News from the Head of Prep

The Summer term is always an exciting one. With the sun shining and the leaves and flowers in full bloom, school always looks spectacular. Our classrooms are quite unique, with their large windows and incredible views across leafy Edgbaston; from inside you would be forgiven for thinking we were located in rural England rather than in the middle of the Second City.

Our school is one that is full of surprises, full of opportunities and full of curious girls, eager to immerse themselves fully in every learning opportunity. This week has been no exception. Our Year Five girls have had a marvellous Geology trip to Yorkshire, exploring coastal sites and scientific discoveries. I am so grateful to the staff who give up their time to provide these residential opportunities for our girls. These trips require resilience and perseverance from the girls...but also from their parents. Nevertheless, they are hugely impactful in helping to develop independence, collaboration and risk-taking. The beaming smiles on the faces of the wild-haired girls as they returned to school on Thursday was testament to the power of learning outside the classroom.

The Animals in Hands experience enjoyed by our youngest girls this week was breathtaking. It is not often that I am greeted by an owl, a chameleon, a tarantula and a snake when visiting Westbourne Hall...but to see the curiosity and responsibility in action from our pupils was truly heartwarming.  Mo the Zookeeper rescues exotic animals and helps unwanted or abandoned animals find safe, loving homes. His interactive animal encounter helped educate the girls about the importance of caring for the planet - particularly apt during a week when we have celebrated 100th birthday of the remarkable, Sir David Attenborough.

Sir David Attenborough is known for his curiosity, kindness and commitment to the planet. My hope is that all of our EHS Prep girls will also follow this path as they navigate the world of education and beyond. As a school we are certainly committed to developing these skills and providing academic challenge through an abundance of immersive and ambitious opportunities. As I said to the girls in Assembly on Friday, be curious and kind, look after the natural world and the animals in it and do your best not to waste our planet. With these intentions, the possibilities are endless.

Wishing you all a peaceful weekend.

Mrs N Hobson

Head of Preparatory School