Headteacher's Bulletin - Friday, May 10th 2024
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Last Sunday, Mrs Morrison and Mrs Rodger took ten Sixth Form English students to the Theatre to see Gyles Brandreth's one man show - 'Can't Stop Talking'. Gyles kindly gave the NSB group a wonderful VIP experience, with a personal meeting back stage prior to the show and NSB mentions during it! One of the group, Owen from Y13, turned 18 on the day and Gyles ensured that the whole 1000 strong Theatre sang a rousing 'Happy Birthday' to him - a birthday he won't forget! Many thanks to Sir Michael Ellis MP who helped broker such an incredible visit.
Five talented Y12 students recently submitted an incredibly professional and poised paper for the University of Cambridge, Davidson Inventors Challenge, 2024. Mrs Hennah has overseen the work and she reports
'This exceptional entry was put together by the most amazing group of Y12 students. They have directed, written, and researched this project 'Investigation into the Use of Bacterial Cellulose in Sanitary Products' with only the lightest of touch support. I am deeply impressed by their professionalism and ability.
A huge well done to Susanna Law, Josh Obi, Petula Law, Kanthika Bandara and Elena Davies.
Two of our leading musicians in Y12 - Mary Herbert and Charlie Taylor in Y12 had their outstanding musical talent, recognised brilliantly last weekend, when they represented England at the European Youth Brass Band Championships held in Lithuania. Both performed fantastically well and demonstrated great pride in representing their country.
Early in the week, the Cripps Theatre was full of budding Oxbridge applicants avidly listening to the advice of two admissions tutors from Oxford and Cambridge Universities respectively. Miss Sneddon and Mrs Bradley-Brophy hosted the highly polished and informative evening, which was very well attended by students from a range of Northampton schools - Miss Sneddon reports:
On Tuesday evening, NSB hosted its annual Oxbridge evening where schools across the county were invited to join us for an evening of all things Oxbridge! Representatives from both the Oxford and Cambridge admissions teams talked students through everything from picking the right college to UCAS applications to admission tests and gave a very comprehensive overview of life as an Oxbridge student. Feedback from the evening was extremely positive, it has confirmed to many students that Oxbridge is the aspirational path for them.
Former student Posi Morakinyo has been a leading light in the West End for several years now.
He is currently starring in the Olivier nominated show 'For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy' by Ryan Calais Cameron. Mrs Greenaway and Miss Clinton went to see him in lead role action - their report is below:
It is a roller coaster ride - laughter and tears - and really conveys the issues that young black children, teenagers and men can sometimes contend with in trying to work out who they are and the pressures they are under from all sides - it's a hard hitting, thought provoking show that everyone over 14 should see - really eye opening. Posi was just sensational (as per normal!).
NSB Swimmers performed very well in the second half of the East Midlands Regional Championships (held over the recent Bank Holiday weekend). Mia Matthews Y12, Finlay Underwood, Y9, and Oliver Vasconcellos-Blanch, Y10 all competed admirably, securing several Personal Bests and the weekend was topped off by Mario Vasconcellos-Blanch continuing his title winning run from 2 weeks ago, winning his 100m Freestyle Heat with a new PB and then setting another PB in the final to win Gold and another Regional title. In the 50 m Free he also set PBs in the Heats and Final and gained a Bronze and on the final day he set PBs in the heats and final of the 50m Fly to gain Silver.
Many congratulations to Daniel James Y7 who recently competed in the British Youth Fencing Championships. Although two years young, Daniel competed in the Under 14 Epee category and was the youngest in this age group. After 8 matches, he placed 27th in the country, which is a great achievement before finally being knocked out by a Great Britain team fencer in an incredibly tight match, which ended 10:12. All outstanding experience for Daniel (pictured in grey trainers below) in preparation for next year when he will compete in the same age category but a year stronger in terms of experience and development.
On Wednesday the U14 Hockey team travelled to the Nottingham Hockey Centre to play in the Tier 1 National State School Competition. Mr Reid, who took the team, reports:
The team was in a group with Langley Park School, who are linked to Bromley and Beckenham HC and who had beaten Whitgift earlier in the year; Queen Mary's from Walsall, and Ilkley Grammar School from Yorkshire. In each pool game the team competed gamely, but could not finish their chances. In the second round we played well against Kingsdale Foundation from London, before a final game in which the team secured a 1-0 win.
Dan Tilston was rock solid in goal. Joe Taylor unleashed impressive aerials which even unlocked the experienced Langley Park defence. Evan Francis read the game beautifully at centre back, making numerous last-ditch challenges. In midfield Luca Scaccia, Lucas Dadswell and Isaac Granby showed their class and a tireless work ethic. Up front Dylan Brown led the line with boundless enthusiasm, energy and impressive stick skill. Ben Fletcher and Harrison Archer, both playing in their first tournaments, chased and tackled with gusto.
This was a fantastic experience for the team, playing against schools who regularly compete with teams on the private school circuit. Thanks to all the players for their dedication over the course of the season.
There were also some excellent wins this week for the various NSB Athletics Teams in winning the Town Championships, the U15 Tennis team, the U13 Water Polo team who have made the National Final after topping their Semi-Final group and the U13 Cricket team who delivered a sensational performance to defeat a strong Bromsgrove School Team in Round 2 of the National Cup (all the County Champions of last season compete in this National Cup) and who now look forward to a Round 3 tie against either Stamford School or KES, Birmingham.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Richard Bernard
Executive Headteacher
