Head
Dear Parents,
What a fantastic week it’s been, with the weather making it truly feel like a proper ‘summer’ term.
Thank you for your enthusiastic feedback from last week. The wonderful blend of exhibitions, performance art, design, drama, and music in just one week was a treat. We’re already thinking about extending it into a fully-fledged ‘arts festival’ next year- stay tuned for more on that.
This week, Years 7 and 8 really stepped up, creating and running their ‘Tenner Challenge Market Day’. They impressed us with their entrepreneurial spirit as they managed stalls and provided entertainment for the younger children. Thank you for the amazing parent support – we couldn’t do it without you!
During the week it was also good to see so many parents joining our Special Educational Needs seminar call. I hope you found it as informative and engaging as we did.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting adventures in store. Year 6 is off to Snowdonia, and Year 4 is visiting Henley Fort. These trips are a fantastic opportunity for our children to build independence, make memories, and embrace the spirit of adventure.
Speaking of adventure, we have a brilliant opportunity ahead! In January, our Bridewell Choir has been invited to perform at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. This three-day performance and cultural tour is open to parents, too. To get more children involved, we will be holding choir auditions for the current Year 4. Keep an eye on Tuesday’s Portal notifications for more details, including a video presentation from Mr Frazer. This is a first for Barrow Hills and promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Thank you again for your continued support. Let’s make the most of this summer term and all the amazing events and opportunities ahead.
Kind regards
Mr John Towers
Head of Upper Prep
Dear Parents,
The Year 7 and 8 children enjoyed preparing and then participating in their Market Day on Tuesday and I was most impressed to see how well they worked together in their groups. I gather from Mr Hinds that a lot of money was raised, which is wonderful to hear as this will go towards our Lenten Appeal and towards our new Upper Prep Common Room.
Both Years 7 and 8 continue to prepare for their forthcoming exams by completing revision tasks and papers both in school and at home. Mr King and Madame Early continue to run groups offering extra support at morning and afternoon breaks so don’t forget to take advantage of these.
The warmer weather has meant that the children have been really enjoying their outdoor break times – with Year 8 busy and active on the tennis courts playing some competitive matches! Cricket on the astro has also been popular. Our Gardening Captain, Lewis, has been hard at work, helping Mr. Gaszka in our school garden. Well done Lewis! The garden is looking lovely as everything starts to grow.
Finally, we wish Year 8 luck for their French speaking and listening exams next week – or should I say ‘Bonne chance a tous’ – I know they have worked hard learning their speeches and practising their role plays!
Mrs Mason
Head of Middle Prep
Dear Parents,
Even though the children have only had four days at school this week, it has been a busy one!
Firstly, well done to our Year 5 and 6 children for their positive and mature attitude during their assessments this week. They all deomonstrated their readiness and determination to succeed and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and achievements.
Similarly, our children in Year 3 and 4 embarked on mini assessments to familiarise themselves with exam-style questions. I’ve been thoroughly impressed by their ability to adapt to new challenges and apply their learning.
In Year 3, I’ve observed tremendous progress in reading, writing and spelling, thanks to the combined efforts of our pupils and the support provided by teachers and parents. Their weekly visits to the library with Mrs Dudley have been particularly beneficial, fostering a love for reading. Beyond the classroom, it was wonderful to witness their enthusiasm as they proudly displayed the mint they harvested from the school garden.
Looking ahead, our Year 4 and Year 6 children are eagerly preparing for their upcoming residentials and I can’t help but share in their excitement. While we eagerly await the stories and memories they’ll bring back, I’m sure you’re all bracing yourselves for the inevitable mountain of dirty laundry that will return!
Miss Tyrrell
Head of Pre-Prep
What a difference a few days makes; the shaded canopy over our Through the Trees play area was in hot demand this week as we embraced the warm sunshine in the school grounds. In maths, the children in Year 2 used a selection of petals, sticks and rocks to order fractions in halves outside and showed off their creativity as they did so. Nursery children sang and performed a worm dance with an accompanying song after the heavy rain at the beginning of the week and found lots of worms up in the woods, while Year 1 needed the cooler classrooms to sculpt turtles, coral and starfish out of clay as part of their topic work. The Willow Dome was simply glorious in the spring sunshine for afternoon storytime with our school librarian, Mrs Dudley.
Congratulations to the following children who received Work of the Week certificates this morning at our whole school assembly. Sophie (Rec), Hannah (1G), Freddie (1R) and Theo (2G) were awarded Work of the Week for some super problem solving, progress in handwriting, imaginative writing and comprehension skills. Keep up the fantastic efforts Pre-Prep.
A reminder for pupils to bring in sun hats to wear in the warmer weather. They can also bring in sunscreen to reapply if necessary, both of which they can keep in their trays / pocket (Early Years).
Next week, Nursery and Kindy welcome Backyard Bugs on Tuesday morning, and Year 1 and Year 2 each head over to the science labs with Mr Behan for further practical work as part of their current Science topic investigations.
Mrs Barnett
School Notices
MONDAY 20th MAY – SPORTS TEAM PHOTOS DAY (in games lesson time for each year group)
Please would children bring in the following on Monday 20th May:
Hockey socks
Shin Pads
Maroon PE shirt
White BH cricket shirt
BH shorts
BH skorts (girls only)
Rugby shirt (boys only)
Tomato Plant Sale
Mr Gaszka will be selling tomato plants at school, next Friday 17th May from 12.30 – 4.30pm.
Message from the Bridewell Chaplain, Reverend James Radcliffe
For those who would like to gather, we are bringing together a Bridewell Parents & Guardians’ prayer meeting on Thursday 16th May from 8:15 – 8:55am. Refreshments will be available at the start. Please meet at the new KES Reception between 8:00-8:10am 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/84057395329?pwd=Cka0WTD0pkWkyJf5qpBhZnYCzrrJlo.1
Meeting ID: 840 5739 5329
Passcode: 0A1G5K
