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Friday 17 May 2024 |
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University research… for the whole family There has been much in the news lately about the current travails and future prospects of the UK’s higher education system, one of the country’s “most successful export sectors”, according to the Financial Times. Contrary to what we may have been expecting a few years ago, when the lack of options for young people due to COVID-19 led to a significant increase in domestic student numbers, admissions of UK students fell by one percent in 2023. This has been coupled more recently with changes and expected changes to the UK’s immigration policy, which have seen international admissions fall by up to 60 percent in 2024. With the cost of tuition fees frozen for a decade, universities appear to be facing something of a crisis. What does this mean for pupils at Northampton High? On the upside, one might expect there to be an easing in the competition for university places. That certainly may be true for some courses, but we will, in any case, continue to encourage our pupils to be as ambitious as possible when it comes to making their university applications. We want our girls to believe in themselves and not to be put off by competition! Again, on the positive side of the ledger, I expect to see continued improvement in the range of options open to students outside the traditional 3-year degree: apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships and various work-based routes that lead to a higher qualification. On the downside, we are likely to see some university courses be cancelled, often very late in the day, something that has already impacted some of our Year 13 students this year. This leads me to my next question. What does it mean for the families of our pupils? My impression is that the pathways open to our students are as exciting and full of promise as they have ever been! But the landscape is more complex and more fractured than it was, say, a decade ago. As a result, I would encourage families, where possible, to find out directly about some of the university courses, alternatives to Higher Education and careers open to their children. More on this below. Currently, all pupils in Years 10 upwards have a Unifrog account, which gives girls access to outstanding careers guidance and tailored support when choosing their next steps after school. In Year 12, we now use this to manage the university applications process, as well as to promote engagement with careers. I am pleased to say that, as parents and guardians, you can now also set up your own Unifrog account (whether your child is in Nursery, Year 13 or anywhere in between!). You will be able to research careers, attend webinars delivered by employers and universities to learn more about their opportunities, and compare pathways so you can support your child in making an informed decision about their next steps when the time is right. The sign up code you need is HIUUparents and you can sign up at www.unifrog.org/code. You can also sign up to Unifrog’s parent newsletter when you first sign in to get expert advice and guidance on supporting your child with their next steps. Finally, I know that school is, in many ways, merely a stepping stone to our girls’ futures. To all our Year 11 and Year 13 students – the very best of luck over the coming weeks! Mr Viesel |
The Week Ahead |
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Monday 20 May Tuesday 21 May |
Friday 24 May Please click here to view the summer term’s Clubs & Activities list and timetable |
High Sports |
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Football: U14 County Cup Final – Rushden and Diamonds On Sunday 12 May, three of our Year 9 footballers took to the pitch at Sixfields Stadium to play in the U14 County Cup Final. Eleanor J, Lucy H and Ava S play for AFC Rushden and Diamonds and have battled hard all season to reach the coveted final. The game took place in beautiful sunshine, in front of hundreds of spectators making for an excellent atmosphere. Rushden and Diamonds had the stronger start, utilising the space out wide and creating a number of early chances. It seemed like only a matter of time before they took the lead when, against the run of play, Netherton kicked a long ball over the top, the ball was passed inside, and their number 9 slotted the ball home. To many of the spectators, the goal looked to be offside but without the support of VAR, the lineswoman declined to put up her flag and the goal stood! Rushden and Diamonds continued to play better football; Ava demonstrated excellent speed which allowed her team to create attacking plays, Lucy performed solid tackles to regain possession and Eleanor worked tirelessly to support the defence and play the ball through the midfield, in the aim of clawing a goal back. Unfortunately, they were undone again before half time when a cross came into the box and was finished by the same striker for the opposition. It was over 25 degrees in Northampton and this took its toll on both teams in the second half. Rushden and Diamonds continued to battle, never giving up, however Netherton’s direct football proved to be more effective and they scored a further two goals. It was a great standard of play and we are really proud of the girls, as they should be too! |
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Athletics County Championships We were delighted to see a trio of sisters competing at the County Championships in Corby last weekend! Congratulations to them all on their fantastic achievements: – Evie U17 County Triple Jump champion plus bronze in Long Jump |
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Cricket: Regional Round U15 Hard Ball Mrs Littlewood |
Menstrual Health Awareness Week |
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Next week, we are proud to be celebrating Menstrual Health Awareness Week. The theme for this year’s campaign is: Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. In a #PeriodFriendlyWorld, the stigma and taboos surrounding menstruation are history. It is a world where everyone can access the products, period education and period-friendly infrastructure they need. Here at Northampton High, we are committed to supporting this important cause and helping those facing period poverty. We are pleased to share that our wonderful FemSoc group have organised a series of activities to engage our Senior School community in this event: |
Swap Shop donations |
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We are delighted to be opening our Swap Shop on Tuesday 21 May for our Welcome Evening. Swap Shop offers a sustainable option for families who wish to donate old uniform or purchase new items, and it is particularly well received by new parents of the school. If you have any items of uniform that your daughter no longer wears, please can we encourage you to donate them (via the Junior or Senior School foyer) at the beginning of next week. All items will be gratefully received, particularly Junior School summer dresses, as we currently have very little stock remaining! Thank you in advance for your generosity. Swap Shop |
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Clothing donations for 'Annie' the musical |
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The Drama and Textiles departments are asking if you have any checked or floral pyjama bottoms that you could donate to us for our up-and-coming performance of ‘Annie’. These can be any size and colour and they will be cut up and altered, therefore they will not be returned. Please bring these to Miss Lycett in the Creative Hub. Thank you. Annie Production Team |
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Classical Art Competition |
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All students in Y3-13 are invited to enter a regional Art Competition on the theme of Landscapes of Roman Britain. The judges are looking for creative entries that explore Roman Britain in a visually interesting way, using any medium from pencil to collage, oil, watercolour, ink or photography. As well as your art piece, you need to submit a description of your work (up to 500 words), explaining how it links to the theme. There are cash prizes for the winners! The last date for entry is Monday 3 June. For information on how to enter, pupils should check their email from Miss Kilby. Get creative and have fun! Miss Kilby |
Book Review |
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How They Broke Britain by James O’Brien – Something has gone really wrong in Britain. Our economy has tanked, our freedoms are shrinking, and social divisions are growing. Our politicians seem most interested in their own careers and much of the media only make things worse. We are living in a country almost unrecognisable from the one that existed a decade ago. But whose fault is it really? Who broke Britain and how did they do it? |
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Bold and incisive as ever, James O’Brien reveals the shady network of influence that has created a broken Britain of strikes, shortages and scandals. He maps the web connecting dark think tanks to Downing Street, the journalists involved in selling it to the public and the media bosses pushing their own agendas. Over ten chapters, each focusing on a particular person complicit in the downfall, James O’Brien reveals how a select few have conspired – sometimes by incompetence, sometimes by design – to bring Britain to its knees. Reserve books via the Oliver link (under teaching and learning) on the Firefly dashboard or email me at a.buxton@nhs.gdst.net Miss Buxton |
Save the Date: Annie |
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We are delighted to invite you to this year’s musical production of Annie! As always, we are thrilled to be hosting our much loved family-friendly production this term, and would love the pleasure of your company at this special event. Our cast and crew are working exceptionally hard and it promises to be a night to remember! Tickets are available to purchase here and we look forward to welcoming as many guests as possible! Creative Arts Faculty |
Save the Date: Arts Festival |
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Save the Date: Cultures Day |
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Save the Date: Speech Day |
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Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 23/24: May |
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Elite Football Coaching |
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The One Day Film School |
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Code Ninjas Northampton |
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PQA Stage & Screen sessions |
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Made for Girls |
Term Dates |
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Northampton High School |
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