Skip to content
  • Danebury Blog

    Page 1

    • Mobile Phone Update

      Published 25/04/25, by Monica Freeman

      I would like to share with parents how we are storing and looking after the mobile phones during the school day.  The image below is one of the Tutor cases that are being used daily to collect any phones that are brought into school by the pupils.  The cases have foam padding with slots cut out that hold each mobile phone securely.  Each member of the tutor group has an allocated slot into which they place their phone each morning, and retrieve it from at the end of the day.  Each tutor has a different locked box, there isn't a universal key.  The phones are safe and secure within each locker.  They fit into each slot firmly and there is limited opportunity for damage to be caused.  No pupils have access to these lockers, neither are they asked to fetch or carry them at any point.

      Following the phone collection, each locker is then locked away further in a large locker by the admin. offices.  If a pupil needs their phone for any reason during the day, or they leave earlier, they are collecting their phone from reception.

      Read More
    • Arbor Portal - Students & Parents

      Published 04/04/25, by Monica Freeman

      Transition from Class Charts to Arbor

      After Easter, we will be consolidating all aspects of school communication  - including behaviour tracking and homework – onto Arbor, the platform we already use for attendance, finances and communication.  This change will take effect from Tuesday 22nd April.  We believe it will provide a more streamlined and efficient experience for both parents and students.

      Why the change?

       By using one platform for all key school updates, we aim to:

      • Make it easier for parents to access all information in one place.
      • Improve communication between home and school.
      • Ensure a more consistent and user-friendly experience for families.
      Read More
    • Peter Symonds Open Evenings.

      Published 09/05/25, by Susan Braidley

      Open Evenings are on 2nd & 3rd July at 5.30pm-8.30pm. You can have a look around the campus, find out about the different courses they offer and chat to the tutors.

      Read More
    • Art Competition.

      Published 09/05/25, by Susan Braidley

      Accelerated Reader are running an art competition called 'What inspires you to read?' All students are encouraging to create a piece of art that shows their inspiration for reading, or even what they enjoy about it. 

      Please can all entries be submitted to bartonc@testvalley.hants.sch.uk - The deadline is May 16th (not long at all)

      Read More
    • Year 11, Leaver's Hoodies.

      Published 06/05/25, by Susan Braidley

      Read More
    • Danebury Food Blog - 2nd May

      Published 03/05/25, by Monica Freeman

      There is nothing better than a home-cooked meal that is quick and nutritious.  Each week we will be sharing recipes that have been nominated by pupils or members of staff, that are more delicious than freezer food and considerably cheaper than ordering a takeaway.  In addition, we will be sharing news about the fantastic food preparation undertaken by our pupils.

      Read More
    • V-E Day 80th Celebrations

      Published 02/05/25, by Susan Braidley

      VE Day Commemorations 8th May 2025

      Danebury will be holding an afternoon of celebration on Thursday 8th May period 5 to mark the 80th year since war ended in Europe.   An afternoon of period music, traditional fun sports, fancy dress and cakes. 

      Pupils are encouraged to come to School in 1940’s British themed wartime dress or red, white and blue school appropriate clothing, donating £1 to the Royal British Legion.

      Pupils who enjoy baking are encouraged to take part in a traditional British cake bake off.  Cakes will be judged and sold in aid of the Royal British Legion. 

      Stories from our community is a competition for pupils to research and share the contributions made by a member of their family during the Second World War.  Pupils can submit their stories to Mrs Allsopp or Mrs Ellis. 

       

      Read More
    • News from the Library

      Published 25/04/25, by Monica Freeman

      Book of the Week

      KS3 - One-Punch Man - Shonenjump Manga

      KS4 - The Last Bookstore on Earth - Lily Braun-Arnold

      Read More
    • College Open Evenings - 2024/25

      Published 25/04/25, by Monica Freeman

      What to do before attending an open day:

      • Check whether you need to book a date and time with the college or sixth form, most are now bookable online.
      • Read through their prospectus / website to help you plan which courses you want to know more about.
      • Make a list of questions to ask.
      • Plan to create a positive first impression on the college staff you talk to at the event: one of them could be your future tutor!
      • Can’t make an open event? Many colleges have tour videos and other information on their website, which are available all year round.

      Please note: these dates and timings are correct as of 21.3.25 and are subject to change – we would urge you to check the college website prior to attending.

      Read More
    • Year 5 Taster Sessions

      Published 25/04/25, by Monica Freeman

      Monday 9 June - Child & Parent session

      Wednesday 11 June - Child & Parent session

      Thursday 26 June - Child only session

      Register and book your child a place on one of the above dates, via email:office@danebury.hispmat.org

      Read More
    • Year 11 Prom 2025.

      Published 23/04/25, by Susan Braidley

      Year 11 Prom, Thursday 19th June 2025 - Save the Date!  Tickets are now available on Arbor at £40. Please book as soon as possible so we can confirm numbers. The seating plan will be with Miss Braidley at Pupil Services from Monday 28th April. The table sizes can be 6, 8 or 10 places; Students can make up a friendship group (any size, you don't have to fill a table) and come and 'book at table' and give it a film title.

      Read More
    • New Mobile Phone Procedure

      Published 04/04/25, by Monica Freeman

      Following the parent consultation we held at the start of this half term, and as part of our commitment to creating a focused, respectful and safe learning environment, we are introducing a new mobile phone procedure starting Tuesday 22nd April 2025.

      From this date, all students will be required to hand in their mobile phones at the start of the school day and collect them at the end of the day.

      How it works:

      • At the morning line-up, your child will place their phone in a lockable phone locker allocated to their tutor group.
      • These lockers will be stored securely in a locked cupboard during the day.
      • 5 minutes before the end of the school day, pupils will return to line-ups to collect their phone from the same locker.

      This system ensures phones are safe, secure, and out of use during the school day, supporting our aims around:

      • Reduced distractions in lessons
      • Improved social interaction and wellbeing
      • Reduced risk of online issues during school hours

      What we need from you:

      • Please speak to your child positively about this new routine.
      • Support Danebury by reminding your child of expectations.
      • Support the sanctions implemented if the rules are broken.
      • We strongly advise that phones are named and in a protective case.
      • Please be aware that phones are brought to school at students’ own risk, and the school cannot take responsibility for loss or damage.

      If you need to contact your child during the day, please do so through the school office as usual.

      We believe this is a positive step towards a calmer, more focused learning environment.

      Thank you for your continued support.

      Read More

    Page 1