Head’s Welcome – Mrs Owen, Head of Prep
In last week’s newsletter I mentioned our Open Day, and I anticipated what a good job our pupil tour guides would do. I have to say now that they did an absolutely excellent job! It is very powerful for prospective parents coming into our school to hear directly from our pupils, and I was overwhelmed with the number of compliments that I received from many families about how impressed they were with their tour guides. We often talk about it in school, but to see the evidence of the interpersonal skills and independence that our pupils have gained during their time through the Prep School, which sets them in such good stead for the future, is a wonderful thing. I know that a number of our Year 6 families are looking forward to tomorrow’s opportunity to visit the Senior School for their Open Day too. If you would like to attend but are not able to come this weekend, there will be another chance next term when there is a second Open Day.
We also held our second coffee morning this week when, once again, we were pleased to welcome a good number of parents who had the opportunity to talk to members of the whole school leadership team. As these first two events have been so well attended, we will be ensuring that they become a regular addition to the calendar, so please look out for more dates after half term. One topic of conversation was co-curricular activities, and I am pleased to give you the heads up on a communication that will be coming out to parents within the next week. A number of pupils enjoy their dance lessons with Miss Viv in Lower Prep, but we are now able to extend a dance offering to Upper Prep pupils with an additional dance teacher, Miss Grace, who will be coming into school, starting after half term.
Next week sees a very busy week for the Sports Department! On Tuesday, we are hosting a Year 2 Football Festival in which all our pupils from that year group are involved, as well as pupils from at least 8 other local primary schools. Parents of Year 2 have already had information about timings etc., and we look forward to seeing you if you are able to come and watch. We have also reintroduced the Club Cross Country event for Upper Prep pupils, and this will take place during the day next week for all of Years 3 to 6. On Wednesday we have an U11 team representing Wellingborough at the IAPS Football tournament as well as an U10 rugby team playing at the Bilton Grange Festival. Rugby players in Years 5 and 6 who are not involved in either of these events will have a training session with the Northants Saints coaches on Wednesday afternoon in their Games lessons. Not to forget our Year 5 and 6 hockey players who will all be involved in matches against Kimbolton School or King’s Ely on that day too. As if that wasn’t enough, the following week on 17th October, we are hosting a Girls’ Rugby Takeover Day led by Northants Sport for all our Year 3 and 4 girls, which will also include pupils from local primary schools. And, we wish our U11 hockey team good luck on the same day, as they play at the IAPS Hockey tournament.
To finish on a personal note, as you may be aware, I had a ‘big’ birthday this week, which is often an occasion that gives an opportunity to reflect. My reflection is that the best place to be on your birthday is at a school – you are treated to several renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’ throughout the day, you get to ring the Birthday Bell in Lower Prep, and you are reminded of the pure excitement and joy that children bring to that day. If ever there was a true reflection of what it is like to be a member of the Wellingborough School family – that’s it!
IPC Prep Highlights – Emily Whitmore, IPC Lead
We are now well underway in our pupils’ learning journeys, and it’s been a busy and exciting few weeks across the school. Each year group has launched into their IPC topics with enthusiasm, creativity, and a real sense of curiosity. From archaeological digs to chocolate tasting, seaside adventures to sustainable living – the classrooms have been buzzing with hands-on learning and discovery.
As we approach Half Term, we’re also looking ahead to the next set of exciting topics and entry points that will continue to spark imagination and deepen understanding across all subjects.
Year 1 – Who Am I?
Led by Mrs Gillard, Hedgehogs Class have continued their brilliant start to the year with their new topic, Who Am I? – a unit all about identity and self-awareness. The children had great fun playing a Guess Who? game using toddler photographs of themselves. There was lots of laughter and excitement as they tried to match baby faces to their classmates!
This followed on from their first IPC unit, Brainwaves – The Brain, where the children explored how the brain helps us learn. They became junior scientists, investigating jelly brains with hidden surprises inside! Through this hands-on activity, they discovered key brain functions like thinking, memory, movement, and emotions. Their curiosity and teamwork were fantastic, and it’s been wonderful to see their understanding grow.
Year 2 – The Seaside
Mrs Hill and Mrs Wood led Year 2 on a journey back in time to explore the Victorian seaside. History Off the Page brought history to life with a Punch and Judy show, traditional seaside activities, and souvenir-making. The children were immersed in the sights, sounds, and stories of the past – a truly memorable experience!
Year 3 – Temples, Tombs & Treasures
With Mrs Mellor and Mrs Bowler at the helm, Year 3 have been diving into Ancient Egypt. Their entry point was an archaeological dig in sand using a grid system to uncover hidden artefacts. Budding historians have been exploring temples, tombs, and treasures, learning all about life in ancient times.
Year 4 – Chocolate
Led by Mrs Stevens and Mrs Waite, Year 4 kicked off their delicious topic with a chocolate carousel! From tasting to making, the children explored the world of chocolate through sensory and creative activities. It’s been a sweet and engaging start to their learning.
Year 5 – Time Tunnel
Year 5 began their journey through time with a fantastic trip to Chester House, led by Mr Pickett. This immersive experience helped bring history to life and set the stage for a term of exploration and discovery.
Year 6 – Build a Village
Year 6 visited the Hockerton Housing Project, with Mrs Whitmore leading the trip. The children explored sustainable living and community planning, sparking thoughtful discussions about how villages are built and how we can live in harmony with our environment.
Looking Ahead – After Half Term
We’re excited to launch new IPC topics in Years 3–6 after the break, each with a dynamic entry point to kickstart learning:
Year 3 – Feel the Force
A science-focused unit exploring forces and motion. The children will visit Irchester Country Park to investigate forces in action through outdoor exploration and hands-on activities.
Year 4 – How Humans Work
A fascinating journey into the human body and its systems. To launch the topic, doctors, dentists, and nurses will visit the class to share their expertise and inspire future scientists and health professionals.
Year 5 – Myths and Legends
This storytelling-rich unit will explore tales from around the world. The children will become myth-busters and story investigators, diving into ancient legends and crafting their own. A special investigative entry point will set the scene.
Year 6 – What Price Progress?
A thought-provoking unit exploring the impact of innovation and development. Year 6 will visit the Coventry Transport Museum to examine how transport has evolved and what progress really means.
Thank you to all the staff, parents, and visitors who help make these experiences so enriching. We can’t wait to share more as our IPC adventures continue!
Nursery Update – Miss Hayley and Mrs Maher
September has been a very busy month for the nursery children, welcoming in the new students and enjoying the stories of all their summer adventures. It sounds like everyone was very busy! Our topic has been ‘People who help us’, and we have enjoyed visits from the school nurses, a dentist and the local fire service. All the children enjoyed exploring the engine, listening to the sirens and even having a go with the hose! We will be looking at shapes, colours and numbers over the following months and using our newfound knowledge to spot these in the environment.
Working Together to Keep Our Young People Safe – Safeguarding Update
Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots – such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and others are becoming more common in everyday life. While these tools can be useful and fun, it’s important for parents to understand how they work, the potential risks and how to keep children safe.
Read the full safeguarding newsletter for this month here.
Key Calendar Events for the Next Two Weeks
Tuesday 7th October
- Reception to Year 11 Flu Vaccine
- Year 2 Football Festival with local schools
- Nursery-Year 2 Form Tutor Parents’ Evening
- Years 3-6 Form Tutor Pastoral Parents’ Evening
Thursday 9th October
- Nursery-Year 2 Form Tutor Parents’ Evening
- Years 3-6 Form Tutor Pastoral Parents’ Evening
Monday 13th October
- Teatime Recital 16:30-17:15
Wednesday 15th October
- Year 3 Temples, Tombs and Treasures (Parents invited to view work) 14:45-15:45
Thursday 16th- October
- Year 4 trip to Cadbury World 09:00-16:00
Friday 17th October
- Term Ends 16:10 Prep School: ASC/Late Prep and Co-Curricular Activities as normal
To view the most up-to-date calendar information, please log onto Firefly – click here.
WPSA Prep Christmas Card Design Project
Final reminder for any of you wishing to order any items displaying the design. All packs should be returned to school by today, Friday 3rd October, and by the absolute latest Monday 6th October. Cards, paper, labels, and mugs are just a few of the options available. For every order placed, WPSA will receive a commission that supports their efforts on behalf of the children and the school. Last year this initiative raised nearly £500.
Thank you for your support.
Sporty Scholars Camp at Wellingborough School – Book Now!
Sporty Scholars will be running a multi-activity and sport camp here at Wellingborough School from Monday 27th October until Friday 31st October. This camp is for children aged 4-14.
For more information, click here.
To book your place, please visit: Sporty Scholars at Wellingborough School
October Tech Camps Are On – Join the Adventure – Book Now!
Next Thing Education’s Tech Camps are bursting with creativity, hands-on learning, and fun — plus children take home a STEM invention every day!
The October half-term Tech & STEM Camp will run from Monday 27th to Friday 31st October at Wellingborough School and is open to children aged 5–11.
For more information, click here.
To book your place, please visit: Wellingborough School Tech & STEM Camp.
Stay Connected
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You can also explore upcoming events and activities on our Events Page here.
Wellingborough School Business Directory
Please find the Business Directory at the following link: https://wellingboroughschool.org/community/business-directory/
