Head’s Welcome – Mrs Owen, Head of Prep
I hope everyone had an enjoyable half-term holiday, with time to relax, as we have certainly hit the ground running in our first week back!
A number of year groups have had their entry points at the start of new IPC topics: Year 6 spent the day at Coventry Transport Museum for ‘What Price Progress’, Year 5 took a journey through the Minotaur’s labyrinth with Theseus for “Myths & Legends” and Year 4 started ‘How Humans Work’ with a brilliant workshop with visits to a doctor, dentist, optician and nurse. I would like to thank all the staff who were involved, but also a particular thank you to parents Mr Chauhan, Dr Naik and Dr Kaur for their expertise and giving up their time to make the Year 4 activity such a success.
You will recall that in the first half of term we held two well-attended coffee mornings for parents to meet with our Senior Leadership Team, and I hope you will be pleased to hear that we have added two more dates for the second half of term. These will take place on Monday 24th and Wednesday 26th November at 8.30am; parents will receive an email today with a sign-up form to confirm attendance. We really look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on those dates.
One topic of conversation at the previous coffee mornings was co-curricular activities, and it has been great to see two new activities starting this half term. I look forward to being able to give you further updates as these groups progress. Another aspect of feedback was in relation to the timing of sign-up for the next term’s activities. We have taken this on board and will be ensuring that we communicate choices for January further in advance, as we appreciate this has an effect on logistical arrangements for parents, such as planning for different pick-up times.
Headmaster’s Welcome – Simon Hawkes, Headmaster
Many thanks to those of you contributed to the process of refreshing our ‘Mission, Vision, and Values’ at the parent forum before the half term break. Just as with the sessions we held with pupils and staff, I found the discussions refreshing, inspiring, and informative. The text below is the outcome of those discussions. I hope that when you read the new words you recognise your school and feel that between us, we’ve managed to clearly (and concisely) communicate the essence of a Wellingborough education.
| Purpose To develop confident, rounded, and grounded young people, equipped with the empathy and energy to make a positive difference to the world. |
| Vision We deliver a first-class all-round education – nurturing intellectual curiosity, confidence, and ambition. Through this, we cultivate scholarship and inspire leadership, whilst fostering a strong sense of community within The School and beyond. |
| Values These are key elements of a Wellingborough School education, lived out every day in School: Resilience, Responsibility, Respect |
And finally – I couldn’t write to parents today without noting how much I’m looking forward to this evening’s main event: Friday Night Lights! I’ve hardly had a conversation with a pupil this week that hasn’t involved me being asked if I’ll be there, which suggests that we can expect feverish levels of enthusiastic support for both the Hockey and Rugby teams – Come On Wellingborough!
Best wishes.
Year 6 Visit to Coventry Transport Museum 2025 – Chris Pickett, Head of History
On Tuesday, Year 6 enjoyed a day out at the Coventry Transport Museum as their entry point to the topic, ‘What Price Progress?’.
Pupils spent the morning exploring the museum and discovering how transport has evolved from early bicycles, through to modern motor car. They were even able to see some vehicles that have set land speed records in recent years.
In the afternoon, pupils worked in small groups to design and create their own model cars in a bespoke workshop that incorporate elements of Design and Technology.
Year 2 Update – Katharine Wood, Teacher of Year 2
Owls and Kingfishers have hit the ground running this term, starting our new IPC topics and busily preparing for their Remembrance Assembly next Friday. The Year 2 classrooms have been a hive of activity with poppy-themed art and craft activities, and the children are enjoying learning about the significance of wearing a poppy. Thank you so much for your support in helping the children to learn their lines off by heart. We have been really impressed with what they have managed to learn already and can’t wait to see it all come together. Hopefully we will see lots of you there.
In our science lesson we have been learning about Super Scientists – various famous scientists that have made a particular contribution to everyday life. And this week it was the turn of Isaac Newton. The children have been learning how gravity has an effect on everyday objects and made spinners to observe how fast they fall. We are looking forward to finding out about more scientists and discovering what they are famous for.
What an exciting half-term ahead!
Prep Music Update – Suzanna Thompson, Assistant Director of Music
Music is now in full swing this term, and the Prep School is alive with rehearsals and performances as we head towards Christmas. There’s a real buzz of excitement in the Music Department, and preparations are well underway for what promises to be a joyful end to the term. Attendance at Orchestra and other co-curricular rehearsals this half term is especially important as we prepare for our upcoming events.
On 13th October, we held our first Teatime Recital of the year, which was a wonderful success. Pupils from Year 3 all the way up to Sixth Form shared their talents, performing beautifully on a range of instruments and through song. It was a lovely concert and a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase what they have been working on in their lessons.
We have been delighted to welcome parents into school to observe their children’s individual instrumental lessons. These sessions have been really successful, and it’s lovely to see so many parents taking the opportunity to watch their children play and meet their instrumental teachers.
Last half term, all of Year 2 began an exciting Woodwind Project, learning to play the flute or clarinet under the expert guidance of our specialist instrumental teachers. The children have shown great enthusiasm and progress. Meanwhile, Year 5 have begun their Wind and Brass Project, which is already going well. The pupils are working hard, showing excellent focus in their lessons and sounding fantastic as they develop their ensemble skills and confidence on their instruments.
Upcoming Events:
The Prep School Christmas Concert will be held on Monday, 24th November at 4.30pm. Parents are warmly invited to join us for this celebration of music, which will feature a wonderful variety of performances from Year 1 to Year 6.
Our youngest pupils in Nursery and Reception are busy rehearsing for their nativity, Whoops-a-Daisy Angel, which they will perform on Tuesday 2nd December at 9:30am and Wednesday 3rd December at 3pm. This is always a heart-warming highlight of the festive season, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing them shine on stage.
We are also very much looking forward to the Year 3 and 4 production of Cinderella & Rockerfella, which will take place on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th December at 4.00pm. This promises to be a fun and lively show full of singing, dancing, and festive spirit.
Information about audience seating and how to book for the various performances will be shared nearer the time. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming performances and celebrating another fantastic term of music-making in the Prep School!
Prep Sports Results – Alistair Palfrey, Prep Head of Sport
15th October – Rugby Results
- U11A Beat BGI U11B – 6-0
- U11A Beat Akeley Wood – 5-2
- U11B Beat Akeley Wood – 6-0
- U10A Beat BGI 9-4
15th October – Hockey Results
- U11B lost vs Akeley Wood U11A 2-3
- U11C lost vs Akeley Wood U11B 0-4
17th October – U11 IAPS Hockey Tournament
- Lost 0-1 vs Kings College
- Lost 0-2 vs Witham Hall
- Lost 0-1 vs Stephen Perse
- Lost on shuffles vs Stamford
5th November – Rugby Results
- U11A lost vs MKPS – 8-11
- U11B won vs MKPS – 11-5
Helping Children Grow Kindness and Stay Safe Online and In Games – Safeguarding Newsletter
As children grow, they’re learning how to handle big feelings, make friends and find their place in the world – both in real life and online. Along the way, they will make mistakes and sometimes their words or actions may hurt others without meaning to.
As children grow, technology becomes a big part of their world – from sharing funny clips with friends to exploring creative online games. While these activities can be fun and sociable, it’s important for parents to understand age ratings and why they exist.
Read the full safeguarding newsletter for this month here.
Key Calendared Events for the next two weeks
Monday 10th November
- Year 6 Primary Maths Challenge – in lessons
Tuesday 11th November
- School Remembrance (11:00am)
Wednesday 12th November
- Year 3 Trip to Irchester Country Park
Thursday 13th November
- Kindness Day UK
Friday 14th November
- Year 2 Remembrance Assembly (Parents invited) (09:15am)
Monday 17th November
- UK Parliament Week (17-23 Nov) – Club/Form Activities
Tuesday 18th November
- Years 3-6 Charity Activity Break
To view the most up-to-date calendar information, please log onto Firefly – click here.
ABA Week Fancy Dress Theme 2025
On the second week back after half term, our brand-new Antibullying Ambassadors for 2025-2026 will be hosting ABA week. They are raring to go and cannot wait to share all the super-exciting activities they have lined up to make this special week a roaring success. Following on from last year’s brilliantly inventive ‘Letters A and B’ fancy dress day, this year the theme is ‘Superheroes’. Come as your favourite hero from books, comics or television; alternatively, make up a brand-new superhero of your own! There will be prizes for the best and most inventive costumes. This event will take place on Thursday, 13th of November.
We can’t wait to see all your outstanding outfits!
Prep Christmas Concert
We are looking forward to our annual Prep Christmas Concert, on Monday 24th November at 4.30pm. All our larger music ensembles will be performing (Orchestra, String Group, Musical Theatre Choir and Year 1&2 Choir) as well as a selection of solo and duet items. Parents of performers will be sent more details nearer the time, but please save the date in your diary!
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/
