Dear Alumnae,
As we close the second half of the Michaelmas term, we are thrilled to share the wonderful accomplishments and events that have filled this term with energy, community spirit, and outstanding student achievements. We hope you enjoy this look back at the past few weeks at Thornton, and that you feel proud of all that our current students are achieving in the classroom, on stage, and in the wider community.
Community Engagement & Charitable Initiatives
This term, we were moved by the generosity of our school community. The ‘Bags of Kindness’ project, which involved collecting small Christmas gifts for those in need within the Northampton Diocese, was a resounding success. Our community contributed items for both the elderly and young, and we are so grateful for the kindness shown.
Our final House fundraising event of the term, themed “Cosy and Christmas,” took place and was a resounding success. Students and staff embraced the festive spirit, coming dressed as Christmas characters or simply in cozy attire, to raise funds for the chosen House Charity—the Air Ambulance Service. This vital charity provides life-saving support, and we look forward to supporting them throughout the year.
Year 6 and Year 7 School Highlights
The Prep School enjoyed an exciting and creative workshop led by Waddesdon Manor on the theme of ‘Fairy Tales.’ The girls had a fantastic time engaging in art activities and creating vegetables for the garden in which Jack’s giant beanstalk would grow. Their artwork was proudly displayed as part of the Manor’s Christmas exhibition, a wonderful way to showcase their creativity.
In another special event, Year 6 and 7 students were given the unique opportunity to receive tuition in Bridge from world champion Mrs. Smith. Bridge, known for enhancing strategic thinking, memory, and social skills, sparked the girls’ interest.
Careers Programme
Our Sixth Form Health and Social Care students were privileged to hear from Julie Goodman, Head of Patient and Family Experience at Milton Keynes Hospital. Julie shared valuable insights into roles within the NHS and her work within the patient experience department.
Year 12 and Year 10 Politics students had the chance to visit Milton Keynes Magistrates Court, learning about the legal process and observing live cases. They were also able to question a JP about their role, gaining a deeper understanding of the judicial system.
In a career-focused Spotlight session, Mr. Cook, a civil servant, joined us remotely to discuss the incredible opportunities within the civil service, further enriching our students’ understanding of various career paths.
Student Voice & Leadership
Our Equalities Committee hosted a powerful exhibition for Black History Month, titled ‘Reclaiming the Narrative.’ The exhibition showcased inspirational individuals and fostered an insightful discussion within the Thornton community.
The Prep and Senior School Eco Committees continued to lead impressive sustainability initiatives, discussing projects and ideas to make the most of Thornton’s 25-acre campus. Their passion and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are proud of the leadership they’re showing in environmental matters.
Our School Councils also met to discuss important issues, with Mr. Salter from Harrisons and Mr. Grant, our Catering Manager, joining the conversation to share their expertise and advice.
International Partnership with The Visitation Academy
This term, we launched a new partnership with The Visitation Academy, an all-girls Catholic school in St Louis, USA. Our Year 9 students had the opportunity to meet their American counterparts online, and we are excited about the prospect of future exchange opportunities and continued collaboration between students and staff from both schools.
Musical Performances & Celebrations
We were treated to stunning musical performances this term. Our solo musical concert was a beautiful showcase of our students’ talent, and the Christmas concert was a true highlight, featuring contributions from all year groups. The dedication and hard work of our students and staff were evident, and it was a joy to celebrate such remarkable talent.
The Prep Nativities were a particularly special occasion, with Early Years and Years 1-4 putting on performances that wowed parents and teachers alike. The courage and talent displayed by our youngest students left everyone in the audience beaming with pride.
Debates & Student Achievements
Our students participated in a lively debate against St Paul’s on two thought-provoking motions: ‘This House believes the UK needs to do more to promote and protect freedom of speech’ and ‘This House believes capitalism is a force for good.’ The debates, along with a motivational video from Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, highlighted the intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills of our students.
This term, we also saw outstanding achievements in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls. Several Sixth Form and Year 11 students received their awards, having successfully completed a challenging 2.5-hour exam with complex problems. We are incredibly proud of their achievements!
Our sporting teams continued to shine, with the Intermediate Cross Country team qualifying for the Regional Final and our swimmers securing spots in the Independent Schools Association’s National Swimming Final. We also celebrated Tayah-Mya from Year 7, who was selected for the Great Britain Tumbling Performance Pathway Squad for 2025!
Christmas Market & Festivities
The Friends of Thornton worked tirelessly to create a magical Christmas Market that brought our school community together in festive cheer. It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the spirit of the season, and of course, visiting Santa was a highlight for many!
Launch of the EY STEM App
We were excited to launch the Ernst Young ‘EY STEM App’ at Thornton, an initiative aimed at developing critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The app will help our students engage with STEM in an interactive way, preparing them for the evolving world ahead.
As we reflect on a term filled with successes, creativity, and a true sense of community, we remain so grateful for your continued support. We hope this newsletter has provided a snapshot of all the incredible things happening at Thornton, and we look forward to sharing even more achievements with you in the future.
Warmest regards,
Dr Louise Shaw
Head Teacher