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Friday 10 November 2023 |
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Remember, remember To remember is to be able to ‘bring to one’s mind an awareness of someone or something from the past’. In other words, it is the act of summoning the past into our consciousness. This act of remembrance is a potent force, capable of evoking both happy and sad memories. Arguably it is our particular set of memories that make us uniquely who we are, filled with the people and experiences that have defined us. So, remembering may be shaped with both thanksgiving for the good things, a sadness for those things over which we had no control and a remembrance of bad things that we wish not to repeat. All these aspects of remembrance are present as we look ahead to Armistice Day, the day on which we remember that on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the conflict of WW1 ended. Many will be wearing poppies in remembrance and observe the two minutes silence. This act of remembrance is special in that it is a collective act of remembrance marked by the whole nation and etched into our identity. Even though WW1 has faded from living memory, the importance of remembering the sacrifices made in that war is paramount, as we are reminded, “Lest we forget”. Sadly, it was not the war to end all wars, as others have followed and some continue even today. While thankfully many of us will never know what it means to be in combat firsthand, we are the beneficiaries of those who do. There are few if any families who will not have been touched by the effects of war in their family histories. So, this week, we remember, because it is our duty and failing to do so risks the repetition of history’s gravest mistakes. The theme of remembrance weaves through the winter season, a time when our culturally diverse community celebrates significant milestones in their calendars. Some may already be knee-deep in preparations, while others are just beginning to sense the impending festivities. Yet, the clock is ticking on preparing for festivals including Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas. A recent supermarket trip felt like navigating a slalom course around pop-up stacks of chocolate selection boxes and table crackers – further prompting our subconscious that December is just around the corner. In the coming days, different faiths and communities will celebrate the power of light over darkness, good over evil, and the sheer excitement of families enjoying firework displays across the country. We have already had timely reminders, with Halloween during the half term break and Fireworks Night behind us and the changing of the clocks providing that all important extra hour in bed. Further signs will soon follow and before you know it, you are sitting down to watch the newest John Lewis advert which has become for many just as much of a festive tradition as picking out a Christmas tree, putting up the lights and opening the latest door on the advert calendar. Being part of the school community is a blessing as this half-term although busy and may feel like, at times, a whirlwind, it is also teeming with excitement, adventure and joy for both students and parents. There is much to look forward to, including our inaugural Parent and Staff Quiz Night, the annual Christmas Fayre with its many exciting attractions, the Junior School Christmas Craft Workshop and celebration evening, House Plays which stands as the grandest house event of the school year and the spectacular Christmas concert, to name but a few. This half-term is always busy, but we know the students really do love this time of year at school. As the march towards the end of the calendar year starts in earnest, we can’t wait to welcome you into school for some or all of these events, and share moments with your daughter that will last a lifetime. Then in the years that follow, you can reminisce and remember the joy and connection that define this remarkable season. Dr Lee |
The Week Ahead |
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Monday 13 November Tuesday 14 November |
Thursday 16 November Friday 17 November Please click here to view this term’s Clubs & Activities list and timetable
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High Sports |
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U15 Hockey On Thursday, we travelled to Croydon at 6:20 in the morning! We went in with confidence as we had won the first part of the rally earlier in the season. We won one, drew one and lost won (only by 1-0) in our pool matches, which meant we went through to the semis. Playing Bath in the semi final, we created great passing opportunities as a team which meant we scored 3 goals in a space of 20 minutes. Going into the finals, there were a few nerves as we had previously lost to Wimbledon. This didn’t affect us too much though as we scored in the first 5 minutes. Despite this, Wimbledon came back quickly with fierce intentions and scored two goals, which meant we finished second place overall. After feeling a bit upset, we became very proud of ourselves and the improvements we have clearly made over the two years of 11 aside hockey, making us the most successful U15 team our school has seen in a very long time. Special mentions go to Katie and Evie for get joint players player which was greatly deserved. Well done to everyone who took part! |
Erin shines at the British Ice Skating Young Stars competition |
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Last week, Erin competed at the final British Ice Skating Young Stars competition of the year, hosted in Sheffield. Despite enduring a fracture to her wrist only the week before in training, Erin was determined not to withdraw from the event, and competed at the highest level of the competition! BIS is the national regulatory body for ice skating and Young Stars is BIS’s national competition for under 13s, held 3 times a year with entries at Beginner, National 1, National 2 and National 3 levels. |
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Despite competing with her broken wrist and having to tone her routine down as a result, Erin scored highly enough to place 7th in her category and successfully pass both the technical and the components parts of the skating assessments to progress to National 4. Erin’s perseverance at this prestigious competition was remarkable and her love for the sport was truly evident. We would like to congratulate Erin for this incredible achievement and wish her all the best in her recovery. Mrs Blake |
Lucy achieves golfing success at recent competition! |
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At the beginning of the half term break, Lucy participated in the final Northamptonshire girls’ golf competition of the season. Taking part in the NGL Roses Autumn Cup, Lucy successfully won the nett trophy, with a nett 73! Despite playing less golf this year due to focusing on her football, Lucy also won the Collingtree Order of Merit and was part of the Collingtree team that won the NGL Interclub Junior Matchplay. |
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These fabulous achievements pay testament to Lucy’s talent and skill, and we are delighted to congratulate her on her golfing success!
Mrs Blake
Director of Sport |
Natalie attends professional training camp |
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Over the half term holidays, Natalie attended a hockey goal keeping training camp where she was coached by ex England GK Maddie Hinch. She found the training exceptionally useful to her development as a player and loved the opportunity. Well done Natalie! Mrs Blake |
Katie selected for The Blaze Emerging Player Pathway |
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We are proud to share that Katie F has successfully been re-selected for The Blaze Emerging Player Pathway for the 2023/24 season. This is an incredible achievement as Katie is one of only 15 girls selected from across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. We know Katie will make the most of this wonderful opportunity and we are thrilled to see how this will develop her as a player! Mrs Blake |
Creative Arts Spotlight |
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Over the previous half term, our Year 9 students have been learning about the techniques used in Rock music by preparing a performance of ‘Sweet Child of Mine’ by Guns N’ Roses. They have learned to play chords, sequences and riffs, as well as learning to sing the main parts before finally combining these to create group performances. These pictures show our students working hard to prepare for their group performances, demonstrating their understanding of these techniques and making the interpretation unique to themselves and their individual skills and talents. Miss Smith |
Mrs Beacroft's Art Exhibition at 78 Derngate |
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Mrs Beacroft’s love of art is evident in every lesson she teaches here at Northampton High School. Creating art is not just a passion in the classroom, but a lifelong endeavour for our Head of Faculty, who spends her free time producing spectacular pieces in her dedicated studio. Influenced by her love of gardening, her work captures the beauty of nature and the outdoor world, often taking inspiration from rural Northamptonshire. We are delighted to share that Mrs Beacroft’s art is currently being exhibited at 78 Derngate and is available to view and purchase until Friday 22 December. This is an excellent opportunity for students to view her talented art and learn more about what it means to be a professional artist. To learn more about Mrs Beacroft’s work, please read below: “My BA (hons) in Fine Art from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, along with many years teaching across Art, Craft & Design disciplines have equipped me with a huge passion and a solid base of experience and expertise. In my personal work I use oils, acrylics or watercolours, often taking inspiration from my surroundings or travels further afield. Employing a range of tools allows me to create subtle marks, washes and expressive brushwork. When using mixed media, I love to capture the intense detail and natural textures of trees, drawing with micron pens, inks and watercolours on heavy paper. Stepping out from Silver Birch Studio takes me directly into the garden where I can sketch and experiment with compositions for lino designs, using V and U shaped carving tools to create relief prints. My drypoint plates are incised with an etching tool and I ink up using the intaglio method. Home-grown flowers and seed heads are fun to carve as they provide exciting lines, shapes and forms – perfect for printmaking. The beauty of nature is always at the heart of what I create.” We are very proud to have the work of our talented staff on display, and we hope this inspires the budding artists here at Northampton High! If you wish to view more of Mrs Beacroft’s work, please click here. Miss Price |
Music theory and composition tuition available |
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We are delighted to be able to offer one-to-one music theory and composition tuition. Lessons can involve covering the grade 5 music theory syllabus, focus on composition skills using technology, or a mixture of the two disciplines. This is an exciting addition to our peripatetic music offering. These lessons can take place before and after school as well as during school hours, and are taught by our newly appointed specialist self-employed teacher. Pupils considering GCSE and A Level Music may find these lessons particularly useful. Junior students are also very welcome to take these lessons. Please contact Mr Nathan at p.nathan@nhs.gdst.net if you would like to find out more about composition and music theory lessons, or to arrange a trial lesson. Mr Nathan |
Help us rehome Pudsey! |
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With Children In Need around the corner, we are excited to help raise money for this wonderful cause. This year, as part of our fundraising efforts, we have a special guest in school who we would like to rehome! Pudsey Bear, pictured above helping Dr Lee with her work this week, is looking for a new home – and that could be with you! By clicking this link, you can help our fundraising cause by donating the sum of £2 for a raffle ticket, and if your number is pulled out on Friday 17 November, Pudsey will be yours! Friday 17 November will also be a whole school mufti day, so please make a donation (a minimum of £1 is suggested) to wear your ‘home clothes’ on this national Children In Need day. We love doing what we can to support this wonderful cause. Together, we can help support children and young people across the UK to rebuild their lives. Thank you for your continued support – and good luck if you choose to enter! Mr NashMarketing & Communications Manager |
Yoga and wellness classes available |
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Our experienced yoga teacher, Mrs Eborall, has been helping Year 10 and Year 11 to find a deeper connection within themselves. Using mindful movement to listen to their bodies, students learn useful coping strategies in the run up to exam season. The ability to maintain a healthy mind and body is essential for our wellbeing, and Mrs Eborall is an expert in teaching these important skills. Delivering yoga and meditation classes throughout Northampton to companies and group classes of all levels, her passion for teaching and practising yoga extends further than the classroom. Mrs Eborall is currently offering morning, afternoon and evening classes to those interested in incorporating yoga and wellness into their life, and would be delighted to welcome parents, staff and members of the community to join one of her popular classes or programmes. To explore the benefits of yoga and meditation, please click here or email Mrs Eborall at lyn@smile-lifestyle.co.uk. |
Save the Date: Quiz Night |
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Save the Date: Christmas Fayre |
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Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 23/24: November |
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Northampton High School - Where girls learn without limits |
Term Dates |
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Northampton High School |
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