FROM THE HEADMASTER
Staff News
Last week, we welcomed Mrs Kerry Tidder who started as Finance Assistant. Next week, we welcome Mrs Jenny Doherty who will be starting as our Assistant Matron. You will see her accompanying our Senior Matron, Mrs Hadfield, for a few days while she gets to know the children and the school.
Recent Special Events
There have been a number of really fantastic events in the last seven days. Starting with the Fireworks Party last Friday night. This was a superb evening with 850 people attending. The weather held off just enough for everyone to enjoy the build-up on the tennis courts before heading down for the spectacular display. My huge thanks to the SHSPA team, particularly the co-chairs, Angela Smith and Raine Wallens-Foyer, for all their hard work.
On Tuesday, we had a very memorable and poignant event with our Remembrance Service where the entire school community comes together. It was also a pleasure to welcome veterans from the parent and staff body who had served in the military, adding an extra dimension to the event. Very well done to all the pupils for their exemplary behaviour and to India and Henry, Head Girl and Head Boy, who read beautifully and Harriet Bray and Oliver Mundy who laid the wreath on behalf of the school. Henry had the additional pressure of playing the Last Post, which he did so well.
Last night, we held the Informal Concert in the new Studio, a lovely and more intimate venue. The performers did so well; it is so good to see a mix of those starting out on their musical journey all the way up to those more experienced pupils. Very well done to all.
This morning, our Years 6 and 7 pupils enjoyed a morning with the Young Shakespeare Company who performed Romeo and Juliet, with plenty of audience interaction.
Tour
I wish all the best to all those who headed up to Yorkshire on the hockey and rugby tour this morning. Whilst the weather is far from ideal tour conditions, I am sure they will all (pupils, staff and parents) have a really splendid time.
Thank you
Simon Clarke
Headmaster
PRE-PREP
With our nativity rehearsals now in full swing, the excitement is certainly building — and our Pre-Prep stars are well on their way to bringing the magic of Christmas to life! With our two performances entitled, ‘Camel-Ama-Ding-Dong’ and ‘Lights, Camel, Action’, not a day goes by without a catchy camel themed song being sung. From groovy camels to grumpy, weary, and even hungry camels, we are singing about them all!
Reception Welcome Special Visitors
I must start by mentioning the wonderful nursing team that Reception welcomed into their classrooms last week. They came to talk about their jobs and how we can look after ourselves to stay healthy. The children listened with great interest, asked thoughtful questions, and threw themselves wholeheartedly into the role of mini medics — there were bandages, pretend patients, and plenty of giggles along the way!
A big thank you to Mrs McManus (otherwise known as Lottie’s mummy!) and her lovely colleagues for visiting and helping to inspire our budding healthcare professionals.
Reception Venture on Safari …A Fungus Safari!
Continuing with Reception, one very drizzly afternoon this week, the children all wriggled into their wellies and set off to explore the meadows next door in Home Farm. Farmer Jenny (Freddie’s mummy!) had made sparkly wands for all the children, so that they could conjure up some magic amongst the fairy circles of fungus. The different species of mushroom delighted the children with their various shapes, colours and sizes – of course, they were all safely admired from a distance and definitely not touched!
Year 1’s Volcano Adventures
Continuing their roar-some learning about dinosaurs, the children in Year 1 set out to solve the mystery of why these incredible creatures disappeared. After discovering the fascinating theory that volcanoes may have played a part, 1W took their investigation to Forest School to explore this explosive idea further. There, our budding scientists mixed baking soda, vinegar, and water to create their own spectacular volcanic eruptions. There were bubbles, bursts, and plenty of delighted squeals as the frothy “lava” flowed — a dramatic reminder of how real volcanoes might once have changed life on Earth forever!
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Lara Morris who was awarded a rosette for her pony riding skills and to Willa Jack who won an award for her show jumping.
Very well done to Arthur Woodhouse who was awarded ‘Player of the Week’ at his rugby club.
Final congratulations go to Jacob Ayensah who had his creative writing skills recognised by taking part in the BBC 500 Words competition.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Gareth Podesta came to speak to Year 8 pupils about the meaning of Remembrance as a veteran. It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to hear first-hand the importance of this event and ask Gareth about his time and role in the army. Year 8 had some very reflective and thoughtful questions to ask. A huge thank you to Gareth for a very interesting informal opportunity to learn more. He also brought his medals for the children to handle and look at. The whole school then came together for our Remembrance Day service on Tuesday and we were delighted to be joined by other guest veterans for the morning.
EQUESTRIAN
On Sunday, our Equestrian team competed in the second round of the Bloxham Arena Eventing Series, achieving a number of excellent results:-
- 9th – Aoife (65cm)
- 5th – Annabelle (80cm)
- 7th – Flo (80cm)
- 8th – Chloe (90cm)
- 8th – Chloe (1m)
A special mention goes to Emily, who won the 90cm – an outstanding achievement!
Well done also to Imo, who rode brilliantly and represented the team with great effort and enthusiasm.
Congratulations to all riders on their performances and continued progress throughout the series. The team once again demonstrated great commitment, teamwork and pride in representing our school.
Katie Wiseman
ART
Artist of the Week
Artist of the week goes to Bertie Brady-White for his beautiful watercolour painting of himself fishing on holiday. It shows excellent detail in the bay and water and lovely texture on the distant mountains.
MUSIC
Informal Concert
On Thursday, we had our first Informal Concert of the year. We really enjoyed hearing such a range of musicians performing on a variety of instruments, playing music from so many different genres. Pupils from Year 3 all the way up to Year 8 were involved and it really did show the talent that we have in the school. Many congratulations to all those pupils who took part.
Vocal Music Day – Thursday 20th November
We are looking forward to welcoming pupils from The Bramptons Primary School, East Haddon Primary School and Spratton Primary School for our Vocal Music Day next Thursday. They will be joined by our Year 5 members of the Senior Choir and Pop Choir. A letter has been sent out to all those involved. Please be reminded that there will be a short performance to parents at 2.30pm in the Hunter Hall.
Christmas Concert – Monday 8th December
All of our music ensembles will be performing in the concert, please keep the date free!
SCIENCE
4C made no bones about their Science lesson today – they got stuck straight into labelling their own skeletons! A humerus but educational exercise for all!
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Well done to Martha Miles who, joined by her dad, ran a Halloween quiz and a Scarecrow and Pumpkin Competition for the Young Farmers Community. All the money they raised was donated to charity, with £125 donated to 8W’s chosen charity, Parkinson’s UK, and the rest to MS. This was a huge success and a great family run event.
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
Junior General Knowledge Quiz
1st Frobisher, 2nd Raleigh, 3rd Drake, 4th Grenville
REQUEST FROM THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT
Props are needed for Year 5 play, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and the school play, ‘Oliver!’
It is that time of year again, when the Drama Department puts out a plea for an array of weird and wonderful items. If you have any of the following it will be greatly appreciated.
Any plastic ‘fake’ meat, such as chicken
Small milk churns
Very large pot (like a cauldron – for ‘gruel’) + large wooden ladles
Small wooden bowls + small wooden spoons
Old-fashioned looking wallets
Fancy, colourful handkerchiefs
Old fashioned looking blankets/throws/counterpanes (for a Victorian bed and sofa)
Old large coins
Small cloth bag (for coins)
Pocket watch with chain
Tiara
Fake jewels/pearls
Metal coffee cup and coffee pot (old looking)
Old fashioned looking baskets
Large old bowl (to be a washbasin)
Metal tankards
Old fashioned looking photo frame (with a stand)
Locket on a chain
Small wooden club/cudgel
Red blue or black ribbon
Old fashioned envelopes or Christmas card
Old fashioned looking charity collectors tins
Old fashioned looking cups or plates or cutlery
Old fashioned candle sticks
Old fashioned Night shirts, night caps to fit a 10 year old
Top hats
Waistcoats to fit 10-13 year olds
Old fashioned looking long skirts or jackets, to fit 10-13 year olds
Any old looking scarves (thin and scraggy looking ones – perfect!)
Any large pieces of white, thin (gauzy) material (to make ‘ghost’ costumes)
Many thanks – Mr Williams
SHSPA
Please note that the Christmas Shopping Social is cancelled.
Christmas Fayre – Wednesday 10th December
Thank you very much for the donations we have received so far. We are still need of more of the following;
– Jolly Jars (filled and decorated glass jars – no chocolate/nuts) please see photo for an example
– Small wrapped gifts for the lucky dip (no nuts)
– Gifts for the tombola and hampers
– Nearly new toys (please ensure they are clean and in good condition)
– Clean and in good condition soft toys for the teddy tent
Please leave all donations in the Hunter Hall.
Thank you in advance for your generous support – SHSPA
NON-SCHOOL EVENTS
Northamptonshire School of Dance & Pilates – Peter Pan 15th-16th November 2025
The Fiori Musicali Chamber Ensemble at St Mary’s Church, Great Brington (featuring Judit Felszeghy – soprano) – Music for St Cecilia 22 November 2025
To book tickets click this link Fiori Musicali
