Friday 20 October 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Here we are at the end of a busy half term, with lots of achievements already behind us but also very ready for our holidays. The last six weeks have rocketed by, reminding us of all the intensity of school life at Northampton High. Our school has been buzzing with super-curricular and extracurricular activities and bursting with the sounds of learning, collaboration and fun. It has been a delight to engage with many of you during our coffee mornings and Parents’ Evenings, as well as welcoming prospective families to both the Junior and Senior School. However, I think it is fair to say that the pace has taken its toll on all of us, and we are ready for a good, well-deserved rest.

To that end, I would like to use this opportunity to talk about how we can ensure just that. I am going to start with the concept of active rest: it may seem like an oxymoron but it is very valuable in facilitating relaxation and rejuvenation. Physically active rest could involve going for a walk or doing yoga, some sort of low impact exercise which gets our blood pumping but does not overexert the body. Active mental rest could be puzzling over a jigsaw, immersing in a crossword or doing some mindful colouring: they require some brain power but are low threat activities with little of consequence attached to their successful completion. This makes them ideal for recuperating after this period of intense mental and physical activity.

However there is also a meaningful place during holidays for inactive rest. Picture yourself lounging on the sofa with your favourite snack and latest binge watch to just veg out. And, of course, there is plenty of time for sleep. Many of you will share in the joy of turning off the weekday alarm at the start of the holiday and, while my body clock may wake me at the usual time for the first few days, it soon realises that there is no need to get up and lets me sleep a little longer. We all understand the significance of sleep: this natural suspension of consciousness is when the powers of the body are restored and is one of the four pillars of good health. The quality of our sleep influences the choices we make in the other three pillars: our nutrition, exercise and stress management. Thus it is vital that we strive for high quality sleep however long we are able to spend in bed.

To read the full piece, please click here.

Dr Lee
Head

The Week Ahead

Monday 6 November
Term Resumes

Tuesday 7 November
Hockey: U15 vs Wellingborough

Wednesday 8 November
Junior School Coffee Morning
Hockey Sevens: U10, 11 vs Quinton House
Year 9 Outward Bound Information Evening

Friday 10 November
Cross Country: U18 vs ESSA Regional
Hockey Sevens: U8, U9 vs Broughton Manor

Please click here to view this term’s Clubs & Activities list and timetable

Head's Blog: 'Revision Tips'

As we step into the Autumn Assessment period at Northampton High, I would like to share some guidance on effective study and revision techniques, particularly geared towards our students in Year 10 through 13.

To begin, let’s address a common misconception: cramming. It is a study method that, despite its allure, does not yield the desired results. Research demonstrates that people who cram forget most of what they have tried to learn within a matter of hours. For genuine retention and secure understanding, a well-planned revision programme that enables regularly revisiting and reviewing of the material, with each return strengthening your memory, is the key.

The learner needs to actively engage with the material they want to learn. Reading and then re-reading a textbook or a set of notes is not an effective way to revise and won’t suffice. When you reread something, it seems familiar, but this familiarity is an illusion, not an indication that you have learnt the material in question and can be misleading.

What you need to do is check to see if the knowledge and information you have read is firmly lodged in your brain. There are several effective strategies to verify your understanding. For example, verbally repeat what you have learned, using prompts only when necessary (when you are stuck); create mind maps or diagrams to visualise and condense the material; work through practice questions or past papers; make flashcards with a key word on the front and crucial information on the back, for self-testing. All these techniques enable the learner to interpret and elaborate on what they are trying to learn.

To read the full entry, please click here.

Dr Lee
Head

Year 7 bring the house down with excellent House Storytelling!

This week in our final week before half term, we were delighted to see our Year 7 students take part in one of our favourite school traditions; House Storytelling!

In this annual event, each House is tasked with picking a story to reenact in short form in front of their peers in assembly. The standard and quality of performance displayed by our students is always of the highest standard, and this year was certainly no different.

For this year’s event, the performances were split into two sections to really maximise the fun and extend the competition. On Monday, we were treated to two excellent stories courtesy of Demeter and Hestia, who performed ‘The Gruffalo’ and ‘The Tiger Who Came To Tea’ respectively. On Friday, it was the turn of Selene and Artemis to perform, and they treated us to ‘A Squash and a Squeeze’ and ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’.

All four Houses put on wonderful displays, and and our youngest members of the Senior School really outdid themselves with their energetic and passionate displays, ably led by their Sixth Form comrades.

The competition was fierce, and a judging panel of Miss Lycett, Mrs Hopley, Mr Williams and Risha from the SSLT faced a difficult decision to determine a winner. After a short musical interlude, the judges returned with their decision. Head judge Mr Williams was given the honours, and after relaying their feedback he announced Artemis as this year’s winner!

A huge congratulations to Artemis for a well deserved victory, and they are the first recipients of the new House Storytelling trophy in the form of a teddy bear sporting their House colours, which you will see above!

A huge thank you to all of our students for their efforts in making this year’s competition one to remember. Special thanks also go to our judges, and Mr Laubscher for his tireless efforts in making our House events so special. We are already excited for House Plays which will take place before the Christmas break!

Mr Nash
Marketing & Communications Manager

Head's Commendations

On Wednesday this week, we were delighted to honour another group of pupils for their efforts 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:

Laibah C – Year 13 Laibah has really embraced the challenge in Biology this year and is showing an excellent example of being ‘10% braver’.

Lydia D – Year 8 Lydia is always impeccably behaved and showcases wonderful manners. She is always generous with her time to support younger members of the school, and demonstrated the ability to collaborate, helping others to write their speeches for Open Morning.

Ques-Li DB – Year 12 Ques-Li has embraced every lesson with enthusiasm, engagement and curiosity, creating a buzz of joy and excitement in the room. This week, she demonstrated her progress and understanding in a fantastic 800-word assignment, and has already set herself new targets to address.

Lily C – Year 6 For helping little ones with activities, getting them get breakfast and making sure they are ok.

Rithika S – Year 8 Rithika has impressed with her enthusiastic engagement during the study of George Orwell’s novella, Animal Farm. She has demonstrated great independence of thought and has taken it upon herself to do wider reading to challenge her thinking further.

Ashana H – Year 11 For learning the dance routines to pass the Bharatha Natyam stage 7 with Distinction.

Isobel S – Year 11 Isobel has consistently worked hard, and her prep is always completed to a very high standard.

Annabel DJ – Year 11 For being one of the amazing Language Leaders and helping run a successful Junior School T-shirt competition. Annabel also completed an extraordinary detailed, neat, informative poster of The Cold War timeline.

Ruby CF – Year 12 For being too difficult for anyone to mark in Sport. Ruby makes exceptional runs, turnovers and tackles.

Mr Nash
Marketing & Communications Manager

Creative Arts Spotlight

This week, the Creative Arts Spotlight shines onto Sri and Zoe.

Sri and Zoe are members of the Society of Printmakers here in school, and here they are proudly showcasing their plant and crystalline plates for drypoint etching.

Well done Sri and Zoe, awesome work!

Mrs Beacroft
Head of Creative Arts Faculty

Help us rehome Pudsey!

With Children In Need around the corner, we are excited to help raise money for this wonderful cause. This year, as part of our fundraising efforts, we have a special guest in school who we would like to rehome!

Pudsey Bear, pictured above helping Dr Lee with her work this week, is looking for a new home – and that could be with you! By clicking this link, you can help our fundraising cause by donating the sum of £2 for a raffle ticket, and if your number is pulled out on the Friday 17 November, Pudsey will be yours!

Friday 17 November will also be a whole school mufti day, so please make a donation (a minimum of £1 is suggested) to wear your ‘home clothes’ on this national Children In Need day.

We love doing what we can to support this wonderful cause. Together, we can help support children and young people across the UK to rebuild their lives.

Thank you for your continued support – and good luck if you choose to enter!

Mr NashMarketing & Communications Manager

Rotary Chef Competition returns!

The Rotary Chef Competition will be taking place again this year on Saturday 25 November.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves and show their creativity when presenting their dishes. The meeting time is 10am and the finishing time should be no later than 1.30pm.

This year, students are tasked with producing a healthy 2 course meal (main and dessert) within 2 hours, costing up to £18. Please see the information pack here for specific details. The entry form should be completed and shared with me at s.knight@nhs.gdst.net.

Do have a discussion at home, and after half term I will have a meeting with the interested students. If you have any questions, please do get in touch.

Miss Knight
Subject Leader Food

U15 Hockey Team vs Bedford Modern

Parent Survey 2023

Thank you to all parents who have completed our Parent Survey. We are delighted with the response rate and are confident that the rich content will provide a hugely beneficial insight into the views of our parent community. We will be analysing the responses submitted over the next weeks, and plan to report back on the survey findings before the end of the autumn term.

Many thanks for taking the time to share your valuable feedback, helping us identify areas for improvement and informing our long-term planning.

Mrs Wilmot
Director of Marketing & Admissions

In Conversation with... Emilie Weaving

The GDST’s next ‘In Conversation’ event features Shrewsbury High School alumna, Emilie Weaving, who will be speaking with Darren Payne, Head of Shrewsbury High, via Zoom on Monday 23 October, 1-2pm.

Emilie was a finalist in the ‘GDST Trailblazer of the Year Competition 2022’ and at age 31, she has certainly paved her own way in the traditionally male-dominated world of engineering. As a Mechanical Engineer, Emilie has eight years of development and testing experience, from diesel engines to motorcycle helmets and military vehicles. She is passionate about encouraging women to pursue a career in the field, and writes about her STEM lifestyle in her blog, The Female Engineer.

If you wish to attend this virtual event, please click here.

Mr Nash
Marketing & Communications Manager

Autism Central: Free educational programme now launched!

New autism support has launched for families and carers across the country, courtesy of NHS England.

Support is available for families and carers of autistic children and adults thanks to a new, free education programme named Autism Central. The programme aims to help build knowledge and understanding of autism, and empower families and carers to advocate for autistic people they support to get the right understanding and adjustments in place across the services they use.

Commissioned by NHS England, the programme offers one-to-one and group sessions, complemented by high quality online learning information.

To find out full details about this programme, please click here.

Mrs Beezley
Learning Enhancement Coordinator

Save the Date: Quiz Night

Save the Date: Christmas Fayre

Join our Team

We are currently advertising a vacancy for a part time teacher of Physical Education.

If you, or somebody you know, would be interested in this position we would love to hear from you! To find out more information about the role, working for Northampton High School and how to apply, please click here. Applications should be submitted by midday on Tuesday 7 November 2023.

For more information or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at a.gates@nhs.gdst.net.

Mrs Gates
HR Officer