Headteacher's Bulletin - Friday, March 22nd 2024
The NSB Key Stage 3 Production of Peter Pan has been eagerly anticipated for some time now, not least for Peter's flying (played brilliantly by Y9 student, Jacob Salisbury). The show more than lived up to expectations, thrilling the audience with the quality of acting and stage craft. Special thanks to all the students and staff, led by Miss Bason, who have given up countless out of school hours to produce such a polished performance. SLT link to the Arts, Mrs Druker writes in a report of the first show last night:
There were so many highlights: Nana, the mermaids, Wendy 'falling' from the sky, Peter's flying, Captain Hook, the sharks, the crocodile, all the main characters and the brilliant supporting cast, the music, the amazing interval cakes - there was so much! I loved the energy and joy that was evident in the cast and crew, the stage and atrium looked wonderful and the music added another dimension to the whole performance; it was superb. I know it takes a huge amount of work, planning and organisation and I am so grateful that the staff and students have worked so well together to create such a spectacular production!
There has been considerable NSB footfall on the corridors of power at Westminster over the last few weeks! Miss Kennedy (far right of picture) was invited to attend an important roundtable event in Parliament with Baroness Slater and The Centre for Financial Capability to discuss and help shape ‘The Future of Financial Literacy in Education for 2024’ . A few days prior, Mrs Bradley Brophy was invited by Sir Michael Ellis MP, to attend a Drinks Reception for 'Community Education Champions' at Number 10 Downing Street, hosted by the Minister of State for Schools.
The NSB Employment and Opportunities Evening for Y11-13 students on Tuesday evening was a phenomenal success with the Concourse and 1911 Hall buzzing with constructive dialogue between students / parents and over 60 exhibiting companies. The new 'Alumni Zone', also proved to be a significant hit with a large number of former students of NSB offering inspiration and sage advice from their own career journeys. Huge thanks to Miss Rickaby and her Careers Team for putting on such a tremendously beneficial event!
Former student of NSB, Courtney Lawes always lights up NSB and the student body when he returns to hand out match shirts to cup finalists or to simply watch a school rugby game. On Wednesday evening, Courtney and his family devoted time out of their busy schedules to host an ' Evening with Courtney' at the Old Northamptonians with all proceeds going to the NSB Charitable Trust. The evening provided a fascinating insight into Courtney's path from NSB rugby to British Lions glory with a wide range of guest speakers from the Northampton Saints and his school days. It was a brilliant night, thoroughly enjoyed by all and the students will do well to emulate such a modest, respectful and talented individual. The school are indebted to Courtney for his wonderful continued support of the school. Many thanks particularly to Mrs Welch and Mr Lee for all their organisational support.
Finally, huge congratulations to the U13 Elite football team who produced a strong display to defeat Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys by 4 goals to 0 in the Semi-Finals of the National Elite Cup (competition with no limit to the number of Academy players in a team). The team will now join the U13Bs at West Bromwich Albion's ground during Finals Week in May. The U13 National Triple Crown (which has never been achieved in English Schools Football history) is still on the line for NSB, as our U13 A team (limit of 3 Academy players) play in the Schools Cup Semi-Final in Winchester next Tuesday. Best of luck to the U12Bs who play in their National Semi-Final this afternoon against Kingsdale School, London and to the U13 Rugby Sevens Team who defend their two year unbeaten record when they line up against some of the best school teams in the UK at the Rosslyn Park Sevens in one of the highest ranked groups throughout today. They've made a great start at the point of writing with two wins out of two against Dulwich College and St John's School, Leatherhead respectively!
Richard Bernard
Headteacher
