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The return from the Easter break always brings with it renewed focus. The knowledge that exams are within sight for Years 11, 12 and 13 ensure that the focus goes up another few gears, and that emphasis can be felt right across the school. The summer term is a long term, with 13 and a half weeks this year. We will look forward to our Sports Day, Awards Evenings, Congratulations Trips, extra-curricular visits both locally and internationally and the school show. However, that all falls in the final half term. Before then we will be ensuring that the standards remain high, the wonderful opportunities that our students are offered continue and that each individual continues on their journey to become the very best version of themselves that they can be.

This month’s Newsletter talks has highlights that include the fantastic success of three Year 7 students, taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at the regional round of the Spanish Spelling Bee, our Year 12 Robotics team that shone whilst reaching the Quarter Finals of the National Robotics competition, and the amazing victory in the Sussex Schools Golf Championship, with the team from Hazelwick winning both the Net and Gross scores and progressing to the next round. We are always very proud of our students’ achievements, and these are some amazing achievements to celebrate.

Mr D Leadbitter

Headteacher

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Students write beautiful poetry of remembrance

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Students write beautiful poetry of remembrance

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Mid-March saw a visit from Nik Perring, a screenwriter, author and poet, who came to Hazelwick and delivered writing workshops to students from Year 7 to Year 12.  By the end of each one-hour interactive session, each student had written a poem on the theme of remembrance. Nik, who works with the educational charity, Remembering Srebrenica, inspired the students to think about war with a focus on the lives of the individuals who suffered and were lost in conflict. He also urged students to reflect on how we might learn from the past and include that in their poetry.

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As I write, 12 copies of Superheroes (Inspiring Stories of Super Strength) have already been found by students across the school! Every month, the school’s Reading Ambassadors choose a book of the month, however during April, over 20 copies of the book have been hidden across the entire school. Charlie Rogers, 11ASH, found his book in the technology block. Ollie Pollard, 7STU, found their book on a picnic table in Year 7 recreational area! Despite a lot of questioning from students, Mrs Thornton and some of the English teachers, have remained tight lipped about the various locations, so students have had to keep their eyes peeled!

It is a fabulous non-fiction book that explores the lives of over 50 British icons today . Please ask your young person about whether they found a copy. If they didn’t, they can always borrow one from the library.

Mrs Hampton

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Saturday 16 May 2026, 11am - 4pm, Memorial Gardens, Crawley.

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STEM in the Park – Free Family Event in Crawley

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STEM in the Park – Free Family Event in Crawley

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STEM in the Park returns to Crawley on Saturday 16 May 2026, bringing a free, family‑friendly day celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) to Memorial Gardens, from 11.00am–4.00pm.

Delivered by The STEM Hub, the event features hands‑on activities and interactive exhibits from local employers, colleges, universities and professional bodies. Visitors can explore STEM through practical challenges, discover how STEM is used in real workplaces, and learn more about future study and career pathways.

With a wide range of exhibitors, from engineering and aviation to environmental science and technology, the event is ideal for young people and families looking to spark curiosity and explore future opportunities in an engaging, accessible way.

For more information, visit: https://thestemhub.org.uk/stem-in-the-park

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What Next Sussex – Careers Support for Year 10–12 Students

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What Next Sussex – Careers Support for Year 10–12 Students

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West Sussex, Brighton & Hove Careers Hub continue to offer What Next Sussex, a free online careers resource designed to support young people as they consider their post‑16 options.

The platform includes a range of useful videos, along with information from:

Employers and careers experts

Colleges, sixth forms and universities

Training providers and apprenticeship organisations

There are also upcoming online Q&A events, giving students and families the opportunity to hear directly from providers and ask questions about different pathways.

The resources are particularly aimed at Year 10 and Year 11 students, but Year 12 students may also find them helpful as they think ahead and refine their plans. The content is well suited to being explored independently or together with parents and carers, helping to support informed discussions about future choices.

Students are encouraged to make use of these materials to:

Explore a wide range of post‑16 pathways

Learn more about apprenticeships, training and academic routes

Build confidence in planning their next steps

What Next Sussex - Get Career Confident

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Designing a Greener Future: Year 12 Greenhouse Project

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Designing a Greener Future: Year 12 Greenhouse Project

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This term, Year 12 students have been immersed in an exciting and meaningful design brief: to create a sustainable and inclusive greenhouse for the school site. The project challenged students to think creatively while addressing real-world environmental and social considerations.

To launch the brief, students met with their “clients” — Mr Irwin, Head of Premises, and Ms Frampton, Head of Geography and Eco Club — who outlined the school’s needs, priorities and long-term sustainability ambitions. Through thoughtful interviews, students gained valuable insight into practical constraints, environmental goals and how the space could be used by the wider school community.

As part of their research, students visited the Earthship and One Garden at Stanmer Park. These inspiring case studies demonstrated innovative approaches to sustainable architecture, including recycled materials, energy efficiency and inclusive design. The visit encouraged students to consider how buildings can work in harmony with their environment while remaining functional and welcoming.

Using this research, students developed their own greenhouse designs, showcasing imaginative solutions, technical skill and a strong commitment to sustainability. The project has been a fantastic example of learning beyond the classroom, combining environmental awareness, client-led design and creative problem-solving.

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Winners of the Model & Painting and Poetry & Short Story Categories

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Celebrating the winners of the UK Physical and Human Geography Competition

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Celebrating the winners of the UK Physical and Human Geography Competition

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We are delighted to share the fantastic achievements of our year 7 students in the recent Geography of the UK competition. Students learnt about a variety of human and physical features found in the UK in their geography lessons. Students who entered the competition had a choice of submitting a painting, model, poem or short story. Congratulations to our winners featured above and well done to everyone who entered!

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Raising awareness of the manosphere and misogyny

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Raising awareness of the manosphere and misogyny

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During March, Netflix released the new Louis Theroux documentary, “Inside the Manosphere,” which investigates online influencers who promote ultra masculinity and misogynistic views. BBC Newsbeat defines the manosphere as “a network of websites, forums and influencers who promote what they describe as "traditional" masculinity - where men hold a dominant role in a relationship and women are subservient.” During the documentary, Theroux interviews a number of influencers who present themselves as wealthy, surround themselves with women, express contentious ideas of traditional gender roles and make offensive comments about women. A number of the influencers featured were accused of posting homophobic and racist comments, particularly antisemitic ones. Within the manosphere, there are contradictions when considering that the ultra masculine influencers who are featured in the documentary differ from incels, who are also part of the manosphere. The word “incel” stands for involuntary celibate as they consider themselves unable to attract women, so in turn blame women for for their lack of success. A number of influencers in the documentary all boast of having multiple sexual partners and would not consider themselves an incel.

A common term used by those within the manosphere is the taking of the “red pill,” which is a reference to the film The Matrix, where the taking of the red pill reveals the harsh realities of the world. In the context of the manosphere, men are seen as “wage slaves” in a society that focuses on women’s rights to the detriment of men. One of the most concerning aspects of the documentary is how the male followers of these online influencers have been “inspired” by them and buy into their distorted perception of reality.

As part of the new statutory guidance for RSHE (relationships, sex and health education), misogyny and the influence of online influencers and incels are now included as topics students will study from September 2026. At Hazelwick School, the topic of misogyny and sexism is being introduced in Year 7 PSHE this term and in Year 10, PSHE students already explore perspectives found in the manosphere and are encouraged to challenge the misogynistic and sexist ideas promoted within it.

Where to get further information and support:

·         BBC

Did Louis Theroux's manosphere documentary change anyone's mind? - BBC News

·         Ofcom

The Manosphere unmasked

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Monday 4th May:

May Day Bank Holiday

Saturday 9th to Sunday 10th May:

Year 9 DofE Bronze Practice Expedition

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th May:

Year 10 DofE Silver Practice Expedition

Wednesday 6th May:

Year 9 Parents’/Carers’ Evening

Thursday 7th May:

GCSE exams start

Monday 11th May:

A level exams start

Monday 18th to Friday 22nd May:

Year 7 Exams

Monday 25th to Friday 29th May:

Half Term

Return 1st June, Week 2

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For this month, I thought I would feature some of new authors that the Book Group members discussed in our February meeting.

I have added to link to the Fantastic Fiction website pages for each author so that you can check out all the novels that they have written.

I have also highlighted four of the dyslexia-friendly titles that I promoted to students in our recent meeting where we discussed reading fiction vs non-fiction.

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Year 10 Boys football County Cup Success

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Year 10 Boys football County Cup Success

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The Year 10 boys football team progressed to the quarter final of the County Cup after beating local rivals Oriel 4-2.  After a very tightly contested first half, where both teams had chances, Hazelwick made a tactical change which worked superbly and they scored three quick goals. All the boys were fantastic and special note to Maddox who scored a brilliant goal.  They now face a tough match v Seaford Head in the quarter-finals.

Mr Agnihotri.

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Students at at the Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development Centre in High Ashurst, Surrey. 

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Throughout March, 6 groups of intrepid students took on some outdoor challenges at the Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development Centre in High Ashurst, Surrey.

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Book Title: Conclave / Author: Robert Harris

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Robert Harris is on my list of authors to read when I need a switch from my favourite genres and read an excellent thriller. Many of his novels have a historical setting and my introduction to his writing was the historical trilogy ‘Cicero’ set in Ancient Rome. ‘Conclave’ was published in 2016 and was shortlisted for the 2017 British Book Award Crime and Thriller Book of the Year. The story takes the reader behind the scenes of the most secretive of elections: the voting for the new (fictional) pope. The film of the novel was released in 2024 with Ralph Fiennes in the lead role.

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‘Game of the Month’ is a new competition run by the Digital Leaders of Computer Science and IT. Each month, they will review games made by students at Hazelwick School, with the winner to be awarded house points and featured in the new online newsletter.

Submissions must be emailed to Mr Lloyd with all the information listed below:

·         Title

·         Description

·         Link

Email: JLloyd@Hazelwick.org.uk

Good luck!

Congratulations to this month’s winner, Iaroslav Sinkevich!

Title:

Angry Birds

Description:

A clone of Angry Birds made in Scratch.

You can play Iaroslav’s game by following the link below:

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/724616550

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Year 7 and Year 8 Girls’ Indoor Athletics Teams 

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Year 7 and Year 8 Girls’ Indoor Athletics Teams 

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On Wednesday 25th March, the Year 7 and Year 8 girls’ indoor athletics teams travelled to K2 to compete in a Sportshall competition.

Both teams performed exceptionally well, demonstrating strength and determination across both track and field events. For many of the Year 7 girls, this was their first experience of Sportshall athletics, and they showed impressive confidence and enthusiasm throughout.

The Year 7 team achieved a fantastic 3rd place overall. A standout moment came from Malaika Shah and Bee Walker, who combined brilliantly to win the 8-lap Paarlauf race. Congratulations to Liv Miler, Amelia Stanescu, Savannah Patel, Mimi Ball, Malaika Shah, Bee Walker and Tanisha Bhimjiani for their excellent performances.

The Year 8 team also delivered an outstanding performance, finishing 2nd overall. They competed strongly across all disciplines and showed great teamwork throughout. Well done to Niamh Pedlow, Galiene Sebide, Evie Musselwhite, Abbie Streatfield, Holly Phillips, Kara Murray, Ella King and Faridah Amolegbe.

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Kade Fullarton, Freddie Hopkins, Danny Penston and Kieron Limbachia took part in the Sussex County Schools Golf championships over the Easter break.

There were 49 individual juniors entrants from schools all over Sussex.

Hazelwick won both the Net and Gross competitions. This means that they are through for the next stage of the Golf England event held in July at Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. At this event they will be competing against the best 9 teams from across the country.

This is a fantastic achievement by the students representing the school. Congratulations, Danny, Freddie, Kade and Kieron! Good luck in the finals.

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Music Department – Spring Showcase Concert

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Music Department – Spring Showcase Concert

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On 12th March parents and carers, family, friends and staff gathered in South Hall for another exciting evening of music performed by our students in the Spring Showcase.

Competition to perform was fierce as three audition sessions were held where around 40 acts were whittled down to 10 to appear in the final show, many of which were performing in public for the first time.

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Music Department – Spring Showcase Concert [Continued]

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Music Department – Spring Showcase Concert [Continued]

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Guest Review from Mrs Thornton [Continued]

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Guest Review from Mrs Thornton [Continued]

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Hazelwick Students Shine at National Robotics Finals!

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Hazelwick Students Shine at National Robotics Finals!

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Our Year 12 Robotics Team recently travelled to the University of Southampton to compete in the UK Student Robotics Finals on 11th–12th April – and what an incredible achievement it was!

We are thrilled to share that the team reached the Quarter Finals – a fantastic accomplishment at such a prestigious national event!

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Hazelwick Students Shine at National Robotics Finals! [Continued]

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Hazelwick Students Shine at National Robotics Finals! [Continued]

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On 24th March, a group of our Year 7 STEM Club students had the exciting opportunity to attend a special IMAX screening of Deep Sky at Cineworld Crawley as part of the Into Film Festival.

The film showcased breathtaking real images from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, taking students on a journey through galaxies, nebulae and distant planets, and sparking curiosity about some of the biggest questions in science.

Our students were a credit to the school and had a fantastic time, fully engaging with this inspiring STEM experience.

A huge thank you to Mr Baigent-Scales and Miss Spooner for taking the students on this special outing and supporting such a valuable enrichment opportunity.

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Hazelwick Junior Choir sings live at Christ’s Hospital

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Hazelwick Junior Choir sings live at Christ’s Hospital

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Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee: South-East Regional Final Success

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Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee: South-East Regional Final Success

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Hazelwick School achieved an outstanding clean sweep in Spanish at the South-East Regional Final, held on 26 March at Southampton University, securing first, second and third place against strong competition from a range of high performing grammar and independent schools across the region. Subi Baskar, Shanmukh Dhulipala and Rob Fecko delivered exceptional performances to secure all three top positions, a truly remarkable achievement.

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Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee Regional Final

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Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee: South-East Regional Final Success [Continued]

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Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee: South-East Regional Final Success [Continued]

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Year 7 Spanish Spelling Bee_Regional Final Pg 2 - 5

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Bakers – get prepping! Friday the 1st of May will be the Hazelwick Bake off!

Students will have the opportunity to bring in cakes and bakes they have made. They will be judged based on appearance and also how they taste.

Each House will have a winner. There will also be an overall Hazelwick winner! This competition is open to all year groups.

Please ensure there are no nuts in anything baked as there are some severe allergies at school.

Posters will appear on registers soon!

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Miss Pearson ran the Design a Bookmark competition for World Book Day. See some of the amazing entries.

The Overall winning designs were by Soraya Ibrahim in 1st place and Darshana Rajashekar in 2nd.

Well done to all who took part and to the winning entries! All of the winning book marks will be turned into real bookmarks used in the library!

Mrs Stapleton