton to get their say on who is the best of the pick of six. The selection of books this year were:
The Boy Behind the Wall; Rebel Skies; Once Upon a Fever; When I see Blue; When the World was Ours; We Were Wolves
We have had weeks of reading and chatting about the books, meeting at lunchtime (enjoying a biscuit or two as we chatted!) and sharing our thoughts on the merits of the books. Students have done a great job of really considering the value of the 3Es – Enjoyment, Engagement and Enrichment, which were the key factors when evaluating each book. Our students articulated their views clearly both during meetings and on Voting Day, and it was interesting to hear how some the stories resonated with them and that they had experienced books they may not have bothered with otherwise.
Ultimately there was a winner and the students across Hampshire chose ‘When the World Was Ours’ by Liz Kessler. Find out more in our Books of the Week section in Library News.
Well done to our participating students: Asmi, Isla, Amelie, Anastasia, Maya, Mollie, Lauren, Andrew, Andrea, Siana, Megan, Isabelle, Abigail. They gave their time and showed both effort and dedication to the task. We look forward to the Meet the Author event in October. See this link for Library news this week.
Junior District Athletics - 46 athletes took part in the Junior District Athletics Championships at Aldershot Military Stadium on Thursday 29 June. All athletes performed incredibly well and represented the team and school admirably. The Year 7 girls finished 5th in a extremely competitive field. The Year 7 boys finished 3rd as did the Year 8 girls, and the Year 8 boys finished 2nd.
Sports Awards - On Thursday 29 June the PE Department celebrated the efforts and achievements of students at their annual Sports Awards evening. This was a well-attended evening, which saw students from Years 9 to 11 come and celebrate the sporting successes of their peers, watching them win a multitude of awards. With a range of sporting awards on offer, from football to netball to basketball, the evening concluded with the latest inductees to the Calthorpe Park PE Department's Wall of Fame (joining winners such as Jack H, Lois F and Boyd B to name a select few) which saw Nathan S and Felicity S inducted, the former being the latest recipient of the prestigious Legacy Award.
The PE department want to thank all the staff for their help and Simon Burt from Luncheon Muncheon, for putting on an excellent BBQ pre-event.
We hope our Year 11 students have a wonderful evening at the Prom tonight!
Friday 23 June 2023
We would like to congratulate all of our Year 11 students for completing their GCSE examinations. The final examination, Add Maths, is taking place this afternoon which means that they can all rest and relax for the summer break. We have been impressed by the maturity they have demonstrated throughout the examination period and wish them the best of luck for their results in August.
Thanks to all who attended the Information Evening for parents of students in Years 7-10 on Wednesday. The link to the presentation can be found here and is also on the website under Parents/Presentations.
Please can all students be reminded to bring a water bottle into school daily. There are plenty of water fountains around the site where they can be refilled, plus drinks are available from the restaurant and café.
Limited tickets are still available for the school production, Legally Blonde, which will take place over five nights next month – Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12, Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July – with performances starting at 7pm each evening. Please see this link to book numbered seats in the Hall and we hope you enjoy the show!
Click here for Library news to stay in touch with our CPS library.
A reminder to Year 8 parents about the upcoming HPV vaccinations. These take place in school between 10 and 12 July. See this link to the letter which contains details of how to consent. Please complete even if you do not give consent as students will not be called up if a no consent is given. Only one parent needs to complete the form.
Hampshire Teen Project are running sessions over the summer holidays here at the school for eligible students. Please see this letter for further information and the flyer can be found here.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 191.
Year 9 WW1 Battlefields trip on 14-16 June – see this link for a trip report.
PE Update: Our 7 and 8 mixed Rounders teams both played Robert Mays, it was a loss for both their games, but we competed well against a strong Robert Mays side. The Year 7s came back strong later in the week against FHES winning 21.5 to 14.5 rounders.
It was another busy athletics week, with our Year 7 and 8s competing at Down Grange on Tuesday. Well done to all who took part.
We have two new outdoor table tennis table for use at breaks and lunch times, they are outside the PE Sports Hall and students are welcome to use these at break times.
Leavers' Assembly - We said a final goodbye to our Year 11 students at their Leavers' Assembly this morning! Following the assembly with speeches, awards and films, cold drinks and lollies were served before shirt-signing on the back playground. At break, staff and students gathered to clap the students out in a guard of honour!
A film was created for the assembly by Mr Margilewski and lots of starring students and staff – you can watch it here.
Friday 16 June 2023
A huge congratulations to the majority of Year 11 who sat their final examination today. We hope that all of their hard work and revision is rewarded by successful outcomes in August. We continue to wish the best of luck to students who will be completing their final examinations next week.
The Leavers’ Assembly for Year 11 students will take place on Friday 23 June at 9.30 and will be followed by shirt-signing.
Parents of students in Years 7-10 are invited to an information meeting on Wednesday 21 June. Full details can be seen in this letter, and bookings for either of the two sessions (5.30 or 7pm) should be made at this link.
We are excited to announce the return of our annual Sports Awards! This will be taking place on Thursday 29 June in the school hall from 6-8:30pm. Please can all those who have been invited return their reply slips by Monday 19 June to the PE office. This year, we have the fabulous Luncheon Muncheon serving a BBQ prior to the awards ceremony. Once students have returned their reply slips, please order your food via Scopay if you intend to eat before the event begins. We look forward to celebrating another fantastic year of sport!'
PE Kit - All students must come into school in full school uniform. On days when they have a timetabled PE lesson all students should change into PE kit at the beginning of the lesson in the changing room and they must change back into school uniform at the end of the PE lesson. There will be occasions when we have fixtures and we need to leave school promptly at 3pm and on such days, we will ask students to change at lunch time. Parents and staff will be e-mailed to inform them of this. Any queries regarding changing for PE please contact Mrs Edwards.
HQ need some colouring books and would be grateful if anyone can donate any unused copies. These should be age appropriate and/or mindfulness colouring books. Thank you.
Year 9 students should bring in their English folders for the specified lesson next week. See this letter for details.
Colleges:
Farnborough 6th Form College are holding their Art & Design Summer Show on Thursday 22 June (5-7pm) which may be of interest to students joining them in September. See this link for details, including booking a place.
QMC are holding an event for Year 11 applicants on 27 June, details can be found here.
Duke of Edinburgh Expedition – 5-10 June
The Duke of Edinburgh Expedition this year took place on 5-7 and 8-10 June. The students had been responsible for selecting their groups. On the Monday and Thursday some very bright and breezy participants met at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield. From the very beginning, we were blessed with excellent weather. The first day for both groups was spent learning about simple first aid for hiking, what to do in an emergency, as well as learning how to pitch tents and cook using Trangia stoves.
As usual, there were a number of students who had packed as if they were going on a world cruise with way more clothing than they needed – with a bit of slight-of-hand, and the use of my car boot, we were able to lighten their loads – they still had to find space to pack their tents and cooking equipment.
Their first dinner is always entertaining. Imagine, six students, a kilo of uncooked pasta and a 1 litre pot – what could go wrong? After eating, they had to wash up and sort out the extra pasta they had cooked. Settling down for the night in the middle of a field surrounded by wild creatures (sheep and cows) is not always everyone’s cup of tea, but we eventually got them off to sleep.
The second and third day at the QECP were the actual expeditions for each group. Each team showed amazing resilience and focus, navigating their way around the countryside, working as a team and really doing themselves proud. I am pleased to say that we did not lose anyone (for too long) and the only medical issues we had were a couple of ticks (the biting kind) and some hayfever.
After the expedition, I am pleased to say that despite a few very tired students, it was brilliant to see such happy faces knowing that they had achieved something so awesome. Rumour has it that some staff covered over 80 000 steps over their three days, whilst another logged over 100 miles in his car with the aircon turned up.
I would like to say a huge thank you to the staff who joined me for three days each with these super- amazing students. Thank you to Miss Kiernan, Mr Wright, Miss Perkis and Mr Bernard-Patel for all the miles they walked and the support they gave to the students. DofE cannot run without these tireless heroes.
Mr Moore
DofE Co-ordinator
Year 7 Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium – 12 June
148 Year 7 students visited the Science Centre in Winchester on Monday 12 June. They visited the Planetarium where they journeyed through space exploring the planets and beyond. A practical session of making a space rocketship allowed the students to show off their design skills. There was also plenty of time to explore all the exhibits and get in a bit of shopping in the gift shop too. A big thank you to all the staff who went.
Mr Findlay
Friday 9 June 2023
Tickets are now available for the school production, Legally Blonde, which will take place over five nights next month – Tuesday 11, Wednesday 12, Thursday 13, Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July – with performances starting at 7pm each evening. Please see this link to book numbered seats in the Hall and we hope you enjoy the show!
Our Clubs list has been updated today and can be seen here.
Click here for Library news including Shelf Help and HBA, along with our regular Books of the Week.
We sell maths sets for students which include a variety of 10 items. These are now £2 per set and students can buy and collect from Reception.
Our Heads of Houses are making some banners for sports day in house colours this year, and hoping to be environmentally-friendly by recycling old materials. If you have any old, clean fabric in either white or any of the House colours that you could donate to school, we'd be very grateful! Please drop in to Reception - thank you.
Students who left in Summer 2022 are now able to collect their art or photography work. Contact Mrs Hemmings to arrange a suitable time to come in to collect.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 184.
We will be holding a Careers Fair here in the Autumn term and are looking for companies that run apprenticeships or training schemes for school leavers (16+). If any parents are involved, can recommend a company or would like to book a table, please contact Mrs Hutton.
QMC are holding an event for Year 11 applicants on 27 June, details can be found here.
It's been a busy week in the PE department with many fixtures and leadership events happening:
We started the week off with a great win from our Year 7 Rounders team v Farnham Heath End, winning 19.5 rounders to 6.5 - well played girls!
The return of the sunshine has made Social Tuesday numbers double, with plenty of friendship groups staying after school to play social football. Lovely to see so many students, please do remember your Astros or trainers. Don't forget the MUGA is also available for tennis on a Tuesday and still plenty of space on our girls-only fitness with Tay from Everyone Active.
Year 7 and 8 have both been busy this week with two athletic events hosted by Robert Mays. We were one of nine schools taking part in track and field events on Tuesday and Thursday. Students were able to go and try different events on the day.
On Thursday we hosted eight of our local primary schools for their County Cricket event. Both fields and the Astro were set up with cricket pitches and the games got under way in the sunshine. It was great to see so many primary student enjoying and playing a great level of cricket, some of the bowling and diving catches were amazing! We look forward to these students coming up to Calthorpe in September and joining our cricket teams!
Our Year 9 Cricket team also had a great result this week, with a convincing win over Bohunt School.
Well done to everyone who has represented the school this week.
Friday 26 May 2023
Please see the half-termly Newsletter here.
Sports Day 2023 - The PE Department are well underway with planning and organisation for our Calthorpe Sports Day which is taking place on Tuesday 4 July 2023. We are very excited to be holding our first event with all six of our new Houses and we cannot wait to see who will be victorious and become the custodians of the prestigious Sports Day trophy for the year.
Students will be participating in their Houses in a range of multisports throughout the morning, and relay races in the afternoon. It will be really important for Houses to work effectively as a team in all the activities. There will also be a return of the highly anticipated staff relay that was so entertaining in our last Sports Day! Staff training is already underway and students are welcome to attend Athletics Club on Mondays after school, to perfect relay changeover technique.
Further details of the day and Team Selection will be circulated after half term. Following the success of Inter House we look forward to celebrating the end of the first year in our new Houses. Please contact Mrs Edwards if you have any questions regarding Sports Day.
Mrs Plunkett is conducting a research project as part of the National SENCO Award, with the working title of 'What is the perception of the SENCO in a mainstream secondary school?'. Here is a link to a brief questionnaire to support this research, if you could provide any responses for this by Wednesday 7 June. Thank you in advance for your support.
Year 9 students have been asked to put together their GCSE English folders (see this letter sent earlier in May). Please could parents use the half term break to organise this if they haven’t done so already? The English department will require students to bring their folders, dividers, etc. into school in the week beginning 19 June.
See the Library news page for updated Books of the Week.
Senior District Athletics - last Tuesday we took part in the senior district athletics championships at Aldershot military stadium. Six athletes have been selected to compete at county level next half term.
Holland Football Tour 2024 - Invitations for our football tour to Holland will go out after half term. Current Years 8, 9 & u16 girls teams will be invited.
We are holding our annual Sports Award in June and are looking for sponsorship to support this event via advertising in the programme. If interested or you have other ideas about how to help, please contact Mr Barclay.
If the current Year 11 students are able to donate any PE kit that they no longer require, the PE department would be very grateful. They are particularly looking for t-shirts, leggings, shorts and fleeces to use when students forget their kit.
The Science department are requesting any unwanted marbles, please drop into Reception if you have any spare.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 178.
We will be holding a Careers Fair here in the Autumn term and are looking for companies that run apprenticeships or training schemes for school leavers (16+). If any parents are involved, can recommend a company or would like to book a table, please contact Mrs Hutton.
Friday 19 May 2023
Two letters have been issued this week and you can see them here:
Respect and Responsibility
CCTV Installation
Junior UKMT club will run again from this Monday until 14 June to look at the follow on papers (Kangaroo and Olympiad rounds). Students from Years 7 and 8 are welcome to attend whether they have been invited for the follow on round or not. The club will meet in X1 until 4pm.
10 students from Calthorpe Park School and three from Robert Mays met at Bounty Squash club on Thursday night to learn skills and mini games with Hampshire Squash coach, Andrew May. Our Year 7s played games to test their accuracy and ball placement and our Year 10s competed in games with Robert Mays. Well done to everyone who took part! Squash club runs as a Thursday after-school club and is open to all year groups. Once a month we travel to play matches on the courts in Basingstoke. Students are welcome to come and give it a try.
Click here for Library News - regular updates from our busy library.
Medical: students need to bring a water bottle into school daily to prevent dehydration. We do not stock antihistamines here - these should be taken in the morning prior to coming to school and are not permitted to be carried around in school bags.
The Science department would be grateful for donations of newspapers please.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 174.
We will be holding a Careers Fair here in the Autumn term and are looking for companies that run apprenticeships or training schemes for school leavers (16+). If any parents are involved, can recommend a company or would like to book a table, please contact Mrs Hutton.
Friday 12 May 2023
Please see this letter issued today for parents of students in Years 7-9 regarding relationships and sex education taking place in PSHE lessons from next week.
The GCSE Computer Science Calthorpe Extra sessions on Wednesday morning have now finished for the year. Thank you for supporting your child in attending these sessions. If they missed any, I have been emailing students the resources that I go through each week and they are also available on Teams.
I wish every Year 11 success in their exams. Mrs A Jones
On Tuesday as part of our Social Tuesday events, we held our own in-house 3 v 3 Street Basketball tournament with teams entered from Years 7, 8 and 10. This is a different version of the traditional Basketball game. It involves just half a court, one hoop and only 3 players, lots of pace and speed. It has now become one of the largest urban team sports. Our players competed to battle it out for the winner's title with some great shots and determination to win the ball. Well done to all the players that entered and we’re looking forward to the next event!
CPSA: Having raised thousands of pounds for the school via a variety of events and online fundraising over the years, the CPSA now needs parents to volunteer to help and take over some of the roles. If you are interested in being involved, please contact either Mrs Lambert or Lisa Barden. Funds raised always go towards benefitting the students and/or the school site in these times of limited funds so this way of fundraising is vital. Unfortunately, without further volunteers the groups will have to be disbanded, so we hope that this might appeal to some of you, or perhaps a group of friends. Thanks for your support!
A request from Science for any unwanted or surplus full grown or established variegated leaf geraniums please. They are used in testing for starch in a leaf experiments, and the majority of our geraniums are now just stalks with a couple of leaves left. If you can help, please leave in Reception.
Here’s the Library link with Books of the Week, Hampshire Book Awards and our usual updates.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 169.
London Art Galleries trip on Friday 5 May
We took Art and Photography Year 9 students to the Saatchi Gallery to visit 'Beyond the Streets London'. It was very successful as they were very engaged and interested in this genre which included street art, graffiti, installations and the fashions of rap artists through the 80s and 90s.
We then jumped back on the coach and explored the V & A, a highlight of which was the ceramics gallery. This enhanced the students' current pattern project, and we were lucky enough to see Grayson Perry's newly acquired pots.
Friday 5 May 2023
Year 11 GCSE Examinations 'Study Leave Information' - please check Edulink for a message from Mrs Glover in relation to 'Study Leave' arrangements for Year 11 and a short MS Form which will need to be completed. The letter can be found here.
On Thursday night we launched our new Squash club here at Calthorpe. We had a brilliant session, which was taken by Andy May from Hampshire Squash. The students worked on the correct grip and control of the racquet, ball placement and also fun games to work on moving to meet the ball at all times. The session finished with some mini games on the sports hall wall and the rebound net, and we look forward to our monthly tournaments that will be held at Bounty Squash courts in Basingstoke. Well done to all the team for a great attitude in learning a new sport, and thank you to Andy May for his time and sharing his expertise.
Year 11 Leavers’ hoodies are now available to order at this link up until 5pm on Wednesday 10 May. The minimum order amount has not yet been reached.
See here for Library news with current updates and our regular Book of the Weeks focus
Medical - as the weather is warming up, students should bring in water bottles from home to ensure they are hydrated during the school day and therefore prevent headaches.
See this link for a newsletter from the local Mental Health Support Teams.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 166.
Year 7 trip to Basing House
Year 7 have been exploring the ruins of Basing House in two groups over the last two days. Year 7 Historians explored the site which was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in the English Civil War. They completed a variety of different activities from geocaching around the ruins to looking at letters written during the time and holding artefacts found on the site.
Thanks to all the staff and students for excellent trips!
Mr Marshall-James
Friday 28 April 2023
School will be closed on the following two Mondays, 1st and 8th May, as they are Bank Holidays. See our Term Dates page to check timings for the rest of 2023.
There will be an apprenticeship assembly for Year 10s next Friday (5 May) given by Judith Moule, AAN & ASK Ambassador for DfE. More details about apprenticeships available at this link.
This morning there was an assembly for Year 10s about an A-level and T-level day being held here – students should complete a form about this in Edulink by Friday 5 May.
Click here for Library news with our usual updates designed to keep you in the know for all things reading!
Our netball club players had a brilliant experience to close the season when Mikki Austin, Surrey Storm Netball Super League player and Director came to visit. Surrey Storm netball are based in Guildford at Surrey Sport Park. Mikki came and spoke to our players about what it takes to be an elite athlete and was a brilliant role model for our female sports students to learn about her work with Sky Sports and the Super League. Thank you to Mikki for taking the time out of her very busy schedule to come to Calthorpe.
See our latest clubs held here at lunchtime and after school here.
PS Catering have a special Coronation menu next week - see this link.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 163.
If you are interested in Teacher Training in Primary, with places from September 23 at All Saints Junior School and other local Primary Schools, please contact Mrs Beacroft.
Year 7 Finding your Feet residential trip to PGL Liddington, 21-24 April
What an amazing weekend - we were very lucky with the weather with lots of great laughs and fun! Students were a pleasure to take on the trip and rose to the challenge and found their feet. They completed so many adrenaline-rush activities such as climbing and zipline to working on our team building in raft-building and orienteering. They survived a zombie apocolypse by building some shelters from scratch in the forest! The evening activities were fun, including balloon-splash, capture the flag and the disco where we danced the night away. Some may argue the staff enjoyed it a little too much with the opportunity to dress up!
Big thanks to all the staff who gave up their weekend this time and on the trip in March, and to Max and Lizzie our PGL instructors. This trip has been a pleasure to lead and we look forward to the new Year 7s finding their feet next year.
Mr Marshall-James
Friday 21 April 2023
Year 11 Calthorpe Extra Sessions currently offered are outlined on this timetable. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Glover.
The Year 8 Options form closes on Wednesday 26 April - see this page for details, including the Options book.
Medical do not stock hayfever medication in school and students need to take this at home prior to coming into school, as they are not permitted to carry it in their bags.
The PE Department would like to wish our GCSE PE students the best of luck for our Moderation Day on Wednesday 26th April. It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their high level of skill and quality team work to the AQA Moderator. Students will be preparing this week and next to make sure that the day runs as smoothly as possible.
Click here for Library news with our usual Books of the Week and a reminder about our virtual library, Sora.
The new Clubs list for lunchtime and after school activities is now available on the website under Students/Clubs - link here.
Thursday 30 March 2023
Please see the Newsletter for this half term here.
Year 11 French, German & Spanish students have their final speaking examination during the week commencing 24 April. Teachers will send out information with the individual dates and times.
Sora, our digital reading app, has now been launched to all students via tutor time. Guidance will also be shared with students via Edulink if they have missed it. This virtual library provides ebooks, audiobooks and magazines/comics - it really is such a great addition to our on-site library. Please encourage students to download the app to make good use of it - it has a dyslexic font option and students can highlight sections of books for future reference too. They will need the set-up code and then their Calthorpe School log in details. Check out the guidance sent out to students.
The latest Trips Bulletin can be found here. This includes a list of trips that are opening for application on Tuesday 18 April, the trips running from now until July, and residential trips running up until the end of 2023.
The new menus from PS Catering will be available after Easter. You can view them on the website here.
College Open Events taking place in the summer term include QMC on 27 April (for Year 10 & Year 11 students), Basingstoke College of Technology on 2 May and Sparsholt on 3 May. See this page on our website for college links and times.
The Summer term starts on Monday 17 April – see our Term Dates page on the website for further dates in 2023.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 155.
Bar Mock Competition
Our Bar Mock team took part in the National Final held at the Royal Courts of Justice on Saturday 25th March. There were 21 schools participating, with our students being the youngest team there as the competition was made up of Sixth Form schools and colleges. Once again, the team showed how well prepared and focused they were, with their knowledge of the case and their precision in their responses being praised by Judges. Whilst we did not return with a trophy, we are immensely proud of all the students for their hard work and commitment, in addition to the huge accomplishment in getting to the National Final.
The Young Citizen group who organise and run the competition have since been in touch to let us know that we came 7th overall, an amazing achievement out of 117 schools and almost 2000 students taking part!
Spring Review
We were delighted to have been able to showcase our amazingly talented musicians in a Spring Review 2023, which took place on Wednesday 29th March in the school hall. The audience enjoyed a wide range of music from the jazz band, ceilidh band, samba band, wind band, vocalists, guitar and ukulele group, GCSE Music groups and a wealth of soloists and small groups.
We were joined by The North Hampshire Organists' Association who set up a virtual church organ for our musicians, and by guest performer, violinist Clara Finch, who was a student at Calthorpe Park School.
It was an amazing evening of beautiful music, enjoyed by the performers and the warm audience that attended.
Fleet Phoenix are hosting their next HYPE Club Night on 21 April for students in Years 7, 8 and 9. See this link for details.
Friday 24 March 2023
Please see the following two letters issued today:
Uniform (including black shorts)
Congratulations and well done to our 56 newly appointed Prefects for 2023-2024. Your applications were a pleasure to read, and we are excited for you to embark on this next journey! If you are interested in applying for our SSLT please see information from Mrs Al-Dabagh.
The Bar Mock team will be participating in the National Final on Saturday. This takes place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. We know how well prepared and focused the team are, and we are all looking forward to both the competition and the experience of visiting London’s High Court.
Reminder: Important Year 11 History Assessment Information:
Week beginning March 27th: All students will be sitting a full Germany Mock paper in their double lesson. The paper is 1 hour and 20 mins.
Week beginning April 24th: All students will be sitting a full Superpower Relations and the Cold War 1941-1991 in their double lesson. The paper is 50 mins
Our Spring Review music concert takes place at 7pm next Wednesday 29 March. Final chance to buy tickets which are available at this link, primarily for relatives/friends of the performers, but all are welcome to attend this event.
See this link for general Library news including Books of the Week.
The ELSA Team have delivered two Exam Pressure seminars for the Year 11s. The presentation will be added to the ELSA MS Team and the ELSA Exam Pressure leaflet can be found in reception, HQ or ELSA.
Next week is the last week of term, with students finishing at 3pm on Thursday 30 March. The Summer term starts on Monday 17 April, when the optional summer uniform of polo shirts may be worn. Please see the letter issued by Mr Borkowski for full details.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 147.
Year 7 Spelling Bee Winners
Congratulations to the following students for placing in the Year 7 Spelling Bee.
1st- Xavier M 7C1
2nd- Izzy H 7S4
3rd- Sophia P 7P4.
Well done to all who participated in the event!
Our team of Joshua N, Zander S and Alistair W competed in the Regional Final in Churchill’s College Petersfield on Monday 20 March against five other schools and they did the school proud. Alistair delivered a very insightful speech on peaceful revolutions and responded extremely well to his questions. Joshua chaired the event with clarity and ease, engaging the audience throughout his introduction and closing, while Zander showed his quick thinking skills when probing the competition for questions on anger. Although the boys did not progress further in the competition, they should be extremely proud of themselves for making it this far.
Our fundraising campaign continues and we are getting close to our target. If you are able to help us reach this, please donate at this link. Many thanks for your support!
Fleet Phoenix are hosting their next HYPE Club Night on 21 April for students in Years 7, 8 and 9. See this link for details.
Friday 17 March 2023
Please see these links for recent letters:
Summer Uniform
Year 8 Options – Prelaunch
Year 11 English Revision Sessions
Interhouse PE takes place over the next two weeks, covering Years 7, 8 and 10 from 20 March and Year 9 from 27 March. See this link for details.
This week some Year 7 Students took part in the Year 7 Spelling Bee. The 29 selected students did a fantastic job and showcased their spelling skills. After many rounds 9 students have been invited to the final on 22 March after school in A2. Good luck to those nine students competing.
On Monday 20 March our three Year 11 students (Joshua N, Zander S and Alistair W) will travel to compete in the Regional Final of the ESU Public Speaking Competition. We wish the boys the best of luck as they compete with some of the best schools in the area.
Our Spring Review music concert takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 29 March. Tickets are available at this link, primarily for relatives/friends of the performers, but all are welcome to attend this event.
Please see this link for our current job vacancies. Roles being advertised at the moment include a Cover Officer and a Creative Print Room Assistant – please share the link if you know of someone who would like to join our team.
See this link for general Library news including Books of the Week.
This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week. We'll be holding assemblies during the first two weeks after Easter to both celebrate Neurodiversity and raise awareness.
The Hampshire Teen Project will run at Calthorpe Park School from Tuesday 11 April to Friday 14 April, from 10am to 3pm. This is free for students aged 11-16 who are eligible under the Pupil Premium Scheme. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with a number of different activities and workshops whilst also receiving free hot lunches. Further details, including how to book a place, can be found at this link.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 143.
Year 7 trip to Winchester Cathedral
On Friday 10th March, we undertook our second Year 7 visit of the year to the delightful Winchester Cathedral and Education Centre. The group enjoyed a very informative tour of the Cathedral and took part in a workshop about Medieval Medicine, which included the making of restorative Pomanders as well as the enthusiastic role-plays for which our students have become rather renowned! It was a really enjoyable and informative experience for all involved.
Gremlin Dance Challenge
Two Dance teams entered the Gremlin Dance Challenge in Aldershot last night. The Year 8 team won Best Use of Musicality and the Year 11s won Most Dramatic Performance. The standard was extremely high and our Dance teams did our school proud!
Friday 10 March 2023
Congratulations to all students who were successful in their auditions for Legally Blonde – we have just decided on our largest ever cast!
Year 11 GCSE Drama students have their dress rehearsals next Wednesday and Thursday (15th & 16th March), with practical exams taking place after school on 20th, 21st and 30th March.
Our Spring Review music concert takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 29 March. Tickets are available at this link, primarily for relatives/friends of the performers, but all are welcome to attend this event.
Library News - this contains information about books of the week and a reminder to use World Book Day tokens.
Winchester Law Courts have an Open Day on Saturday 18th March from 10.30am to 3.30pm which might be of interest to any students thinking about a career in Law. See this link for details.
Please see our Letters page for recent letters. This week two letters have been sent out, one about Industrial Action next week and the second about the Year 8 Progress Review and Parent Consultations taking place on 21st and 23rd March.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 137.
Y7 Finding Your Feet Trip
A group of Year 7 students went on a residential trip last weekend. Although the weather was cold they still had an amazing weekend of fun, conquering fears and making new friends at PGL Liddington. They took part in a variety of activities from the Giant Swing, Buggy Building, Archery, Fencing and Jacob’s Ladder to name a few. The students were awesome even if they were woken up by Mr Marshall-James' poor choice of music for a wake up call. Thanks for an great weekend, and we're looking forward to our second trip in April.
Year 10 Business Day
We held a Business Day for all Year 10 students on Tuesday 7 March, our first for several years. We had two speakers in the morning talking to the students about their career experiences and giving valuable advice. Lessons and homework had been organised in advance so students had prepared their CVs, prior to having a mock interview in the afternoon. These were carried out by a large group of external volunteers, all of whom had interviewing experience. The feedback about the day has been hugely positive - it was a great learning experience for the students and the volunteers were very impressed with the candidates!
Year 8 Imperial War Museum
On Thursday 9 March we took a group of Year 8 students to visit the Imperial War Museum in London. This was to build on work we have been doing so far in History as we have been looking at the First World War, and will be moving onto further conflicts later in the year. The students moved around the museum exhibits with a booklet to complete, finding out the personal stories of the people who lived through these times and to extend their knowledge further. Our students were amazing and we are looking forward to taking our postponed trip to the Imperial War Museum on Friday 7 July.
Amie: ‘My favourite part of the visit yesterday was how interactive the museum was, in particular walking through a replica of a First World War Trench’
Will: ‘My favourite part of the visit yesterday was the Second World War section where we got to look at the different types of planes and tanks.’
PE Update:
Football:
U16 girls in Hampshire Cup Final
Year 9 boys in Hampshire Cup Semi Final
Year 7 and 9 Boys currently unbeaten in their district leagues and one game away from being crowned league champions
Year 7 Boys District 5 a side champions, Year 7 Girls District 5 a side Runners Up
U13 girls representing Hart & Rushmoor at Hampshire u13 football tournament in Southampton on Tuesday
Rugby:
Year 7 Rugby came second in local tournament at Farnham Rugby Club
Basketball:
Year 9 Boys District Div 1 League Champions
U14 girls Div 3 District League Champions
Year 7 and 10 boys basketball teams in District Cup Finals
Cross Country:
Year 7 Boys Cross Country team District Champions
Year 8 Boys Cross Country team District Champions
Netball:
Year 9 'A' Netball District Tournament runners up
Year 9 'B' Netball District Tournament 3rd place
The ELSA team wanted to say a big thank you for all the board game donations we've received. We've been enjoying playing different games, socialising and connecting with one another.
Friday 3 March 2023
This is a busy week for trips with two Year 9 Sports Studies trips to Runways End (today and next Friday), the first Year 7 residential trip this weekend to the PGL Centre at Liddington, a Year 8 trip to the Imperial War Museum on Thursday and a Year 7 trip to Winchester Cathedral next Friday.
We were thrilled and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of students who auditioned for ‘Legally Blonde’. We have some tough decisions to make regarding our cast, but are spoilt for choice by the amount of talented students we have here. The cast list will be announced to students in the next week. Thank you and well done to everyone who has participated so far!
Our Spring Review music concert takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 29 March. Tickets are available at this link, primarily for relatives/friends of the performers, but all are welcome to attend this event.
Click here for Library News including Books of the Week, World Book Day celebrations and the launch of Sora to Year 7, being rolled out to the whole school next week.
Science have another appeal this week. They would be grateful for any unwanted or out-of-date food items to be used for food testing, digestion and energy in food experiments, as follows:
Crisps
Porridge oats & other cereals
Instant gravy granules
Instant coffee
Tea bags
Tinned garden peas, potatoes, sweetcorn and soup
Biscuits
Powdered milk or coffee mate.
If you are able to donate any of these items, please drop into Reception. Thanks for your support.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 131.
Friday 24 February 2023
Punctuality - next week we are focussing on punctuality, both to school and to lessons. Students should be at their tutor base ready for morning registration which begins at 8.40am, so we ask for your support to ensure that your child arrives at school on time. Lessons are slightly trickier for you to have an impact on, however, we also ask that you check EdulinkOne after 4pm each day and review your child's attendance record for that day. Click on the Attendance icon and then Attendance Today tab along the top bar. This will indicate whether they have arrived to their lessons on time or not, and is a really useful way for you to keep an eye on this. For those students who fail to arrive on time, we will be contacting parents/carers and putting appropriate sanctions in place. Hopefully, this won't be needed, so could we please ask that you discuss your child's punctuality over the weekend in preparation for Monday.
Year 10 Business Day - following the assignment that has been set, all Year 10 students should submit their CV to Ms Wayman by Monday 27 February.
We would like to hear your opinion on trips organisation. Your feedback will help us to determine the effectiveness of the current practice and what improvements are required. Please provide your response by Monday 27 February at this link. The survey is anonymous and will take you approximately two minutes to complete.
School Production - Legally Blonde: Auditions for Principals are taking place on Monday 27 February and Tuesday 28 February in the Drama Studio until 5pm. Ensemble Auditions are on Wednesday 1 March until 5pm. We are really excited to get started on the show and wish everyone lots of luck!
Library News - this contains information about World Book Day, Sora, our Ebooks platform, and books of the week.
The latest list of school clubs can be found here.
The Two-Clicks Survey - thank you for contributing to these surveys over the last few months. We are taking a break to review the feedback received so far. However, you can continue to feedback your thoughts on Calthorpe Park Communications at any time by clicking here.
The Science department are grateful for all the donations of old newspapers and now have enough. However, they are still looking for a variety of balls if you have any to donate - they need anything smaller than a football, for example, old tennis, squash, golf or ping pong balls. Thank you.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 127.
Friday 10 February 2023
Please find our latest Newsletter here.
Thanks to all of you who have completed the uniform questionnaire so far. We would still like to hear your views on anything to do with uniform and the survey will remain open over the half term week. Please see this link.
Please find attached a letter about Andrew Tate, along with a useful guide for parents. The letter and guide can also be found on the website.
An increasing number of students are bringing medication to school with them and are keeping this, both prescription and non-prescription, in their bags. This is absolutely forbidden and we would ask you to ensure that your child is not carrying medication with them or taking medication without supervision. Please see this letter for details about medication in school.
A reminder from Mrs Binding to parents/carers of Year 11 History students - please can you check in with your child over the half term holidays regarding their History Home Learning and ensure that it has been completed. The schedule has been communicated in an email and your child can also find it in their Year 11 History Teams Folder and on Edulink.
The Two-Clicks Survey - please click this link to help inform and improve our school communications. It's just one question and all answers are anonymous. Thank you for your help.
Two-Clicks Update - last week we asked you what you thought of the number and frequency of school emails. We received 148 responses (9% of the school community), of which 25% provided valuable feedback. The form will be available for one further week, so if you haven't yet contributed or wish to provide additional feedback following this week's communications, you can do so here. Thank you for your support and contribution.
The previous week we asked you what day of the week was preferred for the Weekly Update and provided a final opportunity to share your thoughts before closing the form, prompting a further 66 responses. 85% of respondents indicated a preference for a Friday Weekly Update. Overall, the total number of respondents was 12% of the school community.
This Year 9 letter went out last Friday about buying English Language and Literature texts. Also, Year 11 English Revision continues on Thursday 23 February after school and Literature Revision on Friday 24 February from 8am.
Please can you ensure that students come to school with the right equipment - see this link for a guide as it may be useful if shopping for supplies over the break.
We are grateful for your generosity with the current CPSA fundraising campaign for benches to go under the new canopies, and with recent donations we are much closer to our target. If you haven't yet done so and are in a position to help, please see this link for full details.
Science are looking for more donations to help the department please - this time they need old newspapers and a variety of balls: tennis, golf, ping-pong, etc. (not footballs). These can be dropped or bounced into Reception - thank you!
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 118.
Wishing you a good half term break!
Friday 3 February 2023
As part of our ongoing review process, we would like to gather feedback from parents/carers on certain aspects of our school. Our current focus is uniform and we would like to ask you to complete this questionnaire. Your input will help us shape our uniform policy now and in the future. It only takes a few minutes, so please 'have your say'!
The Year 11 English Language revision session next Thursday (3-4pm) will focus on literary reading skills. On Friday from 8-9am in the old Hall, there will be a Literature Booster session on Lord of the Flies, Part 2 (with free croissants/pain au chocolat!).
A letter about Year 9 English Literature and Language tests will be sent out later this afternoon.
The Two-Clicks survey - please click this link to help and improve our school communications. It's a different question each week and all answers are anonymous.
Two-Clicks Update - last week we asked you what day of the week you prefer to receive the Weekly Update. We had 118 responses (8% of the school community), of which 98 stated a continued preference for a Friday. The form will be available for another week so if you haven't yet had a chance to share your preference, you can do so here. Thank you for your support and contribution.
The student-led Panto, Peter Pan, takes place in the Drama Studio on Monday 6 February with two performances at 4.30pm and 6.30pm. There are currently 6 seats left for the 4.30pm show at this link; the later one is sold out.
The Drama and Music departments are looking forward to announcing to students details of the school production next Thursday! This will take place during lunch in the Drama Studio and will include audition dates and times.
Click here for Library News, including books of the week.
It's National Apprenticeship week from 6-12 February - see this link for details.
Please see the attached poster to mark LGBT+ History Month.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 110.
Friday 27 January 2023
It is an INSET Day on Tuesday 31 January when no students attend school. The Year 11 students invited into school that day should sign in at Reception on arrival and sign out when they leave. Full school uniform is required to be worn, unless students are also involved in the PE sessions in the morning, in which case they are permitted to remain in their PE kit. Please email Mrs Binding urgently if your child is unable to attend on Tuesday.
A letter has been issued regarding industrial action on Wednesday 1 February. There are two school trips taking place that afternoon/evening and they are still taking place - the snowboard/ski lesson and the Year 10 trip to The Woman in Black.
What do you think is the best day of the week to receive a Weekly Update from the school? Please click this link to the Two-Clicks Survey which will help inform and improve our school communications. It's just one question and all answers are anonymous. Thank you for your help.
Click here for Library News - this shows details of library lessons on 'Banned Books' and 'Meet the Author', and the regular Books of the Week recommendations.
There will be a further session soon for any Year 11 students who weren't able to attend their Farnborough 6th Form interview. Alton (HSDC) College interviews will be held in school, face to face, on 28 February. Details of both sessions to follow. Careers support is still available for all students, please contact Ms Wayman with any queries.
We have had an excellent response to our request for volunteers to come in to conduct mock interviews with our Year 10 students during the afternoon of Tuesday 7 March. We still need more people to add to this team, so if you are interested and have time to help us, please email businessday@cps.hants.sch.uk. Many thanks for your support.
Please can you ensure that students come to school with the right equipment - see this link for a guide.
Local Charities - there are two local charities that we are mentioning this week. Rushmoor and Hart Aid for Ukraine are collecting winter aid items to be taken to Ukraine. You can find the list of items they require here and these can be taken to the drop off point at the Nationwide in Fleet. Also, you can see a list of requirements for the Hart Foodbank here, along with a number of locations where you can donate items.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 108.
See our Term Dates page on the website for relevant dates, including the Autumn Term.
Friday 20 January 2023
The following letters have been issued this week - they are attached and also on the website:
Holocaust Memorial Day 2023
Building Resilience
The Year 10 Parent Consultations take place next week, on Tuesday 24 and Thursday 26 January. If you haven't already done so, please book your appointments via Edulink.
Computer Science revision sessions for Year 11 students are being held at the following times:
Tuesdays, 8-8.30am in IT1 for Mr Lugg's classes
Wednesdays, 8-8.30am in X3 for Mrs Jones' classes
There is an INSET Day on Tuesday 31 January.
See this link for Library news - this includes details of our Readathon total and our Reading Raisers. Well done to our winners - Immy G, Matilda P, Evie B and Dylan M who will be awarded their vouchers in Library lessons next week!
The Science department are appealing for more items please. They would like square-shaped empty coffee jars with their lids for chromatography practicals, the bigger the jar the better, but any size is welcome. They also need empty, very small jam jars with lids to store non-hazardous chemicals and substances. Finally, empty plastic chocolate tubs, eg Heroes/Quality Street would be very useful to use as small water troughs during science practicals. If you have any of these items to spare, please drop off in Reception - thank you!
Ms Wayman would like to pass on her thanks for all the parental support for Year 11 students this week during their Farnborough 6th Form College interviews. Well done too to all the students who attended and got places at the college - they conducted themselves brilliantly and should be congratulated!
Thanks to all parents who have volunteered their time to come in and hold mock interviews for Year 10 students on our Business Day taking place on Tuesday 7 March. If you are able to help out as an interviewer on that afternoon (no experience necessary), please send an email to businessday@cps.hants.sch.uk.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 101.
The Two-Clicks Survey - please click this link when you've read the Weekly Message to answer just one question, all answers are anonymous. Thanks for your help.
Friday 13 January 2023
Holocaust Memorial Day is on 27th January. There is an opportunity for us to listen to a first-hand testimony from a Holocaust survivor, Ruth Posner, on Thursday 26th January. This is being organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust and is being live-streamed to schools across the country. All Year 9 students will listen to this Holocaust survivor and we will be hosting this in the Hall. During House assemblies over the next two weeks, we will be looking at the Holocaust with all year groups, and reflecting on this during tutor time.
There will be English revision support next week for Year 11 as follows:
Tutor time Extra English for selected students on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Language revision after school on Thursday, 3-4pm - reading skills
Literature revision before school on Friday, 8-9am - Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, part 1
We are holding a Business Day for our Year 10 students on Tuesday 7 March and are looking for around 40 volunteers who would be able to come in that afternoon (approx 12.45-4pm) to conduct mock interviews with these students. If you are able to commit to this time and help us, please send an email to businessday@cps.hants.sch.uk. Thanks for your support!
Farnborough 6th Form interviews take place in school all next week for Year 11 students. They have been notified and the schedule is available in Teams or there is a paper copy in the foyer. If these students have any queries they should contact Ms Wayman.
See this link for Library news.
Congratulations to the following students for winning the Calthorpe Chronicle competition! The task was to write an engaging article to be published in the school newspaper:
Emmie N - 1st place for 'Beginners Guide to Crochet' - £20 Amazon gift card
Lily D - 2nd place for 'Gift Ideas' - £10 Amazon gift card
Sateja B - 3rd place for 'The Rise and Downfall of Barbie' - £10 Amazon gift card
There are some further college open evenings taking place over the next few weeks as follows:
ACM Guildford - Tuesday 24 January, 4pm
Sparsholt - Saturday 4 February, 10am-2pm
BCoT - Monday 6 February, 4.30-7pm - Apprenticeship Event
FCoT - Wednesday 8 February, 4-7.30pm
FCoT (Aldershot Campus) - Thursday 9 February, 4-7.30pm
Please see this page on our website for details, or check the college websites.
Please see these dates from the Hampshire Parent Carer Network for the term ahead which might be useful for parents/carers of children with additional needs.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 96.
The Two-Clicks Survey - please click this link when you've read the Weekly Message to answer just one question, all answers are anonymous. Thanks for your help.
Friday 6 January 2023
Happy New Year - welcome back to the Spring Term!
Parent Consultations for Year 11 are taking place next week on 10 and 12 January, followed by those for Year 10 on 24 and 26 January - bookings will open soon.
There is an INSET Day on Tuesday 31 January. Key dates can be found on our website here.
See this link for Library news.
The Junior UKMT club for Years 7 and 8 starts on Monday 9 January in X1 from 3-4pm with Mrs Powell, and will run until the competition in April.
Duke of Edinburgh drop-in sessions will continue on Friday afternoons (3-3.30pm) with Mr Moore for any Year 10 or 11 student who needs help/support with this award.
Positive Calthorpe Points - the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is now 91.
The Two-Clicks Survey - let us know when you've read the Weekly Message by clicking this link and answering just one question!
Friday 16 December 2022
Please find our latest Newsletter here.
Year 11 Parent Consultations take place on 10 and 12 January - please ensure your bookings on Edulink are made in plenty of time.
Our latest Trip Bulletin can be found here.
Year 11 English revision will be starting up next term as follows:
Thursday after school - non-fiction reading paper
Friday morning at 8am - Macbeth
Tutor Time Year 11 Extra English starting from 9 January
All Year 11 students should have applied for a college place or training provider by Christmas. If they haven't for whatever reason, please contact Ms Wayman who will help. Farnborough 6th Form College interviews will be held in school during the week of 16 January, with appointment times being sent out during the first week back.
A huge thank you to parents and carers who have sponsored our Year 7 students for Readathon. You can still do so online here. Students can bring in their sponsor forms after the break and hand in at the Library to make sure they are entered into the draw for participation prizes. It's been a great first term for Year 7 reading - more reading competitions to come next year.
The PE department are seeking sponsorship to help buy new kits for teams across the school. If you run a local business, or know if anyone locally would be willing to sponsor us, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Mr Frizzell.
We are excited in PE to confirm we have received a grant from Energise Me and the Youth Sport Trust that will see a new club available to all our students from January. This will be a dance/fitness session held once a week by a qualified instructor. More information will be available in January.
Positive Calthorpe Points - at the end of the Autumn Term, the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is 84.
The Two-Clicks Survey - let us know when you've read the Weekly Message by clicking this link and answering just one question!
Wishing you all a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing students back in school on Tuesday 3 January.
Friday 2 December 2022
English - the Year 11 tutor time Extra English sessions are resuming from 5 December and running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Those involved will have received a communication and been told by their English teachers. Crutches advice from Medical - we have noticed an increase in the number of students coming into school on crutches. Please can parents contact Medical (shwo@cps.hants.sch.uk) prior to sending their child into school on crutches, or come into Reception with them, so that an assessment can be carried out to allow the student to stay in school. Any crutches in school should only be provided by a hospital and not borrowed from others. Thank you for your support in this matter. REaL3 are collecting Christmas Cards to be donated to F1 Ward at Frimley Park Hospital and to members of the school community. Collection will take place from Monday 5 December up to Thursday 15 December. These can be handmade or purchased, then dropped in to Reception - further details can be found in the homework section of Edulink. Positive Calthorpe Points - at this point in the Autumn Term, the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is 73. Click here for Library News this week. Lost Property - we now have so much lost property here at school that we are running out of storage space. If your child has lost any items, please could you encourage them to check lost property (by the boys changing rooms at the end of the gym) by Thursday 8 December. After this time, we plan to donate any unclaimed items, especially coats, to charity at the end of term. Thanks to Dan J in Year 11, our Lost Property Ambassador, for sorting so many items and trying to reunite them with their owners! The CPSA would love to have more volunteers join their new team! Please see this link for more details. Their next meeting is at 7.30pm on Monday 5 December at the De Havilland on Elvetham Heath. If you would like to order a freshly-cut Christmas tree from local company, Tincleton Trees, with free delivery to your home, please use this order form. For every tree ordered via this form, the CPSA will receive 10% of sales.
Friday 25 November 2022
Cycle Safety - please remind your child, if they use a bike to get to school, to wear a high-vis strap or a bright jacket whilst cycling, turn on a front and back light, as well as wearing their bike helmet. Safety on the roads is paramount and with the darkness being earlier after school, responsibility lies with the cyclist for ensuring that they can be easily seen whilst on the road and at junctions.
College & Careers support - a reminder that there is careers support for Year 11 students if they need it, particularly in relation to college applications. Please contact Ms Wayman for any help with this (b.wayman@cps.hants.sch.uk).
See this link for details of the Holiday Activities and Food scheme funded by the Department for Education for eligible students. This shows sites delivering these schemes locally over the Christmas holidays.
Library News includes details about Readathon, opening times and books of the week.
CPSA Fundraising - with the recent installation of more canopies around school creating shelter for students we are continuing with our campaign to raise money for benches to be used in these areas. Although the campaign has been running for some time, we have only just reached the half way point, with another £3000 still to raise. With a small donation from every family at school, we could easily meet this target and are always grateful for your continued support. The link for donations is here.
Friday 11 November 2022
On 17 November, Year 7 will follow their timetabled lessons but their teacher will be delivering a lesson focussing on this years OutRight campaign, "The right to the best possible health care" (Article 24 of the UNCRC). REaL3 have put together six lessons on an area of this topic about which they felt strongly. This date has been chosen to coincide with World Children's Day 2022 (18 November). CPS and REaL3 are looking forward to supporting children and young people to learn about children's rights and ensure their voices are heard by decision makers.
Year 11 students applying for college should be aware that some college deadlines are imminent, please check via the college website and ensure your application is completed and submitted in time. Farnborough 6th Form interviews will take place in school during the week beginning 16 January 2023, with details and appointment times to follow. Please contact Ms Wayman with any queries (b.wayman@cps.hants.sch.uk).
See this link for Library news, including Remembrance Day, Readathon for Year 7 and Books of the Week.
Positive Calthorpe Points - at this point in the Autumn Term, the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is 55.
Two events will be taking place in the next few weeks - the ESU public speaking competition on 28 November and the Year 10 Dragons' Den on 6 December.
Details from English about two external competitions:
1. For those Year 11 students who are/will be 16 by the close of the competition on 24 February 2023, they might like the opportunity to write a poem of up to 48 lines on the theme of "The Planets". First prize = £5000, second prize = £3000, third prize = £1500 and 10 commended awards of £500 each. Find out more at this link.
2. KSCPP are holding their second essay contest for UK schools. The essay topic is based on the publication Chung Hyo Ye, a book of traditional tales of filial devotion, loyalty, respect and benevolence from the history and folklore of Korea. A free download and full contest details are available here.
Hampshire Teen Project are running a week of free activities/workshops/hot meals for students aged 11-16 who are eligible under the Pupil Premium Scheme during the first week of the Christmas Holidays. See this letter for details.
Friday 4 November 2022
Each year our assembly programme changes to reflect topical issues, events and themes that embody our shared values. Our students have the benefit of having these delivered to them within their House, in the formal setting of our main Hall. To ensure that our students really engage with the messages that we deliver, an "all-in" activity is delivered by each of their tutors that supports each assembly theme. See this link for more details.
There are a number of trips open for application this week, with the deadline on Monday at 9pm. See this link for the full list of trips.
There are further college open evenings taking place this month - Alton on the 9th, Sparsholt on the 12th, Lord Wandsworth on the 22nd, FCoT on the 23rd and BCoT on the 29th. See this page for details.
The PE team are looking for donations of second-hand, good condition PE tops, shorts or leggings. Please could these be taken to the PE Office.
Click here for news from the school Library, including Book of the Week. Also from Hampshire Libraries see these links about their general service, a coat exchange and bring a mug.
Positive Calthorpe Points - at this point in the Autumn Term, the average amount of House or Achievement points allocated to students is 50.
See the Community Events notice on our website which currently contains details of two sports clubs that take place here, rugby taster sessions for girls at Camberley Rugby Club this Sunday, a girls football club in Hartley Wintney and the restart of Hype on 9 December.
Friday 21 October 2022
Please see this link for our Newsletter this half term.
We are pleased to announce that the Year 11 Leavers' Prom will be held on Friday 30th June 2023 at Warbrook House in Eversley. An assembly giving details will be held for Year 11 students on 31 October, with further information being sent out to parents in the new year.
Safeguarding matter - we have been made aware that young people in the area are making plans to host a large gathering over half term. We understand that over 100 students have been invited from a range of local schools. Information suggests that quantities of alcohol and controlled drugs may be available. The police are aware of such plans and we feel it is sensible to share this information with our parents so that if you are aware that your child has received such an invitation you can exercise caution as appropriate.
We are holding a Stay Safe Information Evening for parents of students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 on Tuesday 1 November, from 6-7.30pm, with a specific focus on Child Criminal Exploitation. For further details and to book a place, please see this link.
Attendance Matters - we are pleased to inform you that our most recent attendance figures put us at 93.4% which is above the national average of 92.4%. We want to exceed our target and aim for at least 96% across the whole school - please can you help us reach our target?
See this link for the latest Library news.
PS Catering have planned new menus in the Restaurant and Café starting after half term - see this link on the website for details.
The UKMT Intermediate Club for Years 9, 10 and 11 starts on Mondays after school until 4pm in X1.
Science are very grateful for all the recycling donations so far! Due to regular use, they would welcome further donations of empty aluminium soft drinks cans. Please can students take these to the second floor science prep room after half term.
Hampshire Libraries are inclusive, non-judgemental spaces where everyone can expect a warm welcome from staff and volunteers. See this link which explains in more detail their facilities, free activities and service.
Wishing you all a good half term break - school reopens on Monday 31 October.
Friday 14 October 2022
Please find attached a letter from Mr Borkowski about uniform expectations. You can also see this letter on our website here.
On Monday 10 October, Year 11 received an assembly about the different 'Revision Skills' and how to prepare for their mock examinations. The CPS Extra Programme starts next week and students will attend subject specific revision sessions to prepare them for the mocks. In addition, a Year 11 formal mocks assembly will take place on Monday 17 October to explain the processes and students will receive a 'Mocks Revision Booklet'.
There is a Year 7 Meet the Tutor virtual event for Year 7 parents on Tuesday 18 October - see this letter for details about booking your appointment.
The UKMT Maths Challenge Intermediate Club for Years 9, 10 and 11 starts again after half term on Mondays after school. It would help if students would register their interest either with Mrs Powell in X1 or their Maths teacher.
Science - as mentioned last week please could students drop the requested recycling items off at the second floor Science prep room. These items are empty, uncrushed soft drinks cans, food can lids (without sharp edges), empty ice cream tubs/takeaway containers, old bath towels - thanks for your support.
Library News - see this link for details of Black History Month, timings and Book Club.
College Open Evenings for Year 11 students are taking place next week as follows:
Farnborough 6th Form - Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 October, 4-6pm or 6.30-8.30pm
(book tickets at this link or see their website here - please note that the later time has now sold out for all days)
Peter Symonds - Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 October, 5.30-8.30pm
You can see the College Open Evenings page on our website here.
Finally, we are always very grateful when you take the time to make contact with us to celebrate the dedication of school staff in supporting and educating your children. The Pearson Education Awards have now opened their nominations for 2023. If you or your child would like to recognise a teacher for their dedication, creativity and support, then please do see this link and submit a nomination.
Friday 7 October 2022
This week, the Y11 Parents' Information Evening presentation was sent out and this can be viewed by Year 11 parents and students at this link. Next week, students will attend a seminar on revision skills to prepare them for their mock exams in November.
We are holding the 21st Model United Nations event on Friday 14 October with participants from Years 10 and 11. Each country has a representative for each of the three committees - Security, Social and Economic. On the evening of Wednesday 12 October, the delegates from each country will visit their relevant committee, giving the delegates the chance to vote on resolutions and to ask for support from their allies.
We are excited to see the return of this event after a hiatus of three years due to covid. This year, we have decided to keep the event for Calthorpe students only, but we are looking forward to inviting participants from other schools and colleges next year.
Medical - with the cold/flu season approaching and with covid still in the community, we would request that all students bring in their own tissues and hand sanitiser. This is for the protection of students and staff. Please could you also remind your children to regularly wash their hands. To ensure students stay hydrated, please ensure students bring in their own water bottle daily.
As per Ms Jones email sent during the summer term, this is a reminder that students are not allowed to carry medication in their school bags with the exception of diabetic medication, inhalers and epipens. If medication is required during the school day, it needs to be stored in the medical room. This is for the safety of students - a local school has had an overdose case due to students obtaining medication from others.
Female students are welcome to come to medical for supplies of sanitary products which are readily available free of charge.
Restaurant payments - we are keen to make sure our students are always able to purchase food/drink, and not end up being hungry. With the re-launch of our restaurant, new café and our new catering team, PS Catering, in September 2021, we have trialled the use of student overdraft facilities as a mechanism to make sure students are able to purchase food/drink on the odd occasion parents forget to top up their accounts. If you wish your child to have a £5 overdraft facility, please complete this form.
Science need the following items - please could you collect over the next week and then we'll advise where they can be dropped off during the week of 17 October:
- Uncrushed, empty aluminium soft drinks cans
- Food can lids removed by can openers that leave a lip on the lid (no lids with sharp edges)
- 1 and 2 litre ice cream tubs/food tubs with lids
- Empty plastic takeaway food containers with lids
- Old or unwanted large bath towels
Library News - see this link for details of the National Poetry Day, lunchtimes, opening times and Book Club.
College Open Evenings over the next fortnight for Year 11 students - see this page on our website for details:
Farnham - Saturday 8 October, 9.30am-12.30pm
Sparsholt - Saturday 8 October, 10am-2pm
Basingstoke College of Technology - Saturday 8 (10am-12.30pm) and Monday 10 October, 4.30-7pm
Farnborough College of Technology - Wednesday 12 October, 4-7.30pm
Guildford - Wednesday 12 October, 4.30-7.30pm
Alton - Thursday 13 October, 5-8pm
Peter Symonds - Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 October, 5.30-8.30pm
Farnborough 6th Form - Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 October, 4-6pm or 6.30-8.30pm (book tickets at this link or see their website here)
Friday 30 September 2022
We would like to inform you that we are running a "push on punctuality and attendance programme" over the next two weeks.
Whilst the overwhelming majority of our students have excellent attendance records, we know that for some arriving on time is a challenge and this can sometimes be due to complex circumstances. However, excellent attendance and punctuality has repeatedly been shown to have a positive impact on progress and attainment. In addition, we want to encourage good routines and promote being on time as an important life skill.
Starting on Monday 3 October, if your son or daughter is late to school in the morning, you will receive an Edulink message advising you of their lateness and offering support to improve this. This is not intended to be a punitive initiative, rather a way to be transparent with our parents and to identify students who might need our support.
Southampton University Cipher Challenge - this club is starting on Thursdays from 6 October. Numbers are limited to 25 students and can be individual entries or as a team. Students should see Mrs Powell in X1 or Mrs Jones in X3 if interested. More information about this club can be found here. Our full clubs list is also here.
The Maths weekly puzzle has restarted. An email is sent each week from Mr Marzetti to all students with two types of questions. All responses get house points, with more if correct, plus the fastest response gets five house points! Please encourage your children to take part.
Library News - see this link giving details of opening times, Y7/8 Book Club, the book amnesty and National Poetry Day.
College Open Evenings for Year 11 students - there are a number of college open evenings taking place over the next 10 days as follows:
Farnborough College of Technology - online information meeting for parents/students living in Fleet - Monday 3 October, 7.30pm
Queen Mary's College - Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 October, 5-8pm
Merrist Wood - Wednesday 5 October, 4.30-7.30pm
Salesian - Wednesday 5 October, 6.45-9pm
Yateley - Thursday 6 October, 7-9pm
Farnham - Saturday 8 October, 9.30am-12.30pm
Sparsholt - Saturday 8 October, 10am-2pm
Basingstoke College of Technology - Saturday 8 (10am-12.30pm) and Monday 10 October, 4.30-7pm
See this page on our website and visit the college websites to book places where relevant.
Friday 23 September 2022
Social Media – It has come to our attention that a small number of our students have not been using social media, including Snapchat and Whatsapp, wisely or indeed legally. Please could we request that parents check mobile devices and social media accounts regularly for inappropriate content? It would be incredibly helpful to our efforts to safeguard our young people if you could remind them that:
- Filming people without consent is a criminal offence
- Circulating footage or images of people without consent is an offence
- Engaging in online abuse or inciting others to victimise peers represents child-on-child abuse and it will not be tolerated
- Sending or sharing indecent images received is illegal
- Befriending strangers that are unknown to them is unwise and could result in them being targeted by those wishing to groom young people
Should you have any concerns, please do contact us directly, and should you wish to learn more about online safety please consult this link.
Year 11 Geography Field Trip, Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 September - students are reminded that meet time is 7.45am in the Restaurant next to Geography in non-school uniform, with a packed lunch and appropriate wet weather layers.
Free School Meals - Calthorpe Park School are mindful that financial circumstances may change rapidly in light of the current cost of living crisis. Your child may be eligible for ‘free school meals’ and support through ‘pupil premium’ funding. Details can be found on the website under Information/Pupil Premium here and to check the criteria for eligibility here.
Please complete this Form if you would like to be contacted to discuss further.
Fleet 5k & 10k – see this link if students would like to take part in these events on 30 October.
Year 10 Health and Social Care revision sessions begin next Thursday after school in Mu3 for 4 weeks in preparation for their first formal assignment.
Macmillan Coffee Morning – this takes place on Friday 30 September and we’d be very grateful for donations of cakes next week for this event. Further details will be sent out next week.
Library News – see this link for Library news, a book amnesty, the Y7/8 book club and student librarians.
Friday 16 September 2022
Next Thursday 22 September, school will close early at 2.10pm in preparation for our annual Open Evening for Year 6 children. Provision will be made for students who normally catch the bus at 3pm - if your child does need to stay on site up to 3pm, please contact Reception. Thank you to all students who have volunteered as Tour Guides and to help in departments during the evening - we are looking forward to a great event!
On Tuesday 20th September, Year 11 will have a Relationships and Sex Education Workshop with It Happens Education. The workshop will focus on consent and healthy relationships. We look forward to welcoming our speaker to CPS.
School photographs are taking place next week - see this link for the timings for each year group and for sibling photos.
There have been some updates to the lunchtime and after school clubs list - here is the latest version. The Diana Award will run on Wednesday lunchtimes, Y7/8 Photography Club after school on Wednesdays, and the Southampton University Cipher Challenge on Thursdays after school (from 6 October).
Library News this week - see this link for details about opening times, a book amnesty, a Reading Line, student librarians and Book Club.
The main college open evenings are about to take place over the next few weeks and we have collated details of these dates and timings on the website here. There are still some timings to be confirmed so we recommend that Year 11 students/parents also check the college websites prior to visiting.
Finally, as a reminder, school will be closed on Monday, observing the bank holiday for the State Funeral.
Friday 9 September 2022
Welcome back to the first term of the new academic year!
Today we remembered the Queen during our morning briefing and students were shown a presentation during tutor time. We include this link from Winston's Wish with advice and guidance on how to support young people.
The Library is now open and our new Librarian, Mrs Eastlake, is looking forward to meeting students. Please see her introduction and details about opening hours here.
Our clubs list has been updated showing activities taking place at lunchtime and after school. It can be found on the website under Students/Clubs here. It will be updated at regular intervals each half term so please check the page on a regular basis. Most clubs will be starting during the week of 12 September. One new club is the Social Sport club on a Tuesday after school. Students can turn up and book an allocated sports area for their own use with friends, providing a great way to be active, build confidence and fitness, and enjoy sport with friends. See this link for details.
Permit - Traffic Management System: Following the Permit Application Letter (Y6 into Y7) and the Renewal Invitation Letter (Y8-11) issued in July and the permit checks and conversations that have taken place this week, please be aware that from Wednesday 14 September there will be no access to the site for non-permit holders at the end of the day, during pick-up. Any parent who has not yet made an application or renewal request and is eligible for a permit (see here for eligible postcodes and additional information regarding extenuating circumstances), should email permits@cps.hants.sch.uk to request an Edulink application form and may need to make alternative collection arrangements until they receive their permit (where eligible).
Our careers page can be found on the website here. This includes a link to request a careers appointment for Year 11 students.
Two letters have been issued this week - one about trips and one for Year 9 about options. They can be found on this page.