FROM THE HEADMASTER
Scholarship Successes
We are right in the heart of scholarship season for our pupils and I am delighted to announce further successes. Many congratulations indeed to Archie Wright who has been awarded both an Academic and a Sports Scholarship to Fettes College, Edinburgh. Amelie Wilson has also achieved a double with two scholarships in Art and Drama to Kimbolton. Flynn Russell has been awarded a Sports Scholarship to Stamford, Jessica King a Music Scholarship to Rugby and, finally, Astrid Kecker has been awarded an Academic Scholarship to Leicester Grammar and a Music Scholarship to Stamford. These are tremendous achievements – many congratulations and well done to each and every one of them.
School Swimming Team
I was so pleased to hear how well our swimming team did at the Kimbolton Gala on Tuesday. All the swimmers should be commended on their commitment, effort and true Spratton Hall spirit. For obvious reasons, it is not a sport that we are able to take part in as much as we would like, but well done to all of those team members. Kimbolton just edged the final result 121 – 92.
Events Next Week
The events have been coming thick and fast both this week and next as we build up to half-term. We will be holding our Ash Wednesday services next week (a week before Ash Wednesday itself, owing to half term). As always, these will be at St Andrew’s in the village with the Years 6, 7 and 8 service at 8.45am, followed straight after by the Years 3, 4 and 5 service at 9.10am. Parents are welcome to attend but please do park at school and then walk to the church. Also next week, we look forward to the Informal Concert at 5.30pm on Monday and the Year 3 play at 5.30pm in the Hunter Hall next Thursday.
Thank you and do have a most enjoyable weekend.
Simon Clarke
Headmaster
PRE-PREP
Reception Venture Off to Abington Park Toy Museum
The week began with a wonderful hands-on visit for our Reception children to Abington Park Museum, where they explored a fascinating collection of old toys. From wooden yoyos and porcelain dolls to tin soldiers and spinning tops, the children delighted in investigating, questioning and discovering. A toy-themed treasure hunt took them all around the museum, with even the journey there and back in a convoy of Spratton Hall minibuses proving to be a highlight for many!
Year 1 Continue their Egyptian Adventure
Year 1 are certainly immersing themselves in all things Egyptian at present. Beautiful, multi-coloured drawings of ornate sarcophagi now adorn the walls and windows of the classrooms, while in Music lessons the children are taking great delight in learning some rather gruesome songs about mummification – something to look forward to in their assembly later this term!
This curiosity for ‘horrible history’ has even been taken a step further by carefully wrapping oranges in strips of fabric to explore the mummification process!
Online Safety Talks – Monday 9th February
Online Safety is an integral and ongoing part of our PSHE curriculum and a key aspect of our safeguarding work. From Reception onwards, children learn in Computing lessons how to share online worries with a trusted adult and why passwords and login details should only ever be shared with people they know and trust. Building on this foundation, pupils across the school will enjoy age-appropriate sessions next week led by an Online Safety Specialist. Year 1 and 2 children, in particular, will be encouraged to think carefully about making sensible choices when using devices online. We are also pleased to offer a parent session at the start of the day, from 8.30–9.10am in the Studio (the old dining room) and warmly invite you to attend.
World Book Day, 5th March ~ An Appeal for Story Readers!
Finally, with World Book Day being celebrated nationally on the 6th March, I can’t resist a very excited mention of one of our Pre-Prep plans. We are hoping to host a ‘Story Time with a Difference’ — where stories are brought to life by parents or family members from a wonderfully wide range of occupations. Imagine a farmer reading a tale of silly sheep, or a police officer, firefighter, doctor, vet, engineer or sports person sharing a favourite story in their work wear, inspiring small groups of children through both books and their real-life roles. The children would absolutely love it — even more so if you happen to be a pirate, a superhero… or perhaps a unicorn trainer! If you would like to join the fun and can spare half an hour in the afternoon on this special day, please do reach out to me or your child’s class teacher – we would absolutely love to hear from you!
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Oliver Robertson who persevered with walking every day throughout January, raising a wonderful donation of £62 for the NSPCC.
Further congratulations go to Oliver for gaining his Level 2 swimming award and to Jacob Burke, who has also achieved his Level 2 award.
Very well done to the following children for their achievements in Tae Kwan Do: Rafe Naden-Robinson – yellow belt, Max Al-Azzawe – Tiny Tigers Award, and Rory Docker – Ninja Knights Award
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
Tickets now available – Click this link to book your place with the SHSPA EVENTS SHOP
HOME CLOTHES DAY
Thank you to everyone who supported our Home Clothes Day this week by wearing the logo colours of the MS Society. We managed to raise a total of £352.13.
HOUSE COMPETITIONS
Years 5&6 Cross-Country
Girls
1st – Drake, 2nd – Grenville & Raleigh, 4th – Frobisher
Boys
1st – Frobisher, 2nd – Drake, 3rd – Grenville, 4th – Raleigh
Year 4 Gaming
1st – Grenville (Bertie), 2nd – Drake (Henry), 3rd – Frobisher (Florence), 4th – Raleigh (Arthur)
DRAMA
A final plea for props for ‘Oliver!’, just a few final things, if anyone can help.
Please put a small named sticky label on any items so that I can return the item.
2 x large wooden spoons or ladles (40cm/15”, or longer)
Metal plates, mugs (plain, old fashioned looking)
Small simple wooden tray (not fancy)
Fake cooked meat (realistic looking)
Old blankets/throws (old-fashioned, not posh)
3 x old-fashioned (besom) brooms
2 x old-fashioned carpet beaters
3 x old looking metal buckets (pails)
(yet more!) 4 or 5 metal tankards
Many thanks
Mr Williams
MUSIC
Uppingham Orchestral Day
We had a wonderful day at the Uppingham Orchestral Day yesterday. Our more advanced musicians spent the day working under the guidance of the specialist Uppingham music staff. After working on a selection of pieces in their sectional rehearsals, they all then came together to form one big orchestra with musicians from 15 other Prep Schools. The day finished with a concert to parents. It really was a wonderful day of music making.
Informal Concert Years 3-7 – Monday 9th February
We are really looking forward to the Informal Concert on Monday 9th February. Drinks will be served in Hunter Hall Foyer with the concert taking place in the Studio.
Tea will be provided for those on the programme and for any siblings who have requested it. All are welcome to attend.
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. Those now paying through the NMPAT Direct Billing system, need to check their terms and conditions regarding giving notice for lessons.
Mrs King
ART
Scholarship
Congratulations to Amelie Wilson who has received an Art Scholarship to Kimbolton School which she has worked very hard for and thoroughly deserves. Her portfolio is on display at the bottom of the Art Department stairs.
Artist of the Week
Well done to Martha Miles, Archie Wright and Poppy Turney for their Year 8 portraits.
SHSPA 75th ANNIVERSARY SPRING BALL
Preparations are underway for the SHSPA 75th Anniversary Spring Ball on Saturday 16th May and bookings will open soon with tables of 10-12 available.
There are various opportunities to support the event including:
Auction lots – donations for the charity auction that will take place on the evening
Advertising in the auction catalogue – available in quarter, half of full pages
Sponsorship – we have opportunities to sponsor various elements of the evening
To express your interest in any of the above please email shspa@sprattonhall.com for further details.
PUPIL ACHIEVEMENTS
Well done to Mara Hamilton who finished 9th and Oscar Phipps who finished in 32nd place representing Northamptonshire in the Cross Country Anglian Cup regionals.
Congratulations also to the U12 Boys’ Hockey team who finished in 4th place at the IAPS National Finals.
OH YES HE DID IT!
Mr Bradnam would like to thank all the staff and parents who came to support him during his panto performances in ‘Treasure Island’ at Rugby Theatre. After 13 successful shows, with over 2500 people attending, he is now ready for a well-earned rest!
NON-SCHOOL EVENTS
