Head’s Welcome – Mrs Owen, Head of Prep
In the life of a school, as term finishes half way through December, Christmas activities naturally have to happen early and we have certainly packed a lot into this first week of the month! The Nursery and Reception production of Whoops A Daisy Angel was just wonderful and I was so impressed with the number of lines and songs that all the children remembered. They projected their voices and had some particularly good dance moves as well. Later in the week, it was the turn of Years 3 and 4, with Cinderella Rockerfella. As I write this article, we are anticipating the final performance after school today; what a lovely way to go into the weekend. The costumes are dazzling, the jokes have us giggling and the performance skills of all the pupils are top notch. In addition to a huge well done to the pupils, I must also thank the team of staff who have worked so hard to get both productions to such a high level. It is their dedication that enables the pupils of all ages to shine on the stage.
All pupils in Lower Prep were delighted to receive a visit from Father Christmas earlier in the week. He arrived on his sleigh, read them a story and then gave a present of a book to each class, as he had been told by the teachers that the children had all been very good this year! In Upper Prep, it was the turn of Club Sport with all year groups taking their turn on the rugby or hockey pitches in the middle of the week. We will find out the results in Final Assembly next Friday.
When I wrote to parents recently with a staffing update about Mrs Mellor stepping back from full time teaching at the end of this term, I promised to let you know about the new Lions Club President. I am pleased to tell you that Mr Owen will be stepping into this role in January and he is very much looking forward to building on Mrs Mellor’s success with the Club.
Whilst we still have a week of term left, finishing at 12 noon next Friday, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a peaceful holiday, spending time with family and enjoying the festivities. We look forward to welcoming the pupils back to school on Tuesday 6th January.
Prep Art Update – Rachelle Roberts, Art Teacher
As we near the end of this busy Michaelmas Term, the Prep art department have been as busy as ever.
We actually started the term back in September with Christmas. I am reluctant to even think about Xmas until the 1st of December, but needs must, so we started off with all the children creating their Christmas card designs. This is a wonderful initiative, largely run by Mrs Hillsdon for the WSPA, who puts so much time into the organisation, timings, collection and delivery of the orders from parents for Christmas cards and the other wonderful things Cauliflower Cards offers. Thank you, Mrs Hillsdon, for all your hard work and your enterprising spirit!
The other Christmas activity is the clay projects that your children will start to bring home next week. Year 3 have made Santas, Year 4 have made Angels, Year 5 have made Christmas tealight trees, and Year 6 have made Christmas robins. Each activity is demonstrated to the children carefully in their lessons, but it always amazes me how each child can start with the same explanation, same instructions, and same amount of clay but end up with a piece of work that is as individual as them.
I would like to give thanks to Mrs Mitchell, my valued art technician, who every year hauls over 150 pieces of delicately made green clay Christmas objects to the kiln, which currently lives in the Gent Centre. She then has to return it all to the Robinson Centre, where the children can then paint and decorate their things. Thankfully, the kiln will be rehoused in our “new” building early next year, so our trips to the kiln will be a lot shorter and less fraught!
We have to start these Christmas projects so early, as they have so many stages in their production and need to be started early in the term to meet the Christmas deadline.
The terms ‘work in art’ have followed closely to the IPC. Highlights have included Year 4 chocolate wrapper designs, inspired by the artist Jasper Johns. The Year 3 triangle sculpture was inspired by their work on Egypt and also their forces artwork, where they literally delighted in splattering the paint at force onto paper, blowing air through a straw to manipulate flowing ink and rolling marbles into paint to create very exciting images.
Year 5 are currently making a huge geometric model of a dragon as part of their Myths and Legends project, and I introduced the year 6 pupils to the mediaeval artist Hans Holbein, where we were art investigators for the day and analysed his painting of “The Ambassadors”. It gave us lots to think about in terms of “what price progress”, and I am sure the children themselves would love to share their findings with you at some point.
IPC End of Term Highlights – Emily Whitmore, IPC Lead
As we finish this Michaelmas term, it’s wonderful to celebrate the exciting learning that has taken place across the school. From creative art projects to science investigations, drama performances to sustainability showcases, our pupils have embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and imagination.
Year 1 – Who Am I?
Hedgehogs explored identity and self-awareness through “Who Am I?” Their entry point was a fun Guess Who? game using toddler photographs—lots of laughter as they matched baby faces to classmates! To conclude the topic, pupils created Picasso-style portraits and collages, celebrating individuality through art. Thank you, Mrs Gillard, for guiding them through such a creative and confidence-building unit.
Year 2 – Hooray! Let’s Go on Holiday
Year 2 embarked on a journey of discovery through “Hooray! Let’s Go on Holiday”. They explored different types of holidays, transport, and destinations, creating posters and travel-themed projects. Combining all their learning, pupils reflected on their dream trips and shared ideas with enthusiasm. Thank you, Mrs Hill and Mrs Wood, for making this topic so engaging!
Year 3 – Feel the Force
Year 3 launched into science with “Feel the Force”, starting with an exciting visit to Irchester Country Park, led by Mrs Mellor and Mrs Bowler. Pupils investigated forces in action outdoors and later enjoyed a Lego STEM Coding Day, programming Lego models to move and respond. Thank you to Mrs Cheney for organising this experience. Their exit point was a Forces Escape Room challenge, which tested teamwork and problem-solving skills—what a fantastic way to end the topic!
Year 4 – How Humans Work
Year 4 explored the fascinating systems of the human body in “How Humans Work”. Their entry point was a Body MOT day, welcoming GPs, dentists, and nurses to share expertise and inspire future scientists. Pupils carried out practical experiments and created digestive system models. Thank you, Mrs Stevens and Mrs Waite, for making this topic so interactive and memorable!
Year 5 – Myths and Legends
Year 5 became storytellers in “Myths and Legends”, diving into tales from around the world. Their entry point, led by Mrs Owen, was magical: pupils navigated a labyrinth journey with string and battery-operated tealights, and the disco ball nominations added extra sparkle! The exit point was a drama performance, directed by Mrs Bowler, which parents were invited to watch—a huge success and a wonderful showcase of creativity and confidence.
Year 6 – What Price Progress?
Year 6 explored innovation and sustainability in “What Price Progress?” Their entry point was a trip to Coventry Transport Museum, led by Mr Pickett, sparking discussions about progress and its impact. Pupils then presented their CAD-designed eco homes at a Design Expo, led by Mrs Whitmore, engaging in thought-provoking conversations about the “price” of sustainable living today.
Looking Ahead – Lent 1 Topics
We’re excited to launch new IPC adventures in January:
- Year 1: “The Magic Toymaker” – During the first half of the term, we will be focusing on preparations for our Year 1 play, The Gingerbread Man. After February half-term, we are hoping to visit Abington Park Museum to take part in their toy workshop.
- Year 2: “The Earth Our Home and Green Fingers” – Entry Point: Visit Cambridge Botanic Gardens.
- Year 3: “On Tap” – Entry Point: Chromatography rainbows and blind water tasting.
- Year 4: “Explorers and Adventurers” – Entry Point: Guess the explorer.
- Year 5: “Going Global” – Entry Point: Trade activity.
- Year 6: “Climate Control” – Entry Point: The European Space Agency: Climate Detective Challenge.
Wow—what a term! Thank you to all staff, parents, and visitors who made these experiences so enriching. Wishing everyone a wonderful festive break, and we look forward to welcoming you back in January for another exciting term of learning.
Warm wishes.
Helping Children Stay Safe Online and with New Devices
As Christmas approaches, many families are planning to surprise their children with a new phone, tablet, or gaming device under the tree. It’s an exciting time – new technology opens doors to creativity, learning and connection. But it also brings a fresh set of questions about what apps and online spaces children might explore.
Before your child dives into their new device, it’s worth taking a moment to explore which apps are right for them. This month’s safeguarding newsletter explores making sure the apps they use are age-appropriate and child-friendly.
Read the full safeguarding newsletter for this month here.
Key Calendared Events for the Next Two Weeks
Monday 8th December
- Years 3-6 Non-Uniform Day for Clubs reaching the Penthouse (not a charity event)
- Years 3-6 Christmas Activities Day (Off-timetable)
- Prep School Christmas Fayre (Parents invited) inc. Charity Chocolate Tombola (15:45-17:15)
Tuesday 9th December
- Year 5 Drama Performance – Myths and Legends (Parents invited) (15:00)
Thursday 11th December
- Christmas Jumper Day
- Nursery-Year 2 Carol Service (Parents invited) (09:15)
- Year 1 – Year 6 Christmas Pantomime (13:00)
Friday 12th December
- Years 3-6 Carol Service (Parents invited) (11:00)
- TERM ENDS (Prep 12:00, Snr 12:30)
Monday 5th January
- INSET
Tuesday 6th January
- Term Begins
To view the most up-to-date calendar information, please log onto Firefly – click here.
Online Christmas Hamper Raffle 2025! – WSSPA and WPSA Committee
The Wellingborough Senior School Parent Association (WSSPA) and the Prep School Parent Association (WPSA) are excited to invite you to take part in the online Christmas Hamper Raffle 2025!
There are 10 luxury hampers available to win from brands including Fortnum & Mason, The British Hamper Company, The Homemade Christmas Co. and more.
Tickets are £5 each, or you can buy 5 tickets for £20. All funds raised will go towards providing various “extras” for the senior school and prep school pupils.
Time is running out to purchase tickets – raffle closes at 10pm on 9 December!
To enter click HERE.
All prizes must be collected from Wellingborough School reception by 1200 on 12 December 2025.
Be in it to win it!! Thank you for your continued support.
Sporty Scholars Camp at Wellingborough School – Book Now!
Sporty Scholars will be running a multi-activity and Winter Wonderland holiday camp here at Wellingborough School on dates: 15th,16th,18th,22nd,23rd December 2025. This camp is for children aged 4-14.
For more information, click HERE.
To book your place please visit: Sporty Scholars at Wellingborough School
Stay Connected
To see more of what’s happening at Wellingborough School, follow us on social media here.
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/
