Weekly Message 291 – 30 January 2026
30th January 2026
As we head into the coming weeks, there are some important dates ahead.
On Friday 6 February, pupils can take part in a non-uniform day in support of Sophie’s Legacy and African Adventures, helping us make a positive difference beyond our school community.
We look forward to welcoming parents and carers into school on Tuesday 10 February, for the Year 11 Pupil Progress Evening taking place from 3:00–6:30pm. This is a valuable opportunity to celebrate progress and successes and to discuss next steps.
Thursday 12 February brings our Year 10 Future Skills Day, an inspiring event designed to prepare pupils for life post-16.
We also remind parents and carers that the school will be closed to pupils on Friday 13 February which is an INSET Day for staff to engage in professional development to further enhance teaching and learning.
Science Live
A group of fifty Year 10 pupils travelled to the iconic Brighton Dome to see GCSE Science Live on Tuesday. They joined over a thousand other pupils from schools across the region, to watch presentations from some renowned and inspiring scientists.
The guest presenters were Lord Robert Winston (Professor, Medical Doctor, Broadcaster and Politician), Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Space Physicist and Broadcaster), Professor Andrea Sella (Research Chemist and Broadcaster), Professor Gilly Forrester (Research scientist in Evolutionary & Developmental Psychology – University of Sussex), and Dr Anna Ploszajski (Award-winning materials scientist and writer).
Each presenter shared with us how they first became interested in their field of study and what they are currently researching. Each had their own unique style of presentation. We all had an enjoyable and interesting time and we thank our colleagues in the Science Department for making this happen.
Rotary Youth Speaks Competition
On Monday, our pupils took part in the annual Rotary Youth Speaks Competition.
Unfortunately, our junior team was unable to take part due to illness. The pupils have put in a lot of hard work, and we hope they will be able to take part next year.
Our senior team debated whether ‘Colloquial language has a detrimental impact on Feminism’. They lost to Crofton and Boundary Oak Schools, but the pupils did a fantastic job, and the judges were very impressed with their overall performance.
The pupils were a credit to what it means to be a Cams Hill pupil and are symbolic of everything we stand for as a school. They thanked the Rotary Club for hosting and congratulated each team as they came off stage. Even in defeat, they were the pinnacle of courtesy, as well as portraying courage and commitment throughout the entire process. A huge well done to all involved.
Itchen College Visiting School
On Thursday, an Itchen College Drama lecturer worked with our Year 10 and Year 11 Drama pupils. Both classes were incredibly polite and enthusiastic at having a taste of A Level Drama. There were noise, creativity and laughter throughout the hour-long workshops. We look forward to working with Itchen College again in the future.
Jazz Café Auditions
Auditions for our Jazz Café will be held on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at lunch time. Pupils wishing to audition should sign up in Mu1.
British Heart Foundation – Heart Month 2025
Next week during tutor time, pupils will learn the essential life-saving skill of CPR using resources created in school and those provided by the British Heart Foundation.
To give back to the British Heart Foundation and to spread a little love and kindness around the school we will also be offering a ‘sweet’ way to share pupils’ love with others by anonymously sending a small bag of heart sweets to someone around the school. This will run from 6 February to 13 February and will cost 50p per bag. All money raised will go to the British Heart Foundation.
Menu w/c 2 February 2026
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.
Non-School Uniform Day Friday 6 February 2026 – sent 29/1/26 1514
Upcoming Gas Works – sent 21/1/26 1014
Family Information and Services Hub
Below is a link to Hampshire County Council’s website showing what is going on in your area, details on how to access services, organisations and activities in Hampshire, and the advice and support that is available.
https://www.connecttosupporthampshire.org.uk/family-information-and-services-hub-fish
Statistics
Positive Behaviour Points Averages per Pupil for This Week – 4-day week
Year 7 – 3.44 points
Year 8 – 3.26 points
Year 9 – 3,83 points
Year 10 – 1.18 points
Year 11 – 2.31 points
Attendance
This week – 91.8%
Same week last year – 92.2%
Sparx and Educake
These are two online resources that we expect pupils to be accessing routinely with homework set by teachers and independently to support their progress in Maths, Science, and other subjects. We ask parents/carers to check in with their child to see whether they are accessing these resources routinely and to encourage the best use of them.
Sparx – Maths
Over 50% in Maths Homework
Year 7 79%
Year 8 67%
Year 9 72%
Year 10 Independent revision for assessment
Over 75% in Maths Homework
Year 7 79%
Year 8 65%
Year 9 64%
Year 10 Independent revision for assessment
100% in Maths Homework
Year 7 74% *
Year 8 54%
Year 9 50%
Year 10 independent revision for assessment
*For example, this figure means 74% of Year 7 got 100% in their homework tasks.
Figures in green indicate maintaining or an increase from last time.
Year 11 are working independently with revision homework.
Maths Homework Support is open to all Years on Wednesdays in ICT2 until 4pm.
Next In-Class Assessment
Year 9 – w/c 2 February 2026 – non-calculator test, needs a protractor
Year 8 – w/c 2 February 2026 – non-calculator test
Year 7 – w/c 9 February 2026 – calculator test
Calculators and other equipment for sale
Casio fx-83GT scientific calculators can be bought via Arbor and collected from the Finance Office. Prices of these and other items for sale are shown below:
Casio fx-83GT scientific calculator- £9.00
Pre-packed pencil case – £2.50
Pair of compasses – 29p
Protractor – 9p
100 blank flashcards – £1.00
A range of GCSE Maths revision materials for KS4 use – See Arbor for details
Educake – Science
Average number of questions answered per pupil this week
Year 7 18 questions
Year 8 12 questions
Year 9 22 questions
Year 10 36 questions
Year 11 51 questions
Highest number of questions answered by one pupil this week
Year 7 344 questions
Year 8 190 questions
Year 9 223 questions
Year 10 397 questions
Year 11 288 questions