Year 6 enjoyed heading to the Senior Science labs this week, observing Mrs Tattan-Robb demonstrate the distillation process. They've since been looking at different mixtures, considering the best process to separate them from sieving, filtering, evaporating and decanting. Year 5 were also busy in Science lessons, investigating factors that affect air resistance to design and make parachutes of varying size, shape and material.
In Year 2, the children have been learning about climates around the world and also finished their fantastic imigongos - traditional Rwandan artwork. Year 4 showed impressive dexterity and accuracy using set squares to mark out the plywood they'll be cutting with tenon saws to make their bird boxes while Year 3 have looked at how different animals are adapted to living in the rainforest, using this knowledge to design an animal that would be able to live in all layers of the forest. School Council met and fine-tuned the rules for Junior Jungle to put to the rest of Prep School for final approval. We also talked about everyone's favourite topic: food! Councillors excitedly listed their favourite meals, things they would like to see make a comeback and agreed we should conduct a survey across all Prep classes to ensure every child can have their say.
My final mention is for Siena dPL in Year 4 who has not only completed the 200 'reads' required to reach Platinum on the Reading Podium, but has surpassed it spectacularly, hitting over 350 'reads' so far this year. She was very pleased to receive the first ever 'Remarkable Reader' certificate!
Values Certificates: Effort for Marc W, Violet W, Lily C, Harry R and William C; Responsibility for Logan N
Reading Certificates: Marc W (Bronze); Teodora J and Elodie Y (Silver); Coralie C (Gold); Siena dPL (Platinum)
Stars of the Week:
Nursery: Freya C for displaying greater focus and progress especially during maths activities. Well done
Reception: Ollie S for growing enthusiasm in reading and a greater knowledge of Tricky words, keep up the effort Ollie!
Atalanta J for always being kind and helpful and taking time to comfort and support someone who needed a friend!
Year 1: Theo McA for improved listening skills and following instructions as well as a lovely attitude.
Year 2: Austin Y for demonstrating respect to others and for your wonderful contribution to class discussions.
Jack T for embracing challenge with an improved attitude! Keep it up!
Swimmer of the Week:
Theo McA for carefully carrying out instructions on how to hold the float between his legs and use his arms only in a front crawl stroke. Great effort and focus, Theo!
Mr Wright
The Spring Term is now in full swing and we've had some trips out this week with great success. Year 11 Separate Scientists headed to 'Science in Action' in London on Wednesday dressed in 'Sixth Form' attire and Year 5 visited the Battle of Britain Bunker Museum. I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the sad local news of the stabbing and death of a 15-year-old in Guildford. Our Year 10s and 11s have been reminded of the support available at school if they have been affected. The loss of the life of a young person in these circumstances is devastating, and we will continue to work with local charities and partners, and internally, to ensure the safety of our community. All of our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. 
On Friday, we were delighted to welcome Dorking Wanderers Football Club for a fantastic football session with our Year 3 and 4 pupils. Despite the wet weather, the coaches adapted their plans brilliantly, providing four engaging activities across the morning, including dribbling, dodging, 1v1s and small-sided matches. The pupils had a wonderful time and asked some excellent questions to the visiting professional footballers! A huge thank you to Dorking Wanderers Football Club for giving up their time to inspire the next generation – we loved it!
The Senior School has enjoyed another energetic and engaging week, kicked off by the ever popular House Music Quiz assembly. Selected representatives from each house, put their musical knowledge to the test as they competed to secure top scores. Designed and expertly led by our very own quiz master, Mr Rye, the event was both entertaining and challenging, even for those who consider themselves music experts.
Throughout the week, house leaders and captains have been busy finalising their song selections for the much-anticipated House Music event, taking place on 6th March. With song choices determined by quiz results, the competitive spirit has been running high. House meetings were held today, giving teams their first chance to begin organising and rehearsing for what is shaping up to be a closely contested and exciting competition.
It has also been a highly successful week academically with many pupils reaching the impressive milestone of 25 Merit points. Special congratulations go to George S who has now passed the 100 Merit point mark and received his achievement badge and Harry M-C who has gone beyond 200 Merit points and has been awarded his recognition badge.
On Friday 30th January we are holding our annual jazz night in the PA Hall. These evenings are always tremendous evenings of high quality musicianship from world class jazz musicians. This year we are delighted to welcome back Frank Walden (Amy Winehouse, Tom Jones, Jools Holland) and his quintet, featuring internationally recognised vocalist Lily Dior. 
