Foundation and Development Director: Graham Papenfus CFRE, F.IDPE
Email: gnp@wellingboroughschool.org
Old Wellingburian Club
President: 2023-2024 -Sophie Timms (82-92 W)
OW Liaison: Katie Powell
Email: kpo@wellingboroughschool.org
HEADMASTER'S WELCOME
If there were ever an opportunity to be hoist by one ’ s own petard – this is it: editorial deadlines require me to write this well ahead of the summer, but by the time it is read so much might have changed (or not) in the UK political picture, and so I must make a decision whether to address that paradigm shift
Why is this relevant here? Because everything that is great about the British independent school system is represented in the pages that follow. It’s a system to be cherished and transplanted, and to be protected so that as many people as possible can experience it, rather than that pool being further reduced
Wellingborough is rightly proud of its diversity Children – past, present and future – benefit from being educated amongst peers whose backgrounds do not match their own Their lives are enriched by participating in lessons and activities alongside other young people whose upbringing is different from their own.
This Wellingburian, like all of those before it, is the distillation of that breadth and wealth of experience and opportunity It is a catalogue of the myriad ways in which our students have absorbed themselves in learning in its widest sense, enthusiastically embracing all that is on offer at our School, individually and collectively, and becoming better people as a consequence
Hopefully, as this is being read and for many years to come, nothing is going to stand in the way of a single one of our current students continuing to demonstrate what can be achieved when a group of people come together to put children at the heart of every decision that they make And hopefully families of any background will always be able to aspire to send their children to Wellingborough, to share in the stories that are captured within these pages
A huge thank you, as ever, to all of our contributors – students and staff – and a particular ‘shout out’ to Jackie Cliffe, for putting everything together.
September 4th 2023, demolition begins as preparatory works for the Technology Centre continue
Sept 12th, over 1100 pupils and staff successfully photographed!
Oct 10th, wear yellow for World Mental Health Day 2023
Sept 21st, it’s a win for Garne’s at House Singing!
Oct 20th, U16 girls football finish 4th in the Girls District Football League
Oct 21st, Year 6 were in Boulogne
Oct 24th, Senior pupils were in Washington DC
Nov 10th, the Prep School Eco Team win at the NEA Awards, Environmental & Sustainabiliy category
Nov 5th, Mrs Owen and Harry went to see Ross Harmon OW perform in Wicked at the Apollo Theatre, Victoria
Nov 11th, the Cripps’ boys annually remember our fallen.
Dec 1st, Prep School concert and Dec 2nd was the Seniors turn
Dec 12th, all in the name of charity!
Dec 13th, Christmas jumper day for Save the Children UK
Dec 12th, a wonderful Christmas Farm trip for Nursery!
Dec 14th, the Senior School Christmas service
Jan 24th, Kelly from Chartwells receives an award for Colleague of the Quarter for her selflessness and dedication
Jan 26th, Another great careers lunch session featuring OW Peter Crisp, Vice Chancellor at the University of Law
Jan 30th, Mr Blakey came to speak to Year 4 about the amazing adventures he has experienced in his career
Feb 2nd, Congratulations to Thomas, Anish,William and Dexter after their regional Royal Society of Chemistry
Top of the Bench success
Jan 6th, the new term began with boards around the building site showing what will be built behind the fencing
Feb 1st, Congratulations to Fraser, 13G, on his selection for the England Lambs
AYearatWellingboroughSchool
Feb 5th, 1st XV Hockey win Bronze at the England Hockey T3 National finals
Feb 8th, Freya 9Wy, was selected for the ISFA U14 representative team
Feb 8th, Caitlyn and Sam were chosen to be Head Chefs for the Gala Dinner
Feb 9th, 6CW gave a wonderful assembly about Chinese New Year
March 7th, A wonderful assembly for World Book Day
March 12th, A night of outstanding performances across the whole school at the Castle Theatre
March 16th, The football season has finished for another year
March 18th, U18 rugby boys making their last appearance in their team shirts
March 23rd, 1st VII Netball win their last fixture of the season
March 26th House Pancake Race squeezed in (like a lemon) after inclement weather caused earlier postponement.
April 20th, Mr Holman takes delivery of a commissioned piece of art by OW Iris Kirk A brilliant piece of work
AYearatWellingboroughSchool
April 25th, Staff v 1st Team Netball Match. Staff win, 21-15!
May 10th, final checks before Year 9 head off on their DofE expedition
May 15th
Year 12 Politics students visit the Houses of Parliament
April 29th, Year 13
‘Lifers’ revisit the Lower Prep before heading off on study leave. A lovely trip down memory lane and especially conker island!
April 30th
Mr Mahon came to talk to Year 4 about his busy farming year
May 22nd, Year 7 went to Hampton Court
June 6th, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we lit a candle in the Chapel Upper Prep had a moment of silence
June 11th. Well done to Art teacher Mr Hughes: one of his paper cuts (right at the top in this picture) is shown as part of the Royal Academy of Art’s summer exhibition.
There was much excitement as the cast list was revealed for this Autumn’s drama production!
June 12th, our Sport Scholars visit the Uni of Northampton for Strength & Conditioning and a Sport Psychology talk
July 2nd, a whole Senior School Sports Day for the first time sine 2019!
July 8th, The Wellingborough version of the Le Grand Depart - hundreds of children going on various directions for Activity Week A logistical triumph!
Aug 15th, A huge congratulations to our students who received their A level results today!
Prizegiving-July2024
We had an incredible week celebrating excellence at our Senior Prize Giving on Wednesday and Prep Prize Giving on Thursday morning It was a joy to see around a hundred pupils honoured on stage, with special thanks to our inspiring guest speakers!
WELLBUILT
As Project Copernicus begins with building work now underway for the new Technology Centre, the School is also turning its attention towards other parts of the masterplan, specifically its commitment to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. Whilst it is relatively straightforward to meet sustainability targets with a new building, existing buildings, particularly heritage buildings, are much more challenging. However, this year we have made a meaningful start to help meet this challenge The pupils have also been heavily involved in improving site sustainability via the Eco Club, who recently helped the School to achieve a gold standard Eco Schools award. The estate works include:
• Equipment – When we purchase or replace any electronic equipment, we look to install A rated and energy efficient appliances. All waste items are then sustainably recycled wherever possible.
• Lighting – We have had a rolling program of installing LED lighting across the School for some years and this has now been accelerated. As an example, we replaced the lighting in the Sports Hall over Easter and this is expected to pay back in approximately 30 months. Upcoming plans to replace the Astro and playing field lighting will payback in 18 months.
• Heating – We have reduced the base temperature of the boilers by 2 degrees and reduced the timeframe of operation where possible. According to the DfE reducing the base temperature by 1 degree can save 5-10% energy demand. Hive type systems have been installed to help improve the agility of the heating, meaning that we can more easily control the system through the somewhat erratic demands of weekends and school holidays. Older, less efficient boilers are being replaced and renewable options are being considered to tie into the solar panels and air source heat pumps that will operate in the new Technology Building.
• Water – Many buildings have water recycling and rainwater harvesting that is utilised by our grounds team for watering etc. We are also installing more water efficient sanitary wear and taps which save tens of litres a day per appliance. Similarly to the heating system, base temperatures have been lower wherever possible.
• Fabric upgrades – By the end of this academic year, all attics and associated pipework will be fully insulated or had their existing insulation improved. Steady progress is also being made to renovate and provide draft protection to the doors and windows – particularly the heritage sash windows. This is a highly skilled process that will take time to fully complete, but improvements have already been made to a good number of areas, with classrooms taking priority.
WELLBUILT
In addition, there has been lots of work towards improving the sustainability of the site and implementing ecological projects within the grounds and gardens As visitors to the site will have noticed, there are ‘ no mow’ zones that allow the site to become wilder and attract a wider array of flora and fauna. The pupils have planted numerous trees and plants, including a herb garden and the grounds team have created an orchard adjacent to the outdoor learning area which includes pear, granny smiths and crab apple trees A bee bank, rainwater garden and a variety of exciting new habitats for insects, birds and mammals are also being constructed as part of biodiversity net-gain improvements required for the new building
Introduction by Andrew Holman, Headmaster
2023-24 only served to further enhance our community’s ability and capacity for association and collaboration. The children, as ever, were at the heart of this, deepening the ways through which they demonstrated teamwork and cooperation, whilst also becoming more adept at getting things done and effecting change Our students never tire of coming together, realising that a commonality of mind and spirit can make great things happen – not only in relation to the task at hand, but also inspiring their peers and those that follow them to take up the baton
Generosity at Harvest Time
Many donations were sent to the Wellingborough Foodbamk ready for sorting and packing
During Lent Term, the whole community donated enough clothing and other essential items to fill the van for humanitarian aid to Ukraine
On Saturday 22nd June, 37 students and 11 staff and parents took part in the inaugural Platt’s 12 hour charity run They raised nearly £4,000 for Cancer Research UK
Culture Day 18
“Culture Day was incredible!”
A huge thank you to all the parents, staff, the DEI group and talented students who were involved in Culture Day Every year it gets better and better and that is all thanks to our amazing Wellingborough community
The day was brilliant It consisted of an assembly lead by the DEI group, an incredible show-stopping dance performance by Siyona Modi (Y7) and a fashion show, with students from Year 3 - Year 13
Then at lunch, we held stalls in the Senior School Hall. These consisted of global board games; creating bookmarks; books from across the globe; global food and drink with a very popular ‘hot wings challenge’; henna tattoos; hair braiding; guess where the chocolate is from; worldwide arts and crafts; traditional dress; global musical instruments and to top the event off, we had Mrs Honey performing with her band ‘The African Drumming Group’ from Northampton Thank you to everyone that was involved to enable such a special day!
Simran Pehlay, Teacher of English and Drama
8th – 11th July 2024
WELL BALANCED Activity week
Activity Week this year saw pupils from across the School head out the gate on both big and mini adventures
In the Prep School, pupils had the opportunity to get stuck into a range of practical activities including Outdoor Learning, Maypole Dancing, Teambuilding, Farm Visits, First Aid and even Cycling Proficiency with the Headmaster
Combined with a programme of active residential trips throughout the year, weeks like these further embed many of the invaluable soft skills our young people require later in education and throughout life This critical mass of experience is also invaluable when pupils make the leap into the Senior School and the Co-curricular challenge rachets up a level.
In the Senior School, 90% of pupils were offsite during Activity Week Year 7 have a carefully curated offering balancing super-curricular enrichment and teambuilding fun, with trips to the National Science Museum, Whipsnade Zoo, Gulliver’s Land and Legoland
Year 8 set sail across the Solent to the Isle of Wight for a fun packed 4 days of historical enlightenment, geographical education, and dramatic entertainment. Combined with plenty of activities and some time on the water, they had a great time
The Year 9 trip to How Stean Gorge was a CCF Adventure Training event It provided plenty of opportunity to build resilience, gain invaluable leadership experience and practise teamworking skills Cadets were taught to scramble through caves, traverse rockfaces, and abseil off bridges into a water filled gorge! It was a great opportunity to learn to “fail to succeed” and make some lifelong memories in doing so.
Year 10 had a diverse mix of activities planned, including exploring historic locations, sightseeing in the capital, visiting London Zoo and hanging on to rides at Chessington World of Adventure We ensured they enjoyed this last blast of fun before they narrow their sights for GCSEs in Year 11
Year 12 went international with an adventure to Budapest. Once in the country, pupils were immersed in the culture of the historic cities of Buda and Pest. An excursion to learn about energy production, old and new, was planned, visiting Thermal Baths and a Nuclear Power Station
Opportunities to independently explore, shop and cruise the river were the cherry on the cake for this flagship visit
As well as our major trips and visits, this week also saw some of the CCF attend Annual Camp, Year 10 & 12 pupils attend Gold and Silver DofE Hiking and Gold DofE Canoeing, a visit to Wimbledon, and a diverse range of more modest onsite activities
We hope all the pupils had a brilliant time and I suspect some of the staff might have enjoyed themselves, just a little bit too!
FAREWELL
Gemma Rodgers
Gemma joined the Senior School English Department in September 2001 and, apart from one year ’ s sabbatical, she committed her efforts since then to a sustained promotion of reading and all of the benefits it can bring She initiated many projects to promote reading, especially among our younger pupils and her subject expertise strengthened our teaching at all levels Her very impressive academic profile pushed success at A level to a new high for an extended period and helped many pupils carry their skills into university. Coaching pupils for public speaking and debating competitions was an area in which she was particularly successful, helping pupils to win national competitions and develop a life skill for them to carry beyond their time at Wellingborough Gemma was a tutor in Marsh for almost all of her time at the School and many girls benefited from the support she was able to offer
Qin Wiseman
Mr Wiseman was very much Mr “Wellingborough Way”, ensuring and maintaining standards and providing students with a basis upon which to do the right thing He was Deputy Head (Pastoral) for exactly a decade, and his impact and influence in that role will ripple through the years
Mr Wiseman’s wider contribution should also not be forgotten In addition to teaching
Geography, he was an apparently ever-present on the fields, especially Rugby and Cricket (and even grudgingly turning his hand to the abomination that is Football!), and supported many trips over the years
But he will be most remembered for the care and attention he provided to the students, his championing of the House system, and his introduction of a culture of wellbeing We all wish him the very best in his new role as Senior Deputy at Oakham School.
Jane Kiddle
Mrs Kiddle was Headmaster’s PA for just over six years, beginning shortly after Mr Holman started As well as providing superb support to the Head throughout that period, Mrs Kiddle was a vital and valuable cog in the wheel of School operation and organisation, helping to link things together with students, staff and parents She was also an important bridge to so many external agencies, often acting as the public face of the School
Debbie Whittemore
Debbie first joined the School in 1998 as Junior School (as it was then) Secretary, enjoying a brief hiatus from 2003-5 before returning as Foundation & Development Secretary, the role in which she will be most remembered and revered by many Old Wellingburians For nearly 20 years, Debbie was pivotal in nurturing and building the relationship with hundreds of OWs; her ability to remember names and relationships was incredible, and she was genuinely adored by a plethora of alumni, some whose time at the School dated back to the 1930s, others who had only just left
Amanda Simmons
Amanda Simmons retirement marks the end of an era of dedication and excellence. Throughout her time at Wellingborough, she held several roles, including Club President, Head of Year 4, and most recently, Head of English Her kind, caring, and compassionate nature made her a beloved and friendly presence Mrs Simmons' classroom was a hive of activity every lunchtime, reflecting her commitment to her pupils. Her lessons were known for their creativity, consistently bringing out the best in her pupils. She fostered an inclusive nurturing environment that inspired learning and growth to all pupils lucky enough to be taught by her and she will be sorely missed by pupils and colleagues alike As she embarks on a new chapter in her new home, we wish her much success and happiness
Gemma Hockney-Hayes
Gemma joined Wellingborough School in 2016 as our very first Wellbeing Manager and has had a huge impact on the School during her 7 years with us The Wellbeing provision has been transformed under her guidance, building a team around her, upskilling staff, transforming the Wellbeing Centre and supporting so many children and their families Gemma mastered the challenge of a Whole School role well, with an ability to adapt her skillset from 3 year olds to 18 year olds and was visible in all parts of the School. We wish Gemma all the best with her new venture of 'Hockney Hayes Solutions Ltd', providing a variety of services and well being practices across the county
Ben Russell
Ben Russell was a great asset to the Mathematics Department, demonstrating a passion for Mathematics that was both inspiring and contagious His commitment to the subject transformed his classroom into a dynamic and engaging environment where pupils felt motivated to explore and excel in Mathematics. His care for each pupil goes beyond the curriculum, offering support and encouragement that nurtures both their academic and personal growth Always willing to go the extra mile, he has left an indelible mark on countless pupils, fostering a love for learning and a deep appreciation for the beauty of Mathematics His dedication and enthusiasm will be greatly missed but will continue to inspire us all
Claire Petrie
Claire Petrie has been at Wellingborough School since 2006, initially as a PE and Games teacher in the Senior School, subsequently making the move to the Prep School where she has been Club President, Assistant Head and, most recently, Deputy Head Working closely with her over this period of time, has been a pleasure. She is a team player, a leader, an educator and a good friend to us all Her upcoming headship is very well-deserved and I know she will be a success in all that she does Mrs Petrie, you go with our very best wishes but don’t think we are going to try any less hard to beat Kimbolton when we meet on the sports field!
Kerry Jeyes
We thank Kerry for her long service to the School, she should know that she will be greatly missed by her colleagues, many will remember how she went above and beyond to support staff. I know she plans to enjoy her retirement to the fullest and we wish her the best
Liz Jakeman
Liz Jakeman has been at Wellingborough School for 16 years and has taught pupils across a wide range of year groups from Reception to Year 3. Most recently her teaching of Design Technology and Religious Studies in the Lower Prep has enthused the pupils and given them a real enjoyment in the study of these subjects, bringing the lessons to life with practical activities which they have loved We wish Liz all the very best for the adventures she will have in the future, and we thank her for her dedication and how she has encouraged a love of learning in the children she has taught
Helen Cockbill
Helen Cockbill has been part of the Early Years team in the Nursery for 18 years and has shown such dedication to our youngest pupils, guiding them in the initial part of their journey through school with her nurturing approach So many children have benefitted from her kindness and warmth in their first year of school Helen’s calm and encouraging demeanour has enabled children in her care to ‘have a go ’ at new learning experiences and enjoy the potential challenge this has brought. Thank you for all you have done for so many children and for your fabulous sense of humourwe all wish you lots of fun and enjoyment as you settle into your retirement
Steve Garfirth
Steve Garfirth aka Mr G has been at Wellingborough School for an incredible 35 years! He has had a very positive impact on so many children and young people throughout his time here. Most of us know him as Lower Prep’s Music teacher but there is so much more to Mr G! In 1989 he was the piano and double bass teacher, in 1994 he became class music teacher for the then, Pre-Prep In 1997 he joined the CCF, (Combined Cadet Force) and three years later he was promoted to Head of the Army section and ran the School’s shooting team. Mr G became Contingent Commander for the CCF in 2003 In 2020 Mr G stepped down as Contingent Commander and focused on teaching class music in Lower Prep In April this year Mr G’s career turned full circle; he no longer teaches class music, but now teaches individual children the piano Thank you, Mr G, for everything you have done, you are so adaptable and have helped create so many special memories for literally hundreds of young people, we all wish you well
MaryGutteridge
Mary Gutteridge has been at Wellingborough School since 2006 and many parents with children still here have had the privilege of having her care for theirchildrenwhentheyfirststartedtheirlearningjourneyinNursery Mary’s firmbutfairapproachislegendaryandherunderstandingofthewayinwhich young children develop and learn has given so many children an inspirational and nurturing start to life at school. Colleagues describe Mary as simply wonderful and so encouraging, whilst the children say they will remember her lovely smile and are thankful that she helped them learn how to write their nameindependently WewillallmissMaryverymuchandwishherallthebest forherfutureadventures–keepsmiling!
Chris Allen
When Mrs Allen joined the school in November 1990, we are sure she did not realise that she would be here for 33 years! Starting as a technician in the Science department, Mrs Allen moved across to Learning Development where she worked for many years in the Prep School before joining the Senior School team in September 2020, whilst continuing to work one day a week in the Lower Prep She was incredibly dedicated and skilled in helping students to achieve their best, be they Lower Prep pupils getting to grips with their phonics or GCSE students needing support with their Maths. Mrs Allen supported many students throughout their journey at Wellingborough School and retired in December 2023 to her beloved Suffolk to enjoy time in the great outdoors and with her grandchildren
Lydia Le Fer
After a full and varied career, including a long spell working in Hong Kong, Lydia Le Fer joined the Exams department as an invigilator at Wellingborough School in March 2008 By the time she moved on to a well-deserved retirement 15 years later, she was the longest-serving member of the team She supported many of our students through what is undoubtedly one of the most stressful times of their school lives and her ability to put them at ease was invaluable. She was an integral part of the team for many years, and participated enthusiastically in school life as well as being a member of the Wellingborough Community Gospel Choir, volunteering at the Castle Theatre, and appearing in amateur dramatics productions, all of which she is looking forward to continuing in her retirement. We will miss the touch of glamour Lydia brought to the Exams team!
Sue Monaghan
Sue Monaghan served the Chemistry department as our Chemistry technician for an incredible 20 years of stalwart service In that time, she oversaw every aspect of technical provision for a busy Chemistry department with patience, skill and fortitude A kind, calm and unflappable character she very much became part of the firmament of Wellingborough School in her time here and her influence stretched well beyond the confines of the prep room in the Garrett building. Whether it be a reassuring conversation with a colleague in a corridor; brewing the breakroom coffee before staff arrived or sharing her passion for Art whist topping up the science staff room biscuit barrel, Sue exemplified how important little acts of kindness are to building a community spirit We wish her all the very best as she moves to take up the role of Chemistry technician at Kimbolton School working alongside her husband, Alan.
Alan Perkins
We said a very fond farewell to Alan who retired after 8 years as the School’s on-site plumber It might be easy to underestimate Alan’s service to the School until a toilet blocks or the heating stops working, but he was always there to keep things going, working incredibly hard behind the scenes to help ensure that the School ran as smoothly as possible.
He will be long remembered by the Estates Team for his humour, unerring support of Northampton Town Football Club and love of the TV show Dad’s Army –including nicknaming us all after its characters!
We will miss Alan and wish him a very happy and relaxing retirement.
Billy Murdoch
Billy retired from the Estates Team after initially being employed as a contractor, then becoming a permanent member of staff for over 8 years. He earnt a reputation amongst the maintenance staff as the most ‘unbreakable’ person on the team, where nothing was too hard or too much What makes it all the more remarkable is that he was (and he won’t mind us mentioning this) the most senior member of the team but enjoyed every minute of work with good humour and a winning smile
He is something of a legend in the Estates Team and the wider school community and we can only hope for his tenacity and strength in our future years.
His retirement is well deserved, we miss him but hope he enjoys every minute
Jane Phillips Wellbeing Assistant 1/11/2022 – 03/09/2023
Claire Watson School Nurse 03/06/2019 - 16/11/2023
Diana Randle Early Years Lead 30/08/2019 - 30/11/2023
Rebecca Short Head of Prep Games 01/09/2022 - 31/12/2023
Sami Eggleston Teacher of Physics and Head of Year 8 01/09/2021 - 31/12/2023
Liudmyla Li Lunchtime Supervisor 09/01/2023 - 05/12/2023
Peter Jardine-Wight Teacher of Drama 31/08/2021 -25/02/2024
Rebecca Ulyatt Teacher of English 01/01/2023 - 21/04/2024
Ianthe Harvey School Librarian 01/09/2021 - 21/04/2024
Anya Hutchinson OW Grad Assistant 01/09/2023 - 12/07/2024
Warrick Agar Gap YearAssistant 01/09/2023 - 12/07/2024
Rachel Smith Teacher of Geography 01/09/2022 -31/08/2024
Honali Mistry Teacher of Maths 31/08/2021 -28/08/2024
HEAD'S WELCOME
There has certainly been a lot going on over the past year and it is often not until we look back that we realise how much has been achieved. Prep pupils have continued to make the most of all the opportunities on offer to them, whether that be in the classroom, on the stage, away on school trips or on the sports pitches It is wonderful to see the way they have developed over the past 12 months as they continue their learning adventure through the School
We have also had external recognition of our achievements in the awards we have received this year. First, our wonderful Eco Team was announced as winner of the Environment and Sustainability category at the Northamptonshire Education Awards in November This is a reflection of all the passion, hard work and enthusiasm of our team of staff and pupils who work tirelessly to ensure a better future for everyone, by promoting environmentally sustainable ways of living our lives both at home and school This commitment was acknowledged when the School achieved its third Green Flag, again with Distinction. The importance of this area of school life cannot be underestimated and it is so good to see the initiatives driven by the pupils’ understanding of the world around them
The second award was Renaissance Learning’s ‘Innovation and Creativity’ Award, which was won by the Prep School against competition from national and international schools, for our successful and creative implementation of the International Primary Curriculum. The judges recognised the creative ways in which the curriculum has developed for the pupils, enabling them to develop their curiosity and questioning skills, putting the children at the forefront of the learning process and developing their skills for life
I hope you enjoy reading the pages which follow, seeing all that has been achieved this year
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
Katharine Owen, Head of Prep
Nursery
With an apprehensive smile from the grown-ups and a cuddly toy to see us through the day we started our journey at Wellingborough School. The Michaelmas term is a time for making friends and learning to share We sing lots of new songs, perform our Christmas show and after our visit to Santa we have a wellearned rest Lent is the start of our phonics learning, when we bring in something for the sound table, every week. Mrs G did smile at some of the objects that arrived on a Monday morning! We celebrate Spring and new life feeding the lambs at the farm and invite our grown ups in for our Spring Parade. Trinity starts with Sports Day practice as it takes a while to learn to run in a straight line! The Nursery turns into a Woodland theme, and we design and create our animals in the woodwork area By the end of the year, we have travelled under and on the oceans, learning about spider crabs and bioluminescent creatures of the deep!
Reception-Butterflies
They say “time flies” and it certainly has this year for the Butterflies class of 2023-2024! These wonderful children have come to the end of their Early Years education and are now flying on to Key Stage 1 We started in the Michaelmas term by looking at ‘People who help us ’ and had lots of fun, including making Superhero capes with the help of the DT department As Christmas approached, we were busy preparing for ‘Jesus’ Christmas Party’ nativity The children amazed us with fantastic acting and superb singing In the New Year, we returned to find our classroom transformed into a fairy tale land, and we had lots of fun planting beanstalks with Jack, making Stickman and Going on a Bear Hunt. We even found the Bear in the Outdoor learning area!
In Trinity term, the minibeasts arrived and we learnt lots of facts about creepy crawlies including spiders, worms, bees and lastly, of course, Butterflies!
We have also spent lots of time enjoying our own environment and the many different enhancements that teachers have provided to support our learning across the Curriculum. One of our favourite songs has been ‘The Seeds of Friendship’ and most importantly the class have made some firm and, I hope, lasting friendships this year Good Luck, Butterflies!
Year1-Hedgehogs&Kingfishers
In Michaelmas term our topic was Who am I? The children enjoyed sharing photographs of themselves when they were a baby, a toddler and their families They learnt how to draw their face remembering all of their features such as, eyelashes and eyebrows They even created a self-portrait in the style of Pablo Picasso
In Lent term our topic was The Magic Toymaker The children learnt all about old and new toys, what materials they were made from and how they work They took part in a virtual toy workshop and made a paper teddy bear, a fishing game, a spinning top, a thaumatrope, a football game and a peg doll. The children thoroughly enjoyed making all of these toys The children worked so hard to learn their lines for their play based on the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears
In Trinity term our topic was The Big Smoke where the children learnt about The Great Fire of London and London Today. The children particularly enjoyed the Great Fire of London experience day where they went back in time to 1666 when the fire started
Throughout the year the children have taken part in the topic Let's Celebrate This year we have learnt about Bonfire Night, Remembrance Day, Diwali, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Chinese New Year, Holi and Easter. We've had a fun and busy year in Year 1!
pencil drawing - self portrait
Self portrait Picasso
Toy workshop toys
Observational
The Great Fire of London
The Diary of Samuel Pepys
Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Daddy Bear
Chinese New Year, writing numbers
Bonfire Night paintings
Valentine’s Day hearts
Year2-Owls
This year has been a busy and exciting year for Owls We started the year in the Michaelmas term all ready to be the top of the Lower Prep and its wise owls!
Our topic of Tide Travellers started the term with wistful thoughts of our holidays on the beach We investigated different seaside resorts around the country and learnt how Victorians enjoyed a seaside holiday After the half term in our topic work, we looked at Remembrance Sunday and why we wear poppies We remembered people who have died in wars and shared our amazing knowledge with a fantastic assembly to our parents
In Lent term the children were extremely excited to perform our play Pirates versus Mermaids With many an “Ahoy Me Hearties” the Good Ship Owl set sail on the Seven Seas We told the story of pirates who need to learn to swim and the clever sassy mermaids who teach them.
In the Trinity term one of our highlights was the chick project and Owls welcomed 10 eggs which hatched in to 10 little chicks for us to care for, for a fortnight What an exciting week when they all hatched out
We then enjoyed our topic of Towers and Turrets We learnt all about castles, their features and how to attack and defend them We had a fantastic trip to Warwick Castle to put our ideas into context and enjoyed watching the jousting and the legend of the trebuchet. We then had a wonderful Castles Day at school. We had to rescue our castle from Sir Geoffrey We cooked pottage, made candles and other medieval crafts and then enjoyed a much-deserved feast after defeating the enemy
What an exciting and busy year in Owls
PREP-WELLACCOMPLISHED
Year 3
Over the course of the year, Year 3's journey has unfolded as a tapestry of adventure and discovery. This year has been a whirlwind of inspiration, with classrooms buzzing and minds brimming with newfound knowledge They've delved into uncharted territories of learning, from unravelling historical mysteries to deciphering the secrets of basic scientific principles. But it's beyond the confines of the classroom where their education truly came to life. Through exhilarating excursions and immersive trips, they witnessed their lessons leap off the pages and into the real world, breathing life into their understanding. Moreover, this year has seen them blossom into more independent individuals, shouldering responsibility for both themselves and their belongings with newfound confidence As we turn the pages of their journey, we witness the transformation of curious minds into empowered learners, ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
Claire McDougall, Head of Curriculum
Year3
Year 4's school year has unfolded as a tale of burgeoning independence and boundless discovery This year has woven a spell of magic around them, as they've begun to shoulder the mantle of responsibility for their learning journey Drawing inspiration from the bold spirits of our ancestors, whose courage and curiosity forged the paths we tread today, they've embarked on a quest of self-discovery and exploration Armed with newfound confidence, they've delved into the realms of scientific inquiry, fearlessly testing hypotheses and unravelling the mysteries of the world around them A highlight of their adventures was a transformative residential trip, where they confronted challenges beyond their comfort zones, emerging not only as individuals but as a cohesive team, united in spirit and ready to embrace the next chapter of their school life.
Year5
Year 5 radiates a spirit of enthusiasm and adaptability, embodying a cohort that eagerly seizes every opportunity that crosses their path This pivotal year marks a significant transition as pupils navigate through the School, encountering a diverse array of specialist teachers who illuminate the path to the Senior School This exposure not only offers a glimpse into the expectations of the next stage but also provides a rich tapestry of expertise across various subjects. Engaging in historical analysis and intensive research, Year 5 peers into the annals of time, unravelling the tapestry of our ancestors' lives and understanding the genesis of the modern world In the realm of Science, they ascend from foundational knowledge to explore higher-order concepts, while in Geography, they lay the groundwork for future exploration by delving into key topics Yet, their learning transcends the confines of the classroom, as they embark on captivating excursions that bridge theory with reality, empowering them to apply their newfound knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Year6
As the sun sets on their final year in the Prep School, Year 6 stands poised on the threshold of a new beginning, armed with a toolkit of 21st-century skills to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world
This year has been a testament to their unwavering dedication to becoming dynamic learners, primed to seize every opportunity that beckons At the forefront of their curriculum lies a profound commitment to the future of our planet, as they fervently explore avenues to combat climate change and champion sustainability. Through immersive experiences and thought-provoking discussions, they've not only deepened their understanding of global issues but also embraced their role as stewards of change Moreover, Year 6 have embarked on a journey of cultural enlightenment, shedding light on the plight of refugees and the myriad of challenges they confront Their pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds, fuelled by an insatiable curiosity that propels them toward new horizons. As they bid adieu to their younger school years, Year 6 stand ready to embrace the winds of change, their learning journey poised to take flight as they embark on the next phase of their education With hearts brimming with hope and minds ignited with possibility, they are the architects of their destiny, poised to leave an indelible mark on the tapestry of tomorrow
WELLROUNDED
We love Outdoor Learning!
A Year of Outdoor Learning at Wellingborough School
This year, the outdoor learning programme at Wellingborough School has reached new heights, evolving significantly thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of both pupils and staff. The Outdoor Learning Area has been a dynamic space where education and adventure merge, providing students with unforgettable learning experiences
The continued integration of curriculum-based learning into the outdoor environment has been as last year a standout in the outdoor programme. Subjects like English, Maths, and Science took on new dimensions as lessons were conducted outside the traditional classroom setting. The impact of outdoor learning has been evident in the children’s engagement and joy. Observing their positive energy as they tackled challenges and explored the natural world has been incredibly rewarding The hands-on approach has allowed pupils to apply their academic knowledge in realwo Th to inn act we loo or lea
Outdoor learning
WELLROUNDED
Prep Co-curriculum
The Co-curriculum at Wellingborough Prep seamlessly enables pupils to continue their learning outside of the classroom, weaving in real life experiences and opportunity for personal fulfilment. This year we have witnessed a plethora of outstanding dramatic performances from both our Lower and Upper Prep pupils Year 2 took us to the tropics with “Pirates versus Mermaids!” Whereas Year 3 & 4 looked a little frozen with “Let it Snow”
Prep Sport continues to champion Sport for All, with every pupil playing in a team having the opportunity to represent their school. The U10 Cricket Tournament was a particular highlight with its success sign-posting future tournament opportunities.
Crossing over from Sport to Charity, the Prep School Fun Run was a real triumph for the wider school community The funds raised alongside the committed work of our staff and pupils throughout the year, boosted the total to within touching distance of our £5000 target for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Lunchtimes and after school were a smorgasbord of choice with a range of activities on offer.
Loom band Club was a particular pupil favourite allowing plenty of creative discussion and space for social skill development
Eco Schools Club received the NEA Sustainability Award, adding to their Green Flag status, whilst the Outdoor Rangers treated their parents to a fire cooked stew, demonstrating their advanced bushcraft skills.
Prep Music transfixed the audience at the recent Summer Concert, demonstrating the skill and talent of a wide range of pupils A particular highlight was the Year 5 instrumental learning group who performed on instruments they had only picked up for the first time in September As well as a number of other performances it was truly humbling to see the homegrown talent moving up the School.
Prep Schoo
Breaking down barriers, gaining enhancing the curriculum are all year ’ s trips offering Some highlight
Year 4 pupils enjoyed climbing t Xperience Centre, taking a leap o zorbing
Year 3 made a splash with their learning how to canoe, kayak, climb
Year 2 took a journey back in tim how to build, defend and live like
Seeing a real trebuchet in action really brought the learning to life
Nursery learnt first hand how to feed lambs, run a farm and take risks through adventurous play at Mini Meadows.
Whether it is a local excursion for an IPC entry point or international linguistic emersion in France, it is clear that our Prep Pupils have outstanding opportunities to develop, grow and make lifelong memories.
Scott Benest Director of the Co-curriculum
WELLROUNDED
Year 6 visit to Cote d'Opale - October 2023
After a long four year gap, Year 6 headed over to France for a full four days of activities and for many it was their first residential trip overseas. Staying near Le Touquet on the northern coast we ventured to the culinary delights of a Chocolaterie and learnt how to make both a croissant and bread at a boulangerie. We learnt a little about our own history at the Azincourt battlefield centre and practised our French (in the rain) at the market of Boulogne sur Mer Most of the pupils tasted their first (and probably last) escargot whilst the highlight on the final morning saw us take a short and slow ride on the mechanical Dragon du Calais
Well done to all the pupils for being positive in all activities and a special thank you to Miss Cheney, Mr Pancutt, Mrs Bell and Mrs Freeman for their help
Chris Owen, Head of Prep Languages
WELLBEING
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Achieve Inclusion Badge: A Triumph of Teamwork and Diversity
In a heartwarming display of unity and commitment, the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors in Year 6 have successfully achieved their Inclusion Badge This milestone reflects the group's unwavering dedication to promoting inclusivity and diversity within our school community Their journey, marked by hard work and collaboration, serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when pupils come together with a shared vision
Workshops: Anti-Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia - Anti-HBT Ambassadors
The Ambassadors began their journey by attending a successful anti-homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia workshop which was a transformative experience, fostering understanding, empathy, and allyship Through interactive discussions, and educational presentations, we explored the impact of discrimination and prejudice on LGBTQ+ individuals The Diana Award staff skilfully navigated sensitive topics, encouraging open dialogue and reflection. By promoting acceptance, inclusivity, and respect, the workshop empowered them to become active agents of change within our communities, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for everyone
Posters and Surveys: Raising Awareness and Gathering Insights
Armed with their newfound understanding, the Ambassadors turned their attention to raising awareness among their peers They produced a vibrant, informative poster that will be displayed around the School, highlighting the importance of The Nine Protected Characteristics To gauge the School community's views and experiences, they also conducted a survey, gathering valuable insights that would inform their future initiatives This data-driven approach ensured that their efforts were both relevant and impactful
Culture Day: Celebrating Diversity
One of the highlights of their campaign was being part of the whole School Culture Day, a vibrant celebration of the diverse backgrounds represented within our School. Pupils and staff were encouraged to share their traditions, food, and customs, creating a rich tapestry of cultural experiences This event not only fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures but also reinforced the message that diversity is something to be celebrated
Sign Language Video: Promoting Accessibility
In a bid to make the school environment more inclusive, the Ambassadors produced a sign language video on the song 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams This creative project aimed to break down communication barriers and promote accessibility for pupils with hearing impairments The video, which features common phrases and expressions in sign language, has been enthusiastically received by the school community It stands as a testament to the Ambassadors' commitment to ensuring that every pupil feels included and valued.
WELLBEING
Acknowledging Hard Work and Team Spirit
The achievement of the Inclusion Badge is a testament to the hard work and team spirit of the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. Their success was not the result of individual efforts but rather a collective endeavour where every member played a crucial role From brainstorming ideas and designing posters to creating videos, each Ambassador contributed their unique talents and perspectives
Well done to all the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors – your efforts are making our School a better place for everyone.
ClubNews
Wolves have had a brilliant year with some fantastic events and special moments enjoyed by all We said farewell to Mr Russell at Christmas, and warmly welcomed Miss Cheney as our new Club President in January
Throughout the Lent term our meetings were varied, focusing on themes from New Year’s resolutions and targets for the year to learning about the importance of mental health during Children’s Mental Health Week. Of course, the Club Singing competition was held at the end of term and Wolves certainly did themselves proud, gaining some wonderful feedback on their performance Another highlight of Lent term was the swimming gala Wolves again performed exceptionally well, and it was a real pleasure to see all pupils supporting each other.
A favourite event of Trinity term was our brilliant bouncing experience at Flip Out
Everyone had a great time, with pupils from different classes and year groups having fun together This term also saw the return of the Wellingborough Prep School Bake Off, raising money for the Ronald MacDonald charity We were very proud that our Year 6 Wolf, Ethan, won the overall prize. We have also enjoyed many musical highlights, with several members of Wolves performing in assemblies, teatime recitals and concerts. We certainly have some talented pupils in our Club!
Wolves have worked hard on collecting pluses, achieving first place regularly and remaining in the top 3 for most of the year Well done to everyone on a fantastic team effort A special thank you to our Club Captain, Jess, who has been an exceptional role model and leader all year
Rachel Cheney, Club President
ClubNews
Panthers have had a wonderful year. Led by Club Captain, Rafferty Wiseman, and the other members of Year 6, we have fostered a warm and caring environment Club meetings have been full of kindness and mutual support We have celebrated many successes throughout the year – both individual and collective Mrs McMillan weaved her usual musical magic to help us perform magnificently in the Club Singing Competition. We sang our hearts out and narrowly finished in second place
Our club event was a trip to Flip Out, which was lots of fun
One of the highlights of the year was when some former Panthers, who are now prefects in the Senior School, came back to visit us and inspire us Sadly, we said goodbye to Miss Harvey this year, and we wish her all the best in her new job.
6th Form former Panthers and Year 2 Panthers visiting a Club Meeting.
Upper Prep Panthers
Chris Pickett, Club President
ClubNews
Tigers have had a fabulous year full of fun, activities and achievements
They have had lots of sporting success, including winning Club Netball, and were incredibly proud of their 3rd place performance in Club Singing with Pink’s ‘What About Us?’ which was a challenging but exciting song to perform to both Lower and Upper Prep pupils
Additionally, they showed off their creative cookery skills when supporting this year ’ s charity ‘Bake-Off’
They have also been fabulous in a wide range of musical activities, with pupils attending the Rock, Pop and Blues Concert, Spring Concert, the sensational Prep School Concert and lots of excellent tea-time recitals
Furthermore, Club Meetings have been action-packed, based on teamwork and focused on critical-thinking; they have covered a wide range of topics, from sun-safety to the election, from eco-pledges to aiming for excellence.
In May, Tigers all participated in a Team Challenge Evening Led brilliantly by Mr Pancutt, they worked in mixed year groups, to complete a number of entertaining activities including spaghetti and marshmallow construction and the ever-popular Angry Birds catapults. This was followed by a delicious range of pizzas and smores.
Finally, Year 6 Tigers have been great leaders; in particular, they have been wonderfully kind to all the Year 1s and 2s who have been their guests in Club Meeting for the whole of the Summer term
Sophie Allan, Club President
ClubNews
The Club system continues to thrive in the Prep School The family feel of our Tuesday morning Jaguars Club Meetings is so inspiring The Year 6 team leaders have looked after our younger pupils like big brothers and sisters. The Year 6 have also thoroughly enjoyed their additional roles and responsibilities. There have been so many exciting club events The Jaguars highlight has to be the second year of the Swimming Gala held at the Waendel Centre in April Ovi Bokil won the girls trophy which helped us to our first win and trophy of the year Our Club activity this year was to Hollywood Bowl which all the Jaguars enjoyed It was fabulous to spend a lunchtime with the Lower Prep Jaguars
Frankie has been an excellent Club Captain and has led his half termly Kahoot quiz
Clare Whitaker, Club President
When I found out I was going to be Jaguars Club Captain this year, I was very excited and thrilled to be chosen I was hoping it would be a good chance for me to become more confident and improve my leadership skills
I have really enjoyed reading out the club points every week, adding in some new ideas into our activities such as our half term Kahoot quiz (especially as I get to sit in Mrs Whitaker’s chair!)
It’s been a fantastic experience and one I’ve really enjoyed as it was all new for me
I’ll miss being in Jaguars, but will always be a ‘Jag’
Frankie Shipton Jaguars Club Captain 2023/24
ClubNews
“The heart of a lion beats with courage, always pushing forward, never giving up ” This has been my first year as a Club President and it has been thoroughly enjoyable. The pupils have been hardworking, enthusiastic and full of fun. We have frequently achieved a top three place in the Prep School weekly club point competition
There are so many special memories to mention but gaining 3rd place in the Club Dance competition was a joyful highlight. We chose to dance to 'Putting on the Ritz' and my dancers learnt to swivel and 'tap dance' whilst wearing top hats and holding canes!
Club Singing was unforgettable too, as it allowed me to play ‘Love Song’ by Taylor Swift repeatedly! Even though we didn’t gain a top three place, my Lion cubs all sang their hearts out and I was bursting with pride.
Other highlights have been the Challenges the Lions have been set in weekly meetings.
The Lego Tower Challenge involved the children working in teams to construct the tallest tower they could, using 65 bricks, while also ensuring it had a wide base for stability The winning team's tower measured 85cmThis activity not only sparked creativity but also fostered teamwork, as the children had to collaborate and share ideas to achieve the best results.
The ‘ 9 Stick’ Challenge created much amusement. Each group was given 9 lolly sticks from which they had to make as many triangles as possible “This is easy, ” “No problem,” and “I think it will be 9, ” were some of comments I overheard, but in fact, this challenge was surprising as I had evidence of 18 triangles which could be made! The winning team managed 16 My final memory to share, is winning the Club General Knowledge Quiz It was very close, but Lions you did it!
Recently, we had our Lions Fun Event. Despite the rainy weather, I am pleased to report that it was a great success The children truly embraced the fun and friendly atmosphere, and there were plenty of smiles all around Our activities included bouncing on Bouncy Castles, scoring penalties in a shoot-out, playing badminton and icing and decorating biscuits We feasted on pizza and doughnuts which were a big hit with everyone It was heart warming to see the children so engaged and happy, despite the challenges posed by the rain.
It’s been a great year I will miss all my Year 6 pupils I have known some from the age of 4 I am looking forward to welcoming new pupils to my Lions Club
In the Lower Prep (Reception), our creative pupils embarked on exciting projects and began by making superhero capes, which was an intriguing experience for them as this was their first insight into how a sewing machine works. These capes were then proudly showcased during a catwalk event. The superhero theme tied in beautifully with their exploration of the “Three Little Bears” IPC unit. Additionally, the pupils crafted adorable bear hand puppets, adding a touch of whimsy to their learning journey
Year 3 was all about hands-on exploration. Pupils delved into the world of pneumatics while creating moving monsters. The challenge was to design creatures that could move using air pressure. Their ingenuity and problem-solving skills were put to the test! In addition, Year 3 pupils worked with wood to construct an impressive 3D bi-plane model. These wooden planes now gracefully soar down the Prep corridors, capturing everyone’s attention And let’s not forget their introduction to weaving an ancient craft that continues to inspire creativity
Year 4 brought forth a delightful mix of practical skills and artistic expression. Our young bakers whipped up delicious cookies, filling the School with tempting aromas. Meanwhile, the wooden bug hotel they built provided a cosy home for insects, promoting biodiversity at home. And who could resist the Kawaii-inspired food keyrings? These felt creations were both cute and functional, making them a hit among pupils
Year 5 explored cultural themes and craftsmanship Inspired by the Chinese New Year story “The Great Race,” pupils designed vibrant red envelopes. These envelopes, adorned with intricate patterns and symbols, now grace the library, adding a festive touch. The laser-cut lanterns they created were equally impressive, casting beautiful shadows when illuminated. And for practicality, Year 5 pupils crafted wooden mug trees a stylish solution for organizing mugs in the kitchen
Finally, in Year 6, our pupils took on more complex challenges They delved into eco-friendly living, designing their own computer-based visualization of an eco-home. Energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and thoughtful design were at the forefront of their creations. In the workshop, pupils honed their skills with hand tools and machinery. Their pencil potholder project centered around climate change and endangered animals, emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness. And to add an artistic touch, they made mosaic-inspired printed pillowcases a fusion of art and functionality
What an incredible year it has been! The dedication, creativity, and hard work of our pupils have truly shone through. As we look ahead, I eagerly anticipate the innovative projects that await us next year.
Emily Whitmore, Head of Prep Design Technology
Year 4
Year 5
WELL PLAYED - PREP SPORT
Prep Sport 2023-2024
Sport in the Prep School has thrived this year and the pupils have displayed unwavering dedication, passion and sportsmanship. It has been heart warming to see so many pupils embrace sport. Wednesday and Fridays are not merely about playing sport but about developing their understanding of how to persevere, show empathy, teamwork and respect. Learning how to win and lose gracefully is a fundamental part of sport and as ever, our pupils have shone.
Undoubtedly, every pupil will have a personal highlight of the sporting year. Whether it be a specific match, a moment of individual brilliance or a particularly nice match tea! The pupils participated in a full fixture programme of Rugby, Hockey, Football, Netball and Cricket matches. We participated in IAPS tournaments for all 5 sports as well. A special mention goes to the Year 6 girls’ cricket team who won all their matches at their IAPS festival! We hosted the 2nd Wellingborough School U10 Cricket tournament, which featured schools from the local area. Club sport continued to be very competitive especially at the swimming gala.
Whilst we take the time to reflect and celebrate the success of our pupils, it is important to thank the academic and Games staff whose dedication and hard work ensures that the pupils can perform to the best of their ability when representing the School. We must also say thank you for the amazing efforts of the Grounds and Estates team, Catering department, Transport and Medical teams
Alistair Palfrey Prep Head of Sport
Senior School
WELL ACCOMPLISHED
The breadth and depth of Wellingborough students’ accomplishments never ceases to impress. The 2023/34 academic year began in late August 2023 with outstanding results in A level and GCSE public examinations; despite a return to pre-COVID standards, Wellingborough students outperformed their 2019 predecessors and results were some of the very best in the area both in absolute terms and in terms of value added from baseline data These outcomes are the result of hard work and engagement; the average reported effort profile for a Wellingborough student is to have two-thirds of their grades at Good and the remaining third at Excellent. Students continued to grasp the opportunities offered throughout the year with impressive results in the UKMT Mathematics individual and Team challenges, the BEBRAS and Oxford University Computing challenges, the Top of the Bench Chemistry competition in which Wellingborough reached the national finals, Biology, Chemistry and Physics Olympiads, the Oxford Union Debating competition, English Speaking Board and LAMDA qualifications, a plethora of Music grades, Business initiatives culminating for Year 13 in offers for competitive degree apprenticeships and university places
This section celebrates the academic achievements of Wellingborough students as they move through the Senior School and onto the next stage of their lives.
Christine Gamble, Deputy Head, Academic
DESTINATIONS
2024 Leavers
Adams, Roderick Cardiff University Medicinal Chemistry
Agawekar, Adi University of Manchester Medicine
Askew, Isabelle Newcastle University History
Baxby, Bethany Foundation & Old Wellingburian Assistant
Bianchi, Nathan University of East Anglia Computing Science
Bryant, Noah Gap Year
Burgess, Annabel Gap Year
Chell, Emily Lancaster University Marketing
Dale, Oliver Jon Essam & Co Accountants Degree Apprenticeship
Daly, Jack Gap Year
Daly, Thomas Gap Year
Dew, Jessica University of Nottingham Veterinary Medicine
Dix, Emily Gap Year
Docker, Erin Nottingham Trent University Law
Dodge, Katie University of Leeds Fashion Marketing
Ebbs, Freddie Gap Year
Evans, Christian Gap Year
Forster, Archie Loughborough University Automotive Engineering with Foundation Year
Gibbons, Patrick University of Liverpool Philosophy & History
Gomani, Blessing University of Liverpool Politics
Grayson, Stella King’s College London History & Modern Languages
Haines, Isabella Arts University Bournemouth Fashion
Harris, Emma University of Liverpool Veterinary Science
Hartley, Molly University of East Anglia Psychology
Haxby, Toby Gap Year
Holford, Thomas Keele University Business Management & Finance
Howe, Lili Laine Theatre Arts Musical Theatre
Hunt, Rory Newcastle University Economics & Finance
Kerry, Fraser Hartpury University Sports Coaching
Knighton, Holly Manchester Metropolitan University Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
Lamberton, Polly University of Leeds Sociology
Lewis, Ella University of Bristol Psychology
Lovejoy, Max University of Derby Specialist Sports Journalism
Mbu, Dylan-Jo De Montfort University Accounting & Finance
McCulloch, Cameron Newcastle University Combined Honours
McDougall, Florence Durham Universiy Physics
Metcalfe, Peter Gap Year
Moloney, Matthew Loughborough University Accounting & Financial Management
Morris, Oliver Newcastle University Agriculture with Farm Business Management
Murphy, Madeline Gap Year
Offei, Joel University of Leicester Engineering with Foundation Year
Oliver, Helena University of Nottingham Veterinary Medicine
Orchard, Harriet University of Leicester History & Politics
Page, George Harper Adams University Agriculture with Foundation Year
Parekh, Kapil University of Nottingham Industrial Economics with Placement Year
Raj, Shiv University of Liverpool Engineering Foundation
Rajani, Ravi University of Leeds Banking & Finance
Reynolds, Poppy Mae Deloitte Degree Apprenticeship
Robertson, Maximillian Manchester Metropolitan University Fashion Communication
Saxton, Emma Norland Early Childhood Education & Care
Shepherd, Amelie Gap Year
Soderqvist, Pollyanna University of Kent Forensic Science
Southern, Yana Cardiff University Marine Geography with Year Abroad
Srinivasan, Krishnan University of Nottingham PwC Flying Start - Accountancy
Stanyon, Max University of Reading Business & Management
Stewart, Jessica University of Nottingham Criminology & Sociology
Thomson, Philip University of Leeds Mechanical Engineering
Thorn, Charlotte Oxford Brookes University Economics, Finance & International Business
Thorn, Lucy University of Bristol Geography with Study Abroad
Timpson, William Gap Year
Townsend, Charlie Gap Year
Tuckey, Colette Royal Agricultural University Equine Science & Business
Turnbull-Stubbs, Lucas Oxford Brookes University Physiotherapy
Walker, Charles University of Nottingham Management with Placement Year
Waters, Eleanor Durham University Archaeology
Wildman, Joshua University of Sheffield Geography
Woodhead, Clara University of Oxford Classics
Wright, Isabelle Gap Year
2023 Leavers
Bilai, Zoya University of York Law
Chadwick, Philippa University of Birmingham Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Hadaway, Georgina Nottingham Trent University Sports Science & Management
Hadaway, Oliver Oxford Brookes University Real Estate
Hutchinson, Anya Loughborough University Fine Art
Johnson, Maddison Cardiff Metropolitan University Business & Management
Uddin, Nasifah Queen Mary University of London Medicine
Welton, Eve Cardiff University Physical Geography
This article has been collated with information available at time of going to print. If any names are not mentioned they will be in a future Wellingburian when the information is available.
Chemistry news
The Chemistry Department would like to celebrate the achievements of four of our Chemistry students who competed in this year ’ s Royal Society of Chemistry competition. Anish Jadeja, William Walker, Dexter Pettican & Thomas Brierley competed as a team at the regional final of the Top of the Bench competition at the University of Derby The team competed in a challenging chemistry quiz and a set of two practical experiments involving rainbow test tubes and exothermic and endothermic chemical reactions The boys performed outstandingly and won the regional final against some excellent competition, qualifying for the national finals held in Edinburgh on the 16th March The team worked wonderfully well together on both the questions and the analytical practical experiment and managed a hugely impressive 5th place This is a truly exemplary achievement that deserves recognition for their determination and excellent scholarly endeavour
Chris Birch Head of Chemistry
Dexter , Thomas , William & Anish receiving their 5th place prize from Professor Gill Reid
Business A level
A very practical and theoretical year of Business
Y12 Business Entrepreneur Competition
Students formed a business, made and sold products and delivered a pitch and presentation at the final, detailing;
- Product/service
- Marketing and research (logo, mission statement)
- Finance (costs, revenue, profit, breakeven)
- Corporate social responsibility
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Presentation skills
- Business plan
Starbucks vouchers were awarded to winning teams Artic Delights with the most profit, and Boot Bargains for coming first in the overall Business pitch
Special mentions go to:
Glazed Gourmet; resilience through technical difficulties
Ben H; balancing and commitment
Jack FK; leading the team and organising
Boot Bargains; doing a car boot on a Saturday Toby Heath; missed the presentation, but worked super hard Artic Delights; competitive edge
Welly Washers; effort, not being afraid to get your hands dirty, great profit margin
1st Place
Boot Bargains
Profit £13075
2nd Place
Artic Delights
Profit £36508
3rd Place
Gemma Scott Head of Business
Y13 demonstrated incredible focus during exam leave. Working collaboratively and supporting each other
The Business Y12 Riverside Hub trip focussed on, finance, SWOT, marketing, HR, innovation and CSR.
The History Department has relished restoring their educational visits programme this year. We aim to take each year group out to deepen understanding and broaden independent learning.
Year 9 to World War One Battlefields
Pupils in Year 13 often refer to this trip as being a standout moment in their time at Wellingborough Certainly, this year ’ s Year 9 reflected brilliantly on the scale of altruism and sacrifice given by the generation who fought We pack a great deal in from dawn ‘til dusk, visiting preserved trenches and both British and German cemeteries, as well as the tunnels in Arras. Pupils once again laid wreaths and stood in silence as we read out the names of the OWs lost at Thiepval (Somme Memorial) and Menin Gate (Ypres Memorial) Oscar G played the Last Post and it was very moving indeed
Year 10-13 to Washington DC
We had stunning clear blue skies every day, which have made our photographs rather impressive The city is superb for educational visits as it is all walkable, with jaw droppingly impressive architecture. We did not draw breath for 4 days: White House; Supreme Court; all the Memorials; a guided tour around Capitol Hill and Congress and Museum of African American culture to name but a few Pupils were an absolute pleasure to be with; inquisitive, reflective and raring to absorb all before them
Year 12&13 to Westminster Abbey and Westminster Palace
To enhance the A Level component on Stuart England 1603-1702, Year 12 and 13 Historians began their day with a guided tour of Westminster Abbey The History is fascinating, with those buried within, a guide to who’s who in English History The day continued with a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster and the chance to stand where Charles I was found guilty of treason in 1649.
Year 8 to Ironbridge Gorge Museums
Year 8 enjoyed all that the Gorge had to offer. A guided tour of the blast furnace firstly enabled them to understand what is required to make iron and why a beautiful gorge in Shropshire was the first place in the world to do this The Victorian Town of Blists Hill brings the Victorian era alive, with shops and entertainment to explore
Year 7 to Hampton Court Palace
All things Tudor came into focus for Year 7 We had a guided tour of the beautiful palace and the sheer scale of the Great Hall, kitchens and their fireplaces to service the Court was really quite something. The fun of the maze did not disappoint, which pupils enjoyed after a day of independent learning
We have had a lot of different things happening in the world of politics We have witnessed at first hand a by-election and Gen Kitchen becoming our new MP, visited Westminster Palace and engaged in further politics related talks In amongst this, Year 12 are busy preparing for the end of year exams and completing the first 2 of 3 papers worth of content. Plus, we are now in the middle of external exams with Year 13, which at this point seem to be going extremely well.
Possibly the highlight of the last few months has been our visit to the British Museum and Westminster on 15/5/24 We travelled down to London by train, then walked to the British Museum, where students explored some amazing new exhibitions. Myself, I was amazed to find out more about female gladiators in Bodrum and to see bits of an old Cluniac Priory in Lewes that I had studied last year whilst delivering GCSE Norman History I guess, that is the beauty of museum trips, students looked at the relevant Politics sections, but came back to me and Mr Benest in the coffee shop, full of awe and wonder having taken in everything from Egyptian mummies to Saxon Gold From the museum, we walked through central London, soaking up the sun and atmosphere of the West End Before stopping for food at Pizza Express, which Year 12 insisted we go to. Students, had a table of their own, sat chatting in anticipation of the main purpose of the visit As we strolled past Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street and the Cabinet Office, students were able to see key government offices and ministries We then went to the Education Centre at the Palace of Westminster, where students were given an in-detail tour of the Commons, Central Lobby and Westminster Our tour guide had plenty of questions to ask students to scrutinise their knowledge of how Parliament works. From there, we sat in the gallery above the green seats and watched a debate on the new Criminal Justice Bill Finally, we went back to the Education Centre and students competed against each other in a mock debate on the reinstatement of the death penalty Students wore sashes and bowler hats as leaders of parties they invented, drew up manifestos and then argued intently As Speaker of the House, I got to wear a long gown and black wig and judge the quality of the debate and make sure the speakers were behaving themselves by shouting “order order”! Perhaps you will be glad to hear that the motion to bring back the death penalty was defeated, based on fantastic oratory and great use of statistics. Once finished at Westminster, we walked to Horse Guards Parade, watched the changing of the guard and then hopped on the tube back to St Pancras and then home Students, talked at length about how much they enjoyed the day out and I feel they came back from this visit enriched by the whole experience and with an enhanced understanding the practical nature of how laws are made in the UK.
Rob McNally Head of Politics
Outside the Cabinet Office – the heartbeat of government and the Civil Service
Inside Westminster Hall the site of major historical events such as the trial of Charles I and the laying in state of Elizabeth II.
In the Education Centre debating the death penalty.
A LEVEL ART
A LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
Pupils at Wellingborough School have been involved in creative and exciting Design and Technology projects this year. In Years 7 and 8 pupils have completed a wide variety of design and make challenges ranging from Felt Monsters to Art Deco inspired clocks, using a range of materials. In Year 9, pupils have been preparing for GCSE work, with a little more freedom in their design projects there have been some interesting outcomes inspired by the trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour
GCSE and A-Level pupils have been working on demanding NEA projects for examination submission. These projects have required them to use a variety of skills, including research, problem-solving and of course making prototypes for testing.
The Design and Technology department is proud of the achievements of its pupils this year and is looking forward to continuing to provide them with challenging and rewarding projects in the future.
Structures
Art Deco Clocks
Year 9 Harry Potter Project
Mechanical Toy
Picture Frame
Bottle opener
Stationery storage and foot stool
Desk tidy and drawer
Standing desk
Notice board
Office storage
Dog food storage container
Laptop stand
Computer Table
Building Design Luca Y13
WELL BALANCED YEAR 7
What a wonderful year we have had! It seems the more distant Covid becomes, the more expansive our Year 7 opportunities become. We started the year with our teambuilding event to Box End water Park in Bedfordshire, students were seen to be very supportive of one another and friendship groups developed rapidly throughout the day
YEAR 7
A couple of weeks into term, we were fortunate to get talks from Architects and Building managers to understand more of how sustainability and recycling occur at every level of a new build while we watched the demolition of our old buildings
Our Year 7 Form Captains elections occur every term and whilst some students are re-elected, others are also given a chance Throughout the year our Form Captains have brought their classmates’ ideas to the table There have been so many ideas that some have been taken to whole school council meetings by our Prefects in Year 12 and some will have to spill over into Year 8 as we quite simply ran out of time to implement them.
The addition of a piano into our Year 7 common room has been an opportunity not only to practise music but also to showcase students’ skills. There is a high usage on a daily basis, and it has been wonderful to listen to their range of music choices every day
I could fill pages writing up everything that our Year 7s have achieved this year Their sporting achievements and music awards alone are extensive!
We have a strong pastoral team, and each child has been supported by their Tutor, enabling them to build confidence and improve their skills throughout the year. Many thanks to the Tutors and to parents for facilitating so many of the opportunities our students have It has been lovely to see our pupils trialling new things
This year group have left behind a legacy of a garden club, and we have been privileged to receive an area allocated for development over the coming years. This links in well to our whole school ethos of sustainability and ‘feeding the bees’ Thank you to WSSPA who have kindly enabled this to happen for future year groups with their very generous donation
The main takeaway for me is that each year group is different, each cohort builds on the work done by the previous group. All are maturing and learning how to problem solve, not only in the classroom but with their peers, especially if friendships are tested.
I am always in awe of your children and although I will say farewell to them as they move to Year 8, I look forward to teaching them in the classroom as they progress through school
Wishing everyone, a wonderful experience in Year 8.
Remember, think kind thoughts, say kind words, do kind actions!
Mrs Varney Housemistress
Year 7
WELL BALANCED YEAR 8
2023-2024 in Fryer’s House has been another extremely busy but exciting time As we near the end of the academic year, I am immensely proud of the hard work, growth and achievements of our Year 8 students
The Michaelmas term saw them suddenly no longer the youngest in the school, and all of the form groups were tasked with creating their own assemblies to present to each other. These covered an array of topics from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the legacy and lessons of the film Mean Girls It was great to see all of the students push themselves out of their comfort zones and perhaps a few budding public speakers of the future
The Lent term saw a trip to the Ironbridge Museum, where students experienced life in a Victorian village, with candle making and Victorian amusements, but I think the fish and chips were a highlight. They’ve also enjoyed some wide-ranging topics during PSHCE and a chance to begin to work on their leadership skills that I so hope to see in the future A thank you at this point to all of the Form Captains who met regularly with me in this term to feedback on what they would like to see in Fryer’s moving forward
The Trinity term has gone by in flash Exams quickly took lots of attention, and the usual chaos of Fryer’s descended into a somewhat calm and focused space, for 2 days at least! Since then, Year 8 have been throwing themselves into House events such as the Languages Spelling Bee, Debating and Senior Sports Day It becomes increasingly obvious by the end of June that they are ready for the next challenge, and I wish all students the best for next year and look forward to seeing all their future achievements My role is easy thanks to the dedication of my Year 8 Form Tutor Team: Mr Woof, Mr Whalley, Mr Watson, Mr Ilkiw, Miss Drakeford, Mrs Hayes, Mrs Rogers and Mrs Wainwright – so a huge thank you to them for their effort and commitment in nurturing our students in their successes and growth this year.
Millie Patyn, Year 8 Housemistress
WELL BALANCED
DEI at Wellingborough School (Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity)
What an incredible year! The DEI group have accomplished so much Once again, they really have made a huge impact 2024 has been instrumental in developing DEI across the School As the original DEI group are moving on into Year 13 in September and in order to continue their legacy, the group decided to involve the lower years into some important decision making.
Welcome on board our Year 7 and 8 DEI Ambassadors! The DEI group sent out a form over the May half term (which was part of the rigorous interview process) and next term, we will be excited to introduce you all to our first Y8 and 9 DEI Ambassadors Above is a picture of some of our fantastic Year 7 and 8 students that are already a part of the DEI group They helped to support Culture Day and will play a pivotal role in continuing to develop DEI next year. This y Mrs C helpin Unfor integra her ne Anoth to sup
It was a pleasure to welcome Miss Conroy to the Marsh tutor team this year as well as having the return of Mrs Hill from maternity leave after Easter As always, the year began with a superb effort at House Singing; the mash up of ‘Price Tag’ and ‘Don’t you forget about me ’ from Pitch Perfect resulted in us coming second Unfortunately, the weather was against us for our annual House Rounders event, but we made the most of being indoors by playing ‘Heads Up’ and ‘Just Dance’. Not only did we enjoy welcoming the new Year 7s to this event, but we also raised money for our House charity, the Cynthia Spencer Hospice
Our Head of House, Katie, was keen to raise more money for the Cynthia Spencer Hospice this year so, with the help of her Year 13 cohort, a superb Parents’ Gala dinner was held in November Our parents were treated to a drinks reception, formal meal and a game of Heads or Tails, resulting in a healthy figure being raised. We are keen to keep this as an annual event so that our parents have the opportunity to socialise, with the bonus of supporting our charity Not long after our parents enjoyed their formal dinner, the girls were treated to our biennial House Dinner. The photos speak for themselves and, again, my thanks go to the Year 13 girls for their excellent organisational skills for the event The House Bake-Off competition saw the introduction of a Cup being awarded to the winner; this year Chef Thomas and Kirstie, our Catering Manager, judged Theonie to be our best baker Thank you to all the girls who baked cakes as this was another occasion where money was raised for our House charity
On the sports field, we have had some pleasing success this year. In the Hockey, our Juniors came second, Inters third and Seniors won, whilst, for the second year in a row, all three age groups were victorious in the House Netball. Sports Day was closely fought between the three girls’ houses, which saw a second place result for us There is still work to be done in the House Maths, General Knowledge, Debating and Music competitions but I’m sure we will continue to try our hardest in these pursuits.
Congratulations to Freya in Year 9 who was awarded the Marsh Endeavour Shield for always trying her hardest throughout the year and the Junior Contribution Shield was awarded to Lily in Year 10, who has represented Marsh in the House debating, all sports competitions as well as singing in House Music Whilst we wish our Year 13 leavers all the very best in their future endeavours, we look forward to another year, with the House being ably led by Cerys and her team of excellent Prefects, namely Ruby, Grace, Issy and Theonie, and we wish Ella and Heather the very best in their positions as School Prefects Finally, we are bidding a fond farewell to two tutors this year: Mrs Rodgers’ association with Marsh goes as far back as 2001 and her wealth of experience has been invaluable; we wish her well in her retirement And Miss Smith has been with us for two years and has been the tutor of Year 11 and latterly Year 9 We thank them both for their endless efforts with the girls.
Hilary Arimoro, Housemistress
WEYMOUTH House News
2023-2024 has been a great year in Weymouth House As always, the girls take great pride in organising events to raise money for their chosen charity; this year the Year 13 chose the House Charity – Free Periods For many years they have put forward this charity and it was never chosen, so this year, as their final year, they decided it was going to be the House charity An array of activities was organised – the annual House Hampers raffle and advent calendar donations, wreath making for mums and daughters and House breakfasts. Our Head of House Emmie and our 3 House Prefects Gia, Lottie and Ishika have lots of plans to support Ukrainian Aid - this year ’ s House charity
The start of the year saw an excellent performance in House Singing; the girls sang and performed perfectly a medley of songs, and although the outcome didn’t go our way, we listened carefully to the judge’s comments, and the girls are already putting plans in motion to win in September. House Music was followed by the annual House Picnic; we were going to do a House rounders game but sadly the rain fell heavily, and we ended up having an indoor picnic However, in typical Weymouth fashion, the girls made the most of the situation and ate the food and chatted together happily The Year 13 Nativity was another highlight of the Michaelmas term; a script full of humour, excellent casting and wonderful outfits made it very memorable
In Lent term, we saw an excellent Weymouth performance in House Music and not surprisingly, we walked away with the Music Shield This is our third consecutive win in House Music – long may it continue!
In Trinity term, after an inspiring assembly by Mrs Kenney, we have purchased a bookshelf for the Weymouth Common Room with the aim to make it a comfortable space for girls to have some down time to read. With a very generous donation from the WSSPA, we have purchased a Nintendo Switch, some Games, beanbags and a microwave for Weymouth – lots to look forward to in September Sports Day, as always, was a huge success and we won the Girls’ Athletics Shield - a great achievement for all the girls’ commitment and efforts for the House
It’s been a pleasure to work with such a great group of girls and teachers this year We are sad to say farewell to Miss Mistry who has worked as a tutor with the Year 10 and 12 girls, but we wish her all the best for the future, and we hope that she keeps in touch. Mrs Alexander-Watson is rejoining us after a brief period in Nevill, and we have Miss Drakeford becoming an addition to the House to help support the girls
Joanne James, Housemistress
House News CRIPPS'
Although I have written many pieces for the Wellingburian over the years, this is the first time that I write as Housemaster of Cripps’ If my historical facts are correct, I am the seventh HM of Cripps’ to do so, since the House was founded back in 1967.
To say the 2023/24 academic year has whizzed by in a flash would be an understatement. The boys are so busy, in addition to their academic studies they involve themselves in such a broad range of activities
These form a key part of what for me makes a Wellingborough School education so special In no particular order, the boys have taken part in the following House competitions: Rugby; Football; Cricket; Cross Country; Athletics; Music; Singing; Debating; General Knowledge & Maths. These events exemplify all the positive aspects of the House structure at Wellingborough. Most of the preparation is led by Senior pupils and it allows for the new boys in Cripps’ to fully integrate with their peers
In addition to the inter house events, this year the boys have also had the opportunity to join a House Breakfast, attend a black-tie House Dinner and a Sunday House Chapel service, play in an intra House football evening and go ten pin bowling with their peers Did I mention the overnight row? Wow, it was a fantastic event involving a number of boys. In total £2900 was raised to go towards our House charity Alzheimer's Research UK The boys have chosen to support this charity again during 2024/25
Cripps’ house is a great environment because of the pupils Massive thanks to the outgoing Head of House Findlay Hammett and the other Year 13 ’ s for their sterling service over the last 5 years The new ‘Leadership team’ (pictured) have big shoes to fill But I am confident that Luke Nicholls (Head of House) and the Deputy Heads of House will do a great job leading Cripps’ during 2024/25.
Jonathan Dean, Housemaster
House News PARKER STEYNE’S
This year has been another highly successful one both in and out of the House. The Year 13 cohort, under the guidance of Toby H, have been exemplary figureheads of House life and I would like to start by thanking them for their efforts both this year and across the duration of their time, be that 2 or 5 years.
The highlight of the year was the inaugural House sleepout Taking place on one of the coldest nights of the year back in November, those who participated raised over £3000 for the Daylight Centre, supporting those less fortunate than ourselves. A superb effort! Other charity events included a Rugby World Cup sweepstake and two pool competitions as well as the traditional 5-a-side and BBQ evening Combined, these events raised over £500 for the formal House (and School) charity, ‘Animals in Need’. There was also success in House Singing where we placed on the podium for the first time in 15 years, coming a proud 3rd place! The year 7 & 8 pupils have excelled on the sports pitches winning both rugby and football with excellent showings across all age groups in x-country and a further victory in House Maths!
At the end of the school year, Gurjeevan D was elected the new Head of House for 2024-25 alongside a prefect team of Finn S, Jack D, Arun D and Matthew K. They have a tough act to follow but I look forward to working closely with them over the next 12 months. We wish a best of luck to the outgoing Year 13 pupils with their A level exams and University/College applications as well as good luck and farewell to some of our Year 11 pupils, many of whom we look forward to welcoming back into the 6th form in September.
George Houghton, Housemaster
House News PLATT'S
A busy year for Platt’s!
The 2023/2024 academic year has definitely been a lively one for Platt’s, as well as being very successful in a variety of ways. Certainly, the highlight of the Michaelmas Term was House Dinner Year 13 put together a fantastic Halloween-themed night, which was topped off by the incredible food and spooky mocktails produced by Kirstie and the Chartwells team Everyone had a fantastic time, with the awards (and perhaps, even more so, the acceptance speeches!) keeping everyone entertained House events have been a real positive for Platt’s this year, with our Senior Rugby and Football teams completing the ‘double’ across the Michaelmas and Lent Terms, being crowned victors of both House competitions. House Football was successful all round this year for Platt’s, with the Inters (Years 9 and 10) also winning their competition and the Juniors (Years 7 and 8) earning a very respectable 2nd place However, Platt’s also showed the breadth of talent we have in House with a 3rd place in House Music (and the highest-placed boys’ House) and an overall 2nd place in Sports Day. We also have next year ’ s 1st XV Rugby Captain (Ryan Burns), Vice Captain (Tom Fisher) and Club Captain (Jake de Maid) in our ranks, whose leadership skills are also recognised in the fact that they are also the new Head of House and Deputy Heads of House respectively Finally, the enthusiasm and dedication of the Platt’s boys has been shown most clearly in the charity events we have run this year. Michaelmas saw us run both our annual 5-a-side and BBQ and our Christmas movie and pizza night, which between them raised well over £300 for Cancer Research UK However, the crowning glory of this year ’ s charity efforts was of course the 12 hour run, which raised £3853 and was the result of an incredible effort from the whole of the Platt’s community
All that remains, then, is for me to thank all the boys and their families for their continued support and hard work this year; as ever, it is greatly appreciated
Sue Curley, Housemistress
House News GARNE’S
The Garne's Gentleman
We are Confident, Humble, Respectful and Generous.
We encourage and help each other.
Being a gentleman is a matter of choice
Work together, together we thrive.
The boys in Garne’s 2023/24 have had an excellent year. Focus and teamwork has been commonplace, with many victories and personal achievements coming our way The target soon became the House Singing competition I can still barely believe it, but following some incredibly loud rehearsals of ‘Locked out of heaven’ the boys pulled it together ending up as champions for 2023/24 Huge thanks to Blessing, our band, our prefects, and our team of dancers
The Cransley Hospice holds a special place in the heart of every Garne’s boy, and our charity events this year have again gone towards supporting this wonderful place Team Adi won our mixed football tournament Our table tennis competition this year was won by Jack M, who defeated defending champion Dalitso in the final.
We love a team event in Garne’s, working together and developing our friendships Our teams performed well in both House Rugby and Football, and we had success in House Badminton, House Debating, House General Knowledge, and House Cross-Country A highlight of the year is the House Pancake Race, and our boys ran superbly to help us retain the ‘Golden Pan’ as champions for another year
We welcomed back OW and Old Garne’s boy Hamza Yassin (from BBC1), who popped in to say hello to our boys and offer advice for the future We are all incredibly proud of what he has achieved and look forward to seeing his career develop.
Thank you to Peter and our prefects for all their time and dedication to the House, we wish you luck in the future Thank you also to my team of tutors, Mr Birch, Mr Janus, Mr Mitchell, Miss Irvin, and Mr McNally.
IthinkSixthFormissomuchbetterthanbeinginYear11astheteachersgiveyoumoreresponsibilities. Youalsogettowearsmartclotheswhichmakesusfeelolderandwecanberolemodelsfortheyounger years.
Students from Year 11 – Year 13 can sign up to attend talks from visiting professionals which are followed by a Q&A over lunch. The speakers this year have included: Careers in Sustainability - Donna French (Centre Manager, Rushden Lakes), Careers in Law – Prof. Peter Crisp (Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Law and OW), Careers in Finance - Conal Estop (Degree Apprentice, Deloitte and OW), Careers in Marketing and Advertising - Dr Kardi Sommerfield (Senior Lecturer in Marketing, University of Northampton), Careers in Radio and Journalism – Graham McKechnie (Sports Editor, BBC Radio Northampton) and Careers in Politics – Kevin McKeever (Managing Director, Lowick Group). Many thanks to our fabulous speakers for donating their time to bring to life and answer questions about their areas of work
Apprenticeship Evening
Our Apprenticeship Evening took place on Thursday 14th March in our Sixth Form Centre, parents and students in Years 11 – Year 13 were invited to attend. We were extremely fortunate to welcome Claire-Louise Mumford from The ASK Programme (Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge), there was a chaired panel discussion with OWs Tate James (Kirkby Diamond), Josh Morris (Gardiner and Theobald), Olivia HarrisonHine (Festo), Anna Johnson (Deloitte) and former NSB student Bethany Gwillym (BBC Radio) who are all undertaking Apprenticeships. Alongside our speakers, the British Army, Barclaycard, Nissan, University of Northampton, NHS Northampton Healthcare Apprenticeships, Northamptonshire Police, Tollers Solicitors, the Royal Airforce and the Royal Navy all held stalls Speakers and stall holders shared valuable information about H wer question p their tim
Careers News
Year 12 Careers - Work Experience
Having prepared for securing and carrying out Work Experience in PSHCE lessons, Year 12 headed out on their Placements towards the end of Trinity Term Work Experience offers an important opportunity for students to develop their independence, being able to 'try before they buy' careers areas/working environments and for us as a school to meet Gatsby Benchmarks 5 and 6 - 'Encounters with employers and employees' and 'Experiences of workplaces' 96 students headed off on work experience which is the most Year 12 students we have ever placed
Amongst many others, Work Experience hosts included: Deloitte, EuroFoodBrands, Nissan, Bacardi, the Labour Party (during the week leading up to the election), Animals in Need, Cranfield College, Oracle Redbull Racing, Delapre Abbey, Scott Bader, The Physical Therapy Clinic, Daylight Centre Foodbanks, Santander, the Air Charter Service and Wellingborough Lower Prep School Please find some reflections from students and hosts below:
I’ve had an incredible past three days at Deloitte working closely with their Early Careers Team at the Female Focused Career Shapers Event From critically analysing growth mindsets, to pitching solutions to senior leaders on addressing the refugee crisis, the skills we learnt were indispensable
Feedback from Maisie, Year 12 Marsh
Lucy has done a fantastic job working extremely hard We managed to get her introductions to people with backgrounds in organic, polymer, material and forensic chemistries She had tours of our analytical and formulation labs and even saw our 10 tonne reactors at work in our production facilities I hope she got a taste of what it’s like to work at an industrial chemical site
Mostly however, she has been in the lab making and testing samples She completed every task asked of her (and more) and has made a significant contribution to the work required for us to patent one of our upcoming personal care products
Feedback from Lucy, Year 12 Marsh’s host
I thoroughly enjoyed having my week of work experience working with EuroFoodBrands which is based in Boughton, Northampton They are a company founded in 1991, which is currently compiled of 109 people, who work with large food and drink corporations, such as Reese's and Ocean Spray, who supply these various products to retailers in the United Kingdom and Ireland Some of these retailers include Tesco, Lidl, and Waitrose During the week, I had the pleasure of experiencing what life was like in each sector of the business
The company provided an excellent week of work experience I was exposed to Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Commercial Finance, Supply Chain and Technical I found this excellent because it gave me a valuable insight into various sectors which have helped broaden my horizons I now have a keen interest in sales and marketing
EuroFoodBrands were an incredibly welcoming firm and I’d love to have the opportunity to work for them one day
Feedback from James, Year 12 Cripps’
During my work experience placement at Nissan, I spent time with various sections who each contribute in their own way to the research and design of new vehicles, you would be amazed at the attention to detail involved in each component It was great to see so many real world applications of what I am learning at school, for example a stress/strain graph of a bolt in the vehicle which showed the same characteristics of a wire I have tested in the physics lab I was able to see how a workplace in the automotive industry functions which has made me feel comfortable in my career path choice
Millie spent time with our New York attorney, our Solicitor Apprentice, and our Compliance Team, but also received wider insight to the business and a commercial environment with Operations and Marketing The team had several discussions with her around studying law and working in a legal role, which hopefully gave her some understanding and clarity on pursuing a career in law
Feedback from Millie Year 12 Nevill’s host
Senior Co-curricular
The Co-curriculum in the Senior School offers wide ranging opportunities to all pupils Through our programme of trips, we ensure our pupils are exposed to different cultures, sites and experiences The Co-curriculum sees pupils compete at local, regional and national levels in Sport, CCF, Dance and through our clubs and activities Opportunities to volunteer, including DofE, and engage with the community, are invaluable to our young people
A particular sporting highlight this year was our U18 Hockey Team competing at the T3 National Hockey Finals in Nottingham The team had an outstanding season and have set the standard for next year ’ s 1st XI.
Co-curricular Drama returned with a renewed focus on performance and productions Rehearsals and technical work is fully underway towards our performance of Goodnight Mister Tom at the Castle Theatre in November
A multitude of Clubs and Activities are offered at lunchtime and afterschool. One particular highlight has been the introduction of Dance This student led, staff supported, venture sees our pupils compete as a team for the first time this summer A wonderful addition to the School’s offering
CCF and Duke of Edinburgh continue to offer opportunities to serve the community, take risks, learn to fail, and champion challenge through adventure Whether it was catching a glimpse of the aurora borealis from under canvas, or laying in wait for the ambush to trigger, pupils have made significant lifelong memories with their peers, as well as learning something new about their abilities along the way
Music continues to be a constant throughout our pupils’ educational journey through Wellingborough School Events like House Music and House Singing ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to perform, progress and enjoy the benefits of Music
With exciting new changes on the horizon for 24/25, the Co-curriculum is an exciting community to be a part of
Scott Benest, Director of Co-Curricular
This year has seen over 200 pupils actively take part in The Duke of Edinburgh Award at Wellingborough School With 1000 hours of Volunteering completed, the equivalent to £5000+ of social value, it has been inspiring for all involved
The DofE Bronze Award Expedition saw participants successfully navigate around the Northamptonshire countryside Pupils had the experience of camping within the grounds of a formal royal hunting park before returning on their circular route back to school
At Silver Award level participants had the opportunity to travel to the Peak District for their Practice Expedition and the Cotswolds for the Assessed Expedition Both regions presented their own challenges, however the pupils successfully pushed through their perceived limits to achieve the end goals
At Gold Award level participants had the choice to travel by foot or by canoe. Mountaineers had the opportunity to navigate the arduous terrain of Snowdonia for their Practice Expedition, followed by the Lake District for their Assessed Expedition Those who preferred to use a paddle enjoyed charting the path of the Nene as it flows through Northamptonshire Training then stepped up a gear with further experience on open water at Rutland Water, followed by the opportunity to travel to Loch Lomond to complete their Assessed Expedition.
CCF
The CCF kickstarted 23/24 with a Biennial Inspection led by Capt McDougal visiting from RN HQ. This set the tone for the remainder of the year, with a renewed focus on reflection and refinement of syllabus delivery
In October, Ex Arduis Fire put senior cadets through their paces offering opportunities for practical leadership, alongside enhancing fieldcraft skills
The Festival of Remembrance provides an invaluable opportunity for the cadets and staff of the Contingent to serve the School and wider community by taking the lead within the wider community. This was further extended with the CCF’s involvement in the local D Day celebrations later in the year 2024 saw a return of the much-anticipated Combat Cadet competition Here, cadets competed with schools from the wider region by completing a course of stands ranging from House Clearances to March and Shoot The team performed admirably and are already hard at work training for next year!
Ex Arduis Start provided an opportunity for Year 10 cadets to experience living in the field for 2 days.
During this time, cadets conducted a blank firing ambush, signals and safe weapons handling training
In addition to our trips and parade afternoons we also saw the RAF take to the skies flying in gliders, the RN sail and paddleboard, and individuals gain invaluable qualifications on some of the many external courses the MOD offers
An exciting programme of change is coming next year, with new trips, qualifications and experiences. However the CCF will continue to extend, enrich and challenge our pupils as it has always historically done
Music Highlights
Spring Concert
The Spring Concert this year featured many ensembles, opening with the Blues Band performing ‘If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys and ‘Tears Dry on Their Own’ by Amy Winehouse. Solos by Oscar Goody and Erin Docker followed, demonstrating both jazz and soul genres. Our newest group, a Big Band, took the stage next to perform ‘I want you Back’ and ‘Birdland’ Prep pupils then filled the stage as the String Group, Orchestra and Guitar Group performed a number of well-known favourites Lili Howe singing the emotionally involved ‘Still Hurting’ and the Musical Theatre Choir with a medley of tunes from ‘The Lion King’ completed the first half. The Concert Band opened after the interval with a selection of film scores, handing over to Isabella Haines who sang ‘Maybe This Time’ from Cabaret. The Senior Strings featured guest appearances by Woody Brown and Olie Crossman in a unique rendition of ‘Crazy Train’ Ellie Waters then stepped forward to play violin in a trio playing a sensitive arrangement of ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ which made use of her teachers The Saxophone Group offered the chance to listen to the evocative close harmony sounds typical of these ensembles, before Helena Oliver sang a solo, accompanied by her father. The curtains then parted to reveal the entire stage full of Senior musicians, the Orchestra ready to play three diverse pieces We heard film music from Hans Zimmer, a slow movement from a Haydn symphony and finally ‘Skyfall’ in an arrangement which closely honoured the original scoring and featuring Ishika Shah as solo vocalist, concluding a wonderful evening showcasing our many musicians in both Prep and Senior Schools
Drama Highlights
It is an extremely exciting time for Drama at Wellingborough School! This year we saw the continuation of the Key Stage 3 Drama Club who focused their attention on classic scenes from their favourite films. Students had the opportunity to choose their film and scene, and then they recreated it in an innovative styleoften adding humour through different performance techniques or costume choices Some students made futuristic versions, whilst others created horror versions of their scenes, illustrating our students' amazing natural talent and flair; they certainly have the ability to really stretch their imaginations! Students have not only been exploring performance skills in Drama this year, but have also been developing their design skills through the fantastic new lights in the Drama Studio and the addition of iPads to support the use of sound in performances Costume design has also been a focus for Co-Curricular Drama and students have been delighted to learn new make-up and costume design skills.
Trips! Geography
Year 13 – North Norfolk Coast
The Year 13 A level Geography field trip to the Norfolk coast was an outstanding educational experience, deepening students' understanding of coastal landforms and processes A boat trip around Blakeney Point spit allowed them to study its formation in detail, with the added delight of seeing large numbers of seals basking in the sun, which was an unforgettable highlight. At Holkham, the students explored sand dune formation and succession, gaining a thorough understanding of the dynamic interplay between wind, vegetation, and sand Visits to various coastal sites provided valuable insights into erosion, weathering, and mass movement processes, helping students to contextualise theoretical knowledge within real-world settings
Additionally, the students critically examined coastal management strategies at Wells and Hunstanton, assessing the effectiveness of various techniques used to mitigate erosion and protect the coastline This handson investigation of coastal defences highlighted the complexities and challenges of managing natural landscapes The trip wasn't all serious study, though; it included the obligatory coastal tradition of enjoying ice cream and fish and chips in the sun purely for geographical research, of course!
Year 10 – Peak District
The Year 10 GCSE Geography field trip to the Peak District in June was an excellent educational experience, allowing students to apply their rivers knowledge to a fieldwork scenario. Students worked their way along the river in small groups measuring the width and depth, along with using a ping-pong ball to record the velocity This fieldtrip was hands-on, with groups spending the afternoon in the river- thankfully, students came equipped with wellies! This experience has been fundamental preparation for their paper three exam, providing the foundational knowledge for them to complete their full fieldwork enquiry on the return to the classroom.
Year 12 – London
Our A level Year 12 Geography trip to London provided an insightful exploration of urban change, residential segregation, and regeneration We commenced our journey in the historic City of London, observing its blend of ancient landmarks and modern skyscrapers before heading eastwards At Spitalfields Market, we examined the impacts of cultural diversity and change Moving further east, we explored the Docklands, a prime example of urban regeneration transforming a derelict port area into a vibrant business hub Our final stop was Stratford, where we observed the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and its role in the area's rejuvenation. The journey utilized various modes of transport including trains, tubes, and an exhilarating ride on the cable car across the Thames, offering diverse perspectives on the dynamic urban landscape of London.
Year 10 – Wellingborough Town centre
Our GCSE field trip to Wellingborough town centre was a sunny and enjoyable morning, providing an excellent opportunity for pupils to engage in hands-on learning about urban sustainability The students collected data through various methods, including conducting questionnaires with local residents and visitors to gather opinions on the town's sustainability efforts, performing a detailed land use survey to assess the types and distribution of businesses and services, and carrying out pedestrian counts to measure foot traffic and its implications for economic vitality Additionally, environmental quality surveys were conducted to evaluate factors such as cleanliness, green spaces, and air quality This comprehensive approach allowed pupils to gain a well-rounded understanding of the sustainability of Wellingborough's central business district (CBD)
Trips!
At the very early hour of 2.30am on Monday 15th April, 45 pupils and 5 staff excitedly gathered in the Quad ready for the Jersey Sports Tour This was the first sports tour to take place post Covid at Wellingborough School
After a short flight to the largest Channel Island, we were greeted by strong winds and torrential rain. After a 15-minute coach journey we arrived at the Merton Hotel which was our base for the week. This was soon followed by our first activity of the week which was a trip to Jersey Zoo, where the pupils got to see a wide variety of animals The first evening was a relatively quiet affair, with a movie night post dinner and an early night for all
On the second day the pupils spent the morning enjoying the facilities at the hotel Aquadome, before picking up some lunch in Jersey’s capital, St Helier. In the afternoon, the pupils played their first tour fixtures. The girls were victorious at Netball against Les Quennevais School. At the same time the boys' U13 and U14 teams played Football against Victoria College, narrowly losing in both contests That evening all the pupils and staff took a trip to the bowling alley which was a perfect way to end the day Wednesday morning was spent taking part in four different activities (including high ropes and a 150m Zip Wire) at Valley Adventure Centre. An amazing morning was had by all in the sunshine. In the afternoon, the pupils played their second set of tour fixtures. This time the girls played Hockey, also against Les Quennevais School The U13 and U14 boys played rugby against Victoria College and De La Salle College respectively It was a great afternoon with all 3 teams gaining a W in competitive matches That evening, I shared the words of Mr Houghton (quoted from the Sport Department WhatsApp group) with the pupils “It’s not every day you get a win on tour, so make sure you celebrate”. So, to get 3 wins in one afternoon was a great achievement, and the atmosphere amongst the pupils and staff at the dinner table that night was special.
The last evening was spent participating in a quiz night in the hotel. The last day of the tour was quite leisurely, with the pupils again making the most of the facilities available at the Aquadome, followed by a beautiful walk along some of the local beaches, finishing with an ice cream overlooking St Aubin Bay Then a spot of souvenir shopping in St Helier was all we had time for before our flight back home.
Trips! Iceland
On the 1st April, 50 students and 5 teachers set off to Iceland for our long-awaited trip It all went smoothly until we got to Iceland, where someone left their passport on the plane, the bus was squeaking and then the luggage hold opened mid drive to the hotel. Despite these minor issues, we arrived at our guesthouse hungry and delighted to find pizza ready and waiting for us. After an early start the next day, we set off round the Golden Circle route on bus number 2, a highlight for any visitor to Iceland, starting with a walk through Thingvellir National Park, then visiting the spectacular Gulfoss waterfall, Iceland’s most famous waterfall, the geysers, and making a quick stop at an ice cream parlour. The next day we went out in full waterproofs, as it was pouring with rain and very windy. We got very wet visiting Skogafoss and Seljandsfoss, two other famous waterfalls in Iceland, but unfortunately could not visit Reynishverfi Beach due to the high winds, so we went to a black sand harbour instead, then back to the guesthouse for reindeer meatballs, a first for nearly all of us. The next day we went to Reykjavik first for a couple of hours, then headed off to the Hellisheidi Power Plant to learn about geothermal energy and how it is produced in Iceland, accompanied by some eggy smells. After this, we went to the Blue Lagoon, where we had a break from all the geography to relax with face masks and cold drinks, before going back to Reykjavik on bus number 3 to pick up bus number 4, then did some shopping and headed home On the final day, we packed up the bus with our luggage secure this time, then set off to the Krysuvik Mud Puddles, which, although they were very interesting to look at, had nearly everybody covering their nose with their sleeves or hoodies. We then had a quick bus ride to the Natthagi Valley lava flows from the 2021 eruption, where you could see hardened lava round the edges, but steam rising from the middle where the lava had not quite hardened Afterwards, we set off to the airport and flew home, arriving at school exhausted but still cheerful The whole trip was an amazing experience, and we would like to thank the teachers, Mr Medley, Miss Livingstone, Miss Irvin, Mr Birch and Miss Smith, for coming with us and making sure we all had a fantastic time.
Pippa, Year 13
Ski Trip – Dec’23 – Report
We had it all this year; plenty of snow, blue skies, white-out conditions and 40mph gusts, as well as an excellent 46-stong group, from complete beginners to impressive, advanced skiers
The group left straight after the end of the term and headed down to Dover for what was a very smooth and trouble-free crossing. The over-night coach journey through France, Belgium & Germany to our Austrian alpine destination passed us all in our sleep Waking up in the foothills of the Glemmtal and driving up the snow-covered valley to our family-run hotel, located right in the centre of the pretty village of Maishofen
Boots, skis and passes were all sorted out in what felt like minutes, as the group settled into their new mountain environment and their first taste of Austrian cuisine Three-course dinners came each night, as well as never-ending buffet breakfasts
Rested, fed and watered the group boarded the coach for a 10-minute drive up to the slopes for their first day on the snow. The initial ski tests, from our instructors, created 5 ski groups (beginners, novices, inters and two-advanced groups) The beginners without a doubt made the greatest advances in the week, from not quite knowing which way their skis went on to carving down the mountain on a 45km red run on the final day However, the morning technical sessions allowed every skier, young and old, beginner to downhill racer, to develop and progress
‘In 20-years of repping, I have never seen a group develop so much!’ (Jem, our PGL Rep).
‘They were such a pleasure to be with this week. I fear I’ve had my best group in the first week of the season!’ (Ales, ski instructor)
The inters and advanced groups averaged over 25km of skiing each day, covering-off what seemed most of the 150km of the marked pistes from Leogang to Saalbach and the linked Hinterglemm ski arena. Snow trails and fun slopes were tested across the mountain daily, whilst sun-blessed lunch breaks were enjoyed by each group over the week.
The 5-hours of instruction per day seemed to fly by, as tired bodies retreated back to hot showers at the hotel However, the evening swimming, skating and shopping trips ensured the evenings were kept busy
The week seemed to be over before we all knew it. Thankfully, everyone got off the mountain and home safely after a wonderful week of skiing. Long may this continue!
Qin Wiseman Trip Leader
A great day out for our Sixth Form Artists and Photographers, starting with the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea and then moving on to the Wildlife Photographer Exhibition at the Natural History Museum and Dopamine Land
A Level Drama and Literature Trip
On the 19th September the A-Level Drama and Literature groups visited the Curve Theatre in Leicester to see an adaptation of Kafka's novella Metamorphosis
Frantic Assembly and Lemm Sissay collaborated on this excellent, innovative and abstract play which combined poetry and physical theatre to create a compelling performance
All the Sixth Formers enjoyed the play and excellent discussions followed; we all agreed it was a great experience and are looking forward to the next theatre.
For many of our hockey teams, the 2023 season will go down as one of the most successful for some time and we could have witnessed even more success had we not have succumbed to the 'big freeze' at the back end of the Michaelmas term which, frustratingly, led to the cancellation of a number of fixtures! Our U12's made a superb initial impression, representing the Senior School for the first time. Across both A and B teams, they won fifteen out of twenty three matches, drawing two along the way Every girl in Year 7 was given the opportunity to represent the School at some stage during the term and the progress made from this year group was highly impressive and bodes very positively for the future. Year 8 built on the progress they had made as U12's previously, with both teams winning five matches a piece across their respective seasons and, again, every girl in the year represented the School at least once across the term Our U14 teams made a very encouraging start to their 11-a-side careers, with the A team winning six out of nine fixtures and progressing to the Midlands Finals stage of the England Hockey T2 competition, whilst the B team played with great enthusiasm throughout the term, making excellent progress with both individual skills and match play. The U15B's showed good progress and determination to record an even season of three wins, three losses and a draw, whilst the U15A's may feel a little frustrated with their win/loss record across the term, however, a number of individuals showed promise and should push for places in the 1st and 2nd XI's next season The 3rd XI, after a tough start to the season, showed great character to finish strong with good draws against local opponents, whilst the 2nd XI will feel aggrieved not to have won more matches, often dominating possession and chances, but then agonisingly losing by just a single goal on four separate occasions. Finally the 1st XI recorded arguably the best season of the past decade+, going unbeaten all term with a record of played twelve, won ten, drew two In the process, they also qualified for the England Hockey T3 National Finals, courtesy of becoming Midlands Champions prior to Christmas. At the finals, hosted in Nottingham, the team agonisingly missed out on a place in the Final on goal difference but composed themselves superbly to take home the bronze medal in the 3rd/4th classification match; a brilliant way for a number of Year 13 pupils to sign off their school hockey careers! My thanks as ever go to the pupils for their tremendous efforts across a busy term, in addition to the tireless dedication of the school coaching staff. Our parental support is some of the best on the circuit and it is clear that the future of Wellingborough Hockey is in very safe hands as we look forward to 2024!
George Houghton, Teacher of PE and Games
According to the Met Office, the Lent term 2024 was one of the wettest on record. Parts of the East Midlands and East Anglia experienced 248% of the average rainfall for that period. Consequently, many fixtures, Games lessons and after school practices were cancelled, or moved onto the astro turf. Some of the Embankment pitches were under water for the whole term Considering this, it was amazing really that the 1st XI managed to play 8 out of 9 Mercian League fixtures The 2nd XI played 7 out of 9 Both the 1st and 2nd XI had promising seasons in the Mercian League, finishing 4th and 3rd respectively The match day squads for both teams included a number Year 11 players, so lots to build on and experience gained ahead of the 2024/25 season. The highlight of the season in terms of performance for the 1st XI was an 8-2 home victory against Oundle It wasn’t so much the result, but arguably the most complete performance of the season Furthermore, the 1st team enjoyed Friday night lights experience when they were hosted by Loughborough Grammar School at Quorn Town FC Thanks to all involved for a fantastic evening.
Many of the younger teams had strong seasons also. A highlight was the U12A boys who were invited to play against Northampton Town FC Academy. Although the result didn’t go our way, it was a fantastic opportunity for the players to pit themselves against the best young players in the area It allowed the boys to see first-hand the technical and tactical levels that they should aspire to reach Furthermore, in the 23/24 season the girls' teams continued their development in the Wellingborough & District. The season was drawn to a close with a very competitive set of House matches and the traditional matches against the Old Wellingburians.
We are already looking forward to the new season ahead Exciting times, as for the first time in many years the U18 have entered the ISFA National Cup Fingers crossed for a positive cup run starting early in the Michaelmas term.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our netball this season. The U12 netball team this year went to the County tournament where we competed against different schools and with lots of perseverance, we secured 1st place! As we ’ re attackers and defenders we see the different sides of the court and with the support from our coaches, we both got into Storm Netball this year and we are looking to progress in the future We have thoroughly enjoyed this season and we look forward to the next one
Hattie Scott & Emily Bianchi (Y7, Marsh)
14A Netball Team
It was immensely gratifying to witness the enthusiastic participation of so many students in our rugby programme. This season, 23 teams competed in a total of 124 fixtures, with at least half of these teams achieving a winning record.
For the first time, we had the honour of taking three teams U14, U16, and 1st VII to the prestigious Roslyn Park 7’s tournament, where they competed against some of the finest schools in the country. I am confident that this invaluable experience will equip our players to face more challenging competitions in the future.
A highlight of the season was undoubtedly the Friday Night Lights match against Princethorpe. In a dramatic conclusion, after our opponents missed a shot at the posts to win the match, the 1st XV back line quickly advanced the ball to the wing, enabling Joel Offei to score a remarkable solo try from 60 metres in the final play, witnessed by 300 spectators. This extraordinary try will be remembered as a significant moment in Wellingborough rugby history.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Charlie Townsend (Captain) and Fraser Kerry (Vice-Captain) for their outstanding leadership of the 1st XV this season Their dedication and example have set a high standard for our future captains to emulate
Through their hard work and dedication, twelve of our students have earned places on the Northampton Saints or East Midlands representative teams this year, with Christian Evans securing a rugby scholarship in the USA and Fraser Kerry achieving the honour of representing the England Lambs U18
Finally, I would like to thank all the players and coaches for their commitment and effort, which made this season so enjoyable. Thank you to our outgoing Head of Rugby Mr Egglestone as well as long standing coaches Mr Russell and Mr Wiseman for their significant commitment to Wellingborough Rugby, you will all be missed.
Carl Harris, Director of Sport
Cricket
The 2024 season will be remembered for the continuous wet conditions that we have had to battle against
Overall, I would say it has been a positive season with the integration of mixed teams in the younger year groups. The girls that have stepped forward have performed brilliantly throughout the season. I have been impressed with the attitude of all the teams regardless of the results I think I speak on behalf of all the coaches who have taken a team this year, the students have been outstanding in their commitment and desire to improve and represent the school badge.
Thank you to all the Games staff who have coached a team or helped out on a game session or after-school, the season would not have been able to go ahead as smoothly without them
I leave this role on a proud note over the last two years in charge. I have said from the beginning it is not always about the result, its about the enjoyment of the students and ensuring they are learning in the process. I firmly believe this has been implemented and long may this continue in the future.
Thank you all for the opportunity, it has been an absolute pleasure.
Tom Howes Head of Cricket and Sports Graduate Assistant
Cross Country
Cross country started in Michaelmas term with the district round of the English Schools competition. On 8th November 43 pupils from Y7-Y11 represented Wellingborough, many of them competing in this event for the first time. Conditions were ‘damp’, the best Cross Country weather!16 pupils secured places in the county round which took place in January, Lauren Reeves (10WY) went on to qualify for the regional round at Burghley Park, Stamford Lauren said she really enjoyed herself and was proud to be wearing the Northamptonshire County vest even though she wasn't placed to run in the England Schools Championships (this year).
Lent term began with the usual visit to Uppingham School for the EMISCCL and for the first time in a long time the weather was kind giving us dry but cool conditions for the entire term We finished the season at Rutland Water hosted by Oakham School, a favourite with the pupils for the giant sausage rolls for match tea.
A special mention must go to Nathan Wesley 11PS, Angus McDougall 11PS, Rowan Mehegan 11PL and Nolan Mahoney 10GA who made up this year’s new senior team, usually 6th Form pupils, going on to secure 3rd place an incredible achievement with Wellingborough being the only day school in the league
Joanna Ferguson
Tennis
This has been an extremely busy tennis term with each weekend seeing a full set of block fixtures, which can be 10 teams either home or away from U12 to 1st VI, there has been a return to mixed and boys’ tennis to add to the mix.
All the junior teams played mixed against doubles against King’s School, Ely, while at seniors, 24 players headed to play The Perse, Cambridge in a full mixed block from 1st to 4th VI
The 1st and 2nd VI broke even over the course of the term in terms of overall results while the U15s story of the term seemed to be 4-5 losses, invariably due to enforced new pairing each match. At U14s Charlotte R (Wy) had the best winning stats across girls and mixed, while from U13s Cassidy B (Wy) stepped into the 1st VI to play Bloxham!
Stamping their improvement over the term, the U12s enjoyed a clean sweep win in their last match v Stamford.
In the LTA School Championships, both boys teams look likely to finish third, the U15 girls secured second while the U13 girls won the County division.
Well played everyone who has represented the School tennis teams this term.
Cath Irvin
WELLINGBOROUGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION
139 The Wellingborough School Foundation
In late 2022, the Governors took the decision to reorganise the corporate and charitable structures of the School group, to assure organisational agility and allow it to adapt at pace to any future threats to the independent education sector. One element of this was the creation of a stand-alone charitable incorporated organisation to be known as the ‘Wellingborough School Foundation’. Registered separately with the Charity Commission in late 2023 and with its own trustees, the objects of the Foundation are the advancement of education of the pupils at Wellingborough School through:
• the financial support and assistance of the School and/or wider educational initiatives projects and other associated activities; and
• financial assistance by awarding scholarships, exhibitions, bursaries, maintenance allowances or grants tenable at the school or at any university, college of education, or other institution of further education.
Whilst there will be a transition period, the Foundation is now the focus for all fundraising for ‘buildings and bursaries’ under the stewardship of our new Foundation and Development Director, Graham Papenfus.
Nigel Johnson
Bursar
Introducing Graham Papenfus
As I near the end of my second term, and the end of the 23/24 school year, I reflect on a busy and successful first six months in post I am very grateful to Debbie Whittemore for helping me settle before she headed off on a very well-deserved retirement at the end of March Katie Powell joined Foundation in April as our new Database and Research Officer and has already made a huge imp
I grew up in South Africa, lived in Zimbabwe and for the past 23 years in the UK I established on the first Development Offices in a school in South Africa in 1995 at St Stithians College in Johannesburg Wellingborough School is my seventh school after establishing offices in the UK at Claremont Fan Court School in Surrey, Haileybury College in Hertfordshire, Ipswich School in S Dean Close in Cheltenham and, for the past seven years, at Kingswood School in Bath
My role has a dual focus to it:
• Development – my initial, and ongoing, focus is getting to know and support the wider Wellin includes Parents (current and former), Old Wellingburians, Staff (current and former), Governor the wider Wellingborough Community I look forward to meeting up at events, keeping them co welcoming them back to Wellingborough School
• Foundation – the Foundation focuses on securing significant and ongoing gifts to support the vision of the Headmaster and Governors in growing the number of transformational bursaries (100%+) we can offer, as well as the campus development under Project Copernicus
Please do get in touch if you have any questions I look forward to getting to know the Wellingborough Community in the months and years to come
Kind regards Graham Papenfus Foundation and Development Director
Introducing Katie Powell
I joined the School at the start of the Trinity term, and I am really enjoying learning about the School and the wider community – which of course includes the Old Wellingburians I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can in the future I am very grateful that I got to meet Debbie on several occasions before her well deserved retirement and thank her for the training and words of wisdom she passed on
Before children I had a 10-year career in Retail Events Management followed by a few years in HR
Having my 2 boys gave me time to reflect and to focus on my desire to move into a new career I recently finished working for a spinal cord injury foundation where I was involved in all areas of the running of the charity
I was thrilled when the Database and Research Officer role came up here at the School and I can say that my first term in the role has been interesting and rewarding The School community has been very welcoming and it is a wonderful place to work As well as maintaining and growing our database, I will also be looking after the OW social media pages, helping with OW events and much, much more Please feel free to reach out to me
Katie Powell
Database & Research Officer
Transformational Bursaries
Wellingborough School has been very fortunate to benefit from the generosity of members of the wider School Community since its foundation in 1595 This continued with the creation of the Foundation Office in 2008 with an emphasis on ‘bursaries and buildings’ with the new Sixth Form Centre being the latest example of the latter
The establishment of the new Wellingborough School Foundation, a stand-alone charitable incorporated organisation, in 2022 has as one of its objectives to ‘provide assistance by awarding bursaries’ for the advancement of education of the pupils at Wellingborough School
I am extremely grateful to all the individual donors who have supported our pupils over the years as well as the following Transformational Bursary Awards:
War Memorial Fund
Headmaster P A Fryer launched the War Memorial Fund in 1918 A further endowment took place in the late 40s in memory of the 95 OWs who fell in the Second World War
323 pupils received leaver awards between 1918 and 2003 when the funds ran dry The Fund was relaunched in 2018, the centenary of the end of the First World War, remembering the 177 Old Wellingburians and four Masters who fell in action as well as the countless more who returned home wounded
Sugden Arts Fellowship Award
Four Old Wellingburians endowed an Arts Fellowship Fund in 2016 in memory of former Headmaster John Sugden (65-73) The aim of the Fellowship is to support pupils and young OWs pursuing their career in an arts-related field
The Douglas James Charitable Trust
Established by the late Douglas James (28-35), the Trust supports bursaries for four pupils at the School each year
The Maud Elkington Charitable Trust
Joined the bursary award programme supporting a pupil in 2019
Frank Berry Bursary Award
OW Frank Berry (48-54 PS) established the Frank Berry Bursary Award in September 2022 providing a 100% bursary to a pupil arriving in Year 7 Not only has he covered 100% of the school fees but also extras like uniform, the cost of the bus, trips and after school supervision
The Nevill Trust
Each year the School receives generous support from the Nevill Trust named in memory of Tom Nevill (Headmaster 1940 – 56) The Trust provides funding each year to Year 13 leavers who have excelled in their chosen subjects
The 10 for 1 Bursary Fund
A single gift on its own is amazing but, joined together with others, that gift becomes transformational 10 gifts of £130 plus gift aid funds a 100% bursary for a deserving pupil
Graham Papenfus
Foundation and Development Director F o u n d a t i o n a n d O l d W e l l i n g b u r i a n C l u b
141 Project Copernicus
In late 2021 the Governors undertook a review of the preferred location for the School, almost 150 years after their predecessors had undertaken a similar exercise that saw the School move from its town centre location to the current site on London Road
Immediately after that decision was taken, the Governors took the opportunity to consider ways that the site should develop to maintain the margin of excellence that has distinguished a Wellingburian education for over 425 years.
The principal consideration was the physical manifestations to support future ways of teaching and learning, but other factors included better optimising the ‘town/field’ balance, improving vehicular access, allowing the School to better play its part as a member of the community and achieving a net zero carbon sustainable footprint.
The work was wrapped into a master planning exercise under the title Project Copernicus, which sets out a statement of strategic intent of how assets will be delivered to enhance teaching and learning and to underpin the School’s vision
The first two projects that will be constructed as part of the masterplan are the Technology Centre and Sports Centre The masterplan identified that the School lacked a statement building that forms a clear welcome as you enter the site The new Technology Centre and Gatehouse will house the new reception, medical and welfare facilities as well as a lecture theatre and multipurpose teaching spaces As the existing Design and Technology department is currently off site, this was also seen as a priority to bring on to site to sit alongside the IT department so that Technology teaching as a whole can be updated and refreshed
The Technology Centre now has full planning permission with all pre-commencement conditions (that are required to be approved by the planners before we can begin) having been approved. We are still on target to occupy the DT and IT areas in Michaelmas Term 2025 and the Foyer and Gatehouse later that academic year
The sports facilities were also identified as being in need of replacement and consolidation, along with the desire to provide a swimming pool The new Sports Centre will be located opposite the Gatehouse so that a new secure line can be established between the two buildings. All visitor and most staff parking will be located in the carparks that sits in front of these two buildings, so that drop off and general vehicular access will be improved The Gatehouse, Sports Centre and new carpark can then be secured separately from the main body of the School, allowing the School to maximise sharing these facilities with the wider community
Emma Tansley Estates Bursar
F o u n d a t i o n a n d O l d W e l l i n g b u r i a n C l u b
OLD WELLINGBURIAN CLUB
Message from the OW President, Sophie Timms
It has given me great pleasure to be President of the OW Club this year and to see the links between pupils and friends of Wellingborough School past and present continue to flourish
Over the last few months, we have hosted a series of events that celebrated our history and have brought together our active and vibrant OW community Our 2023 Autumn lunch at the School during Remembrance Weekend saw a number of OWs, teaching staff and friends join us and have the opportunity to look around the impressive new Sixth Form Centre
Into 2024, events started with the OW Oxford & Cambridge Dinner which was organised by Julian Amey and facilitated by OW Max Buckby
This was closely followed by the OW London Dinner in March where around 100 OWs spanning 72 years gathered at the King’s Fund in Cavendish Square for dinner and an ‘In Conversation with’ session with OW and sports broadcaster, Alison Mitchell.
Other successful events have been the OW House drinks and the Summer lunch back at the School, OWs joining the annual CCF dinner, along with a number of informal reunions of year groups and it has been great to see the sharing of the photos of all these events on social media.
This year has also seen a number of notable sporting fixtures including Winter and Summer sports days and the OW golfers have been particularly active, with both their qualification and participation in the coveted Halford Hewitt cup, as well as their Summer meeting Meanwhile, the OW Rifle Club had another strong contingent at the annual Public School Veterans shooting competition and barbecue at Bisley which I was delighted to attend
Also, this year, the OW Club was delighted to see OW Commodore Andrew Canale MVO and former Equerry to the late HM Queen Elizabeth returning as guest speaker at the Prep School prizegiving.
The OW Club is delighted that the engagement and bonds between the School and the Club endure and was delighted to be able to support the establishment of the school Astronomy Club.
The Club also joins the School in its regret that Andrew Holman, the current Headmaster, will be moving on to pastures new As well as taking the School from strength to strength, Andrew has been a keen supporter, advocate, and friend of the OW Club during his tenure We will miss him but wish him every good wish as he takes up his new role at Nottingham High School and we look forward to working with Andrew’s successor to carry forward this spirit of community and engagement and know this will be ably supported by the School’s Foundation and Development Director, Graham Papenfus who has hit the ground sprinting in his first year
Finally, the OW Club remains an open door for current and former pupils, parents, and members of the teaching staff to use the collective power of our network to support careers and share experience Please do keep in touch
Debbie Whittemore - Thank you
One of the key attractions for me in taking on the role of Foundation and Development Director at Wellingborough School was the prospect of collaborating with Debbie Whittemore Unfortunately, my arrival coincided with her retirement, which took place the month before I joined, after an impressive 16 years of dedicated service in supporting Martin, Mike, and Neil in the Foundation Office
Despite this, I am immensely grateful to Debbie for postponing her retirement until the end of April, allowing me to transition smoothly into my new role during my first term She shares her thoughts on her journey:
“ In 1998 I joined Wellingborough Junior School, as PA to then Headmaster, Mr Graeme Lowe My 20-year journey had begun and it’s been an honour to be part of this very special place, culminating working in the Foundation and Alumni Office raising funds for the School During my time in this office, it was a privilege to work with two very special people, Honorary OW Michael Askham and OW Neil Lyon
A special thank you to the Old Wellingburian Club who work tirelessly on behalf of the Alumni and, of course, all the many OWs I have had the pleasure to meet over the years, too many to mention It’s been a joy!
Last but not least, GOOD LUCK to Graham Papenfus, Foundation and Development Director of Wellingborough School - I wish you and your team much success in the future - Onwards and Upwards, Wellingborough!”
I also extend my sincere thanks to both Neil Lyon and Mike Askham for their invaluable support as I familiarised myself with the Wellingborough Community I am especially delighted that Mike has agreed to assist me in re-establishing connections with former staff members who we have lost contact with
Thank you, Debbie, for all your contributions to the Wellingborough Community We look forward to staying connected with you as a cherished former member of our staff
Graham Papenfus
Oxford and Cambridge dinner
Over many years, OWs and School staff who have graduated from Oxford and Cambridge – and their guests – have enjoyed visiting and dining at many Colleges in both universities – often in the company of an OW undergraduate at the College where the dinner has been held
This year the Dinner was held at Somerville College, Oxford where OW Max Buckby graduated and is now carrying out post graduate studies OWs were joined by the Headmaster (himself a graduate of Magdalene College, Cambridge) and the incoming Foundation Director, Graham Papenfus. The Somerville College catering team excelled, and a fine evening was had by all
F o u n d a t i o n a n d O l d W e l l i n g b u r i a n C l u b
The annual OWs vs School football and netball matches took place on Saturday 23rd March The OWs fielded two football teams and one netball team against the School in what were very enjoyable and keenly contested matches.
Mother Nature threw everything she had at the footballers in the second half (not affecting netball in the Sports Hall) but nothing dampened the spirits of both teams Our thanks to the catering staff who laid on refreshments after the matches
OW London Dinner
It was wonderful to see over 90 OWs spanning 72 years of Wellingborough School at the London Dinner on Friday 15th March We were lucky to have Alison Mitchell (91-98, W) join us and give us a glimpse of her fascinating career journey as a global sports commentator as well as reflections on the role Wellingborough School played in that journey.
OW Summer sports
The annual OW vs School cricket and hockey matches were contested on Friday 21st June. Both matches proved to be close encounters and were watched by over 100 appreciative members of the OW Community A BBQ and drinks were laid on by our catering team for all playing and supporting after the matches.
OW House drinks
Old Wellingburians were invited to enjoy a drink in their house with the current Housemaster or Housemistress on Friday 21st June 2024 This is the first step in reconnecting Old Wellingburians by House at what is likely to become an annual event Most of the 50+ OWs stayed on to watch the annual cricket/hockey vs School and join the BBQ and drinks.
OW Summer lunch 2024
Around 50 supporters of the School gathered on Saturday 29th June in glorious sunshine for drinks on the Headmaster’s Lawn prior to enjoying a wonderful lunch prepared by our catering team in the Spencer Room The Headmaster thanked them for their ongoing support, shared an update on another very successful year for the School and explained why the Wellingborough Foundation, a separate Charitable Foundation, had been established to safeguard donations and legacies going forward He also updated on progress with Project Copernicus and our exciting plans to grow our Transformational Bursary Fund.
After lunch visits to the Sixth Form Centre, School Hall and Chapel concluded a very enjoyable event
Business Networking Breakfast
It was wonderful to welcome over 20 Old Wellingburians, Parents, Staff and local businesses to Wellingborough School on the 2nd May to the first Business Networking breakfast Connections were made, deals done and opportunities to support our students were shared. Please join us at the next meeting in the Michaelmas Term
OW Summer Golf meeting
We had an excellent day, the course was in good condition considering the rain we had had for 48 hours prior, and a turnout of 22 which was the maximum number we could get onto Woburn
The winner of the coveted Gillett Vase was Chris Baltrop with 43 points, an incredible score considering the course and conditions
Second was Stuart Copeland with 35 points and third was Chris Billson with 34 points Longest drive and nearest the pin both went to Jonny Bower
Sponsorship at Wellingborough School
Sports teams
I am excited to share an opportunity for our Community to support sport at Wellingborough School as well as promoting their business to not only our immediate community (parents, pupils, staff and Old Wellingburians), but also the wider community our teams compete in across the county and beyond
Working with the Director of Sport, Carl Harris, we are offering a limited number of sponsorship packages supporting our 1st teams, initially, in hockey, rugby, football, netball, cricket, tennis, cross country and badminton In return for your sponsorship, we look forward to discussing opportunities to recognise your business which could include:
• Branding on 1st Team shirts
• Half page advert in the Wellingburian School Business Directory
• Branding on major sporting equipment (like post protectors, scoreboards, dug outs etc)
• Recognition on social media and other marketing material
• Invitation to an annual donor event and other school events
I am very happy to tailor any package to suit the sponsor where possible
We are currently asking sponsors to join us over a three -year period (this is to accommodate branding on shirts which will change every three years) as:
Gold sponsors
Silver sponsors
£2,000pa - £6,000 over three years
£1,000pa - £3,000 over three years
The 2025 South African Sports tour
As we look ahead to 2025 and our rugby, hockey, netball and football teams touring in South Africa in the July holiday, opportunities to support the teams by sponsoring one or more teams are now available
Tour sponsor
Team sponsors
£3,500
£1,000 per team
• Branding on 1st Team shirts
• Half page advert in the Wellingburian School Business Directory
• Recognition on social media and other marketing material
• Invitation to an annual donor event and other school events
Please do contact me should you be interested in sponsoring one (or more) of our teams or would like any further information.
