Head’s Welcome – Mrs Owen, Head of Prep
There has been great excitement in Lower Prep this week with the arrival of the eggs from the Happy Chick Company and the subsequent hatching of the chicks. We seem to have had a higher number of visitors from other parts of the school, eager to see the new arrivals.
Mr Erskine-Naylor and I were very excited to witness the hatching of one of the chicks after school yesterday. The determination and effort that it takes for a chick to pierce a hole in the shell, peck all the way around and unfurl its body from such a tight space is surely a great example for us all of resilience and persistence.
The chicks will be in the safe hands of Mrs Wood over the weekend and then, excitingly, will be able to be held by the children next week. One of the highlights of this whole project is the level of knowledge that the Year 2 pupils have clearly gained whilst looking after the eggs. I was bombarded with interesting facts and information by the pupils – future scientists, I think!
Nursery Update – Miss Hayley and Mrs Maher, Early Years Assistants
We have been very busy in nursery getting ready for the nicer weather, with the children planting some lovely plants in the garden and feeding the birds.
We have enjoyed doing lots of creative work using bricks, pebbles and lots of different textures, and the children have worked hard together to create some amazing structures in the building area.
The children have continued to develop their knowledge of phonics, and we look forward to lots of exciting activities planned for this half term, including a trip to the theatre this week and a visit to the farm to see the lambs.
RS Update – Chris Pickett, Prep RS Teacher
Year 3
This term, Year 3 pupils have been exploring significant moments in the life of Jesus. Through studying key stories in depth, they have reflected on the motivations behind Jesus’ actions, the symbolism within the narratives, and the ways these events continue to shape Christian beliefs and practices today.
Year 4
After learning about religious milestones and celebrations last term, Year 4 has turned its attention to Sikhism. A highlight was a visit from Mrs Pehlay from the Senior School, who shared her experiences and brought the learning to life, complete with some delicious food samples for pupils to enjoy. Year 4 have now begun exploring Islam, building their understanding of another major world faith.
Year 5
As part of their Going Global theme, Year 5 have been examining issues of justice and poverty around the world. Pupils have explored how different religions respond to these challenges and have investigated the work of various faith-based charities that provide support and relief on a global scale.
On Tuesday, Year 5 enjoyed an exciting visit to the Embankment to launch their new topic, “Go with the Flow.” The trip provided pupils with the opportunity to observe the River Nene firsthand and begin thinking about the importance of rivers in shaping both landscapes and communities.
During the visit, pupils explored the river and its surroundings from geographical and historical perspectives. They identified features such as floodplains and discussed how the River Nene has played a key role in local life over time – supporting transportation, industry, and leisure activities.
This realworld experience will act as a valuable springboard for the rest of the half term, as pupils delve deeper into the study of waterways.
Year 6
Year 6 are currently studying the theme of Moving People, which has led them to begin investigating Jewish faith-based practices. They will be learning about the Jewish exodus from Egypt and considering the experiences of persecution faced by Jewish communities throughout history. This unit encourages pupils to think carefully about resilience, identity, and the importance of freedom.
Online Safety Information – Katie Ryder, Designated Safeguarding Lead
At upcoming events in School I will have literature available about Online Safety issues this will include setting up parental controls, individual apps and the impact of screen time. The online world is ever evolving, so I will try to ensure that the information available is continually updated. If there are any specific issues which you would like further information on, please do get in touch with me at kry@wellingboroughschool.org.
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 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
Monday 9th March
- Year 4 Big Bubble Theatre Company
Tuesday 10th March
- Year 1 Toy Workshop trip to Abington Park Museum
- Years 3-6 Swimming Gala (Parents invited) (13:30-16:00)
Wednesday 11th March
- Nursery-Year 2 Form Tutor Parents’ Evening (16:00-18:30)
Thursday 12th March
- Year 3 Maths Challenge
- Year 5 trip to Foxton Locks
- Nursery-Year 2 Form Tutor Parents’ Evening (16:00-18:30)
- WPSA Years 3-4 Pupils’ Disco (16:00-17:30)
- WPSA Years 5-6 Pupils’ Disco (18:00-19:30)
Friday 13th March
- Reception Assembly for our Fabulous Families (09:30-10:30)
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/
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.
Click here for more information.
To book your place, click here.
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
Next week our exciting new project will bring 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.
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/
