Weekly Message 311 – 4 September 2026
4th September 2026
Welcome back to the new school year! It has been fantastic to see our pupils return looking smart, ready to learn and getting stuck into school life. The start of a new year is always a chance for a fresh start, and we have been really pleased with the positive attitude and energy we have seen across the school during these first few days.
Thank you to parents and carers for your support in helping your children get off to a good start and arrive at school ready to learn, meeting our expectations around uniform, equipment, punctuality and behaviour. These things might seem small, but they make a big difference in creating the calm, respectful environment we want for everyone. When we all play our part and work together, we create a school where pupils can flourish, thrive and make the most of the opportunities ahead. We are looking forward to a great year together.
Welcome to Year 7 Pupils
A huge welcome to our new Year 7 pupils, who have made a fantastic start to life at Cams Hill School this week. From arriving through their guard of honour and receiving their Cams Hill badge in their first official assembly, to meeting their tutors, navigating new classrooms and getting stuck into their first lessons, they have already achieved so much.
There have naturally been a few nervous faces along the way, but we have been really impressed by the courage, courtesy and commitment they have shown as they begin this next chapter. We are incredibly proud of the way they have settled in and are looking forward to seeing them grow in confidence over the weeks and months ahead.
Activities Week
Our Year 6 Summer Activities Week was a fantastic time for our Year 6 pupils to prepare for their secondary school journey. We were incredibly impressed by how enthusiastically and positively pupils embraced the wide range of activities on offer, from arts and crafts, sport, gardening and cooking to team-building games and much more. A particular highlight was our special visit from Mad4Animals, which gave pupils the unforgettable opportunity to get up close to and learn about a fascinating range of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects and arachnids. The week was also a wonderful opportunity for pupils to make new friends, build confidence, develop positive relationships and become familiar with their new school, routines and staff.
Throughout the week, pupils were exceptionally courteous, enthusiastic and respectful, showing a real willingness to get involved, try new things and support one another. It was wonderful to see friendships developing and pupils becoming increasingly confident and comfortable in their new surroundings. We rounded off the week with inflatable activities, games, a BBQ and, of course, a visit from the ice-cream van! Most importantly, pupils had a brilliant time, created some fantastic memories and demonstrated just how ready they are to take the next exciting step in their secondary school journey. We are extremely proud of them all!
Safety on the School Site
As we settle into the new school year, we would like to remind parents and carers about keeping everyone safe when arriving at and leaving school. To help keep the movement of pupils around the site safe and manageable, we ask that parents and carers do not drive into the staff car park, particularly at the end of the school day when the site is at its busiest. At this time, we have a large number of pupils moving around the school, as well as taxis that need to access Reception to collect pupils.
We appreciate that the car park can sometimes seem like a convenient place to stop, but keeping this area clear makes a real difference to the safety of our pupils and allows vehicles that need access to move safely and efficiently. Thank you for your support with this and for helping us to keep the school site safe for everyone.
Year 9 Boys Take on the Three Peaks Challenge
We returned after the summer break to some incredible news about the fundraising efforts of three of our Year 9 pupils, who are raising money towards their expedition to Kenya in July 2027.
Between 17 and 19 August, S Smith, B Williams and D Gray successfully completed the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales over three consecutive days.
On 16 August the boys travelled to Scotland with their dads and began the challenge the following day:
17 August: Ben Nevis, Scotland – 1,345 metres
18 August: Scafell Pike, England – 978 metres
19 August: Yr Wyddfa (also known as Snowdon), Wales – 1,085 metres
Throughout the challenge, the boys faced difficult weather conditions, making their achievement even more remarkable. Their combined fundraising total currently stands at an incredible £2,341, all of which will support their participation in the Africa Adventures trip.
The boys demonstrated exceptional determination, teamwork and resilience throughout the challenge, as well as an impressive commitment to their fundraising.
We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and the dedication they have shown. Well done,
Trip to The Ardèche
At the beginning of the summer holidays 39 pupils along with Mrs Brooker, Mrs Holden, Mrs Oswald-Cutler, Mr Atkins and Mr Booth embarked on the long journey to The Ardèche in the south of France.
The children took part in high ropes, canyoning, archery tag, swimming, and the week culminated in a two-day river descent of The Ardèche Gorge. These activities tested the children’s confidence and resilience, pushing their skills by trying new activities and working with peers.
The trip was fantastic, and the pupils were an absolute pleasure to take. PGL were very complimentary about our young people and how they are a credit to both the school and their families.
GCSE RS Trip
At the end of the Summer Term, the RS department took its GCSE pupils to visit St John’s Church in Locks Heath and Kadampa Meditation Centre in Southampton to learn about the core beliefs of Christians and Buddhists. Pupils experienced informative presentations at both sites, before taking part in question-and answer sessions. Pupils embodied the Cams Hill School value of courtesy as they listened carefully and engaged with understanding the perspectives of people who may have differing beliefs to their own.
Summer Family BBQ
At the end of the Summer Term, we were delighted to welcome families to our Summer Family BBQ, providing a relaxed and informal opportunity for families to come together, enjoy some food and have some fun. The event included a range of inflatables, games and activities for children to enjoy, while parents and carers had the opportunity to chat with key members of staff in a friendly and welcoming environment. More than simply a celebration, the BBQ was an important opportunity to strengthen relationships between home and school, break down any barriers and ensure that families know that they are valued members of our school community.
We hope that the event helped families feel comfortable approaching staff, asking questions and accessing the support available to them. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves, connecting with one another and seeing the school as a place where they can feel welcomed, listened to and supported.
Sports News
Below is a list of sports clubs for this term. They are after school unless an alternative time is stated. If a pupil wishes to attend a club after school on day when they do not have PE, then they must bring their PE uniform to school and change at the Sports Hall. Pupils meet at the Sports Hall for all clubs.
Monday
Netball training and trials for all netball teams in all years
Rugby Training for Years 7, 8 and 9
Wednesday
Badminton club for all years
Netball fixtures for Year 9 – next week away to Kings Academy Bay House, team to follow.
Football fixtures Year 10 boys – next week home to Henry Cort, team to follow
Thursday
GCSE morning badminton 7.30am
Senior netball fixtures, next week away to Henry Cort, team to follow
Year 9 Boys’ Football fixtures, next week home to Henry Cort, team to follow.
Year 7 and 8 football club for boys and girls (must have football boots or Astro trainers)
Friday
GCSE badminton and trampolining
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Whole School Letters Published This Half Term
Below is a list of letters emailed to all parents/carers this half term together with the date and time they were sent. If you are unable to find any of the communications, please email office@camshill.com and we can send you a further copy.
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust – sent 4/9/26 at 0851
Welcome back – sent 2/9/26 at 1700