From the Head Master
Sporting Success
I am delighted to announce that Cecilie Jackson has been awarded a Sport Exhibition to Repton. This is a fine achievement and fitting reward for all her efforts in hockey, netball, cross-country and cricket. Very well done and congratulations to Cecilie.
Governing Body
I am very pleased to report that Mr Paul Hampton joined the Board of Governors last week. Paul is a former Spratton parent, with two children through the school, both of whom are now in their 20s. Paul’s background is in business services, having worked with Tesco, Nestle and Coca-Cola and more recently as a business owner in logistics for the large supermarket groups. Paul is a keen Northampton Saints fan and also participates in golf, tennis, skiing and triathlons. I know just how much he is looking forward to being involved again at Spratton and contributing to the board.
Residential Trips Return
After a rather tiresome and difficult journey out towards Paris (thanks to the protestors who managed to close down the Dartford Crossing and much of the M25 on Monday), the Year 7 children did eventually reach Paris and had a busy and fun few days. Their adventures will certainly give them much to talk about over the coming days. The Year 6 children have also had a really splendid time in Edale, from climbing, to weaselling, to kayaking.
As well as these trips having an educational slant, they are so good as character-building experiences and helping the year group to bond and gel. As always, my enormous thanks to the members of staff, especially those on the Paris trip whose patience may have been tested rather more than usual!
Head Swap
On Tuesday, I enjoyed the second of my pupil and Headmaster swap days following the auction at the Anniversary Ball back in May. My replacement for the day, Grace Evans in Year 5, had a super day as Headmistress, keeping the school running and even ordering a blueberry muffin for every pupil at morning break. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, too, which packed in Maths, English, Computing, History and Science, before having a Geography lesson with Mrs Clarke, which was an interesting experience especially as she gave me a half minus, leading to a rather frosty conversation over supper that evening!
SHSPA Quiz
I am so pleased to hear that the forthcoming Parents’ Association quiz is now sold-out. This will be an entertaining and enjoyable evening with a good mix of socialising and exercising the grey matter.
Winter Uniform
The weather has been very mild for most of this half term and we have not, therefore, needed to move to winter uniform. However, we will do so immediately after half term. What this means in practice is that children should no longer be in summer dresses and green socks should be worn with the kilt or pinafore. In a slight change to that published on our uniform list and on our website, children of all ages will be able to continue to wear shorts through the autumn and winter months, if they so choose.
Half Term Break
This has been a long seven-week half term but with much accomplished during that time – the children and staff are certainly ready for a well-earned break. I do hope they enjoy it and I look forward to seeing the school come together again in November, when we will have the darker evenings to contend with – and, of course, yet another new Prime Minister. Happy holidays, everyone!
Thank you
Simon Clarke
PRE-PREP
Celebrating Diwali
Year 2 have been enjoying a ‘deep dive’ into Hinduism this term, with a particular focus upon family ties and the celebration of both Diwali and Raksha Bandhan.
This week, with Diwali being just around the corner, children across the Pre-Prep have been taking time to explore the beautiful colours, customs, music and values linked to this special time of year. From listening with fascination to the story of Rama and Sita, to creating Rangoli patterns and even creating exquisite paintings of Hindu gods on silk, the children have shared, learnt and discovered so much about the Festival of Light.
Additional Year 2 Study Visit
On Tuesday 8th November, in the first week back after half term, Year 2 will be launching a new exploration into the Buddhist faith, which they will begin with a visit to the Nagarjuna Buddhist Centre in Thornby.
The Reception Children’s First Assembly!
Quite remarkably, after only seven weeks in school, our Reception children performed their first year group assembly on Thursday afternoon. It is, by no means, an easy task to stand up and speak in front of a large audience, particularly when, like many of our little ones, you are only four years old. We watched with overwhelming pride as the children jiggled and sang along to a selection of songs (we loved the Three Little Pigs!) and each delivered a line, every one of them deserving praise for their super effort.
Autumn is Awesome – Half Term Challenge!
For many of us, Autumn evokes images of tugging on our wellies to scrunch through piles of golden leaves and returning home with pockets bulging full of shiny brown conkers and sycamore seeds! During half term, I have invited the children to take part in my ‘Autumn is Awesome’ challenge. My aim is to combine the fun and excitement of being outdoors, with an opportunity for the children to practise their independent writing and creative skills. With all the wonderful ‘treasures’ that the season brings, I cannot wait to make a huge display of all the wonderful creations that the children bring into school after the holidays!
Pre-Prep Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Teddy Van Herrewege (RG) for achieving his Level 1 swimming award and to Ava Ashton (2L) for achieving her Level 2 award and 5m badge.
Further congratulations go Alex Schwartz-Jones (2L) for achieving 1st place in an U7s Chess Competition and 6th place within the U9s.
Finally, enjoy some wonderful together time, recharge those batteries and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in a couple of weeks.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
MUSIC
Music in Quiet Places – Monday 14th November
This is always a wonderful concert in St Andrew’s Church. Letters will be sent out after half term to all the pupils who have been invited to perform.
ABRSM Exams
These will take place during the week beginning Monday 14th November. A timetable will be displayed in the Music Department after half term.
Rugby Music Day – Concert Band and Junior Wind Band
We are looking forward to attending the Rugby Music Day on Thursday 10th November. Please be reminded that the concert will be held in the Temple Speech Rooms at 3.00pm and parents are welcome to attend. For those who have requested transport back to school, we aim to be back at school for approximately 4.00pm. Pupils need to wear smart school uniform and do not need to bring their school bag.
Music Lesson Timetables
All music lesson timetables are displayed in the entrance to the Music Department. If your child is ever unsure what time their lesson is, please encourage them to come and check the timetable.
Jets A IAPS National Finalists!
The Jets A had a storming day of Hockey last Friday at the IAPS Regional Tournament at Oundle.
They beat Laxton 3-0, The Elms 2-0, Wellingborough 2-0, and had a terrific game against Bilton where they came back from 1-0 down at half-time to win 2-1.
This put the team through to a semi-final against Stamford. At full-time, the score was tied at 0-0….and after five minutes of Golden Goal it was still 0-0.
This then meant penalty flicks, which was agonizingly tense for all concerned, not least goalie Grace!. Finally, Spratton edged it to go through to the final against Gresham’s Prep.
The final followed much the same pattern, but this time Gresham’s just came out on top in the penalty flicks.
So – runners-up in the region, but more importantly the girls have qualified for the National Finals at Cheltenham College on 11th Nov – a FANTASTIC achievement!!
Coach Mrs Clarke was tremendously proud of all the girls, who really had to dig deep for one another on the day, and truly did Spratton proud.
Many congratulations to Amber, Ginny, Isla, Bessie, Bella, Grace, Juno and Chloe, and best of luck for the Nationals!
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
Junior House English
1st Drake
2nd Frobisher
3rd Raleigh
4th Grenville
Well done Drake!
HEAD SWAP!
Well done to Grace who was an outstanding Headmistress for the day on Tuesday, after winning the Anniversary Ball auction prize. Mr Clarke, however, spent the whole day learning with Year 5!
YEAR 5 HISTORY – HALF TERM CHALLENGE
DRAMA
Calling anyone handy with a sewing machine!
Any level of skill wanted. Could you help with making costumes, from simple waistcoats to more complex designs? If you think you could help in any way, however small, please contact Mrs Hanford on pah@sprattonhall.com.
FIND PUMPKINS – WIN BISCUITS!
Looking for some weather-proof half term fun?
To win some delicious pumpkin biscuits all you need to do is discover the nine pumpkins with letters on hidden in our virtual tour pumpkin hunt.
- Visit sprattonhall.com to start the hunt.
- Find the pumpkins and work out which word you think the letters spell.
- Send your name, email address and answer to marketing@sprattonhall.com.
If you are on social media, go to our pumpkin post and tag a friend who doesn’t follow us, for an extra chance of winning.
The winner will be chosen at random and emailed on 7th November.
Children will love looking for the pumpkins, but competition entrants will need to be over 18, thank you.
SHSPA
Christmas Fayre
We require a number of donations for a variety of stalls at the upcoming children’s Christmas Fayre please:-
Nearly new toys (no books)
Clean, soft toys
Tombola prizes
Jolly jars (no nuts or chocolates, no jars that have had nuts in)
Lucky dip prizes (small, wrapped gifts)
All donations to be left in the box in the Hunter Hall foyer please.
Many thanks for your support.
LOST PROPERTY
Theia Hawkyard (1N): school blazer
