Barrow Hills Bulletin – Friday 9 May 2025
Message From the Head 
Dear Parents,
A consistent, potentially powerful memory many parents may cherish is that of a brilliant school trip during childhood. If it’s a good one, those experiences provide a lasting touchstone of how good life can feel when opportunities are expanded. That’s why we put so much effort into planning and leading residential trips for our children. All return exhausted, in a good way, and the staff come back, well… just exhausted. However, it is always worth it. Please do check out the short video below for a slice of wonderful.
We have Year 6 adventuring in Snowdonia next week, and we also have Year 4 on a residential to Sayers Croft. A great opportunity to combine independence and bravery with a good side order of adventure. My thanks to all the staff for their collegiality and kindness in keeping these trips so strong.
On the subject of bravery, in recent days the children engaged in thoughtful discussions about the significance of 80th VE day anniversary and the sacrifices made by so many during World War II. It was good to have the opportunity to consider and reflect on this important anniversary in assembly and in form time.
Barrow Hills Ski Trip Video – Claviere Italy 2025
Wishing you all a good weekend.
Mr Towers, Head
News from Upper Prep
It has been a shorter week in Upper Prep but still very busy and action-packed!
On Wednesday, the Bridewell Choir went to sing Evensong at St. Mary’s Church, Redcliffe, in Bristol. We had a wonderful time, and it was lovely to see four ex-Barrow Hills pupils—Daphne, Sarah, Eloise, and Edith—who joined us for the day. I know Emilia and Delilah really enjoyed catching up with them and hearing all their news. Well done to Emilia and Jess from Year 5 for reading a very long lesson during the service at short notice. You did extremely well, girls! The whole day was superbly co-ordinated by Mr Frazer and Madame Early, and I thoroughly enjoyed singing with the choir—although we drew the line at participating in the ‘Ninja Warriors’ experience…!
Some of the boys from Year 7 and Year 8 took part in the IAPS Cricket Tournament against St George’s College, Windsor, on Thursday. Although they didn’t win, they enjoyed participating, and I know that Mr Mullins and Mr Unwin were so proud of their effort and behaviour. Well done, boys!
On Thursday, we learnt about VE Day. Year 7 were so interested in this very special event, and we had some very thoughtful discussions about the video footage we watched.
The children in Year 8 continue to prepare for their 13+ CE exams, and I am proud to learn of the effort you are putting into your revision. We will have another study skills session on Monday.
Finally, I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and I hope to see some of you at the Quiz Night on Friday!
Mrs Mason, Head of Upper Prep
News from Prep
It has been another action-packed and memorable week at Barrow Hills, filled with enrichment, reflection, and excitement.
We began the week with the luxury of a Bank Holiday Monday, which offered a much-needed opportunity for rest and family time before diving into the final stretch of the term. The sunshine was an added bonus, setting a positive tone for the days ahead.
One of the true highlights this week was the Choir Trip to Bristol. Our talented singers had the honor of participating in Evensong at Bristol Cathedral, where they joined other schools for a service steeped in history and tradition. Their voices soared through the magnificent space with clarity and reverence—an unforgettable experience for all involved. The trip wasn’t all formal, though; the children also had the chance to burn off some energy at Ninja Warrior, testing their physical prowess and teamwork skills. The day concluded with a fantastic meal at ZaZa Bazaar, where the children sampled a variety of delicious dishes and enjoyed each other’s company in a vibrant and lively atmosphere. A big thank you to the staff who accompanied them and helped make it such a successful outing.
Back in school, we took time to mark VE Day in a reflective and meaningful way. Across the year groups, children engaged in thoughtful classroom discussions about the significance of the day and the sacrifices made by those who lived through World War II. There were poignant moments of silence, storytelling, and the sharing of family histories, all of which helped bring the past to life and deepen the children’s understanding of this key moment in our shared history.
Looking ahead, there is much excitement brewing as we prepare to say a temporary goodbye to our Year 4 and Year 6 pupils next week, as they set off on their residential trips. Year 4 will be heading to Sayers Croft, where they will enjoy a range of outdoor challenges and team-building activities in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Meanwhile, Year 6 will be off to Snowdonia, embarking on what promises to be a memorable and adventurous week in the Welsh mountains. We know these trips are highlights of the Prep School experience—offering new friendships, personal growth, and plenty of muddy boots! We wish them all a fantastic time and look forward to hearing about their adventures when they return.
As ever, thank you for your continued support, and I hope you all enjoy a relaxing weekend before the fun of next week begins.
Miss Tyrell, Head of Pre-Prep
News from Pre-Prep
It was lovely to welcome Kindy parents, as well as new parents who were able to join us, to our Ready for Reception event on Wednesday evening. Mrs Rodgers, our Reception teacher, was able to give parents an insight into their children’s journey from September in terms of the curriculum, expectations, experiences including specialist teaching, and day-to-day routines. Starting Reception is a special chapter as the children start their school journey and continue to build their independence, social skills, and emotional readiness for this. For those who were unable to attend, the information will be posted on the portal.
The Pre-Prep children explored the history behind VE Day at Pre-Prep assembly earlier this week and how people celebrated at the time. They listened to how jubilant celebrations erupted across the streets 80 years ago this week as people rejoiced in the long-awaited victory, and watched the Red Arrows fly over Buckingham Palace and the Royal Family on Bank Holiday Monday.
Well done to Parker (Rec), Holly (Year 1), and Freddie (Year 2), who each received Work of the Week certificates this morning at assembly. Hugo (Year 2) was the very first recipient in Pre-Prep to be awarded the Platinum Award for his house point collection so far this year—a super achievement, Hugo! A huge congratulations also to Lenny, Ottilie, James, Rafferty, and Jake, who achieved their Gold Awards today too. It is wonderful to see so many house points being earned by the Pre-Prep children for their efforts, for their work, and for going out of their way to help or show kindness to others. Very well done.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Mrs Barnett, Head of Pre-Prep
BHCC
Bacon Butties brought smiles this morning and helped raise a fantastic £273.00!
Thanks to our amazing team and the community for your support!
School Notices
Free event for Barrow Hills pupils:
INTERSTELLAR 10 comes to KING EDWARD’S, WITLEY!
Virtuosic and versatile, international organ star ROGER SAYER was chosen by composer HANS ZIMMER to create the prominent organ role for CHRISTOPHER NOLAN’s blockbusting film INTERSTELLAR. Since the release of the movie 10 years ago, the music from Interstellar has developed a huge following, introducing the organ to many audiences for the first time.
Interstellar 10 follows the drama and intense emotions of the story line interweaving the main themes from the movie including Cornfield Chase, Stay, and No Time for Caution in one continuous captivating performance.
We are absolutely thrilled to be part of Roger Sayer’s acclaimed GLOBAL TOUR with a one night only experience where Roger will share his experience of working with Zimmer and Nolan before playing his own unique and extraordinary version of the Interstellar soundtrack.
Book your tickets here: www.trybooking.com/uk/EPYX
Tickets – Adults £15.00 or Senior Citizens and children £10.00 (Free for Barrow Hills pupils)
Date
Tuesday 13 May 2025 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (UTC+01)
Message from the School Chaplain, Reverend James Radcliffe
For those who would like to gather, we are bringing together a Bridewell Parents & Guardians’ prayer meeting on Thursday 22nd May from 8:15 – 8:55am. Refreshments will be available at the start (or do use the delicious Picadilly café beforehand to get your preferred drink). Please meet at the new KES 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 organized. 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://us05web.zoom.us/j/82059637230?pwd=JkOdYTrqsV1xBr47MC1IKAumXeT5q4.1
Meeting ID: 820 5963 7230
Passcode: 9Xs02p
