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Please find a link above to a video message from Mr Leadbitter.

Spring has arrived and the site looks wonderful. We are so fortunate to have such a professional and hardworking site team that ensures the site is always in the best condition to support the wide range of work that has taken place across the site.

Following the results of the survey to parents and carers, we are very pleased to unveil the new look of the Newsletter. This should allow for an easier-to-digest breakdown of what has been going on each month, highlighting the experiences, opportunities and excellent work our students are undertaking.

The focus is shifting for Year 11, 12 and 13 to the summer exams. They are being very well prepared in lessons and they will need to apply all their dedication and commitment to effective and rigorous revision timetables over the Easter break to ensure they are in the best position possible for the exams.

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Headteacher Spring Newsletter Video Link 2026

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A-Level Spanish Granada Trip: language, culture and connection beyond the classroom

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A-Level Spanish Granada Trip: language, culture and connection beyond the classroom

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In March, a group of seven A-Level Spanish students travelled to Granada with Mrs García and Mrs Fernández for a cultural and literary study visit that brought their learning vividly to life.

Over four days, students took part in guided visits to the Alhambra, the Albaicín, the Sacromonte and key Lorca sites, including Fuente Vaqueros and a theatrical visit to his birthplace. These experiences allowed them to explore central A-Level themes such as identity, tradition and social change in a meaningful, real-world context. Their engagement with the guides, the places and the cultural experiences was outstanding throughout.

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A-Level Spanish Students with Mrs Garcia and Mrs Fernandez on the Spanish Trip to Granada

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Tanbridge Teacher Training - School Advert (event 20.04)

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Welcome to the brand new Tanbridge Teacher Training Hub, part of the Inspiring Future Teachers programme.

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On Saturday 21st of March, the mock trial team led by Mr Thomas assisted by Mrs Fernandez and Mr Elliot to the competition in Guildford Magistrates’ Court. With our mixture of great guidance, determination, and a lot of nerves, we were able to take home the trophy- upholding the winning title for another year!

In the first round, we went up against Kings’ International College within the tense walls of the court room. Our defence team, including myself, watched at the sidelines as we watched our fellow teammates’ talent and skill play at their will; our magistrates, witnesses, legal adviser and lawyers hitting every point, just like they practised. I speak for the whole defence team when I tell you the immense pride we felt.

In our second and final round, Gordon School was our next rival. We went against them with a confident front masking the anxiety deep down; our preparation and words the only weapons at hand. A professional sense flooded the air of the intimidating courtroom as our usher led witnesses to and from and our lawyers carefully handled the evidence which allowed them to dominate the courtroom. Before I could blink, the round was over and the competition portion of the day was done.

Before the winning announcement, we, as a team, did a plethora of things. We were lucky enough to have a Q&A session with many different people with many different roles within the justice system: judges, a solicitor, a barrister, a detective, a magistrate and a CPS worker. This gave us an opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the inner workings in a court and they gave us many reasons to consider a career in law. Additionally, we got a tour around the holding cells and later spoke to other schools from around Surrey. This allowed us to not only learn but socialise and laugh, a lot.

After the months of practice, a strong sense of community and friendship has grown among the students and the teachers alike.

At last, the moment had come.

We all crowded into the dock in Court 1, the court room filled with the other schools and a thick sense of anticipation surrounding us. As silence fell across the room, we held our collective breath as they announced Hazelwick School had won.

Our hard work had paid off and I swear to you, in that moment, we felt infinite.

I’d like to pay a special moment of recognition to Mr Thomas, Mrs Fernandez and Mr Elliot. Without their guidance and positivity, we would not be able to stand on our own two feet in a court room.

Written by Kimberly Ferreira Iodice, 9ZBA.

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Celebrating Success at the FE Maths Challenge Regional Final!

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Celebrating Success at the FE Maths Challenge Regional Final!

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We are incredibly proud to share that a group of our Level 2 post‑16 students travelled to the University of Sussex on Friday 20th March to compete in the FE Maths Challenge Regional Final. This is  part of a national competition run by MEI that promotes mathematical problem‑solving and teamwork among young people.
(More about the challenge: https://mei.org.uk/competition/further-education-maths-challenge/)

This regional final brought together the top-performing teams from nearly 6,000 students across the region, drawn from a national entry of over 55,000 students, making it a brilliant achievement for our students to be competing at this level. Even more impressively, our team took part in the highest category of the competition: Go Forths!

Throughout the event, our students demonstrated exceptional teamwork, dedication and positivity, fully embodying the Hazelwick School Values. They supported one another under pressure, approached every challenge with resilience, and celebrated each other’s successes. Their attitude, effort and conduct were recognised by staff and other teams alike, and we could not be prouder of how they represented the school.

Although we didn’t bring home a trophy this time, the students showed fantastic growth in their mathematical thinking, confidence and collaboration. The experience has strengthened not only their problem‑solving skills but also their ability to persevere and work meaningfully as a team.

The day also included a guided tour of the University of Sussex, giving students a valuable insight into university life and possible future pathways. A fantastic lunch added to the experience, making it both rewarding and memorable.

Whether working through complex puzzles or celebrating breakthroughs together, our students represented Hazelwick brilliantly.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved — you have done yourselves and the school proud!

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This month, Hazelwick took part in National Careers Week (NCW) . This is a national celebration of careers education designed to help young people explore future pathways. The theme for 2026, “Own Your Future,” encourages students to build confidence, recognise their strengths and take small steps towards shaping their futures.

Across the week, students took part in assemblies, talks and activities designed to broaden their understanding of the world of work. They were also signposted to the NCW Virtual Careers Fair, an interactive online space where students and parents can explore employers, universities, apprenticeships and sector‑specific information: https://ncw26.co.uk/#intro.

Our younger students had assembles delivered by Mrs Andrews focused on developing self‑awareness and key skills. Year 7 explored how their interests and habits influence their futures, learning that many jobs they will one day consider do not yet exist, especially in fast‑growing areas like technology and sustainability. They also discussed the importance of resilience, communication, and critical thinking. Year 8 explored the many routes available into different careers, emphasising curiosity, trying new things and recognising how learning and experience shape future choices. Year 9 took part in a video‑based assembly encouraging them to reflect on how different careers connect to personal strengths and interests.

Older students enjoyed a series of external speakers. Year 11 students heard from Sarah, a Student Ambassador at the University of Surrey, who shared insights into academic life, independence and the value of placements and study‑abroad programmes. Steph Ward from the University of Sussex helped Year 12 students understand how to choose a course, research universities, and consider factors such as accommodation, support, and study‑abroad opportunities. They also met Mohammed Ahmed from National Grid, who explained the wide range of roles in the energy sector,  including engineering, cyber‑security, IT, and business, along with apprenticeship and graduate opportunities. In addition, Year 10 welcomed Ciaran Moynan from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), who described the many career routes within the rail industry and how apprenticeships provide hands‑on entry into roles ranging from engineering and signalling to customer service.

Throughout the week, staff across the school supported NCW by highlighting career links within subjects and using form‑time activities focused on the “Own Your Future” theme to help students make meaningful connections between lessons and real career pathways.

Parents and carers can also explore a range of free resources to support conversations at home: https://ncw2020.co.uk/booklets-guides/. These include The Parents’ Guide to NCW 2026, which provides straightforward explanations of post‑16 and post‑18 options, qualification levels, and the different routes into careers such as apprenticeships and university. The guide also offers practical advice on building skills employers value,  such as teamwork, resilience and communication, and guidance on finding work experience, including virtual placements, volunteering, and shadowing.

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On Monday 16th March, I took a group of Year 10 and Year 12 students to an event at the Hawth run by the Crawley Young Person’s Council. There were four workshops aimed at young people including coping with mental health and wellbeing, the dangers of AI, cost of living, county lines and knife crime. At the end of the day there was a Youth Question Time session, run in a similar style to the Question Time programme on the BBC. Students were able to question the Leader of Crawley Borough Council, a police inspector, a mental health support worker and two youth workers from SID Youth, an organisation which offers mentoring, youth clubs and workshops to support young people. Hazelwick Students asked a number of mature and challenging questions to the panellists. The Crawley Young Person’s Council, which has several Hazelwick School members, ran a thoroughly engaging and enjoyable event!

Mr Harman

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Year 7 Students in this year's Spanish Spelling Bee Competition

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Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee: Celebrating Excellence and Dedication

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Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee: Celebrating Excellence and Dedication

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We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding progress and achievements of our Year 7 students in this year’s Spanish Spelling Bee competition.

Over the past weeks, students have shown remarkable commitment, enthusiasm and resilience as they prepared for the different stages of the competition. All participants have worked incredibly hard to master both the translation and spelling of an impressive 150 Spanish words. This is a significant achievement that reflects not only their growing linguistic ability, but also their dedication to learning beyond the classroom.

The standard across the year group has been exceptionally high, and we are immensely proud of every student who took part. Their effort, perseverance and positive attitude have been truly commendable.

Following a highly competitive final, we are proud to announce the results:

1. Subi Baskar

2. Rob Fecko

3. Shanmukh Dhulipala

These three students will represent Hazelwick School at the South East Regional Spelling Bee Competition, which will take place on Thursday, 26th March at the University of Southampton, where they will compete against winners from other schools across the region. In preparation for this next stage, our finalists have gone even further and have successfully learned 200 words. This is an exceptional accomplishment that reflects their dedication and ambition.

A special mention also goes to the students who performed exceptionally well and secured places 4th to 8th:

4. Pratham Singh

5. Darshana Rajashekar

6. Nehel Zahra

7. Rhea Dsouza

8. Nidhi Vaidya

We wish our finalists the very best of luck in the regional competition. Regardless of the outcome, they have already demonstrated exceptional determination and a genuine passion for languages.

This competition has once again highlighted the talent, enthusiasm and potential of our Year 7 linguists. We look forward to seeing their continued success as they progress in their language learning journey.

¡Enhorabuena a todos!

Mrs García and Mrs Fernández

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Year 7 Students in this year's Spanish Spelling Bee Competition

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For your information this month, via the Newsletter, we are raising awareness of an event Hazelwick students attended on the dangers of county lines drugs dealing and knife crime.

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For your information this month, via the Newsletter, we are raising awareness of an event Hazelwick students attended on the dangers of county lines drugs dealing and knife crime.

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On March 17th, Year 8 students from across Crawley secondary schools visited the Hawth Theatre for a Safer Schools event on the dangers of county lines drug dealing and knife crime. Students listened to the life experience of Patrick, from the St Giles Trust, a former gang member who warned the Year 8 students of the dangers of county lines and also how to recognise how they can be targeted and groomed by gang members. In preparation for the event, Year 8 students received pre-event lessons as part of the PSHE curriculum on the topic of county lines and knife crime. County lines is a term to describe the transportation of drugs from one area, commonly big cities, to another area of the country where criminal gangs are setting up a drug dealing operation. County Lines drug dealing involves the use of children in the transportation and dealing of drugs. According to the NSPCC, the average age of the children who become involved as drug runners is between 15 and 16, however children as young as 12 have also been groomed into these gangs. Areas where County Lines drug dealing is taking place also suffers from an increased level of violence including knife crime.

At Hazelwick School, in addition to the Safer Crawley event the Year 8 students attended, the topic of county lines is also taught as part of the Year 8 and Year 10 PSHE curriculum. Year 9 students study the legal, social and personal ramifications of carrying knives as part of the citizenship curriculum.

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Catch 22 – One to One specialist support service

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Catch 22 – One to One specialist support service

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County Lines Support and Rescue | Catch22

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Sussex Police – Serious violence – knife crime

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Sussex Police – Serious violence – knife crime

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Worried about a friend?

Are you worried that a friend or someone you know may be being exploited through County Lines activity? Then below are some of the signs to spot:

Returning home late, staying out all night or going missing for days or weeks at a time.

Being found in areas away from home, particularly areas you would not expect them to travel to alone.

Increasing drug use, or having a large amount of drugs on them when they do not use drugs themselves.

Suddenly being secretive about who they are talking to or where they are going.

Unexplained absences from school, work, college or training.

Having large amounts of money on them, or having lots of new stuff such as clothes, jewellery or phones they usually wouldn't be able to afford.

A change in behaviour - more disruptive, aggressive, anxious.

Using drug-related or adult language you would not expect that young person to know.

Having injuries that cannot be explained.

In possession of hotel keys or keys to unknown places.

Watch Aimee's story below to find out about some of the signs to spot:

Seeing these signs in someone may not automatically mean they are being criminally exploited. It may be that something else is going on for that person. But, if you spot a number of these signs in someone, it is important to raise this with a trusted adult to ensure that person is safe.

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Explore the world of county lines with our informative resources and insights. Learn about this concerning issue, its impact, and how communities can address it. Empower yourself with knowledge to help combat county lines at Crimestoppers UK's Fearless.

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Keep an eye out for some more exciting events happening next term where we have…

- Astronomy Scavenger Hunt (Y7-11)

- Origami (Y7-8)

- Big Music Quiz (all years)

- Bake Off (all years)

Mrs Millard – Head of Faraday House

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Mx Nolan and Mr De Moor took things to new heights with the Year 10 and 11 Paper Aeroplane Competition—and it truly was a flying success! Students first had to put their design skills to the test, carefully crafting their own paper planes (easier said than done!), before stepping up to launch them towards the target.

There were some impressive flights, a few unexpected crash landings, and plenty of cheering along the way! When the points were tallied, Sancho soared into first place with 1300 points, closely followed by Lovelace with 1100. Inayat Khan, Faraday, Parr and Moody all delivered strong performances, each earning 900 points.

A high-flying event that really took House competition to the next level!

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Mr Suckling and Mrs Millard put Year 8 and 9 students to the test with the World’s Speediest Quiz—a fast-paced challenge that had everyone thinking on their feet! Participants had to fire off answers to 20 quick questions without hesitation—no freezing allowed! From “What’s your favourite colour?” to “How many days are there in a week?”, it was a true test of speed, focus, and quick thinking.

Those who rose to the challenge and kept their cool were rewarded with sweets and valuable House points. Lovelace and Moody raced ahead, earning an impressive 800 points each. Sancho followed with 500 points, while Faraday secured 250 points and Inayat Khan added 100 points to their total.

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First up was the Meme Competition, organised by Mrs Stapleton. Students from all year groups worked within their form groups to create the most imaginative and funniest captions. The competition brought plenty of laughter and smiles across the school community.

Here is a selection of some of the winning entries and their captions. Lovelace secured first place with an impressive 1400 points, followed by Sancho with 800 points. Faraday and Parr shared third place with 500 points each, while Inayat-Khan and Moody each earned 400 points.

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British Science Week in Study Support & Literacy

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British Science Week in Study Support & Literacy

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As part of British Science Week, students in Study Support and Literacy took part in two engaging and thought-provoking activities led by Mrs Kitson.

Year 8 students explored “What is an ecosystem?”, developing their literacy skills by matching key definitions to images before building food chains and creating their own food webs. They then discussed how changes in the environment impact ecosystems, demonstrating excellent understanding and engagement throughout.

Year 9 students tackled the question “What should we trust machines to do for us?”, linking to a class text about AI in education. This sparked lively debate, with students confidently sharing a range of viewpoints and considering both the benefits and risks of technology.

Both sessions were highly interactive and encouraged critical thinking, discussion, and curiosity—perfectly capturing the spirit of British Science Week.

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Year 7 Craftsmanship Shines in Trinket Box Project

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Year 7 Craftsmanship Shines in Trinket Box Project

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This term, our Year 7 students have been busy in the workshop developing their woodworking skills through the creation of a personalised trinket box. The project has given students the chance to explore a range of essential techniques, combining traditional craft with modern technology.

Students began by learning the importance of accurate marking and cutting—key fundamentals that ensure each component fits together neatly. They then moved on to practising simple timber‑joining methods, gaining confidence with tools and equipment as their boxes started to take shape.

To give their projects a unique finishing touch, students designed their own decorative lids. These designs were brought to life using the laser cutter, allowing students to see how digital design and practical workshop skills can work together.

The finished trinket boxes are a testament to the students’ hard work, creativity and growing technical abilities. We are incredibly proud of their progress and look forward to seeing how their skills develop in future projects.

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EPQ Marketplace Showcases Sixth Form Research

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EPQ Marketplace Showcases Sixth Form Research

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Hazelwick Sixth Form recently hosted its annual EPQ Marketplace, celebrating the impressive independent research carried out by our students.

After months of investigation, writing and reflection, students presented their projects through professional display boards and delivered 10-minute presentations followed by Q&A sessions, confidently explaining their research and conclusions.

The range of topics demonstrated remarkable curiosity and academic ambition, with students communicating complex ideas clearly to staff and peers.

The EPQ develops vital skills in research, critical thinking and presentation, preparing students for university and beyond.

Mrs Jedamzik

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Sixth Form Student with Deputy Headteacher next to stand.

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Our Key Stage 4 girls’ badminton team achieved a fantastic success in reaching the County Finals. The finals were held at Roedean School, where the team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the competition. They finished in an impressive second place, just behind the host school.

Roedean’s team is made up largely of international students with significant badminton experience and are likely to be among the favourites to compete for the national title. Despite this, our girls rose to the challenge and competed exceptionally well.

They should be incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented Hazelwick School with such commitment and sportsmanship.

Well done to all involved.

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EPQ Marketplace 2026: Scholarship in Action

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EPQ Marketplace 2026: Scholarship in Action

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Year 7 STEM Club – Forensic Science Investigation

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Year 7 STEM Club – Forensic Science Investigation

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Year 7 STEM Club has recently been stepping into the role of forensic scientists! Over the past few sessions, students have been investigating the fascinating world of forensic science through fingerprint analysis.

Using powder, tape and careful observation, students worked to identify and compare different types of fingerprints while attempting to solve a simulated crime scene. They learned how forensic investigators use fingerprint patterns to match suspects and gather evidence.

As part of the investigation, the club also explored which surfaces produce the most reliable fingerprints, testing a range of materials and analysing which ones allowed prints to be lifted most clearly.

It has been fantastic to see students working scientifically – observing carefully, recording evidence and drawing conclusions just like real forensic investigators. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and teamwork have made these sessions both exciting and highly engaging.

We look forward to many more STEM investigations with this brilliant group of young scientists!

Mrs Jedamzik

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Monday 13th April

Start of Term (Week 2)

Thursday 16th April

Year 12 Parents’/Carers’ Evening In-person

Monday 20th April - Tuesday 5th May

Year 10 exams

Monday 4th May

May Bank Holiday: School closed to students

Wednesday 6th May

Year 9 Parents’/Carers’ Evening Virtual

Thursday 7th May - Wednesday 17th Jun

Year 11 GCSE exams

Friday 8th May to Sunday 10th May

Year 10 DofE Silver Practice Expedition

Saturday 9th  May to Sunday 10th May

Year 9 DofE Bronze Practice Expedition

Monday 11th May - Thursday 18th Jun

Year 13 A level exams

Monday 18th May – Friday 22nd May

Year 7 exams

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Newsletter article - Book Buddies reading group Spring 2026