FROM THE HEADMASTER

I am shortly heading over to Rugby School to support our 1^st VII Netball team as they compete in the IAPS National Finals, a great achievement to even win through to the finals.  Looking at all the other schools who have won through, there are some very big schools taking part but I know our team will be up for the challenge and I wish them all the best.

Parent/Teacher Meetings

As we draw to the end of the Parent/Teacher meetings season, thank you to those of you who have attended the Years 4 to 8 meetings.  I do hope you have found them valuable; I know the teachers certainly have.  Next week is the Year 3 Parent/Teacher meetings on Wednesday starting at 5.30pm (a change to the calendar) in the Dome.

Drama Production

I must congratulate the Year 6 children on their production of the ‘A to Z of Poetry’ on Tuesday.  It was such an entertaining evening with excellent music and drama.  As I said after the show, it was good to see such a range of poetry from the classics to some totally daft poems to some others with a much more sombre message.  Well done to all involved.

Forthcoming Events

I wish all the best to our Year 2 Choir who are performing in the Regional Music for Youth Festival at Northampton School for Girls tomorrow.  I am sure they will enjoy the whole festival experience, particularly performing in a large venue.

Just a reminder that football and netball house matches take place for Years 5 & 6 on Monday and Years 3 & 4 on Thursday, both beginning at 2.55pm.

Also next week, we have ‘Rock Your Socks’ Day when we celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day on Friday where the children can wear colourful and odd socks.

Thank you and do have a good weekend.

Simon Clarke
Headmaster

PRE-PREP

Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes … and bones!

Year 1 have recently been busy stretching their scientific thinking, by exploring some of the wonders of the human body. They began by confidently naming a wide range of body parts – from elbows and shoulders to kneecaps and fingers – before delving deeper into the fascinating world of the human skeleton. The children loved examining x-rays and were fascinated to learn the correct scientific names for some of our bones such as skull, ribs, carpals, tarsals and, a stand-out favourite – phalanges!

‘If it Makes You Feel Funny, in Your Tummy’ – e-Safety Song

Online Safety forms an integral and ongoing part of our Heath Education curriculum and it is also an essential part of our safeguarding work.  Currently, within my Reception Computing classes, we are exploring some simple yet important messages about online safety – you may have heard mention of the ‘Funny Tummy Song’, as we share the importance of reporting anything that makes us feel worried, sad or scared to a known, trusted grown up.
Developing on from this, our Year 1 and 2 children enjoyed a presentation this week, led by an Online Safety Specialist.  At a gentle, age appropriate level, they were encouraged to think about making sensible choices when using a device online, in addition to always reporting concerns to an adult.

Run, Run, as Fast as You Can – You Can’t Catch Reception!

With the Gingerbread Man’s confident charm and the fox’s sly tricks, Reception have been swept up in this traditional tale.  After kneading, rolling and decorating their own gingerbread men, the children handed them to our lovely catering team to bake in their big ovens….. However, disaster struck as the oven door was accidentally left open and only an empty baking tray, and a letter, could be found – the mischievous gingerbread men had escaped to the Forest School leaving a map and some clues on how to find them.  Thankfully, due to the children’s super detective work and reading skills, the runaways were found waiting alongside jugs of hot chocolate, by way of an apology for running off in the first place!

Pre-Prep Thankfulness Assembly – Love is in the Air!

On Thursday afternoon, an array of much-loved guests took their seats in the Hunter Hall for a truly special assembly. Our Thankfulness Assembly was a chance for the children to tell their grown-ups just how wonderful they are. “You make the best cheesy pasta,” declared one child, while another playfully shared, “You always find me the best Lego parts.” With touching songs, poems, and artwork, the afternoon was filled with warmth and appreciation – smiles were shared, a few eyes glistened and some wonderful memories were made to treasure.

Good Luck to the Year 2 Choir

Finally, I would like to wish our Year 2 Choir the very best of luck in readiness for their performance at the Regional Festival of Music for Youth this weekend.  They will be amongst the youngest participants by far and Mrs King and I could not feel prouder of them – with shining enthusiasm, the children will fly the flag for Spratton Hall!

Pupil Achievements

Congratulations to the following children for gaining awards in Swimming: Francis Blakemore – Level 4, Grace McGuire – Level 1, Kyan Patel – Level 1, and Connie Whitworth – 5m and 10m.

Very well done to Emilia Docker and, again, to Francis Blakemore for earning ‘Star of the Week’ certificates in Gymnastics, and to Amber Millar who achieved her award in Tennis.

Finally, congratulations to Lyra Weaver who is the very proud owner of a Blue Peter badge in recognition of her wonderful creative skills.

Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep

CROSS-COUNTRY

In the final cross-country event of the season the team delivered an outstanding performance at Leicester Grammar School on Friday 6th March.

U9 Girls
The U9 girls dominated their race, securing a fantastic team performance. Special congratulations go to Octavia Podesta, who claimed an impressive 1st place. She was followed by Aoife in 8th, Otillie in 10th, Willa in 12th, Jasmine in 13th and Elisa in 16th. These strong finishes meant the girls were placed 2nd overall as a team.

U9 Boys
Our U9 boys put in a determined effort, finishing 2nd overall as a team. Arthur F placed 7th, while Arthur S-D achieved a commendable 11th place. (Freddie 14^th, Harry 16^th, Leonardo 17^th and Riav 34^th)

U11 Girls
The U11 girls were superb and arguably had the race of the day. Sophia Slowey and Alicia Szechenyi finished in an outstanding 2nd and 3rd place, followed by Lexi in 9th, Jemima in 12th, Amelia in 13th, and Sophie R in 15th. These excellent performances meant the team secured a well-deserved 1st place.

U11 Boys
The U11 boys also shone, securing 2nd place overall as a team. Eoin ran brilliantly to finish 3rd, with Rory finishing strongly in 11th place. (Thomas 14^th, Clement 16^th, Jago 17^th and Noah 27^th)

With outstanding performances across all age groups, our team was crowned overall winners of the entire competition. A huge well done to everyone who took part – your hard work, determination and team spirit truly paid off.

Mrs Chudley

MUSIC

Year 2 Choir – Regional Festival of Music for Youth – Saturday 14^th March

The Year 2 Choir are adding the finishing touches to their pieces ready for their performance as part of the Regional Festival of Music for Youth on Saturday. We are really looking forward to performing on the big stage at Northampton School for Girls, Spinney Hill. Please be reminded that the children need to meet Mrs Sanchez and I in the foyer at 12.30pm for a quick rehearsal before the performance. All are welcome to attend.

MATHS

Year 3 Laxton Maths Competition

On Thursday, four Year 3 pupils travelled to Laxton Junior School to compete in their Maths Competition. Having earned their place via a tough selection test, Hugh, Leonardo, Willa and Freddie worked in pairs against over 20 other teams. They were tasked with finding multiple solutions to varying problems and puzzles over six challenging rounds. Intricate pattern work, challenging number calculations and spatial awareness were all put to the test.

By the close of play, the pair of Willa and Leonardo finished in an impressive 4^th position, with Hugh and Freddie claiming a joint 1^st place overall! Congratulations to all four for their superb efforts.

Mr Canty

ART

This week, Year 3 dressed-up to learn the life and painting of Marc Chagall.

Artist of the Week

This week’s Artist of the Week goes to Amelie Wilson (8W) for her amazing designs for the Fashion Show inspired by the artist Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun.

HOUSE COMPETITIONS

Year 7 Gaming

1st Raleigh (Noah B), 2nd Frobisher (Harrison N), 3rd Drake (Charlie S), 4th Grenville (William B)

Well done to Noah who won the competition on his final lap!

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

Archie stepped onto the court for his very first LTA Tournament in the Midland Counties, going up against players who collectively had over 500 matches under their belts.  He rose to the challenge and produced an incredible run through the draw and powered into the final to secure the title.  An amazing achievement in his first ever LTA Tournament.  Congratulations Archie

Well done to Shanaya Phatak and Yilin Zhang to took part in the Milton Keynes Festival of Performing Arts last weekend.  Shanaya won 1st place in Piano Solo and 3rd place in Solo Drama and Yilin was awarded two Silver Medals, one for Singing and one for Piano.

Congratulations to Harriet Guppy for achieving a 72 MERIT Grade 1 Public Speaking in her recent Lamda exam.

MEDICAL

Please click this link for information on the Well Pharmacy Chickenpox Vaccination Service

NON-SCHOOL EVENTS