Huge congratulations to the First XV rugby team who are enjoying a sensational season to date, made all the more special by a National Cup Quarter Final win v Kirkham Grammar (Preston) on Tuesday by a comprehensive 48 to 28 point margin. This is an excellent win against a very strong side and the squad's attention will now turn to the Daily Mail League as three wins from three in their remaining games before Christmas will give them a very strong chance of finishing on top of the league, which would be the first time a State School has triumphed in this prestigious competition. One of the most exceptional and inspirational players to have ever represented NSB, Hugh Shields, unfortunately received a significant injury in the school game on Tuesday and we all wish him well for a fast recovery - Hugh has been a remarkable benchmark of elite performance and role model for younger students throughout his time at the school. 

 

Some of our top student debaters have been in action this week against other local schools. Ms Morrison reports:

On Wednesday afternoon, several schools arrived at NSB to take part in a speed debating workshop. There was representation of students all the way through from Years 6-12. Students from each school were placed into teams before embarking upon a series of mini debates. Teams were told which topics to debate, and they were assigned a point of view to present. Each team scored the opposition before moving onto the next mini debate. The range of subjects debated was wide-ranging: artificial intelligence; energy drinks; cloning; university admissions and the role of the monarchy. Despite the age difference, students worked brilliantly together; they had just met each other and yet they were collaborative, supportive and so encouraging to everyone.

Miss Bason ensured that staff had a constant supply of caffeine as we ensured that the transition from debate to debate was as smooth as it could be. We observed some exceptional debates and students enjoyed the challenge of the event. Special thanks go to Mr. Cave, Mrs. Wilborn, Mrs. Rice, Mrs. Yates and all reception staff who were support and calmness personified.

This event was a real rejuvenator and, with another event due to take place in January at Bosworth College, we are looking forward to taking part in another debate!

 

We are very grateful to Skipton Building Society for their kind donation of books to the school. Mrs Barlow reports:

Last Thursday morning, Mrs Thomson and Mrs Barlow were delighted to welcome Mrs Maraj, representing Skipton Building Society, to school. Skipton have kindly donated some brand new books to the school library to keep our stocks fresh, engaging and up-to-date. We were also delighted to receive some seasonal books, which will take pride of place in the wonderful Christmas displays and book selections Mrs Thomson has planned. We would like to extend our immense gratitude to Skipton Building Society for their support of reading at NSB. 

 

 

On top of the rugby cup win there was a host of other impressive sports results in the various National Cups this week, with tight wins for the U14A and U16A basketball teams and strong wins for the U13B, U15A and U16B football teams. There were also notable victories for the U15B rugby team in the County Cup and the U18A basketball team in the National College Basketball League. Our netball team fought valiantly on Thursday against Stowe School in a highly competitive affair which served as great preparation for their forthcoming Regional Finals. Well done to all concerned in those matches and the very best of luck to the students below who are representing NSB in the Junior Boys race at the ESAA Cross Country Cup National Final tomorrow at Princethorpe College, near Rugby. 

Last week I mentioned that Year 12 student Alice Berrill was competing for GB in the U20 European Championships at water polo and I am delighted to report that the GB team returned home with the Bronze Medal and Alice as one of the top scorers in the whole competition! Well done also to Y11 student Luca McCourtie who secured 'Student of the Week' for his exceptional attitude at Birmingham City Academy. 

 

News filtered through this week of an inspirational achievement over the summer by Thomas Jones in Year 13 who cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats. Thomas did this alone – camping and staying with family/friends along the way – and he is now waiting to hear if he is the youngest person this year to have successfully completed this amazing feat! 

As we approach our annual Charity Week, get ready for the return of the Staff Panto—a fun-filled performance featuring our talented teachers and students!  The first of two performances is open to students only at lunchtime on 11th December, with the evening performance open to all at 6pm. It is sure to get you in the festive spirit. Tickets are available in the links below as well as tickets for the Down for the Count concert we will be hosting in the new year. Tickets for both events are available below.

 

Finally, huge thanks to Mrs Welch and her helpers who have transformed the 1911 Hall and Cripps Atrium into Winter Wonderlands and particular thanks to Mrs Leahy ( from the company Flowers and Strings) who has donated Christmas Wreaths for both NSB and NS for the past three years! Our thanks also go to Welford Christmas Tree Farm who have also donated the incredible Christmas Tree currently in the 1911 hall at NSB as well as the Christmas tree outside Northampton School for the third year running as well. We are extremely grateful!

 

Richard Bernard

Headteacher