Head’s Welcome – Mrs Owen, Head of Prep
If I were to sum up this week, it would probably all be about cosying up with a book! On Monday, Mrs Josh spoke to all Upper Prep pupils about the plans for World Book Day and some of the activities they will be able to participate in. She also gave some recommendations about ways to encourage us to read more, and by the end of the assembly, I was desperate to go and do some reading. 6RC continued the theme today with their form assembly on the theme of sleep. This followed on from a very informative talk by Mrs Wawrentowicz to Year 5 and 6 pupils, all about the benefits of sleep. They had clearly listened well, as they were able to pass on words of advice to all of us (pupils and adults) about the best ways to relax in the evening to ensure a good night’s sleep. One of those ways was by reading a book before bed – excellent advice, I think!
Lower Prep did not miss out on the reading theme either, as we all enjoyed Miss Herbert’s story assembly where she read ‘Otto Blotter, Bird Spotter’ by Graham Carter. As always, the children loved listening, and this particular story fitted beautifully with all our discussions about the birds we saw during last Friday’s RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch. The pupils have also enjoyed drawing pictures in our own Bird Spotting Book as a record of what they have seen in school and at home, including blackbirds, robins and blue tits.
Although today’s weather is definitely more suited to ducks than garden birds, I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend.
Hedgehogs Update – Louise Gillard, Teacher of Year 1
The children in Hedgehogs have been working incredibly hard practising their play, The Gingerbread Man. They have learnt their words well and have been rehearsing with great enthusiasm. The children have also helped to make the scenery, showing creativity and teamwork as they worked together.
They have also really enjoyed learning the songs from the play and adding actions to match the music. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they practise singing, moving and performing together. The children all look fabulous in their costumes, and they are very proud of how they look and how well they are doing.
The children are extremely excited and are really looking forward to performing the play next week to the rest of the Lower Prep, followed by performances for their families.
In addition to their rehearsals, the children have been having a fantastic time during their Nurture Through Nature wellbeing sessions with Lisa. These sessions take place in the outdoor learning area, where the children have been exploring and enjoying the natural environment. They have enjoyed spending time outdoors, learning new skills and working together in a calm and supportive setting.
During these sessions, the children learnt how to tie different knots. Some children found this challenging, and this provided a great opportunity to practise resilience. We talked about ways to manage our emotions when things do not go to plan, including speaking to someone, squeezing hands, taking deep breaths, counting to 100, or choosing their own calming strategy. Once they felt calmer, the children showed determination by going back and trying again.
The children have also been learning different yoga poses with Lisa. Yoga has helped the children to practise balance, coordination and body awareness, as well as giving them time to slow down and relax. They have enjoyed learning how to stretch their bodies safely and hold poses. The children have talked about how yoga helps them to feel calm, relaxed and happy.
It has been lovely to see the children gaining confidence, developing resilience and enjoying new experiences both indoors and outdoors.
Geography in Prep – Chris Pickett, Prep Geography Teacher
Although we are not yet halfway through the school year, pupils have already been able to develop their geographical knowledge and skills across all the year groups in the Upper Prep.
Year 3
Year 3 started the year with the Temples, Tombs and Treasures topic, which contained lots of geography. Pupils learnt where Egypt is in the world, how proximity to the equator affects the temperature there, and facts about the population, flag and capital city. The River Nile was an important part of the topic, especially how it was used to transport goods and people. We also looked at how the Nile was used to collect water, the use of a Shaduf to water the land, how flooding left behind black silt for growing crops and how the settlements therefore built up along the banks.
For the On Tap topic, pupils learnt about the Water Cycle and its role in distributing water across the Earth. They also looked at how access to clean water is different for people in different places around the world. Pupils studied Water Aid and how it can access remote communities and build compostable toilets, put in water pumps and enable safe drinking water through filtering.
Year 4
During the Chocolate topic, pupils used atlases to identify where cacao trees grow and learn about the tropics of Capricorn and Cancer along with the type of climate found in tropical areas.
This half term, for the Explorers and Adventurers topic, we introduce lines of longitude and latitude alongside compass skills. Pupils also used maps to identify where explorers have ventured throughout history.
Year 5
Over the last term, pupils in Year 5 have learnt about where we are in the world and have developed their understanding of longitude and latitude, as well as other significant features of maps, such as the hemispheres and the equator.
Pupils in Year 5 have also learnt about mountains and volcanoes – how they are formed and significant mountains and mountain ranges around the world.
This half term, for the Going Global topic, the focus has been on globalisation and international trade.
Year 6
Year 6 used the Build a Village topic as an opportunity to explore settlements, from why people first settled in certain places through to different features of modern settlements. During the What Price Progress topic, pupils explored some of the most significant technological advances and started to consider some of their downsides, especially for the environment.
This half term for the Climate Control topic, the focus has been on the climate and sustainability. Pupils have learnt about the carbon cycle, how human activity has impacted the environment and considered how we can all be more sustainable.
Working Together to Keep Young People Safe
This month’s newsletter celebrates Children’s Mental Health Week, which takes place from 9th to 15th February, and Safer Internet Day on 10th February.
It explores ways parents and carers can support their children if they are struggling, as well as how to keep your child safe online when using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Read the full safeguarding newsletter for this month here.
Key Calendared Events for the Next Two Weeks
Tuesday 10th February
- Year 1 Play (Parents invited) (09:30-10:00)
Wednesday 11th February
- Year 1 Play (Parents invited) (09:30-10:00)
Thursday 12th February
- Year 4 Explorers and Adventurers Exit Point (Parents invited) (14:30-15:45)
Friday 13th February
- Year 6 LEGO STEM Workshop
- End of half term (16:10) ASC/Late Prep and Co-Curricular Activities as normal
Monday 23rd February
- Term Begins
- Reception & Year 6 NHS National Child Measurement Programme
Tuesday 24th February
- Year 5 trip to Embankment
Wednesday 25th February
- Reception & Year 1 – The Tiger who Came to Tea
Friday 27th February
- Years 3-4 Club Sport
To view the most up-to-date calendar information, please log onto Firefly – click here.
Rock, Pop and Blues Concert
Next Thursday, pupils, staff (and maybe even a parent!) will be taking to the stage for our annual Rock Pop & Blues concert.
The recital is always a very chilled event with wine, beer, soft drinks and snacks available to buy from the WSSPA bar, and the Senior Hall is set out ‘bistro style’ so you can enjoy your drinks in comfort while listening to the music.
‘Curtain up’ is at 7.00pm, and entry is free – we hope to see you there!
Tour of the Gateway Building and Curry Night
We are pleased to have begun teaching in the new Gateway Building and would love to show our parents around.
On Tuesday, 24th February, between 4:30 and 5:30pm, Wellingborough School parents are invited to come and view the wonderful new facilities we have in the Gateway Building.
We will then adjourn to the Dining Hall for a very informal curry night where parents can take a moment to meet other parents and speak with Senior staff if they wish. This evening is designed to allow parents to get to know each other a little more while also enjoying a tour of our new building.
Please note that there is a small charge of £10 per person for the curry and a dessert (chargeable via Parent Pay), and a limited bar is available. The curry will be served from 6:00 to 6:30pm.
As for the pupils, for those parents who would like their children to stay on at school, we would put on a pizza-and-chips-style meal (costing £3.50 per pupil) and a couple of appropriate films for the different ages.
Click here to confirm your place.
It might be that you want to do both of the above or just one. Any combination, of course, is fine; please still fill out the form by Thursday, 12th February.
Junior Star Easter Camp – Book Now!
Join us at Wellingborough School this Easter for an action-packed holiday camp that your kids will love!
- Mon 30th March – Thu 2nd April 2026
- Children in Reception to Year 6.
- £40 per day, with a 5% sibling discount and an additional 5% early booking discount if you book before half term.
Click here for more information.
To book your place, click here.
Sporty Scholars Championship Week Camp – Book Now!
Sporty Scholars will be running their February Half-Term Holiday Camp here at Wellingborough School from Monday 16th February until Friday 20th February, for children aged from 4 to 14.
Your child will participate in 5 days of sports, wellness, and activities that will help them gain confidence and face new challenges.
Places cost £23.50 per day, but you can currently get the early bird discount of 12.5% off by using the code WEARECHAMPS. Please note that this offer will end today.
For more information, click here.
To book your place please visit: Sporty Scholars at Wellingborough School
Whole School Open Day – Book Now
Join us on Saturday, 7th March, from 9am, to explore Wellingborough Prep, Senior and Sixth Form.
You will be able to meet with our specialist subject teachers and explore our facilities and nurturing environment. While gaining a better understanding of what makes a Wellingborough education so special.
Click here for more information and to book your place.
Additionally, if you are aware of families looking for school places in September, please share with them this link.
Home Starts With a Story – A Community Reading Challenge
We are delighted to share an exciting new project that brings together reading, creativity and community: Home Starts With a Story – A Community Reading Challenge.
At the heart of the project is the beautifully illustrated children’s book What Shape Is a Home?, a gentle and thought-provoking story that explores different kinds of homes and, ultimately, the idea that home is about belonging and caring for one another. Written by local author Joey Baillon and illustrator Sophie Freestone in association with local charity Northampton Hope Centre, the story is aimed at children aged 3 – 8 and opens up conversations around kindness, social responsibility and what “home” truly means.
In school, we will be providing every child in the Lower Prep (Nursery – Year 2) with a personal copy of the book to keep. We are also working with local primary schools to share the story with their pupils. For the reading challenge, all participating children will be invited to respond creatively in one of three simple ways: writing, drawing or making something inspired by the idea of home. Further information about the challenge will follow with the book before half term. Families are encouraged to support and enjoy this process together at home.
The project will culminate in a celebratory event featuring readings, creative activities and workshops led by the author and illustrator here at Wellingborough School on World Book Day, Thursday 5 March. On the day, parents are warmly invited to join us after school to meet the book’s creators, view the children’s work, and enjoy some refreshments. There will also be an opportunity to purchase books in support of the charity.
This initiative reflects our commitment to promoting reading for pleasure, creative expression and meaningful engagement with our local community. We look forward to sharing more details about the reading challenge and the World Book Day event, as well as the broader community project as it unfolds, and we hope you will enjoy being part of this special celebration of stories and belonging.
Love to Learn – Nursery and Reception Stay and Play
Join us on Friday, 13th February, 9:30 to 10:30am, for fun and engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity, while you experience our warm and nurturing Early Years environment.
Our Stay and Play sessions are for Nursery and Reception-aged children (aged 2+) and their parent or guardian.
Come meet our dedicated team and explore how Wellingborough School provides the ideal start to your child’s learning journey.
Click here to book your place.
Schoolblazer Spring Sale Starts Monday
Schoolblazer will be running a spring sale from 9th to 13th February 2026.
Enjoy up to 33% off selected in‑stock items online at schoolblazer.com during the sale period, while stocks last.
Informal Coffee Mornings/Afternoons with Mr Hawkes – Year 6 pupils
An opportunity for current Year 6 pupils and their families to speak directly to Mr Hawkes, and other senior members of staff, about their queries towards transitioning to Senior School.
Please see below the upcoming dates:
- Wednesday 4th March 2026, 8:30am – 9:30am
- Wednesday 18th March 2026, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Click here to RSVP your place.
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/
