Head’s Welcome – Mrs Owen, Head of Prep
This week’s main event in the Prep School was the wonderful Year 1 production of ‘The Gingerbread Man’. The pupils were brilliant in all three performances to the Lower Prep, parents and staff. Watching them act and sing confidently on stage was a great reflection of all the hard work that had gone into rehearsals, and I would like to thank Mrs Gillard, Miss Angie and Mr Owen for the part they played in supporting the pupils to learn words, stage movement and songs.
Years 4 to 6 enjoyed spectating at the Senior School Pancake Race for the first time this week. There was great excitement as we watched the different year groups complete the circuit, vying for top spot for their House. I wonder next year if we might extend our participation by adding in a Prep race?
I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours on Thursday evening at the Rock, Pop and Blues concert. It was wonderful to see the Prep School represented by Nathan, Jess and Oscar, who performed with real confidence. There was such a range of musical genres on show throughout the concert, and it was a real treat to hear the performances of some very accomplished Senior School pupils. Thank you to everyone involved in the preparation of such a lovely event with which to end this half term.
As we leave this afternoon for a week’s holiday, I would like to wish everyone an enjoyable time away from school. I am hoping for an improvement in the weather, but if not, I will enjoy staying inside a bit more and indulging in extra viewing of the Winter Olympics! We look forward to seeing all the children on Monday, 23rd February, ready for an action-packed second half of term.
Year 2 Update – Katharine Wood, Teacher of Year 2
Owls and Kingfishers have continued their work on Green Fingers this term. We have been investigating the best conditions for a seed to germinate. We set up an investigation showing whether seeds needed water, light and soil to start to grow as well as they can. The results were amazing and showed all three things are needed to help a plant grow strong and healthy.
We had a go at using celery sticks to show how plants take up water. It was very exciting when we cut our sticks open and saw that the water had travelled up the stem.
In Literacy the children have been looking at the book Little Red Reading Hood, a traditional tale with a twist. We started off learning about the main character, Red, and where she liked to read books. We then went and found our own crazy places to read a book. We have been practising using more ambitious vocabulary to write our own versions, and the children have amazed us with how well they have understood and used language features such as pathetic fallacy, similes and personification to enhance their writing. What an amazing half term, Year 2!
English in Upper Prep – Isabelle Bowler, Head of English (Prep)
Year 3
In year 3, they have had a wonderful term learning all about our topic, On Tap. They first wrote an explanation text on The Water Cycle to aid our understanding. Then, with a focus on plastic pollution, practised persuasive writing techniques. They then continued their persuasive writing in a formal letter to Mr Erskine-Naylor to explain why they have been busy raising funds for WaterAid and the difference they make to many communities by providing vital access to clean water, toilets and hygiene products.
Year 4
It has been a busy term writing in year 4, based around their topic, Explorers and Adventurers. Earlier this term, they wrote their own adventure stories before moving on to write a diary entry. They then completed a joint IPC/English project about an explorer and are currently writing a letter home from the explorer they have learnt about.
Year 5
5CO have thoroughly enjoyed learning about their topic, Going Global, and have focused on studying and understanding ecotourism. Following on from independent research on the topic, they have used discursive techniques to write essays about the positives and negatives of ecotourism. In addition, they have researched and written adverts for a fictional eco-lodge to display their understanding.
5SA have worked on persuasive writing (using the AFORRESTPIE techniques) and utilised these skills to create their own sales brochures for an Antarctic Trip of a Lifetime. They investigated Pelorus – a bespoke, high-end travel specialist – to provide some inspiration and ideas for their truly extraordinary adventure holidays. Analysis of model texts further supported their knowledge of AFORRESTPIE, and the module ended with homework to write an advertisement, persuading potential customers to go on the pupils’ trips.
From the frozen expanse of Antarctica’s tundra, they moved to the culturally rich and distinctive Japan! After some true or false card games about Japanese culture, they looked at Joanna Lumley’s excellent BBC series about her Japanese travels and worked on a complementary comprehension. Next, they learned about writing effective instructions before creating their own class instructions to help a traveller get from London Heathrow to a hotel in Tokyo. Following this, they learned about Japanese food culture in schools (truly amazing – ask the children about it) and finished with writing instructions for creating their own bento boxes. We are now looking at creative and story writing, with a focus on creating atmosphere and mood. We are using images from Japan as inspiration! Going Global has been one of our favourite topics so far.
Arigato, soshite sayonara!
Year 6
In year 6, they have been learning about persuasive writing and the issues caused by global warming. They have written and presented their own persuasive speeches about human impact on climate change. Alongside this, they have designed their own protest posters to support their arguments and have taken part in an active protest march around school!
Reminders:
World Book Day
A reminder that we have a donate and swap rack set up in the library. Please do send in unwanted costumes that may be reused by others to minimise spending and take the opportunity to find something that your child can use as well.
Reading Out Loud
As well as enjoying stories together, please make sure that you are regularly listening to your child read out loud. There are many benefits:
- Improved Fluency and Expression: Reading aloud helps children move from decoding words to understanding the flow, rhythm, and intonation of language.
- Active Skill Development: It enables parents to help children with difficult words, improving pronunciation and decoding skills in real time.
- Enhanced Comprehension: When children read to parents, they can pause to discuss the plot, character motives, and predictions, deepening their understanding of the story.
- Building Confidence: A supportive, listening audience reduces the anxiety of reading, making children more confident, independent readers.
- Strengthening Emotional Bonds: Shared reading creates a warm, nurturing, and engaging experience that fosters a positive attitude towards books.
- Vocabulary Expansion: It exposes children to more complex words and sentence structures than they might encounter in daily conversation.
- Critical Thinking: Engaging in conversation about the book encourages children to think about the story’s meaning and lessons.
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
Monday 23rd February
- Term Begins
- Reception & Year 6 NHS National Child Measurement Programme
Tuesday 24th February
- Year 5 trip to Embankment
Wednesday 25th February
- Nursery-Year 1 – The Tiger who Came to Tea, Castle Theatre
Friday 27th February
- Years 3-4 Club Sport
Tuesday 3rd March
- Year 3 and 4AS Parents’ Evening – Form Tutor (16:30-19:30)
Thursday 5th March
- World Book Day
- Year 5 Parents’ Evening – Subject Teachers (16:30-19:30)
Friday 6th March
- 4AS Assembly (Parents invited) (08:25-08:45)
Saturday 7th March
- Whole School Open Day
To view the most up-to-date calendar information, please log onto Firefly – click here. https://www.wellingboroughschoolcalendar.org/week.aspx?ID=1171
Please log onto the Sports Calendar for up-to-date timings, team sheets and all other weekday fixtures information – click here. http://www.wellingboroughschoolsports.org/
Wellingborough School Member of Staff Takes to the Stage
We are delighted to share that Mikaela Woodgates, a member of Wellingborough School staff, will be appearing on stage this Easter in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, performed at the Castle Theatre, Wellingborough.
This family-friendly production runs from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 April 2026, and tickets are available directly from the Castle Theatre.
See the flyer below for more information:
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.
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.
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/
