FROM THE HEADMASTER
Winter certainly arrived with a vengeance this week. Despite the sharp drop in temperature, it has been another excellent few days.
Spratton – Winners at Uppingham
What a day our A and B Year 6 teams enjoyed at Uppingham in this year’s ‘On the Buzzer’ general knowledge competition! There were 20 teams from prep schools across the region who enjoyed a fast-paced day of buzzing and brains.
Our B team of Kanaiya Valentin, William Ogbourne, Margot Wilson and Jemima Paul thoroughly impressed, beating some A teams along the way and were the only B team to win through to the quarter finals of the main draw. Our A team of Clement Turner, Sophia Roseveare, Kit Shutes and Ludo Walker had a superb day, casting all aside on their way through to the final where they beat Beeston Hall 220 points to 80, thus retaining the trophy. This result does mean that in the 16 year history, Spratton has won the competition an unrivalled 8 times. Very well done to every member of both teams.
National Youth Choir
Many congratulations indeed to Yilin Zhang who has won a place at the prestigious National Youth Choir following her recent audition – a fantastic achievement.
Tours
I have heard great reports on how our pupils conducted themselves both on and off the pitch on the hockey and rugby tour to Yorkshire last weekend. They certainly had a great time, enjoying the whole tour experience. As always, my thanks to the members of staff for accompanying them.
Lost Property
I am sure some of you will have noticed that the lost property shed has disappeared from under the stairs near the terrace. This is because we are improving the entrance area to the Studio. Lost Property is now stored in a new chest located at the main entrance to the Bickley building. While most named items will find their way back to the children, unnamed items will be placed in there.
Partnership with Spratton Primary
On 16 October, I sent a half term letter to all parents in which I included a brief explanation of our partnership with our neighbouring school, Spratton Primary. With this announcement being made on our social media pages last week, I just want to reiterate the reasons behind the partnership, as perhaps the reasons may have been lost. Here is the excerpt from that letter by way of a reminder:
“As you will know, we have an informal longstanding and positive relationship with our friends and neighbours at Spratton CE Primary School. We already invite their pupils to attend some of our school events such as the School Play, Vocal Music Day, special assemblies and football tournaments. We also host their Year 6 children in the Summer Term for some specialist lessons, to aid them in their transition to secondary school and to give them a taster of life in a bigger school.
I am pleased to say that we are entering a more formal strategic partnership (as opposed to a financial partnership) in order to support the Primary School further. The aim is to continue to give their pupils some of the opportunities mentioned above and also to benefit the wider village, thus strengthening community spirit.”
Dogs on School Grounds
I am pleased to report that we are very much a dog-friendly school. Please note, however, that dogs should not come into the main building or through the black gates onto the ‘school side’ and should only be here for sports fixtures. I would be very grateful if parents refrained from using the grounds to walk your dogs at other times and if you do bring your dog to a match, please do ensure your dog is kept on a lead at all times and that you clean up any mess afterwards. Thank you so much for your support in this matter.
Do have a good weekend
Thank you
Simon Clarke
Headmaster
PRE-PREP
With our Christmas play rehearsals in full swing, the children are joyfully immersed in daily sessions of singing, dancing and performing. In fact, the songs are definitely now playing on loop inside our heads—snippets of “High five, come alive – Camels like to party!” and “A shepherd’s work is never done, while naughty sheep are having fun,” echo from the climbing frame, at the wash hand basins, and bubble up in classrooms as the children drift naturally into song. Even the staff have been caught humming along while waiting for the kettle to boil at break time!
Christmas Nativity Photographs
We are fortunate to have a costume cupboard that is brimming full, however, a huge thank you if you have helped to bring a few parts of your child’s costume together. We cannot wait for a big trying on session next week! On Wednesday, tinsel and tea towels will be perched on heads as a professional photographer joins us for the day, clicking away with her camera to capture some fabulous costume shots. The excitement is certainly building now!
‘Talk for Writing’
Within the Pre-Prep, we are huge advocates of ‘Talk for Writing’, which helps children build strong Literacy skills through the power of speaking and listening. By exploring the language structure of stories, poems and non-fiction texts, our young writers learn to play with ideas and use features such as powerful and imperative verbs, similes and time connectives to bring their writing to life.
Our Reception children recently delighted us with their reenactment of Rosie’s Walk in assembly, whilst over in Year 1 they have been busy creating imaginative Christmas wish lists for dinosaurs as they explore instructional texts. In Year 2, having completed their own innovative versions of the rhyming story Oi Frog, the children are now delving into playful poetry, by experimenting with abstract and concrete nouns.
A Special Visit from Real-Life Rescuers!
Earlier this week, Reception were treated to burst of real-life emergency excitement when two paramedics (also known as Harper’s Uncle Ashley and his colleague Rebecca) swooped into Pre-Prep for a visit. They told the children all about their important job, taught them when to call 999, and even revealed that they sometimes carry bubbles in their pockets to help cheer people up. Climbing inside the ambulance was very exciting, as was exploring its bright lights, noisy siren and all the fascinating machines inside. The children even got to try on different pieces of paramedic uniform too.
A huge heartfelt thank you to Uncle Ashley and Rebecca for giving up their time to provide such a rich and memorable learning experience for the children.
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Bea Higgs who has gained her Level 4 Swimming Award.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
UPPINGHAM ‘ON THE BUZZER’ QUIZ
UPPINGHAM ‘ON THE BUZZER’ QUIZOur quiz teams travelled to Uppingham School for this year’s On the Buzzer competition, joining 18 other teams from across the region for a fast-paced day of buzzing and brainpower.
Both our A team of Clement, Sophia, Kit and Ludo and our B team of Kanaiya, William, Margot and Jemima made a strong start in the pool rounds. The As set the tone early with an exceptional 310–30 win over OBH – a performance that certainly turned heads. The Bs also impressed, with their standout moment being a superb 140–40 victory over St Peter’s, showing real confidence.
As the competition progressed, both teams continued to perform consistently well, both ultimately reaching the knockout stages of the quarter finals of the main draw, with our B team being the only B team to do so. Unfortunately, they were narrowly defeated by eventual finalists Beeston Hall 70–90 in a closely contested match that could have gone either way.
The A team carried their winning momentum through not only the quarter finals, but also the semi-finals, producing strong performances in both to then reach the grand final. Here they faced Beeston Hall who had knocked out our B team earlier. They started the final strongly and remained dominant throughout, winning with one of the largest margins in recent years, 220 points to 80, answering with composure and showcasing a dizzying breadth to their combined general knowledge. This overall victory meant Spratton Hall successfully retained the trophy for the second year in a row.
This result means that in the 16 year history of the On The Buzzer competition, Spratton Hall have now amassed an unrivaled 8 overall victories!
All of the pupils involved represented the school superbly. Their teamwork, attitude and willingness to support one another throughout the day made them excellent ambassadors.
A successful and enjoyable day for everyone involved and a result the whole school can be proud of.
Mr White
ART
Artist of the Week
Years 3–5 have been drawing and painting ketchup bottles inspired by the work of photorealist artist, Ralph Goings, who paints realistic scenes from American diners.
The following young artists have been awarded Artist of the Week for their excellent measurement, colour tones and use of reflections.
Claudia Wolstenholme 3A, George White 3D, Leonardo Dep-Shepherd 3K, Amara Fox 4C, Veryan Moss 4R, Stella Whitworth 4W, Lexi Mercer 5C, Alice Evans 5L, Apsara Uppal 5W.
Well done.
MUSIC
Vocal Music Day
We were very pleased to welcome pupils from The Bramptons Primary School, East Haddon Primary School and Spratton Primary School for our annual Vocal Music Day. They were joined by our Year 5 Senior Choir and Pop Choir members and spent the day learning a selection of songs from different musical genres and cultures. We all had a really fantastic day and the children worked very hard, achieving a huge amount in a short space of time. It was wonderful to hear them perform a short concert to parents showing them what they had learnt. A very enjoyable day was had by all.
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Congratulations to Eoin Fitzpatrick who came in 7th place in the North Midlands Cross Country League last weekend.
Well done to Sloane Mason-Pakes who took part in the Northamptonshire School of Dance’s production of Peter Pan last weekend. A great achievement by all the Spratton children who took part.
DRAMA – Please Please Please can you help Mr Williams as he is desperate for items!
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
MEDICAL – Nits!
As this is a problem throughout the school at the moment. Please could you take the time to check your child’s hair and treat accordingly.
Head lice are wingless insects that live on the scalp and neck. They are grey or brown, have six legs and when fully grown are about the size of a sesame seed. Females attach their eggs to your hair close to your scalp. The eggs hatch about 7–10 days later and it takes 10 days for them to be adults and laying new eggs.
When the lice hatch they leave empty shells called nits attached to the hair. Nits are white and you may mistake them for flakes of dry skin. Nits stick to the hair and you will not be able to remove them with normal shampooing. You can only get head lice through head to head contact. They cannot hop, fly or swim. Although head lice may be embarrassing and sometimes uncomfortable, they do not usually cause illness. However, they WILL NOT clear up on their own and you need to treat them promptly.
Treatment of Head Lice
There are many treatments available including: Insecticides – e.g. Full Marks liquid or Derbac M, Wet Combing with special fine toothed comb, Non–insecticide based products – e.g. Hedrin.
Insecticides and Non-Insecticides
When using these products for treating lice they are available as lotions, liquids and shampoos. Always follow the instructions carefully. Usually the insecticide lotion should be rubbed onto scalp and hair, left for approximately 12 hours before you wash it out. Then comb using a fine toothed comb. This process should be repeated after 7 days to kill any new lice that may have hatched.
Wet Combing
This is a method of removing lice with a fine toothed comb. You need to spend 20–30 minutes combing through the entire head of hair. It is easier to remove the lice and nits if the hair is wet and conditioner still on hair. The process needs repeating every 3 days until there have been 3 consecutive sessions without seeing any lice.
Debs Hadfield – Matron
POPPY APPEAL
Thank you to everyone who bought poppies last week for Remembrance Day. Our school managed to raise a total of £400.74 for the Royal British Legion with the whole district contributing £3076.31.
SHSPA
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
Spratton Primary School Christmas Fair
Netball Coaching
Christmas Netball
Intermediate Netball Workshop 28.12.25
Primary Netball Workshop 02.1.26
