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Barrow Hills Bulletin
30 June 2025

Monday 30 June 2025

Welcome to the Barrow Hills Bulletin, your weekly newsletter with a snapshot of life at School.

 

Message From the Head 

Dear Parents,

Sports Day Poster

A lovely Sports Day on Friday – thank you for celebrating with us!
Highlights included everyone racing their hardest and an impressive 13 school records set by the children. Our inaugural tug of war was closely contested – and parents, you now have time to get some training in before next summer’s rematch…

A fantastic moment came from Delilah (Year 7), who, as she won a gold medal, turned to Emilia (Year 8) and said:
“Come to the top of the podium – there’s plenty of room up here to share.”
Her comment beautifully reflects the school’s commitment to achievement, shared with warmth and kindness.

In other news, we’re pleased to report great results from last week’s LAMDA exams – all 16 candidates passed, with 15 achieving Distinctions. Keep singing, dancing and acting well.

Last week also saw the Year 7 production of ‘Googlebox’, which featured impressive ensemble work and strong solo performances.

We’re heading into this final week of term with energy and enthusiasm and are looking forward to Prep Prize Giving on Friday. Over the summer, we’ll be busy – including a major tech installation that will benefit every classroom. I’ll share more details on Friday.

Enjoy the summer holidays. We have a BHS Sports camp on, as well as an Art Camp and Barracudas holiday club.

Mr Towers, Head

News from Upper Prep

The end of term is always a whirlwind of excitement – and this week has been no exception! Upper Prep has been buzzing with energy as the children threw themselves into a packed schedule of activities with their usual enthusiasm.
Year 8 took to the great outdoors on Tuesday for an epic 60 km bike ride from Alice Holt to Hayling Island as part of their post-Common Entrance programme. There were no accidents – which must be a record – and the children even got to enjoy some fish and chips on the beach. A huge well done to all who took part, and thanks to Mrs Burnett, Mr Smith, and Mr Unwin for organising this adventure.

Also on Tuesday, Year 7 finally had their moment in the spotlight with their long-awaited Evening of Music and Drama, postponed previously due to the power outage. It was worth the wait! Mr Frazer and I were incredibly proud as the children entertained their parents with a joyful evening with funny sketches and songs. Well done Year 7! I look forward to working with you next year on the Year 8 production.

Year 7 have continued their collaboration with the University of Surrey to help develop a safe and inclusive AI. On Thursday, they visited King Edward’s School for a follow-up session with the university’s research team, where they had the chance to test a prototype—featuring several of their own brilliant ideas!
Rounding off the week on a high, Year 7 pupils were awarded their captaincy positions after impressing both myself and Mr Towers with their application letters and their interviews. I know you will all do a wonderful job next year!

Next week is just as busy. Dates for your diaries include:

  • Leavers’ Cricket Match – Tuesday, 1 July at 6:00pm
  • Leavers’ Chapel Service – Thursday, 3 July at 8:35am
  • Prize Day – Friday, 4 July at 2:00pmI hope to see you all next week at some of these events!

With warm wishes,

Mrs Mason, Head of Upper Prep

News from Prep

As the academic year draws to a close, it is with enormous pride and gratitude that I reflect on what has been a truly remarkable and fulfilling year at Barrow Hills.
From the very beginning, our corridors and classrooms have been filled with energy, laughter, and a love of learning. We began the year exploring themes of kindness and community in our assemblies, laying a strong foundation for what would become a year of collaboration, discovery and personal growth. It has been a pleasure to witness the children rise to challenges with confidence, from public speaking and musical performances to house competitions and sporting tournaments.Among the many highlights were the unforgettable residentials to Snowdonia and Sayers Croft, where children embraced independence and the great outdoors. The sense of camaraderie developed during these trips is something we know stays with them long after the suitcases are unpacked.We were also incredibly proud of the children in Years 5 and 6 who were selected to have their written work published in the Young Writers Competition—a true testament to the creativity and imagination nurtured in our classrooms.

The arts have flourished this year. Whether it was the joyful class assemblies, the moving Christingle and Carol Services, or the dazzling Year 5&6 production of Matilda Jr., our pupils have shown remarkable poise, talent and team spirit. It was especially heartening to watch children overcome stage fright, find their voice, and shine brightly under the lights.

Our focus on wellbeing and personal development has also remained central. From celebrating Mental Health Week with yoga and reflection, to the introduction of Growth Mindset workshops—it has been a year where children have been encouraged to build resilience, develop grit and discover the power of “yet”.

On the academic front, children tackled assessments with maturity and focus, including the challenging CAT4 tests, and Year 6 approached their transition process with determination and grace. We continue to see a strong work ethic developing across the year groups, something that has been echoed in teacher comments, classroom visits, and weekly award celebrations.

STEM learning has been another area of excitement. Our STEM Week was packed with awe-inspiring workshops, including a visit from the Wonderdome Planetarium, and a fascinating collaboration with Charterhouse during our science workshop. Events like the robotics competition, engaging Food Tech sessions, and our popular clubs programme have continued to spark curiosity and deepen learning well beyond the classroom.

Sporting excellence continues at Barrow Hills. From hockey and cross-country to athletics and swimming galas, our pupils have shown outstanding sportsmanship and a willingness to give their best. Many teams took part in tournaments across the region, and we cheered on our IAPS Chess players and athletes alike.

Cultural enrichment has also played its part. Trips to the Science Museum, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and Bristol (where our choir sang evensong, visited Ninja Warrior, and dined at ZaZa Bazaar!) provided pupils with unforgettable memories and learning in action.

Buttons the Elf brought joy during the festive season, VE Day reflections brought historical learning to life, and the Bunny Run filled the school with springtime cheer and muddy determination!

As we say farewell to another year, I want to thank you, our parents, for your continued support and partnership. To our incredible staff team, whose dedication is unwavering, and of course, to the children: thank you for your enthusiasm, kindness, and joy.

We now look forward to a summer of adventures and a chance to rest and recharge. Wishing you all a restful and happy holiday.

Miss Tyrrell, Head of Prep

News from Pre-Prep

Well done to all of our Pre-Prep performers at Thursday morning’s end of year Summer Celebration. It was clear to see just how proud the teachers are of their children this year and how far each and every one of them has come. I honestly believe our children are having so much fun, they don’t even realise how much they’re learning. It’s a joy to see education come alive in such meaningful ways. The children mastered their handshakes with Mr Towers as they were presented with their books. Thank you to parents for coming along and celebrating this busy and successful year with us. 

In a week of big calendar events, Sports Day followed on Friday morning, and Pre-Prep gave their best as they hurtled along the running track with smiles on their faces throughout. The newly introduced wheel barrow race was a huge success for our youngest competitors.

At the beginning of the week, the whole of the school from Nursery to Year 7 were involved in Move Up Day and met their form teachers for the next academic year. The children enjoyed sharing some information about themselves, hearing from their new teachers and taking part in various activities together.

Please could children in Reception to Year 2 bring in a large carrier bag on Thursday, in which to take home this year’s exercise books.

Mrs Barnett, Head of Pre-Prep

Reception Class vs. Sports Department: Tug of War
Watch the Reception class take on the Sports Department in a fun filled tug‑of‑war match.

 

BHCC

Last Friday, Bacon Butties were a welcome treat on a warm morning ahead of Sports Day, and helped raise a fantastic  £233.84.

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

Newsletter Archives

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