FROM THE HEADMASTER
Notable Events
In some weeks I am often left racking my brain trying to find a suitably interesting topic to talk to the children about in assembly. This week has been quite the opposite with much going on in the world, from the white smoke emerging in the Vatican yesterday heralding the new Pope; then, in contrast, for sports fans there would have been great interest in the announcement of the British and Irish Lions rugby squad yesterday. Of note is the selection of Henry Pollock, former Beachborough and Stowe pupil who just seven years ago would have been playing here against Spratton.
We have also marked the VE Day 80th Anniversary commemorations and celebrations this week with a special assembly yesterday. I did say to the children that if they are lucky enough to have relatives still living who remember VE Day to take the time to ask them about it and find out more about their lives back in 1945. As the days and years go by, sadly, these opportunities of a direct link with the past will fade away.
Maidwell Hall
There will be mixed emotions as we have the last ever Spratton v Maidwell sports fixtures next Wednesday (other than tennis in June). This local derby has always been one of the highlights of the term and I am so very sad that these will come to an end after Maidwell’s closure at the end of term. This has been a closely fought fixture played in good, competitive spirit (usually!) since Spratton first opened its doors back in 1951. Indeed, I remember playing in the fixture myself many times as a young boy. I do hope the matches on Wednesday are competitive but, most importantly, enjoyable for all.
Open Morning
We held a very successful Open Morning today with a good number of families visiting the school. Our Year 8 children acted as guides, as ever, doing an excellent job as ambassadors for the school. They were treated to an extra surprise as we were able to open the new building for a couple of hours this morning, which was a lovely treat for the Year 8s and, indeed, the prospective parents. It is so exciting to see the building nearing completion; there will be opportunities for all parents to tour the building after half term.
LAMDA
I was very impressed with the children who gave a showcase of their LAMDA work at the presentation evening on Tuesday in preparation for their exam. Well done to them all and I do wish them all the best when their exams come.
Exams and Assessments
We are in the midst of exam season at the moment and I do wish the children all the very best, particularly our Year 8s whose Common Entrance assessments get underway on Monday with their French Orals and then French Listening on Tuesday. Good luck to all!
Thank you and do have a very good weekend.
Simon Clarke
Headmaster
PRE-PREP
Almost every day, bursts of singing, ocarina and recorder playing and the crash, shake and jingle of percussion instruments can be heard ringing out from Pre-Prep and there isn’t an adult in the building who, when walking past, doesn’t join in or stop to listen with admiration!
Year 2 Choir – Sing … Sing a Song!
With singing in mind, Mrs King and I couldn’t have been prouder of our Year 2 Choir this morning. Given just two weeks to learn two brand new songs, the children rose to the challenge brilliantly, performing with confidence, joy and real gusto during our Open Morning presentation. They were amazing!
‘Talk for Writing’
‘Talk for Writing’ is a compelling and innovative approach to enriching children’s Literacy skills, which we champion here in Pre-Prep. Through the powerful medium of talking, children learn to internalise the language structure of stories, before unleashing their imaginations and weaving in their own ideas, all whilst learning the importance of language features such as conjunctions, powerful verbs, adjectives and similes. In 1S this week, the children could be heard delivering their own lively and creative version of ‘Tiddler’, the well-known Julia Donaldson story. Whilst, in 1N the children were in role as hyenas, interviewing each other to spark ideas for their own lively tales.
NSPCC ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ Programme
We hope you’ve heard some excited chatter about ‘Buddy’ this week! Buddy, the big green speech bubble mascot from the NSPCC, helps children understand that they have the right to speak out to a trusted adult if they ever feel worried, scared, sad or uncomfortable. We first introduced Buddy and the ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ message back in October, but with such an important message to keep fresh in young minds, we were more than happy to welcome him back for a reminder.
Pre-Prep Grandparents’ Day – 2pm, Friday 16th May ‘25
Finally, I cannot resist a little mention of our Grandparents’ Day, which is fast approaching next week. Whilst entitled ‘Grandparents’ Day’, we should actually think of this event as being for any much-loved grown-ups in a child’s life, as we do understand that not all families are blessed with grandparents who are able to attend. With room in the Hunter Hall for each family to invite two guests, it does promise to be a very special afternoon indeed.
Pupil Achievements
Congratulations to Oliver Robertson who has achieved his orange belt grading in Martial Arts and to Beatrice George for completing a 1.3 mile ‘Superhero Fun Run’.
Fiona Sanchez
Head of Pre-Prep
MUSIC NEWS
Summer Concert – Tuesday 1st July
Our Summer Concert will take place on Tuesday 1st July. All of our music ensembles will be performing in this concert. Please make sure that the date is in your diary.
NMPAT Auditions
It has been wonderful to see so many of our pupils involved in the external music groups organised by Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Trust this year. The auditions are now open for 2025-2026. As a guide, instrumentalists should be around Grade 3 standard and above. Singers can be any grade. Following on from a successful audition, children are placed in a group relative to their ability and their age. Rehearsals are one evening a week or on a Saturday, with a number of concerts throughout the year. Rehearsal times do vary, but some run as late as 9pm. Should you have any questions about whether your child should audition for an NMPAT ensemble, how they are organised or the timings of rehearsals, please speak to your child’s instrumental teacher or to myself.
Further information about auditioning and how to apply can be found at the link below.
Termination of Music Lessons
If you wish to terminate your child’s music lesson from the start of the autumn term, please be aware that notice must be received by May half term.
Mrs King
Director of Music
LAMDA
Our LAMDA pupils took part in a showcase of their work at the presentation evening in Hunter Hall on Tuesday, in preparation for their exam.
Good luck to them all.
TOWNSEND LIBRARY
A huge welcome to our new Librarians for the summer term: Andrew, Finlay, George, Poppy, Poppy, Ivy, Charlotte and Archie.
HOLIDAY CLUB
LOST PROPERTY
Clear plastic swirl pattern plate left from Pre-Prep Cake Sale still to be claimed
Ski base layers in plastic bag left in main hall
NON-SCHOOL EVENTS
This is a great way for junior players to have extra pitch time, socialise with friends, make new friends and improve their own hockey.
Players are split into ability groups, as best as possible, in order to stretch the players and allow them to get the most out of their camp. We focus on one defensive, attacking and specialist component of the game each day, as well as encouraging teamwork and decision making from the players.
If you would like to book your child onto the camp, please use the link above.
