FROM THE HEAD MASTER
Half Term
As this half of the term draws to a close, I have reflected on the last few weeks as being most successful with the children happily going about their business. Summer certainly clung on for most of this half term, though this week has certainly seen a change with frosts, strong winds and, over the last couple of days, plenty of rain. With this in mind, all children should be in winter uniform when we return after half term please.
Petition
I have been asked by IAPS HQ to publicise the below petition on Change.org relating to Labour’s VAT proposals. This was initiated by a father of a Year 6 pupil at LVS Ascot school in Berkshire who chose to send his son, who has some learning difficulties, to an independent school to ensure he received the support he needs but was not able to access in the state sector.
If you feel strongly about Labour’s proposals, please would you take the time to sign the petition at: Petition on Change.org. Do feel free to share this with other friends and family.
Year 7
As I write, Year 7 are heading back from Paris having had a very busy few days. They have visited the Stade de France, Versailles, a market to conduct interviews in French, a boat trip on the Seine and, of course, they climbed the Eiffel Tower. My thanks, as always, to the members of staff for accompanying the pupils. They, just as much as the children, will be in need of a good break.
Return to School
When we return in November, we have a busy week but especially Friday 10th with 3 events that day: Dr May Lee, Headmistress of Northampton High School for Girls will be speaking in assembly and then staying on for coffee afterwards. All parents are welcome to attend and can then meet Dr Lee over coffee. At 11am we have our Remembrance Service, always an important and poignant ceremony. Then that evening we have the SHSPA Quiz & Curry Night. I believe there are two tables left so, if interested, please do contact SHSPA@sprattonhall.com.
I must also mention that with the clocks going back, it will be darker at pick-up times. Please do, therefore, take great care when driving through the car park. As we frequently do, we will remind the children about safety, particularly that they should only cross the car park at the zebra crossings.
I do hope the children have a fantastic half term and, if you are travelling, I wish you safe journeys.
Thank you.
Simon Clarke
PRE-PREP
The Delicious Aroma of Pumpkin Soup
There are no end to the exciting learning opportunities that children’s stories can present. When the Reception children start to explore the wonderfully autumnal and heart-warming tale of ‘Pumpkin Soup’ by Helen Cooper, I wait with baited breath for the delicious aroma of sizzling onions to come wafting from the middle area. Following role-play and discussions on how Duck, Cat and Squirrel can resolve their squabbles, the children flex their finger muscles and exercise their fine motor skills by chopping a medley of onions, potatoes and, of course, lots of squishy pumpkin, to create their own tasty soup. However, unlike the characters in the story, there was definitely no ruckus, rumpus or spoon throwing to be seen!
Year 2 Explore Hinduism
Year 2 have recently been exploring the Hindu faith, with a particular focus on family bonds and the celebration of both Diwali and Raksha Bandhan.
On Thursday, one of our lovely catering assistants, Sarj, took time out of her busy day to spend some time with the Year 2 children. They listened with interest as she shared with them her experience and knowledge of the beautiful colours, stories, customs and values that are so special to Hindu faith. It was a truly lovely presentation, for which everyone was very thankful to Sarj for.
Additional Year 2 Study Visit
On Monday 13th November, the second Monday back after half term, Year 2 will be launching a new exploration into the Buddhist faith. They will begin with a visit to the Nagarjuna Buddhist Centre in Thornby, an additional study trip which is not in the school calendar. A letter with all the details will be emailed to parents, when we return from the holidays. To add to the excitement further, the children will be travelling there in a convoy of our three Spratton Hall minibuses!
Year 1 Assembly – The Great Fire of London
Focusing on the historic event of the Great Fire of London, the children provided a descriptive account of what happened, along with some interesting facts that they had discovered. The creative side of their curriculum shone through with snippets of the children’s Music lessons and some descriptive performance poetry shown on screen. This was interwoven with some eagerly performed songs, including ‘London’s Burning’, which they expertly performed as a round. Listening to how wonderfully the children delivered their lines and projected their voices has definitely planted seeds of excitement for our Christmas plays next half term!
Autumn is Awesome!
The Autumn half term holiday is now upon us and it is truly a colourful, invigorating and exciting time to be outdoors. With all the wonderful ‘treasures’ that the season brings, such as seedpods, pumpkins, pine cones, leaves and conkers, I have invited the children to ‘Get Arty this Autumn’ and see what they can create (please see my letter emailed to parents yesterday). I can’t wait to admire their artwork and creations when they flood into school after the holidays!
Finally, please enjoy some wonderful together time, recharge those batteries and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in a couple of weeks.
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Keva Summerly (1S) who has achieved her Level 2 Swimming Award.
Very well done to Leonardo Dep-Shepherd (1S) for gaining an ‘All Round’ award at football.
Congratulations to Amber Millar (RG) who was awarded a certificate for her gymnastic skills.
A final well done to Isabella Wiseman (RG) for winning two rosettes for her effort and skill when riding her pony.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
ART
Artist of the Week
This week’s Artist of the Week goes to Flynn Russell (6) for his pen and pencil entry for the ‘Paint a Pet’ Competition. It is a very creative and simple design of his dog ‘Pipen’. Well done.
Paint a Pet Competition
I hope that many more pupils in all year groups will have fun painting their pets over the half-term holiday and, do remember, the deadline is the Monday we get back after half term.
Please bring in all your entries on Monday 6th November 2023 and take them up to the Art room.
Thank you – Mrs Moreton
MUSIC
Oundle Massed Musicians Day
Last Friday, our String Orchestra, Junior Wind Band and Concert Band all went over to Oundle for their Massed Musicians Day. They joined a huge number of musicians from the surrounding area to form a string orchestra, two concert bands and three brass bands. The day was led by the staff at Oundle school and the children learnt a huge amount from playing with musicians of a similar standard. It was wonderful to hear what each group had done in the different concerts at the end of the day. A great day was had by all.
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
Junior House Maths
1st Frobisher 2nd Grenville 3rd Drake 4th Raleigh
Years 5&6 House Rugby & Hockey
Rugby – 1st Grenville 2nd Drake 3rd Frobisher 4th Raleigh
Hockey – 1st Drake 2nd Grenville 3rd Frobisher 4th Raleigh
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Well done to Freddie Mayfield who has had a number of Tennis successes over the past few months, including competing in his first U9 Midlands Tennis Tour Event, coming in 4th place. He also has now achieved a handicap of 38.
Congratulations also to Rafi Osborn who competed in the BASC Northern Region Young Shots U15 Event at Baildon Rifle and Pistol Club on Saturday and was placed 1st from 24 competitors with an outstanding card of 106.7 (10.67 average) on the 25 Yard Rifle Range.
2024 KNIGHT FRANK SCHOOLS TRIATHLON EVENT
Sunday 12th May 2024 at Oundle School
Although we are not taking part in this event as a whole school, we know that some of our children very much enjoyed being involved a year ago with their parents entering them independently. We are, however, unable to confirm our sports fixtures for next May at this stage.
The 2024 Knight Frank Schools Triathlon Event – Sunday 12th May 2024 at Oundle School
THE GUIDE TO INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS MAGAZINE
The Autumn 2023 Magazine is now available from the School Office.
