Prep Newsletter Michaelmas 2022

The Nursery and Reception children are becoming familiar with their environment and Nursery had their first Games lesson with Mrs Petrie

The curriculum in Early Years is all about following the children’s interests and year on year we can never predict what these will be. As the photograph below shows, Superheroes and bikes remain firm favourites with our Nursery children

Owls and Kingfishers have worked together in the Outdoor Learning Space this week, we were very fortunate, and the sun shone for us The children went on a Scavenger Hunt, explored counting in 2’s and 5’s using natural objects and used the sound tubes to learn more about how sound travels We were all amazed by how far this was as we joined the tubes together

Our Reception pupils performed their Harvest Assembly They did such a good job of speaking in front of a large audience of pupils, staff and parents – well done, everyone!

Year 4 enjoyed a visit from Clare who works in the Inventing Room at Hotel Chocolat The children were able to share knowledge from their IPC lessons, learn more about the chocolate making process, hold a real cacao pod and especially enjoyed tasting some samples!

Several of the Year 4 pupils have decided that they would like to work for Hotel Chocolat when they grow up!

We thought that the crop of conkers this term had greatly reduced from last year– that was until the wind picked up and a storm blew lots of conkers down!

Every child went home with either bulging pockets or weighed down bags! Isaac and his Mum used some conkers collected from the iconic ‘Conker Island’ and made this absolutely amazing wreath!

Learning about Diwali and Hindu wedding ceremonies

The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors (ABAs) met for the first time We discussed the true definition of bullying, types of bullying and possible reasons why people bully others, they had very thoughtful contributions We spoke about how they can support the pupilsthroughout the school day and how their role may look during the year We look forward to supporting them in their noble efforts as ABAs in the months to come

The U10C team (pictured below) took to the field for their first rugby fixtures against Spratton, Beachborough and Bedford Some excellent tries scored and tackles made saw Wellingborough come away with 2 magnificent wins Well done!

The weather this week was glorious, and we have made the most of it with many activities happening outside

Nursery went on an expedition to hunt for conkers and explore the Outdoor Learning Area with Mr Brown The children climbed muddy mountains, enjoyed riding on a log and had a lovely group photograph at the willow statues This adventure was followed by a well-earned afternoon tea

The children enjoy sharing books and it is lovely to see them engaged and chatting about the pictures in their Book Corner We are always amazed by the children’s vivid imaginations and the stories they create from the pictures

We started woodwork in Butterflies, Miss Pentelow taught the children how to use a hammer and then supported them as they hammered nails into a piece of wood The children need to take great care when working in the woodwork area and the concentration is evident on their faces

Hedgehogs also went to the Outdoor Learning Area with Mr Brown and learnt the rules for the area, how we need to respect the space, the plants and natural objects there They played a super listening game and demonstrated how quietly they can walk through the grass and sticks

Pupil Council

Each year, the Prep Pupil Council provides an opportunity for a select group of Year 6 pupils to gain valuable skills and experiences while representing their fellow pupils Members of the Council meet regularly to discuss ideas, survey other pupils and meet with important members of the School community, such as Mrs Owen (Head of Prep), Mrs Brimm (Head of Catering) and representatives from the WPSA

In order to be considered for the Pupil Council, pupils must deliver a presentation in their Clubs, explaining how they could contribute to the role This year, the presentations were of a very high standard and the pupils (pictured above) have been selected to be members of the Prep Pupil Council 2022-23

10 pupils in Year 6 took part in the AntiBullying Ambassador Programme run by the Diana Award, which took place at Kettering Buccleuch Academy The programme engaged the children to change the attitudes, behaviours, and culture of bullying by building their skills and confidence to address different situations The pupils were provided with knowledge on how to recognise people who are being bullied and bullying behaviours They learned about the impact of bullying and the different types that young people and adults can face inside and outside of school They were encouraged to make sure the whole school know about the Anti-Bullying Ambassador role: sending a message that our school is committed to tackling bullying behaviour and ensure that pupils know that they can come to them if they are experiencing bullying behaviour or know someone who is Critically, they were encouraged to reach out to those that may be having a difficult time, using positive activities and engaging them in conversation, to carry on the school’s passion for kindness The pupils had so many fantastic ideas for the exciting Anti-Bullying week This is just the start Congratulations to all the children who took part - they were enthusiastic and a credit to the School

Under 11A team participated in The Grove Independent School Festival of Rugby

In the first game, against Winchester House, Wellingborough was slow out of the blocks and well beaten in a one-sided contest Undeterred, Wellingborough regrouped, discussed the areas they needed to improve, and managed to implement changes in their next three games, all of which they won

For the final game of the day, Wellingborough had a rematch against the Winchester House team that had so comprehensively defeated them in the first match A titanic battle ensued between two high-quality and fully committed teams A large crowd watched on, enthralled by the intensity of the contest Despite Winchester House dominating possession for large periods, and launching wave after wave of attack, the Wellingborough line held strong, making Winchester work for every inch With just minutes to go, neither team had scored, and the game hung in the balance Finally, as the match drew to a close, Winchester’s weight of possession proved irresistible, and for once, Wellingborough’s cover defence could not get across in time to prevent the most hard-earned of tries being scored in the corner

Wellingborough School hosted its first ever DEI Student Conference on Wednesday 12th October We invited four schools across Northamptonshire to discuss DEI subjects and issues The DEI group discussed global topics surrounding cultural understanding; how to improve LGBTQ+ understanding in school and how can school’s better champion accessibility Proud is an understatement Discussions were powerful, thoughtprovoking, and inspiring – we now have an extensive list as to what Wellingborough School does fantastically well in terms of DEI and what we can work on to improve

Diversity - Equity and Inclusivity Conference

What a fabulous send off for Tabitha, one of our Year 13 pupils who was undertaking the Children in Need Rickshaw Challenge She personifies the importance of giving back to those who have helped you and I would encourage anyone who feels able to donate, to click on the Just Giving link in the blue heart below:

We were invited to visit the Hindu Temple in Wellingborough to learn about some of the activities that take place during the festival of Diwali Each year group had the opportunity to make diva lamps, rangoli patterns using coloured rice, Diwali cards, celebration sweets and to try on some traditional clothes and bangles We followed up the visit in the classroom and on Friday we all went into our Hall and shared Diwali treats and some of our Mummies came to talk about how their family celebrates this festival

Pupils throughout the Upper Prep have been busy learning about History this term Years 3 and 4 have been working with their form teachers on IPC Milepost 2 topics, while Years 5 and 6 have been working on Milepost 3 topics with Mr Pickett Here is an overview of what each year group has been doing: Year 3 have been enjoying their Egyptian topic They have investigated making pyramids with a variety of resources, acted out constructing the pyramids in Drama and learnt about how, why and where they were built They have investigated hieroglyphics through some source work and enjoyed writing their own secret messages The children have also been able to partake in some outdoor learning including making an actual working Shadulf (a device made by the ancient Egyptians to get water from the River Nile)

Year 4 have studied the history of chocolate

In doing so, they have revised their understanding of AD and BC and discovered that chocolate has been used as a drink since AD 1500, but it was only much later that sugar was added to make it into the sweet tasting product that we enjoy today They enjoyed tasting Mrs Stevens’ version of 'xocolatl' - the spiced hot chocolate drink that was drunk by the Mayans all those years ago Pupils enjoyed an exciting trip to Cadbury World which rounded off the topic in a very chocolatey way

Owls and Kingfishers have created window displays for Remembrance day The poppies and silhouettes of the soldiers have created a dramatic image which the children are rightly very proud of

We were so pleased to be able to invite Tabitha (Year 13) to speak in Upper and Lower Prep assemblies today The children had loved being able to send her on way for the Rickshaw Challenge just before half term and she was able to talk to them in assembly about her experience on that day and how important Children in Need is to her personally

If you are planning to watch BBC Rickshaw challenge update, you may just see her appearing live in the studio when the final total raised on the Rickshaw Challenge is announced Thank you and well done, Tabitha!

We started the week with great excitement as the children and staff marked the start of Anti-Bullying Week wearing odd socks and some with crazy hair!

In Nursery the children are busy preparing their candles for our Christingle Celebration It is always such a privilege to watch the focus the children give to each task, whether it be adult led or independent, and their joy when they are successful

As preparation for the Christmas production the children have been thinking about space They watched the rocket launch on Wednesday and their small world area comprises a number of different aliens, rockets and astronauts Playing in this area is very popular and the children enjoy wearing their space helments to keep them safe in space!

This week we celebrated Anti-Bullying Week We started the week with an assembly run by the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors on this year’s theme ‘Reach Out’, which aims to empower children to counter the harm and hurt that bullying causes The week kicked off with Odd Socks Day and Crazy Hair which was an opportunity for pupils to express themselves and celebrate their uniqueness On Tuesday, we made Anti-Bullying Bracelets And finally, on Friday, not only was it a non-uniform day for Anti-Bullying Week and Children in Need to wear all the colours of the rainbow, but we also wrote kind messages to every pupil in the Lower Prep on cards which were delivered by our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

Y5 and 6 boys took to the field to compete in the annual event of Club Rugby Comments from staff were that all the pupils should be extremely proud of the way they represented their Clubs and of the standard of rugby that was on show The results will be combined with the Y3 and 4 results to provide an overall winner which will be announced at the end of term

The highlight of this week surely has to be the Prep School Christingle Service held in the Chapel. It was lovely to have the whole Prep School together and thanks must go to the Lower Prep for leading the service The singing was loud and tuneful, the Christingles were successfully lit and the sense of community was clear

Hedgehogs have used the colour mixing skills they have learned to make a very attractive 2023 calendar for the New Year

Mr Holman led our assembly on Monday afternoon The children really enjoyed the story and understood the message that we need to remember to say thank you when people help us and that includes Santa!

Excitement levels have been very high all week It is understandable as we had the fabulous Butterfly Nativity, ‘The Grumpy Sheep’ and we are now in December!

Another busy day for U10 and U11 pupils on the sports fields The U10A, B and C hockey teams travelled away to Northampton High School The girls came away with a draw and two wins; an excellent showcase of the talent in Year 5 The U11 girls were playing Milton Keynes Prep at home, despite disruption at the start of the matches due to the fire alarm sounding, the girls battled well with the U11A team earning themselves a 3-3 draw

We had a surprise visitor, Andy the Elf and he delivered our Christmas tree We really appreciated him making the time to see us because we all know this is such a busy time for elves We sang to him as our way of saying ‘Thank you!’

We had an incredible craft day Working in small mixed age groups is really special and the children helped each other to complete the crafts

These were then displayed along the Lower Prep corridors for everyone to see and enjoy

A L I E N S L O V E P A N T A C L A U S

The Christmas show ‘Aliens love Panta Claus’ was sensational It really is remarkable how these 3 year old children remember their words, songs and actions You can see from the photographs that they are enjoying themselves and are very proud of themselves – Bravo!