FROM THE HEADMASTER
For me, it is always something of a relief to have got through the darker mornings and evenings of January and much of February, especially when the weather has been chilly, damp and a little miserable. It has, however, been a very busy, unpredictable at times but ultimately successful six weeks of term.
Sporting Successes
We have enjoyed a very positive and fruitful few days of sport beginning with a block fixture of 17 matches v Witham Hall last Saturday in netball, hockey and football. It was impressive to see Spratton claiming one draw and 15 wins, more importantly though, I hope the children enjoyed playing and being involved in what was one of the busiest days of home matches I have seen.
The successes continued this week, as we had a group of children take part in the Northamptonshire Schools Table-tennis Championships at Wellingborough. Very well done to our team of Milo Crifo Garton, Archie Gowling, Joseph Tan, and particular congratulations to Peggy Wang who won her age group and now progresses to the national finals.
Yesterday was the Swanbourne Chase Cross-Country event, a big meeting attended by many prep schools. It really was a superb day for our Spratton teams, with the U11 boys and girls teams both coming 2nd with Mara Hamilton winning the girls’ race. I am delighted to report that both of our senior teams won their event, with Isla Allsopp coming in 1st, Isabella Szechenyi hot on her heels in 2nd place, and, in fact, all of our top four runners finishing in the top 9 of the girls’ race. In the boys’ race this ended a 19 year wait to win. Very well done to Joe Barber who came in 5th with Henry Sandall, Elliot Glason and Jake Constable not far behind. What a day!
Good luck to all of our Years 7 and 8 children for the House Cross-Country taking place this afternoon. Do remember that the day we return from half term is the Years 5 and 6 House Cross-Country.
Half Term
I wish you all a very restful half term break, and safe journeys for those of you travelling. I look forward to seeing the children return a week on Monday.
Simon Clarke
Headmaster
PRE-PREP
Year 2 – It’s Showtime!
As a way of celebrating and appreciating the unique strengths, skills and talents that each of us possesses, Year 2 recently organised and performed their own Talent Show. Linked to our PSHE curriculum, the children were encouraged to find their inner-bravery and take pride in showcasing their individual skills and abilities. The children impressed hugely with a wide variety of talents on show, from jokes, clown acts and dancing, to scooter tricks, map reading and sporting skills.
To add to this, the children in Year 2 also performed their assembly yesterday, to a large audience of friends and family. An impressive and informative performance, the children took us on an engaging journey through their explorations of the Chinese New Year celebrations and into an array of astonishing facts from their ‘Pole to Pole’ topic. Year 2 have certainly been enjoying their time in the spotlight recently!
Year 1 Enjoy an Egyptian Adventure!
We are fortunate to have the most amazing collection of Egyptian artefacts on our doorstep at the New Walk Museum, Leicester, which Year 1 ventured off to explore on Tuesday. Following a talk on life in Ancient Egypt, the children handled artefacts, tried on ancient Egyptian style clothing and even got to see Canopic jars and mummified exhibits for themselves. A highly enjoyable day out, which enriched their understanding of this fascinating period of history.
Thursday 6th March – World Book Day
Finally, with World Book Day being celebrated nationally on the 6th March, I cannot resist a quick (and tremendously excited!) mention of our intentions for Pre-Prep to join in the fun. The teachers are currently toying with all sorts of amazing ideas and activities for the children to take part in – and yes, dressing up as a story character for the day is definitely one of them! Decisions, decisions …. who will your child come dressed as? Peter Rabbit, the Very Hungry Caterpillar or maybe even Paddington Bear or the Gruffalo? We can’t wait to see!
It’s Half Term!
Now that half term is upon us, a few additional reading books have been popped into the children’s book bags to enjoy. The children have also been encouraged to complete their Numbots activity challenges over the holiday too. Years 1 and 2 have been set a goal of 10 minutes to complete and Reception have been assigned 5 minutes.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Pre-Prep
Congratulations to Jacob Willey who was awarded ‘Parents’ Player of the Week’ at his football club.
Very well done to Hugh Berry who received an award for his effort and skill in Rugby.
Congratulations to Leonardo Dep-Shepherd and Beau Thomson-Forbes for achieving their 10m swimming awards.
Well done to Bea Higgs for gaining her Level 8 gymnastics award.
Prep
Good luck to Freddie Mayfield who has been selected to represent Northamptonshire at Golf this coming half term. He will be in the U14s squad; the youngest player in the squad at still only 9 years old.
MUSIC NEWS
Monday 10th March – Informal Concert Years 3-7
We are looking forward to the next Informal Concert which will be for musicians in Years 3-7. The programme is currently being finalised, and letters will be sent out to all those invited to perform after half term.
Mrs King
Director of Music
ART NEWS
Artists of the Week
This week we have two artists of the week; Bella Smith for her wonderful self-portrait painting on the theme of the deep sea and Shiro Upton for her amazing Northern Lights themed self-portrait.
Mrs Moreton
Head of Art
LIBRARY NEWS
SCHOOL NEWS
Junior House French Competition
Tuesday saw the ‘Palme D’Or’ of House Competitions – Junior House French. Years 3, 4 and 5 impressed everyone with their French knowledge, whether that was translating numbers, Paris true or false, or unscrambling pictograms for the days of the week. All twelve competitors contributed, but the difference was Grenville’s Astrid Kecker who was both speedy and accurate. Bien Joue, Grenville!
Year 7 House Gaming Tournament
The competition was fierce, with four skilled players representing their houses: Flynn for Frobisher, Thomas for Drake, Henry for Grenville, and Elliot for Raleigh.
In the first semi-final, Flynn narrowly defeated Elliot by just 1.96 seconds in a nail-biting finish. The second semi-final saw an unfortunate twist for Henry, who got caught in quicksand on the final lap, allowing Thomas to seize the win.
The final was a tense, neck-and-neck battle, but some slick moves in the closing moments gave Flynn the edge, securing victory for Frobisher!
A huge well done to all competitors for an exciting and hard-fought tournament!
AFTER HALF TERM
Please click the link below to view the most up-to-date schedule for the week commencing 24th February, including sports fixtures and clubs news.
Thursday 27th February – Clubs
Please note that the following clubs are cancelled on Thursday 27th February: Calligraphy / X-Wing / Chess / Art.
Hockey and Beauty & the Beast are on as usual.
EVENTS
CLUBS
