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Friday 12 May 2023 |
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Good endings lead to good beginnings As beginnings go, last weekend’s Coronation of King Charles III proved to be quite a beginning – an immaculately rehearsed public spectacle on an international stage – they don’t come much bigger than that. Steeped in history, a re-enactment and remembrance of ancient traditions and events, the ceremonies and pageantry, with their centuries-old carriages, crowns and jewels, served to re-establish a link to the past, yet herald the beginning of a new era. Watched by 20.4 million people worldwide as the King was crowned, viewers bore witness to the first moments of the formal Carolean era, last seen in the seventeenth century. But strong beginnings rely on strong endings. It is not often you can say you witnessed the end of an era. But by definition, the second Elizabethan age ended with the death and subsequent funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, which was meticulously managed and undeniably moving. It was – as the odd but accurate phrase has it – a good funeral. Not least because it was in recognition of a genuine good. Whatever your view of the monarchy and the institution as a whole, it is hard to deny that Elizabeth II loyally served right to the end. In school this week, on a somewhat smaller scale, Year 13 students marked the end of an era with a full week of costume planning, final lessons, yearbook receiving and signing, culminating in the Sixth Form Celebration event on Thursday evening. Year 13 students assembled with their parents to mark the end of their High School education, making way for study leave and final preparations for their A Level exams. During the same week, our Year 6 pupils travelled with their teachers to Osmington Bay on the south coast for a week of fun-filled challenges and activities with their friends, cementing life-long relationships ahead of their transition to Senior School, signalling the approaching close of their primary education journey. At the time of writing, Year 13’s final celebration assembly looms large – a chance for the students to dress up in their themed costumes, joined by the Senior School staff, to watch the Leavers’ film, and say final ‘thank yous’, creating a memorable close to the girls’ experience at Northampton High. American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, whose over life-size white marble bust has stood in Poets’ Corner Westminster Abbey since 1884, quoted ‘Great is the art of beginning, but greater the art is of ending’. How apt. As parents of Preschool, Year 6, and Year 11 pupils will know well and feel acutely, the transition ahead to the next important stage of school life – to Reception, Senior School, Sixth Form respectively – brings heightened anticipation, emotion, and perhaps a sense of nervousness. For the parents of Year 13 students, who have, in some cases, been bringing their daughters to Northampton High for the last 15 years, the next steps for their daughters will be understandably daunting, yet keenly anticipated. What is crucial for this time of uncertainty is that the ‘endings’ for our students who are nearing the next liminal stage of their education are the best they can be, making way for positive new beginnings. Good endings matter. The hoodies, the year books, the new plans, the celebratory events and the transition sessions are all part of making sure the culmination of the ‘lasts’ at that stage of school life make way for the myriad expectant ‘firsts’ to come. Our Year 11 students will now prepare for their summer GCSE exams as they start their study leave. Our Year 13s leave us to prepare for their A Level exams, and the page is turning, ready for them to start their next chapter. We wish them everything of the best for the period ahead, and genuinely wish them ‘good beginnings’ for the next stage of their adventures. Mrs Wilmot |
The Week Ahead |
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Monday 15 May Tuesday 16 May |
Wednesday 17 May To view a list of the summer term clubs and activities, please click here. |
A message from Dr. Lee to the Year 13 Leavers |
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The Class of 2023 is a special and good year group; the girls are very nice, they will make you feel very welcomed and you will enjoy working with them. These are some of the comments that I can still recall when I first stepped foot into Northampton High almost a year ago. Our time together has flown by and to me, you have all proven to be more than just special; you are exceptional and indeed extraordinary in so many different ways: you never refuse the offer of cakes or biscuits, your abundant sounds of laughter and joy that filters out from the Sixth Form quarter, your countless contributions to the life of the school and most importantly, your forever cheerful and effervescent personalities have all together made the daily lives of staff and pupils at Northampton High so much more rewarding and pleasurable. As you enter the next chapter of your life – full of possibilities and excitement, remember to always be righteous in your actions, dignified in your ways. Let your words bring happiness to others and your actions bring hope. Be good to people on your way up and they will hold you up when you tumble down. Believe in yourself, do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Be brave, Be bold and Be unstoppable! And remember ‘Once a Northampton High girl, always a Northampton High girl!’. And some time in the future, do come back to tell us the stories of your success. I wish you all the very best for a happy and successful future. Dr Lee |
Sixth Form Leavers’ Reception 2023 |
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Last night, we celebrated the wonderful Class of 2023 with our annual Sixth Form Leavers’ Reception. The night always promises to be memorable and is consistently described as a firm favourite in the Northampton High calendar, with this year being no different. During what can be a stressful time for our Year 13 students as they approach their A Level examinations, it is always wonderful to see them in such high spirits and enjoying the company of their friends. It was delightful to welcome parents to this fantastic event to celebrate their daughter’s time at Northampton High and reminisce on the special memories made during their school lives. Our devoted teachers were also in attendance to congratulate the pupils on a fantastic Sixth Form journey and to wish them well ahead of their exams! With the weather on our side, pupils gathered in the Cripps courtyard to have their photograph taken; swapping the usual student dress code for dresses and gowns, the group were picture-ready and excited for a celebratory evening with their school community. Following prosecco and canapes, all in attendance were seated in the theatre to hear touching speeches from various members of staff, as well as Head Girl, Chelsea. Words of confidence and encouragement were given by Dr Lee and Mr Viesel, with form tutors sharing fond memories and well wishes for the future. The evening proved the perfect celebration for a fabulous cohort of young women who will go on to achieve great things. From everyone at Northampton High School, thank you for being outstanding role models during your time in Sixth Form and good luck for your upcoming examinations! Miss Price |
Year 11 enjoy Celebratory Lunch ahead of GCSE examinations |
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It has been an emotional week for our wonderful Year 11 students as they prepare to go on study leave ahead of their GCSE examinations! On Thursday, we were delighted to host a celebratory lunch to congratulate this special year group for all they have achieved during their time so far at Northampton High. It was fantastic to have the entire cohort together to enjoy their final day of Year 11 and reminisce on what a wonderful year it has been! Thank you to Mrs Down for leading an amazing assembly and to the wonderful Year 11 form tutors and teachers who have worked tirelessly to ensure each pupil approaches their examinations with confidence and self-assurance. On behalf of everyone at Northampton High School, we wish you the best of luck in your exams! Miss Price |
Farewell Year 13 |
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The time has come to bid farewell to our wonderful Year 13 Class of 2023, following what has been a very special Northampton High journey. Our Year 13 students truly embraced their final week with us and have enjoyed celebrating their schooling lives with fun-filled activities and customary leavers’ traditions! It has been fantastic to watch them soak up every last bit of their Sixth Form adventure, taking the opportunity to truly treasure moments spent with friends and teachers! As is custom at Northampton High, the Class of 2023 have enjoyed the annual fancy dress week, with pupils dressing up in outfits according to the theme set for that day. The spirit of the student always shines through and this year was particularly brilliant, with the entire cohort dressing as Mr Viesel for a day! On Thursday, we were delighted to host the Sixth Form Leavers’ Reception for students, staff and our wonderful parents! Sharing special memories and favourite moments, the evening proved the perfect celebration of an exceptional group of young women! Heart warming speeches from staff and Head Girl, Chelsea, followed a spectacular afternoon tea, making for a night to be remembered! The celebratory week was concluded with the traditional Year 13 take-over, a long awaited occasion for every Northampton High School pupil. This year’s theme was set as ‘Once Upon a Time’, with the Senior School reception area and various corridors transformed into a storybook setting. Staff are always quick to join in the fun with this tradition, and we were treated to an array of impressive costumes – from dinosaurs and princesses to vampires and witches! With their fabulous outfits on display and everyone in high spirits, the school community gathered in the theatre for a special farewell assembly which featured the infamous leavers’ video. Touching speeches and departing messages from staff and students made for an emotional watch, with laughs shared and tears shed as we learned about each student’s ambitions for the future! We wish each and every member of Year 13 all the best in whatever they choose to do! Miss Price |
Success at the District Athletics Competition |
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On Wednesday 10 May, the Inter and Junior athletics team represented Northampton High at the District Athletics competition. Despite the constant weather changes, our students remained determined and delivered some fantastic performances. We are very proud of each and every team member and their achievements, notably; Rosie in the High Jump (2nd) and the Triple Jump (1st), Jemima in the 300m hurdle (1st) and 1500m (1st), Issy in the 1500m (3rd), Ella’s 300m race (2nd) and High Jump performance (3rd), and Gracie in the 800m (2nd). The Inter relay team also finished confidently in first place, and we were delighted to see Poppy in our Junior Team secure a 3rd place High Jump finish! Well done to all who participated. Mrs Littlewood |
Book Review |
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The Future of Geography by Tim Marshall Spy satellites orbiting the Moon. Space metals worth billions. Humans on Mars within our lifetimes. Space: the new frontier, a wild and lawless place. It is already central to communication, economics, military strategy and international relations on Earth. |
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Now, it is the latest arena for human exploration, exploitation – and, possibly, conquest. We’re heading up and out, and we’re taking our power struggles with us. China, the USA and Russia are leading the way. From physical territory and resources to satellites, weaponry and strategic choke points, geopolitics is as important in the skies above us as it is down below. If you’ve ever wondered if humans are going back to the Moon, who will benefit from exploration or what space wars might look like, the answers are here. With all the insight and wit that have made Tim Marshall the UK’s most popular writer on geopolitics, this gripping book shows how we got here and where we’re going, covering great-power rivalry; technology; commerce; combat in space; and what it means for all of us down here on Earth. This is essential reading on power, politics and the future of humanity. Miss Buxton |
Why choose a ‘made for girls’ education? – Wednesday 7 June |
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We are delighted to be hosting a special ‘In conversation with’ event, in which our experts will explore how a girls-only education can transform your daughter’s life. Drawing on landmark national research in The Girls’ Futures Report, our experts Dr May Lee, Head, and Dr Kevin Stannard, GDST’s Director of Innovation and Learning, will explore:
The event commences at 6.00pm with a drinks reception, followed by the ‘In Conversation’ event at 6.30pm. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and explore these vital topics with our experts. We do hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be an invaluable discussion with pioneering experts in girls’ education. Please click here to book your free tickets today. Mr Nash |
Northampton High School - Where girls learn without limits |
In Conversation With: Lorraine Whitmarsh |
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GDST’s next ‘In Conversation With’ event is with Environmental Psychologist and Portsmouth High School alumna, Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE. The event will take place on Friday 23 May, 12.30-1.30pm, via Zoom. The ‘In Conversation With’ events are open to all alumnae, Sixth Formers, staff, parents, and GDST’s Partnership and Outreach schools. The aim is to engage wider alumnae audiences from all over the world and promote the network and inspire both alumnae and current GDST students with a huge variety of speakers and topics. More information and sign up for your free spot, please click here. Mrs Wilmot |
Alumnae of the Year 2023 |
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We are delighted to announce that nominations are now open for GDST Alumna of the Year 2023. This special award recognises remarkable individuals and celebrates their inspiring achievements. To find out more and to make a nomination, please find a link to the nomination form here. Nominations close on Tuesday 23 May. Mrs Wilmot |
Swap Shop events |
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We would like to share the forthcoming Swap Shop event dates with you. These events provide parents with the opportunity to buy, sell or donate items of uniform that you no longer require. If you have any items that you would like to sell or donate, please bring them to school for the below dates: Tuesday 23 May Friday 30 June |
Save the Date: Creative Arts Festival |
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Save the date: Alumnae Reunion Lunch |
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Save the Date: Speech Day 2023 |
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Save the Date: Parents Afternoon Tea - Friday 7 July |
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We invite you to save the date for this summer’s Parent Afternoon Tea event, which will be taking place on Friday 7 July, from 2 – 3.30pm. The cost for this event will be £15pp, and bookings can be made via ParentPay, with a deadline of Wednesday 31 May. More information will follow over the coming weeks and months, but we do hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a lovely afternoon. Miss Hair |
Community Nursery Sessions |
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Cricket Coaching in Northampton |
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Term Dates |
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Northampton High School |
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