SpratChat Interview with Mr Roberts

Sport News

Music News

Art News

Pre-Prep News

House Competitions

30 Days Wild

Charity Work

From the Head Master 9 June 2017

In the News

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After what has been a rather torrid time for the country over the past few weeks, it was good to get back to school after half term and for Year 8 to be getting on with their Common Entrance exams.

General Election Perhaps unsurprisingly, the General Election was the theme in my assembly on Wednesday. I was most impressed with how much even the younger children in the prep school knew about the election and Parliament. We then held a mock election, with the children voting for their Prime Minister from the five choices of the leaders of the Conserva-tives, the Green Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats and UKIP. We watched short excerpts from the party election broadcasts for each party and the children then had to make their selection. The votes were counted very quickly (thank you, Maths Department) whilst we sang our hymn and then, as Returning Officer for the Spratton Hall Constit-uency of pupils in Years 3 – 7, I announced the results as follows:

UKIP – 3% Green Party – 3% Liberal Democrats – 4% Labour – 15% Conservative – 75%

This was declared a landslide victory for the Conservatives and, as far as Spratton pupils were concerned, Theresa May was duly re-elected Prime Minister. Having watched the ‘real’ results come in overnight and keeping an eye on the news this morning, the electorate did not see things in quite the same way!

Past Pupils Success I was delighted to hear that Lucy Stock, who left Spratton Hall in 2013, has just been appointed Head of School at Oundle. This is a wonderful achievement for Lucy, as she has now achieved the ‘double’ – Head Girl at Spratton and Head Girl at Oundle.

Year 8 and Common Entrance Year 8 can now breathe a huge sigh of relief as Common Entrance is over and they now have four weeks ahead of them of interesting and varied activities. Next week’s activities include the Fashion Show on Tuesday (4.30pm – all welcome), safety talks, the Greek form challenge, treasure hunt and a visit from our newly re-elected local MP, Mr Chris Heaton-Harris. Given the current political climate, this should be a fascinating talk and Q&A session. On Friday evening they have the Year 8 v parents rounders and cricket matches, which will, no doubt, be hotly contested!

SHSPA Family Picnic and Car Show As you know, this takes place on Sunday from 12.30pm – 4.00pm, with many events lined up and a good number of quite wonderful cars on display. Among other things, there will be bouncy castles, auctions and raffles, ‘BYO’ remote-controlled cars and House Horsepower Competition. We hope the weather behaves itself and the grounds should be dry enough for everybody to enjoy a picnic. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Lego Cards Unfortunately, we have had a few difficulties with children bringing in Lego cards that have led to some going ‘missing’ and children doing swaps with each other which has caused a number of issues. As a result, we have asked the children not to bring Lego cards into school from Monday.

Stowe Art Exhibition Having attended the Stowe Art Exhibition for the last few years, it really is a fantastic event held in beautiful sur-roundings. I do hope those children who are having their work exhibited this year are able to go along to the grand opening and enjoy the occasion.

Full School Photograph Monday morning sees our annual full school photograph which is held on Arthur’s Square. Could I take this oppor-tunity to remind you that all children need to be in winter uniform for the photo.

Events Next Week Good luck to all those performing in the informal concert on Monday evening at 5.30pm, and to Year 7 who are per-forming their production ‘Midsummer Northants Madness’ on Thursday at 5.30pm. Finally, Senior Sports Day takes place on Friday at 2.00pm.

Thank you

This was the first time Year 4 visited Burghley House for their Art

study visit in the rain, which meant they could not visit the lovely

water gardens in the sunshine. However, it did mean a more

relaxed schedule for the day and the children had longer to make

their wire dragonflies!

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Spratton Hall Newsletter Page 2

Informal Concert Years 3–7 – Monday 12th June A programme has now been finalised for the Informal Concert and a letter has been sent out to all those involved. Please re-turn the reply slip as soon as possible. The programme is also now available to view in the Music Department and on the school website.

ABRSM Exams The ABRSM theory exam will be on Saturday 17th June at 10.00 am. The ABRSM practical exams will take place on Tuesday 20th June and Wednesday 21st June. A timetable for the exams can now be viewed on the school website.

Senior Choir Charity Concert – Saturday 17th June We are all looking forward to the charity concert on Saturday 17th June. The Senior Choir will be meeting at Kettering Salva-tion at 6.15 pm, the concert will start at 7.00 pm and finish by approximately 8.30 pm. Tickets are available from the main school office at a cost of £5. All are welcome to attend.

Cancelled Clubs There will be no Senior Choir on Tuesday 13th June due to the Fashion Show.

There will be no Junior Song on Tuesday 20th June due to Junior Sports Day.

Music Department

S p r a t C h a t

Mr Roberts

Mr Jeremy Roberts, Senior Master, talks to Year 8 pupils Isabella Lloyd, Mia Darby and Ethan La Porta.

What is the most exciting thing you have ever done?

It depends on the country. I have done bungee jumping in New Zealand where I also climbed a glacier. In Canada I was chased by a Brown bear. In Hawaii I surfed a huge wave until I touched a turtle. In Wales it was coasteering and working down a real coal mine. In Ireland cycling in driving rain from Dublin to Cork and in Scotland it was chasing a tent being blown away in gale force winds with Mrs Roberts still inside it.

Is it true you used to be in a pony club?

Yes, I was in the East Herts Pony Club for five years. The only first place rosette I ever won though was for being the rider who most looked like their pony!

When you were in Year 8 did you win an award on Speech Day?

Yes, I won the Drama Cup for playing Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Geography Cup.

Have you ever witnessed any geographical events?

Yes, I watched a volcanic eruption in Hawaii, felt an earthquake in Ro-tura, New Zealand, was caught up in a dust storm in Alice Springs, Aus-tralia and I have seen a forest fire in Alicante, Spain.

Now for the ‘quickfire’ questions:

Favourite holiday destination? Tucson, Arizona, the stars at night are amazing.

Favourite sport to play or watch? Rugby to play and F1 to watch.

Favourite drink? Champagne

Favourite gadget? Vantage Pro 2 Weather Station

Favourite meal? Anything with prawns!

Favourite day? Thursday - Quiz Night

Favourite television show? Monty Hall’s Great Hebridean Escape

Favourite film? The Impossible

Favourite website? http://www.wordgametime.com/games/traveler-iq-challenge

Finally, can you describe yourself in 3 words? Fat, fair, forty

Summer Concerts The following ensembles will be playing in the concerts at the end of the Summer term;

Summer Serenade - Monday 3rd July Senior Choir, Junior Song, Boys’ Choir and Room 23.

Musical Medley – Tuesday 4th July Concert Band, Junior Wind Band, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, String Or-chestra and Recorder Ensemble.

Instrumental Lessons From September 2017, we will be offering parents of pupils in Years 3 and 4 the option of choosing a shared instrumental lesson as well as an individual lesson. Shared lessons will be taught in pairs at a cost of £9.25 per 35 minutes. Shared lessons will be offered on orchestral instruments (subject to availability). They will not be available for singing, guitar, piano and drums. The option of a shared lesson will be open to beginners, pupils will then move on to having individual lessons once they are approximately Grade 1 in standard. Should you wish to sign up for a shared instrumental lesson, please complete the ‘Music Lesson Request Form’ and hand it in to Miss Morrell.

National Children’s Choir of Great Britain The National Children’s Choir of Great Britain auditions will take place in November 2017. The auditions are for entry into the Junior Choir (upper voices age 9 – Year 9). The choir meet twice a year, at Easter and in the summer, for 6 day residential courses. For further information, or to find out how to apply, please visit the website http://www.nccgb.com

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Artist of the Week Artist of the Week goes to

Spratton Hall Newsletter Page 3

TEAM OPPOSITION VENUE DATE RESULT

U12 A Rounders NHS Away 7.7.17 Won 15-8.5

U12 B Rounders NHS Away 7.7.17 Won 12.5-11

U11 A Rounders Tournament Away 7.6.17 Finished 4th

U10 A Rounders Leicester Grammar Home 7.6.17 Won 17-16

U10 B Rounders Leicester Grammar Home 7.6.17 Won 15-9

U10 C Rounders Leicester Grammar Home 7.6.17 Lost 9.5-10.5

Results

Art Department Sport Department

Fixture Amendments Thursday 15th June All Year 3 & 4 girls will be involved in the Leicester Grammar rounders matches. Wednesday 21st June Cancelled: Colts C Cricket v Bruern Abbey

Equestrian—Wellingborough School Show Jumping

We put forward a new combination this week of Alice Mackaness, Bella Ruddle, Willow Docker and Bea Orme-Smith. Again, all girls did themselves proud and there were some very encouraging rounds from all with lots of smiles at the end. Isabelle Wright and Alice also competed in the higher classes as individuals and both had creditable clear rounds. We finished with Alice as 4th as an individual in the 65cm class (out of 19). The team went onto add another win to their tally, an amazing result for such a young inexperienced team . We have now got matching team colours and the girls looked very smart. Special mention to Isabelle Wright who won the Best Turned-Out Combination.

An Important Safety Message from The Sports Department Mouthguards As you may be aware, the governing bodies of rugby and hockey strongly recommend the wearing of custom fitted mouthguards at all levels. The school policy is to adhere to these guidelines. We have asked OPRO, a den-tal organisation that specialises in mouthguards, to visit the school to give everyone the opportunity to have a dentally fitted mouthguard at a reason-able cost.

OPRO now visit a substantial number of schools, and provides the following service;

A qualified dental professional to take the impression.

A CE approved individually named mouthguard.

Anti-microbial mouthguards and cases available which reduce bacteria growth by 99.9%

D3O technology available which allows the mouthguard to be up to 50% thinner and lighter without compromising on the protection offered

Range of designs available which can be ordered online.

School name in mouthguard.

Mouthguards returned to school in approximately one week.

Prompt replacement in case of loss (OPRO keep the impression for up to 9 months, so no need to have a new impression during the same season).

A comprehensive aftercare service. OPRO have a dedicated customer care team to address any fitting issues or mouthguard queries.

A dental accident warranty for 12 months.

In order to take advantage of this service all you need do is:

Choose the mouthguard design you require from the enclosed leaflet or go to www.opro.com to see the full range of designs available.

Place the order either over the internet or by phone.

In all cases please deal directly with OPRO and not the school.

Mouthguard fittings will take place at the school on Friday 23rd June at 09:30 and Thursday 7th September at 09:30.

Your child will then be fully prepared for the rugby/hockey season in Sep-tember. We have been assured by OPRO that usually there will be a mini-mum amount of change to teeth between the moulding and the start of the new term.

Whilst we are able to take order forms on the day of the fitting, this does cause inconvenience and may delay the delivery of the mouthguards, so can we urge you to reply as soon as possible.

If your child already has a mouthguard, please check it does still fit. Please also visit the OPRO site at www.opro.com for further information, special offers and the latest designs. Sarah Blason Head of PE

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Spratton Hall Newsletter Page 4

Artist of the Week Artist of the Week goes to Maddie Cory for doing nine

wonderful pepper studies during the half term holiday.

Well done Maddie, they are wonderful.

Art Department Car Boot Sale

Year 8 would like to thank anyone who contributed items for the Car Boot Sale and well done Isabel Stock, India Clarke, Millie Walters and Lauren Baucutt who raised a brilliant £132.53 at the Holcot car boot sale in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

School Shop

CLOSED - Thursday 15th June

The afternoon has been set aside for appointments only for new parents. Should you have any urgent requirements on that day, please email schoolshop@sprattonhall.com

Non-School Events

Sunday 11th June

Spratton Mini Music Festival 2017, St Andrew’s Church

Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July

Noye’s Fludde (Noah’s Flood) at Nevill Holt Opera

Festival

Please see full details on our school website

www.sprattonhall.com

Monday 12th June

Full School Photograph - 9.30 am

All children are to wear full winter

uniform for the day please.

Thursday 15th June

Sports Team Photos - 9.15 am

Please ensure your child has all their correct and clean team kit.

Year 8 Fashion Show

Parents from all year groups

are welcome to attend the

Year 8 Fashion Show on

Tuesday 13th June from 4.30—

5.30 pm in Hunter Hall. Young-

er siblings are also welcome.

This year’s theme is William

Shakespeare.

Are You Having a Clear-Out?

We Need your Junk!

Year 7 will be doing some Steam Punk

themed art during activities week.

We can use most unwanted items so if in

doubt bring them in to the Art Room.

Here are some suggestions:

DIY

Metal objects, nails, screws, cogs, washers, straight or flexible pipes

(metal and plastic), wheels, wire, picture hooks.

Kitchen items

Pots/pans, utensils, cutlery, interesting tins.

Other

Leather items (boots, bags, belts, jackets), old electrical items, clocks,

lace, old glasses and swimming goggles.

Many thanks

Mrs Moreton & Mrs Williams (Science Department)

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Spratton Hall Newsletter Page 5

Yesterday, as part of 30 Days Wild, the Eco-Reps were potting up their sunflowers. By the end of term, they will be planted outside and the compe-tition judged the first week back in Septem-ber. The tallest sunflower wins. Other 30 Day Wild challenges have happened this week, despite the weather not being kind, although the ‘rolling down the hill’ was not completed! More news next week.

F Kinnear

House Singing Competition

Event Drake Frobisher Grenville Raleigh

Whole house same song

The Muppet Theme

The Muppet Theme

The Muppet Theme

The Muppet Theme

Position 4th 1st 2nd 3rd

Whole House own song

Bohemian Rhapsody

Life’s a Happy Song

Copacabana Movin’ Right Along

Position 4th 2nd= 2nd= 1st

Final Position

4th 1st= 3rd 1st=

30 Days Wild

The last Friday of half term saw the return of the annual House Singing Competition. After weeks of practice, everyone was ready to sing their hearts out in the Hunter Hall to try and win the sought-after plate. This year’s honour went to both Frobisher and Raleigh as joint winners.

Lost Property

Isobel Harper: tracksuit top (named)

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Lunch Menu

Spratton Hall Newsletter Page 6

Monday

12th

Tuesday

13th

Wednesday

14th

Thursday

15th

Friday

16th

Saturday

17th

Sunday

18th

Year 8 Special

Activity Week

0930

Full School

Photograph—Winter

Uniform

1600

2nd & 3rd IX

Rounders v Quinton

House (H)

1730—1815

Years 3-7 Informal

Concert in Hunter

Hall

1300—1730

Junior IAPS

Athletics at

Cambridge—Years

4&5

1330—1515

New Children into

Miss Yeo’s

Reception Class

1630—1730

Year 8 Fashion

Show in Hunter

Hall

1000—1530

Colts A Cricket

Tournament at

Leicester Grammar (A)

1130

Year 8 Gateway Drugs

Safety Talk

1430

1st & 2nd XI Cricket v

Beachborough (H)

3rd XI & 4th X Cricket v

Beachborough (A)

1st & 2nd IX Rounders v

Winchester House (A)

3rd IX Rounders v

Beachborough (H)

U11 A&B, U10A Rounders

v Winchester House (H)

0915

Sports Team

Photographs—full kit

required

1330—1515

New Children into Mrs

Bold’s Reception Class

1500

U8 A, B, C & D Cricket v

Fairfield (H)

U9A Cricket v Maidwell

Hall (H)

1545

U9A, U9/8 Rounders v

Leicester Grammar (A)

1730—1830

Year 7 Play: Midsummer

Northants Madness in

Hunter Hall

1000—1500

Year 3 WWII History

Visit to Holdenby

House

1400—1600

Years 6, 7 & 8 Sports

Day

1630

Year 8 & Parents

Cricket & Rounders

Matches

1100

Colts A&B Cricket v

Akeley Wood (H)

1900

Senior Choir Singing at

Kettering Salvation

Army Charity Concert

No Calendar

Events

School Diary for June

Menu Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Soup of the Day Leek & Potato Soup Tomato Soup

Meat Main Course Sausage & Bacon Pasta

Chicken Fricasse Meat Loaf in a Peppercorn Sauce

Roast Loin of Pork & Trimmings

Fish Fingers, Chips & Peas

Vegetarian Main Course Mushroom Stroganoff

Stuffed Peppers with Vegetable Cous Cous

Red Onion & Goats’ Cheese Tart

Vegetarian Sausage Rolls

Vegetable Burgers

Salad Bar Options Chicken Pitta or

Cheese & Vegetable Pitta

Feta Cheese & Olives

or Roast Pork

Selection of Cheese & Bacon

or Cheese & Tomato

Croissants

Tuna Mayonnaise or

Egg Mayonnaise

Roast Ham or

Prawns in Marie Rose Sauce

Jacket Potato Bar Cheese & Beans Minced Beef & Vegetables

Brie & Bacon Chilli Con Carne Chicken Curry

Pre-Prep (Meat & Vegetarian Main

Courses plus)

Roast Ham or

Grated Cheese

Sausage Roll or

Boiled Egg

Grated Cheese or

Tuna Mayonnaise

Roast Ham or

Egg Mayonnaise

Grated Cheese or

Tuna

Desserts Bananas & Custard

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

Bakewell Tart

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

Cranachan Trifle

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

Pineapple Upside Cake

Yoghurt, Fruit,

Cheese & Biscuits

Fudge Brownie

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Soup of the Day Carrot & Orange French Onion

Meat Main Course Sausage & Bacon

Tomato Pasta

Lasagne & Garlic

Bread

Roast Pork &

trimmings

Chicken Kiev

Fish Fingers, Chips &

Peas

Vegetarian Main Course Cheese & Cherry

Tomato Pasta Mornay

Vegetable Lasagne

Goats Cheese &

Caramelised Onion Tart

Lemon Thyme & Chick

Pea Cous Cous

Five Bean Vegetable &

Chick Pea Casserole

Salad Bar Options Roasted Ham

or Grated Cheese

Roast Turkey

or Broccoli & Tomato

Quiche

Mini Indian Mix

or Roast Pork

Savoury Chicken & Ham Choux Buns

or Tuna Mayonnaise

Roasted Ham

or Grated Cheese

Jacket Potato Bar Cream Cheese & Chive

Cheesy Beans Bolognaise

Pre-Prep (Meat & Vegetarian Main

Courses plus)

Ham or

Cheese

Sausage Roll or

Egg Mayonnaise

Grated Cheese or

Tuna Mayonnaise

Ham or

Egg Mayonnaise

Grated Cheese or

Ham

Desserts Apple Strudel

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

Choc Ices

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

Banoffee Pie

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

Marble Sponge

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

Fudge Brownie

Yoghurt, Fruit, Cheese & Biscuits

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Spratton Hall Newsletter Page 7

Monday 12th June, 9.00am – Full

School Photograph

(Children to be dressed in winter uniform

please)

Tuesday 13th June, 1.30-3.15pm – New

Children into Miss Yeo’s Reception

Class

Thursday 15th June, 1.30-3.15pm –

New Children into Mrs Bold’s Recep-

tion Class

Monday 19th June – Moving On Morn-

ing for current and new pupils moving

into Reception and Years 1-3

Monday 19th June, 6pm – Moving On

Information Evening for all current Pre

-Prep parents and parents new to Pre-

Prep and Year 3.

Tuesday 20th June, 9.00am-3.00pm –

Reception Study Visit to Everdon Out-

door Learning Centre

Congratulations to Florence Campion

(2D) who has gained her Grooming

Badge at Pony Club.

Very well done to Alfred Cowell (1N)

who has been gained his Swimming

Survival Skills Award.

Congratulations to Freddie Pinny (RY)

whose sheep, Jenny, won Breed

Champion at the Suffolk Show

Enjoying the rather intermittent burst of sunshine this week, the summer months always pre-

sent the children with numerous opportunities for foraging in the leafy flower beds, upturning

rocks and gently rolling over logs in the quest to find creepy, crawly mini-beasts. Tucked inside

a little plastic tub, complete with grass to slither through and air holes punctured in the lid, we

even had a very wriggly worm brought in from home to visit 1G this week!

There are, in fact, an additional five little wriggly bodies in many of the classrooms at present –

in the form of tiny hairy caterpillars, safely housed in pots and busily feasting on sugar syrup to

fatten themselves up in preparation for spinning their chrysalises. Even though the children

know exactly what is going to happen, they find it so exciting and fascinating to watch a life cy-

cle in action.

In this final half-term, our thoughts are increasingly focused on supporting and preparing the

children, ready for their next year groups. Year 2 are working with determination towards gain-

ing their pen licences and, in their smart class lines and with a member of staff hovering close

behind, they are starting to make short independent journeys to some of their specialist les-

sons, just like the older Prep School children do. In Reception, those children who feel able to,

have been bouncing through the sliding doors of their classrooms all by themselves in the morn-

ings. In addition, encouraging the children to hang up their coats and put away their book bags

independently, is all worthwhile and valuable preparation ready for Year 1.

Finally, a reminder that on Monday 19th June, following the excitement of the children’s ‘Moving

On Morning’, we are holding a ‘Moving On Parent Information Evening’ for all our current Pre-

Prep parents and parents new to Reception and Year 3. Following drinks on arrival, parents will

have the opportunity to meet their child’s new teacher and listen to short talks about the expec-

tations and curriculum for the coming academic year. An informative and worthwhile event, we

very much hope you are able to join us.

Mrs Fiona Sanchez Head of Pre-Prep