Headteacher's Bulletin 13th October 2023
The Cripps Theatre audience was treated to a blockbuster ' Magic at the Movies' concert last night! It was an evening rich in entertainment, which resonated with the highest levels of student musical talent amidst resplendent costumes and virtually seamless Stage Management. Mr Druker did a fantastic job, as ever, of leading from the front, albeit with a slightly menacing 'Lord Voldemort' air! A huge thanks to all staff, students and Friends of NSB Music involved in putting on such a majestic performance and we very much look forward to next term's shows, which of course will include our incredibly popular Christmas Concert.
Another forthcoming Arts event that we are tremendously looking forward to is our Visual Arts exhibition The exhibition takes place on Tuesday, November 14th from 6-8pm and the event will celebrate the artistic work created by our students over the past year and will feature the work of all year groups as well as by our alumni. There will also be live work created on the night by a selection of our Y13 students, in addition to opportunities for joining in a mini workshop. Tickets are available from this link: NSB Visual Arts Exhibition at The Cripps Hall event tickets from TicketSource
National Poetry Day was celebrated across the country on Thursday 5th October, and this year we welcomed poetry submissions for our inaugural NSB Trust Poetry House Competition.
Mrs Barlow is the Director of Literacy and Reading across the NSB Trust and she has given this report:
It was fantastic to see so many entries, taking on so many poetic forms: from acrostics to haikus to dramatic monologues. We look forward to many more literary-themed house events throughout the academic year.
The theme of National Poetry Day this year was “refuge” and students were invited to submit their own poems pertaining to the theme. We were impressed by the empathetic, creative and considered poems that were submitted. Some notable entries are printed below. There are many more resources available on the National Poetry Day website should you wish to read and share poetry at home. Poetry is a fantastic way to enjoy reading together and allows young people to engage with the wider world in an accessible, inclusive medium.
I am no Battleground
Where I grew, the place I knew
Battleground. Battleground
I moved away, somewhere to stay
To yet another city, but it was still just another
Battleground. Battleground
The education system, a place of wisdom
But it is just another Battleground. Battleground
When I became older, it soon grew clear
People only saw me as a
Battleground.
By Euan, Y8.
Excerpt from “REFUGE”
I was living a happy life
before they came.
I was with my family
before they came.
I was free
before they came.
My country was free
before they came.
I lived in a house
before they came.
I lived a sad life
when they came.
My family was taken away
when they came.
I was oppressed
when they came.
My country was oppressed
when they came.
I lived in a ditch
when they came.
I sought Refuge
And nobody was there
By Michal, Y9.
Refugee: more than just a word
Seeking to be human again,
In a battle between time and pain.
A refugee is one forced to flee,
From war, persecution or catastrophe.
Their life and home no longer free,
In search of security, they cross land and sea.
The types are many, each with their own story,
From families and friends torn apart to sole survivors of glory.
Their agony and suffering often makes us worry,
For they have left behind all that was once merry.
We are fortunate to live in a well-founded society,
A place where refuge is given with no calamity,
Where safety isn’t a rarity,
And where freedom is a reality.
May we always have compassion for those who flee,
For they too need love and sanctuary, just like you and me.
by Christabel, Y13
It has been an week of sporting success for many of our teams in various competitions. On the National Cup front, many congratulations to the U14 rugby team who looked immensely strong in their win over Oundle School in Round 2 of the National U14 Rugby Cup and also to the U16B and U12 Elite teams who won their respective National Cup football games in comprehensive style. Special mention to Y7 student Romeo White, who scored his first NSB hat trick in the 6-3 Elite Cup win against Richard Hale School, Hertfordshire.
Finally, we are looking forward to our Personal Development (PD) Week next week which involves an engaging mixture of residentials (Y8/12) / Work Experience (Y10) and in school PD activities for other year groups. Parents / carers are reminded that there is a Teacher Training Day on the Monday.
Richard Bernard
Headteacher
