FROM THE HEADMASTER

Solar Panels
I am delighted to report that over the half term period we are having solar panels installed on the Underwood roof.

I am so very grateful to Spratton parent Mr Sesh Diu and all at Aniron Renewables for the very generous donation of the panels and for supporting us throughout the process, from planning to installation.  The solar panels will make such a significant difference to our electricity use and our running costs.

ClarionCall Update
Following the news of ClarionCall going into liquidation, we are currently in the process of migrating to our new provider ‘SchoolPost’.  We very much hope to have this up and running in the next couple of weeks and will write to you again with more details.  SchoolPost does everything that ClarionCall was able to do and, I am pleased to say, a little bit more.

Maths Competition
Two teams of our pupils from Year 5 and Year 6 attended a Maths competition at Cheltenham College on Tuesday, where they all acquitted themselves extremely well with our Year 6 children coming 2nd in the competition.  Congratulations to them all.

Years 3 & 4 House Cross-Country
Very well done to Year 3 for taking part in their first House Cross-Country competition yesterday along with Year 4. Congratulations to Frobisher for winning the boys and to Drake for winning the girls.

Next Week
Next week looks like another action-packed week.  Firstly, we will be marking ‘Children’s Mental Health Week’ with Mrs Fordy, our Mental Health Lead, leading the assembly on Monday.  On Thursday, we look forward to the Year 3 Play, ‘Treachery at Traitors’ Quay’.  I believe this has nothing to do with the television programme and I can confirm that Claudia Winkleman will not be featuring!

Do have a very good weekend.

Simon Clarke
Headmaster

PRE-PREP

Kung Hei Fat Choi – Celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year!
As families around the world celebrate Chinese New Year this week, it has also been an exciting time in Pre-Prep! Marking the Year of the Snake, the children have enjoyed exploring the many traditions and features of this fascinating and special festival.

In Reception, the children enjoyed taking part in a range of activities, including carefully cutting and folding beautiful red and gold lanterns. They also used technology to experience a virtual cockpit view of an imaginary flight to China—an adventure that sparked their curiosity and imagination!

In Year 1 and Year 2, the children were treated to fascinating talks from Pre-Prep parents who have lived in China and Hong Kong. Freddie’s mummy and Henry’s mummy shared the significance of spending time with family during the festivities. They also taught the children how to say ‘Happy New Year’ in Cantonese, and delighted them with fortune cookies and lucky red envelopes to take home. Meanwhile, in Year 1, Micah’s mummy shared some wonderful insights into the Lunar New Year traditions and brought in an array of beautiful red decorations to hang in the classrooms, adding to the festive spirit. Thank you so much to these parents for giving up their time and sharing their wonderful knowledge!

Developing Creativity – Welcoming Local Artist, Sophie Slade
In every classroom, the children have thoroughly enjoyed immersing themselves in a range of creative activities, with some eye-catching results. From the striking colours of Egyptian paintings in Year 1 to the intricate Chinese willow patterns delicately painted onto ceramic plates in Year 2, and the bold, vibrant oil pastel drawings of tractors and trains in Reception, the children’s artistic skills have been in full flow.
Adding to the creativity, Year 2 welcomed local artist Sophie Slade on Monday. Sophie, known for her paintings of Northampton’s most iconic buildings and landmarks, led the children through an inspiring workshop, helping them to create their own paintings of buildings with stunning results. To discover more about Sophie’s work, do enjoy a visit to her website: www.sophiesladeart.com

Making and Tasting Challah Bread
It is not just the scrumptious aromatic smell of Chinese food that has been tantalising our taste buds this week. As part of their exploration of the Jewish faith, Year 2 followed a recipe to create and bake their own challah bread. This golden, plaited loaf not only smells and tastes delicious, but it also serves as a special way of bringing families together on ceremonial occasions, such as Shabbat or Passover.

It has been an exciting week of cultural traditions and celebrations, and the children have truly enjoyed every moment!

Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep

PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS

Pre-Prep
Congratulations to the following children for their swimming achievements: Rafe Naden-Robinson – Level 3, Phoebe Tilston – 25m, and Emilia Docker – Level 3.

Very well done to Joel Paul for gaining ‘Player of the Week’ at his football club.

Congratulations to the following children who performed brilliantly in show jumping events at the Onley Grounds Equestrian Competition: Isabella Wiseman – 1st and 2nd places, Willa Jack – two 2nd places and Hector Jack – 3rd place.

A final well done to Leonardo Dep-Shepherd who has gained his red belt in Shotokan Karate.

Prep
Congratulations to Dakshan Premkumar (pictured) who won the Grand Slam Junior Tennis Championship Tournament – Australian Open at his club over the weekend.

Also congratulations to Oliver Sharrock who participated in the 50m backstroke for the County Championship Swimming competition and achieved a new PB. He has been selected as a reserve finalist in the 11 years and under age group.

MUSIC NEWS

Year 8 Informal Concert
It was lovely to hear our Year 8 musicians perform in the Informal Concert on Thursday. It really did showcase the huge amount of musical talent that we have in the year group. They played a variety of different style pieces, all to an very high standard. Many congratulations to all those who took part.

Thursday 6th February – Uppingham Orchestral Day
We are really looking forward to the Uppingham Orchestral Day on Thursday. Please be reminded that refreshments will be served to parents in the Paul David Music School from 4.15 pm, prior to the concert which starts at 4.45 pm. The concert will finish at approximately 5.30pm. For those pupils who have requested transport back to school, the minibus will leave Uppingham at 5.45pm and will arrive back at Spratton at approximately 6.45pm.

Termination of Music Lessons
Please be aware that, if you wish to cancel music lessons from the start of the Summer term, notice must be received by February half term.

Mrs King
Director of Music

ART NEWS

Artists of the Week
Congratulations to our Artists of the Week, Willow Westaway 3K, James Bradnam 4W and Sophia Roseveare 5W for their wonderful Scottish mythical creatures illustrated in Art lessons as part of the Scottish History Week.

Mrs Moreton
Head of Art

SCHOOL NEWS

Year 8 Trip to the BETT Show
The BETT Show visit was an amazing experience for our Year 8 pupils. They had the opportunity to interact with the latest technology, explore innovative gadgets, and even take part in exciting British Esports activities. The day was filled with enthusiasm, with everyone excited to learn and engage with cutting-edge advancements. It was a great day out for all, providing valuable insights into the future of technology and education. The visit was definitely worthwhile, and the pupils left with not only new knowledge but also plenty of free goodies to take home.

Mr McKenna
Head of Computing

THE WEEK AHEAD

Calligraphy Club
Please note that Calligraphy Club is cancelled next week (Thursday 6th February) due to the Year 3 play.

Please click the link below to view the most up-to-date schedule for next week, including sports fixtures and clubs news.

EVENTS

CLUBS