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Friday 20 May 2022 |
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I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the new Head of Northampton High School. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a formidable team of phenomenal students and hugely dedicated staff, who collectively make Northampton High School a hub of energy, ambition, and excellence. I am thrilled to be joining such a special community whose values chime closely with my own. It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself to you. I grew up in Hong Kong and then moved to the UK at the age of ten where I attended The Cheltenham Ladies’ College as a full-time boarder for |
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seven years. My personal experience of learning within an academic and nurturing environment has proven to me the power and importance of an all-girls education as it affords girls the opportunity to grow intellectually and personally, and to acquire the skills and resilience that they need for the ever-changing modern world. Prior to teaching, I read Geography at King’s College London and then completed my PhD by the age of 24 in Urban Rivers and Engineering. I qualified as a teacher through the Graduate Teacher Programme and embarked on my career as a Teacher of Geography before going on to become Head of Department, Senior Tutor, and Director of Sixth Form and Outreach in three leading all girls’ independent day schools. For the past nine years as part of the Senior Management Team at Queen’s Gate School in London, I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the school’s vision, growth, and development, including achieving a recent successful ISI inspection outcome, maximising pupil numbers and voice, and establishing community outreach programmes. For leisure, my husband and I enjoy travelling especially to the Caribbean, Far East, and the Indian Ocean and visiting family in Hong Kong. I also enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, running, reading biographies and gardening. My husband has strong family roots in Northampton, and we are looking forward to moving here and meeting everyone who is part of the school family. At the heart of my vision for Northampton High School is a commitment to high standards, inclusivity, and kindness. Everyone plays a pivotal role in our school community and together we share the vision to do the best we can for each and every one of our girls. I look forward to developing our shared purpose and progressive spirit by continuing to live to our mantra of ‘we believe in our girls, and they believe in themselves’. We aim for each Northampton High girl to achieve the very best academic results and benefit from the finest careers guidance and higher education advice. They will recognise their own strengths and receive impactful learning that will capture their curiosity and develop a lifelong love of learning and discovery. It is a great privilege to nurture young women, to see them grow and flourish in a vibrant learning community and I am proud that my role is to identify the strengths of each individual and empower them to achieve their aspirations. I also believe that the strength of the GDST network is what sets Northampton High School apart from its competitors. We will always put the girls first so that they know exactly what they need to excel and take charge of their own futures, and benefit from being part of a family of powerful and exciting schools. We have several exciting plans being developed ahead of the 2022/23 academic year, but we will limit the number of significant changes, focusing on getting everyday routines and habits consistent and ensuring high quality teaching and learning. The School already enjoys a reputation for academic excellence at both the Junior and Senior levels, and we will endeavour to place pastoral care as the foundation for success in and outside the curriculum. With a high turnover of school leaders in recent years, I know that parents will now want a period of stability and consistent leadership at the school. My commitment to our students, parents and staff is to be a visible and approachable Head leading with kindness, compassion, and courage; one who truly champions our girls and their many successes and is committed to the long-term success of the school. In doing so, I am keen to bring my energy and buzz to the school and harness the views and knowledge of our parents. I will therefore be holding regular parent forums in my first term at the school. Crucially, I believe that the close link between School and home is of vital importance in ensuring the progress of your daughter during her time with us. I am delighted to welcome Miss Emily Hair as our Head of Junior School. I would also like to thank Mrs Adèle O’Doherty for her hard work and dedication as Acting Head this year and I will be working collaboratively with her, the Senior Leadership Team, and the School Governors over the whole of the summer term as we prepare for the new academic year. In closing, it is an absolute privilege to have been asked to lead Northampton High School into the next phase of its growth and improvement and I am especially excited about meeting girls, staff, parents, and alumnae in the coming months to really get to know the heartbeat of the school and the community as a whole. I look forward to meeting you all very soon. Dr May Lee |
The week ahead |
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Monday 23 May Tuesday 24 May Wednesday 25 May |
Thursday 26 May Friday 27 May |
The Class of 2022 |
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This week, we say goodbye to the amazing Year 13 Class of 2022, who have this afternoon departed for study leave ahead of their A Level examinations. In what is always a week of celebration, it has been wonderful to see smiles on faces as the entire Northampton High community shared memories about a special group of people. As is custom during Year 13’s last week, the Class of 2022 took part in the annual fancy dress week, with students dressing up to a different theme each day of the week. The imagination of the students always shines through and this year was no different, as we saw themes such as ‘childhood career aspirations’ and ‘animals beginning with the first letter of your name’ throughout the week. On Thursday, Year 13 came together for one of our favourite events of not just the week but the entire academic calendar, as we hosted our Sixth Form Leavers’ Reception. Our usual student dress code was swapped for dresses and gowns, as our students were joined by parents and teachers for a celebration of their time at Northampton High. Touching speeches followed drinks and canapes in the gorgeous May sunshine, as students and their families took the opportunity to reminisce about some of their favourite moments. |
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For the final day of the week, we started the day in annual fashion with the Year 13 take-over. This year’s theme was set as ‘Festival’, and the Senior School reception area was transformed into Northampton’s answer to Glastonbury. Staff are always quick to join in the fun with this tradition, and we were treated to a mini set list which included performances from Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, Elton John and The Spice Girls – there was truly something for everyone! A special thank you goes out to Mr Earp and his security team, who ushered our festival-goers in to the building and issued them with their customary wristbands! A whole school celebration assembly followed the end of the festival, in which we were treated to more wonderful speeches and the infamous leavers’ video – which is always a special treat for everyone – culminating in an emotional vote of thanks from Head Girl, Jodie. Class of 2022, you have been amazing. Everybody at Northampton High School wishes you the very best of luck in the future, and we are all excited to follow you on your journeys! Mr Nash |
High Sports |
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Northamptonshire County Championships: A huge congratulations to those athletes who competed at the Northamptonshire County Championships over the weekend, at Corby Stadium. Rosie D jumped 1.45 in the High Jump, coming 2nd, with Ella Darby winning the 1500m and 800m and was placed 2nd in the Shot. Congratulations! Cricket U12: We enjoyed a closely-fought game with Akeley Wood. We saw some impressive bowling from Isla H and Lily G with their pairing taking three wickets. The game finished with seconds to go before the heavens opened. The final result was Akeley Wood 263/4 and NHS 251/5. Well done! |
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Cricket U13: This was a great match despite the volatile weather. From sunny to stormy, both teams played on with grit and determination. There were 4s, 6s, catches and drops, and it was a very, very close game. Akeley batted first and set a good total to chase, however it could have been much more had it not been for some good fielding by our team. We started the chase well and were well within reach of the Akeley total when the last pair went in to bat. They scored some lovely runs and batted well, facing two good bowlers who earned a wicket, so it was not quite enough as Akeley won by 3 runs; 262 to 259. Cricket U14: This week we saw another excellent win from our U14A team! The team was made up of Gemma S, Roja L, Ella D, Hattie K, Abi W, Isla A, Lucy-Mae L, Manha, Jannat H, Miley D, Arianna D, and Jasmine Y. The team won 256-217 runs which is an amazing result. Our Bowler of the Match was Roja L who secured 2 wickets, with our Batter of the Match being Ella D, who hit some amazing boundaries whilst also taking 5 catches! I’m so, so proud of the team and can’t wait for our next match. Well done, everyone, I think we all did brilliantly and can’t express how proud I am! Gemma S CSLA Sports Leaders Rounders Tournament: On Tuesday afternoon, the Year 12 Community Sport Leaders (CSLA) lead a Junior School rounders tournament, welcoming pupils from Caroline Chisholm, Hardingstone, Spring Lane and Northampton High. The young leaders had spent weeks planning and preparing for the event, including sending out invites, booking facilities, preparing an order of play, designing and printing certificates, ordering medals, ordering refreshments, setting up equipment and more! The sun was shining as the teams arrived. They were warmly welcomed by the leaders, who quickly explained the rules and how the tournament will run. After an energetic warm up lead by Lilli, the matches were soon underway with Milly, Eloise, Holly and Lucy umpiring and organising the teams. Lilli was very ably running the table, timekeeping and recoding results. After several exciting and very close scoring matches the girls gathered for the results. Overall the winning team was – Spring Lane. Very well done to all the teams that took part, but particularly to the Year 12 CSLA team. We are so lucky at Northampton High to have such capable and talented young ladies. They excelled themselves from start to finish and ensured that everyone was having the best time. Really proud of you all! Mrs Jennings |
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GDST Tennis Rally: The GDST Tennis Rally Team Selection is in progress. The school is in the enviable position of having a number of talented Tennis players to select a team from. During games periods the Year 8s played singles, and this lunchtime saw Hattie K, Lucy N, Lyra S and Rose N play doubles. All are attached to clubs and play on a regular basis alongside their commitments to other sports. The list of tournament wins/results are extensive and I cannot do justice to the performance and dedication of the students in such a short piece. Hattie, Lucy and Lyra all play for NCLTC, Hattie has played at Number 1 for Northants County, both Lyra and Lucy also play for the U14 County Squad, Rose plays at Dallington. The selection process continues tomorrow and into next week. Athletics Club: Athletics is in full swing. With Sports Day fast approaching on 10 June and the GDST Athletics rally being held in Nottingham on 13 June, refining techniques is underway and team selection in progress. We are very fortunate to have one of the Northampton Athletics Club’s coaches, Iain Drage, leading sessions. Iain currently coaches Trevor Alexanderson, England Long Jumper. Trevor has qualified for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer. Iain will also be coming in to lead sessions for the afternoon on Monday 6 June, taking the Year 7s for a Masterclass in Long Jump during their Games lesson, and running an extra club on Monday after school for Year 8 upwards (open to all). Mrs Littlewood |
Meet the Bus Drivers - Stephen |
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Each week, we look forward to introducing you to one of our school minibus drivers. They will talk a little bit about themselves, and what they enjoy most about working at Northampton High. This week, we are delighted to talk to Stephen Greenhow, who drives the Kettering route. Tell us a little bit about your career: Amongst other jobs, I have spent 9 years in the British Army, and 10 years as Site Manager at Earls Barton Junior School. |
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What do you like to do in your spare time: I enjoy working on projects in the garden, watching the Cobblers and the Steelbacks, and going to folk festivals. What is your best memory of being at Northampton High so far: Receiving compliments from lovely parents and working in a good team. What do you enjoy most about working at Northampton High: The continuity of work and job satisfaction. To find out more about our school transport offer, please click here. Mr Nash |
Book of the Week |
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Tsunami Girl by Julian Sedgwick and illustrated by Chie Kutsuwada – Shortlisted for the 2022 Carnegie Medal Tsunami Girl is a powerful coming-of-age story of 15-year-old Yuki Hara Jones who gets caught up in the March 2011 Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. It’s about a young person trying to work out who they are, and where they fit – and trying to do this whilst surviving the trauma of a triple disaster of colossal scale, told through both prose and manga. Miss Buxton |
Creative Arts Season: Save the Dates! |
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Northampton High Presents: Seussical the Musical |
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Reunion Lunch - Saturday 9 July 2022 |
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Tickets for our Summer Reunion Lunch are on sale now! Taking place on Saturday 9 July, the Lunch is a highlight of any year, where alumnae from both the Derngate and Hardingstone school sites get together for a delicious two-course meal and to catch up with friends old and new. For more information and to book your tickets, please click here. Mr Nash |
GDST Alumna of the Year Award |
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You can nominate a Northampton High School alumna from any era, here. Nominations close on 20 May at 10am. Voting will open on 15 June and will run to the end of term. Mrs WilmotDirector of Marketing and Admissions |
Inclusivity Bulletin: May |
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We are delighted to share with you the latest Northampton High School Inclusivity Bulletin. The above graphic outlines what will be happening throughout this month, but to read more and to view the bulletin in full, please click here. Mrs Wilmot |
Community Nursery Sessions |
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PQA Presents: The Little Mermaid |
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Term Dates 21/22 |
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Term Dates 22/23 |
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Northampton High School |
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