Head
Dear Parents,
We had a great end to our week sharing our Year 8 Common Entrance Exam results. At the end of the day, a prep school needs to deliver on strong academics, and this cohort has provided that in spades: 100% pass rate, 82% at B grade and above, 46% at A and above, and 22% at A*. Really hard work from the children, solid inspiration from teachers, and a thank you to all the parents for helping with revision and encouragement.
A special mention to Year 7 for delivering Shakespeare with aplomb on Tuesday evening and, at the same time, to Year 8 for making it all the way to the sea with great resilience and energy on their mountain bikes.
Thank you to all the family and friends who attended either our ‘Through the Trees’ or ‘Proms in the Park’ events on Saturday. The children were simply excellent, and the new outdoor stage worked very well as a performance space. Lots of events are coming up in the next few weeks, so please check the school calendar.
We are focusing on increased specialist teaching to benefit the younger children; more on this before the end of term. We have already increased the amount of Physical Education/Games by 25%. This has also allowed us to extend mentoring from older to younger children, encompassing reading and now sport. It has been wonderful to observe these warm interactions, and I just wanted to thank Year 7 and 8 for the care and role models they provide.
For the young ones, we are getting ahead of the game with transitions, such as the seemingly big steps from Kindy to Reception and moving to Year 3 in the Thomas More building. We’ve been building pastoral ‘getting to know you’ sessions with key staff in recent weeks, and these are gaining momentum.
Enjoy the weekend.
Mr John Towers
Head of Upper Prep
Dear Parents,
It has been an incredibly busy week in Upper Prep. On Monday, Year 8 spent the day enjoying roller coasters at Thorpe Park as part of their Post Common Entrance Programme. On Tuesday, they participated in a 50 mile cycle ride to Hayling Island. Mrs Burnett, Mr Unwin, Mr Towers and Mr Behan were all very impressed with the children’s stamina and resilience as they tackled this very challenging task. Well done to everyone who participated with such enthusiasm! I know there were a few tired faces and aching bones on Tuesday but you should all be so proud of your achievement. Thank you, staff, for taking the time to organise (and participate in!) such a great activity.
Year 7 performed their ‘Evening of Shakespeare’ to their parents on Tuesday, after two dress rehearsals to the rest of the school. This production was staged ‘in the round’ with the audience sitting on two sides. The talented cast performed a variety of scenes from ‘Macbeth’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Henry V’ and ‘As You Like It’. I am so proud of the children for giving such a fantastic performance. The Year 7 children learnt a great many lines and entertained us with their singing and acting. Thank you also to their wonderful director, Mr O’Kelly, who not only directed all these scenes, but also arranged all the music and played the keyboard and other instruments on the night. It really was an evening to remember.
On Wednesday, Year 8 went off to King Edward’s for a morning session about financial literacy where they learnt all about budgeting, something that will be very useful in later life. Thursday was spent with me rehearsing and then performing ‘Hamlet: What was the question?’, a play in just one day complete with lights, sound, music and costumes! The Year 8 parents really enjoyed this and after their very funny performance, we all celebrated Year 8’s Common Entrance results with drinks and cake!
Thursday was also Results Day and Year 8 received their Common Entrance grades from Mr Towers. I am so proud of the effort the children have put into their time at Barrow Hills and it was wonderful to celebrate with them at a special lunch. Thank you to our marvellous catering team for providing such a fantastic three course meal. It really was delicious.
As you read this, the Upper Prep children will already be on their way to the Ardèche! We wish them all the best, along with Mrs Goddings, Mrs Wood, Mr Unwin and Mr Smith. I know they will come back with some wonderful stories!
Mrs Mason
Head of Middle Prep
Dear Parents,
On Thursday, Mr Towers and I walked around the school to observe all the learning in action, and it was a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand the exciting activities happening in the classrooms.
Year 3 demonstrated advanced skills in the classroom, brushing up on their advanced knowledge of fractions, as well as showing an impressive understanding of French vocabulary.
We were thrilled to see Year 4s creativity as they designed large shields for their House. Year 4 also showcased their persuasive skills in their Victorian inventors’ ‘Dragon’s Den’ activity. They pitched their inventive ideas using the persuasive language techniques recently taught in English lessons. We eagerly await to see who will be awarded the ‘Dragons’ pounds and shillings investment!
Year 5 was equally engrossed in a fascinating project, creating parachutes to protect an egg when dropped from a height. Working in small groups, they brought materials from home and used their problem-solving skills to ensure their eggs’ safety.
Year 6 children continue to work diligently on various projects across the curriculum from maths (designing and budgeting a new bedroom) to PSHE. I am very much looking forward to seeing the outcomes.
The engagement and enthusiasm from the children stood out during our walk; it was a joy to see.
A special congratulations to 4G for their thought-provoking assembly on the relationship between colour and emotion and also all those children who performed so brilliantly at Proms.
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Wishing you all a wonderful and restful weekend!
Miss Tyrrell
Head of Pre-Prep
Dear Parents,
Within the usual business of a busy, thriving school, particularly in the month of June, it is always heartwarming to reflect on the progress our children have made. From phonics to handwriting, it has been lovely to recognise the efforts made in areas such as these and across the curriculum by each child. I have seen some super writing in Pre-Prep this week. Kindy have been writing their names beautifully in their Father’s Day cards (shhh)! In Reception, children have been writing about ladybirds, Year 1 have been describing comparisons between characters using descriptive language, while in Year 2 they were writing a recount of last week’s cricket match.
Year 1 headed off to the Rural Life Living Museum in Tilford this morning. They were very excited to add to their work on Materials and the Victorians by visiting the school room, as well as exploring their unique collection of re-located historic buildings and agricultural implements and objects from everyday life.
Next week, Reception, Kindy and Nursery will be bringing in their teddy bear or another special cuddly toy to take part in Tuesday’s Teddy Bears Picnic. On Monday, Reception are off on their trip to Arundel Wetlands Centre where there is 65 acres of wildlife to explore. Meanwhile, Year 2 continue their transition activities by enjoying lunch at a slightly later time with Year 3 and experiencing the Prep Department’s outdoor play areas including the adventure playground. A week today is Parents’ Afternoon from 2:30pm which current parents and families are warmly invited to. More details will follow in Tuesday’s weekly Comms.
A reminder to Year 1 and Year 2 parents that children in these year groups have their Ed Shed login which they can use to access and practise each week’s spelling words through different games at home.
Finally, with Year 1 away today, we only had Work of the Week certificates for two year groups at assembly this morning. Congratulations to Rocco (Rec) and Bas (2G) who received their certificates for some fantastic bravery at Forest School and for determination and progress in handwriting. Gold Certificates were awarded to Ava, Austin, Matthew and Minty from Reception, and to Arlo and Charlie from Year 2. Well done to you all.
Have a great weekend.
Mrs Barnett
School Notices
Message from the Bridewell Chaplain, Reverend James Radcliffe
For those who would like to gather, we are bringing together a final Bridewell Parents & Guardians’ prayer meeting of the academic year on Thursday 20th June (in a week’s time) from 8:15 – 8:55am. Refreshments will be available at the start. Please meet at the new King Edward’s Witley Reception between 8:00-8:10 to be signed in and the Chaplain will meet you there. If you intend to come, please let him know (48 hours beforehand) so catering requirements can be organised. Parents and guardians may alternatively join via ZOOM at the same time as the in-person meeting is taking place. The ZOOM details are below. If you have any further questions, please do get in touch:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88691264727?pwd=bTMRMNRHbL6anBljczrPXS5dryZ6fq.1
Meeting ID: 886 9126 4727
Passcode: 2tiCQY
