Monday 23 June 2025

Year 7 have been busy submitting their applications for next year’s Captains’ roles. Mr Crisell and I have been so impressed with the thought, ambition and maturity in their writing. Mr Towers and I are very much looking forward to interviewing them next week!

Meanwhile, Year 8 have been making the most of their Post Common Entrance programme with an exciting variety of activities. Tuesday’s adventure, ‘The Drop’, tested their teamwork and map-reading abilities—and they rose to the challenge brilliantly. On Thursday, they joined Mr O’Kelly and me for a trip to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford to see The Croft—a chilling and atmospheric tale set on a remote Scottish island. Before the curtain rose, we enjoyed a lively meal at Pizza Express. On Friday, it was back to school (and into the pool!) to design, build and test submarines—an engineering challenge they tackled with impressive creativity and enthusiasm. A huge thank you to all the staff who organised these activities.

On Friday the children wore their own clothes to raise funds for Meath Epilepsy Charity, based in Godalming. The day ended on a high with our annual Proms in the Park. A special congratulations to Delilah and George, our Drama Captains, for hosting the evening with flair and confidence. Every act was a joy to watch—well done to everyone who took part.

Warmest wishes,

Mrs Mason, Head of Upper Prep

P.S. Don’t forget! The postponed Year 7 show will now take place on Tuesday at 7pm, with drinks in the refectory from 6:30pm. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Proms in the Park was a lovely way to end the week – the sun shone and the children dazzled on the stage. This is such a lovely event as, for so many of the acts, it is the children who make the decision to perform, choosing what they do and how it is presented. I know it was an evening enjoyed by so many of the Barrow Hills families – thank you to everyone who came along to support the children, and a thank you to all the children for a fabulous evening’s entertainment!

Miss Tyrrell, Head of Prep

Our Early Years classes thoroughly enjoyed their Teddy Bears Picnic on Thursday morning. Nursery, Kindy and Reception children spent time with one another in smaller groups and took part in parachute games, face painting and they went on a bear hunt, just as they did in the popular book, ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’. It was lovely to see so many different special cuddly toys at school, as well as many teddy bears. The picnic itself took place on the outdoor stage which was perfectly shaded by the woodland backdrop by lunchtime.

Congratulations to those who received Work of the Week certificates in assembly this morning. Annabelle (Rec), Sammy (Year 1) and Lenny (Year 2) were all presented with their certificates. Well done, too, to Arthur (Year 1) who achieved his Gold Award. Excellent effort, all of you.

Monday is Move Up morning for the children who will all spend time with their new teachers for September. This is always a lovely transition activity for the children and for the adults as they ready themselves for their new chapters after the summer. This, and other preparatory activities in the final couple of weeks of term, ensure a smooth and positive experience for all, particularly as we recognise some children may find transitions more challenging than others. A busy week of events continues on Monday afternoon as Year 1 and Year 2 travel to Pennthorpe School for a cricket fixture. Parents are very welcome to come along and cheer us on. The weather is forecast to be very warm so please ensure your child has sunscreen, a hat, water bottle and shorts on. Thursday morning is our annual Pre-Prep Summer Celebration at 8:45am, and then Sports Day is on Friday, starting at 9am. Refreshments will be served before both events on the terrace. We look forward to see you.

Mrs Barnett, Head of Pre-Prep