During the evening, as well as videos and photographs which commemorated the events across the year and the students' achievements in PD, we had some wonderful entertainment and interludes. Freddie Love delivered his inspirational speech about Role Models; a boxer, a footballer and his mum, all looking at how the underdog or those in adversity can overcome their situation and come through on top by changing their mindset and caring - such an intricate and mature speech. Rebekah Fajebe, our XX factor winner, sang so beautifully and the dancing representing Culture Week  was sublime, both the Bollywood performed by Aadya and Anjana and the modern upbeat African dance choreographed and led by Tunmise raised the spirits.

The awards cover PSHE, Contribution to House, Oracy, Debate, Careers, Extra-curricular engagement and impact, community and social action awards. There were so many positive to words to say about so many inspirational students with the two "secret" top awards being announced at the very end. The Junior Personal Development Award was received by Hussain Qureshi and The Senior Personal Development Award was received by Sheli Patel, both worthy winners who are both humble but so influential and involved in all aspects of school life.  

Thank you to all staff, students and guests for coming together to share in recognising the amazing qualities our NSB students possess and to highlight the wonderful ways they use

these to improve themselves, the life of others and the environment. In a world where you can become anything if you believe in yourself, these young adults convey that they are driven but also kind, hardworking and compassionate, resilient and tenacious, respectful and courageous. They push themselves, lift others and go above and beyond, often outside their comfort zone and everyone benefits. They are interested and interesting, they are the future and they create the change they want to see. Well done everyone!

 

Fresh from quite a brilliant Spring Music Concert, our talented musicians competed in the Regional Round of the Music for Youth Festival last weekend where they drew huge praise from the Judging panel. Mrs Yates reports on an inspiring weekend of young musicianship from all over the region as well as even more musical accolades for NSB students:

Over the weekend, nine NSB ensembles proudly represented the school at the Music for Youth Regional Festival, which was hosted at NSB in the Cripps Theatre.  Performing groups included Orchestra, Symphonic Winds, Big Band, Big Band 2, Metalworks, Guitar Ensemble, Sax Pistols, Sax Quartet and the NMPAT/NSB Group - Iris String Quartet.  It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to perform on a professional platform, all ensembles performed with confidence and musicality, receiving great praise from the adjudicators, who also provided valuable feedback to support students in their continued development.  We are incredibly proud of all the students involved for their dedication and the way they represented NSB.

 

On Wednesday night, Big Band and Big Band 2 performed at NSG’s Jazz Café, an event that brings together jazz ensembles from across the county. The evening offered a valuable opportunity to perform alongside other talented groups and served as excellent preparation for NSB's Big Band who compete at the NCBF National Finals on Sunday 19 April. We wish them the very best of luck as they prepare to represent NSB on the national stage.

We are also delighted to celebrate those students who have received graded music examination awards this week. A significant achievement at all levels that reflects commitment, discipline and ongoing musical progress. Congratulations to all students involved;

Jemima Denny - Diploma Violin - Pass 

Maisy Bull - Grade 8 Saxophone - Distinction 

Salvatore Halawani-Rendina - Grade 8 Viola - Merit 

Clara Harget - Grade 8 Clarinet - Distinction 

James Utteridge - Grade 2 Guitar - Distinction 

Jan Hemmington - Grade 2 Piano - Merit 

More students have sat exams this week and we look forward to receiving their results very soon.

Following on from last week's incredible Water Polo and National Cup rugby triumphs we have had yet another sensational week of NSB sporting success:

NSB Rowing Coach Andy Graham has consistently masterminded NSB National Rowing Title assaults at the various British and UK Indoor Rowing Championships that take place during the year. Last weekend's National Junior Indoor Rowing Championship was no exception, not least the outstanding Senior Boys Relay Team (Cade Sivil, Ben Jones, Max Roper and Will Brightman) who took the National Title in winning Gold. Max also took an impressive Silver in his individual event and this was followed by three excellent individual Bronzes for Tadiwa Ziwenga, Jack Jackson-Parish and Cade Sivil.  There was also a superb Bronze for the Junior Relay Team of Jesse Sivil, Monty Leahy, Jack Jackson-Parish and Jacob Adiamah. Coach Andy Graham has sent through this report: Click Here

The U14B football team have made it to their third national football final in a row following a nail-biting win yesterday on penalties over Cardinal Heenan School, Liverpool. They now join the NS U14 Girls Team as NSB Trust representatives for the Finals Week at Stoke City in May. There were also County Cup Football Final victories for the U12A,U14A,U15A, U16A and U17A teams to celebrate this week in addition to some exceptional rugby performances at the Rosslyn Park Sevens with the U16, U18 Boys and U18 Girls all topping their groups to qualify for the Day Two final stages - both U18 squads are playing today! Well done also to the U15B rugby team who won their County Cup Semi-Final, the U13B rugby team who have qualified for the County Finals Day by winning the District competition, the U12 Basketball team who won their opening JrNBA round and the U13 Basketball team who won the Town Championships. Best of luck also to all students representing the school in the Northamptonshire Flag Football (American Football) competition today and to the U13 rugby squad who follow up their matches at Rosslyn Park today with the prestigious Caldicott Tens competition on Sunday. 

Finally, I hope all students have an excellent break, and we look forward to their return on Tuesday, April 14^th (Staff Training Day on Monday, 13th).

Richard Bernard

Headteacher