Head
Dear Parents,
Thank you for helping us enjoy such a dynamic start of term.
The children got straight into the full timetable with aplomb and we have started, as we mean to go on, with kindness and high standards. Our refreshed rewards and emphasis on behaviour have helped with a positive outlook for all.
We launch over 20 new and complimentary co-curricular opportunities next week and I know the children will really enjoy the breadth of this. We now have sports, cultural and intellectual pursuits on every day of the week. The co-curricular timetable is on the website here and you will find the Google form booking link was sent via Portal on Tuesday.
A special mention to our Head Girl, Emilia (8G), for a Very Highly Commended award from the Ampleforth College National Junior History Competition. Given the essay was ranked as high as a GCSE Grade 9, it’s quite an achievement. It’s important that our older children learn to write well researched, well written, well argued and engaging essays. Skills of value way beyond the history curriculum.
In sport, I must mention Christian (6G) as he represented Surrey for the first time in golf, with a solid win against Essex. Top hole!
We were delighted that we started the term celebrating the achievement of 34 of our pupils who were awarded with LAMDA Certificates from recent exams, with many gaining distinction.
We finish our first full week with the BHCC ‘Welcome Back BBQ’ tomorrow from 12.00-2.00pm. We hope to see you there for some good eats, a drink and a catch up.
Have a great weekend,
Best wishes
Mr John Towers
Head of Upper Prep
Dear Parents,
It may only be week two of term but life in Upper Prep has got off to an extremely busy start.
Our new Year 7 children all look very smart in their new blue blazers and I have been so impressed with the way they have tackled the challenges of the 13+ curriculum. They have all teamed up with a Year 8 Captain to look after the younger children during wet breaks which has been lovely to see. They have also really enjoyed spending time in our Upper Prep Common Room. We are delighted to welcome Henry to Year 7 and we hope he enjoys his time at Barrow Hills. It is like you have always been part of our class Henry!
The Year 8 children have risen to the challenge of being at the top of the school. They introduced themselves in their excellent assembly on Thursday where they explained their new Captaincy Roles and their ideas for making a difference this year.
Year 8 (plus Delilah from Year 7!) have also begun rehearsing their play: ‘Lord of the Flies’, to be performed in early December. This thrilling, but terrifying, tale about a group of boys who crash land on a deserted island, is perfect for this talented group and Mr O’Kelly and I have been delighted with their progress so far.
Matches began this week and it was great to see the children really enjoying playing together as a team again. Our new House point cards are working very well and it has been great to see the number of House points awarded to Upper Prep. Well done everyone! Others spent a break time with me reflecting on their behaviour this week and talking about how they can improve.
Our co-curricular clubs brochure has been greeted with great enthusiasm and the Upper Prep children have been quick to sign up to all sorts of activities before and after school and during lunchtimes. These include chess, running, drama, rugby, mountain biking and robotics – and more!
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend – and fingers crossed for some better weather next week!
Mrs Mason
Head of Prep
Dear Parents,
What a brilliant first full week back we’ve had! The children have returned with enthusiasm and energy, fully engaged in their learning and ready for the term ahead. It has been wonderful to see the classrooms buzzing with activity and excitement.
Today, we held our first awards assembly of the year, where we celebrated many fantastic achievements. We recognised accomplishments made just before the summer holidays, as well as some amazing successes during the break. At the end of last week, Mr Towers gave an assembly on the theme of ‘new beginnings’, encouraging the children to embrace this fresh start. He also spoke about the importance of taking pride in their new books, and it’s been lovely to see the children making a real effort to keep them neat and tidy.
Our new homework diaries have been a big hit! The children have been impressively organised, carrying both their House point cards and diaries with them, ensuring they stay on top of tasks and responsibilities. House points will be collected at the end of each week, with a running total posted on the Portal for you to track.
Lastly, a quick reminder that next Friday is individual and sibling photograph day. Please make sure children are in full uniform and ready to smile.
Wishing you all a restful weekend.
Kind regards,
Miss Tyrrell
Head of Pre-Prep
Dear Parents,
It has been wonderful seeing and hearing all the children back in school for our first full week of the academic year. It has been a brilliant start to the term. Our new starters, staff and children have all settled in beautifully, and have been very well looked after.
It was great to see many of you at the Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 Parents’ Information Morning on Wednesday. It was a lovely opportunity to share with parents some of the new curriculum topics we have planned for the year and further increased specialist teaching as well as being able to answer any queries parents had. Class timetables are now on the Portal and the content of the discussion can be found in the parent handbook if you were unable to attend. We look forward to welcoming Nursery and Kindy parents next Wednesday at 9.00am for their Information Morning.
Congratulations to the first recipients of the year of a Work of the Week certificate. Parker (Rec), Kit (1G), Luke (1G) and Sophie (2G) were each presented with their well earned certificates this morning. Well done to Holly (1G), Lenny (2G) and Sophie (2G) who have been busy completing tasks over the summer to achieve their Micro and Silver Mini Duke Awards.
We look forward to welcoming Pre-Prep children to our new clubs next week including drama, gymnastics and construction.
While we have been experiencing far more autumnal temperatures this week, we look set for sunshine and a slightly warmer day for our annual Welcome BBQ. We look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow at 12 noon in the Pre-Prep garden.
Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Barnett
From the BHCC
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Welcome Back BBQ this Saturday from 12.00 – 2.00 pm. On the menu, there will be delicious pulled pork hog roast, roast chicken, and a vegetarian option for all to enjoy. The BHCC will also be running a drinks stand.
School Notices
Please refer to your handbook here on the website for useful day-to-day school procedures. Your password to this section of the website is found in your parent portal.
