Dear Parents
It’s safe to say that this is my favourite time of year. The sun is beginning to make a welcome appearance, summer is just around the corner, and that can mean only one thing: it is Prep Idol season.
This year’s event—our annual battle of the bands competition—takes place on Saturday 9th May at 6:30pm, and tickets are available via this link. Nineteen acts from Years 6 to 8 have been rehearsing tirelessly and are ready to take to the stage for what promises to be a truly memorable evening. There may even be one or two surprise appearances from staff on the night, so do purchase your tickets now to avoid missing out!
Elsewhere around the school, there has been plenty of activity. Our School Choir has been rehearsing in preparation for an upcoming IAPS singing event, while Year 7 students recently visited a water treatment plant at Bough Beech as part of their geography studies. Year 5 are also eagerly anticipating their residential trip to Wantage, which is just a few weeks away.
It has been wonderful to see the cricket season in full swing. From the English classroom windows, it has been a pleasure to watch the fields come alive with all of our boys and girls playing competitively and enthusiastically together, making the most of the fine weather.
Best wishes
Robin Collings
Dear Parents
Welcome back to what promises to be a wonderfully exciting Summer Term in Pre-Prep. It has been a joy to see the children return with such enthusiasm, energy and positivity.
Our Nursery children have certainly wasted no time in settling back into school life. From my office, I have been treated each morning to the sound of their lively and joyful disco sessions—such a brilliant way to begin the day! I have also been incredibly impressed by their work on The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson. The children have immersed themselves in imaginative and exploratory play, bringing the story to life in truly creative ways.
Kindergarten have embraced their new classroom environment with great excitement. Their Florist role play area has been a particular highlight, inspiring thoughtful and purposeful play. Mrs Mott has been delighted to see the children so engaged in writing cards, demonstrating both creativity and growing confidence in their early writing skills.
In Reception, the children have enthusiastically launched into their new topic on transport. It has been fantastic to see them constructing and building a variety of vehicles, carefully thinking about how and why things work. Their ability to plan, select appropriate resources and evaluate their creations has been particularly impressive.
Year 1 thoroughly enjoyed their recent trip to Wakehurst Place, as a hook into their new topic of Growing. They explored a wide range of flora and fauna and were especially fortunate to enjoy such beautiful weather—something we do not always manage on school trips!
Year 2 have begun their new topic with a wonderfully creative art day led by Mrs Dickinson, setting an inspiring tone for the weeks ahead. We are also very grateful to Mrs Sullivan for organising such thoughtful activities for Earth Day. The children loved making their own bird feeders, and their collages celebrating our world have been truly fabulous.
There is so much to look forward to this term, not least next week’s celebrations of the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, with our ‘Wear it Wild’ day.
To end, here are a few inspiring facts about Sir David:
- He has been broadcasting for over 70 years, bringing the natural world into our homes
- His programmes, including Planet Earth, have been watched by millions across the globe
- He is a passionate advocate for protecting our planet and has inspired generations to care for the natural world.
What a fitting way to begin a term full of curiosity, discovery and care for the world around us.
Best wishes
Helen Cook
