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Friday 28 June 2024 |
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Learning what you love to learn Recently, my nine-year-old son’s bedtime reading has largely consisted of reading biographies. The other day, we finished a children’s biography of Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965), who won the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. His life was astonishing in continually surprising ways: a talented pianist, he taught himself the practical skills to restore old pipe organs, all the while completing a doctorate in philosophy and theology prior to becoming a vicar. At the age of 30, he retrained as a doctor and, in partnership with his wife, went on to establish a hospital in Lambaréné, Gabon. There is much that is inspirational about his achievements, relationships and work. Elevated to the status of celebrity after the Second World War due to his philanthropic work, which seemed to offer hope to a war-ravaged world, his legacy in Gabon has been critically reassessed in the light of African and postcolonial approaches, not least by his contemporary W. E. B. Du Bois. But separate from his fame and later life, what was perhaps most interesting to me was to read about his childhood and education. In his youth, there were disagreements with parents, worries about fitting in with his peers and concerns about poor grades and lack of focus. There is indeed nothing new under the sun! At the age of ten, Albert was sent away to live with his aunt and her husband to study at a different school. His parents’ hope was that the new school and changed environment would see Albert improve academically. His daily routine underwent a dramatic shift from long rambles in the countryside to something that looked as follows: 06.00 – wake up, breakfast, household chores It may come as a surprise, but by the end of the Autumn term, the headmaster was asking Albert’s parents to consider withdrawing him from his new school. His grades had not improved, nor had his effort and focus. The new, regimented approach to learning had not been a success. In due course, however, there was a shift and towards the end of his first academic year, things were improving. Two things, at the very least, seemed to have happened. First, Albert had found that he was quite interested in current affairs; he enjoyed reading about contemporary politics and history. His curiosity led him to read more and the more he read, the more he understood and the more interested he became. This virtuous cycle seemed to then impact his other subjects, as he began to build a more complex picture of the world. Second, he was encouraged to pursue his interests: to read more widely, to make connections, to follow avenues of enquiry where they took him. He had learned what he loved and this, in turn, meant that he was beginning to love to learn. When students are thinking about A Level choices and university course options, one of the key things for them to uncover is what they love to learn. Is it a particular topic in Biology or the way a poem can be dissected or how best to complete the movements that lead to a successful long jump? There will be something that they enjoy learning and that makes them excited; something that will make them want to do further reading, practice or research, without having to be told that it’s 20.30 and time for another two hours’ homework before bed! Learning what you love to learn can be an incredibly powerful catalyst for transforming your experience of school and life after school. When it comes to making some of the big academic decisions in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13, in particular, I hope it is a helpful way of framing your next steps. Mr Viesel |
The Week Ahead |
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Monday 1 July Wednesday 3 July |
Thursday 4 July Friday 5 July Please click here to view the summer term’s Clubs & Activities list and timetable |
Head's Commendation |
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A huge congratulations to the students who received a Head’s Commendation today! This special award recognises pupils for their outstanding achievements, demonstrations of kindness and dedication to school life and we were delighted to celebrate the recipients for this half term! During lunchtime, the nominated pupils and their teachers joined Dr Lee in the Senior foyer to commemorate this special achievement with certificates and sweets. A big well done to the group for their hard work and positive contributions to school life! Aurelia H: I am nominating Aurelia for completing her work experience with a tour company in France and then completing a personal project to demonstrate her learning. This showcases Aurelia’s ability to apply what she had learned and highlights her creativity and initiative. Very well done, Aurelia! Dr Lee Ava B: Ava has been super helpful to new drivers, assisting them with the route and identifying students. Mr Holmes Jesleen R: Inspired by the work of Georgia O’Keeffe, she used acrylic paint to create a striking image of a flower, showing great concentration to blend colours and add brush stroke detail. Miss Taylor Simran L: I am nominating Simran for her work in the Year 8 skills lessons. Simran has been working at a very advanced level academically, producing work on protecting the rainforests (a set piece of work) and sundials (topic of her choosing). Her level of research, how she structures her work, thoughtful comments, use of citation and bibliography all make for impressive reading. Miss Buxton Ques-Li DB and Lucie C: I am nominating Ques-Li and Lucie for their excellent contribution to the Year 5 and 6 production of Wind in the Willows. Their expert choreography of the Year 5 river dance transported the audience into a magical world and left them wanting more. Well done, girls! Mrs Fordham |
Sports Awards Evening |
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The Sports Awards Evening took place on Thursday 27 June where we welcomed many of our excellent sports participants to celebrate their achievements this year. This year’s invitees ranged from Years 3 to 13 and it was fantastic to see representatives from across the school. Thanks to our Year 6 Sports captains – Poppy P, Annabel R, Amelie N, Cora S, Luisa P, Zara J, Angelie B – and the Sports captains in Senior School – Vivien L, Harriet F, Annabel L, Sophie J, Issy H, Prachi P and Emma N – who eloquently delivered carefully written speeches, reviewing the year in Sport. Well done to all of the girls who were recognised on the night for their exceptional sporting endeavours. The PE faculty are very proud of each and everyone of you. Congratulations to the following who received the nights headlining awards: Supporter of The Year: Mrs Jenson Thanks also goes to our amazing speaker, Jazz Turner, a national level inclusive sailor who spoke openly about her inspiring journey in sport. To hear Jazz’s story you can click here. Jazz is walking the 160km length of the South Downs to raise money for Newhaven and Seaford Sailability. She hopes to increase the number of people with disabilities who have access to sailing by buying another boat. If you would like to support Jazz, please follow her Instagram @jazturnersailing and check out her GoFundMe page linked here. Mrs Saunders-Wall |
A tribute from Dr Lee to Jazz Turner |
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We were thrilled to host a truly inspiring speaker at this week’s dazzling Sports Awards Evening. Jazz Turner joined us and bravely shared how sailing has become her “family”, despite facing a progressive and physically limiting condition since the age of 18. Jazz proudly represents Team GB in Paralympic Sailing, and her journey, as she recounted, is nothing short of remarkable and motivating. She thoroughly deserves the chance to shine on the international sporting arena. Jazz imparted words of wisdom to our audience, ranging from “how you rise after you fail” to “never let fear hold you back”. She taught us resilience in the face of failure to the transformative power of determination , and how being incredibly stubborn and highly critical can set you on the path to success. She taught us how to navigate challenge, embrace joys and discover true liberation on the water. Jazz’s fearless spirit and her unwavering pursuit of adventure are breaking barriers in the world of sailing, inspiring countless others. Her dynamic enthusiasm promises to guide future generations of young athletes. Please consider supporting Jazz as she pursues her Paralympic dreams and contributes to the South Downs Way Crowdfunding campaign. Dr Lee |
Annie photographs |
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A huge congratulations to the wonderful cast and crew of ‘Annie’ for three unforgettable shows last week! We are delighted to inform you that pictures from the production are now available to purchase and can be accessed via the email shared with parents this afternoon. We kindly ask that you do not share this secure link publicly. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Miss Price |
Highly Commended Award |
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We are delighted to share that our Science Faculty has been HIGHLY COMMENDED in the category of Excellence in STEM (SENIOR) in this year’s Muddy Stilettos School Awards. We would like to congratulate our wonderful Science team on this very well deserved achievement. |
Year 8 enjoy dedicated careers day |
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On Monday, our Year 8 pupils enjoyed a dedicated careers day where they learned important and transferable skills for the workplace. In a fabulous session led by GDST’s Learning and Development Manager, Karen Kimura, students were tasked with designing and marketing a product made from a recycled school blazer. Presenting their ideas to a panel of judges, pupils were encouraged to practise clear communication skills without the assistance of a script! All teams rose to the challenge exceptionally well and showcased many skills they had learned throughout the day. The groups also produced a promotional video for their product and were scored on their marketing abilities. As always, their exceptional digital skills came to great use, making the competition particularly tight. A big well done to the pink team for achieving first place! All of our Year 8 students did very well indeed and we were thrilled to see them demonstrating risk-taking and collaboration skills. A huge thank you to Mrs Forsyth and Karen for facilitating a great session! |
Year 12 physicists have fun at Tenpin! |
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On Tuesday 25 June, the Year 12 physicists went on a Physics trip to Tenpin in order to deepen our practical understanding of 2D momentum, through participating in activities such as pool (otherwise known as “the game with the stick things”) and bowling. We looked at how the impact of the balls in both activities differed according to the masses of the objects involved in the collision. In pool it was observed that with equal masses, Newton’s 3rd law of motion is applied, where the second ball moves and the first ball becomes stationary. However, in bowling, the larger mass of the bowling ball meant that no object remained stationary as the pins fell over and the bowling ball continued its motion. Notably, Mrs Vizor won with 193 points, quoting “I told you it was all about physics”. Nevertheless, Emma N put up a fierce competition, following with 179 points. Additionally, the J2Os and slushies provided students with much morale as we ended on a high. Sahitya B |
Year 7 pupils solve a History mystery! |
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This week, Year 7 students have used investigatory skills to work out the criminal in a History Murder Mystery challenge! They have all used the evidence carefully to come up with a plausible suspect who had the means, motive and opportunity to commit the crime! This coincided with hearing that former student, Emelia (2020) has just passed her first year as a police officer and is now completing a year on response before training to be a DC. Emelia studied A Level History before completing a Law degree and her career journey serves as inspiration for our young Historians! |
Mia and Prachi win a visit to Mercedes F1 |
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Northampton High is a partner school with Mercedes, so after winning an in-school competition, we were rewarded with the opportunity to watch the Barcelona F1 race live at the Brixworth Mercedes AMG Centre. We got to ask questions to some employees, who gave us life advice and informed us of how many different F1 related jobs there are. Unfortunately, it was not a very exciting race since no one crashed, but the free t-shirts and snacks made up for it! Mia and Prachi |
High Sports |
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Athletics: Masons Trophy at Stoke on Trent U13A&U13B Cricket vs Akeley Wood U13A: On Monday 17 June, the U13A team attended an away match at Akeley Wood school to play cricket. We won the toss and bowled first and we had a good innings, taking many wickets along the way. The Bowler of the Match was Jasmine. In the second half we batted really well with many sixes and fours. The Batter of the Match was Safiya. We scored 347 runs and lost 1 wicket and Akeley scored 253 runs and lost 7 wickets. Well done to the team! Lottie (Cpt) U15A Cricket vs Akeley Wood
U12A&U13A vs Winchester House
U12A: In our cricket match against Winchester House, we won the toss and bowled first. We had some good bowling and despite a couple wides and ‘no balls’, we were very consistent. Amelie and Harini got some wickets which was great and Preesha got Bowler of the Match. Our batting started off strong, with Amelie and Grace getting a combined total of 3 fours. Grace was awarded Batter of the Match. It was a tough game that finished 280-251 to Winchester House. Everyone fought hard and played well! Grace P (Cpt) U13A: Lost 175- 234
Rowing – Henley Women’s Regatta
For the first time in the school’s history we have had a pupil compete at the Henley Women’s Regatta. Henley Women’s Regatta is the premier regatta for women in the United Kingdom. Each year more than 2,000 rowers travel from all over the UK, and from across the world, to compete in this prestigious event. Issy H in Year 12 started rowing at the beginning of this year and is already making great progress on the water. She trains with Northampton Rowing Club on the River Nene and is part of the GB Rowing Development Academy. On Sunday, Issy participated in her first race at the Henley Women’s Regatta and reached the quarter finals. Issy hopes to one day represent the GB team at senior level. Watch this space!
U12&13 Combined Team vs Wellingborough Mrs Littlewood |
GDST Alumna of the Year and Trailblazer Awards |
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It’s that time of the year once again! Voting is now open for the annual GDST Alumna of the Year and Trailblazer Awards. To find out more information about this year’s fantastic finalists and details on how to cast your vote, please click here. Voting closes on Friday 12 July, and we really appreciate your support. Good luck to all of this year’s amazing nominees! Miss Price |
RHS ' No Adults Allowed Garden' design entry |
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Earlier in the year, members of our Wildlife and Gardening club enjoyed designing their own mini-gardens. The group is now hoping to make their garden design ideas a reality, and plant up some mini-gardens before the end of term to take part in the RHS ‘No Adults Allowed’ garden design competition! We would love to make this project as exciting as possible and would like to ask for your help in collecting a few of the required materials. If you happen to have any of the below and would be able to donate, we would be very grateful!
If you think you can help, please do email me at k.peto@nhs.gdst.net. Many thanks in advance for your support and generosity. |
Book Review |
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The Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Coelho – Winner of the Yoto Carnegie 2024 Medal for Writing (recommended for Yr9+) In his new verse novel, Joseph Coelho brilliantly blends Greek myth with a 21st century quest. In Ancient Greece Theseus makes a dangerous and courageous journey to find his father, finally meeting the Minotaur in the Labyrinth. While Theo, a modern-day teenage boy, finds himself on a maze-like quest to find his own father. |
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Each story tells of a boy becoming a man and discovering what true manhood really means. The path to self-discovery takes Theo through ‘those thin spaces where myth, magic and reality combine’. Doubts, difficulties and dangers must be faced as Theo discovers the man he will become. Find out more about the Carnegie shortlist here. Miss Buxton |
Save the Date: Cultures Day |
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Save the Date: Speech Day |
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Diversity and Inclusion Calendar 23/24: July |
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Kings Camp |
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The Lowdown Wellbeing Event |
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Pink Rooster Charity Event - I am John Clare |
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Northampton Swim Club Intensive Course |
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Code Ninjas Northampton |
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PQA Stage & Screen sessions |
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Made for Girls |
Term Dates |
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Northampton High School |
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