13 February 2026
13 February 2026
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Happy Lunar New Year! 🐎
Happy Lunar New Year! 🐎
新年好
The Year of the Horse is here - and millions across the world are welcoming it with family, friends, prayer and feasting. The Lunar New Year, which coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calendar, is a fortnight during which Chinese communities celebrate what is considered to be their most important festivaI of the year.
We wish good health, prosperity and happiness to all of our families who will be celebrating over Half Term, and we welcome everyone to our special Chinese New Year edition of Spark!
By Charlotte Chen
In the Chinese zodiac, horses epitomize vitality, speed, perseverance and success, and people born in the Year of the Horse are reputed to be very impulsive - they act before they think.
This year, the Year of the Horse begins on 17th February, and 2026 is special because it’s a Fire Horse year which only comes around once every six decades! This makes the horse’s original element - fire - even stronger than in other Years of the Horse, amplifying the animal's good traits for the year!
Jasmine Chen
Foodie corner 🍚🥢
Foodie corner 🍚🥢
Sophia Chen
My favourite food treat at Lunar New Year is the dumplings that I make with my family. I also love Chinese hotpot (known also in some parts of southeast Asia as 'steamboat'), and I can highly recommend a the Four Seasons restaurant on Mansfield Road which specialises in hotpot cooking.
I also enjoy dim sum at Mr Man's in Wollaton; savoury or sweet bitesize portions - usually at weekends - with spring rolls as an especially traditional starter!
Chinese hotpot is a sociable meal where diners cook thinly sliced meats, seafood, vegetables and noodles in a simmering pot of flavoured broth at the table, with each person choosing what to cook and when.
Above: In Chinese culture, it is considered polite and respectful to give and receive gifts or other important items using two hands.
Below: Jiaozi are traditional Chinese dumplings with a 1,800-year history, and are typically served boiled, steamed, or pan-fried ('potstickers') with dipping sauce.
A Chinese childhood
A Chinese childhood
By Leah Watson
I interviewed my mother to discover her early memories of Chinese New Year:
"When I was little, I would receive hongbao (red envelopes filled with money) from family members on Chinese New Year. We would prepare a feast which usually included dumplings (jiaozi) and a fish dish - these both symbolized wealth, prosperity and good fortune. There were also sticky rice cakes to symbolise progress, prosperity and unity, plus many other yummy dishes. After the meal, we would watch fireworks and the spring festival gala together on China's national television channel (below). I remember my grandmother making me a dress for Chinese New Year, and we children would do lots of crafts such as making Chinese lanterns and window paper-cuts to put around the house. Overall, I really enjoyed Chinese New Year as it was an opportunity to spend time with my family and to receive lovely gifts!" 🎁
Time to celebrate! 🎉
Time to celebrate! 🎉
By Si-Rae Jiang
For Chinese New Year, my family decorates the house by hanging red and gold banners, and sticking paper cutouts on windows.
Each year, I receive 'hong bao' red envelopes, which I usually save for spending in the future. Sometimes we go out to watch exciting dragon or lion dances performed in different cities - these are traditionally thought to drive away the bad spirits of the previous year.
Above: Chinese New Year in Birmingham
Above: Thank you to Mr Yau who joined our youngest pupils on Wednesday to speak about Lunar New Year. The girls very much enjoyed his storytelling, finding out about animals of the Chinese zodiac, and decorating paper lanterns.
Historic horses
Historic horses
Junli Chen
China's world-famous Terracotta Army is renowned for its unique and impressive collection of over 8,000 life-sized clay models of human warriors, as well as nearly 600 of their trusty companions: the mighty war horses.
These stunning figures took nearly forty years to construct and were created as 'tomb art’ for the burial of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The model army was intended to protect him in his afterlife.
The horses of the Terracotta Army are historic symbols that link especially well to this year’s Fire Horse themes of vitality, strength and progress.
Read all about it!
Read all about it!
Ms Taylor
In the Junior School Library, we are galloping into the Lunar New Year with a display celebrating the annual festival - and HORSES, of course!
Girls have been enjoying books from this brilliant range of non-fiction, as well as sharing their favourite horse and pony stories.
A message from Mrs Keller
A message from Mrs Keller
On Monday 23rd February - the first day back after Half Term - we will be welcoming junior-aged visitors to the school to experience life at NGHS. With this in mind, we ask our own girls to note:
Come to school in PE kit
There will be some minor timetable changes
Breakfast club will run as usual, however the Dining Hall will not be open to parents
Please also be aware that there may be additional congestion during drop off and pick up times.
We are confident that our girls will make our visitors feel very welcome.
Excellence in Mathematics 🏆
Excellence in Mathematics 🏆
Miss Baker
Congratulations to everyone who was recognised in this half term's awards for outstanding attainment and progress, with a focus on reasoning and problem solving in mathematics:
WINNER OF THE EXCELLENCE CUP
Emily Bloch, 6W
EXCELLENCE CUP SHORTLIST
Isabella Poulis, Kiya Calladine, Siya Varma, Jovana Krzanicki, Hattie Buxey, Chloe Sheppard, Emily Bloch, Charlotte Chen
MOST IMPROVED
Rosa-Mai Walsh, Minty Palmer-Parkin, Anya Knopp, Tilly Donohoe, Etta Bennett, Sophie Staples, Evie Myatt, Si-Rae Jiang
Musical notes 🎵
Musical notes 🎵
Mr Rolfe
Last Friday evening, our talented Ukulele and Voice pupils from Years 5 and 6 represented NGHS at the Nottingham’s annual Light Night celebration, performing in a concert at the Salvation Army’s William Booth Birthplace Museum.
The girls delivered performances full of passion, energy and joy to a very appreciative audience, making this a memorable experience for all involved.
Light Night was also an opportunity to present our hosts with a cheque for just over £200, which was donated by generous parents attending December's Winter Lights concert - thank you to everyone who contributed!
Last week, we were also delighted to host the ten-hour 2026 NGHS Piano Festival!
This was day of musical celebration with rehearsals, live concerts and a superb masterclass and workshop led by celebrated concert pianist and academic, Jill Morton, whose generosity, insight, and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on all who participated.
Jill was certainly impressed by our girls' attitudes and musicality, and by their keenness to ask great questions. From Year 1 to Year 10, we witnessed a clear love of playing the piano, coupled with poise and musical expression - well done everyone!
Thanks also go to our tutoring team - Mr Skinner, Mr Leese and Mrs Shaw - whose constant encouragement underpins the success of our young pianists. And it was especially fitting that Mrs Shaw was singled out for special recognition as the mastermind behind the entire festival.
Planning for the 2027's festival is already underway, and we look forward to building on this year’s successes.
Bringing Roman Britain to life
Bringing Roman Britain to life
Miss Baker
Year 4 were delighted this week to welcome our Senior School Classics teacher, Dr Frisby, who visited with her impressive replica Roman shield and centurion’s helmet.
The girls were fascinated to see these objects up close, and several even tried on the helmet for size - quickly realising just how heavy a soldier’s kit would have felt on a thirty-mile march! (One of our keenest young historians discovered that the full armour weighed the same as a snow leopard) 😲
As the girls admired the bright red 'crista' (crest), their guest explained that this mostly denoted rank and unit, ensured visibility in battle, and was thought to come in other colours too.
A huge thank you to Dr Frisby for sharing her expertise, answering many questions, and helping to bring our topic so vividly to life. With our residential study visit fast approaching, Year 4 are now feeling more excited than ever about stepping into history themselves when they visit Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads Roman Fort and Vindolanda in March.
Above: This crista from around 90 AD - made from strands of hair moss and preserved in the anaerobic soil at Roman Vindolanda - is considered the only surviving example of its kind from the Roman Empire. Year 4 will see this, and many other artefacts, when they visit the live excavation after Half Term.
Use it wisely ...🧑🏽💻
Use it wisely ...🧑🏽💻
Mrs Fowler
Safer Internet Day - this year on 10th February - is a landmark event in the online safety calendar. Since 2005, it has grown beyond its original EU catchment and is now marked in around 170 countries.
At NGHS Juniors, our PSHE curriculum flexes to include international learning events such as this, and this year our oldest girls have focused their learning on a very current national debate: should under 16s have access to social media?
With democracies such as Australia and Spain deciding to ban under 16s, should the UK follow suit? 6B and 6W really impressed us with their deeper thinking about the positive and negative impacts of social media on children:
On the subject of filtering or editing selfies, Junli and Charlotte's developed explanations really impressed us:
"Everyone looks perfectly fine just how they are; there's no need to filter photos of your body that are posted on social media. Editing photos into what you think will be a ‘prettier version of yourself’ could lead to you looking at the true version of yourself negatively. Be kind and caring to not only others, but also yourself!"
"It’s okay to want to see a more confident version of yourself, but you shouldn’t distort that version into envy of what you cannot reach or want to become."
Aleesha, Charlotte and Evie used their creativity to compose acrostic poems using the word SELFIE:
Smile and like how you look,
Enjoy reality - don't change it for Facebook!
Love your personality and never change,
Find a mirror and see the different range of beauty.
In the world, you are always pretty,
Enjoy life and don’t sit in pity!
Selfies take up your time,
Engaging likes, instead of life.
Love should not be found on a screen,
For does it not get tiring?
I hope you know that
Empowerment is found in the reality of YOU.
Some people don’t like how they look.
Enjoy how you look, but don’t change it for Facebook
Love yourself and others - but some people do not
Filters are used when they don’t appreciate what they have
In life there are ups and downs
Edify yourself by wearing your own crown!
By raising awareness and facilitating open discussions about current issues - including the highs and lows of informations technology - our girls can develop their understanding and ability to analyse issues at a deeper level. Opportunities to learn in this way certainly equip them for a future of change, and develop their curiosity for seeking out safe and healthy lifestyles as they grow.
British Science Week 2026 🥼
British Science Week 2026 🥼
6-15 March
This year's House Science Morning will take place on Thursday 12th March. Full details will follow after Half Term, however here is advance notice of two exciting competitions:
POSTER COMPETITION
POSTER COMPETITION
Open to pupils aged 5 to 11
Open to pupils aged 5 to 11
The annual British Science Week poster competition is open to all pupils, including Nursery and Reception!
In 2026, the poster competition is taking curiosity to the next level! We’re working with a team of scientists and researchers who are curious about what children think will make a good or positive childhood in the future.
Prizes will be awarded according to creativity, content, clarity and engagement.
Posters from our youngest pupils should have the theme of 'What makes children's lives good?'
Click here to find out more 👇
Older entrants should address the question '‘What makes children’s lives positive? What will a positive childhood look like in the future for children your age?’
For both competitions, entries should be handed to Mrs Garton by 9am on Tuesday 10 March - at which point the best five submissions in each category will be entered on behalf of NGHS Juniors. Awards will also be given in assembly.
Having a good look 👀
Having a good look 👀
Mrs Crabtree
On Thursday, Year 2 visited the Andy Warhol: Pop Icon exhibition at Lakeside Arts where they enjoyed a tour of the pop artist's colourful and bold works. The girls viewed prints and pictures of everyday objects and famous faces, learning how Warhol used bright colours and simple shapes to create art that makes you think and talk.
An education workshop followed, including activities such as collage making and sharing ideas. Well done, 2C - it was wonderful to see you responding so imaginatively to the art and the stories behind it.
World Book Week 2026
World Book Week 2026
Get ahead of the game over half term!
Mrs Crabtree
Remember, this year's theme is BEDTIME STORIES. Girls are invited to attend school on World Book Day - Thursday 5th March - dressed in pyjamas or loungewear, and with a copy of their favourite bedtime story to share in class.
Our World Book Day competition for 2026 is the Ultimate Wooden Spoon Puppet Challenge. Bring a favourite book to life by transforming a humble wooden spoon into a story character - will it be a wizard, a wimpy kid, a hungry caterpillar? The choices are endless!
Unleash your creativity with paint, wool, glue and whatever else comes to mind - the whackier, the better!
🏆 Prizes for the most creative designs
🌟 Fame! Every entry will be proudly exhibited in the Junior Library for all to admire
Girls should hand their masterpieces to class teachers by 9am on Tuesday 3 March. Good luck, everyone!
Cranes of peace
Cranes of peace
Mrs Crawshaw
Girls from our Art Club for Years 4 to 6 have been busy creating beautiful Japanese paper cranes in honour of Sadako Sasaki, a young Japanese girl whose story has inspired children around the world.
Sadako was only two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. Years later, she became very ill because of the bomb and whilst in hospital, she began folding paper cranes - because in Japanese folklore, these birds are a symbol of hope, peace and healing, and it is believed that folding 1,000 cranes can make a special wish come true.
Today, children across the world continue to fold paper cranes to share their hope for peace and kindness, and I am so proud to be sending our NGHS cranes to Hiroshima to be displayed as part of this important act of remembrance and that city's global message of friendship.
Spring Term writing challenge 🏆
Spring Term writing challenge 🏆
Mrs Fowler
I am delighted to hear that many girls in Years 3 to 6 have already started to find out about their parents' jobs and careers, in preparation for writing their essays over Half Term - and it has been doubly encouraging to know that some of our keenest writers have been stretching themselves by also looking at the GoogleClassroom resources for older year groups!
Please remember that parents and older siblings can help with typing and presentation, however compositions should be the girls' own work. All submissions should be WORD documents, emailed as attachments to spark@not.gdst.net or attached the GoogleClassroom assignment.
Everyone's deadline for this homework task is 9am on Monday 2 March.
Sports Desk
Sports Desk
Miss Abbott
This week saw girls from Years 3 and 4 participating in the Nottingham City Sports Hall Athletics Competition held at Harvey Hadden Sports Village. Running, jumping and throwing were on the agenda - all very familiar to our girls as they make up our school inter-House pentathlon/fitness challenge!
We came away with some excellent individual results, with our highest scorers being Year 4's Freya on 209 points Gracie from Year 3 on 201 points.
After Half Term, we have plenty more physical education and sport to look forward to. Year 3 will continue with gymnastics lessons and will also start a dance programme based on the Vikings - oh my! Year 4 will have a volcanic theme to their dance lessons (hopefully not too explosive), and will then be introduced to the 'beautiful game'. For Year 5, it will be netball, also followed by football. And Year 6 will complete their gymnastics programme and then go all out on ... FOOTBALL! ⚽
Fixtures wise for the second half of the Spring Term, there will be plenty of hockey and netball, as well as the This Girl Can festival for Year 5. Year 6 will be off to Condover for the annual GDST netball residential weekend, and the term will end with over twenty Year 5 and Year 6 girls jetting off to Italy for skiing instruction with their GDST peers from Kensington Prep, Norwich and Northwood.
Feeling inspired by this month’s Winter Olympics? Girls currently in Years 4 and 5 are eligible to apply for our next ski trip in 2027! Dates and costs are currently being finalised, so look out for our launch early in the Summer Term, or email j.abbott@not.gdst.net if you have any pressing questions.
Above and below - just some of our girls' previous entries, reflecting a range of genres and subjects
GET CREATIVE!
GET CREATIVE!
(REMINDER)
Mrs Crawshaw
Submissions are now open for the Royal Academy's annual YOUNG ARTISTS SUMMER SHOW on London's Piccadilly, for children aged 4-18.
We would be delighted for creative girls from NGHS Juniors to enter this wonderful exhibition, and we have registered Nottingham Girls’ High School for inclusion. Entries should be submitted online by parents, however we would love to receive girls' original artwork for exhibiting in school too. Happy creating!
Registration and submissions open
5 January - 4 March 2026
Judging
May 2026
Online exhibition opens
14 July 2026
Display at the RA open:
14 July - 30 August 2026
REMINDER
REMINDER
Poetry, please
Poetry, please
Mrs Crabtree
The GDST Laurie Magnus Poetry Prize was established in memory of Laurie Magnus by his widow. Laurie Magnus was a GDST Council member from 1907, and Chairman from 1929 until his death in 1933. He also wrote The Jubilee Book of the Girls’ Day School Trust (1923).
This year's competition provides an opportunity for girls in Years 1-6 to compose a poem on any subject. Entries should:
have a title
be typed in WORD
be attached to an email and sent to Miss Morley k.morley@not.gdst.net no later than 9am on Friday 6 March.
This is a great opportunity for ambitious girls to be creative, with the chance of winning a prize.
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