Head
Dear Parents,
We look forward to moving into December at pace; you’ll notice our Christmas tree up in the foyer. Reflecting on how quickly the term has flown by, my quote of the week comes from James (7G): “There is no such thing as going too fast, Mr. Towers.” Although this was in the context of Mountain Biking Club, where we managed to reach the far end of Witley Common via Mare Hill and back – all during a single lunch break – it feels quite fitting for this last two weeks of term.
Keeping with the theme, our team demonstrated some quick thinking in the National Science Quiz. On the maths front, Mr Pretorius rolled out the ‘100-Second Times Table Challenge.’ Currently, Mr King and Mr Tugwell are ahead on the staff leaderboard, with Miss Tyrell and Ms Wallace very close behind. However, the pupils’ fast brains and impressive touch-typing skills put them ahead of us! Alexander (5G) has smashed the 90-point barrier, with Josh (7G) hot on his heels. Their speed and accuracy are remarkable.
If you’d like to test your own skills, give it a try here: 100-Second Times Table Challenge.
We have recently enjoyed a busy Open Morning for prospective families, and we’re so grateful for all the word-of-mouth recommendations you’ve shared. In addition, a heartfelt thanks to the parents who helped with making Christmas decorations.
There’s so much to look forward to this season, from a charming Nativity, to a powerful production of ‘Lord of the Flies’. If you haven’t attended our Carol Service before, it’s a real treat – candlelight and stunning performances from our Choristers. Please be sure to check the calendar for dates and start times of all our children’s seasonal activities.
Mr John Towers
Head of Upper Prep
Dear Parents,
It has – as usual! – been a very busy week in Upper Prep as our children continue to take advantage of all the opportunities on offer, both in and out of the classroom. The children in Year 8 entertained us with some superb African drumming in the Autumn Concert on Tuesday, led by Drum Master, Hugo, and we were also treated to a wonderful piano performance and cello piece from Emilia, and a beautiful solo from Delilah who sang ‘Memory’ from the musical ‘Cats’.
Year 7 delivered a highly informative assembly all about ‘Thanksgiving’ on Thursday, and Mr Unwin and I were so proud of the confident and expressive way they delivered their lines.
The cast of ‘Lord of the Flies’ continue to prepare for their production on Thursday 5th December at 7.00pm. Please come and watch this if you would like to see how we challenge and extend our oldest pupils. It promises to be a really fantastic evening – full of drama, tension and suspense, and of course a pig’s head on a stick. This talented group of children have worked incredibly hard, some of them learning in excess of two hundred lines, which is a remarkable achievement. Their team work has been exceptional and Mr O’Kelly and I are so impressed with the enthusiasm, determination and dedication of the whole cast.
Finally, thank you to Year 8 who helped with the Year 2 football tournament last Friday. I was delighted to hear that you set a great example to the younger children and worked really hard to look after and support Pre-Prep. Well done.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone – and hope to see you at ‘Lord of the Flies’ on Thursday evening!
Mrs Mason
Head of Prep
Dear Parents,
What a busy and rewarding week we’ve had at school! Tuesday evening was a highlight, as we hosted a wonderful school concert that showcased the incredible musical talents of our children. The choirs performed beautifully, with polished harmonies and a professional poise that belied their ages.
Our soloists, too, were well-prepared. It’s always heartwarming to see children step onto the stage with confidence, supported by their family, friends, and peers. Overcoming stage fright and performing with such courage and joy is no small feat.
Later that same day, some of our children took part in a swimming gala after school. Their confidence and determination were evident as they gave their all, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and a positive attitude.
Today, we received a letter from a familiar and extremely cheeky visitor: Buttons the school elf! He’s already making his presence felt, and the children (as well as staff and parents!) are eagerly keeping an eye out for his mischievous antics. If the rumors are true, we can expect plenty of fun and a little bit of chaos as Buttons keeps us all entertained in the run-up to the holidays.
Next week marks the beginning of December, and with it, the start of our festive celebrations in school. From decorations to seasonal activities, the excitement is already building, and we can’t wait to share the magic of this special time of year with the children.
I hope you have a restful and joyful weekend, and I look forward to embracing the festive season together in the weeks ahead!
Kind regards,
Miss Tyrrell
Head of Pre-Prep
Dear Parents,
There has definitely been a sense of Christmas in the air this week. Nursery’s Book of the Week has focused on ‘Pip and Posy’s Christmas’ while Kindy have been painting their Christmas pottery gifts. We have continued to practise our Nativity this week too and are thoroughly enjoying singing the songs and performing with the actions.
Year 2 enjoyed using the abundance of acorns in the school grounds as hair and hats to adorn clay faces designed in their art lesson this week. They have produced a wonderful piece which is displayed on the half landing near the reception desk.
Well done to all of the Pre-Prep performers at this week’s Autumn Concert on Tuesday. The members of the Pre-Prep Choir, affectionately named the ‘Larks’, sang two beautiful, upbeat pieces, and with warm smiles on their faces throughout.
Congratulations to our Work of the Week recipients this week; Parker (Rec), India (1G) and Lenny (2G). From a beautiful retelling of the Christmas Story and singing in rehearsals, to impressive recall of facts in Topic, these children have truly earned their certificates this week. Well done.
Monday is the launch of our Christmas Post Box which is already nestled by Mrs Hubble’s desk. Please do encourage the children to write a card to their friends and Year 2 look forward to delivering these around each year group for the remainder of the term.
We can hardly believe we are less than a week away from the Pre-Prep Nativity. Please do join us on Thursday 5th December for refreshments after drop off where the Bridewell Choir will be setting the festive atmosphere by singing carols while you enjoy a coffee. The performance will begin at 9.00am in the Chapel. We look forward to seeing you there.
Our Nativity will be followed by our Christingle Service at 9.00am on Monday 9th December, also in the Chapel. Please join us, as per this week’s invite via weekly comms, for a lovely festive start to the final week of the autumn term.
Mrs Barnett
BHCC
The Bacon Butties stall spread festive cheer this chilly morning, raising a brilliant £207.76! Thank you all!
This morning, the BHCC also decorated the dining hall beautifully for the festive season.
School Notices
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 5th December from 8:15 – 8:55am. Refreshments will be available at the start. 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/82067958499?pwd=lCl9sDmAeP5MBRGAQ1GsuJsagrl6ba.1
Meeting ID: 820 6795 8499
Passcode: 5BXp69
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