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Friday 30 September 2022 |
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Our curriculum and wider cocurriculum aim to inspire open-minded young learners, to help them develop their personal interests and to make success a habit as they move through the school. I believe that our job as educators is to help our pupils to understand the concepts and theories that will form the basis of their subject knowledge in the future. As such, we see our agreed intellectual character traits as being key; we believe that the best learners are not afraid to take risks and are happy to learn from failure. They enjoy working with each other and are inquisitive, they don’t give up easily and think deeply about everything they discover about the world, both for themselves and within the cultures and traditions around them. Developing such vital intellectual character traits does not come automatically, however. It does come through hard work and, of course, through the experiences pupils have both in their family lives and at school. Our broad and balanced curriculum supports aspirational pupils on an academic level, with experienced teachers and modern schemes of work that embody the most successful pedagogies, supported by educational research. Regular individual and group tutorial sessions help maintain academic focus and learning profiles for every pupil and ensure teachers have a deeper understanding of their learning styles and needs. However, the curriculum cannot achieve its aims without taking into account the skills that will foster a holistic approach to learning, indeed, a 360-degree approach. So pupils follow a Transferable Skills programme at Key Stage 3 to help them on their way to becoming independent and critical learners. We also build thematic and conceptual connections between subjects, via defined higher-order thinking skills, to ensure that cross-curricular links are developed and shared opportunities for learning are fully exploited. Oracy forms a central plank in the teaching of subjects across the curriculum, with pupils encouraged to find their voices through debating and public speaking, as well as House activities and presentations in lessons. Digital skills, too, are fostered through the school’s holistic Digacy programme, incorporating computational thinking and wider IT capabilities. Opportunities for independence and self-discovery are a vital ingredient for success in a future where careers are evolving constantly. To support this we offer enrichment and electives from Year 9 through to the Sixth Form, giving students choice and food for thought. Global Outlook, our internationally-focused enrichment programme, offers an insight into the cultural diversity around us. Politics and international relations, along with PPE (People, Philosophy and Ethics), Enterprise and Philanthropy courses in Years 10-12, all support students as they develop their understanding of our changing world. This is not to mention the wide range of more practical and cultural opportunities, such as Food enrichment, Science enrichment, Film studies and Yoga, that will broaden their frames of reference and experience when it comes to writing applications to increasingly competitive university courses. Our students achieve brilliant outcomes in exams and we believe that this is because they enjoy learning and have a wider understanding of what drives them to achieve; the results themselves are a happy coincidence. This means that, by the time they complete their journeys through the school, we know that our students are well on the way to being the authors of their own destinies and are ready for the exciting challenges and freedoms of life. Mr Rickman |
The Week Ahead |
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Monday 3 October Tuesday 4 October Wednesday 5 October |
Thursday 6 October Saturday 8 October Please click here to view the Clubs & Activities timetable for the Autumn Term |
Northampton High's work on Queen Elizabeth II's mural featured by BBC News |
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Over the past weeks and months, our students have been influential in the creation of a significant mural in Hardingstone village, which was commissioned to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. As featured in previous editions of High News, we were delighted to be asked to be involved in the creation in such a wonderfully commemorative piece of work, which took on so much more meaning after the Queen’s passing earlier this month. The now completed mural stretches over a 70m-long wall and is a beautiful visual reminder of Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign. The project deservedly caught the eye of the local media, and you can read lots more about the project by reading the BBC News story here. Mr Nash |
GDST Northern Rally - September 2022 |
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On the Wednesday 21 September, we took 40 excited students up north to participate in the annual GDST Northern Rally. Northampton High school were represented in 6 sports: 1st team hockey, U15 hockey, tennis, badminton, fitness and table tennis. We had a fantastic overnight stay and enjoyed a great tournament day. Our pupils worked extremely hard and represented our school exceptionally well, and we came away with some fantastic results. Both of the hockey teams made it through to the GDST hockey finals to be held at (1st Team) Northampton Rally and (U15 Team) Croydon Rally. The tennis team won the tournament bringing the historic racket trophy back home for a 3rd consecutive time and the fitness, badminton and table tennis teams were all runners up in their tournaments. Well done to everyone who came with us. We are excited for all the upcoming rallies to continue to learn, develop and make memories together. Mrs Blake |
GDST Northern Rally - Captains Reports |
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Hockey 1st Team: Our first game was against the hosts, Newcastle, where we dominated possession and kept the pressure high up the pitch. This led to us winning 1-0 with the goal scored early on by Anna A. We had many opportunities to score but all were saved by their goalie. After an hour break, we commenced the second game against Shrewsbury. An early well worked team goal, and scored by Eloise, put us ahead however Shrewsbury pulled back a goal resulting in a one all draw. At this point the tiredness was taking effect and the nerves were building before our last game, which would determine whether we qualified for the next round in October. The last game against Sheffield was high intensity and high stakes but we pulled together as a team and Anna A scored another goal, this time through their keeper’s legs. A break from Sheffield’s half left our defenders outnumbered and the score was levelled. Opportunities to pull ahead continued from both sides but nothing came for either team. Final-whistle left a 1-1 draw but we still secured a place in the next round. Player of the tournament goes to Grace M with a brilliant performance throughout all three games. Overall, a great two days in Newcastle with a great result in the end. Thank you to everyone for playing! Maddie D Table Tennis: At the Northern Rally Ella and I were asked to represent Northampton High School in the table tennis competition. Since it was our first table tennis match ever, we had no expectations and played to enjoy the experience. We played a round robin with 5 other teams, 5 matches later we finished runners up, just missing out on 1st place by 1 point! Overall we really enjoyed it and are looking forward to future matches. Eliza A |
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Tennis: For the tennis we had a very successful day. With me and Hattie K playing as first pair, winning all five matches. Then Lilli T and Eliza A as our second pair, also winning all their matches. A big congrats to all players for this amazing result, which has allowed us to keep the wooden racquet trophy for another year! Ella N Swimming: The swimming team of seven travelled to Newcastle to compete in the Northern Rally this week. We all swam well, and many placed in the top half of their events. Special mentions go to Tanya C who placed 2nd in 100m free and Grace C who also placed 2nd in the 25m fly. Sheffield had a strong team which resulted in us just narrowly missing out on first place in both of our relays. This was an under 18 competition but despite us having a young team we all performed to a high standard and secured some great results. Ellie C U15 Hockey: This week our U15 team came away with amazing results at Newcastle, so much so we have qualified to the following round in Croydon. After 3 hard matches in the pouring rain, we came away with a 3-0 and a 3-1 win and an unfortunate 1-0 loss. Well done to Gracie, Hattie and Lucy for some amazing goals and well played to the rest of the team in some tough conditions. Hattie K |
Ella selected for England after English Schools Pentathlon success! |
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We would like to congratulate our student Ella D, who earlier this month represented the County at a prestigious athletics event. Ella competed for Northamptonshire at the English Schools Junior Girls Pentathlon, placing 3rd overall after a magnificent performance. Thanks to her brilliant showing, Ella has now been selected to represent England at the SIAB Pentathlon event in Glasgow in November! Congratulations Ella, we are all rooting for you! Mrs Blake |
Victory for Indi secures her place at lucrative eventing training day! |
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Everybody at Northampton High School would like to send a huge congratulations to student Indi R, who has secured her place at a prestigious evening training day! Indi, who is horse mad, recently began her eventing journey with her new horse Rosie. At a recent Jump4Joy competition, Indi was able to secure her spot at an upcoming training masterclass with Ros Canter – a 5* eventer who was also the 2018 World Champion! The training day will take place in October and we look forward to hearing about this fantastic experience, and following Indi’s journey in eventing. Well done Indi! Mr Nash |
Mrs Littlewood takes part in the Wales Ironman event! |
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Back in 2019, I decided to enter the Wales Ironman as a present to myself for my 50th, unaware that a major pandemic would hit and the event being postponed for three years! For those of you not familiar with the event it involves a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle finished off with a marathon. The Ironman events also have a cut-off for each discipline so you are not just battling against the distances but also time. I did Ironman UK in 2017 as well as Staffordshire 70.3 in 2018. Ironman Wales is renowned as being one of the toughest races with a sea swim, 2450m of cycle climbing and a hilly run and I thought I’d love to try to ‘slay the dragon’ as it is known. |
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As per usual the sea was calm every other day apart from on race day. Some competitors didn’t attempt to enter the sea, others were pulled out and nearly 100 didn’t complete the second lap. My GPS shows how much current there was! I can say honestly that I was petrified on the way out but loved the swim finding it exhausting yet exhilarating. From the beach we then had a 1km run to get to our bikes. The cycle was a two-loop course. The first loop was fantastic, apart from having to stop to be ill twice (sea water, glucose drinks, motion sickness then sky-high heart rates proves to not be a great combination!). The second loop is when the rain came, and it was relentless. I made the first two cut offs but was pulled off the course at 95 miles. It was one of the best experiences of my life and I smiled the whole way around. It is so important in life to challenge yourself and personally I do this through sport. Ironman triathlons are a very male dominated sport and out of 2005 competitors who registered only 314 were female, of which only 169 finished. The support I received as a female on the course and afterwards was fantastic and I try to encourage everyone to push themselves in whatever way they can and to break down barriers especially in a male dominated field! Mrs Littlewood |
Book of the Week |
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The Ministry of Unladylike Activity by Robin Stevens – 1940 Britain is at war, and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry of Unladylike Activity is training up spies.Enter May Wong: courageous, stubborn, and desperate to help end the war so that she can go home to Hong Kong (and leave her annoying school, Deepdean, behind forever). May knows that she would make the perfect spy. After all, grown-ups always underestimate children like her.When May and her friend Eric are turned away by the Ministry, they take matters into their own hands. |
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Masquerading as evacuees, they travel to Elysium Hall, home to the wealthy Verey family – including snobby, dramatic Nuala. They suspect that one of the Vereys is passing information to Germany. If they can prove it, the Ministry will have to take them on.But there are more secrets at Elysium Hall than May or Eric could ever have imagined. Miss Buxton |
Open Morning - Saturday 1 October 2022 |
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We look forward to welcoming so many lovely families to our upcoming Open Morning on Saturday 1 October, from 10am to 1pm. The day promises to be a superb showcase of life at Northampton High School. If you would like to come along, please do feel most welcome, and should you have family, friends, or neighbours keen to visit us, please encourage them to book their place here and join us! Mr Nash |
Medical Reminders |
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Please can we kindly remind all parents to complete the pupil health questionnaire. If you have any questions or encounter any issues filling in the questionnaire, please feel free to contact me at medical@nhs.gdst.net and I will happily assist. Also, please can parents let the medical team know if your daughter starts using any new medication e.g. anti-biotics, salbutamol inhaler etc. It is your responsibility to update SIMS parent if there are any changes in your daughter’s medical information, and it is vital that the medical team have up to date medical information. Thanks in advance for your continued cooperation. Mrs Dunkley |
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 |
Community Nursery Sessions |
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Rugby Northampton Athletics Club - Throws Morning |
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Term Dates 22/23 |
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Northampton High School |
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