As the days gradually grow longer, we have been treated to some welcome bursts of sunshine between the occasional showers and we are all eagerly looking forward to many more bright days ahead. Just as we anticipate the changing weather, we are also excited about the upcoming events this half term, including residential trips, day excursions, and whole-school activities which promise to make this term truly memorable.

Year 6 delivered a fantastic class assembly this week, focusing on the Northampton High School learning characteristics: curiosity, perseverance, independence, risk-taking, and collaboration. The pupils showcased these qualities in the most engaging way, demonstrating how they embody them every day in their work and interactions. The assembly was both informative and entertaining, and we would like to extend our thanks to the pupils, Mrs Dadge, and the family members who came along to show their support. Dr Lee was pleased to attend the assembly to give out certificates congratulating our Year 6 students on being offered a place in the Senior School.  

Sport is the subject focus of this week’s Junior News. In PE lessons, the children are busy preparing for the upcoming Dance Festival. The dances are shaping up wonderfully, and there is a real buzz of excitement as we look forward to the big event on Tuesday 25 March. It is sure to be a spectacular showcase of talent and teamwork and we look forward to seeing you there. 

Mrs Saunders-Wall
Interim Director of Junior School Liaison

In Nursery we have been focusing on traditional tales this half term, with this week being about Goldilocks and The Three Bears. To support the story we have used props from our story basket as well as oats, bears, bowls and spoons in the tuff tray. The girls have used these props and prompts to retell the story.

Painting has continued to be very popular and we have explored the use of rollers on larger surfaces as well using smaller paintbrushes and small paper.

In PE we are looking at control and balance with the girls negotiating balance beams of different widths.

During our weekly visit to the music room, we looked at musical instruments that you need to shake, exploring the sounds they make and the rhythm of music. 

It has been lovely to see the girls settle back into our daily routine after the half term break in Preschool. They have been very excited to see each other and get stuck in with their weekly activities.

Our trip to Forest School was enjoyed by all and we explored the environment looking for objects that made noises. This was paired this with the book of the week ‘The Happy Hedgehog Band’ where the animals find different instruments to play in the forest. The girls found sticks and used them as drum sticks as well as stones and listened to the noise they made as they were sprinkled into a pan.

The girls have also noticed some changes in the classroom including our feelings board which is being developed to add in a wider range of feelings and emotions. Outside a new building resource has been added and the girls have  explored how these pieces join together and built various models. A popular model has been cars with the girls finding the pieces and an adult helping to join them together.

In PSHE the girls have looked at how their heart beat changes when they go from resting to exercising and why this is healthy for our body. They have discussed other ideas that keep us healthy such as eating the right foods.

The girls have continued our 1:1 reading sessions with one of the Reception teachers and they have enjoyed reading independently and in small groups with an adult.

Reception
In Swimming pupils are working on maintaining a streamlined position on their front then moving independently  through ‘Follow my leader’ creating shapes in the pool. They are making excellent progress and very much enjoying their swimming. They are also learning their dance for the Dance Festival in Ballet lessons.

Year 1
The pupils have been hard at work learning their dance for the Dance Festival later in the term.  They have been learning to move to directions such as ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘backwards’ and ‘forwards’. We have made good progress remembering our steps and we cannot wait to show you all our hard work soon!  

Year 2
Year 2 have been working on their dance for the Dance Festival this week. We will be performing a super energetic and delightful dance to the Hand Jive from Grease. Pupils are working extremely well on their timing and movements are becoming more slick. The enthusiasm of Year 2 is contagious and we cannot wait to show you the final piece.  In Swimming we continue to work on our stroke development, particularly the Breaststroke in Mrs Blake’s group and Butterfly in Mrs Blunt’s groups.

Year 3
Year 3 have had an excellent half term block of learning badminton skills. We used a variety of balls, shuttles, nets and rackets. The pupils have made excellent progress and we had so much fun!

Year 4
Year 3 and Year 4 enjoyed a fast and fun game of rock paper scissor, with a twist, to start off their games lesson. They needed quick reactions and great coordination and agility to be classed as champions in this game! 

Year 5
During PE Year 5 are beginning their Dance Festival dance this week. We do not want to give too much away so all we’re going to say is that we will be having a quick visit to the rooftops around Cherry Tree Lane! 

Year 6
During PE, Year 6 have been working incredibly hard learning and choreographing their dance for the Dance Festival. They have worked collaboratively and demonstrated their imaginative ideas and can not wait to perform in March. 

Year 2 looked fantastic on Tuesday when they came to school in dresses and bonnets for their Victorian Day.

They all behaved very well for their new, stern Victorian headmistress ‘Mrs Waldron’ (who coincidentally looked very similar to Mrs Cartlidge!)

The excellent behaviour was hardly surprising considering the potential punishments of the cane, basket and dunce’s hat! The girls enjoyed looking at different Victorian artefacts and writing with chalk on slates.

In the afternoon, the girls spent time creating peg dolls – a traditional pastime for Victorian girls. These were very creative and it was wonderful watching the girls including some of the features they had learnt about as part of the doll’s clothing and accessories.

Everyone can come to school dressed as a book character or come in pyjamas. If dressed up, the most creative homemade outfit will receive house points.

You can use your £1 book voucher to purchase a book from a selection at any good book store.

Together we are changing lives through books.

Junior School Council

We are very excited to share the news of our brand new girls-only toddler group starting this month!

Girls aged 1-3 and their parents, grandparents and guardians are all welcome to come along and delve into a wide variety of toys, crafts and ‘surprise play stations’ created to spark imagination and fun times. Always remember ‘dress to get messy!’.

This toddler group will be held fortnightly on Tuesdays, 9.15am – 10am, a full list of dates and the online booking form can be found on the school website https://www.northamptonhigh.co.uk/admissions/open-events/

Please feel free to share this with any friends who may be interested, and come and join us with your little ones too. Our next session is, Tuesday 11 March. The Spring Term sessions are free of charge.