Dear Parents
Welcome back!
After what was a summer filled with sunshine – and I hope many adventures – it has been wonderful to see Sevenoaks Prep buzzing back into life. As ever, there is something very special about the beginning of a new academic year. New exercise books are pristine, uniform is immaculate, pencil cases are fully stocked and everyone is quietly optimistic that this might finally be the year that PE kit is never misplaced. We can dream…
A particularly warm welcome goes to all of our new families joining the school this term. Starting at a new school is a significant moment, not only for children but often for parents too. We are delighted that you have chosen to become part of our community and I hope you have already experienced the kindness, warmth and sense of belonging that make Sevenoaks Prep such a special place.
The new academic year has begun with fantastic energy. One of the highlights so far has been our Year 8 Bushcraft trip. Watching pupils successfully build shelters and tackle a variety of outdoor challenges was enormously rewarding. I suspect a number of parents may now be wondering why their children suddenly believe they can survive indefinitely in the woods with nothing more than a tarpaulin and some paracord. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to develop resilience, teamwork and independence, and my thanks go to all the staff who helped make it such a memorable experience.
We have also enjoyed seeing families at our curriculum information evenings. These events are an important opportunity to share what lies ahead for pupils this year and to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Thank you to the many parents who attended and for the thoughtful questions and conversations that followed. Education works best when school and home work together, and we greatly value your support.
Looking ahead, we are very much looking forward to our Family Day this Saturday. It promises to be a wonderful occasion to bring our community together, catch up after the summer break and enjoy spending time together beyond the classroom. Whether you are attending for the activities, the refreshments, the conversation, or simply because your children have already informed you that attendance is non-negotiable, we hope to see you there.
As always, the term ahead is packed with opportunities, challenges, achievements and plenty of excitement. We look forward to working with all our families to ensure that every child enjoys a happy, successful and fulfilling year at Sevenoaks Prep.
Best wishes
Luke Harrison
Dear Parents
As we come to the end of the first two full weeks of term, I would like to say how wonderful it has been to welcome the children back into school and to see them settle so confidently into the start of the new academic year. There has been such a positive energy across the Pre-Prep, with the children quickly finding their routines, reconnecting with friends and teachers, and approaching their learning with enthusiasm.
It has been especially lovely to see our new children beginning to feel at home, and our returning children showing such kindness and confidence as they step into their new year groups. I have also been incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I have received as the new Head of Pre-Prep; it has been a real privilege to begin getting to know the children, families and staff community. The classrooms have already been full of activity, conversations and proud moments of achievement, and the children should feel very pleased with how they have begun the year.
Across Pre-Prep, the children have also begun exploring their new class topics with great enthusiasm, and it has been lovely to see the different areas of learning already coming to life in the classrooms. In Nursery, the children are finding out about farmyard animals through play, stories and hands-on discovery, while Kindergarten are beginning their “All About Me” topic as they learn more about themselves, their families and their friends. Reception have launched into the exciting world of dinosaurs, with plenty of opportunities for curiosity and imagination; including going on a dinosaur hunt! And Year 1 are looking upwards and beyond as they started their topic with their ‘Alien and Astronaut’ Hook Day. Year 2, meanwhile, have started their learning on food and farming, giving them lots to explore about where food comes from and the wider world around them. They have also made an excellent start to their swimming lessons, approaching the experience with great maturity and excitement.
This week has also seen our clubs programme begin successfully, adding another layer of excitement and opportunity to the school day. It has been lovely to hear the children talking so enthusiastically about the activities they have chosen and to see them developing new interests, skills and friendships beyond the classroom.
We are now very much looking forward to Family Day on Saturday and to welcoming our families into school for what promises to be a special occasion. Thank you for your continued support at the start of this new school year. It has been a happy and encouraging beginning to term, and I look forward to sharing many more moments of learning, celebration and community with you in the weeks ahead.
Best wishes
Anna Arnett
