Yesterday evening was a fantastic celebration of our children's musical talents at our Spring Concert. While the flute ensemble serenaded us with 'Tears in Heaven' by Eric Clapton, the Junior Choir entertained us with 'Mambo Italiano' by Merrill, and JAM Donuts brought down the house with 'Holiday' by Green Day. Mr Parker is incredibly proud of our ensembles, choirs and bands who performed - well done, all!

You can watch a short highlights reel from the show below.

Today was the final of our Years 5 to 8 Declamations, with our finalists in each year performing to family members, staff and peers. Mrs Packman stepped in as our guest judge for the event, who was overwhelmed by how beautifully the children spoke. Each finalist excelled in different ways, from rhythm and emotion to undulation and character. Well done to our winners; Ottilie in Year 5, Alasdair in Year 6, Cecily in Year 7, and Orla and Isabel in Year 8.

In Forest School this week, we enjoyed learning about the Japanese tradition of 'hanami', celebrating the spring 'sakura' blossom. We had a spring picnic, observing the different shades of the blossoms by taking a closer look using colour charts, and then created our own sakura cherry-blossom branches to take home as an Easter decoration. We also talked gently about how sakura is often seen as a symbol of the natural cycle of life; its brief, beautiful bloom reminds us to appreciate each moment and the way each season brings its own quiet renewal.

We have also been out and about exploring the Zen Garden, and creating our own as places for calm reflection and the sharing of wishes and memories.

Our acorn to oak tree project continues and the children have been making observations about how our seedlings are getting on.

We have been creating poems inspired by spring – here is Romilly’s:

The blossoms start to bloom

The bees are going flower to flower

The daffodils are dancing in the wind

Baby lambs and chicks are coming

Buds are blooming

Birds are starting to sing their hearty song

Ladybirds are climbing all over the flowers

The lovely scent of lavender

Yellow primroses everywhere

Baby rabbits all over the place

Springtime is definitely here.

We have taken our learning outside as much as possible, with work on volume, capacity and measurement in our outside spaces.

Within our inquiry-based topics, we have continued to further our thinking and take inspiration for our artistic creations, in Year 1 around space exploration, and in Nursery around how the Fairy Tales we have been exploring this term connect to our Pre-Prep Golden Rules.

Anna Packman, Head of Pre-Prep

It has been a busy penultimate week of term in the Boarding House and, with the arrival of some long-awaited sunshine, the children have made the very most of it. There has been a lift in energy, with children out in the grounds enjoying every possible moment.

The week began with plenty of cricket, as Mr Griffiths had the nets up and running in the Sports Hall, while our Year 4 children made the most of the woods before returning for some well-earned time on the karaoke machine.

On Tuesday, our regular golfers headed off to the driving range, continuing to show great enthusiasm and clear improvement in their game. Wednesday brought a particularly special evening. The children enjoyed supper out on the banks, which was a lovely way to make the most of the weather, before our Year 8 boarders rounded off the day with a relaxed movie night in the PAC, complete with duvets and popcorn.

Thursday evening saw our children take the stage for the Spring Concert, which is always a highlight of the term. It was a wonderful opportunity to see our boarders showcasing talents which are often hidden away in the Music Department, and they certainly did not disappoint. It was an evening full of energy and pride, followed by a good night’s sleep.

Looking ahead to next week, we have some exciting activities planned. On Monday and Tuesday, children in Years 4, 5 and 6 will be taking part in slime workshops, and on Thursday we are hoping to welcome an eight-metre climbing wall to the School for our Years 6, 7 and 8 boarders.

Have a lovely Leave-out.

Oli and Debbie Jones, Houseparents

The Estates team are busily preparing our outdoor pool, ready for a glorious summer of swimming (fingers crossed)! It looks very inviting...