A Message from Mrs Knox

We have made a super start to the new half term.  It has been lovely welcoming so many children to the school for their assessment days this week. I was delighted to spend some time with them and, as always, enjoyed asking them what they would like to be when they grow up. Their answers are always fascinating and varied, from professional footballer, artist, vet and architect to horse whisperer and choreographer! It is wonderful to hear their ambitions and to see the enthusiasm they bring with them. 

We have also welcomed a number of external and internal candidates this week as part of the longlisting stage of our Head recruitment process. I enjoyed having coffee with them and hearing how much they have enjoyed getting to know the school throughout the process. The shortlist interviews will take place in a few weeks and pupils will be fully involved, which is an important part of the process. It was also lovely to get our parent-teacher meetings underway this week. These are always such a valuable opportunity to talk with parents and pupils about progress, celebrate achievements and discuss the next steps in their learning. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Knox

In Geography this week, Year 5 explored different types of volcano. In Science they were investigating whether air has mass and in PSHE, Mrs Sarjant came to lead a lively and informative session on puberty. In History, Year 6 honed their analytical skills as they prepared for a class debate about why Duke William won the Battle of Hastings and Year 3 had their Ancient History hats firmly on, as they read about The Trojan Horse, considering how perspectives can vary depending on which side is narrating the events!

Stories took centre stage in Pre-prep too – Year 1 made predictions about how their class book would end, Nursery enjoyed a range of traditional tales and chose their favourite fairytale characters, and in Reception, Jack and the Beanstalk led to lots of fun roleplay and colour mixing to help them create the giant climbing plant! Year 2 also got creative with starfish sun catchers, now displayed beautifully on the classroom windows, illuminating the space wonderfully in the autumnal morning light. There was also a lot of creativity in ICT: Year 4 learnt how to crop, flip and rotate an image using Google Slides and Year 3 made a flying start to their new unit on 'animation', making mini flip books.

My highlight this week was welcoming several new pupils to spend the day with us with a view to joining next year. The Year 6s, in particular, were – as we would expect – fabulous hosts, and seemed to build lovely bonds in a short time, even prompting some visitors to ask if they could start tomorrow! 

Values Certificates: Oliver A (Responsibility); Jack T (Respect); Henry G and Obie M (Kindness)

Reading Certificates: Gracie B, Elodie Y, Max M, Coralie C, Tildy T (Bronze), Milly Wi (Silver)

Stars of the Week 

Nursery
Hattie G for her continued progress and excellent focus and creativity when mark making.

Reception 
Rory W for showing increasing focus in lessons, you are making such super progress.

Year 1 
Jude H & Imogen W for showing enthusiasm during our topic and asking interesting and sensible questions on our school trip to Arundel Castle. 

Year 2 
Angus T for great focus this week and learning his lines for the nativity off by heart already!

Swimmer of the Week
Immy K for increased confidence and making progress in the lessons.

Mr Wright

Following a well-earned break, our pupils have returned to school full of enthusiasm and ready to dive into one of the most vibrant periods of the academic calendar. While the winter chill is certainly setting in and the afternoons are getting darker, the atmosphere across the Senior School is wonderfully bright, warm, and festive as we look ahead to Christmas. There is already a fantastic buzz in the air, our senior production cast is putting in immense effort during rehearsals, our sports teams have an action-packed fixtures list ahead, and preparations for our beloved Christmas carol services and traditions are well underway.

It has been a remarkably varied and productive first week back. Year 8 set a brilliant tone early on, working alongside Mrs Rowland to deliver a fascinating assembly on the Day of the Dead. On Tuesday, our Senior School Council gathered for their first meeting of the half-term, engaging in thoughtful discussions to voice student feedback and champion new ideas for school life. To round off the week, our Year 9 geographers headed out of the classroom for their annual river fieldwork trip, bringing their learning to life in the field.

Academic commitment and positive behaviour have also been on full display from day one. A huge congratulations to the many pupils who have already reached the impressive milestone of 25 Merit points this term; it was a real pleasure to host them at today’s Celebration Snack Break to recognise their commendable work ethic and dedication.

A huge well done to:
Alaska B, Georgia C, Lottie O, Violet W, Matilda C, Seren G, Ivan K, Oliver T, Knysna G, Jasmine W, Marcus B, Sam L, Harry M-C, Lewis S, Alannah G, Amber Mc, Harvey R. 

A special congratulations to Orlando U, for surpassing 100 Merit Points and earning his recognition badges, and a huge congratulations to Florence A for gaining an impressive 200 Merit Points and earning her recognition badges.

Mr Wyllie