FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dining Room

There were mixed emotions in school today as we had the last breakfast and lunch in the ‘old’ dining rooms.  These two rooms have been the school’s dining rooms since Spratton opened in 1951 and so it will be quite a considerable change as we move into the new surroundings after half term. I do hope you have received and read the letter I sent yesterday regarding our moving in to the new development. The old dining rooms will be put to new use and redecorated over the summer holidays.

House Singing

The House Singing competition is, for me, one of the highlights of the year where every prep school child is involved.  The children have been working hard at rehearsing the songs this term and I know they will compete with huge energy and enthusiasm this afternoon.  May the best house win!

Oundle Triathlon

I have heard many wonderful stories of the upward of 90 children who took part in the Knight Frank Schools Triathlon in aid of Restless Development at Oundle School last weekend.

Particular congratulations to the team of Sammy Bacon, Freddie Roworth, Ollie Smith and Alicia Szechenyi who came 2^nd out of 131 teams in their year group – that really is a tremendous effort.  It is important to remember that the day, as well as fun and sport, is about raising money for Restless Development and very well done to Joseph Tan who raised a very impressive £750. I am sorry not to ‘name-check’ more pupils as I am sure there were many excellent performances (whether sporting or fundraising), so very well done to all who took part!

Spratton Primary School

It has been a pleasure having the Year 6 children from our neighbours at Spratton Primary spending some time with us this week to help them with their transition into secondary school which they will be doing in September.  Our teachers have enjoyed putting on some special lessons for them but the thing the children enjoyed the most was experiencing a Spratton lunch; it was quite a challenge to move them on from the dining room!

Equestrian Team

I wish the very best of luck to our Equestrian team who are heading down to Hickstead today for the NSEA schools final tomorrow.  It is a very special achievement to have made it to the finals, so good luck to them all.

Drama Club

Many congratulations to the children in the Years 5 and 6 Drama Club for their performance of ‘Mystery at Magpie Manor’ last night.  It was such an enjoyable show with excellent singing and acting and some lovely laugh-out-loud moments.  Well done to the cast, Mrs Hanford and all the team involved.

Sunscreen

While the weather in the last few weeks has been very pleasant indeed, the sun is likely to be even more powerful in June so do please send the children into school ideally already wearing sunscreen or armed with some for them to apply later in the day.

Speech Day Speaker

I am pleased to inform you that our Speech Day speaker this year is Amen Iseghohi. Amen is an entrepreneur, influencer and UN contributor whose unique story is an inspiration to children, families and educators. Amen was born in Belgium, raised in London and at 8 years old he was sent to live with his grandmother in West Africa, before being educated at Gresham’s School, Norfolk.

Hearing Amen speak of his life in Africa, juxtaposed against his elite education, his journey and business experience in North America gives a fascinating perspective and outlook that highlights the importance of embracing our roots. Among Amen’s most treasured accomplishments is the Amenzone Foundation, an award winning non-profit organisation he founded to help fight childhood obesity and build self-esteem.  Speech Day should, as always, be a most splendid occasion – do look out for your invitation which will be sent out in the next couple of weeks.

Half Term

Finally, as they always seem to do, the last 5½ weeks have flown by at an incredible pace and we find ourselves at half term already.  I do hope the children have a most enjoyable week away from school and then return in good spirits for the fun and games that the second half of the Summer Term brings.

Thank you.

Simon Clarke
Headmaster

PRE-PREP

Grandparents’ Day – a Magical Afternoon of Sunshine and Memories

I simply must begin this week by reflecting back to last Friday afternoon, as ‘Pre-Prep Grandparents’ Day’ is one of the most treasured events in our school year. With much-loved family members joining us in person (from as far as Spain, America and Ireland, no less!) it was a truly special occasion.
The children’s faces lit up when they spotted their guests. Cries of “This way, Granny!” and “Come on, Grandpa!” filled the air as little hands eagerly led grown-ups through classrooms and across the playground (mostly heading towards the Trim Trail!). This was followed by a heart-warming concert of singing, recorder, and ocarina performances that brought proud smiles, happy tears, and hearts full to the brim all around.
A delicious Spratton Tea served on the terrace in the beautiful sunshine brought the afternoon to a perfect close—with lemon drizzle, chocolate fudge, and Victoria sponge cakes rounding off a truly magical afternoon, it is a memory that will stay tucked in our hearts for a long time!

Animal Adventures at the Zoo – Year 1 Visit Twycross

Did you know that a group of zebras is called a dazzle—because when they run together, their stripes can confuse predators like a moving optical illusion? Or that meerkats take turns acting as lookouts, standing upright like little furry guards on patrol? Year 1 now know all this and more after their exciting trip to Twycross Zoo on Tuesday. It was certainly a day bursting with curiosity, laughter, and wide-eyed wonder for our young explorers!

Year 2 Attend a Christening

Exploring special events, stories, and festivals from different faiths is an important part of our Religious Studies curriculum. This week, dressed up smartly, our Year 2 children made their way to St Andrew’s Church in Spratton to take part in a re-enactment of a christening ceremony. With parents and godparents carefully chosen, and a candle lit, Reverend Twigg and Reverend Cecily baptised a very calm and content baby doll named ‘Evie’ at the font.
Back at school, the children gathered once more to continue marking the occasion—this time with a beautifully iced and decorated christening cake, made by our wonderful catering assistant, Julie.

Pupil Achievements

Congratulations to Molly Brady-White who received an award for her effort and skill in Football.

Further congratulations go to Rafe Naden-Robinson for achieving his Level 4 Award in Swimming and his orange belt in Taekwondo.

Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep

YEARS 5&6 DRAMA

Well done to the Years 5&6 Drama Club who put on a wonderful performance last night of ‘Mystery of Magpie Manor’.  Here are a few photographs to give you a flavour of the evening.

WINCHESTER HOUSE ATHLETICS

We had another very successful Athletics event on Tuesday at Winchester House with lots of first places and personal bests broken  We won 6 out of the 8 relay races and came third in the other two.  Elliot Glason broke the school record in the 1500m and three ‘Meeting Records’ were broken by Mara Hamilton in 800m, Archie Wright in 100m and the Year 8 Boys Relay Team.

U11 GOLF

Our U11 Golf Team enjoyed a fun ‘scramble’ in pairs on Monday at Swanbourne, with each pair playing off their best ball.  They did really well, winning two matches, and igniting their enthusiasm for golf!

HOME CLOTHES DAY

We supported Diabetes Society on Monday with this term’s Home Clothes Day where the whole school wore summery bright clothes for the day.  We raised an amazing £318.

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Grace who won two gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal at the Tulip Lincolnshire Open swimming meet.

Congratulations also to Oliver who, in the same event, secured 8 gold medals, 1 bronze medal and numerous personal bests.  He was also awarded second place as Top Boy in the Junior section.

Well done also to William and Freddie who recently took part in the Stowe Putter Competition and achieved 7th place in the team event out of 22 prep schools.  Freddie’s points translated into a seven over par gross score to come 2nd in the U11 Stowe Jigger competition and he had the 7th best gross score of the day competing against boys up to Year 8.

Congratulations to Isla Allsopp who has been selected for the Championship (top team) for the Mercian Marauders hockey team.  This is a wonderful opportunity for her and she will be doing intense training alongside the best 20 players in the Midlands and will be representing the Midlands in the three day UK Lions Tournament in Nottingham in July.

Well done to all of you on all your hard work and training.

Congratulations also goes to Shanaya who came 1st in the Solo Piano performance at Northampton Festival of Performing Arts last weekend.  She also secured 2nd and 3rd places in the Drama and Poetry categories.

PRE-PREP HOLIDAY CLUB

NON-SCHOOL EVENTS

Brixworth Library Half Term Events
Emergency Services Day Poster
Half Term Events Poster
Warhammer Poster