Newsletters

Carisbrooke College Weekly Updates - 5 December 2025

{item_alt_tag}

5 December 2025 

Weekly Updates from Carisbrooke College

As we move further into the winter months, the wet weather has certainly made its presence known. With more families choosing to travel by car during rainy mornings, I ask everyone to be extra vigilant when using — or driving near — the pedestrian crossing. Please take a moment to slow down, look carefully, and help keep our students safe.

We have also received a small number of concerns from local residents regarding rude behaviour from a few students in the community. I want to remind all our young people that when they wear our uniform, they represent the school and everything it stands for. Kindness and respect should extend beyond the school gates. Parents and carers, I would be grateful if you could reinforce these expectations at home so that together we maintain positive relationships with our neighbours.

On Wednesday we had our flu vaccination mop-up session. Thank you to the healthcare team for their efficient work. If your child missed their vaccination, please contact your GP surgery, who will advise you on next steps.

This week we were also pleased to host our Year 11 Parents’ Evening. We had a good turnout (89%), and it was encouraging to see families engaging so thoughtfully with teachers. During the evening, students received their mock exam results, and discussions focused on where additional support may be helpful as we move closer to the summer exams.

Looking ahead, excitement is building for next week’s school play. Tickets are now available on Arbor under the School Shop section, and we are all very much looking forward to seeing the final performance. Good luck to all our talented performers, and thank you for your hard work. A special thank you also to Mr Lyle for his dedication in organising what promises to be a fantastic production.

On Monday, our Year 11 Art students will be taking part in a Natural Forms workshop with artist Jo Kori, which will no doubt be an inspiring experience. Thank you to Mrs Westby for organising this valuable creative opportunity.

Wishing you all a restful weekend, and thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Natalie Sheppard
Headteacher


05 Dec 2025
A day with the Pearl of Africa Children's Choir
Last Friday we were fortunate enough to have a visit from The Pearl of Africa Children’s Choir. Students across the school enjoyed musical performances and workshops throughout the day, including singing, dancing and drumming.  We were even treated to a surprise pop-up performance in t...
Read more
05 Dec 2025
An inspirational evening watching the Lionesses!
Tuesday evening saw 36 students, Miss Dewey, Mr Peake, Mrs Jones and Mr Lyle travel to Southampton's St Marys Football stadium straight after school to watch the England Lionesses play against Ghana in the international friendlies.  For some of our students, this was their first experien...
Read more
03 Dec 2025
Table Tennis - Isle of Wight Individual Championships
Carisbrooke College took to the tables on Monday for the Isle of Wight Individual Championships, and what a brilliant afternoon of sporting spirit, skill and sheer determination it turned out to be! A huge thank you to the organisers for hosting such a superb event. Our U16 trio were thrown strai...
Read more
03 Dec 2025
Year 8 Football V Ryde School
If football matches were judged on excitement, chances created, and sheer determination, Carisbrooke would’ve walked away 6–0 winners. Unfortunately, the only numbers that counted were the ones on the scoreboard. Ryde somehow sneaked away with a 4–2 win in a match that felt more li...
Read more

Christmas Card Competition

Thank you to everyone who entered our recent Christmas Card competition - we were so impressed with the standard and number of entries! 

After much deliberation, Mrs Westby and Miss Houghton chose four winners who will now see their designs in print! The cards are being produced and will be delivered to the local residents that we will be visiting on our carol singing afternoon on Thursday 18 December. 

Well done to our winners Lexi, Pippa, Charlotte and Alexia!

MOZAMBIQUE TRIP FUNDRAISING - SPONSORED WALK

Students attending next year's joint HISP MAT Isle of Wight Schools Mozambique trip took part in a sponsored walk and training hike last weekend in fabulous weather. The route took us from Blackgang viewpoint car park to Carisbrooke castle, giving us the opportunity to walk up some steep slopes, of which there'll be many on the Lubombo trail. The ground was very muddy underfoot and challenging at times, but the views were amazing. We encountered some alpacas at The Old Dairy, Lower Dolcoppice Farm and the owner kindly let us feed them, which was an incredible experience. The team got to know each other better and were able to identify their personal challenges with regard to the expedition element of the trip. Overall, it was a great start to our endurance training and vital funds were raised for individual contributions towards the trip.

The next fundraising event for the trip is a Christmas Fair taking place at The Island VI Form on 17 December from 2.45 - 4.15pm. Admission is free and everyone is welcome!

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

{item_alt_tag}

Feel Good Friday

Next week sees our students take to the stage for our production of 'A Christmas Carol'. Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' is a beloved English classic that tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation from a bitter, isolated man to a kind and generous one. Its timeless moral reminds us of the importance of compassion, connection and caring for our own and others' wellbeing, making it as relevant for mental health today as it was in Dickens' time. This week's #FeelGoodFriday takes a closer look at the quiet hero of the story, Bob Cratchit. FGF Strength in Kindness


CHRISTMAS DINNER - WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER

A final reminder to please pre-book your child's Christmas lunch on Arbor by Wednesday 10 December. If your child is eligible for free school meals, you still need to book please. 

There will be no other hot food options served on this day. A range of sandwiches and baguettes will be available for those who do not wish to have (or have not pre-booked) the Christmas lunch. 

 


Dates for your diary

A Christmas Carol Performance
7:00pm – 9:00pm
10
December
A Christmas Carol Performance
7:00pm – 9:00pm
11
December
Christmas Concert
6:00pm – 8:00pm
16
December
Christmas Lunch in Canteen
12:35pm – 1:15pm
17
December
Santa Dash Event
All Day
19
December
Christmas Break
All Day
from 22 Dec until 02 Jan
22
December

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Useful Links

Term Dates and College Day

Attendance

Arbor (Communications and Payments)

Latest News

School Clubs


{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}