The event had speakers from the Lieutenancy, Jewish community, West Northants Council, Inter Faith Forum, Northamptonshire Fire and Police and a Northampton International Academy performance. Two NSB students had roles that supported the whole event. Mihir Kandi was the compère for the afternoon and Mason Ho played the keyboard twice, which helped to break up the speakers. Both students were absolutely outstanding— a true credit to the school.    

Upon arrival, we were each sorted onto one of five tables, with students from schools across the county, before an initial lecture from Dr Paul Jackson, Professor of History of Radicalism and Extremism at the University of Northampton. He spoke about the existence of Holocaust denial and its perpetrators and gave a fascinating insight into antisemitism both throughout history and in the modern day. The session’s focus then shifted to discussion and debate within our particular tables, split up into three areas of discussion. The first was a historical focus; looking at Hitler’s rise to power, why he was elected and what atrocities came with that. Secondly, a religious focus, in which we discussed how Hitler formed this image of God around himself and the dilemma the church faced contemporaneously, and finishing with a societal focus in which we discussed the Nazi propaganda machine and how the next generation could consider the consequences of extremism.

Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity to not only discuss and listen to other perspectives and ideas on a range of topics, many of which are still extremely pertinent today, but also to have the platform, as I did, to then share and present these ideas to a receptive crowd.

The Student Leadership Group explained how we raise awareness of our chosen charities through displays, assemblies, morning personal development sessions, parent/carer/staff emails and social media. They then relayed how NSB's Charity Week works with each Form putting on an event as well as taking part in a sponsored activity. This year this included leg waxing, a netball match, acts of kindness, throwing a sponge at a teacher, sponsored silences, goal kicks, collective marathons, swimming, rowing and cycling, cake sales, games in the concourse, sweet pong, guess the sweets in a jar and many more… There was also a raffle, a non-uniform day, festive jumper day, a staff band video and even a staff panto – Jack and the Bean Tin. XX Factor, which has become a firmly embedded NSB tradition, raised nearly £4,000 alone; students auditioned and then performed in front of a packed house in the theatre with staff judges deciding who went through to the final on the last day. This year was one of the best we have had and the most closely run contest, making a fantastic final.

Our guests enjoyed an hour chatting to students, and networking with each other, and during the presentation of their cheques were able to convey how the money would be used and talked about the fantastic work they undertake as well as highlighting many more ventures that the NSB Community can become further involved in. It was an absolute pleasure to meet these individuals who work tirelessly to ensure that the quality of life for others is paramount, whatever the issue. Thank you to all the representatives who came along from Cynthia Spencer Hospice, The Lowdown, The Lighthouse Centre, Marie Curie, Crohn's and Colitis UK and The Matt Hampson Foundation.  It was particularly poignant to welcome back to NSB Hazel Kouzaris, Always A Chance, and Jason Forksitt, BacZachisLegacy, whose sons - James and Zac were ex NSB students who are sadly no longer with us but whose names and memories live on through the charities founded in their honour. 

Altogether, £11,300.82 was raised, and, in addition, we were able to pass on over 2,000 items donated as part of our Tins, Toys and Toiletries campaign to The Hope Centre (Homelessness and poverty), EVE (Domestic abuse charity) and The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation (supporting families in need).

A huge thanks also to Matt Hampson who stayed on after the presentation to deliver an inspiring talk to the BTEC Sport students regarding the work of his Foundation which strives to give the fantastic opportunities and support to young people seriously injured through sport. 

Thank you to all involved on the day and also to all the students, parents/carers, staff and Governors who helped us reach our amazing total during Charity Week.

Kineton High School, Goffs Academy and NSB took part in this thought provoking and intellectually challenging event. David Waller, the local chair of the HA, and also a lecturer of Politics, came to act as judge for the event. He introduced the event, explaining the historical connection between NSB and the HA, as the local branch of the HA was founded by a teacher in the original Grammar School. 

The topic which was to be discussed by pupils was 'local history can tell a global story' and we saw participants interpret this in different ways. Some spoke about the local history of their homeland, such as Poland or Wales, and others spoke about the history of Northampton, or even their own towns which are further afield such as Leeds. 

The NSB pupils who took part were Maddy Gowler, William Brown and Isaac Levett. Maddy spoke about the history of Irish immigrants settling in Northampton, and how this tells the global story of immigration. It was incredibly well researched and written, showing how immigrants from Ireland were met with disdain, whereas in more modern times, immigrants fleeing the Ukraine war have been more readily accepted into society. William and Isaac spoke about the history of Crick and his work on DNA, and how this tells the story of scientific and medical developments. They had clearly done some strong research into Crick as an individual, and expressed how the town and school helped to encourage his achievements, and still celebrate it today - reminding us of the importance of education.

All of the speeches were excellent and it was an immensely difficult decision for the judge who eventually determined that a pupil from Kineton High School had won the heat, and would go through to the Semi Final stage, which will take place virtually. All the NSB students represented the school brilliantly.

The NSB U18 A and B Netball teams, accompanied by Miss Harvey, Miss Imison and Mrs Rutherford, had two fantastic games over at Wellingborough School on Thursday evening with wins of 41-28 and 26-7 respectively and exceptional performances by players of the match Erin Searing (A) and Amelia Millam (B).