FROM THE HEADMASTER

Visiting Speakers

Our pupils are frequently treated to a range of speakers from different backgrounds, professions and walks of life.  This week, we have had workshops led by the NSPCC and yesterday, our Years 3-7 enjoyed a talk by author, Cat Weatherill, including question & answer opportunities.  Meanwhile, Year 8 were treated to a talk by eminent journalist and historian Sir Max Hastings. This was a very special and memorable experience for our pupils and I am so grateful to Sir Max for giving up his time for us.

Senior Schools

It is one of the most pleasurable parts of my job to visit senior schools and to welcome members of staff from other schools.  In this half term, we have had visits from the Headmaster of Kimbolton, Admissions from Fettes College, Edinburgh, and this week I welcomed the Oundle Registrar and, of course, this morning we were treated to a superb assembly by Mr Oliver, the new Oundle Head.

I have enjoyed visits to Rugby, Oakham and Wellingborough and after half-term, I am looking froward to visiting Bedford School and St Helen and St Katharine in Oxfordshire.  It is always lovely at these visits to hear of our former pupils and how they are getting on and, of course, to keep close ties with all of those schools.

Years 3 and 4 Matches

It was a very quiet school yesterday afternoon with the entire Years 3 and 4 playing hockey and rugby at Bilton Grange.  There were some excellent results for Spratton throughout but, most importantly, I think the enjoyment and excitement of the afternoon was the winner.

Year 7 to Paris

I wish all of Year 7 heading to Paris on Monday morning the very best.  They will enjoy a full week taking in many of the usual Paris tourist attractions as well as trying to develop their language skills.  I am sure they will have a fantastic time – bon voyage!

I do hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Thank you

Simon Clarke
Headmaster

PRE-PREP

Reception Hedgehogs – Funky Finger Fun!

Over the past few weeks, Reception have brought their Literacy learning to life through the story of The Little Red Hen and more recently, Rosie’s Walk. These much-loved tales were beautifully linked with the creative curriculum and their autumn explorations, culminating in a delightful hands-on activity — creating their very own bread roll hedgehogs! The children loved kneading, pummelling, stretching, pinching, and snipping their dough — a perfect workout for those tiny hand muscles that help with pencil control and co-ordination. And, of course, once the hard work was done, their taste buds got a treat too! With cherries and currants added for a finishing touch, the hedgehog rolls looked (and smelt) absolutely delicious!

A Visit from Doodles and Romeo

Two beautiful ponies clip-clopped into school this week for a special visit, much to the delight of the Pre-Prep children.  Doodles and Romeo lapped up all the fuss and loved every gentle ear scratch, whilst also happily munching on our fresh, juicy grass. The children were overjoyed to brush the pony’s soft coats, with some being brave and confident enough to lead them carefully on their ropes. In the autumn sunshine, it was a wonderfully mindful and calming experience that left everyone feeling relaxed, happy, and full of smiles.  Our special thanks go to Mr and Mrs Jack, and Mrs Wiseman, for kindly sharing Doodles and Romeo with us for the morning.

Ho, Ho, Ho … Christmas is Coming!

Believe it or not, Pre-Prep have been putting the finishing touches to their Christmas cards this week! From plump Christmas puddings and prancing penguins to rainbow-hued Christmas trees and cheerful fingerprint snowmen, each child has created a truly unique piece of festive artwork. Carefully packaged, the cards will soon be on their way to the printers to be transformed into glossy, professional creations. Sample cards will be sent home shortly after half term, with the option for parents to purchase sets online, if they wish.

Year 2’s ‘Out of this World’ Assembly!

Year 2 have had a fantastic term so far and were thrilled to share a snapshot of their learning in this week’s assembly. They’ve been busy exploring the colourful traditions of Hinduism, learning about famous astronauts, and discovering the wonders of space. The children wowed everyone with their enthusiastic singing, a dramatic retelling of the story of Rama and Sita, a beautiful Diwali dance, and some stunning artwork linked to their topics. Their learning about famous people has inspired lots of thoughtful questions and reminded everyone that, with resilience and determination, we can all reach for the stars!

Diwali Dance Workshops Next Week

On Tuesday next week, in an exciting addition to the calendar, Pre-Prep will be stepping into the vibrant world of Diwali through special dance workshops! The children will learn lively, colourful moves inspired by the festival of lights, exploring rhythm, music, and storytelling through dance. It promises to be an exciting experience full of energy, creativity, and smiles — a wonderful way for the children to recognise the beginning of this special festival, which will be celebrated all over the world.

Pupil Achievements

Well done to Constance Warner who successfully completed a Pumpkin Fun Run.

Congratulations to Bertie Dexter who has achieved his Level 1 Big Swimmers Award and to Phoebe Dillon who has graduated her swimming class.

Very well done to Beau Thomson-Forbes who was awarded ‘Star of the Week’, for his effort and skill in Gymnastics.

Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDING NOTICE

Children’s “Spy” Books

We want to make you aware of a recent issue affecting some popular children’s books by Andrew Cope, including the Spy Dogs, Spy Cats, and Spy Pups series.

Some editions of these books include a printed web address at the back. This link used to go to the author’s website, but the domain is no longer under his control. It has since been taken over by another party and now leads to inappropriate adult content.

The publisher, Puffin, has paused sales and distribution of the books and is working with schools, libraries, and retailers to remove copies from circulation. They have stressed that the website has no connection to the author or publisher.

What this means for you:

*  If your child has any Spy Dog, Spy Cat or Spy Pups books at home, please check the back for website links and make sure they do not try to visit the site.

*  It is safe for children to continue reading the stories themselves — the concern is only with the outdated link.

*  We recommend talking with your child about the importance of not following web addresses in books without checking with an adult first.

We will continue to share updates from the publisher as more information becomes available.

The Safeguarding Team

HOME CLOTHES DAY

Thank you to everyone who wore blue on Tuesday to support Parkinson’s UK.  We managed to raise a total of £410 to donate to this worthwhile charity.

FOREST SCHOOL

Year 3 visited our Forest School on Thursday for an exciting autumn lesson in toffee apple making!

ART

Artist of the Week – Goes to Amira Zahiri-Mehrabadi (4R) for her wonderfully detailed van Gogh sky with decorated Christmas trees on her Christmas card design.

Thank you

MUSIC

Music Lessons

Should you wish to terminate your child’s individual music lessons from the start of the spring term, notice must be received by October half term.

HOUSE COMPETITIONS

Senior General Knowledge Competition

1st – Raleigh, 2nd Grenville, 3rd Frobisher, 4th – Drake

SHSPA – To book visit the SHSPA Events Shop

SCHOOL SHOP MANAGER

We are looking for a friendly, organised parent to run our school shop – just a few hours each week.

You will be the warm, welcoming face for new families, helping parents navigate blazers, ties and the ever growing collection of sports kits (yes, even the rugby socks!). It is a wonderful way to be right at the heart of school life, supporting children and parents alike.

You will be the go-to guide for parents as they journey through our uniform requirements.

To see the job specification and how to apply, please visit the Vacancies page of our website.