Friday 26th September 2025

Back by popular demand is the Upper Prep Track my Read Challenge. The children must log their reading minutes and work together as a group to reach the target set by Mrs Dudley. If they achieve this, they win a prize. Come on Year 7 and Year 8 – we know you can do it!

I listened to a very interesting podcast about sleep this week. In this episode, Dr Mandy Gurney from the Millpond Sleep Clinic explored how puberty affects teenage sleep. From changes in melatonin and body clocks to the impact of screens and caffeine, Dr Gurney explained the science behind this and shared practical ways to improve sleep and feel more rested. One of the key things she suggested was no screens at least an hour before bed, as these can disrupt sleep. Reading a good book instead would be an excellent way to switch off (and would also make the Year 7 and 8 English teachers very happy!)

Congratulations to Mateo who has been accepted into the Surrey County Hockey squad. Over 500 children tried out for around 20 places so he has done exceptionally well. Well done Mateo! We are very proud of you!

Finally, a date for your diaries: Life at the Top on Monday September 29th

You are warmly invited to join us at 6pm in the chapel to find out more about life in Upper Prep at Barrow Hills. You will hear from staff, parents and pupils.

I hope to see you there!

Best wishes,

Mrs Mason, Head of Upper Prep

As part of my regular visits to lessons this week, I have been struck once again by the focus and enthusiasm the children are bringing to their learning. They are clearly motivated, eager to contribute, and showing a real pride in their work. Around school, it has also been a joy to notice the small but important acts of kindness—children holding doors open for one another, using their manners, and playing happily together. These everyday actions make such a difference and help to foster the caring, respectful community of which we are so proud.

Looking ahead, next week will see the start of assessments across the Prep Department. To help everything run smoothly, please ensure your child comes to school each day with the following:

• A fully charged Chromebook
• A pair of wired headphones
• A suitable reading book to use between sessions

Thank you for your continued support in helping the children feel prepared and confident.

Wishing you all a restful weekend.

Miss Tyrrell, Head of Prep

Thank you to those who have already donated to our school harvest appeal. The basket for collecting items for the Godalming Community Store will remain outside the front door until Monday 6th October. School Council including our representatives from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be creating a lovely display with the items collected in Chapel, ahead of Harvest Festival. Harvest Festival assembly will be taking place at 8:35am on Thursday 9th October and parents are warmly invited to attend. There will be refreshments beforehand in the Refectory.

Congratulations to Toto (Rec), Ariella (Year 1) and India (Year 2) who each received Work of the Week certificates today. As mentioned earlier, there has been some super writing in Year 1 and Year 2 this week, and India wrote a detailed set of instructions while, continuing the writing theme in Reception,Toto was praised for his excellent effort with his letter formation of his Set 1 sounds. Ariella also did a beautifully detailed drawing of a Viking longship. Well done to you all.

Next Thursday, 2nd October, Reception Parents are invited to a Phonics workshop with Mrs Rogers to hear all about our phonics programme, Read Write Inc. This will involve an overview of what the children’s phonics lessons involve, how they progress and she will be able to share some of the terminology around Read Write Inc. which the children will become very used to. There will also be suggestions of how you can support your child at home.

Have a lovely weekend.

Mrs Barnett, Head of Pre-Prep

School Notices

House Swimming

Open to all pupils from Year 3 – 8
Pupils can sign up using the notice board under the arch – near the dining hall.
Tuesday 7th October 5-6pm at KESW

Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair

We are excited to announce that we are hosting a Christmas arts and crafts fair on the 29th of November 11-4 pm with over 20 high quality arts and crafts makers as well as food, drinks and carols. We have a few spaces left and as part of our community we would love to see staff, students, friends and family to have a stall or to attend and support our first Arts and Crafts fair.

Please contact our Head of Art- Mrs Waller at Barrowhills rsw@barrowhills.org

From the Reverend James Radcliffe:

Good evening,

I hope this finds you well and a special welcome to those new to Barrow Hills.

From time to time and for those who would like to gather, I bring together a Bridewell Parents & Guardians’ prayer meeting. I have planned one for Thursday 2nd October from 8:15 – 8:55am at King Edward’s School, Witley. If coming in person, please do use the delicious Picadilly café beforehand to get your preferred drink and snack if wanted. Then meet at KES Reception between 8:00-8:10 to be signed in and the Chaplain will meet you there. 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: RadcliffeJ@kesw.org

https://urlsand.esvalabs.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fus05web.zoom.us%2Fj%2F89064885687%3Fpwd%3DboKEAyS9y4Br8wP4iHlw4EXo33DcKn.1&e=da3f6e1f&h=7d68e9fb&f=y&p=y

Meeting ID: 890 6488 5687
Passcode: Sq56Vt

Rev James Radcliffe (School Chaplain)

BHCC

Bacon Butties were a welcome treat on this foggy morning, and helped raise £153.17. The Bacon Butty stall runs every single Friday, serving a selection of delicious breakfast treats and hot drinks, and is a fabulous meeting point for everyone to catch up at the end of the school week.

Thanks to our amazing team and the community for your support!

Bonfire Night & Fireworks Display

The Barrow Hills Community Committee is delighted to invite you to our annual Bonfire Night Celebrations.

Tickets are available to purchase below or with cash at the Bacon Butties Stall on Friday mornings.

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/FJLR

BHCC Christmas Fundraising 2025

Children should be completing their Christmas card designs over the next week in school or bringing them home to complete.
Please check whether any make their way home for homework and if so complete and return to school.
All card design templates need to be returned to school by Monday 29th September.
Any cards received after this time cannot be processed.
Sample cards will then be sent home and orders placed before half term. This also allows us to raise the maximum money for the BHCC.

Thank you for your support.

Bridewell Schools Autumn Term Offer