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Friday 14 February 2020 |
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At Northampton High School, we place great emphasis on personal development, and this was immediately recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) on their visit to the school in November 2019. This area of their inspection report considers a number of factors including pupils’ self-esteem, self-confidence, resilience, well-being, spiritual understanding, social awareness and respect and value for different cultures. The school was judged ‘excellent’ for personal development – the highest possible grade. Personal development is a priority from the outset at Northampton High School as our Nursery girls are encouraged to develop their independence under the careful guidance of their key worker. This member of staff works closely with the parents, as do the tutors as the girls progress through the Junior School. These partnerships of care, nurture and support are vitally important, and small class sizes allow adequate time and attention for each child. Wrap-around care and a wide range of extracurricular activities enable the girls to develop their interests and individuality from a very young age, and those in Reception to Year 6 benefit from the expertise of colleagues from the Junior and Senior Schools – as well as external facilitators – as they explore extracurricular opportunities and begin to develop a sense of self. Read more here Mrs Petryszak |
Week Ahead |
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Monday 24 February Tuesday 25 February Wednesday 26 February Thursday 27 February |
Friday 28 February Saturday 29 February |
6.1 visit to Genome |
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This Thursday, 6.1 Biologists went to the world-famous Sanger Institute at the Genome Campus, outside Cambridge. We were able to learn about the cutting-edge science research being carried out there on DNA. Our first workshop activity helped us grasp the methods used to sequence DNA, using enzymes, bacterial plasmids, lasers and data processing. The DNA sequence is displayed as a grid of 4 colours, each representing one of the DNA bases (C, A, T, G). Mr Attwood was inspired to suggest we change the names of our school Houses to these DNA bases as the 4 colours used are red, yellow, green and blue.
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We also had a fascinating lecture about the work around cancer research using immunotherapy – the so-called ‘magic bullet’ treatment. In other sessions, we used laptops to complete a gene hunt on MRSA (an antibiotic-resistant ‘superbug’) and a tour of the open lab, where we could see scientists at work as well as a display of the entire human genome printed out alongside some of the machines that sequence DNA. All of the scientists and speakers we saw were women. As excellent role models, they were able to inspire our girls by sharing their career paths and encourage them to pursue science degrees or apprenticeships. Mr Attwood |
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Aibhilin wins 'Dish of the Day' at Rotary Young Chef Competition |
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Last Saturday, Aibhilin in U4H competed in the district final of the Rotary Young Chef Competition in Loughborough, after winning the local round in November. She was the youngest competitor there and had to complete the challenge of producing three dishes in two hours again. She did a fantastic job; her menu was: Starter: Watermelon and feta salad with a zesty ginger dressing Main: Harrisa lamb and chickpea stew with coriander dumpling and coconut yogurt Dessert: Ginger, kiwi and coconut tiramisu with marble chocolate shards on top |
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Although she didn’t make it into the top three, Aibhilin won ‘Dish of the Day’ with her dessert. A fantastic achievement considering the judges taste tested around 48 dishes that day! Well done Aibhilin, I hope you will compete again next year and I look forward to hopefully seeing what creative dishes you will produce then. Miss Knight |
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High School Sport |
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We’ve been a little lighter on fixtures this week due to Storm Ciara, however we have managed some friendly Netball fixtures versus Bablake. Unfortunately we lost all of our matches, but came away having tried our best and we were able to make goals for the future to develop as teams. Our Equestrian team had some great results in their competition at the weekend, reaching the National Finals. Congratulations to Georgie F-W and Sophie C who represented NHS at the GDST Select Netball and Hockey tour last weekend. All teams were successful in beating their opposition and the girls had a lovely time making new friends across the Trust. |
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Congratulations to Nishy K who has been selected to represent Northamptonshire Schools at the All England Cross Country Championships in March. We wish her the best of luck and know that she will run her heart out. Ella D recently took part in the next stage of her Cross Country events, the Anglian Trophy, having won her race at Abington Park. She ran exceptionally well finishing in 8th place. This is an outstanding performance by Ella who was competing against the best athletes in her age category from five regions, including Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridge. Well done! Mrs Blake |
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Equestrian team competes in NSEA Show Jumping County qualifiers |
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On Saturday 8 February, the Equestrian team competed at the NSEA Show Jumping County qualifiers at Bury Farm. It was a really fun day with lots of encouragement, and it was made even better by the sunny weather. After an early morning start, the 90cm team consisting of Lily R, Eloise H, Lily B and Amelia S were first to go. Some lovely rounds were produced around a technical course leading to Lily, Eloise and Lily qualifying for the Hartpury County Championships in April and another individual qualification for Lily. |
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Following on from the 90cm was the 70cm. Frankie P competed as an individual and rode really well in a competitive class. The 80cm team of Amelie D, Amelia H, Frankie and Amelia were next to compete. Despite parts of the course being big everyone rode well. Although we did not quite manage a qualification the team spirit, as usual, never dropped. Finally, the last course of the day to be tackled was the 100cm. Lily R, Lily B and Eloise made an excellent job of a tricky class, leading to an individual qualification to the Hartpury County Championships for Lily R. |
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The whole team would like to say an enormous thank you to Mrs Harvey and Mrs Hodgetts-Tate for making the day possible and most importantly their amazing support throughout. As well as this a huge thank you goes to all parents and supporters who get up early to ‘chauffeur’ us and our ponies around, but also give the Northampton High riders the loudest cheers. With team spirit soaring throughout the day, I think it’s safe to say we all had a great time, and we are looking forward to the school’s own Eventer Challenge on the 29 February! Amelia S |
Higher Education Evening - Thursday 27 February |
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6.1 have begun to consider what life holds beyond Northampton High School and to make choices regarding Higher Education. We therefore warmly invite you to come into school, to learn more about the Higher Education options available, the UCAS process and university finance, and to talk with the Sixth Form tutorial team. The evening will take place on Thursday 27 February at 6.00pm in the Senior School Hall, and is open to all students in L5, U5 and 6.1. Dr Kevan Williams from the University of East Anglia, Mr Viesel and myself will give presentations and some of our current 6.2 students will tell you about their experiences. |
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If you have particular questions you would like to ask individually there will be an opportunity for this after the formal presentations. If you are planning to attend the event, may we ask you to kindly let us know by email via nhsadmin@nhs.gdst.net. If you are unable to attend and would like to discuss any aspect of Higher Education at another time, please do not hesitate to contact me. We look forward to seeing you on the 27 February. Mrs Cantwell |
Book Review |
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She Speaks: The Power of Women’s Voices by Yvette Cooper Recommended for U4 and above Looking at lists of the greatest speeches of all time, you might think that powerful oratory is the preserve of men. But the truth is very different – countless brave and bold women have used their voices to inspire change, transform lives and radically alter history. In this timely and personal selection of exceptional speeches, Yvette Cooper MP tells the rousing story of female oratory. From Boudica to Greta Thunberg and Margaret Thatcher to Malala, |
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Yvette introduces each speech and demonstrates how powerful and persuasive oratory can be decidedly female. Written by one of our leading public voices, this is an inspirational call for women to be heard across the globe. Miss Buxton |
Parent Forum, 6 February 2020 |
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Many thanks to all who attended the Parent Forum on Thursday 6 February. The subject for this meeting was ‘communication’ and the discussions fell under three broad categories. These were: 1) reporting and pupil progress feedback 2) marketing, messaging and operational parent communications, and 3) catering and estates. The full minutes and action points can be found here: Parent Forum February 2020. The next meeting will take place early next term. If you would like to propose any items for discussion, please get in touch. |
Open Events - 5 and 6 March |
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Car park courtesy |
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A concern was raised at the recent parent forum about ongoing inconsiderate and dangerous parking on site. We will continue to monitor this and would urge you to be great role models for your daughters by driving slowly, leaving the disabled parking bays accessible and generally thinking of the safety of our whole community. Thank you for your continued cooperation. Mr Bailey |
Calling all CALL THE MIDWIFE fans! |
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We are delighted to be hosting at Northampton High an exciting event in conjunction with 78 Derngate, former home of Northampton High School, on Friday 28 February from 7pm. A Behind-the-Scenes Audience with TV series creator, Heidi Thomas, and actor, Stephen McGann (Dr Turner in the hit series), promises to be an evening not to be missed for all Call The Midwife fans. The fundraising event is to help the 78 Derngate trust’s efforts in reaching a target of £200,000, to match council funding to build an atrium extension at the popular visitor attraction. For more information and to book tickets, please click here. Mrs Wilmot |
Northampton High Film Competition |
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Term Dates |
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Northampton High School |
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