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Friday 1 October 2021 |
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When we think of what learning means in schools, the notion of a ‘taught curriculum’ is often at the forefront of our minds. With this comes the classic image of lessons taking place in classrooms, with teachers drawing on schemes of work and programmes of study to build skills and knowledge that will lead students to success in public examinations. Of course, we have a far wider conception of learning and skills development than that, and it is arguably the non-examined core of our curriculum at Northampton High that really gives our learners the edge. Needless to say, vibrant, modern teaching and learning in academic lessons focused on students taking the initiative, is an absolute necessity and a hallmark of our school. However, when we talk about scattering the paths of learners with opportunities and signposting them to achieve their dreams and ambitions, we must ensure they know what this actually means for them as individuals. This is where the huge range of extracurricular and enrichment options available at school really matters. I have written previously about the Enrichment programme, which ranges from STEM clubs and societies to creative arts electives, and incorporates all the music, sport and oracy activities within our extracurricular schedule. These activities do much of the heavy lifting in developing better self-awareness and encouraging creativity and independence in students. However, they also support academic areas in helping students to develop the vital problem-solving, reasoning, teamwork, critical thinking, communication, and collaborative abilities they will need in the future. Click here to read more Mr Rickman |
The week ahead |
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Monday 4 October Tuesday 5 October Wednesday 6 October |
Thursday 7 October Friday 8 October Saturday 9 October Sunday 10 October |
Meet the DFO - Monday 4 October |
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We announced our series of Parent Talks and Forums for 2021/22 in our Headlines publication sent to you at the beginning of September. The first of these events will take place on Monday 4 October, 6pm to 7pm in the Senior School foyer. ‘Parent Talks – Meet the DFO’ – will be an informal event with light refreshments and an opportunity to meet Mr Alex Hume, who joined us in the summer term, and to find out more about our new catering and transport initiatives, and to ask questions. This is also a super opportunity to meet with other parents and staff face-to-face, and to share in open conversations about this area of the school community. |
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Please would you express your interest in attending this event by booking here. Should you wish to see the full details of our Parent Talks programme, please click here. We look forward to welcoming you into school next Monday. Mrs O’Doherty |
Head's Commendations |
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This term, we have been delighted to honour the excellence of pupils by awarding them with a Head’s Commendation. Nominated by their teachers, pupils joined Mrs O’Doherty for a celebratory tea party ahead of recieving their certificates as a reward for their achievements. Mrs O’Doherty looks forward to awarding more Commendation’s throughout the year. Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Commendations this time:
Mr Nash |
Dr Thomas has work published in 'The Psychologist' magazine |
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We were delighted to hear that, over the summer, Dr Sheila Thomas had a piece published in ‘The Psychologist’ magazine! The Psychologist is the magazine of the British Psychological Society and has a very wide readership amongst educationalists and clinicians, and we were overjoyed to see Dr Thomas’s piece on ‘the value of studying Psychology A Level’ featured. To view the piece for yourself, please click here. Mrs Wilmot |
High Sports |
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We are delighted to share with you a round-up of our Sports fixtures from the past couple of weeks: U13 Hockey vs Bedford Modern – Saturday 18 September saw the first Saturday fixture since March 2020; the Bedford Modern U13 Hockey Tournament. The High School took two teams and played against Bedford Modern, Bedford Girls, Stephen Perse, Kimbolton, and Spratton. The weather proved to be too warm at times and the perfectly blue sky made for a bright sunny day; quite tricky conditions for the goalkeepers, Poppy M and Issy S. The day proved to be a steep learning curve for the teams; however, they adapted admirably and fully embraced the experience. All of the team gave ‘sterling’ performance but mention must go to Charlotte F, Isla N and Issy S for the A Team, and Poppy M, Bella F, Aiyven M and Holly H for the B Team. A fantastic day’s hockey and it was a pleasure to take the teams to the event. Mrs Littlewood
It was our first fixture this academic year and for some of us our very first experience of a hockey tournament! We played very well all things considered, including that some of us haven’t even played together before because of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the whole tournament, both teams’ hockey got a lot better and we started to gain more confidence on the pitch. Poppy and Izzy were the goalies and they both saved lots of shots throughout the festival. They also both had to take part in shuffles (where an attacker had 6 seconds to take on the goalie to score a goal) and, although they were scared at first as it was their first time facing competitive shuffles, they ended up saving lots of goals. Some good goals were scored by both High School teams and in a few games, we had more possession of the ball. Everyone enjoyed the day, had a great tournament, and learnt a lot about hockey. I am very proud of the team! Charlotte F – Captain U14 Hockey vs Wellingborough – On 28 September, our U14 hockey team played Wellingborough School. Despite losing 4-0 we showed great teamwork and many excellent plays – like Roja and Lucy’s fantastic running, Imogen’s almost goal, and Tess’s brilliant keeping. It was this brilliant keeping that has won her Player of the Match. Well done, Tess, and to everyone else that played! Hattie K – Captain
U16 Tennis vs Headington School – On Thursday 30 September, the U16 tennis team took on Headington School. We played some excellent tennis in tough weather conditions during this away fixture in the Div 2 Team Tennis competition. All players found themselves up against strong opponents and it was a delight to see such competitive matches. Rose won her singles game 6-4 and Eliza pushed her opponent to a tie-break, narrowly missing out 7-6. This put us slightly behind going into the doubles matches. Despite the students’ resilience in the windy and rainy weather, they were unable to make up the difference, and Headington progress to the next round. Well done to the team: Eliza A, Janice H, Rose N, and Shruti P. Mrs Littlewood Mrs Littlewood |
Creative Arts Spotlight |
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This week, the Creative Arts Spotlight shines on to Year 8 student Ruby S. In Year 8 Textiles, we have been inspired by the work of Textile Designer Jules McKeown. Her work is driven by pattern, colour and print, and Ruby is pictured here working on a fantastic range of eclectic patterns and prints. Well done Ruby! Miss Lycett |
Meet the Creative Arts Team - Mrs Bull |
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Mrs Bull is a graduate in Ceramics and Glass. She is our full-time Technician for Art and Fashion & Textiles, working closely with a number of staff members to support teaching and learning. Mrs Bull has given students lessons on the potter’s wheel and she processes our photographic screen prints in the darkroom. Her skills with clay enable her to test and purchase a range of glazes and she is, of course, in charge of operating our kiln! Purchase orders, price comparisons, displays, health and safety and first aid are also key areas of her work, and she is a valued member of staff when accompanying trips as a first aider and ‘Chief Tweeter.’ |
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Her problem-solving skills and ‘can-do’ attitude certainly keep our wheels turning here in school. She can be seen in the photo helping to prepare the Pattern Clash White Room, for Open Day tomorrow. We are very excited about the activities we have planned in Creative Arts, so please do come along and see us. Mrs Beacroft |
Book of the Week |
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The Secret Detectives by Ella Risbridger ‘The body seemed to fall for a long time. There was no splash, or if there was it was lost in the waves. Isobel was frozen to the spot for a moment – and then her common sense caught up with her, and she stepped back quickly into the shadows’. When Isobel Petty is orphaned, she finds herself being taken away from her home in India and sent to live with a distant uncle in England. On board the S.S. Marianna, she witnesses a shocking act – somebody being thrown overboard in the middle in the night. |
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But when the ship’s captain insists that nobody is missing, Isobel and her two new reluctant friends must solve two mysteries – the identities of both the murderer and the victim – before they reach England and the culprit has the chance to escape. Inspired by The Secret Garden and the golden age of crime writing, The Secret Detectives is perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Katherine Rundell. Miss Buxton |
Medical Notices |
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Please can we remind parents/carers that all medication needs to be given to reception staff in either Junior School or Senior School, where they will be asked to sign a consent form for the specific medication to be administered. Medication will then be taken to the medical room and stored safely, so students know where they can access their medication. Students are not permitted to carry their own medication unless it is emergency medication (or if discussed with the School Nurse) e.g. adrenaline and asthma medication. May we also kindly remind parents/carers of new starters to please complete the medical health form as soon as possible. Date for your diary: Covid vaccination – Thursday 14 October for 12-15 (letter to follow) Any issues, please feel free to email me at medical@nhs.gdst.net and I would be happy to help. Mrs Dunkley |
Macmillan Coffee Morning |
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A huge thank you to everyone who bought, ate and baked cakes for our recent Macmillan Coffee Morning. So far as a school we have raised over £700 from this event, which is broken down into £500 from the Junior School event and £200 from the senior staffroom cake sale. Thank you all for your continued support! Mrs Langhorn |
Whole School Open Morning - Saturday 2 October 2021 |
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Sincere thanks to all families who have offered the support of their daughters for our Open Morning on Saturday 2 October, from 10am to 1pm. The day promises to be a superb showcase of life at Northampton High, our students, and our staff. If you would like to come along, please do feel most welcome, and should you have family, friends, or neighbours keen to visit us, please encourage them to book their place here and join us! Mrs Wilmot |
Term Dates 21/22 |
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Term Dates 22/23 |
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Northampton High School |
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