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Friday 19 January 2024 |
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The meaning and purpose of taking responsible risks The audition for this year’s musical, Annie, is well underway this week and I was delighted to see 38 pupils, from Year 7 to Year 12, taking the courage to audition for a role from singing and dancing to crew and tech work. With this in mind, it made me reflect on the success of the Wizard of Oz from last year, where four friends set off along the Yellow Brick Road in search of particular things they perceive to be lacking. The Tin Man wishes for a ticking heart in order to love; the Straw Man wishes for a brain in order to be intelligent; Dorothy, an orphan, wants to find the home where she will belong and the Lion yearns to gain genuine courage. The musical last year was an incredible feast for the senses, filled with boundless energy and pleasure. We experienced a whirlwind of imagination and wonder, and every aspect of the performance was a testament to the talent and unwavering dedication of the musicians, cast and crew, expertly steered and directed by Mr Nathan and Mrs Marriott. As I reflected on the luminous performance, I could not help but appreciate the underlying message of The Wizard of Oz. All believe that the Wizard of Oz will give them everything they dream of and so they embark on a symbolic journey along the Yellow Brick Road, with sanguine hopes that the Wizard would fulfil their dreams. However, the Wizard turns out to be a fraud and the four friends are deeply disappointed until they realise they have in fact gained everything for which they had hoped. Through a journey beset by challenges the Tin Man has become the best and most loving of friends with a true heart; the Straw Man has developed a brain for problem solving; Dorothy has recognised that there is ‘no place like home’ and it is back in Kansas with her loving family; and of course, the Lion has proven that he has real courage through defending his friends and triumphing over his fear. All four characters have been driven by an insatiable curiosity for marginal gains, together with the intellectual courage to challenge their most cherished assumptions. At its core, it is a story about finding the courage to accept our own identities, being true to ourselves, and having the sense to let others do the same. In the midst of our fast-paced lives in the 21st century, it serves as a reminder that what truly matters often lies right before us: compassion, acceptance, and a sense of wonder. Those who have courage are not without fear but as Nelson Mandela said those who are able to ‘triumph over it’. Hopefully few of us will be required to summon the kind of courage needed to overcome serious and dangerous situations but there will be times when we may need to challenge injustice or have the courage of our convictions. Then there is the sort of courage we need on a personal level and perhaps on a daily basis to face the challenges set for us. Mock examinations for Year 11 and Year 13 students are happening, and as I take time to speak to some of the girls about their feelings and emotions, it is evident these examinations are making some of them fearful. As such, we need to summon the courage to give our best efforts and to be open to learning from our mistakes. I have reiterated to them that they should see the mock examinations as an opportunity to confirm areas that have been mastered, as well as highlight any areas which may need a bit more attention. Above all – don’t fear them. Embrace them (proceed as if success is inevitable!) – they are the best possible preparation for the summer. It is then we will develop greater resilience in order to make progress. To read the whole piece, please click here. Dr Lee |
The Week Ahead |
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Monday 22 January Tuesday 23 January Wednesday 24 January |
Thursday 25 January Friday 26 January Please click here to view the spring term’s Clubs & Activities list and timetable |
Year 7 Entrance Assessment Day |
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We were delighted to invite lots of new pupils into Senior School today for our Year 7 Entrance Assessment Day! Welcoming lots of girls from a variety of primary schools, as well as our current Year 6 pupils, the group came together to sit their entry examinations before enjoying a series of fun learning activities! Following a morning of assessments, pizza was on the menu for lunch and proved popular with all! It was wonderful to see our Sixth Form students on hand to help and our Year 6 girls taking all hosting responsibilities in their stride, ensuring a brilliant day for their guests! The programme of events served as a glimpse into life as a Senior pupil here at Northampton High and included activities such as ukulele learning and science experiments! Both external and internal pupils were delighted to make the most of the excellent Senior facilities, including our state-of-the-art laboratories and music rooms! As the day drew to a close, each child received a Northampton High teddy to mark this special milestone in their school journey and congratulate them on a positive day. It was a pleasure to welcome the girls and their families into the Theatre for final refreshments, where parents enjoyed the opportunity to connect with other parents and staff. We hope all who joined us had an excellent day and we look forward to seeing you in September as our new Year 7 cohort! |
Career Start Events |
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There are many advantages to being part of the GDST network of schools, and a current one is being able to join their online careers information events. These events are open to students from across all year groups, as well as teachers and parents. The programme below shows interesting evenings across a wide range of disciplines. |
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The first event, which takes place next week, is about applying to Oxbridge. The speakers will include past and present students as well as Dr Sam Lucy, who was until recently Director of Admissions for the Cambridge Colleges. If you would like to attend, you can sign up here. Also next week is an event on Careers in the Performing Arts, which will include talks by actors, a Choreographer and an Artist Manager, all of whom attended GDST schools.
Students can sign up for future events here. Bios for future speakers (once confirmed) can be found here. Do feel free to contact me if you’d like more information on any of these events. Mrs Forsyth |
Creative Arts Spotlight |
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In the Creative Arts Spotlight this week are our Year 10 GCSE Textiles students for their work last term on the analysis of the House of Chanel. Ahead of our visit to view the Gabrielle Chanel, Fashion Manifesto Exhibition at the V & A, we have been investigating the creative work of this iconic brand. Shown here are a selection of sketchbook pages from the class who have generated a range of creative textiles samples. Miss Lycett |
News from our Nurse |
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Are you confused about when to keep your child off school? Please see the relevant and up-to date information for guidance: GOV.UK: A parent’s guide to keeping kids healthy this school term Please can I take this opportunity to remind parents that students are not allowed to carry medication, unless it is emergency medication (e.g. salbutamol inhalers and AAI’s) or medication that has been previously discussed with myself. Sixth Form students are permitted to carry one dose of paracetamol/ibuprofen. If your child requires medication during the school day, this should be handed into reception and a consent form must be completed. Medication must be in date and provided in its original box. Prescribed medication must be clearly labelled by the prescriber. Please email medical@nhs.gdst.net if you have any questions. Mrs Dunkley |
Save the Date: Alumnae Reunion Lunch |
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With the new year upon us, we are delighted to share the date for our 2024 Alumnae Reunion Lunch. This special lunch is always a highlight of the school calendar, and we are thrilled to be hosting this year’s event on Saturday 2 March at 12:30pm. We hope to be joined by as many alumnae as possible from both the Hardingstone and Derngate sites, as well as former staff and friends of the school for a delicious two-course lunch and the opportunity to connect with friends old and new. For more information and to book your tickets, please click here. Mrs Wilmot |
Reach Lectures - Spring Term 2024 |
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The weekly Reach talks are an opportunity for students in Years 9-13 to explore areas far beyond the school curriculum, broadening their horizons and developing their skills of curiosity and critical thinking. We are excited to offer this programme to our students and are very grateful to all our speakers for giving up their time to share their expertise with us. Any parents who might be interested in contributing to the Reach lectures in 2025 are encouraged to email a.kilby@nhs.gdst.net. Miss Kilby |
Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 23/24: December |
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Northampton Swimming Club: Intensive Course |
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PQA Stage & Screen sessions |
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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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