Welcome to a brand new academic year - our classrooms are already buzzing with activity and expectation!  I have been truly impressed by the creativity demonstrated across all age groups in our NGHS 150 Junior Challenge - the range of skills and passions exhibited has been astounding, and I look forward to confirming the date of our exhibition.  Coupled with seeing girls rising to the challenges of settling into new year groups and working to even higher academic, sporting and pastoral expectations, it has been a real pleasure touring classes during our first eight days back at school. Thank you to every parent who managed to join us for 'welcome meetings' this week too; I look forward to working with you over the coming academic year.

      The Autumn Term promises to be action-packed as usual, with opportunities for girls to shine in lessons, at extra-curricular clubs and on field trips.  As well as new ground-breaking study visits which will be announced shortly,  we have exciting annual staples such as Year 6's recent workshops at Warning Zone, Year 5's imminent two-day residential to Stratford upon Avon, and a huge array of fixtures and concerts.

      This message comes to you with my very best wishes for the Autumn Term.

      Purposeful study visits and field trips that combine exciting locations with memorable learning are a cornerstone of a creative curriculum - and our annual exploration of Shakespeare's Stratford upon Avon is just around the corner!

      In three weeks' time, Year 5 will be off to learn about everyday life in Tudor England at the home of the Bard's grandmother, Mary Arden, which is now owned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.  With exclusive use of the whole premises, the girls will participate in a full-day workshop based on A Midsummer Night's Dream and hands-on activities to learn about 16th century construction techniques, food production, herbal remedies and recreation.  There will also be a walking tour of Stratford, with a visit to the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company.               

      As well as the pastoral  opportunity that one night away from home with friends offers, this will allow girls from 5JC and 5MC to work collaboratively, extend their learning beyond the classroom, and visualise the settings and scenarios in their current English texts, Rogues' Gold and Diver's Daughter.