News from Head of Prep

Our Swimming provision continues to go from strength and strength and this week we were delighted to invite parents into school to enjoy our Reception Swimming Showcase. It was an opportunity for parents to see behind the scenes and for the girls to demonstrate the progress they have made in the pool this year. 

I am delighted to share success in Modern Foreign Languages, with the Junior Language Challenge final which took place this week. Thirteen of our girls from Year Three-Year Six made it through to the national final, which was no mean feat. It was a tough competition, but the results were exceptional. Particular congratulations must go to Noor Saeed (Year Six) who came 3rd in the country.

This week, in school, we have carried out formal academic assessments. Assessments are a key part of ensuring girls are well-prepared for future examinations, both with exam technique, but also with their application of knowledge. We encourage the girls to aim high, to read each question carefully and to stay calm when faced with challenge. We know this does not always happen, but our hope is that by the time girls are taking examinations that really count, they are well prepared and know how to engineer success. 

This time of year is always a special one, a chance for pupils to begin to see the fruits of their labour. For them to be able to reflect on the progress they have made since September and to celebrate their hard work. Watching pupils look back at how far they have come with their independent writing is such a privilege. Girls do not always shout about their successes, they are not always able to reflect on their hard work and recognise how far they have come, particularly when faced with challenge. And this is where joy and celebration are so important. Celebrating the successes, however small they might be. Encouraging challenge, encouraging courage, encouraging the girls to be brave enough to make mistakes, but also to immerse themselves in the joy of learning. Surely that is what we want for all of our girls.

Wishing you all a peaceful weekend.

Mrs N Hobson

Head of Preparatory School