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Friday 2 December 2022 |
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Wise words from Year 13 As we approach the end of the autumn term, university offers are coming in thick and fast and Year 13 students are increasingly focused on their futures. At this point, I felt it might be a good idea to take stock and hear from the Year 13 students themselves about their experiences. A key point we make when it comes to university applications is to encourage students to think carefully about the course that they might want to study. Students need to research their options actively and the importance of this was mentioned by several Year 13 students. Mahi used a whole range of sources to help her narrow down her options, including conversations with subject teachers, attending Open Days and making the most of information available online. While there wasn’t a “single most important factor in helping me decide”, she paid “a lot of attention to the specific course modules”. It’s certainly notable that general courses such as Psychology can differ hugely in content from one university to the next. Chelsea concurred that “research is important”, but also commented that it’s a good idea “not to overthink it”. You need to think about “what you want to do, what you think will suit you – and what will play to your strengths”. Those are questions that research alone can’t answer, but for which self-reflection is needed. A common theme among students has been the importance of attending university Open Days. After initial ‘desk research’ into courses to narrow down the field of potential universities, there is nothing quite like visiting a university to get a more visceral sense of its potential ‘fit’. Students do learn things on Open Days that aren’t clear from websites or prospectuses, especially if they are proactive, speak to students and tutors and ask questions. Olivia explained that “what I gained the most from those visits was being able to see the campus properly, to walk around and explore to see if I could imagine myself there.” As Olivia implies, it can be equally useful to visit city universities outside designated Open Days to get a feel for a place. My sense is that there has been a slight increase in the number of courses looking to interview students. It is vital that students prepare for interviews, of course, and we are fortunate to have support from the GDST to prepare students for Oxford and Cambridge interviews. Within school, we also benefit from Mrs Carr’s experience supporting students through the MedVet programme, with students currently getting ready for Medicine interviews they have been offered at Cambridge, Exeter, Manchester, Norwich, St George’s and elsewhere. Regardless of the course, our teachers make time outside lessons to give students the opportunity to do mock interviews. Yasmin noted how helpful practice interviews were in “preparing me for what the actual interview would be like”. Sensibly, she “planned potential questions” that she might be asked and her likely responses. We were very pleased that – following her interview – she was offered a well-deserved place at Manchester to study Fashion Management. Kathryn is waiting to hear back from Imperial, but her Geology interview “was so much less intimidating than I’d thought. The half-hour interview seemed to go by in a flash. Seeing so many people my age with the same interests was such an enjoyable experience and while chatting to them my nerves disappeared.” The Year 13 students are always happy to share what they have learned about universities and the application process with younger students. I will leave us with Kathryn’s positive conclusion about her interview: “Once you realise that it isn’t the be-all and end-all, the interview is not bad at all and you might even enjoy it! If not, lots of experience will still be gained from it.” Mr Viesel |
The Week Ahead |
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Monday 5 December Tuesday 6 December Wednesday 7 December |
Thursday 8 December Friday 9 December Please click here to view the Clubs & Activities timetable for the Autumn Term |
EduCCate Bronze Award - Northampton High first in GDST to secure award |
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The NHS Eco Team is delighted to announce that we have just received confirmation that our application for the EduCCate Bronze Award has been successful as a further recognition of our environmental work, in addition to our Green Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy.
The preparation for this has taken place since January 2022, as part of a GDST wide initiative, and has involved a range of actions for both staff and students. One of the key actions has been to develop a staff team who each undertook training via the United Nations CC Learn project; Luke Smith, Debbie Hill, Matt Watson, Nicola Lines, Terri Attwood and James Earp have all completed a range of teaching modules on the impacts of climate change, examining topics such as the unequal impacts of climate change on women and how health can be impacted by climate change. Each of these topics required an online assessment to be passed before accreditation could be awarded. Key lessons from this training were then disseminated to the whole staff via a training session in September. Equally important in achieving the Award has been for the students to take positive environmental action within the school by completing two Carbon Buster Challenges. Our main foci have been to work on reducing our carbon footprint for example through our use of Energy Sparks data to monitor energy use and through fundraising for One Tree Day to offset carbon. We have also worked on reducing waste within the school and are proud to have received certification that we send zero waste to landfill. Mr Smith led a very impressive tour of the school canteen for the Eco Team, who learned all about how waste is managed, with used cooking oil kept for resale and organic waste sent to a local pig farm. Throughout these actions the student led Eco Team have led the way in deciding our priorities and delivering outcomes; it has been particularly impressive to see students from the Junior School (from Year 4 upwards) collaborate so effectively on a weekly basis with Senior School students. For example Year 5 Eco team members led assembly to the Senior School on Friday 2 December. Florence and Aarna from the Eco Team commented, “We really enjoy being a part of the Eco team. It makes us feel in charge of the future and that we can make a difference for our own lives”. We are very proud that Northampton High School was the very first in the GDST to receive this Award. More details will follow on our channels in the coming days. Mr Earp |
Head's Commendations |
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This week in school, we were delighted to honour a group of pupils for their efforts this term with the Head’s Commendation award. Nominated by their teachers, pupils joined Dr Lee for a celebratory tea party ahead of receiving their certificates in recognition of their achievements. Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Commendations this time: Caitlin A: For overcoming personal challenges and achieving something that several weeks ago she did not think she could do. Rebecca J: For her excellent work ethic during the field trip last week. Lily G: For showing a fantastic attitude during Music lessons. Ana ST: For a great work ethic and a positive attitude towards Spanish studies this year. Lydia M: For super improvement in Maths lessons. Ishani S: For her hard work and perseverance in English. Well done everyone! Mr Nash |
Rotary Chef Competition - Local Heats |
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On Saturday 26 November, we were delighted to hold the Northampton local heat of the Rotary Chef Competition here at school. We had 5 student participants take part: Aaima and Lucy from Year 7, Ameyal and Verity from Year 8, and Chanan from Year 9. They all did a fantastic job, and listed below are some of the dishes that were served to the judges: Asparagus wrapped in prosciutto with grated parmesan Well done to all of you – what a brilliant first round! We wish Verity the very best of luck as she goes on to compete in the district round in February. Miss Knight |
High Sports: U12 Hockey vs Akeley Wood |
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On Monday 21 November, we faced off against Akeley Wood on a cold, very wet and very windy afternoon. We won 1-0 and Rithika scored the goal. We all got very wet, but we played on to secure a victory. We scored the goal late into the second half and came close to other goals several times but one goal was enough for the win! Akeley also had a few chances and played very well throughout, well done to our opponents for a great game. Our Player of the Match was Esme, and we were all very pleased to have our pizza at the end of it all! Well done to everyone who played! Esme |
Classical Art Competition - Submit your entries! |
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Our Classical Art Competition is open! The competition is open to students of all ages, and we invite you to get creative in your submissions! Your piece can focus on a whole range of topics, be it Greek Mythology, the Gods and Goddesses, Legends – we are excited to see which you choose! Your piece can be made using whichever technique you prefer, you might decide to do a painting on a canvas, create a sculpture, or even make something digital – the choice is yours! |
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All completed work is to have your name and form on, and is to be handed in to the Classics office on the F corridor, with digital submissions emailed to a.kilby@nhs.gdst.net. The deadline for entries is Friday 20 January 2023. Good luck! Miss Kilby |
Book of the Week - The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama |
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How do we build enduring and honest relationships? Michelle Obama believes that when we light up for others, we can illuminate the richness and potential of the world around us, discovering deeper truths and new pathways for progress. In The Light We Carry, the former First Lady shares her practical wisdom and powerful strategies for staying hopeful and balanced in today’s highly uncertain world. A mother, daughter, spouse and |
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friend, she shares fresh stories, her insightful reflections on change and the earned wisdom that helps her continue to “become.” With her trademark humour, candour, and compassion, she also explores issues connected to race, gender, and visibility, encouraging readers to work through fear, find strength in community, and live with boldness. Miss Buxton |
Christmas Carol Concert |
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We are delighted to invite our parents, families and friends to our annual Christmas Carol Concert. Taking place on Thursday 15 December from 7pm, we do hope you can join us for this marquee event in the school calendar, as we bring a close to the autumn term with a festive celebration. Tickets are available via TryBooking here, and if you have any questions please do get in touch. Mr Campling |
Christmas Fayre - Friday 2 December |
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Festive Foods! |
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A huge well done to our Year 10 Science Spirit team, who have been busy researching the different festive foods you might be eating this Christmas! Their findings are displayed in the above poster (with a high res version available here). Which of these festive foods is your favourite? Miss Parboteeah |
Medical Notice |
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If students are needing prescribed medication or over the counter medication whilst at school, then a consent form must be completed. These forms can be accessed from Reception or we can email one to you if necessary. Sixth Form students are allowed to carry one dose of ibuprofen or paracetamol only. Students are allowed to carry Salbutamol inhalers and adrenaline, but all other medication should be stored in the medical room. If you have any issues please contact me on medical@nhs.gdst.net. Mrs Dunkley |
Community Nursery Sessions |
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Festive Wreath Workshops - Adults Only |
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We have arranged for an excellent florist (Bouquet Chic) to deliver wreath-making workshops for any interested staff, parents, friends and family members. Why not book a place to enjoy making a festive creation along with friendly people and a supportive and talented instructor? Spaces are £65 per person which includes everything you’ll need to make a fantastic, impressive wreath for your door and refreshments during the workshop. Join us on Tuesday 5 December 5:30-7.00 on Wednesday 6 December 12:15-1:45. To book a space for yourself and/or friends and family members please contact junioradmin@nhs.GDST.net Miss Hair |
Term Dates |
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Northampton High School |
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