Head
Dear Parents,
Welcome to the Barrow Hills Bulletin. I hope you find the content informative and the layout user-friendly. This format is similar to what we’ve used in the past, which received positive feedback from parents, but we’re open to suggestions.
To kick things off, we’ve created a short film that I’d like to share with you. It is just two minutes long, but it gives a glimpse of how we can build on what makes our school special and make it even better. We can focus on connecting the children with their natural surroundings, friends, and community.
This film, highlighting play, Forest School, Eco-curriculum, and linking maths, science, art and design, is a great example of this approach:
I’d like to thank Mrs. Klein, Mrs. Waller, Mr. Hinds, the Eco-Prefects, and the Site Team.
During the week our sports round up celebrated match statistics for last term, across the 257 sporting fixtures played across all our teams. Well done, for the greatest percentage of wins, to the Boys Colts C and to the Girls Senior First Team!
We also launched a raft of new clubs this week, all provided by our own staff. I hope this direction of travel helps the children and also busy parents. The new Clubs and Activities Brochure is found in the documents on your Portal, and we will refresh the offer each term.
On events, just a reminder that you are invited to ‘Colour World’, our Art Exhibition, for a private view and prosecco on Tuesday 30th April. If a morning suits better, do come on Wednesday 1st or Thursday 2nd May from 8.15am – 9.25 am. Finally, we are pleased to offer a new event on the calendar, an on-line parent seminar on Special Educational Needs on May 9th at 6.00pm. Joining details will be forthcoming.
Have a great weekend.
Kind regards
Mr John Towers
Head of Upper Prep
The children in Upper Prep have been hard at work this week, tackling all areas of the Barrow Hills curriculum with their usual energy and enthusiasm. The Year 7 children enjoyed a fantastic day at King Edward’s on Monday when they joined with their Year 7 and 8 to celebrate Earth Day. They had great fun working in groups and completing a number of tasks based on the theme ‘Planet vs Plastic’. Thank you to Mr Smith for accompanying them.
On Thursday, the Bridewell Choir members went to Bristol to sing at the cathedral. Their day included a wonderful buffet lunch, a tour of the cathedral and of St. Mary’s Redcliff church. The choir even found time to visit the SS Great Britain before singing evensong in the cathedral. Thank you to Mr Frazer and Mr Richardson for organising this fantastic experience for our children. Choir, you sounded superb!
Year 8 children continue to prepare for their 13+ CE exams in June and I have been impressed with the diligence and hard work shown by many, at home and in school. Remember, Year 8, little and often is the key! Mr King is running an extra geography session during Tuesday break times for those who would like some more support with the geographical location section of their paper. Please come along on Tuesdays.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Mrs Mason
Head of Middle Prep
Dear Parents, It has been a vibrant week in Middle Prep, brimming with exciting events and achievements. Here are some highlights:
On Tuesday, our children enjoyed a delightful roast dinner in celebration of St. George’s Day, bringing the school community together for a special meal filled with tradition and camaraderie.
In an effort to cater to diverse interests, we launched several new clubs and activities this week. From sports to calligraphy and LEGO building, our children have been eagerly exploring their passions, nurturing creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.
Congratulations are in order for our Under 8’s and 9’s who participated in the Edgeborough athletics competition, showcasing their dedication and sportsmanship.
The anticipation is palpable as our Year 5 and 6 children put the finishing touches to their production of ‘Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat’. We’re all excited to witness their talent and hard work on stage.
Our Bridewell Singers embarked on a memorable journey to Bristol, gracing the Cathedral with their melodious voices during evensong, showcasing their musical prowess and cultural appreciation.
Meanwhile, our Year 4 and 6 pupils received exciting briefings for their upcoming residential trips, promising unforgettable adventures!
Lastly, we concluded the week on a sweet note with a delightful cake sale organised by Year 6. The treats not only satisfied our sweet cravings but also contributed to our school Lenten Appeal.
A busy but productive week indeed!
Wishing you a restful and enjoyable weekend ahead.
Miss Tyrrell
Head of Pre-Prep
‘Excitement’ could perhaps even be an understatement to describe the atmosphere which swept through Pre-Prep on Wednesday morning as Surrey Fire & Rescue arrived with blue lights flashing! The theme of Fire Rescue has taken hold in Reception this week where children have been learning about fire safety and exploring hot and cold, as well as writing a description of fire engines.
Reception asked the rest of Pre-Prep to join them outside the front of school where they were all invited to climb aboard the fire engine, try on the firefighters’ protective suits and helmets, hold the hoses and fire water across the length of the forecourt. As well as of course ask the many burning questions they had for our visitors!
On Tuesday, Kindy to Year 2 learnt about the story of St George in Pre-Prep Assembly as we recognised St George’s Day. This followed a delicious themed lunch including a traditional roast and berry crumble which was also a nod to our patron saint.
A special well done to those who received Work of the Week certificates in this morning’s assembly. Arthur (Rec), Ben R (1R), Orson (1G) and Ishir (2G) all received a round of applause as they collected their certificates for some super efforts including thinking skills in maths and attention to detail in handwriting. A Special Commendation was handed out to Rocco (Rec) for the fantastically detailed project he had completed describing the life cycle and care of his caterpillars as they developed into butterflies. Reception to Year 2 are now confidently adding their House point tokens to the house containers as they make their way into Friday morning assemblies and eagerly await the result at the end of each week’s assembly to hear how their House has got on across the school. House points are awarded across the attributes of our Pupil Profile for all sorts of different aspects of school life. Keep up the brilliant effort Pre-Prep.
Thank you to those who attended Year 6’s Cake Sale after pick-up this afternoon. This event was for a very worthwhile cause, to raise funds for the school’s Lenten Appeal charity, Cancer Research UK.
A reminder that the whole school Art Exhibition takes place next week. ‘Colour World’, an exploration of colour texture and form, will be on show in the Chapel on Tuesday 30th April from 4.30pm – 6.30pm and Wednesday 1st or Thursday 2nd May from 8.15am – 9.25 am.
Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Barnett, Head of Pre-Prep
