FROM THE HEADMASTER
Start of Term
It was lovely to see the children returning to school in good spirits on Tuesday morning, having had a very good Christmas break.
As you will know from my letter, the term started extremely unexpectedly and very sadly with the news of Maidwell’s impending closure. The day before that, I had heard of another independent school, not too far away, Amherst in Loughborough, announce it is also closing, and this comes hard on the heels of Carrdus in Oxfordshire also announcing its closure in the summer. We are so very sad that this is a sign of the times. I can only reiterate to you that we are continue to be in a strong and secure position.
Open Morning
It was a pleasure to welcome many families from Maidwell this morning. I met some really lovely families and I very much hope that those children who join us will have a smooth transition and that we will be able to continue the good work that Maidwell have started. Our Years 7 and 8 children acted as guides and I have to tell you that they were absolutely superb; I received so many really lovely comments from the Maidwell parents they toured round.
Car Park Changes
I am pleased to report that we will be making changes to the car park and driveway in the Easter holidays. The one-way system will split into two lanes – one for pick-up/drop-off and one to exit or park in the lower car park. This will hugely improve the traffic flow out of the car park. We are also intending to increase parking capacity. (Please note, this was already planned before the Maidwell news broke this week!)
Sport
The new sporting term is well underway. Tomorrow, there are netball and hockey practices / trials for the Years 7 and 8 children and then next week sees the first set of fixtures with netball against Oakham and Northampton High, football against Milton Keynes Prep and, not without irony, senior boys’ hockey against Maidwell on Wednesday.
I do hope you all have a very good weekend.
Simon Clarke
Headmaster
PRE-PREP
Happy New Year!
On our crisp, icy cold return to school, it has been lovely to see the children’s faces glow with excitement, as they eagerly described new toys and holiday adventures – and waggled their tongues through fresh gaps in teeth, which they were extremely keen and proud to share with us!
New Term – New Topics
The teachers have been busy over the holidays and the classrooms are looking bright and engaging as a result. With fresh themes in mind, many new displays and imaginative role-play areas have emerged, all designed to spark curiosity and ignite the children’s interest in their new topics. Reception will be focusing on ‘Toys and Traditional Tales’, Year 1 will be exploring ‘The Ancient Egyptians’ and, in Year 2, they are investigating the very cold, icy and rather apt theme, of ‘Pole to Pole’.
To help keep you informed about your child’s learning, the teachers will be sending home topic overviews for you to read. These provide a flavour of the many planned for learning opportunities designed to develop the children’s knowledge, understanding and skills across the curriculum.
Year 2 – Kick Starting the Year with a Multi-Faith Visit
Year 2 began the term with an inspiring multi-faith trip to Bedford, where they had the opportunity to visit a church, a Gurdwara, and a mosque. Exploring these three unique places of worship sparked the children’s curiosity and deepened their understanding and respect for different cultures and faiths. The children’s outstanding behaviour throughout the day was a true credit to them, with adults praising their thoughtful and insightful questions.
Reception – ‘We’re Going on a Shape Hunt!’
The Pre-Prep staff and children can never resist an opportunity for venturing out into the fresh air, as thinking, creating and problem solving outside in open spaces invigorates and heightens the children’s learning experiences enormously. Clad in welly boots and warm coats, RG and RY have been shape hunting this week, searching the forest school and grounds for an array of 2D shapes. The children were certainly very proud of their shape crowns, which they’d made to help them identify everything from rectangles, ovals and semi-circles.
Cake Sale – Tuesday 14th January
Next week sees the first Cake Sale of the New Year. Please can your child bring 50p to school if you are happy for them to take part. All cakes are nut-free!
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Pre-Prep
Congratulations to Liliane Scott who has gained her Flocon ESF Ski Award and to Henry Compton who achieved 4th place in two ski races.
Very well done to Ottilie Osborne who has earned her place in a Half Marathon Club by completing 11 park runs.
Further congratulations go to Francis Blakemore for achieving his Level 8 award in Gymnastics, to Robyn Scott for gaining a medal for her effort and skill at sports club, to Bea Higgs for gaining her Level 2 swimming award and to Darcy Dickinson in recognition of her effort and skill in Swimming.
Finally, well done to Daya Soomal for her brilliant performance in a pantomime production of Snow White at the theatre in Rugby.
Prep
Congratulations to Mara Hamilton who came 2nd overall at the County Cross Country Championships held on Saturday.
Anatole Viesel has auditioned for and been offered a place in the All Saints Choir in Northampton – a small and competitive choir of children and adults. Many congratulations and well done Anatole!
ART NEWS
Congratulations to Artist of the Week, Zac Smith (8M), for his detailed studies of bugs for his Art portfolio.
Mrs Moreton
Head of Art
MUSIC NEWS
Rainbows Hospice Christmas Carol Concert
The String Quartet performed alongside the Northampton Rock Choir and Glee4Kidz as part of the Rainbows Hospice Christmas Carol Concert held on 18th December at Northampton Cathedral.
The Cathedral was very full and Charlotte, Clara, Rafi, Jessica and Nathaniel were amazing!
Exam Success
Congratulations to the following children for their excellent music exam results last term.
Drums
Initial
Milo Crifo Garton – Merit
Barnaby Briars – Merit
Daisy Drage – Merit
Tom Suggitt – Merit
Grade 1
Jacob Beynon – Merit
Grade 2
Johan Jenkins – Pass
Thursday 30th January – Year 8 Informal Concert
The Year 8 Informal Concert is always a lovely evening when the musicians in the year group get to show us their musical talent. All members of Year 8 who play an instrument/sing are invited to perform. A letter containing further details was sent out earlier this week.
Uppingham Orchestral Day – Thursday 6th February
We are really looking forward to the Uppingham Orchestral Day on Thursday 6th February. Due to a change in the way that the day has been organised by Uppingham, we are only able to invite members of the Concert Band and String Orchestra who are Grade 3 standard and above. A letter was sent out this week by Clarion Call to all those invited containing further information. Please submit your e-reply as soon as possible.
Mrs King
Director of Music
SCHOOL NEWS
Cake Sale – Tuesday 14th January
The school will be hosting a cake sale next Tuesday in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. Any donations of cakes (no nuts) would be gratefully received – please deliver these to Room 10 on Monday or Tuesday morning in a named tray or tin. Cakes will be 50p each – please remind your child to bring in their coins! Thank you.
Props for the School Play
It’s that time of year again, when Mr Williams pleads for an array of weird and wonderful objects to be used in the school play! If you can supply any of the following, please can you label it so that I can return it after the play (unless you can donate it, of course!). Bear in mind that the play is set in late 19th C France. Any clothing items, blouses, hats, long skirts etc, that you think might fit the bill, would also be very welcome!
An artificial single red rose
A long black cloak, for a male (sinister looking)
Realistic looking plastic fish (for a fishmonger. Must be 8” or larger)
An ornate looking hand-held mirror (oval shape with a handle)
Realistic looking plastic fruits or vegetables
A ‘crook’ for a shepherd boy
Old-looking books (leather bound, plain, for example)
Wooden tray, with two handles so we can tie a strap to it, for a grocer to carry their wares etc
Large old-fashioned looking metal bowl
Large, old-fashioned looking (leather bound, for example) menu
Metal tankards (to act as steins – not precious, as they do get ‘clanked’ around!)
2x small water pistols
Party poppers, the bigger the better!
Many thanks,
Mr Williams
OUT OF SCHOOL
“Oh yes he is…”
Mr Bradnam will be treading the boards again as Widow Twankey in Rugby Theatre’s production of Aladdin this year. The show runs from Friday 24 Jan until Sunday 2 February. Tickets are on sale here
It is a great traditional family pantomime, to brighten up the dreary New Year evenings. Mr Bradnam will be available in the bar afterwards for photos with the Dame! It would be great to see you there.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Please click the link below to view the most up-to-date schedule for next week, including sports fixtures and clubs news.
CLUBS
