What an incredible day Year 5 had at the National Space Centre in Leicester on Monday! It was a fantastic opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom, and it certainly didn't disappoint. From exploring the interactive exhibits to discovering fascinating facts about the solar system, the children were completely immersed in the world of space science. One of the highlights was the breathtaking planetarium show. We also got to enjoy an exciting rocketry demonstration that made all their recent science learning truly come to life. A brilliant experience for the students who can take this new experience and apply it to their classroom learning. Well done Year 5 and all the staff who helped make the trip possible!

Last Monday, Biology Teacher Dr Brammer took our Year 12 Biologists to the University of Birmingham for A Level LIVE - an incredible opportunity designed to enrich their understanding of biology and inspire future scientific study. The day featured talks from some of the most respected scientists working at the cutting edge of their fields. Students heard from Professor Gillian Forrester, Dr Tim Lamont, Professor Adam Hart, Professor Jennifer Rohn, and Professor Sophie Scott, each sharing fascinating insights into their research and its real-world impact. In addition to these inspiring lectures, Michelle Oldfield, an experienced A-level external examiner, delivered two highly practical sessions. She focused on exam technique, the importance of command words, and effective revision strategies, providing invaluable advice for our students to support their success in upcoming exams. This trip was not only an opportunity to deepen subject knowledge but also to experience the excitement of university-level learning and connect classroom theory with real scientific innovation.

Jingle Bell Jog is back – Sunday 7th December 2025! Grab your Santa hats and join us for a fun, festive morning this Sunday. Walk, jog, run... or even dance your way around our 1-mile or 3-mile route everyone is welcome! And after last year's incredible turnout, we're excited to add a Festive Craft Fair to make the event even more magical. Open to all ticket holders and those supporting, it's perfect for picking up handmade gifts, treats, and seasonal goodies! Start Time: 9:45 AM registration + Christmas song warm-up Tickets: Adults (16+): £5 (includes a mince pie) Children (4–16): £3 (includes a medal) Under 4s: Free (optional medal £1.50) Tickets are limited, so be sure to grab yours today via www.pta-events.co.uk/ccsfriends or scan the QR code. If running's not your thing but crafting is, why not book a stall?! Craft Fair Stalls: £15 per 6ft space. Stall holders must bring their own table + have public liability insurance. Interested? Email: friends@ccs.northants.sch.uk Last year we raised £500 with over 100 participants. Let's make this year even bigger and better! See you there! CCS Friends Association

Our Performing Arts Team and talented students cannot wait to welcome you to see our school show, Sister Act Jr next week. A huge thank you to everyone who has booked their tickets already! If you haven't yet got yours, please visit ParentPay to purchase. We are also hosting a special preview night on Tuesday 9th December, open to those receiving Pupil Premium funding at CCS and our cluster schools - Preston Hedges, Woodland View and Wootton Primary. A direct link should have been sent for you to book on, but if not received, please reach out to marketingteam@ccs.northants.sch.uk We hope you can join us for a wonderful night to celebrate our school's talent!

Important announcement for our recent Year 11 and Year 13 leavers If you sat your GCSE or A Levels at CCS in Summer 2025, you will be able to collect your certificates on Monday 15th December between 5:00pm to 6:00pm from Secondary reception. You can give written consent to a parent or sibling to collect them on your behalf. If you are unable to collect your certificates on 15/12/25, please contact Mrs Man via sman@ccs.northants.sch.uk to arrange an alternative date during term-time 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Get readysomething special is coming! Listen closely to discover what's arriving on 16th July 2026.

Last Monday, we were privileged to host a talk for our Year 10, 12 and 13 students from Stuart Branch, Chief People & Digital Officer at Weetabix. Stuart shared his career journey with our students, as well as providing them with a real insight into how Weetabix operates as a company, being a major employer in the county. Students were challenged to familiarise themselves with Weetabix's history, key metrics and sustainability plan and the winners of the quiz left with a goody bag of cereals! Stuart also discussed his route into the company and spoke of his individual career journey and the soft skills required for success. The talk was facilitated by the charity organisation Speakers for Schools, and we are deeply grateful to them for organising this opportunity and to Stuart for so kindly giving up his time.

What an incredible day Year 5 had at the National Space Centre in Leicester on Monday! It was a fantastic opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom, and it certainly didn't disappoint. From exploring the interactive exhibits to discovering fascinating facts about the solar system, the children were completely immersed in the world of space science. One of the highlights was the breathtaking planetarium show. We also got to enjoy an exciting rocketry demonstration that made all their recent science learning truly come to life. A brilliant experience for the students who can take this new experience and apply it to their classroom learning. Well done Year 5 and all the staff who helped make the trip possible!

Last Monday, Biology Teacher Dr Brammer took our Year 12 Biologists to the University of Birmingham for A Level LIVE - an incredible opportunity designed to enrich their understanding of biology and inspire future scientific study. The day featured talks from some of the most respected scientists working at the cutting edge of their fields. Students heard from Professor Gillian Forrester, Dr Tim Lamont, Professor Adam Hart, Professor Jennifer Rohn, and Professor Sophie Scott, each sharing fascinating insights into their research and its real-world impact. In addition to these inspiring lectures, Michelle Oldfield, an experienced A-level external examiner, delivered two highly practical sessions. She focused on exam technique, the importance of command words, and effective revision strategies, providing invaluable advice for our students to support their success in upcoming exams. This trip was not only an opportunity to deepen subject knowledge but also to experience the excitement of university-level learning and connect classroom theory with real scientific innovation.

Jingle Bell Jog is back – Sunday 7th December 2025! Grab your Santa hats and join us for a fun, festive morning this Sunday. Walk, jog, run... or even dance your way around our 1-mile or 3-mile route everyone is welcome! And after last year's incredible turnout, we're excited to add a Festive Craft Fair to make the event even more magical. Open to all ticket holders and those supporting, it's perfect for picking up handmade gifts, treats, and seasonal goodies! Start Time: 9:45 AM registration + Christmas song warm-up Tickets: Adults (16+): £5 (includes a mince pie) Children (4–16): £3 (includes a medal) Under 4s: Free (optional medal £1.50) Tickets are limited, so be sure to grab yours today! www.pta-events.co.uk/ccsfriends If running's not your thing but crafting is, why not book a stall?! Craft Fair Stalls: £15 per 6ft space. Stall holders must bring their own table + have public liability insurance. Interested? Email: friends@ccs.northants.sch.uk Last year we raised £500 with over 100 participants. Let's make this year even bigger and better! See you there! CCS Friends Association

Our Performing Arts Team and talented students cannot wait to welcome you to see our school show, Sister Act Jr next week. A huge thank you to everyone who has booked their tickets already! If you haven't yet got yours, please visit ParentPay to purchase. We are also hosting a special preview night on Tuesday 9th December, welcoming those receiving Pupil Premium funding at CCS and our cluster schools - Preston Hedges, Woodland View and Wootton Primary for free. A direct link should have been sent for you to book on, but if not received, please reach out to marketingteam@ccs.northants.sch.uk We hope you can join us for a wonderful night to celebrate our school's talent!

Important announcement for our recent Year 11 and Year 13 leavers If you sat your GCSE or A Levels at CCS in Summer 2025, you will be able to collect your certificates on Monday 15th December between 5:00pm to 6:00pm from Secondary reception. You can give written consent to a parent or sibling to collect them on your behalf. If you are unable to collect your certificates on 15/12/25, please contact Mrs Man via sman@ccs.northants.sch.uk to arrange an alternative date during term-time 8:00am – 4:00pm.

Last Monday, we were privileged to host a talk for our Year 10, 12 and 13 students from Stuart Branch, Chief People & Digital Officer at Weetabix. Stuart shared his career journey with our students, as well as providing them with a real insight into how Weetabix operates as a company, being a major employer in the county. Students were challenged to familiarise themselves with Weetabix's history, key metrics and sustainability plan and the winners of the quiz left with a goody bag of cereals! Stuart also discussed his route into the company and spoke of his individual career journey and the soft skills required for success. The talk was facilitated by the charity organisation Speakers for Schools, and we are deeply grateful to them for organising this opportunity and to Stuart for so kindly giving up his time! Futures For All